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#22-The Street of Gion, Kyoto

The cobbled streets and alleys of Gion destrict were lit up in the night by big red lanterns. We came with the intent to catch a glimpse of Geisha who entertained in the Japanese teahouses (Ochaya).

Well-preserved traditional wooden machiya merchant houses could be easily spotted here and we had a sumptuous dinner in one of them which served One Michelin Star Unadon (Eel rice). This is one of the star destinations in Kyoto. Japan and not many would leave this place disappointed.

Photo taken on 28 Nov 2015.

Travel Photos Series#21-Sunset at Torrey Pines Gliderport

I was away on business trip at San Diego, USA recently and was introduced to this amazing place by my colleague. Located on the cliffs above Black's beach, the Torrey Pines Gliderport is a paradise for paragliders displaying their paragliding skills with help of the strong, cooling wind.

The cliffs overlooked the majestic Pacific Ocean and we were lucky enough to witness the amazing sunset on that day. I did not bring my DSLR camera but managed to capture the amazing scenes in my I-phone.

Photo taken on 2 October 2016.

Travel Photos Series#20-The Marble Temple

One of my favorite photos in Bangkok, Thailand taken few years back. We went to the Marble Temple (known as Wat Benchamabophit) early morning  to avoid the crowd. I was setting up the camera on the tripod to take our family photos when I saw the monk strolling towards the main temple. I managed to snap a few shots of him in motion with the beautiful temple structure in the background.

Many tourists skipped this lesser temple after visiting the more famous temples like Wat Arun, Wat Phra Khew and Wat Pho. I strongly recommend not to do so as you will potentially miss one of the most beautiful temples you have ever laid your eyes upon ;-D.

Photo taken on 3 March 2012.

Related Posts: Bangkok-The Land of Smiles

Travel Photos Series#19-Kinkaku-ji Temple at Autumn

This world famous Kyoto-based temple has been photographed umpteem times by visitors. Before visiting, I was afraid that the actual scenery could not meet my expectation. I realized my worries were unnecessary when I finally set eyes on Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion). The first thought that came to my mind was "Beautiful in pictures, gorgeous in reality".

I could not remember how many photos I take that day at the Golden Pavilion :-P. This is one sight you must not miss when you visit Kyoto in Japan.

Photo taken on 29 Nov 2015.

Travel Photos Series#18-Panoramic View from the Mountain City, Jiufen (Taiwan)

View from Jiufen

I remember it was raining and the day was gloomy when we visited Jiufen in Tawian. But it was no surprise to us as the Mountain City was also known as the "City of Sadness" (made famous by the award winning film of the same name). Rain was a very common affair here so do not forget your raincoat or umbrella when you are preparing a visit.

We love the view from the top of city. Here you could savour the scenic sight of sea meeting the mountains while immersing in the cooling atmosphere. Although the area was bustling with tourists, you could still find a quiet spot for your own activities.

Photo taken on 28 Nov 2013.    

Travel Photos Series#17-Sika Deer at Nara Park

Sika deer at Nara Park

This is one of the many deer photos I captured at Nara Park, Japan. The hundreds of free roaming sika deer are the main draw of this popular tourist site. Together with the lush greenery, magnificent temples and shrines with their decorative statues and sculptures as the backdrop, the ubiquitous deer offer great photo capturing opportunities for the enthusiasts.

My family thoroughly enjoyed our day trip here. Charlotte loved feeding the deer with the deer crackers and has been asking me when we are returning to the park again :-).

Photo was taken on 26 Nov 2015.      

Travel Photos Series#16-Stupas at The Borobudur Temple

Stupas

One of our magical moments in Year 2015 was experiencing the sunrise at the Borobudur Temple. I was always fascinated by the mysterious and sacred stupas that lined the temple ground. Each of them actually housed a Buddha in different meditating stances. Sadly, many of them had lost their heads, stolen by robbers who sold them at very high prices to collectors.

It is extremely fortunate the stupas are not easy to be moved by potential robbers and most of them are still left intact. It is a blessing as our generation and many to come will still get to witness these ancient heritages.

Photo taken on 18 March 2015. 

Related Posts: Travel to Borobudur Temple, Dawn at Borobudur Temple

Travel Photos Series#15-Sunset at Kiyomizudera Temple, Kyoto

Sunset at Kiyomizudera Temple

I captured this photo at one of my favorite temples-Kiyomizudera Temple at my most recent trip to Kyoto, Japan. We did not intend to visit the temple on that day but never regret our decision to do so. We were just in time to witness the amazing sunset embracing the surrounding ravishing autumn red leaves and ancient temple structure.

The first time Alison and I visited this temple was  more than a decade ago during the Sakura blossom period. It was a different setting but similarly beautiful. We had never forgotten this temple since. It was really a wonderful feeling to be back here this time with our daughter-Charlotte.

Photo taken on 28 November 2015.  

Travel Photos Series#14-The Temple of a Thousand Faces (The Bayon Temple of Cambodia)

The Bayon Temple

I would never forget this temple after my visit to Siem Reap, Cambodia in Year 2013. Although Angkor Wat is the "star"temple where many tourists rush to visit, please do not miss the Bayon temple. Upon setting eyes on the facade of the temple, you will seemingly feel thousand of faces smiling at you. I had the lasting impression that the temple was greeting and welcoming me to it's premises.

Read my trip to Siem Reap and review of the sacred temples here. This photo was taken on 7 June 2013.

Related Posts: Temple Run at Siem Reap, Cambodia, After thought-Visit to Siem Reap, Cambodia

Travel Photos Series#13-A Traditional Japanese Wedding Procession

Traditional Japanese Wedding Procession

I went to Meiji Jingu Shrine at Tokyo with a main purpose. It was to witness a traditional Japanese wedding at the popular religious site. I was not disappointed as there were many wedding processions taking place on that day (1 June 2014). Though Japan is a modern country, traditional practices and cultures still hold  important places in many Japaneses'hearts.

You can read my experience at Meiji Jingu Shrine.

Related Posts: Meiji Jingu Shrine-Tokyo, Japan, The Tokyo Trip

Travel Photos Series#12-Kirin Sculpture at Wong Tai Sin Temple, Hong Kong

Kirin Sculpture at Wong Tai Sin Temple

I remembered when I first came to Hong Kong many years back, Wong Tai Sin Temple was the very first destination that I visited. It is the most famous temple here and you are deemed not to have visited Hong Kong if you have not pay it a visit. There were extensive renovation  over the years and I personally felt the place has become overly commercialized to attract tourists. Nevertheless, I still love to visit the temple as it offers many photo capturing opportunities with it's fabulous architectures and beautiful gardens.

This photo was taken on 3 December 2014. I presented it in black and white to reflect the rustic charm of this religious ground.

Related Posts: Hong Kong-Pearl of the Orient, Tai O-The Fishing Village, Hong Kong, Cheung Chau Trip (Part 1), Cheung Chau Trip (Part 2)

Travel Photos Series#11-The Javanese Musician

I was glad to capture this photo when I checked into Manohara Hotel on 17 March 2015 for my visit to Borobudur, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Indonesia. I spotted this friendly Javanese musician playing the traditional instrument-Gender at the reception hall.  He sportingly posed for a few photos when he seen me taking pictures of him. I always remember the smile he wore on his face :-)

Related Posts: Travel to Borobudur Temple, Dawn at Borobudur Temple

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#9-Rickshaw at Kawagoe, Japan

Kawagoe

Took this photo on 9 June 2014 when we visited Kawagoe, Japan for it's famous ancient architectures from the Edo period. Saw this rickshaw driver pulling an old couple along and I quickly snapped a picture of them with the Edo's buildings in the background. This is one of my favorite photos taken in Japan and I hope you enjoy it.

Related Posts: The Tokyo Trip

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. 

Travel Photos Series#7-Nan Lian Garden, Hong Kong

Golden Pagoda at Nan Lian Garden

Took this picture at Nan Lian Garden on 6 December 2012 at Hong Kong . This place holds great memory for Alison as she used to live here till the area was cleared to make way for the garden. You will not miss the Golden Pagoda in the photo if you visit here as it was the star attraction in this beautiful Tang Dynasty-styled garden. Just a stone throw away here lies Chi Lin Nunnery, a serene and scenic site.

Related Posts: Hong Kong-Pearl of the Orient

Travel Photos Series#6-Sunrise at Borobudur Temple, Central Java-Indonesia

Sunrise at Borobudur

Took this photo recently on 18 Mar 2015 during my family trip to Borobudur at Indonesia. One of our main purposes here was to witness the world famous Sunrise view at this UNESCO World Heritage site. We were not disappointed. Follow my adventure and tips as we visited Borobudur, the active Volcano Mount Merapi, Prambanan (another UNESCO World Heritage site) and the city of Yogyakarta in my coming blogs :-)

Related Posts: Travel to Borobudur Temple, The Prambanan Temple, Dawn at Borobudur Temple

Travel Photo Series#5-Sunset at Tamsui-Taiwan

Sunset at Tamsui

This photo was taken on 5 Dec 2013 during our family trip to Tamsui ( 淡水) at Taiwan. We were rushing to catch the sunset at the Lover's Bridge but had to make do with enjoying the sunset scene from the ferry. The sunset moment was breathtaking and I was glad to capture the photo and share it with everyone here.

Related Posts: Taiwan Travel Tips, Family Bonding Tour at Taiwan Famosa