From favourite foods to familiar places, certain experiences have a way of bringing us back to cherished memories of home. For many Singaporeans, Downtown East remains one of those places, filled with childhood memories, family outings and shared experiences. Join us on a trip down memory lane as we revisit one of Singapore’s most beloved destinations and discover how Downtown East has grown alongside generations of Singaporeans.  

Downtown East Mall: A Familiar Favourite Reimagined  

The Downtown East that many families remember from years ago looked quite different from the one they visit today. Weekend outings might have meant browsing the shops, grabbing a bite or spending an afternoon at E!Hub, which opened in 2008 with entertainment, dining and leisure options, including a cinema, rock-climbing facility and the iconic 25-metre-high indoor Ferris wheel.  

Eventually, the destination continued to expand, with E!Avenue opening in 2016, adding more space for various lifestyle offerings. The completion of the five-year redevelopment in 2018 brought these spaces together as part of Market Square, a 280,000 sq ft retail, dining and entertainment area that increased Downtown East's choices by about 20%. 

Today, Downtown East offers even more opportunities for families and frineds to dine, shop and play together, with experiences for every age and interest. 

Wild Wild Wet: Bigger Thrills, Same Holiday Memories 

Think back to a school holiday at Escape Theme Park. The screams of excitement that once filled the air may be a memory for some, but the spirit of those adventures lives on in a different form today.  

Wild Wild Wet started with nine slides and rides before expanding in 2017 to twice its original size, adding seven new attractions, including the Royal Flush, Asia’s first hybrid ride and Kraken Racers, Singapore’s first four-lane mat racer slide.  

Yet, its evolution has never been just about bigger thrills. As family leisure habits change and new activities capture the imagination of visitors, Wild Wild Wet has continued to adapt, welcoming Flumi as its playful new mascot and introducing PickleSplash, Singapore's first pickleball court in a water park, as the sport grows in popularity.  

Now, it offers a mix of excitement and fresh experiences, where friends and families can spend their holidays together and take home memories that may one day become stories worth retelling. 

D’Resort: Chalet Stays to Modern Getaways 

Long before staycations became a part of the travel lexicon, Costa Sands was already a go-to for fuss-free, quick escapes. Weekend stays, school-holiday breaks and perhaps even birthday celebrations were spent in simple chalets, with BBQs, late-night conversations and children running about, turning an ordinary trip into something special.  

Over the years, those familiar chalet moments have evolved into D’Resort, positioning itself as Singapore’s first nature-inspired resort with an integrated water park experience. Its 387 rooms and suites offer a more modern take on the getaway, with spaces nestled in the greenery of Pasir Ris Park, alongside access to Wild Wild Wet and the wider leisure, dining and entertainment offerings at Downtown East.  

What was once a simple chalet trip has grown into a more contemporary and elevated staycation concept, allowing people to slow down and find a little peace and retreat in the heart of the East. 

D’Marquee: Celebrations Made Impactful  

Originally opened in 2003, the former dome-shaped D’Marquee hosted more than 3,000 events over two decades, from family favourites and live performances to large-scale gatherings and the May Day Rally. After its final event in November 2023, the venue underwent a major transformation before reopening in 2025 as a contemporary, multi-purpose space.  

D’Marquee 2.0 is a 2,400 sqm pillarless, fully air-conditioned venue with an eight-metre ceiling and flexible layouts that can accommodate up to 2,200 guests in theatre style, supported by high-definition audio, soundproofed interiors, echo-absorbing ceilings and cinematic LED lighting through its partnership with Expo AV. Designed for versatility, it can be transformed to suit a wide range of events and experiences.  

Whether it is the celebrations that mark life's biggest milestones or the events that fill an ordinary day with fun, D’Marquee's evolution has opened the doors to an even wider range of gatherings, each with its own story, atmosphere and reason to strengthen communities through shared interests and passions. 

Downtown East has gone through many changes with the passage of time, adapting to the needs and expectations of families and leisure seekers. Yet, one thing stays constant – it continues to be a destination where loved ones can come together and share meaningful experiences. Each new addition and enhancement is driven by this goal. Much like Singapore’s own journey of growth and change, what remains at the core of Downtown East is a sense of connection and belonging, making it a place where people can come to play, learn and connect, a place that feels like home.