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Pink Saturday - Awakening of the dragon

2012-01-28T13:38:00.003+08:00

This Chinese New Year being the Year of the water dragon. Looked like this pink dragon having fun in the pool.

Dragon made from several hundreds or thousands of flowers, looked like a painting.

Not related to the above two people, they looked like having fun pretending to paint the eyes of the dragon to wake it up.

For more pinky participants, please visit Beverly of How Sweet The Sound.

Skywatch Friday - Year of the Dragon

2012-01-27T10:20:00.005+08:00

Visited the annual Sentosa Flower Show and this being the Year of the Dragon, we could see many dragons decorations on the island. They were all made from many flowers. But I missed the 12 animal zodiacs that were there every year. This year they were all absent except for the dragons.

For other sky watchers, please hop over to Skywatch Blog.

Chinese New Year Lunch and Dinner with my entire family

2012-01-25T09:43:00.002+08:00

Having lunch with my siblings and our family at my brother's house. Home cooked food is the best. :)

Chinese New Year is to get together and also having big feast together.

Dinner at Paradise Inn and the main course must be the Yusheng Dish. Yusheng is like a raw salad consisting of shreds of vegetables and with raw fish slices and adding some crushed nuts, crackers, etc

The tossing of yusheng is a must and the higher you toss the better your wishes will come true. Everyone will chat all the phrases of good luck and wishes.

Chinese New Year 2012 - Ang Pow (Red Packets)

2012-01-20T15:50:00.003+08:00

Ang Pow or Hong Bao or Red Packets are a must during Chinese New Year. It is a gift of money placed inside the angpow given by married couples to those not married and also to elders. This being the Year of Dragon, so we can see many dragons pictures on the ang pow.

I saw these cute and beautiful ang pows in Guangzhou during my recent visit there. They were so cheap but gotta buy in bulks. 10 packets (each packets got 6 pieces inside) costs S$2 , yes S$2 for 10 packets - really cheap. Did not buy a lot cause can only use during Year of the dragon hahaha.

Most of the angpows I got free from banks. The above are from DBS Bank. Managed to get only 2 packets - sigh. They looked so beautiful.

Need different ang pows cause different ang pows for different amount of gift of money inside the angpows hahaha.

The closer your relation with the giver the amount will be bigger. We used to say the amount is not important but the receiver truly wishes for bigger amount so they can use it to buy the things they normally wont be able to afford to buy hahaha. When I was a child, going to the movies was a treat only possible during Chinese New Year when I received ang pows. :)

Like the picture on POSB's ang pow, shows family of three generation having steamboat reunion dinner, that's what I am going to have this Sunday for our reunion dinner.

Bought this from Guangzhou too, this angpow is used only for weddings as gifts to the wedding couple or their families. The word double happiness was flanked by the dragon and phoenix.

You can read the origin of the word double happiness from here.

Did not get much although it was super cheap at only CNY1.50 (about S$0.30) for 6 pcs of wedding red packets.

GONG XI FA CAI - Happy Chinese New Year

2012-01-19T20:28:00.002+08:00

In 3 days, the year of the dragon will be here. Here wishing all who celebrate the occasion a very Happy Chinese New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai.

Hahaha saw this God of Fortune on stilts in City Link Shopping Mall. Hope the sighting means Good Fortune coming my way. :)

Chinese New Year 2012 - Queueing for Bak Kwa in Chinatown

2012-01-18T21:29:00.002+08:00

Bak Kwa is also known as rougan is a dried BBQ meat mostly made from pork. It is one of the most popular snack in Singapore and every Chinese New Year, we can see long queue at popular famous Bak Kwa Stalls/Shops.

Almost every Singaporean know this famous Bak Kwa Stall in Chinatown. If you think only two girls are queueing in the above photo, you are so wrong. Some waited for many hours just to buy the Bak Kwa.

It is a yearly ritual during Chinese New Year for most Singaporean to buy Bak Kwa from this famous stall Lim Chee Guan. It is not cheap, it costs aboutS$50 per kg for this delicious Bak Kwa. Some bought the bak kwa for themselves while others bought as gifts for relatives, friends or business friends.

Last week, I saw the queue was so long till it reached to some alley. Take note that some brought along stools to sit and queue lol. OMG, I wont queue that long, can always buy from other shops cause I think eating the bak kwa will be bbq in such a hurried to meet demands wont taste as nice as normal days.

Will only buy from this famous stall maybe after the first week of chinese new year hahaha cause we have 15 days of chinese new year to celebrate. :)

My World - Chinese New Year 2012 - Chinatown Singapore

2012-01-17T08:53:00.000+08:00

Chinese New Year will be here in next week. This year will be year of the dragon. Chinatown was decorated with a huge dragon.

Lots of little dragon in our chinatown. So cute, actually I saw all these in Guangzhou, China when I visited last month. Of course they were much cheaper in Guangzhou as they were made in China.

Oh I like this this, lion dance puppet in my favourite colour.

Red is auspicious during the Chinese New Year, so everywhere will be decorated with red. This year I did not take much photos of chinatown.

Spotted these cute radish plants. In chinese, radishes are called "cai tou" (菜头) which sounds like the word ”good luck” (彩头). This explains why the plant is popular during Chinese New Year.

The word "orange" in Chinese sounds like "gold" or "good luck so anything plants or fruits orange in colour are popular during Chinese New Year too.

For photos on other parts of the world, please visit Our World Tuesday Meme. Thanks to the team of Our World for giving us the opportunity to share my world with the rest of the world.

Singapore Botanic Garden - Celebrity Garden

2012-01-15T19:34:00.003+08:00

Inside the Orchid Garden (admission fee of S$5 is required, S$1 students, senior citizens, free for children (below 12 years), is also the celebrity garden. The orchid species were specially breed and named after visiting royals and celebrities.

Princess Diana was supposed to visit Singapore but was not so cause of her sudden death. The orchid was specially breed and named after her for her visit.

Very famous South Korean Actor Bae Yong Jun had orchids named after him too.

Our very own famous local singer Stefanie Sun, the orchid really suit her.

There are more orchids named after celebrity and royals.

Singapore Botanic Garden - Cool House

2012-01-14T23:36:00.003+08:00

This is the first time I visited the cool house in Botanic Garden. The best part was it was airconditioned hahaha.

Love how the climbers climbed its way around.

Looked so misty and eerie in here - as if some kind of animal will suddenly jumped out of the bushes hahaha.

Different types of carnivorous plants.

We were so excited to find the insect eating plants but they looked so small.

Skywatch Friday - Going bananas

2012-01-13T20:53:00.005+08:00

Having some good shots at plants with the sky in the background.

Saw so many banana plants in the banana gallery.

Wow, this huge bunch of bananas can feed a lot of people hahaha.

Not sure what plant is this but sure looked so cute.

For other sky watchers, please hop over to Skywatch Blog

Singapore Botanic Garden - Beautiful Orchids

2012-01-12T21:33:00.005+08:00

Really love taking photos of these orchids in Singapore Botanic Garden. They are really so beautiful and make me so cheerful.

This is our national flower. Vanda Miss Joaquim.

Dont really know the rest of the names of the orchids.

My favourite colour, purple. These orchids really have a place in my heart.

Looked like a girl dancing with her skirt swirling round and round.

Singapore Botanic Garden - Swan

2012-01-11T21:50:00.003+08:00

I spotted a small bird sharing the lake with the swans.

I like this photo of the swan swimming behind some weed plants.

My World Tuesday - Singapore Botanic Garden - Sculptures

2012-01-10T15:52:00.005+08:00

Spotted more sculptures during this trip to Singapore Botanic Garden.

Near the symphony Lake in Singapore Botanic Garden, there was this sculpture of Statue of Frederick Chopin.

This work of art is created by Polish sculptor Karol Badyna.

The enscription, on a page at foot of Chopin's chair, reads:
Frederick Chopin (Szopen) 1810 – 1849
The Most Eminent of Polish Composers
This sculpture is a gift of the people of Poland to Singapore, in memory of music's greatest tone poets
Made possible by the generous support of:
Halina and Miroslaw Pienkowski and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in SingaporeOctober 2008

A mother holding her child high in the air, “Joy” celebrates love, life and laughter.The sculpture has been donated by a member of the public who wishes to remain anonymous. “Joy” is displayed on Lawn H, overlooking Swan Lake.

Statue of boys playing piggy back or "Changkuda.

" Changkuda" literally means horse riding in Malay, a game we used to play in the old carefree days of Singapore. It's simply mounting on someone's back for a fun race...
Created recently by local sculptor Chong Fah Cheong who also did the "First generation" sculpture by the Singapore River banks of Fullerton Hotel.

For photos on other parts of the world, please visit Our World Tuesday Meme. Thanks to the team of Our World for giving us the opportunity to share my world with the rest of the world.

Singapore Botanic Garden - Jacob Ballas Children's Garden - Fruits trees

2012-01-09T21:55:00.006+08:00

In the children's garden we could see many fruits trees.

Fruits of the lipstick tree and it looked like our local rambutan fruits.

Lots of banana plants in the garden

Papaya tree

Very interesting to see so many different types of fruit trees and plants in the children's garden. Very educational garden indeed besides playing in the garden.

Singapore Botanic Garden - Jacob Ballas Children's Garden

2012-01-08T17:13:00.005+08:00

We managed to find Jacob Ballas Children's Garden in Singapore Botanic Garden, just a short walk from the Botanic Garden MRT Station.

There were already a crowd at the garden. Some child care centres bought their students to the garden to play. The kids were really so happy and excited.

Spotted this tree house in the garden, as it was closed for maintenance, my little niece could not go up the tree house.

These kids really like running up and down the suspension bridge.

Fake durian tree in the garden
Opening hours
8.00am - 7.00pm (last admission at 6.30pm)The Jacob Ballas Children's Garden is closed on Mondays (except when it falls on a designated public holiday)

Admission to the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden is free. The garden is open to children up to 12 years old. All children have to be accompanied by an adult.

You can read more about Jacob Ballas Children's Garden from this website

Singapore Botanic Garden - Christmas Trees

2012-01-07T15:15:00.002+08:00

Christmas is over but gotta share these nice christmas trees that I spotted when I visited Botanic Garden last month. The trees are for charities. They were decorated with recycled materials.

Skywatch Friday - Botanic Garden Singapore

2012-01-06T14:55:00.003+08:00

These photos were taken last month but hardly have time to post. Visited the Botanic Garden via the newly built Circle Line MRT. The station was along Bukit Timah Road so the entrance to the garden is different from the one via Orchard Road.

The sun's direction made the words "Botanic Garden" on the gate hard to see so I had to take the reverse side of the gate.

The garden is quite huge and we walked a long way towards the central of the garden.

Saw this beautiful stage where at night during the weekend, there were be some performance.

For other sky watchers, please hop over to Skywatch Blog

My World Tuesday- Happy New Year 2011

2012-01-03T10:38:00.003+08:00

First post for the new year. Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year and may 2012 be a better year.

Just back from short trip to Guangzhou, China. It was so much better and safer than I first expected. The last time I visited Guangzhou was in 1986 (antique story already hahaha), so much changes and I will tell my Guangzhou travel story in my travel blog once I loaded my photos. If you are interested you can read about it and how to go about in Guangzhou.

Was about to check in for my flight to Guangzhou last week but was attracted by this huge Merlion Topiary in Changi Airport Terminal 3. I think the Merlion Topiary will be there till after Chinese New Year 2012.

Inside the transit area/departure area, there are more decorations.

Did not visit the butterfly garden in Terminal 3 cause I was taking the morning flight, the butterfly garden was in darkness, I guess butterflies need their beauty sleep too.

For photos on other parts of the world, please visit Our World Tuesday Meme. Thanks to the team of Our World for giving us the opportunity to share my world with the rest of the world.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2011-12-21T09:30:00.003+08:00

Just four more days to christmas, have you done your christmas shopping yet?

Saw many shoppers doing some last minute shopping at Takashimaya Shopping Mall.

Here wishing all my readers who celebrate christmas a very Merry Christmas and wishing everyone Happy New Year and may 2012 be a better year for all of us and the world.

Will be taking a short blog break and going for a short trip to China, be back in 2012. :)

My World Tuesday - Christmas 2011 - Christmas Lights along Orchard Road

2011-12-20T12:59:00.006+08:00

Did not have nice photos of the christmas lightings due to the raining weather almost everyday in Singapore. I managed to take few shots of the christmas lightings along Orchard Road.

I love the giant snow globe infront of Orchard Ion but the raining weather make photography difficult cause of the raindrops and misty look on the globe. Worst was the barricade surrounding the snow globe, I guess the barricade was to protect the snow globe.

Did you spot the cute little boy in the above photo?

Despite the rain, Orchard Road was filled with many people.

Beautiful christmas lightings along Orchard Road.

Oh I love this the best among all the christmas decorations along Orchard Road. The horse carousel infront of Orchard Paragon. Yes, it actually does go round and round. I got it on video.

Short video of the horse carousel infront of Orchard Paragon.

Short video of christmas lightings along Orchard Road

Rain Rain go away, come back another day.....

For photos on other parts of the world, please visit Our World Tuesday Meme. Thanks to the team of Our World for giving us the opportunity to share my world with the rest of the world.

Pink Saturday - Christmas Decoration at Suntec City

2011-12-17T14:40:00.004+08:00

Saw these beautiful christmas decorations at Suntec City, could not resist taking photos of them. Looked like I was in lollipop land.

For more pinky participants, please visit Beverly of How Sweet The Sound.

Vivo City - Elephants Parade

2011-12-14T14:54:00.005+08:00

Today's posting on the elephants found inside Vivo City and outside the mall. Have you found a favourite elephant?

My World Tuesday - Elephants at Roof Top of Vivo City

2011-12-13T08:52:00.000+08:00

I spotted more elephants from the exhibits of more than 100 elephants being exhibit all over Singapore. These beautifully painted elephants were found on the roof top of Vivo City, a very big shopping mall.

My little niece taught me to take photos of elephant eyes cause she loves them so much.

Elephant dressed up in kebaya, looked the uniform of Singapore Airlines Girls.

Hahaha being playful taking a candid shot of the back of the elephant.

For photos on other parts of the world, please visit Our World Tuesday Meme. Thanks to the team of Our World for giving us the opportunity to share my world with the rest of the world.

Skywatch Friday - Singapore Skyline

2011-12-09T11:28:00.001+08:00

Looking at Singapore skyline from Marina Boulevard. Usually we will look at the skyline from Esplanade or Marina Bay Sands Hotel so this time I take a reverse view of the skyline. The above photo where two tortoise like shells is the Esplanade (theatre).

The 3.5km waterfront promenade provides a continuous route linking the Marina Centre, Collyer Quay and Bayfront areas.

Taking a stroll from Marina Bay Sands towards Marina Boulevard via the Marina Waterfront. Best to walk in the evening or night where the weather is cooler.

‘Mist Walk’ – a 250-m long sculptural, tubular stainless steel structure that sprays clouds of mist to reduce ambient temperature and provide a cooling experience in the day. Note in the above photo, clouds of mist spraying out.

View of uncompleted office buildings at Marina Boulevard. This is the new financial district of Singapore. There's also condominium in here and they are really costly. Some of these buildings comes with energy-saving, high impact glass floor-to-ceiling windows and doors

Right in the middle of all the tall buildings in Marina Boulevard is a green square where activities are conducted. Spotted this group of teenagers having some promotion for their activities.

Short video of the Singapore skyline from Marina Boulevard.

For other sky watchers, please hop over to Skywatch Blog. Thanks to the team of skywatch for allowing us to share our photos with others.

Sculpture at Marina Bay Financial Centre

2011-12-07T14:51:00.003+08:00

Spotted this pair of buffaloes at the Marina Bay Financial Centre (where all the tall blue buildings were)

The pair of water buffaloes at the Marina Bay Financial Centre Ground Plaza is the work of renowned British sculptor and animalier, Dame Elisabeth Frink. Commissioned by Hongkong Land in the late 1980s, they were displayed at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Britain for over two decades before being shipped to Singapore in 2010. The symbol of industriousness and endurance in many Asian cultures, water buffaloes have traditionally formed the backbone of many agricultural societies. The pair standing here form a symbolic bridge between Singapore’s past, present and future – as a tribute to our forefathers whose hard work lay the foundation for our global port city, and as an inspiration to future generations of the enduring values it was built on.

Nearby was a very beautiful huge christmas tree.

Nice to work here with a great view of sea. Will post more photos of the surrounding buildings soon.

My World Tuesday - Christmas Trees along Marina Bay

2011-12-06T09:44:00.000+08:00

The Olympic Walk to mark the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore has been launched at the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade just next to Marina Bay Sands. It used to be part of the sea and has been reclaimed. We could walked from Marina Bay Sands to Marina Boulevard and then to Raffles Place. Next Year, the MRT Station will be opened which is just next to this walk.

Take note of all the tall blue buildings. They are located at Marina Boulevard. They are still under construction, most are office buildings.

There were lots of christmas trees along the Marina Bay Waterfront. These trees are for charities and the trees will be here till Christmas Day.

Eah tree is different and sponsored by different companies. I just had to take photos of almost every tree hahaha. It was fun although little niece and me were very tired. We sure walked for a long way from Suntec City to here.

For photos on other parts of the world, please visit Our World Tuesday Meme. Thanks to the team of Our World for giving us the opportunity to share my world with the rest of the world.

My World - Marina Arts Science Museum

2011-12-02T12:39:00.000+08:00

Christmas is coming very soon. Saw this beautiful reindeer decoration along Helix Bridge.

The bridge is now fully opened and we could walked straight into Marina Bay Sands.

The lotus shaped structure at Marina Bay Sands is the Arts Science Museum.

For other sky watchers, please hop over to Skywatch Blog.

Elephants Parade at Raffles Place

2011-11-30T20:44:00.010+08:00

We spotted more elephants at Raffles Place. They were also part of the elephant parade now exhibit in Singapore. They all looked so cute.

Elephants Parade at Marina Bay

2011-11-29T11:06:00.000+08:00

Saw these cute and pretty elephants in Marina Bay. They were part of the elephants parade now exhibit in Singapore. They each have a name. You can view more information about the elephants from its official website

I think I like this DONT FORGET elephant. As I grow older, am not wiser but more forgetful hahaha.

For photos on other parts of the world, please visit Our World Tuesday Meme. Thanks to the team of Our World for giving us the opportunity to share my world with the rest of the world.

Youth Olympic Park

2011-11-26T14:12:00.000+08:00

This is Singapore first art park known as Youth Olympic Park. The park was built and named in commemoration of the inaugural Youth Olympic Games hosted by Singapore in August 2010.

Little niece was busy taking photos of all the arts by school children. Bought her a new camera yet she is so used to using her handphone camera, I think I gonna take back the camera from her lol.

Also in the park was this landscaped maze. I think the children would like to play in here only in the evening when weather is not so hot.

Lots of sculptures with sports theme in here.

My World Tuesday - Butterfly Garden at Terminal 3 Changi Airport Singapore

2011-10-25T14:40:00.000+08:00

Sorry for the long absence, I just came back from my holiday in Taiwan. Was really great and fun travelling. We did not join any travel agencies, booked our promotional air ticket with Singapore Airline to Taipei and booked our hotel online. Very easy.

We get to go via Terminal 3 Changi Airport to board our SQ plane. This is the first time I took a plane from terminal 3.

Terminal 3 is really huge and the best part was the butterfly garden. Hubby went for his meal and I just took off like an excited little girl to view the butterflies hahaha.

There are two levels and you can access to the garden from either level.

There are so many butterflies and plants and flowers. Great for photography but mind your steps and dont step on any butterflies that might rest on the ground.

Some videos showing the numerous butterflies flying around.

Butterfly sucking some nectar from the flowers.

If you are interested to read my Taiwan Trip, you can view my travel blog

For photos on other parts of the world, please visit Our World Tuesday Meme. Thanks to the team of Our World for giving us the opportunity to share my world with the rest of the world.

Sculpture Trail along Singapore River - Fishing at Singapore RIver

2011-10-04T09:27:00.003+08:00

Fishing at Singapore River
Chern Lian Shan
Sculptor

A boy, wearing a tank top and jeans, is stting cross-legged on a stone platform, gazing down into the river below. Beside him, his old dog is curled up asleep.

During the olden days, fishing is very common sight. The sculpture shows the boy fishing but my photo did not turn up good showing him holding something in his hand.

Location of this sculpture is by Singapore River at The Riverwalk

For photos on other parts of the world, please visit Our World Tuesday Meme. Thanks to the team of Our World for giving us the opportunity to share my world with the rest of the world.

Sculptures Trail along Singapore River - A Great Emporium

2011-10-03T09:11:00.002+08:00

This sculpture depicts two merchants negotiating the prices for an array of goods, assisted by two coolies (labourers) holding up a traditional Chinese weighing scale known as the daching. This sculpture illustrates the typical scene along the Singapore River during its heyday as a bustling trading port.

The founder of modern Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles, intended Singapore to become a "great commercial emporium.

Location of this sculpture is near the Asian Civilisations Musuem and beside the "From Chettiars to Financiers" sculpture that I mentioned in earlier post.

Sculptures Trail along Singapore River-From Chettiars to Financiers

2011-10-01T20:11:00.001+08:00

This sculpture comprises a Chettiar (Indian moneylender), an employee of a Chinese clearing house and a modern day female Simex (Singapore Stock Exchange) trader. It shows the transformation of Singapore’s financial sector from traditional money lending in the early days to the sophisticated banking services provided by financial institutions today.

The location of the sculpture is along the Singapore River and behind Asian Civilisations Museum.

Sculptures Trail along Singapore River - Cavenagh Bridge and Kucinta

2011-09-30T09:13:00.000+08:00

Cavenagh Bridge, named after Sir Lieutenant General William Orfeur Cavenagh, the last Governor of the Straits Settlements (1859 - 1867) under British India control. It was built in 1868 and is today the oldest bridge across the Singapore River. It was the last major work of the Indian convicts based in Singapore. Now it serves as a foot-bridge for pedestrian traffic only. You can read more from source.

A very old signboard during the olden days of Singapore where cattle and horses roam around the streets. But nowadays horses are found in the zoo, turf club and polo club only.

Proof of how old this bridge is.

Located at the side of the bridge are these cat sculptures. Known as Singapura or kucinta. Kucinta (Kuchinta) a hybrid of two Malay words: Kuching (cat) and cinta (love).
The Singapura Cat a.k.a. Kucinta (Kuchinta) is regarded as Singapore's Tourism Board's mascot, although claims of it having originated from Singapore remain questionable. Read more from source to find out the real origins of the cats.

For other sky watchers, please hop over to Skywatch Blog

Sculptures Trail along Singapore River

2011-09-29T09:17:00.001+08:00

As I walked along Singapore River, I saw more sculptures. They were very interesting.

First Generation by Chong Fah Cheong.

The sculpture of five boys jumping happily into the river just like in the past. Those days, the lifestyle was very simple and happy and no stress. The location of these sculptures is beside fullerton building and Cavenagh Bridge.

Sculptures Trail along Singapore River - The River Merchants

2011-09-28T09:02:00.001+08:00

The River Merchant Sculpture was located infront of Maybank Tower Singapore along Singapore River. Maybank is the sponsor of these sculptures. The sculptor was Aw Tee Hong.

The sitting sculpture is one of Singapore's earliest merchants, Mr Alexander Laurie Johnston, interacting with the local merchants.

The sculpture of these coolies(workers) loading goods onto a bullock cart, a common sight during the earlier days of Singapore.

My World Tuesday - Sculptures Trail along Singapore River - Sir Stamford Raffles

2011-09-27T13:56:00.005+08:00

I am starting a new series on sculptures/statues found along Singapore River.

This is the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles.

Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles is famously known as the founder of modern Singapore.

Besides signing the treaty with Sultan Hussein on 6 February 1819 and thus placing Singapore as a British settlement, Raffles made several contributions that helped establish Singapore as a thriving settlement.

In December 1818, Raffles left Calcutta in search of a new British settlement to replace Malacca. Raffles arrived in Singapore on board a ship called Indiana on 28 January 1819.

The statue marked the landing site of Sir Stamford Raffles. You can read more from about him and his achievement from source.

For photos on other parts of the world, please visit Our World Tuesday Meme. Thanks to the team of Our World for giving us the opportunity to share my world with the rest of the world.

The Ice Cream Man and The Cat

2011-09-26T21:28:00.005+08:00

Before making our way home after a very happy trip to Pulau Ubin, we had ice cream even though it was raining.

Of course mine was durian flavour ice cream sandwiched between two waffle biscuits.

Snugging comfortably in a corner is this very cute cat.

The cat followed us from the ferry terminal to the car park hahaha.

Pulau Ubin - Jetty

2011-09-23T09:31:00.000+08:00

The rain spoilt our plan to continue our walk on Pulau Ubin. Since our group consists of senior folks, we decided to go back and come back another day.

Headed to the jetty where all the bum boats are. Same thing as when we arrived, they needed 12 passengers to depart from the island. But it is no problem, being a weekend, the boat soon filled in no time.

The sky is very gloomy although the rain had finally stop.

Once in the boat, the rain fell heavily again.

A view of the end of the boat, looked as if the boat is almost same level as the sea.

For other sky watchers, please hop over to Skywatch Blog.

Pulau Ubin - Food

2011-09-22T13:40:00.000+08:00

The best part of the visit on Pulau Ubin must be food hahaha. We had lunch at the above restaurant. The food is superb and the portion is big. We called medium size but is like large size on mainland Singapore.

Sambal Kangkong - so good

Kampong Chicken - wow I still can remember the taste and smell. This is really very delicious. The chicken are reared on Pulau Ubin. Next visit, I will order this dish again.

Sweet and Sour pork - also so good

Claypot tofu and assorted vegetables - a real huge pot - delicious

Omelette with onion

After lunch, we planned to walk around the island and stay for seafood dinner. But suddenly it was raining so heavily and we had to seek shelter in one of the villager's compound.

We plan to have seafood dinner at this restaurant but the rain came pouring, we could not go round the island so we decided to go back and come back another day to look for another temple on the island.

Pulau Ubin - scenery

2011-09-21T15:01:00.002+08:00

My goodness this is the first time I step onto Pulau Ubin. Really surprised that I like it so much. So full of nature and good food too. :)

An abandoned granite quarry - it looked like a very beautiful lake now.

Granite quarrying was once a major industry on Ubin. The first quarry was started in the 1800's. Ubin's granite was used to build the Horsburgh Lighthouse and Raffles Lighthouse, the two extreme points of Singapore. And, by some accounts, the Causeway linking Singapore to Malaysia as well. Read more from source

Walking around the village and we saw some nice houses.

An abandoned house

This is one of the most grand malay house on the island.

Besides wild boars, there are also many wild monkeys on the island. Please dont feed them.

I guess this is the one and only post box on Pulau Ubin near the jetty.

My World Tuesday - Pulau Ubin - Wild Boar

2011-09-20T08:39:00.000+08:00

After touring Chek Jawa, we made our way out to meet out Van driver. We called him via the name card he gave us earlier when he drop us at the entrance of Chek Jawa. But suddenly we were all excited at the sight of wild boars near the entrance of Chek Jawa.

We saw three of them. The Van driver told us that there are more of them but some are hidden in the bushes.

The van driver waiting for us at the pick up point just at the gate of Chek Jawa.

A short video of the wild boar eating some food left by the van driver. Seems like the wild boar recognized the villagers very well hahaha.

Lots of bicycles at the entrance of Chek Jawa.

For photos on other parts of the world, please visit Our World Tuesday Meme. Thanks to the team of Our World for giving us the opportunity to share my world with the rest of the world.

Pulau Ubin - House No 1/Visitor Centre

2011-09-16T10:09:00.000+08:00

After touring the wetlands at Chek Jawa, we made our way out to the information kiosk. Right behind the information kiosk is the visitor centre also known as house no. 1 Pulau Ubin.

According to one account, it was built in the 1930s by the then Chief Surveyor, Langdon Williams, as a holiday retreat. You can read more from source.

House No. 1 is believed to be Singapore’s only remaining authentic Tudor-style house with a fireplace. Its uniqueness fits in nicely with its new function as a visitor centre.

Fireplace is useless in Singapore cause we dont have winter. The fireplace can double up as a BBQ pit hahaha.

I believe upstairs are where the bedrooms are.

It has its very own jetty, I doubt it was being used anymore.

Back of the house, I love to have such house with a view of the sea and a private jetty. :)

Surrounding the house are lots of fruit trees and coconut trees. Can be quite errie to stay in the only house in this part of the island.

For other sky watchers, please hop over to Skywatch Blog.

Pulau Ubin - Observatory Tower

2011-09-15T14:10:00.000+08:00

I think this is the only one and only high structure in Pulau Ubin, an observatory tower at Chek Tower. It is about 7 storey high and no way I am climbing up there hahaha.

I just stand under some shades of those beautiful palms.

Looking up the tower.

I send my nephew up and had him to take photos of the surrounding from the top of the tower.

From the top of the tower, the sight of forests around us.

Another part of the view from the tower, is the sea. I think the far end is Malaysia.

Hahaha smart of my nephew to take photo of those at the bottom of the tower. No I was not among those people, remember, I was under those leaves of the palms (very well camouflaged lol)

Some cleaning and maintance at the boardwalk.

Pulau Ubin - Mangroves and attap chee

2011-09-14T13:30:00.005+08:00

After all the excitement with the marine life we saw earlier, we were fascinated by these mangroves. There were like a forest of them.

Mangrove trees are adapted to being covered in seawater at high tide and to grow in soft mud. The new boardwalk into the mangroves bring us closer to these trees as well as the marvellous Nipah palms.

We saw so many nipah plams or what we locals called them attap chee. We used to eat these in our Ice Kachang (local dessert).

Overripe fruits fall to the ground. Wild animals on this island are able to find plentiful of fruits in the forests so the more we should not feed the wild animals.

My World Tuesday - Pulau Ubin - Chek Jawa

2011-09-13T14:12:00.001+08:00

We took the van from the Jetty to Chek Jawa. It cost us S$2 per person one way and the driver will collect only when he comes and fetch us back to the jetty. He gave us a name card and to call him when we wanted to return after finishing visiting Chek Jawa. The van will move only when there are twelve passengers but we are a group of seven, he still take us.

You cant cheat him cause he can see you if you leave Pulau Ubin cause the vans parked just next to the jetty hahaha.

If you cycled, you have to park your bikes outside the gate so as to protect the marine life and beach.

It is just a short walk from the gate to the information kiosk. Do remember to spray insect repellant cause most of the places are mostly left untouched and lots of greenery and wooded. You might encounter some wild boars and monkeys but please do not feed them as they are wild.

There are plenty of food for them in the forests for them to fend for themselves.

Originally there were plans to reclaim Chek Jawa but it was saved by some nature loving group.

Some nature-loving members of the public found and helped save a beautiful beach on Pulau Ubin called Chek Jawa. Their efforts led to a rare policy U-turn in Singapore.It was by chance that botanist Joseph Lai, 41, stumbled on the lagoon and sand bars of Tanjung Chek Jawa in January. He was acting as a volunteer guide for some students from Raffles Girls' School, who were exploring the coastal forests in the area. They just happened to be there when the tide was low, and he remembers that the richness of the marine habitat left him 'speechless with wonder'. You can read more from source.

On reaching the information kiosk, you can collect map and brochures. Behind the kiosk is a house which I will tell you more about it later. The house is now a visitor centre.

Follow the map and you can come across a boardwalk or a bridge above the water. The boardwalk was built so as to protect the beach and marine life on the beach during low tide. You can walk on the bridge above the beach anytime without registering but if you choose to walk on the beach during low tide, you need to register online and most of the time it is full.

They have limit the number of people on the beach to protect the marine life in there. But we still can see some marine life from the bridge during low tide.

Too bad when I was there, the tide is not low enough otherwise I can see some crabs even without stepping on the beach.

I zoom on the another part of the beach from the bridge where I was standing. I saw several mud skippers on the lower part of the beach. We were so excited hahaha. Can you spot the mud skippers in the above photo (circled).

Saw many crabs further down the boardwalk. Some are hiding in the holes. Please do not capture or collect anything from the beach cause when you take the bumboat back to mainland Singapore, your bag have to go through the scanning machine at the ferry terminal at Changi Point. Anyway, I believe the marine creatures wont live long even if you capture them, they can only survive on sea water and not fresh water.

For photos on other parts of the world, please visit Our World Tuesday Meme. Thanks to the team of Our World for giving us the opportunity to share my world with the rest of the world.

Pulau Ubin - Temple

2011-09-11T19:59:00.002+08:00

Before touring the island, we decided to pray at the Tua Pek Kong Chinese Temple. It is a taoist temple and been around for a long time.

Worshippers praying for good luck, good health and for their wishes to come true.

The opera stage has been around since the sixties and most of the time, the stage is empty and used only during religious festivals.

An incense burner next to the temple.

Pulau Ubin - Moving around the island

2011-09-10T12:39:00.005+08:00

Upon reaching the island, we saw so many bicycles for rent. The only way to move around the island is either rent bicycles, take the van which acted as taxi/cab or walk.

Many choose to cycle but can be a challenge cause the roads are not even and there are cases of people who got injured while cycling on unfamilar and uneven roads.

As my group consists of senior folks, we choose the van to go to Chek Jawa (will tell you more when I come to the post).

Skywatch Friday - Taking the ferry to Pulau Ubin

2011-09-09T14:15:00.002+08:00

Singapore has about 64 small islands but not all islands are accessible to the public and some small islands have been merged to the mainland.

Last weekend, made a trip to one of the islands, Pulau Ubin. Pulau Ubin is a small island located north east of Singapore. Only a few hundred villagers still lived there. The name Pulau Ubin literally means "Granite Island" in Malay, which explains the many abandoned granite quarries there. The granites are used to make floor tiles in the past. See more information from source.

We took the bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal to Pulau Ubin (you dont need passport to go to Pulau Ubin it is part of Singapore). The ride is only about 10 mins ride and the boat will move only if there are at least twelve passengers. The fare is only S$2.50 per person and you pay to the boatman.

The signboard "Welcome to Pulau Ubin" is the first thing we saw on reaching the island. Pulau Ubin is so different from mainland Singapore. There are no tall buildings or shopping centres on this island. The road are not even and cycling on these roads prove to be a challenge. You can rent bicycles on the island or bring your own bicycles.

On weekdays, the island is mainly very deserted and quiet except for the villagers. Singaporeans, expatriates and even tourists love to come this island for the nature, cycling, photography and seafood during weekends and holidays. But you got to take care when cycling cause there are many people who got injured cause they are not familar with the roads on the island.

For other sky watchers, please hop over to Skywatch Blog.

Comex IT Show

2011-09-07T10:46:00.002+08:00

Every year there are so many IT shows in Singapore.

Last weekend, hubby went to Comex IT Show on his own cause I dislike huge crowd. He bought a computer home after visiting the exhibition hahaha. The price was so attractive that he cannot resist.

So the new computer goes to one of my son cause his computer is about few years old and now the new computer have better features and with faster speed. My husband will take over his old computer hahaha.

Geez, each family member have their own personal computer and my sons have a laptop each too for their school projects.

Electronic appliances are getting cheaper and cheaper that most can afford to have more than one.

Asian Civilisations Museum - Asia History

2011-09-04T22:06:00.006+08:00

I love these Chinese Shadow Puppets on display at the museum.

Precious porcelain wares from all parts of Asia.

The bulk of the gallery is devoted to religious artefacts. South Asia was the birthplace of two of the world's major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism. The museum's collection of stone representations of the Hindu gods covers different regional styles, and includes popular deities such as Shiva and Ganesha. Though no longer widely practised in South Asia, Buddhism was widespread in South Asia in the early centuries CE, before spreading to China and Southeast Asia. Early Buddhist artefacts on show include statues and stupa models. Source

There simply so many exhibits that I could not take photo of them all. Very interesting museum to visit.

Asian Civilisations Museum - Pejeng Style Bronze Drum

2011-09-02T23:17:00.000+08:00

After visiting the exhibition on the terracotta warriors, I went to the next exhibition hall and visit artefacts from South East Asia. Saw this very huge pejeng drum in the hall.

Made from bronze and cast in several sections, this drum is decorated with stylised flowers and saw teeth, as well as pairs of faces with bulging eyes between the drum's handles. This piece is a testament to the technological achievements of early Southeast Asians.

Asian Civilisations Museum - Terracotta Warriors Exhibitions

2011-09-01T21:53:00.005+08:00

There are more than 100 artefacts and ancient pots and jades but I did not take photos of them all cause I wanted to enjoy the exhibition and too tired from all the photo taking...lol.

Comb in the shape of owl.

Ancient pots discovered from the burial site.

Weapons used during the ancient times discovered being buried together with the Emperor in the burial site. Till now they are still finding the exact burial spot of the Emperor Shi Huang Di.

These are nothing compared to the real burial site in Xian, China. I will visit Xian when time permits but not now.

Asian Civilisations Museum - Terracotta Warriors Exhibitions

2011-08-31T20:30:00.000+08:00

This exhibition features one hundred artefacts from Shaanxi province in China. Besides terracotta figures, the display contains important bronzes and jades from the Qin state before the time of the First Emperor, Shi Huangdi. The Han dynasty inherited the legacy of unified China, and charming terracotta figures from this later period show how the First Emperor’s tomb influenced later burials. For more information you can view the official website.

Of course the exhibition is nothing compared to the actual site at Xian. But it is still worth visiting the exhibits.

The exhbition will ends 16th October 2011.

Asian Civilisations Museum - Life After Death Art Installation

2011-08-30T11:42:00.000+08:00

Before entering the exhibition hall to view the exhibits, we saw an art installation by Justin Lee, they looked so cute. The art installation blends western pop art with traditional eastern imagery.

The ancient terracotta warriors with the modern headsets, so cute.

The ancient lady with laptop. Hahaha so funny cannot imagine the Emperor surfing the internet during ancient times.

Another ancient lady with a branded bag.

For photos on other parts of the world, please visit Our World Tuesday Meme. Thanks to the team of Our World for giving us the opportunity to share my world with the rest of the world.

Asian Civilisations Museum - Terracotta Warriors Exhibitions

2011-08-28T21:02:00.004+08:00

I visited the Asian Civilisations Museum with little niece to view an exhibition on the Terracotta Warriors: The First Emperor and His Legacy. The exhibition will on from 24 Jun 2011 - 16 Oct 2011.

This exhibition features one hundred artefacts from Shaanxi province in China. Besides terracotta figures, the display contains important bronzes and jades from the Qin state before the time of the First Emperor, Shi Huangdi. The Han dynasty inherited the legacy of unified China, and charming terracotta figures from this later period show how the First Emperor’s tomb influenced later burials.

Admission Charges for Adults are different depending on the time you visited the museum. I paid only $5 when I visited earlier this month and my little niece do not have to pay for the admission charges cause she is a full time Singapore student. You can visit the official website for more information on the admission tickets.

Statues guarding the entrance of the museum.

You can purchase the tickets from the ticketing counter on the ground floor and you get a sticker to paste on your shirt to show the security guard when you enter the gallery.

The two statues infront of the exhibition hall are actually puzzle statues. You can play with the puzzles.

More photos on the terracotta warriors in next post.

Skywatch Friday - Geylang Serai - Hari Raya Puasa Part 3 - Street Light Up

2011-08-26T13:34:00.000+08:00

Ending my post on my walk along Geylang Serai with these beautiful lights along Geylang Serai. If you happen to be in Singapore, drop by and see these lights and bazaar. The Hari Raya Light-Up & Celebrations at Geylang Serai will be held from 30 July to 7 September 2011.

A short video on the street lights in Geylang Serai.

Hari Raya Puasa is on 30th August 2011, here wishing all muslims Selamat Hari Raya.

For other sky watchers, please hop over to Skywatch Blog.

Geylang Serai - Hari Raya Pausa 2011 - Part 2

2011-08-24T21:51:00.004+08:00

Continued from my walk along Geylang Serai, I saw these beautiful decorations fronting Joo Chiat Complex.

Love these butterflies deco.

Very interesting to see what these stalls are selling.

Rows of stalls selling floor carpets and they are not cheap either. Some cost more than a $100.

Beautiful clothes on sale.

Ready made curtains. Sometimes it is cheaper to get those ready made curtains than to tailor made. They have all sizes of curtains on sale here.

Geylang Serai - Hari Raya Puasa 2011 Part 1

2011-08-23T13:47:00.006+08:00

We are a multi racial country and this month the muslim will be celebrating Hari Raya Puasa. Different ethnic group in our country have their own little town which sell mainly the familar stuff of each ethnic group.

For the Chinese, we have our Chinatown, the Indians have their Little India, the Eurasians have Orchard Road and the muslims have Geylang Serai but really we actually shop in each other town and all over Singapore.

On August 30th, the muslim will be celebrating Hari Raya Puasa so Geylang Serai is suddenly filled with huge crowds busy shopping for the festival. Even non muslim went to Geylang Serai to soak in the atmosphere and to shop too. I was there to eat my favourite nasi padang in the hawker centre. :)

Saw these jars of cookies at the stall reminded me of my shopping in chinatown during Chinese New Year.

Besides cookies, there were cooked and delicious food at the Bazaar.

Tomorrow I will share photos of non food stalls at Geylang Serai and Friday Skywatch I will share the light up of the streets along Geylang Serai.

Sentosa - Merlion

2011-08-22T09:51:00.003+08:00

Visiting Sentosa, one sure to take photo of the huge Merlion. I got this shot of the Merlion from the top of the hill i.e. near the Image of Singapore Building. I like this photo of the Merlion.

One have to pay an entrance fee to go to the top of the Merlion. I guess it is a kind of crowd control too. I been there before but back then did not take photo. It provided a 360 degrees view of Singapore.

Sentosa - Resort World

2011-08-21T20:03:00.004+08:00

We could see many flags flying high on Sentosa cause we just celebratef our National Day on 9th August.

Flags hanging from the hotel's balconies on Sentosa.

Favourite spot on Sentosa for taking photo with the Singapore Flag.

But a must go for tourist must be the Casino. Tourists go in free while locals have to pay an entry fee of $100.

Singaporeans need to use their Identity Card to gain entry to the Casino and also to pay an entry fee of $100.

I rather use the $100 for better use cause I dont know how to gamble, I always donate to the jackpot machine lol.

Saw these decorations at the atrium of Resort World.

OMG, even the bakery outside the Casino baked their breads/cakes associated with gambling.

Pink Saturday - Tourist Attractions

2011-08-20T15:44:00.005+08:00

This is cute. I thought he was riding on a fake ostrich till I saw that he is actually walking on stilts.

Poor guy being caught by the big bird.

Can you differentiate the real macaw from the fake?

The man must be so talented to be able to draw portrait of people. I always admired people who can draw. Too bad I cant draw, the best I could do was draw stick people...lol.

Short video of the crew riding on the ostrich.

For more pinky participants, please visit Beverly of How Sweet The Sound.

Sentosa - Lake of Dreams

2011-08-17T22:03:00.010+08:00

I love walking around Sentosa but there's so much to see on Sentosa so I just hang around Resort World for that part of the day.

Was admiring all these beautiful sculptures and fountain at the Lake of Dream at Resort World.

Every night at 9.30 pm there's a wonderful performance at the Lake of Dream. The performance last about 20 minutes. I have never visit the resort world at night, perhaps I will go one of the night to watch the night performance.

Just a short video of the fountain performance at the Lake of Dream.

As I was making my way home, suddenly there's fire breathing out of the sculptures. So I quickly take a short video of the fire coming out of the sculptures. It was about 2.30 pm when I was there.

For other sky watchers, please hop over to Skywatch Blog.

My World Tuesday - Sentosa - Cute Sculptures

2011-08-16T08:42:00.000+08:00

Once exiting from the boardwalk, we entered into Sentosa and saw these cute and beautiful art installations by Brazilian neo-pop artist, Romero Britto displayed at The Forum of Resorts World Sentosa.

These sculptures are enamel painted on aluminum

I love the cat sculpture, looked really cute.

So which is your favourite?

Please visit "That's my World" for other parts of the world.

Sentosa - Going to Sentosa via the Boardwalk

2011-08-15T12:48:00.000+08:00

There are many ways to visit Sentosa from mainland Singapore. We can drive there, take the cable car, monorail, bus or simply walking there.

The thing I like walking there is the new 700-metre timber boardwalk (a kind of bridge) linking mainland Singapore and Sentosa. It is sheltered and had travelators for those who cant walk long distance, especially the senior citizens.

Different parts of the boardwalk was colour coded and themed.

Finally we done walking the 700 m boardwalk and we arrived the ticket office. For those who want to buy tickets for the different attactions in Sentosa, can get the tickets from the ticket office or if you just walk to take a brisk walk on Sentosa just skip this ticket office and go straight to the gantry gates.

Admission via the boardwalk to Sentosa is only $1 and for quick access we can use our EZ link Card (the card that we used to board bus or train).

For more photos of the Sentosa boardwalk, can view my previous post.

Pink Saturday - Pink Hibiscus

2011-08-13T22:06:00.005+08:00

Saw this pretty pink hibiscus growing from someone's else back yard. Love the pinkish petals.

For more pinky participants, please visit Beverly of How Sweet The Sound.

Visit to Asian Civilisations Museum

2011-08-12T15:24:00.003+08:00

Visit to the Asian Civilisations Musem this weekend is free of charge. Do visit it as there is a special exhibition on The Terracotta Warriors from China. Besides this exhibition, there are also lots of lovely artefacts to see in this museum.

I visited two days ago and pay a $5 admission fee while my niece dont have to pay any admission fee cause she is a full time Singapore Student. Was a good experience for both little niece and myself, both of us love visiting museums.

Will post photos later.

Orchard Central - Roof Garden - The Stairs, The Clouds and The Sky Sculptures Part 2

2011-08-12T09:07:00.000+08:00

Ending my finale post for the roof garden of Orchard Central with this sculpture of a man climbing the stairs.

It looked very interesting and amazing how the sculpture looked like it was being suspended midair.

Little niece taking a good shot of the sculpture.

From the bottom of the stairs, the reflection of the sculpture and some tourists walking up the stairs looked like there are three sculptures and six men but actually there are only one sculpture and two men.

For other sky watchers, please hop over to Skywatch Blog.

Orchard Central - Roof Garden -, The Stairs, The Clouds and The Sky Sculptures Part 1

2011-08-11T13:12:00.007+08:00

On the 12th Floor of Orchard Central Roof Garden, there are several sculptures worth taking photos of.

Need to stand at different angle to take good photo shots of the sculptures and the sculptures can move when the wind blows. Very well done sculptures.

From this angle, the sculpture looked like missing a head. :)

My World Tuesday - Happy Birthday Singapore

2011-08-09T16:08:00.004+08:00

Today is the 46th Birthday of Singapore. Wow I am older than my country...lol.

Singapore had been a part of various local empires since it was first inhabited in the second century AD. It hosted a trading post of the East India Company in 1819 with permission from the Sultanate of Johor. The British obtained sovereignty over the island in 1824 and Singapore became one of the British Straits Settlements in 1826. Singapore was occupied by the Japanese in World War II and reverted to British rule after the war. It became internally self-governing in 1959. Singapore united with other former British territories to form Malaysia in 1963 and became a fully-independent state two years later after separation from Malaysia. Read from source for more about Singapore.

So we gain our independence on 9th August 1965.

This morning, I went to Sentosa for a brisk walk with hubby. Saw this very huge flag with a heart shape made of roses on Sentosa Island just infront of the Images of Singapore Building.

We walked to Sentosa from mainland Singapore via the Sentosa Boardwalk which I posted about in my much earlier post in February 2011.

We saw a huge banner of greetings at the boardwalk. Some wrote very nice words and greetings and some drew on the banner. Very beautiful way to celebrate National Day.

Please visit "That's my World" for other parts of the world.

Orchard Central Shopping Mall - Roof Top Garden - Flowers

2011-08-08T12:28:00.000+08:00

After viewing the sculptures on the 11th floor of the roof garden of Orchard Central, we climb up the stairs to the 12th floor to view more.

Not many flowers in bloom but enough to attract visitors.

Saw many aquatic plants in the small pool on the roof top.

Pink Saturday - Orchard Central - Roof Garden

2011-08-06T14:04:00.004+08:00

If you love arts, Orchard Central is for you.

Very surprised that the roof garden is so pretty with these cute sculptures.

It looked like a giant flower growing on the roof top.

This is the favourite with my little niece. She loves dogs.

The girl sculpture looked like she has pimples on her body..lol.

For more pinky participants, please visit Beverly of How Sweet The Sound.

More photos on more sculptures on the roof top of Orchard Central coming soon in another post.

Skywatch Friday - Roof Garden of Orchard Central Shopping Mall

2011-08-05T09:23:00.003+08:00

It is strange that whenever I shop, I never thought of going up the rooftop of the shopping mall to have a look. So this time round, I decided to visit the roof top of the mall. Orchard Central has a roof garden which is very beautiful and artistic.

Little niece taking photo of the long super escalator up the roof garden of Orchard Central.

Just follow the signs to the Roof Garden.

From the roof garden, I am able to view the surrounding buildings in Orchard Road.

Did not know there's a pool on the roof top of Orchard Point just opposite Orchard Central where I was standing.

Roof Top of Centrepoint, take note of the garden where the garden was, the word Centrepoint being landscaped.

For other sky watchers, please hop over to Skywatch blog

Please return to see more of the roof garden.

HIghlights of my walk along Balestier Road

2011-08-03T22:33:00.003+08:00

Highlights of my walk along Balestier Road (Click on them to view photos)

Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (not visted yet-under restoration - open in October)
Mana Sasana Ramsi Burmese Buddhist Temple (not visited yet-next to Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall)

Balestier Market

Water Kiosk at corner of Boon Teck Road

Goddess of Mercy Temple

Sim Kwong Ho Shophouse, 418 Balestier Road

Sim Kwong Ho Shophouse, 292-310 Balestier Rd

Sin Hon Loong Bakery and
Lam Yeo Coffee Powder

Goh Chor Tua Pek Kong Temple

Walk along Balestier Road - Goh Chor Tua Pek Kong Temple, 249 Balestier Road

2011-08-03T22:22:00.003+08:00

Continued with my walk along Balestier Road I come across this small temple. It is a single storey building. Did not have a good photo of the temple because of the tent.

The temple was established in 1847 by Chinese Hokkien labourers working on Joseph Balestier’s sugar plantation.

The workers set up the temple to protect them cause during the early days, the plantation was infested with tigers and malarial mosquitoes. So they pray for safety and protection.

Walk along Balestier Road - Traditional Shops that still surviving

2011-08-02T11:57:00.001+08:00

As I continued my walk along Balestier Road, at the junction of Balestier Road and Whampoa is this very old traditional bakery shop. I used to stay near Whampoa during my childhood so I can relate to this old bakery shop. Mom used to buy freshly baked bread from this bakery.

They are still around and still using the traditional oven to bake these bread. When I was there around 1 pm, there were people queueing to buy the bread that just come out of the oven. Of course I bought some too. :)

Sing Hon Loong Bakery (4 Whampoa Drive)

I asked permission from the owner to take photos of the freshly baked bread.

Bread cutting machine

Lam Yeo Coffee Powder, 328 Balestier Road

Another old shop still around is the shop selling coffee powder along Balestier Road. As it was a Sunday, it was closed. I only could take photo of the coffee powder from a small gap from the main gate, lucky they did not pull the shutters down lol. I can still remember the smell from the coffee powder that mom used to come and buy from this shop.

The above two shops has a history of more than 50 years as old as me hahaha.

Please visit "That's my World" for other parts of the world.

Walk along Balestier Road - Street Scenes

2011-07-31T13:55:00.002+08:00

Sometimes it is interesting just to snap any photos while you were walking along the road. I saw this very old hotel along Balestier Road. But on reaching home and loading to my computer, did I realise that they actually hang the Singapore Flag the wrong way hahaha. It was hung the reversed way.

There are many budget hotels along Balestier Road.

Also saw many tall and new condominiums coming up. Good that while new buildings are popping up, the old buildings are preserved and restored.

This is another building that was upgraded. It now sported a very modern look.

Walk along Balestier Road - Another row of Sim Kwong Ho Shophouse

2011-07-30T13:20:00.006+08:00

As I continued my walk along Balestier Road, I saw that there's another row of shophouses belonging to Sim Kwong Ho. It is located at the junction of Kim Keat Road and Balestier Road.

It was designed by the architect firm of Westerhout and Oman. It is often referred to as the “Sim Kwong Ho” building as the name(in mandarin) is inscribed on the front of the building. According to residents in the area, there is a dog centrepiece feature that had gone missing, but they have no idea when it disappeared

The row of shophouses are very pretty and comes in so many colours. I love the purple look of the shophouses.
You can read more about the history of the shophouses from heritage trails

For more pinky participants, please visit Beverly of How Sweet The Sound.

A walk along Balestier Road - Sim Kwong Ho Shophouse

2011-07-29T16:51:00.000+08:00

Madam Sim Cheng Neo a female developer owned many properties in Balestier Area. One of these is the shophouse called Sim Kwong Ho Shophouse at 418 Balestier Road just at the junction of Balestier Road and Jalan Kemaman.

The shophouse has been restored, modernized and converted into a budget hotel.

It is interesting to observe the designs on the shophouses. There were animals, birds, dragons, etc. There's some that come in the design of a dragon with bat's wings.

Instead of the usual Chinese warriors that are depicted on doors of Chinese homes as symbolic guardians, the shophouse has Sikhs as its door guards as they were often employed as policemen in the colonial past.

You can read more about the shophouse from heritage trails website.

For other sky watchers, please hop over to Skywatch blog

A walk along Balestier Road - Goddess of Mercy Temple

2011-07-28T20:28:00.002+08:00

Walking along Balestier Road, you can find many wonders and history along the road. One of them is this Goddess of Mercy Temple. There are many Goddess of Mercy Temples around Singapore. The most popular Goddess of Mercy Temple must be the one at Waterloo Street and this temple at Balestier Road is also very popular.

As always the roof of chinese temples decorated with dragons guarding the pearl in the centre. If I am not mistaken the dragon guarding the roof of temple must be the 2nd son of the Dragon King. The dragon king has 9 sons.

Chi Wen - The second son of the dragon, Chi Wen is in charge of rainfall. His image is seen on the ridges of buildings to protect the building from fire. Chi Wen can be seen on virtually every imperial building made of terracotta and colorfully glazed.

You might like to read the rest of the other sons of the dragon king from source.

A walk along Balestier Road - Water Kiosk

2011-07-27T13:45:00.003+08:00

This water kiosk at the corner of Boon Teck Road off Balestier Road has a long history. There used to be a few water kiosks like these but seems like this is the only one remains. This service is provided by Thong Teck Sian Tong Lian Sia Temple for many decades since decades ago. It used to provide the water for workers etc but simply anyone who is thirsty can drink from this kiosk even till now.

If you happen to be there, you can refill your water bottle with the clean water from the kiosk.

Every morning the temple caretakers will refill the containers with clean water.

My World Tuesday -A walk along Balestier Road - Balestier Market and Stone Lions

2011-07-26T13:47:00.001+08:00

Today, I will introduce Balestier Heritage Trail. You need good walking shoes to walk the whole trail, I manage a few spots only cause some are closed on Sunday or under restoration.

The road was named after Joseph Balestier, the then colony's first American consul from 1837 to 1852 and the owner of a 1,000-acre (4.0 km2) sugar plantation called Balestier Plain, which failed and was put up for sale. Balestier was in Singapore between 1834 and 1852 and was a botanist and agriculturist. The road was named after him as it was where his plantation was located. You can read more from source.

Balestier has a rich history and many Singaporeans come here for its delicious local food found in shophouses. Expect queues especially at well known stalls/restaurants.

I found the stone lions that once grace the Oasis Restaurant in Kallang. Seems like the lions had shifted here to Balestier Market but the Oasis restaurant has shifted to Toa Payoh. You can see my other photo of the same lion that was once at Oasis Restaurant in kallang in my previous post.

Because of the heavy traffic along Balesteir Road, this is the best position to photograph the two lions. These lions are not the original stone lions that once guard Merdeka Bridge (now Benjamin Sheares Bridge). These are just clone of the original lions. The original stone lions are now at SAFTI Jurong.

The market is no longer the wet market that I once knew. It is now privately owned and a food court. It was so quiet when I visited in on a Sunday, many stalls are emptied and not many customers in the food court.

I guess not every upgrading is good especially at Balestier Road where there are lots of famous eateries/restaurants in here.

In my opinion, a market should be a market and nothing else.

Please visit "That's my World" for other parts of the world.

Taking a stroll along memory lane

2011-07-23T22:58:00.004+08:00

This building with pink and white bricks may look familar to many but the name of the building (Vanguard Building) sounds alien but mention the old MPH Building it would be familar with many. MPH Building used to house the MPH Bookstore. I remember spending my teenage years browsing through the books. I especially like the greeting cards that they sold but as a student I was too poor to buy them then.

This building is located at the junction of Armenian Street and Stamford Road which is once the shopping hub of Singapore. But now the streets are so quiet.

The buildings are all very old and filled with many european designs. All these buildings are now preserved.

A street away from Vanguard Building(old MPH Bulding), is another old and beautiful building called Stamford House at Hill Street.

The building was originally built for Seth Paul for his tenant, the retail firm Whiteaway Laidlaw & Co, who carried out their business there. The Stamford House was originally known as the Oranje Building and served as an annexe to the Raffles Hotel. In 1933, it became the Oranje Hotel and was probably used by the Japanese forces as such during World War II. Basco Enterprises acquired it in 1963 and later renamed it Stamford House after refurbishment. Together with Shaw Building, it was once the shopping hub of Singapore. You can read more of its history from infopedia

Walking through the path, I saw many shops that are emptied at Stamford House. Another restoration or takeover is being discussed. Not sure what or who is taking over Stamford House along with Capitol Theatre which is adjacent to Stamford House. You can see my previous post about Capitol Theatre .

Doors of one of the empty shop.

Victorian designs on the top of the shop.

While passing by those empty shops, I happen to look at the pillars of Stamford House, I realised all the photos with hand prints in cement of actors/actresses and Singers from Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. It was so long ago that these were created and judging from the photos of these actors, they looked so young but some of them are already in their forties or fifties now. I think most have already forgotten about these posters.

When they started these, they tried to have a kind of hall of fame for these actors/actresses but hmmm seems so deserted and nobody seems to pay any notice except me clicking photos of them hahaha.

Sorry for the little pink in this week's post.

For more pinky participants, please visit Beverly of How Sweet The Sound.

Skywatch Friday - Singapore Management University and Bras Basah MRT Station

2011-07-22T09:39:00.000+08:00

This is Bras Basah MRT Station. I took these photos when I was on my way to visit the museum. It is very convenient to visit the National Museum and Peranakan Museum via the MRT.

Upon exiting from the train, we could see the roof of the Bras Basah Station was filled with water. The water was not due to any recent rain but it was purposely filled with water. So that when viewed from the park, it is a reflection pool, from the station platform, it is a skylight.

I did not go up to street level to take the reflection pool, cause I make use of the underground pass to go to the museum. Maybe one day, I will go there again just to take photo of the pool from street level.

The long underpass from the MRT Station linked to SMU (Singapore Management University). It is strange that the underpass is actually part of the university where I saw several students studying and I did not try to take photo of them cause everyone seems to be looking at me...lol.

Exiting from the underpass, is the university just next to National Museum.

The location of the above building is where the old National Library was. I am very sad that they decided to demolish the old library, have fond memories of going to the old library with my siblings and also with my friends.

Lots of plants growing on the building of SMU.

This tree was saved when the old library was demolished.

For other sky watchers, please hop over to Skywatch blog.

Cat

2011-07-20T11:29:00.000+08:00

Saw this cat not sure if it was a stray or someone's pet.

It had a beautiful black and white coat, so I could not resist taking a photo of it.

Then suddenly the cat was very still and aiming at something

It was trying to attack a bird nearby but I could not manage to take a photo of the bird cause the bird manage to fly away before it became the cat's lunch..lol

I guess the cat must be very disappointed at losing its meal so it turned to us but too bad we aint suitable to be its lunch...lol

My World Tuesday - The Rail Mall

2011-07-19T13:51:00.001+08:00

The rail mall is located in Bukit Timah Singapore. Bukit Timah is considered the most expensive district in Singapore. There are many eateries and restaurants located in here. The prices are affordable in here and I spotted many nice restaurants. Wonder why I did not come here before...lol.

Parking is a problem at the rail mall especially during the weekend but there's a MRT train station under construction just at the far left of the photo below. The line is known as the downtown line.

Please visit "That's my World" for other parts of the world.

Skywatch Friday - The Green Corridor - Coconut Trees

2011-07-15T09:18:00.006+08:00

Continuing from my post on the Green Corridor, besides just viewing the railway tracks along the green corridor, there are so many greenery surrounding the tracks.

So many coconut trees along this track and many fallen coconuts on the ground.

Coconut sprouting a new plant.

Like this photo of a dead leaf among the stones.

A sign indicating the distance of the railway track.

Residents taking a short cut to and from their home to the main road across the railway track.

For other sky watchers, please hop over to Skywatch blog.

The Green Corridor - Tracks

2011-07-14T14:22:00.004+08:00

Saw some writtings on the wall near the bridge at Rail Mall.

Railway sleepers made of wood - some are giving way due to wear and tear.

Closer look at the joints.

The bridge where the train once runs. I guess all these will be dismantle. Cannot imagine how close the train was to the apartments. Wonder how these folks can live with the noise made by the train but surely now they might miss the train going by.

A look of the road from the bridge where the trains runs. Yes, some parts of the railway tracks is very near the road cause the railway runs from Malaysia to Tanjong Pagar right in the middle of the city. It is kind of relief that an agreement was reached and convinced KTM to move the station to the very north of Singapore and nearer to Johor Bahru so now good use can be made on the lands that the trains once run.

The Green Corridor - Taking a walk along the railway tracks

2011-07-13T13:12:00.001+08:00

Northwest CDC has cut steps and installed railings for some kind of event, so these steps and railings helps us to climb up to the railway tracks at The Rail Mall at Upper Bukit Timah Road. It is best to wear proper shoes cause there are many slopes along the tracks and also many stones and uneven path along the tracks.

The bridge where the train once runs above the road at Upper Bukit Timah Road. I think the bridge will be dismantled too and the infrastructure return to Malaysia.

You can see huge crowd mingle around the bridge near The Rail Mall to take photos.

Even doggie has come to join in the fun in this historical moment.

Parents take the opportunity to bring their kids to walk on the tracks and taking photos for memories.

More photos coming soon.

My World Tuesday - The Green Corridor

2011-07-12T13:55:00.000+08:00

Yes, I am standing in the middle of the railway track without fear of the train coming cause the train wont be coming anymore. This used to belongs to KTM Malaysia, but some agreement between Singapore and Malaysia, a very long stretch of the railway track/land will be hand over to Singapore in exchange for joint venture in a few land parcels in Singapore with Malaysia having 60% and Singapore 40% in the partnership.

Many Singaporeans flocked to have last chance to take photos with these tracks before they are being removed.

The entire line of railway tracks will be open to the public from now until July 17, except for a few areas.

After July 17, a 3km stretch of tracks from Rifle Range Road to The Rail Mall will continue to be open until July 31.

Singapore will remove the tracks and ancillary structures of the KTM railway and hand them over to Malaysia.

But there are some hope that certain part of the tracks and greenery will be retained.

For those interested in checking out the walking route from Rail Mall to Bukit Timah Train Station, you can view or download the map from The Green Corridor.

Most people mingle around certain popular parts of the railway tracks, but there are some courageous who actually walked the entire stretch of the railway track.

One of them is my ex-classmate who I met at The Rail Mall, she started at 8am at Kranji and walked to The Rail Mall around 1 pm for lunch and continue to Bukit Timah Railway Station and ended her walk at Tanjong Pagar Railway Station around 4 pm. OMG, she can really walk, I cant walk, I just mingle around Rail Mall and walk only a short stretch of the tracks to avoid the crowd at the Rail Mall and take a short cut out of the bushes and walked back to Rail Mall for lunch...lol.

I have just a great time walking on the railway tracks and taking lots of photos, this is the first time I had walked on a railway track.

Two short videos showing people walking on the railway tracks.

Please visit "That's my World" for other parts of the world.

More candid photos of the railway tracks tomorrow, please return to visit.

Shuang Lin Cheng Huang

2011-07-11T09:16:00.000+08:00

Just next door to Lian Shan Shuang Lin Temple, is another smaller temple called Shuang Lin Cheng Huang. This temple is so much different from the next door temple, it is only one main building and has a high ceiling.

It is a taoist Temple.

High on the roof is a big panel with pictures of all dieties.

You need to purchase a pack of joss sticks to pray to the dieties. A small pack cost about 50 cents while at other temples the joss sticks are free but a small donation is appreciated.

Devotees burn incense papers in a pagoda like urn as offerings to the Gods.

There are two huge lions infront of the temple. I guess they are there to guard the temple.