Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Bum Boats Singapore

In Old Singapore, bumboats were extensively used for transport purposes along the Singapore River, Rochore and Kallang Rivers, and also along the coast of the mainland and the other nearby islands.
But today, there are few bumboats left. Bumboats are converted as river-taxis ferry passengers mainly tourists along this historic waterway, Singapore River, for unique sightseeing and pleasure rides up and down river. Pickup and disembarkation points are along Boat Quay and Clake Quay.
The bigger bumboats are converted to restaurants. The buildings along Singapore River used to be warehouses but they are now converted to pubs and restaurants.

There are several bridges of different designs along Singapore River. Picture shows Read Bridge.



Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Sentosa

Sentosa was once known as Pulau Belakang Mati, which in Malay means the "Island (pulau) of Death (mati) from Behind (belakang)".

The Malay name for this island is literally translated as "dead back" or "behind the dead"; belakang means "at the back" or "behind"; mati means "dead". It is also called the dead island or the island of the dead.

Different versions of how the island came to acquire such an unpropitious name abound. One account attributed the ominous name to murder and piracy in the island's past. (source: Wikipedia)

In a 1972 contest organised by the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board, the island was renamed Sentosa, a Malay word meaning "peace and tranquillity". (source: wikipedia)

Several ways to get to Sentosa from main land, Singapore. One is by car, by public bus, sentosa express (you can see the track in the above photo), by cable cars (see below photo) and you can also walk there.

Closer view of cable cars.



Monday, November 12, 2007

Orchard Road

Orchard Road is where the tourist will go. It is alway a nice place to watch all the actions go by.
Orchard Road will be full of fairy lights during Christmas Period. Will be a best place to take photo of all the beautiful christmas decorations along Orchard Road.

Buskers at work.

Mascot by credit card company to promote their products.

Path along CK Tang Shopping Centre

Sunday is alway crowded at Lucky Plaza





Sunday, February 11, 2007

Chinese New Year Shopping in Chinatown Singapore

During Chinese New Year, shopping in Chinatown, Singapore is alway a colourful event. Full of different varieties of food, titbits, flowers, etc on sale.

Stall selling dried sausages, waxed ducks, etc

Stallholder chopping up roasted pig's thigh for customers.

Stall selling pomeloes.

This is Nian Guo. It is actually a sticky cake, normally sold during chinese new year.

Melon seeds for sale

Assorted cookies for sale

This is a dried cookies which is eated as it is or cooked with water.
Flowers and plants on sale. The favourite plant for chinese new year is the Pussy Willows.







Saturday, February 10, 2007

Chinese New Year Shopping in Chinatown


Chinatown decorated beautifully to welcome Chinese New Year.

I think the laser display on the building looked beautiful.

It is so crowded in chinatown especially during Chinese New Year period.