Travel Photos Series#24-Sunset at Mount Faber

View from Mount Faber

We had been planning to do a family trek up Mount Faber and finally did it on 3 June 2017. At the top of the hill, we could see beautiful panoramic view of our Singapore city🌆from various prospective.

One of the views that would etch deeply in my mind was the sunset view from the highest point of the hill. It overlooked the residential area of Telok Blangah. The area used to be a village and Singapore has grown beyond many people imagination to what we are today.

I always remind Charlotte never to take what we see and have as granted. We were, not very long ago, a less developed country like a lot of others.

🔺 We recently have a collaboration with Gogoprint. They are a print business and can help you to produce business cards, brochures, postcards, posters, leaflets and flyers etc at reasonable price and send to your residential area or office for free. 

We ordered postcards from them with our unique "Sunset at Mount Faber"🌄photo (see above photo) and we are happy with the quality and resolution of the print. Please can go to their website for more information.


We are holding a small contest here 😊. Tell us what you feel proud about your country (use comments column below)  and the top 3 comments will receive a free unique"Sunset at Mount Faber"postcard from us.  

Travel Photos Series#23-The Bird on the Stick

On the last day of Year 2016, I brought my family to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Not many tourists know of this "secret hideout" which is surprisingly rich in wild life in our little country. We got to see many migratory birds which flown here from all over the globe to seek refuge from the harsh winter during this period of time.

I managed to capture this photo on this sea bird perching on the inserted sticks of the sea coastline, looking intensely into the water and waiting patiently for the right moment to strike for it's food. A research later revealed it is a Von Schrenck's bittern. Amazingly, it breeds in China and Siberia from March to July, and Japan from May to August and spends it's winter in South East Asia. In this case, it is in our humble Singapore.

I am pretty impressed by this little bird's determination and patience to being manage to make this far from where it is originated. We have much to learn from this little specie.

Last but not least, I like to wish everyone A Very Happy New Year 2017. May All Your Wishes Come True!

Photo taken on 31 Dec 2016.

Travel Photos Series#10-Marina Bay Skyline, Singapore

Marina Bay Skyline

Took this picture from Marina Barrage last week at 30 Aug 2015, Sunday. It was amazing to see how much Singapore has transformed. Captured in this photo were the Singapore icons-Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer. We always love to visit here as a family as there are many amenities around for us to enjoy. This is also a great place to enjoy the fabulous sunset at the Marina Bay Skyline.

Related Posts: Visit Singapore on a Cheap Budget (Part 1), Visit Singapore on a Cheap Budget (Part 2), The Singapore Flyer

Travel Photos Series#8-Vesak Day Celebration at Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Singapore

Flora Decoration at Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Took this photo at Buddha Tooth Relic Temple at Chinatown, Singapore on 17 May 2015. The temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lanterns to celebrate the impending Vesak Day on 1 June 2015. It is one of the few temples I have visited that is fully conditioned and you can cool yourself here after immersing in the humid and crowded street of Chinatown. 

Visit Singapore on a Cheap Budget (Part 2)

This blog is the continuation from my previous "Visit Singapore on a Cheap Budget (Part 1)" article. Here goes part 2!

1. Little India

Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple

Scent of spices and flowers greet you when you visit the Little India of Singapore. This is where the Tamil community gather to buy their daily groceries, offer prayers at a local Indian temple, feast at their favorite restaurants etc. Immerse yourself into the local culture. You will be able to witness the preserved colonial buildings along the streets. Take a free tour at one or more of the Indian temples.  Be fascinated by the awesome Gopuram which raise above the entrance of every temple. The famous temples there are Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple. Remember to remove your shoes before stepping into the religious grounds. Pamper yourself with the Indian delicacy -Curry Fish Head at one of the Indian restaurants. One of my favorites is Muthu's Curry.

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Litte India station.
Further info: Here


2. Singapore Botanical Gardens

Swan Lake

I always find it amazing that for a little country like Singapore, we have abundance of gardens. I have already mentioned Gardens by the Bay.  The other one on your radar shall be the Singapore Botanical Gardens. The Gardens is more than 150 years old and currently an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Gardens houses more than 10000 types plants and is a favorite weekend outing ground  for families to bring their kids to. Many of them love to hang around the ECO and Swan Lake to admire the beautiful Swans and Mandarin Ducks. For a small price (SGD$5), you can choose to visit the National Orchid Garden to admire Singapore National Flowers in beautiful setup.

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Botanical Gardens station
Further info: Here

3. Chinatown

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

Although now much commercialized, your trip will not be accomplished without paying a visit to the Chinatown. The interesting old colonial buildings will surely attract your attention once you step into the area. Be sure to visit Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Tourists will also not miss the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. The 4th story air-conditioned temple has a lot to offer even if you are not into Buddhism. Take your lunch or dinner at the Chinatown Food Center or nearby Maxwell Hawker Center. You will have a taste of local authentic delicacies at very affordable pricing.  

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Chinatown station.
Further info: Here

4. Kampong Glam

Sultan Mosque

Singapore's largest and most important mosque-The Sultan Mosque is situated at Kampong Glam. The Malay Heritage Center (SGD$4) is also nearby. A tour here will let you have a deeper understand of the local Malay Muslim culture and history. As in Little India and Chinatown, there are also many preserved colonial architectures here. Eat at one of the local Muslim restaurants. Order local favorites like Mee Goreng, Roti Prata, Murtabak, Briyani etc and wash them down with Teh Tarik. One of the most popular outlets there is Zam Zam restaurant.

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Bugis station. Follow directional sign and walk 15 mins to Kampong Glam.
Further info: Here

Related Posts: Visit Singapore on a Cheap Budget (Part 1) 

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Visit Singapore on a Cheap Budget (Part 1)

"World's Most Expensive City 2014"-Singapore has outranked placeholder Tokyo for this dubious honor. This new has created quite a stir and it is vigorously discussed in the internet. Many potential visitors to the tiny island have now second thoughts on their plans.

Being a true blue Singaporean living in here for 40 over years, I believe there are some misconceptions on this statement. Yes, Singapore is not a cheap country to stay. There are high end retail shops and restaurants that dig deep into your pockets. But you also have the options to visit normal street shops and cheap hawker centers for your needs.

Traveling here does not mean one has to visit expensive destinations. There are cheap and even free ones around to satisfy your travel lusts.  For this blog, I like to contribute my bits as a local and let you know the various destinations that you can visit on a cheap budget. Here it goes:

1. Merlion Park

Merlion and Marina Bay Sands

A must visit for your trip here. This is where Singapore most famous icon-The Merlion is situated. This is also where you can take fabulous skyline pictures of the "Spaceship hotel"-Marina Bay Sand, the "Durian"-Esplanade and Singapore Flyer. Four famous Singapore landmarks at a glance and it's for free. What more can you ask for ;-)?

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Esplanade station. Follow directional signs and walk 10 mins to Merlion Park.
Further info: Here    

2. Singapore River Boat Ride

Bumboat at Fullerton Hotel

Make sure you take this river ride which takes you on the iconic bumboat down Singapore River from Clark Quay to Marina Bay Sand. The historic river will bring you pass many famous Singapore landmarks like the Asian Civilization Museum, Fullerton Building, Sir Stamford Raffles statue etc. Be fascinated by the colorful shop houses and pubs (converted from former cargoes' and coolies' houses) line along Clark Quay and Boat Quay.

There are two kinds of available ride. Take the one meant for locals (at SGD$3 per person only)which is called River Taxi than the one (Singapore River Cruise) for tourists (SGD$22). I found out the vast cost differences were due to the latter offering commentaries and a longer ride. But personally, I think the cheaper version is good enough. The only drawback is that you may have to wait longer for the ride compares to those taking the River Cruise package.

Cost: SGD $3 per person (Latest: You need to have EZ-link cards to enjoy this prices. They can be easily bought from MRT stations or 7-11 stores)
How to get there: Take MRT to Clark Quay. Walk 5 minutes to jetty. At the ticket booth, ask for the $3 River Taxi Ride.
Further info: Here

3. Haw Par Villa

Haw Par Villa

This place is always overlooked by tourists as many may not know it even exists! I advise you not to as it is the one and only left in the World. The ones at Hong Kong and China have been tore down for development very long ago. The place is filled with all kinds of statues that depict Chinese folklore, history and legends. You will need to climb a bit to explore this amazing place.

The highlight of this destination shall be the "Ten Courts of Hell". Be warned that this is not for the faint hearts as it describes the extreme punishment for the sins commit in one's lifetime.

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Haw Par Villa station. Walk 2 minutes to Haw Par Villa.
Further info: Here


4.  Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands at night

Not to worry. I am not asking you to stay here. For sure, it will cost a bomb. But come here at night to experience Singapore's latest icon at it's best. Stand at the Helix bridge and admire the marvelous architecture at close distance. Enjoy the breeze and the Singapore skyline.

Catch the Laser and Water show (at 8pm, 9.30pm and 11pm on Friday and Saturday, and 8pm and 9.30pm on Sunday) which lasts 13 minutes long. Best place to catch the show is at the Event Plaza of Marina Bay Sands. If you have spare cash to spend, try your luck at the Casino.

Cost: Free
How to get there: Take MRT to Bayfront station.
Further info: Here

5. Gardens by the Bay

Supertrees

This attraction is just opposite Marina Bay Sands. The Supertrees are good reasons enough to visit the place. Standing at about 50 meters tall each,  you can easily spot them from a distance. The Gardens have different themes which allow visitors to witness plants that narrate the multicultural histories of  Singapore.

At night, the Supertrees are lit up in stunning light which never fail to amaze and impress visitors. There is a newly opened playground (both wet and dry) which will keep your young ones happy. You can easily spend half a day here. Take note all attractions are free there except the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome.



Cost: Free     
How to get there: Take MRT to Bayfront station. Follow directional signs and walk 10 minutes to the Gardens.
Further info: Here

I will end this blog with these recommendations. More to come for Part 2. Hope they are helpful to you!

Related Posts: Visit Singapore on a Cheap Budget (Part 2)

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Mid-Autumn Festival at Gardens by the Bay

Supertrees at night

Since my visit to the Gardens by the Bay back in June 2012, I have made numerous trips to the same destination. The latest being during the Mid-Autumn festival period where fascinating and captivating lanterns of various themes were displayed.

Lovely-Dovey Birds Lanterns

Cartoon Characters' Lanterns

This event used to be held at Clark Quay. The lanterns would be mounted on boats which floated on the edge of the iconic Singapore River. This year, it has shifted "in land" to the Gardens by the Bay. I must say I was impressed by the bigger scale displays, more creative themes, massive firework, deletable food available and mostly importantly the blending into the Gardens. The themes were adored by children as they were captivated by the lanterns display at the 'Dragonfly Lake', 'Jurassic Park', 'Birds and Insects Paradise' and 'World of Fairy Tales'. There was also a section where one could take picture with your star lantern and also your fortune foretold.

Nice Reflection in the Lake

Jurassic Park

 We went to the Gardens by the Bay in the evening. Many people were already there for the same event. Families with their little ones, romancing couples,bewildered tourists  were among those in the crowd, savouring the atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival in the garden. Photographers with their comprehensive gears, were capturing unique moments and scenes. I brought my camera too, not to miss out collecting photos of ourselves in this once in a year event.

Majestic India Lanterns

Little Monks Lanterns

The Three Little Pigs Lanterns

The moon was especially round on that night, as if the fabled Chang' e, the Moon Goddess of Immortality was doing her part to commemorate the celebration. On the humour side, it also reminded us on the many moon cakes we have consumed uncontrollably for the past few days ;-).

Full Moon at the Bay

Family Caption

My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed the event. A BIG thanks to the organizers, we will be back next year :-)

Related Posts: Gardens by The Bay

Charlotte with Oriental Face Mask Lantern

Myself with my Star Lantern-Pisces

Trip to River Safari, Singapore

Red Panda

I was thrilled when the news reported about two years ago that Singapore was building River Safari- a river-themed wild life park that showcases river dwelling animals. The stars of the new park are the two Giant Pandas-Kai Kai and Jia Jia,loaned to Singapore from China for a period of 10 years. Other exotic creatures include the Red Pandas, Chinese Giant Salamanders, Sturgeons, Mekong Giant Catfish, Mississippi Paddlefish, Alligator Gars, Manatees and many others. The new park is an addition to the main Zoo (The Singapore Zoo) and The Night Safari which is great news for animals' enthusiasts like us. It is sometimes deem a wonder to think that such a small country like Singapore can house three Zoos at one time.

Elated children hugging "Kai Kai"

Rivers of the World signage

Alligator Gars

Courtesy of the free park entrance tickets from my Company, I brought my family to the River Safari. The route in the park is very orderly as it led us through Mississippi River-Congo River-River Nil--Ganges River-Mekong River-Murray River and Yangtze River where the Giant Pandas are housed in an air-conditioned enclosure. A long bridge across a river brought us to Wild Amazonia which includes the Amazon River Quest, Squirrel Monkey Forest and the Amazon Flooded Forest. The Amazon River Quest at Wild Amazonia was not ready at my time of visit. It is supposedly to bring visitors in a boat ride experience to the river-dwelling animals at their natural habitats and behavior. I was very much anticipating this ride and can't wait for it to be ready by end of the year.

Paddlefish

Mekong River with Giant Catfish Display

Lesser Adjutant Stork

Unlike many others, the highlight of my visit was not the Pandas. I have seen them many times at the Hong Kong Ocean Park. They are adorable but lazy and not very active. It was no surprise that you often saw the same Panda lazing at the same spot in the same position on different visits. What is not to be missed at the River Safari is surely the Amazon Flooded Forest. Here is where you can see the malicious man-eating Red-bellied Piranhas , dangerous high voltage Electric Eel and the industrial Giant Otters. It also housed the largest fresh water aquarium tank in the world. Manatees (aka Dugong or Sea Cows), Arapaimas (largest fresh water fish) and other exotic species are the residents of the big tank. We could never get tired of admiring the water creatures dancing and gliding gracefully in the enormous tank. Unless you dive into the Amazon River(and brave the hungry Piranhas), there is simply no chance in our life time that we can witness the underwater scene that beheld us at the Amazon Flooded Forest. 

Chinese Giant Salamander

Squirrel Monkey

Arapaima at Amazon Flooded Forest

Manatees

My family, young and elderly alike, has enjoyed our day at Singapore new attraction. We will be back when the Wild Amazonia's boat ride is ready. If you are interested, this is River Safari official website. 

Related Posts: The Singapore Zoo

Red-bellied Piranha

Lazing Panda-Kai Kai

Enjoying their visit. My daughter (1st from right) with cousins Amanda and Dave

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My Singapore Story

The Singapore Skyline

This year National Day's slogan is "Many stories. One Singapore". As a true blue Singaporean, I felt complied to contribute my own Singapore story for this year cause. Born in the 70's, I was one of those who was "evacuated" from our Kampong (local slang for village) and moved into the current concrete high rise buildings. Since then Singapore have never look back.

Haw Par Villa

I have witnessed Singapore's tremendous transformation over the past 40 years. In my early days, there were not much places of interest which our children have the privilege to enjoy today. The only places our parents could bring us were The Singapore Zoo (I have a blog on this), Haw Par Villa and the occasion fun fair grounds. This is the reason why I have such strong affiliation with The Singapore Zoo and Haw Par Villa. Perhaps those from my generation share similar thoughts too. 

The Singapore River

Marina Bay Sand

I remembered not enjoying the bus trip (there was no MRT then) to China town. The reason was that we needed to get past Singapore River. Whenever we got near the river (where the current Clark Quay resided), there was always a strong pungent smell in the air. It was so repulsive that at times I felt like vomiting. The hot and stuffy environment in the then non-air conditioned bus did not help the situation. Of course, the smell has long gone after the authority put in strong effort to clean up the river. The Singapore River has now become one of Singapore famous landmarks. Tourists visiting Singapore today consider touring the length of the Singapore River in the trademark bumper boat as a must do in their itineraries. The boat tours bring them to many Singapore famous icons like The Merlion, The Marina Bay Sand, The Esplanade, The Fullerton Hotel and The Singapore Flyer etc.

Resort World Sentosa

Universal Studio Singapore

Another destination comes to my mind is Sentosa. Sentosa of today has totally shed it's "abandoned island" image to become a Resort island. I recalled not many people want to visit the island as it was deemed a exiled prison for political criminals during my young days. All these have changed. Now, we have USS (Universal Studio Singapore), S.E.A Aquarium (World largest aquarium), Adventure Cove (Water theme Park) and the lists go on at Sentosa. Visitors coming to Singapore now will surely stay a day or two at Resort World Sentosa. Singaporeans, myself included would also consider Sentosa as a great retreat instead of visiting other countries during holidays.

S.E.A Aquarium

 We shall always remember that Singapore have achieved today first world status due to the hard work of everybody. Our children get to enjoy the fruits that were planted by our parents. We can be proud but shall never let complacency set in just because what we are today.

Happy belated birthday, Singapore!

Related Posts: The Singapore Zoo

The Merlion