PLACES TO INCLUDE IN YOUR SINGAPORE ITINERARY IN 2018

BOTANIC GARDEN

Wander through the swaths of virgin rainforest with many-colored collection of orchid species and hybrids. Stroll around the gardens and enjoy the wonderful sighs, sounds and wonders the luscious greenery offers.

: Clock Tower at Botanic Garden

BUGIS

One of Singapore’s key shopping destinations. Home to the largest market in Singapore. Bugis is popular with both locals and tourists. Bugis Street Market is well-known for being one of the cheapest places in Singapore to buy souvenirs, accessories, clothes, shoes, bags, cosmetics.

CHINA TOWN

This is an area in Singapore that’s proud of its heritage, and has so much to offer. There are ornate Chinese, Buddhist and Hindu temples, museum galore, bustling streets lined with old colorful shop houses. There are plenty of retail stores where you can purchase clothing, accessories and souvenirs as well.

CHINESE AND JAPANESE GARDENS

This is an ideal place to go and visit if you are looking for some peace and serenity. A quiet place to stroll or jog and a perfect spot of photography. The gardens are very popular with photographers and lately cosplayers.

THE FLOWER DOME

Stand in awe as you stepped into the Flower Dome. It is the largest glass greenhouse in the world as listed in the 2015 Guinness World Records!

Flower Dome is open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00pm

CLOUD FOREST CONSERVATORY

The Cool-Moist Conservatory that showcases plant life from tropical highlands up to 2,000 metres above sea level. It features a 35-metre-tall mountain covered in lush vegetation, shrouding the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. There is lift to the top of the mountaintop of cloud forest and there you can take a stroll along a walkway in the clouds for an aerial view of the canopy and mountainside below.

FORT CANNING SINGAPORE

One of Singapore iconic landmark. The park was originally known as Bukit Larangan or “Forbidden Hill” in Malay. Today the park is chock full attractions – from ancient artefacts for history buffs to outdoor lawns for concerts and greenery for nature lovers.

Battle Box, a former underground military complex that was used in WWII and the Charming Hotel Fort Canning also lies here.

fort canning singapore.jpg — Fort Gate, a remnant of a fortress built that was built here in the 19th Century.

HAJI LANE

Fashionista Paradise as they say, this little gem is tucked away from the narrow alleys located in the Kampong Glam neighbourhood of Singapore. This street in the Arab Quarter now stands out as one of the must-do-shopping experiences. Here you can find a collection of vintage items, quirky designs, colorful dresses and even vintage cameras. The lane itself has lots of candy colored shops houses and interesting murals which is great for picture-taking.

GARDENS BY THE BAY

Singapore largest green, colorful and futuristic park located along the bay area of Singapore. The famous Supertree structures offer an impressive skywalk overt the gardens, over-sized seashell shaped greenhouse,making this destination great fun for both kids and adults,

CLARKE QUAY

The place is famous for its stunning waterside restaurants and exciting collection of bars and clubs.

The place is covered by a huge-umbrellas which protect al the restaurants and bars from the rain and it is also air-conditioned.

SENTOSA MERLION

Don’t leave Singapore without visiting the famous Sentosa Merlion. A 37 meter-tall mythical creature. This legendary statue is a half-lion half-fish guardian of prosperity which personifies Singapore’s history as a port city.

BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE AND MUSEUM

This is one of Singapore’s must-see cultural sites located in the Chinatown district. Admission to the temple and weekly guided tours are free of charge. Visitors are allowed to take photos even during services.

Note: Avoid off-the shoulder Tops, shorts and mini-skirts as dress with respectful attire is required when visiting the temple.

MARINA BAY

Whether you are looking for a lovely place to walk, malls filled with great shops or delicious cuisines in fine restaurants, Marina Bay has just something for everyone to offer. Most people from all walk of life gather here and enjoy the sunset view while some taking their time strolling along the waterfront promenade while enjoying the beautiful view of all sights and attractions from the water, on board a river taxi.

ArtSCIENCE MUSEUM (Future World: Where Art Meets Science)

HOTEL FORT CANNING

The hotel tucked within 18 hectares of lush greenery of Fort Canning Park.

LITTLE INDIA

A buzzing ethnic district that shows off the best of Singapore’s Indian community from vibrant culture to incredible shopping.

VOLLEYBALL – A SPORT THAT CHANGE THE LIFE OF OFWs IN SINGAPORE.

What is an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker)?

A person of Filipino origin who lives outside of the Philippines. This applies to Filipino who are abroad indefinitely as citizen or as permanent residents of a different country and to those Filipino citizens abroad for a limited, definite period, such as on a work contract as students (Source: Wikipedia).

Most Filipino dream to work overseas. It is every Filipino dream…to dream of a better life. To give their family a better and comfortable life, to give their children the best education, to build their dream house, to support their siblings education all the way to college, to support their ailing parents and family members. These are just few of the many reasons why many Filipino choose to leave their family and work abroad.

Leaving a family behind is a sacrifice that every Filipino Overseas Workers must face in search of a better opportunities. A bitter pill that no one would swallow if they would be given a choice. Working in a foreign land is very rewarding. They are able to give all the needs of their family back home. However there are also several disadvantages. Some of these are homesickness a feeling of emptiness and longings of being away from their family. Discrimination from foreign employers. Some are lucky to find an employer who treat them with respect and dignity. Some ended to be mistreated by heartless employers.

Living and working abroad is a bittersweet. They face insurmountable challenges with only their faith, courage, hope and determination to carry them through. They even go beyond their call of duty to help their families even to the extend of sacrificing their own needs and even if it means of putting themselves in danger.

Being away from family for a long period of time can turn ones life upside down. It is very depressing. To cope up the loneliness of Filipino overseas worker in Singapore, a group of young and active Filipino volleyball enthusiasts organized an event called SportsatSG. Their aim is to help their fellow Filipino Overseas Workers mostly domestic helpers to stay productive and healthy. They are actively supporting them to be physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally fit. They prepare them to adapt and keep up a healthy lifestyle to cope up stress and loneliness. Putting them to stay happy and positive all the times.

Every Sunday the open field and parks in Singapore transformed into a volleyball field. Crowds are cheering and chanting to their favorite team. Some crave for the competition, others enjoy the camaraderie and others are just happy to stay active. They gather together to create a positive experience.

SportsatSG changes strangers into neighbours, bringing them together in settings where friendships and abilities can grow into a positive environment. They believe that sport and recreation can be a vehicle for positive social change in the life of Overseas Filipino Workers in Singapore.

CHINESE and JAPANESE GARDENS, SINGAPORE – UNDERRATED TOURIST SPOT

This underrated gardens is just a perfect place to visit to forget your worries, find peace and enjoy the lovely landscape in solitude.

The Chinese and Japanese Gardens is very easy to find. The garden is located next to the Chinese Garden MRT Station.

At the main entrance of Chinese Garden, you will find a pair of majestic stone lions guarding its gate. According to Chinese belief the lion is a symbol of strong authority and fealty.

The Chinese Garden was built in 1975 and designed by a famous architect from Taiwan. Prof. Yuen-chen Yu. True to their word the garden is a slice of ancient China complete with a series of bridges, pagodas and a tea house surrounded by ponds, lakes, and trees. Many of the trees are quaint models for bonsai trees.

The Japanese Garden is on the adjacent side of the bridge. The Japanese Garden is more modest and natural. The main focus of the garden is given to simplicity, peace and tranquility.

Here are some of the photos I took of what it’s like there:

The bridge representing a typical Chinese bridge.

The Gardens open daily, 6am – 11pm and the entrance fee is FREE. The Bonsai Garden and the Garden of Abundance (where you can see sculptures of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals) are open daily from 9am-6pm.

One of the major attraction of the Chinese Garden is the small Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum. I wasn’t able to visit the said museum as it was raining heavy and we needed to go back our condo. (You may visit their website http://www.turtle-tortoise.com)

This garden is really worth a visit if you need a couple of hours of peaceful reflection.

INSTRAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN SINGAPORE

Singapore is known for its temple, beautiful gardens and parks, iconic landmark and advanced architectural style and designs like no other. With these it is hard to resist for every travellers not to post for pictures and share travel experiences on Instagram like me and thought…why not share?

EAST COAST PARK

This is a place where locals and tourists flock to for the variety of sporting, entertainment and dining attractions. A great place to just sit back and relax while enjoying the coastal breeze and the warm rays of the sun.

Feeling hungry? no worries there are arrays of restaurants, coffee shops and bars along the beaches to sip on a cocktail or grab a bite. On weekends this is a place where family and friends would gather together to have a picnic by the beach under the coconut palms. The area offers a picnic tables and a public barbecue grill.

The place is very famous for cyclist and joggers. The park is shady with lots of green trees and very organised from their bicycle lanes, jogging track and other park amenities. You can rent a bicycle here and cycle all the way to Garden’s by the Bay East, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer and it’s cityscape.

BICYCLE PARK AT BOON LAY MRT STATION

I was impressed with their double-layer bicycle tender located at the ground level of the Boon Lay MRT Station in the Jurong area. It was early morning when I passed by in this area. I was heading to the waiting station for our shuttle service going to Malaysia when the double-layer bicycle tender caught my attention that I can’t resist to not take a photo.

HAW PAR VILLA

Commonly known as Tiger Balm Gardens has over 1000 statues and 150 dioramas depicting various Chinese folklore and mythologies. The theme park was built by the two brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boom Par, with the intention of making it a place where parents can take their children to teach them about morality and proper conduct.

Some of the depictions are very detailed which makes the place a little creepy for children, and even for some adults too. The most famous attractions for adults here is the diorama of the “Ten Stage of Hell”. According to Chinese mythology, a soul passes through a series of courts before it can enter heaven. A punishment awaits to those who are proven unworthy.

Haw Par Villa may not be your average tourist attraction but it still must a place to see especially if you are fond of Chinese culture and mythology.

CHINESE AND JAPANESE GARDEN

This is an ideal place to go and visit if you are looking for some peace and serenity. The Chinese Garden has a good bonsai collections, and various pavilions, pagodas, streams and states of Chinese heroes. Both gardens are very popular with photographers and lately cosplayers.

You can climb the spiral stairs of the Pagoda to catch a great view of the garden and the nearby Jurong Lake and golf course.

MARINA BAY WALK

HAJI LANE

THE ARAB QUARTER

This area of Singapore is full of vibrant colorful shops offering various items for sale such as hand-knotted Persian rugs and carpets, leather, perfumes, patchwork quilt, colorful textiles, and baskets. The heart of the quarter is the Masjid Sultan Mosque which was built in 1928. Surrounded the mosque are restored-shop houses, street arts and restaurant’s that offers a distinctive Middle Eastern cuisines and experience.

The Masjid Sultan Mosque is considered the “national” mosque of Singapore. This place of worship is definitely worth a visit, no matter what one’s religious beliefs.

ROCHOR CENTRE FLATS

Known as the iconic housing blocks of Singapore. It is a group of buildings in Singapore built by the Housing and Development Board. Way back in 1960s, there was a large number of people living in a slum-like condition with poor sanitation due to the insufficient housing for Singapore’s increasing population. It was then that Rocher Centre was built and completed in 1977 to take residents and businesses that was uprooted across the city.

Rocher Centre is situated in the business districts in Bugis. It leaves a strong impression on the urban landscapes of Singapore with its colorful facades. However, this centre will gradually fade with its vivid colors into the pages of history as it makes way for the upcoming North-South Expressway.

FUTURE WORLD @ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM

Find yourself at the centre of the universe, as the light body of the installation responds to your mass and motion. This stunning artwork is created with teamLab’s Interactive 4-D Vision Technology and more than 17,000 LED lights, giving the illusion of stars moving in space.

OLD HILL STREET POLICE STATION

Formally known as the MICA Building home to the Ministry of Communications and Information and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. It is officially opened in 1934, and was the largest government building in Singapore at the time.

This iconic landmark in Singapore is one of travellers favorites place to pose for a picture because of its symmetrically designed facade painted in shaded of rainbow colors.

CLOUD FORESTS -GARDENS BY THE BAY

A mysterious world veiled in mist; the Cloud Forest is a 35 metre tall mountain covered in lush vegetation shrouding the world’s tallest indoor waterfall that attract the most visitor with its jaw-dropping architecture, spiralling walkways from the top of the world’s tallest waterfall that rains down from over 100 feet above.

FLOWER DOME – GARDENS BY THE BAY

The largest glass greenhouse in the world as listed in the 2015 Guinness World Records! Here you will discover not only the amazing beauty of the plants and flowers, but how they have also adopted to the cool-dry environments.

Blossom Bliss – Cherry Blossom Festival.

BOTANIC GARDENS

Singapore’s oldest garden is a treasure trove for plant lovers or those who simply want to have a good time outdoors.

MADAME TUSSAUDS

A place where you get to rub shoulders with your favorite icons. Breakfast at Tiffanys with Audrey Hepburn 🙂

HOOTERS SINGAPORE – CLARKE QUAY

While waiting for your orders why take a pose in their iconic owl logo 🙂

Photographs are my best souvenir from my travels. Taking great pictures helps me to see in details and notice the beauty around me and helps me to truly live in the present.

IMMERSED IN A WORLD OF ART, SCIENCE, MAGIC AND METAPHOR AT FUTURE WORLD ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM

As you stepped inside the Future World you would be fully excite as you immerse yourself into a digital universe that inspires your imagination in an ever-changing space featuring 16 cutting-edge installations, and be a childlike like again as you explore the world of art and science.

Future World is created in collaboration with the Japanese art and technology collective teamLab. It is one of Singapore’s largest digital art gallery and interactive play space for both kids and adults.

It was a bit pitchy as we embarked on our journey of discovery through four key narratives:

NATURE
TOWN
PARK
SPACE

NATURE

Our first adventure begins with a magical journey through Nature. This is an immersive world that illustrates the creation of life that make us to ponder and reflect on how we be able to protect our environment through discovering its secret and preserving its beauty.

Crows are Chased and the Chasing Crows are destined to be Chased as well, Transcending Space.

This is an immersive audiovisual installation depicts the creation of life and takes us inside the heart of the nature. As we stood there amazed by the artwork that features crows, rendered in light, that fly around the space leaving trails of light in their path.

Everything is moving, you will be in awe as you watch the crows gracefully swinging their wings upon the dazzling lights.

Black Waves

Black Waves an expression of nature, rendered entirely in digital technology. It depicts the sea in the style of traditional Japanese painting. curvilinear lines. The movement of these lines gives the impression that water itself is alive. teamLab have created this effect by calculating the interaction of hundreds of thousands of individual water particles, and then representing the movement of waves in a crescendo of white foam in a virtual 3D environment.

Black Waves blurs the boundary between viewer and the artwork, and invites visitors to regard themselves as part of the seascape, thereby understanding that there is no separation between ourselves and nature.

This is an eye opener that waves do huge amounts of good for the environment as well as the rest of us who live in this planet. It is up to we humans to stop the erosion of the climate due to our mismanagement and allow waves and Mother Nature to continue their good work.

Soothing sounds of waves are very pleasant and cooling to wash our daily worries away!

Sliding through the Fruit Field

Visitors become a beam of life-giving sunlight, and as they glide down the slope, their energy transferred to the fruit field, causing flowers and fruit to blossom and grow. As the different elements interact in the field, new seeds are sown, leading to new life.

It is a great theme because it teaches kids importance of plants to our environment and create lessons on healthy habits and sustainability while reaping all the tasty benefits once the plants grow in.

TOWN

Presenting five of teamLab’s projects that designed to engage children in learning through play, Town encourages adults and children alike to coöperate and inspire one another to meet the challenges of the urban setting as a shared space.

Graffiti Nature

Graffiti Nature portrays an ecosystem of animals, flowers and butterflies that move freely between Town and Park. Use your imagination to create fantastic and colourful flora and fauna, which reclaim parts of the urban setting and move through the environment without the confines typically imposed on them by people. Like graffiti, they exist in the in-between spaces outside daily life. However, they are not confrontational or destructive, but rather contribute positively to the environment they inhabit. They fulfill a dreamlike vision of nature and humanity co-existing harmoniously in the world.

Everything from the air we breathe, water we drink, and food we eat comes from nature. Nature is more than just a plants. These artwork is a beautiful reminder of how closely we’re connected to the natural word and never forget that we need one another. So it is important to be KIND.

Sketch Town

This installation a depiction of a fictitious town, based on Singapore that includes recognizable landmarks, such as, ArtScience Museum, the Merlion and the Singapore Flyer. Young visitors use crayons and paper to draw a building, a car, or a plane for Sketch Town. When their two-dimensional pictures placed in a digital scanner, they enter the town, becoming 3D animated objects. The visitors’ urban designs become part of a vast projected city, which they can physically interact with through touch and movement, bringing the town to life. Touch a car, such as, and it will speed up, or change direction.

Connecting! Train Block

If you’ve ever been caught in slow traffic, you’ll appreciate this unique chance to design your own transportation network with Connecting Train Block. This interactive artwork reacts to your input and ultimately develops into a vibrant, thriving cityscape.

The installation begins by projecting moving cars, trains, planes and boats onto a large surface. You’ll use physical wooden blocks to design and connect an evolving system of roads, rivers and railways to keep the ever-increasing traffic flowing smoothly. Just like in real life, the challenge of keeping everything moving grows with the amount of traffic!

This interactive artwork for kids and adults too stimulate creativity and sharpen crucial skills. According to research kids who played with blocks performed better on divergent problems. They also showed more creativity in their attempts to solve the problems ( Pepler and Ross 1981).

Research also suggests that kids became friendlier and more socially savvy when they work on cooperative construction projects.

Media Block Chair

Create playful and vibrant structures from stacking blocks that glow and change colour when you connect them together. Let your imagination be your guide as you construct functional furniture like chairs and benches, architectural structures such as walls and partitions – or simply bring the images in your mind’s eye to life!

The high-tech blocks communicate information to each other when they are connected, changing colour with every addition or subtraction from your artwork. With endless variations of colour, light and form to explore, Media Block Chair provides hours of fascinating fun for visitors of all ages.

This is a fun way for children and adults alike to understand the uses of color composition in design and art.

A Table Where Little People Live

The little people are a community of miniature characters projected onto a table. When left alone, the little people move around their environment, walking, jumping, sliding, hopping and generally paying little attention to the world outside. But when they have visitors, they love to play!

Place your hand or an object on A Table Where Little People Live and the little people will notice and jump onto it. The actions of the tiny characters change in response to the shape and colour of the objects, becoming more animated as you introduce more and more objects into their world.

PARK

Step away from the urban bustle of Town and continue your journey with an invigorating visit to Park, a space inspired by nature and recreational play.

Universe of Water Particles

Discover the exhibition’s spectacular centerpiece, Universe of Water Particles – an seven-metre tall virtual waterfall. Hundreds of thousands of water particles cascade down the façade of a virtually sculpted rock, with each particle of ‘water’ digitally programmed and generated to flow according to the laws of physics.

The Universe of Water Particles reminds us how important they are. In earth’s surface, small particles impact soil and water quality. In living system, small particles impact organism health and viability. In the atmosphere, small particles impact both warming and cooling of the climate.

Create! Hopscotch for Geniuses

Design your own customised hopscotch game in this unique installation. Arrange circles, triangles and squares on an electronic tablet, which are then projected onto the floor. When you expertly land on the same shapes in succession, you’ll trigger off beautiful colours and sounds that reverberate throughout the space.

Create! Hopscotch for Geniuses is a fun game of discovery that tests the skills and imagination for all ages. Special connections exist between the shapes – you’ll have to practice playing the game to learn what they are!

Light Ball Orchestra

Beachball-sized globes of multicoloured light and sound are your instruments in this electrifying, one-of-a-kind orchestra. Touch any ball to change the colour and sound of the balls around it, creating a resonating effect throughout this dazzling environment.

Enjoy creating a playful and dynamic space with other visitors, as their participation with the Light Ball Orchestra sends out ripples in different directions to interact with yours. Work together by pushing, bouncing and rolling the balls to continuously change the composition, color and sound of the orchestra.

Sketch Aquarium

Explore the magic beneath the waves in this digitally rendered aquatic world. A favourite among children of all ages, the immersive Sketch Aquarium installation allows you to create drawings of sea creatures and watch them come to life in a virtual ocean.

Watch this dynamic artwork constantly grow and evolve as visitors draw and add different images of sea creatures including rainbow fish, stingrays, jellyfish. The busy sea creatures swim around and interact with each other – you can even feed them by touching fish food bags on the screen!

Story of the Time When Gods Were Everywhere

Inside this digitally projected world, create your own environment by touching hieroglyphic characters and watch them transform into natural elements such as wind, rain, trees and mountains. The enthralling story of creation begins when you touch the characters, and the movement of your body further changes and evolves the world around you.

SPACE

End your journey on a note of wonder by embarking outward and upward into astronomical Space. Immerse yourself in what has been the subject of dreams, mythologies, artistic visions and scientific exploration since the dawn of human history.

Crystal Universe

Behold a seemingly infinite number of light particles inside the scintillating Crystal Universe. This stunning artwork is created with teamLab’s Interactive 4-D Vision technology and more than 170,000 LED lights, giving the illusion of stars moving in space. Move beyond the stars to encounter astrophysical phenomena such as planets, galaxies and even gravitational waves.

Find yourself at the centre of the universe, as the light and body of the installation responds to your mass and motion. Change the fabric of the universe itself by ‘swiping’ planets and stars from smart devices within the installation, and watch them become part of the dazzling environment around you. Surrounded by celestial wonders, reflect upon your own place within the vastness of the cosmos.

The last part and the best part of our journey is the CRYSTAL UNIVERSE. I stood there as I was in awed by the dazzling lights that reminds me of how immense the universe is, and we are so very tiny. To exist in this vast universe for a speck of time is the great gift of life. Cherish it and live the best of it!

Future World is a permanent exhibition so no need to hurry up :). The installations will change and evolve over time to keep the exhibition fresh and relevant.

For more info please click the link http://www.marinabaysands.com

SINGAPORE – THE LION CITY OF ASIA

I have been to Singapore many times and I fell in love with the country and I will tell you why later. Singapore is very modern, clean and organised. It is one of the cleanest in the world; you can be fined or arrested for spitting, littering or selling chewing gum. Chewing gum is not forbidden in Singapore but bringing gum into the country in large amounts is illegal.

Singapore has one of the strongest economies in Asia. It is the world’s busiest port, it is the third-largest oil refiner and a major financial and high-tech hub. I was totally smitten by its natural landscapes, modern buildings, systematic transportation, luxurious shopping centers and its diversity in culture with its blend of Asia and European.

Here are the reasons why you would fall in love with Singapore:

WANDER IN THE BOTANIC GARDEN. Wander through the swaths of virgin rainforest with many-colored collection of 1,000 orchid species and 2,000 hybrids. It has an array of botanical and horticultural attractions with a rich history and a wonderful plant collection of worldwide significance. Stroll around the gardens and enjoy the wonderful sights, sounds and wonders the luscious greenery offers. There are various areas in the park: tropical garden (rain forest), lakes, herb gardens and the orchid gardens.

Opening Hours: 5am – 12 midnight daily

Admission Fee: Free

RIDE IN THE 165 METER-HIGH SINGAPORE FLYER. Singapore’s answer to the London Eye. The world’s largest giant observation wheel which allow you to view not only the Singapore skyline, but reaches to the Spice Islands of Indonesia and Malaysia’ Straits of Johor. You can have a bird’s-eye view of the entire island in half an hour ride. Quite expensive but worth it.

Flight Schedule:

Daily flights : 8:30am – 10:pm
Ticketing counter Operating Hours: 8:30am-10:00pm ( Ticket counter on the entrance of 1st floor).

STROLL ALONG MARINA BAY SANDS and takes time to admire Singapore’s iconic landmark Marina Bay Sands. An overlay modern art and architecture site to visit when in Singapore with dining restaurants, coffee shops, shopping malls and entertainment awaits visitors to enjoy and relax while taking pictures along the way for breathtaking views.

Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort

Marina Bay Sands in the afternoon.

Helix Bridge a pedestrian bridge linking Marina Centre with Marina South in the Marina Bay area in Singapore.

Helix Bridge It is spectacular at night when it is lit by thousands of LED Lights.

Helix Bridge view from below.

GET LOST IN GARDENS BY THE BAY. A nature park spanning 101 hectares of reclaimed land in central Singapore, next to the Marina Reservoir. The park consists of three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden. The main attractions in the Gardens by the Bay are the towering SuperTrees, eleven of which have environmentally sustainable features and some of which use photovoltaic cells that capture solar energy that’s used to light them up.

Outdoor Gardens Opening Hours : 5am – 2am / Free Admission

Outdoor Gardens consist of:

Bay East Garden
SuperTree Grove
Sun Pavillion
Heritage Gardens
World of Plants
Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes

SuperTrees

Towering SuperTrees.

SuperTrees with OCBC Skyway – the walkway that allows you to walk amongst the Supertrees.

SuperTrees

Inside the Gardens By The Bay are two Conservatories: The Flower Dome and The Cloud Forest. We went into the Cloud Forest – The Cool-Moist Conservatory that showcases plant life from tropical highlands up to 2,000 metres above sea level. It features a 35-metre-tall mountain covered in lush vegetation, shrouding the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. There is lift to the top of the mountaintop of cloud forest and there you can take a stroll along a walkway in the clouds for an aerial view of the canopy and mountainside below.

Opening Hours: Open daily from 9:00am – 9:00pm

SHOP ON ORCHARD ROAD. A must place to visit while in Singapore. A shopping paradise, from cheap outlets to high-end designer and jewelry shops with many things to see, so modern, crowded but worth a visit especially at night because it looks spectacular with all the lights.

Orchard Road at night.

Orchard Road.

High-end shop at Orchard Road.

More shops.

Singapore is known for its cleanliness and place a lot of importance on disciplined, and corporal punishment is widely accepted. While in Singapore make sure that you follow certain guidelines and adhere to their strict standards of proper behaviour.

Chewing gum banned in Singapore so better leave it at home.
Don’t throw litter on the street. Put all waste in the litter bins provided in public spaces.
Don’t smoke in public. The police enforce this law strictly and hand out immediate fines to people found smoking or dropping a cigarette in a public place.
Don’t get involved in any drugs. Singapore carries a mandatory death penalty for drug-trafficking and harsh penalties for possession and use within the country.
Don’t touch somebody on the head as it is considered a sacred part of the body in Singapore.
Don’t discuss religion or politics. Do not make joke either.
Don’t show the bottoms of your feet or use feet to point. Feet considered dirty.
Don’t bring in food into MRT ( Mass Rapid Transport).
Don’t point at someone with your index finger, which is considered very rude.
Don’t tip. Tipping is not customary in Singapore.
Don’t, for a Chinese descent, give clocks, handkerchiefs or flowers to as they associated with death and funerals.
Don’t eat or offer anything (including a handshake) to a person of Indian or Malay descent with your left hand as they will most likely be Muslim and this is forbidden by their hygienically jurisprudence.

Have you ever been to Singapore, What do you think of it?

LIFE OF MIGRANT WORKERS THROUGH MY LENS

Every year hundreds and thousands of Filipinos, Bangladesh, Indians, Malays, Chinese left their homes and families and work in Singapore as constructions workers. domestic helpers, nurses, engineers etc. to make more money.

It was Sunday morning when my partner and I went to Merlion Park to spend some quiet time and to see the iconic Merlion, the half-fish and half lion that symbolises Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village when it was called Temasek, meaning ‘sea town’ in Old Javanese. It’s head represents Singapore’s original name, Singapura, or ‘lion city’ in Malay. Today you can see this legend at Merlion Park.

During Sunday morning, you can see large number of migrant workers, many of them working as helpers and in the constructions areas spent their time hanging around, laughing, enjoying their one day off. which I was able to capture through my lens, here take a look.

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Through my lens I was able to see the world and document lives, the art of creating a memory.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS -SINGAPORE

” I do have a childlike enthusiasm at times. I certainly enjoy life and get pleasure sometimes in childish things”. Brian Baumgartner

While we may grow in age, the child we once were stays with us. Our trip to Singapore was a fairytale destination for me. When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a princess who lived in a land far, far away. Universal Studios Singapore is a fairytale come true. A place where I can be a child again, run and be merry; dance and giggle like a little girl.

Once you enter the Universal Studio there is a big revolving globe where people would flock and doing their perfect picture smile. Say Cheese!

As my partner and I stood in line waiting to enter the park, I was like a little girl bubbling with excitement. I can’t wait. I look around and I saw people smiling no matter what age they are. Everybody is young at heart including me and my partner. I can’t control myself from grinning as I saw people eyes sparkling with amusement and wonder.

A View of Singapore Universal Studios:

Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park located within Resort World Sentosa on Sentosa Island. It has a 20 hectares in size, occupying the easternmost part of the 49-hectare Resorts World Sentosa. There are a total of 24 attraction, of which 18 are original or specially adapted for the park. The park consists of seven themed zones which surround a lagoon. Each zone based on blockbuster movie or television show, featuring their own unique attractions, character appearances, dining and shopping areas. ****source Wikipedia

Opening Hours:

10:00am to 7:00pm Sunday to Friday
10:00am to 8:00pm Saturday

Entrance Fee

Adults (13-59 years) – S$74
Children (4-12 years) – S$54
Seniors (60 years and above) – S$36 All prices are in Singapore Dollars

Universal Express Pass Price: S$30, Universal Unlimited Pass; from S$50

Check the USS official website for more details

What To Wear: wear something comfortable like a cotton comfy top or t-shirts, short and pants. Wear flip-flop and sneakers.

Drinks lot of water. The weather is hot and humid that will cause you to sweat all day long. There are some water faucets located throughout Universal Studios where you can refill your water bottle. The water is safe for drinking so don’t worry about it.

AND THE FUN BEGINS!

As we enter the park surrounded by people taking their time to pose on every corner for a souvenirs photos, I stood there in awe of the façade I was seeing. Pouring with excitement my partner and I sat down on one of the benches and took a look at our map to decide where we will venture out and start our fun journey.

So here’s the highlights of our day:

Hollywood is the main entrance of the park, lined with several restaurants, palm trees, dynamic architectures and the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. A replica of Hollywood Boulevard. You feel you landed in the center of the entertainment universe. Not so much attractions in the Hollywood. This serves as a walk-through area of people going in and out of the Universal Studios and a place for Despicable Minions running around the place and some other characters like Woody Woodpecker which are available to meet and have some pictures taken.

Despicable Minions running around the place and the people going wild for them. Cuteness overload!

New York themed after post-modern New York City that features sidewalks and classic landmarks that mimic its cityscape, facades and giant neon lit signage. The New York is a home for two major attractions: “Lights! Camera! Action! Hosted by Steven Spielberg and the “Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase”. Here you can watch live performances all throughout the day.

Start spreading the news I am leaving today I want to be a part of it New York, New York. These vagabond shoes are longing to stray right through the very heart of it New York, New York. Finally, I am here in New York! the city that never sleeps! As we continue our walk along New York’s impressive streets, I heard people screaming, then my eyes pop up, I saw Cookie Monster hugging people while taking a post for a pic. Bubbling with excitement, I fall in line with the crowd to hug my favorite Sesame Street character COOKIE MONSTER! yum yum yum…

Mel’s Dinettes waitresses dancing and shaking to the hits of 1950’s and 60’s.

Daddy O’s Boy Band Group singing and dancing to the classic songs of the 1950’s and 60’s.

Finally the moment I’ve been waiting for meeting Cookie Monster up close and personal 🙂

Sci-Fi City The Sci-Fi city takes you through exciting futuristic experiences-a dynamic future metropolis that gives you a peek at how thrilling the future should feel with ultra-modern conveniences and entertainment.Themed after the hit television series Battlestar Galactica, these spectacular, intertwined roller coasters offer a truly exhilarating adventure as you twist, turn and drop. Riders on both coasters will experience unbelievable thrills as they race toward each other.

I was so thrilled as I stood there watching passengers screaming as they rose up in the air. We wanted to try the ride but the queue was long and I was a bit scared too, I am not really a fan of roller coaster ride so we just decided to continue our walk.

Ancient Egypt based on the historical adaptation of Ancient Egypt during the 1930s Golden Age of Egyptian Exploration. The Ancient Egypt zone lets you venture into the land of pyramids where obelisks, Pharaoh’s tombs and pyramids rule the scenario. If you love Egyptian Mythology, this is the place to go. This place offers you the kind of atmosphere to expect when transported back in time. The centrepiece of Ancient Egypt is the “Revenge of the Mummy”.

The Lost World has many traditions present in most Universal Studios park around the world and divided into sub areas: Jurassic Park and WaterWorld. The main highlight of The Lost World is the ” Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure” which is a water-based rapids escapade.

WATERWORLD

WaterWorld show takes place within 11am and 4pm only. So better check your time so you won’t miss the show. There were loud explosions that involved flashes of fire, sensations of heat from the fire, and splashes of water. People sitting up front when they leave the arena were drenched in water but it was great and entertaining!

Far Far Away inspired by Dreamworks Animation’s hit Shrek franchise depicted the fairy-tale characters lived in daily life. The main attractions in this fairytale kingdom is the Far Far Away Castle.

Once upon a time in a land Far, Far, Away lived a beautiful princess. I am totally enchanted in this mystical land. Universal Studios Singapore is certainly family-friendly, those travelling with small children would love this place where they can meet and greet their favorite characters.

Enchanted Airways a family roller coaster and other attractions in Far Far Away

Madagascar get ready to groove around at tropical forest settings with cast of Madagascar movie and meet weird and wonderful animals and exciting attractions.

Universal Studios Singapore a must place to visit, it offers a lot of excitement, fun and adventure for every one of all ages!