Gardens By The Bay

Gardens By The Bay is another great attraction in Singapore, especially if you are a flora and nature lover. Once arrive at this huge garden, I feel so cut off from the bustling city life in Marina/Orchard area. 

There are various attractions at Gardens By The Bay. Namely the Flower Dome, Supertree Groove, World of Plants, Bay East Gardens, Cloud Forest, Heritage Gardens, Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes. 

The Flower Dome is a spectacular eggshell icon at Gardens By The Bay. The 1.2 hectares Dome house a huge collection of plants deserts from different corners of the globe. You could also discover many amazing plants and flowers from all around the world. Take your time to walk through the Australia, South African, South American, Californian, Mediterranean and Olive Garden. By the way, when you are inside the Flower Dome, you will be walking in the world largest columnless cooling greenhouse. You will also learn a lot of information on baobab and banksia trees.  

Supertree Grove consist of (what else??!!) Supertree of up to 16 storeys high. There are twelve Supertree at the Grove and six at the Golden and Silver Gardens. Take a fascinating walk at the 128 metre OCBC Skyway. You could also chill out at the Supertree top bistro.  

Stroll leisurely through the World of Plants and discover how plants and mushroom grow and benefit the rainforest communities. You could also learn a lot of interesting facts on the nature ecosystem.


Cloud Forest is another great attraction at Gardens By The Bay. It consist a man-made 35 metre tall mountain with waterfall. You could enjoy a fantastic view at the peak of the mountain which is 2000 metre above sea level! 

Discover the history and culture of Singapore at the Heritage Gardens. Walk through the four gardens and learn interesting uses of plants and how they shape the history and economy of olden Singapore.

At Bay East Garden, you could catch the skyline of Marina Bay. Sit down at the pavilion and relax. You stop over for a break while enjoying the view. Stop by at the Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes as well for to snap some photos and relax. You may even see the buzzing dragonfly flying past! 

By the way, do note that some of the attractions require entrance fees. I would strongly advise you to wear light clothing and comfortable footwear, especially if you are visiting in the afternoon. Gardens By The Bay is a very big city garden, hence, be prepared to walk alot if you wanted to explore the greenery. Remember to bring along your clicking camera... happy snapping. And yes, do drink up lots of water if you plan to visit in the early afternoon. 


Gardens By The Bay
+65 6420 6848

Courtsey image & information from Gardens By The Bay

Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is an Integrated Resort situated at the southern part of Singapore. Las Vegas Sands is the parent company of the stunning Marina Bay Sands.  The property was officially opened in June 2010. Ever since Marina Bay Sands's opening, it is had become one of the most iconic building of Singapore. The property had often been featured across many media. This incredible property is design by Moshe Safdie. 

The integrated resort features a the world's largest casino with 500 tables and 1,600 slot machines, 2,561-room hotel, a 1,300,000 square foot MICE, a 800,000 square foot luxury shopping mall, a Art Science Museum, two large theatres, seven "celebrity chef" restaurants, two floating Crystal Pavilions and a 340 metres SkyPark at the top of the 57 storeys property. The Infinity Swimming Pool beside the SkyPark is another must-go attraction.

The hotel faced two parts of Singapore. On one side, it faced the city and land of Singapore. There are many tourist and even the locals will book the these hotel rooms during the Singapore National Day and New Year Eve as they wanted to catch the marvellous bursting fireworks at the marina floating platform at the Singapore River. On the another side of the hotel, facing the sea, you could have a calm and beautiful view which oversee the Garden By The Bay as well.

There are brilliant performance at the theatres all year round. After the theatre performance, you could still go for a nightlife outing at the classy Avalaon, the most glamorous club from Hollywood. Or you many even chill out at the vibrant Ku De Ta at the SkyPark.

Well, there is also the 24 hours casino for you to try your lucky hand. Yeah, get a thrill playing at the Blackjack and baccarrat table! Or have some fun at the Crap tables! By the way, if you are a regular at the casino, I would suggest you join their Sands Rewards Programme. With Sands Rewards Programme,  you could enjoy many privileges, including special promotions, offers and exclusive events. 

Let's go shopping at the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands! Yeah! Channel, Gucci, Prada, Hermes, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Piaget Jimmy Choo, etc ... are all awaiting for you!! Haa... Enjoy your shopping ... .

At Marina Bay Sands, you could find a balance of both exciting and relaxing experience. 


Marina Bay Sands
10 Bayfront Avenue +65 6688 8868

Singapore Philatelic Museum

A small colonial building situated at Coleman Street is the Singapore Philatelic Museum. The museum is the custodian and curator of Singapore's treasure of philatelic materials. The house collections range from stamps and archival philatelic material of Singapore from the 1830s to present day, and stamps from member countries of the Universal Postal Union.

The permanent galleries introduce the world of philately, the world's first stamp, and how stamps are a window to the world - to explore different topics such as culture, history, science and technology. There are also pop-up exhibition throughout the year. Educational activities are also organised for schools and members ofthe public to discover the history and culture of Singapore and other countries through philately. 

Although I do find the gallery space of Singapore Philatelic Museum a bit small, nevertheless, I still find the whole philatelic material real eye-opener or me.


Singapore Philatelic Museum
23B Coleman Street +65 6337 3888

Courtsey image & information from Singapore Philatelic Museum

River Safari

River Safari is the newest exciting addition to Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s portfolio of award-winning parks. Nestled between Singapore’s two award-winning wildlife parks – Singapore Zoo and Night Safari – River Safari will offer an unforgettable adventure inspired by eight of the world’s most amazing rivers. The $160-million attraction features state-of-the-art exhibit design, Southeast Asia's largest panda exhibit as well asthe world's largest freshwater aquarium. Housing one of the world’s largest collections of freshwater fauna, the park features over 5,000 animals representing over 500 species. And that includes Singapore’s resident giant pandas, Jia Jia and Kai Kai.

Take a leisurely stroll and wander through the park on an exploratory river adventure of the Congo, Ganges, Mississippi, Murray, Mekong, Nile, and Yangtze rivers. With the pristine Upper Seletar Reservoir as a backdrop, River Safari is also home to the Giant Panda Forest, Squirrel Monkey Forest and the enchanting Amazon Flooded Forest.

Venture through the Mississippi River and geta rare inside look at the home of the beavers. Go nose-to-snout withthe rare Mississippi paddlefish and primitive alligator gar. As you explore down to the Congo River, stop and marvel at the world's largest freshwater puffer fish.

From one African river toanother, flow down to the Nile River Zone where the sharp-toothed tigerfish and the many-finned birchir reside. Here, you’ll also see the peculiar-looking softshell turtle and the goonch catfish. Head south of the Pacific Ocean to Australia’s Murray Riverto meet the barramundi, the Australian lungfish, the robber crab, and the Murray cod – Australia’s largest freshwater fish – which can reach 1.8 metres in length. Woww... !!

The Mekong River beckons with one of the world’s largest freshwater aquariums, which houses the magnificent Mekong catfish andthe giant freshwater stingray. The Mekong catfish can grow upto 2 metres long and the giant freshwater stingray, an awe-inspiring 600 kilogrammes in weight!

Next, make your way down to the charming Yangtze River, home of the world’s largest amphibian – thegiant salamander. Just around the corner, enter the Giant Panda Forest, home of Jia Jia and Kai Kai. Observe these cute envoys from China asthey roam around their naturalistic habitat. Spot the golden pheasants and red pandas that share this remarkable climate-controlled biodome.

No riverine expedition is complete without a ride down the Amazon River. At Wild Amazonia, set sail on an exciting adventure known as theAmazon River Quest. This ride takesyou down the mysterious and captivating South American river where you’ll meet the amazing wildlife that come fromthe world’s largest tropical rainforest. Peer into the secret worlds of the spider monkey, maned wolf, Brazilian tapir and more. Venture into the deep, dark, jaguar cave, and try spotting the powerful predator before it spots you. From the river toshore, step into the Squirrel Monkey Forest. Short furred and adorable, these monkeys are known to be highly intelligent primates that live together in social groups.

The Amazon Flooded Forest is another mustsee and fascinating ecological showcase. It is an immersive recreation of the Amazonian rainforest, which gets submerged in upto 15 metres of water everyyear during the rainy season. Wander into the depths of this multi-level exhibit to witness an amazing underwater habitat for creatures suchas the arapaima and the giant river otter.

After all that excitement journey, beckon your taste buds at our specially-designed thematic restaurants. Feast on savoury Chinese fare at the River Safari Tea House located at the Entrance Plaza, or tuck in to delectable Szechuan Chinese cuisine and panda-themed bites at the Mama Panda Kitchen, right bythe Giant Panda Forest. Visit theHouse of Jia Jia & Kai Kai to stock up on giant panda-inspired memorabilia and complete your adventure by taking home treasured memories of the River Safari with you from our unique underwater-themed retail shop.

River Safari
Courtsey image & information from River Safari

National Day

Event
09 August 1965, the day Singapore become independence. A historical moment for the nation and for the people. The day we stand together. The day we fight together. The day we work for each other. The day strive forward as a nation. And today we did it. Thanks to all our familes and friends.
This year 2011, we will hold our National Day Parade at Float@Marina Bay. At the event, you witness plenty of wonderful performances. My favorite and most touching moment is when we stand up and sing the national anthem and watching the national flag fly overhead us and saying the our national pledge. These moments just make me feel like standing up for our country and fight for whatever it may come. At the end of the event, there will be a wonderful fireworks. I thought the best act is at the finale when there are rapid and intense fireworks bursting up at the sky.

Every year, as the days grow nearer to National Day, I will yearn for Singapore patriotic songs. I still love the early days original Singapore National Songs. I still remember fondly of the songs, Stand Up For Singapore, Count On Me Singapore, We Are Singapore and One People, One Nation, One Singapore.

Those days as a kid, I enjoy seeing and listening to these songs been boardcast on television. Their lyrics had always inspire me to stand for my country and remind me of my Singapore roots. Fast forward to the 1998, the beautiful Home, sang by Kit Chan and written and compose by Dick Lee had somehow become a favorite national song. Many Singaporean living aboard will turn watery eyes after listening to this touching song during 09 August. In 2002, Stefanie Sun's We Will Get There is another commercial and patriotic sing. Both Home and We Will Get There's English and Mandarin version had attain a huge success.

Mint Museum of Toys

Attractions
This toy museum is an interesting place to visit. Nostaglic toys are housed in this five-storey shophouse. I would suggest you take a lift to the top floor and walk down from level to level. You could see the early-days Batman, Superman, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Tin Tin and many more toys.

Mint Museum of Toys is really a fun and educational museum. It is really an eye-opener for me! If you are an avid toy collector, the Mint Museum is must-visit for you.

At the ticket entrance, you could also view a collection of old toys. Oh yes! These toys are for sales! I have to confess that it is very tempting buy a few of these toys to my bedroom! Well, I suggest ... don't resist, just buy it :)


Mint Museum of Toys
26 Seah Street +65 6287 0060

Singapore Changi Airport

Attractions
Singapore Changi Airport is the first sight that greeted tourist from all around the world. It is one of the most beautiful and modern airport. There are three terminals that serve more than 100 international airlines flying to 200 cities in 60 countries.

There are many retail shops and dining places for you to relax. In fact, on the weekends, many local families have a family get-together in the airport! Whenever I touched down at Changi Airport from an oversea trip, I have a kind special feeling. Maybe it is a homely feeling? I suppose airport is a place with lots emotion floating around. There are smiles and laughters, cries and watery-eyes and beautiful hugs lingering around.

For transit passengers, you can have a stroll in Butterfly Garden, relax with a massage, having a dip in the rooftop swimming pool and shopping at the retail shops. You can also check-in to the Ambassador Transit Hotel or Crowne Plaza Changi Airport. You may also want to join a free Singapore tour!!


Singapore Changi Airport