Singapore: Orchard Christmas 2012 新加坡:乌节路圣诞

One should not miss a trip down to Orchard Road during Christmas season. The street light up began on 17 Nov 2012 and will last till 6 Jan 2013 - a magical time for everyone.  

The bright coloured Jelly Baby Family welcome shoppers at Plaza Singapura. These life sized sculptures by Italian artist, Mauro Peruchetti embodied the unity of family.

Plaza Singapura Christmas tree laced with Jelly Baby Family - simple and sweet.

Orchard Central's Christmas theme: 'Chistmas with an OC Attitude' transformed the mall into a Christmas Forest of pink and white with whimsical winter animals.  A creative eco-friendly forest incorporating retreated tree trunks and twigs, power saving LED fairy lights and stained glass baubles made from recycled PVC film sheets.

A masked Racoon with a pink helmet up on the tree! It's fun wandering through the wintry Christmas forest spotting amusing animals. No doubt Orchard Central won 'The Overall Winner of Best Dressed Building 2012'. My favourite as well!

Paragon's 40ft unique Christmas Tree is an all black tree covered with little shiny red baubles, topped with a bright yellow star and surrounded by translucent yellow orbs.  

A classic Christmas tree towering in front of Knightsbridge Mall@Grand Park Orchard. 

There's always a golden Ferrero Rocher Gifting Tree around Orchard Road during Christmas. This year is at Ngee Ann City. You'll see many kids sticking around this tree! 

ION Orchard 'Recycled' Christmas Tree- which has two entrances where visitors can walk inside. But what's inside makes a difference every year to mesmerize visitors.    

Christmas Playground for everyone, ION Orchard

High above, 'Spiderman' cleaners were busy cleaning the glass front of H&M Store. Down below, Shoppers were busy crossing the street of Orchard. What a sight to behold!  

 

And Shop Till You DrOpped!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS 2012.

Singapore: Supertree Grove - The World's 1st Mechanical Forest 新加坡:世界第一个机械树林

There are a total of 18 Supertrees towering majestically at Gardens By the Bay in Marina South - 12 at the Supertree Grove while six others are in clusters of threes at the Silver and Golden Gardens. These gigantic man-made creations took five years in the making; stretching from 25 to 50 metres into the sky. Singapore then proudly unveiled their latest iconic landmark: The World's First 'Mechanical Forest' on 29th June 2012 to the world. 
  

Each Supertree is made of an inner concrete core, a steel framework trunk, a planting panel and a canopy. Within the steel framework is an Eco-system of various species of plants, orchids and bromeliads which were specially selected from around the world.

Shaped like an inverted umbrella, thousands of wire rods formed its canopy  that acts as temperature moderators and providing shade to visitors beneath. Eleven trees have built-in solar cells that convert solar energy to generate power lights throughout the park. They also collect rain water used for irrigation and fountain displays. 

Connecting two Supertrees and meandering through other Supertrees is a 128-metre long suspended walkway called The OCBC Skyway. Entrance ticket: SGD5/3 per adult/child. 

Security guard at the elevator to ensure a smooth passage all the way up. Indeed, it's like being shot straight up to heaven within seconds without the clouds drifting by.

The elevator door opened. We're in Heaven! The air so fresh, the scenery was  stunning!

Looking down while holding tightly onto the hand rail. My heart dropped! But it was fun looking at the people walking around like ants! And when the 'ants' wave at you!

Looking through the wire walkway suspended seven storeys above the ground. My legs went wobbly weak. Some naughty guys purposely jumped and ran along the walkway making it shaky to enjoy a moment of amusement and thrill.   

With a dizzy head and a pounding heart, I decided not to proceed further.  What if i got numb legs half way there? Cannot understand why some parents still drag their little kids even when they were screaming their lungs out and wailing their eyes out!   

So my niece went for the exclusive walk all by herself! Doesn't she feel scared at all?

And even help a family take their pictures right in the middle of the narrow walkway! 

An aerial view of The financial district area, Marina Bay Sands and Bay South Garden.

The city skyline, 

The Singapore Flyer and The surrounding gardens.

A walk in the sky is truly an unforgettable sensation. 

Love it or Don't even do it!

My niece was in high spirit. She did it! An adrenaline rush experience that left her heart still pumping fast even after she has got her feet back on the ground.

Too bad, it was a fear factor for me! Although i did not complete the journey, it was Great to be up there even for a little while! And also having a leisure walk around the Supertree Grove, laze in the shade of the Supertree and taking numerous pictures of them! A time well spent admiring The World's First Mechanical Forest. (Wonder if the birds, bugs, bees and butterflies love this fanciful forest? Or should they create some mechanical ones as well?)

Ending the day mesmerized by the magical lights and music of the OCBC Garden Rhapsody. (expect interrupted sounds contributed by furious slapping of buzzing mosquitoes!!) 

   

NOTE:

1. Last admission to the OCBC Skyway is 8:30pm.

2. Health and Safety Precautions should be taken while on the Skywalk.

3. If you're fear of heights, don't go for the OCBC Skyway as it's one way up in one tree and down the other! 

Singapore: Iconic Gardens by the Bay 新加坡滨海湾花园

Transforming Singapore into a 'City in a Garden' - Gardens by the Bay spans a total size of 101 hectares of prime land in the heart of Singapore new downtown urban area - Marina Bay. Comprises of three distinctive interconnected waterfront gardens:

1. BAY CENTRAL GARDEN (15 hectares)

A linear garden linking Bay East and Bay South Gardens with a 3km waterfront promenade for a scenic walk from the city center. 

2. BAY EAST GARDEN  (32 hectares)

A linear garden linking Bay Central and Bay South Gardens with an amazing view of the Marina Bay financial district skyline along its 2 km waterfront promenade fringed by palm trees, lush lawns and natural blossoms. A hot spot for a family picnic too.

3. BAY SOUTH GARDEN  (54 hectares)

The largest of the three gardens featuring the best of tropical horticulture and floriculture with impressive mega architectural masterpieces projects.

Conservatory Complex

Consists of two climate controlled biomes - The Cloud Forest and The Flower Dome featuring floral and fauna from Tropical Montane and Mediterranean regions of the world. Distinctively constructed in gridshell and arches so to allow as much light as possible to penetrate to the planted display within the conservatories.

Heritage Gardens 

A collection of four themed gardens - Colonial, Chinese, Malay and Indian Gardens that reflect Singapore's rich heritage and its colonial past through plant based edutainment.

Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lake 

Serves as a natural Eco filtration system for the Gardens and also provide an aquatic habitat for biodiversity such as the dragonflies and fishes.

Supertrees Groves

Uniquely designed vertical gardens with steel-framed concrete towering tree-like structures ranging a height of 25- 50 metres whose 'trunks' are covered with a variety of enchanting bromeliads, orchids, ferns and tropical flowering climbers.

The OCBC Skyway is a suspended 22m high and 128m long walkway between two of the larger Supertrees for a breathtaking aerial view of the Gardens and the Marina Bay.

http://tropicallulu.blogspot.com/2012/12/singapore-supertree-grove-worlds-1st.html

The OCBC Garden Rhapsody of dazzling lights and sounds show at 7:45pm made a wonderful ending to a day in this delightful Garden in the city! 

NOTE: 
1. It can be unbearably hot on a sunny day.

2. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

3. Bring an Insect repellent. 

4. Don't go for the OCBC skyway if you're scared of heights. (seriously!)

5. Entrance is free except for the Conservatory Complex and OCBC Skyway. 

HOW TO GET THERE: 
1. Take a MRT to BAYFRONT station. From exit B, follow an underpass linkay. 

2. Via sky bridge from Marina Bay Sands on level 4. 

For more information: http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/home.html 

Singapore: Kampong Glam Heritage Trail 新加坡:甘榜格南

In Malay, 'Kampong' means village. 'Glam' is the name of a type of eucalyptus tree that grew abundantly there. Villagers used its timber for building boats, its bark for awnings and sails and its leaves boiled to concoct into medicated oil- Cajeput oil.

Under Raffles Town Plan 1822, Kampong Glam was designated to Sultan Hussein Shah and his family as well as the Malay communities and Arab merchants immigrants. 

The first thing that caught my attention was the two 8m-high granite arches with ornate Omani cravings standing on both ends of Muscat Street. These beautiful murals and mosaic images displayed the maritime links between Oman and Singapore, an artwork by Omani artists. This newly renovated street was officially opened on 8 November 2012.

Walk down Muscat Street will bring you to the heart of Kampong Glam - Masjid Sultan.

Masjid Sultan or The Sultan Mosque was first built in 1820's. Demolished a century later, it was then reconstructed until its completion in 1928. It has since remained unchanged and was gazetted as a national monument in 1975. Presently, being the largest and most important mosque in Singapore that can accommodate 5,000 worshipers in its main hall.  

The base of each gold dome were ornamented with glass bottles' ends which the Sultan had collected from poor Muslims as contributions to the building of the mosque. 
*Please read the important rules of etiquette when visiting or entering the mosque.

Bussorah Street viewed directly opposite the Mosque. A wide pedestrian street fringed by tall palm treesand two storey pre-war shop houses where you can find art galleries, crafts, curios, perfume, religious items (for Muslims), cafes and restaurants.

Viewed from the other side of the street with the Sultan Mosque at the northern end.  

Souvenirs shops outside the mosque.

Watch a colourful Batik Painting. Then walk to the Malay Heritage Centre at Sultan Gate. 

Istana Kampong Glam, now known as The Malay Heritage Centre was formerly a Royal Palace built by Sultan Hussein Shah in 1820's which consisted of the Istana building and the Istana compound. It was rebuilt in 1840 by the Sultan's son, Sultan Ali.

The Istana building was restored and renovated to a museum showcasing the root, history and rich Malay culture.

For more information: http://www.malayheritage.org.sg

Next to the Malay Heritage centre is the historical Gedung Kuning, also known as Bendahara House. A yellow mansion built in 1860 that once belong to the grandson of Sultan Hussein. It has then been converted to a fine-dining authentic Malay cuisine restaurant called Mamanda - a term used by the Sultan to address his subjects. 

Lastly, i took a walk down Arab Street- where Arab merchants settled during early days. Arab Street today still epitomizes the Arabian way of life with rows of shops selling varieties of Arabian goods - rugs, carpets, silk, non-alcoholic perfumes, jewelry, baskets, textiles, Muslim apparels and numerous Middle-Eastern eateries where you can sit down to sip Arabic Mint hot tea, indulge in true Arab coffee or smoke a Shisha pipe.  

Kampong Glam certainly has a rich heritage that passed down through generations in the form of monuments, trades, cultures and practices. A little gem for a little cultural exploration in the historic district of Singapore that's well worth the time spent!   

NOTE:

1. Admission to Sultan Mosque:Daily 9am-1pm and 2pm-4pm except Friday 2:30pm-4pm.

2. Observe the rules before entering the mosque. 

3. Best time to visit Kampong Glam is late afternoon - evening. 

4. Shops along Arab streets are closed on Sundays.

5. Accept a country's culture. Don't complain. 

HOW TO GET THERE:
Take a MRT train/bus to BUGIS station. Walk along Victoria Street towards Arab Street. 

Bali: Unimaginable Uluwatu & Jimbaran Bay 巴厘岛:乌鲁瓦图寺&金巴兰海湾

We set off at 4pm on a hired car with driver Edy for an hour drive on a hilly road to Pura Uluwatu, famed as the MOST spectacular temple in Bali. Dedicated to the Spirits of the Sea, this ancient Hindu temple was significantly rebuilt since the 11th century. 

The name Ulu means 'land's end' and watu means 'stone'. Uluwatu temple complex is set on majestic peninsular cliff with east and west side jutting into the vast Indian Ocean. Visitors walked on stony esplanade along the cliff bank to admire its magical beauty. The Uluwatu Temple Tour is a 'Must not Miss out' tour of Bali. Truly it is, however, I would preferred to call it 'Spectacular Sunset and Monkey Business' tour. 

Monkeys were roaming freely almost everywhere around the temple ground.

-If you don't like monkeys (at all), you might have to give this destination a miss. 

-If you've never seen or want to try a monkey business, an amazing experience awaits. 

-If you don't like monkeys, don't want monkey business but dying to see the Unimaginable Uluwatu, don't worry, the beautiful sights will blow your mind away (from the monkeys!)

Edy took a tree branch to 'protect' us from the 'monkeys traders' who are  notorious for sneakily snatching belongings from unwary visitors, hoping to 'trade' them back for some fruits or peanuts! Mind you, a little patience and negotiation skills are required for a successful 'deal'! They must have been to some sort of monkey business school!? 

Warnings were given that shiny or colourful things like hats, caps, eyeglasses, necklaces, hair clips, phones, etc, should be kept away but some tourists (especially those bimbos who wanted their photographs taken like a model, wearing lots of accessories ) couldn't be bother and later screamed and cried like a ghost when they became a victim! 

Dear Victims, You don't have to cried nor die, you can have your belongings back by trading with the monkeys or pay/tip a local people to get it back. And a Lesson Learned. (AND an encouragement for the monkeys to make more business next time! Thank you!)

Some were amusing though...Luckily, they didn't snatch my camera nor punch my face!

A man helped a tourist to retrieve a pair of sunglasses stolen by a 'monkey thief' hidden in the tree. If you looked hard enough, there are many 'stolen goods' hanging on trees! Naughty naughty monkey!   

But these Little Monkeys were well-mannered! 

Look at the stunning brilliant blue Indian ocean... 

Listen to the short powerful waves rushing to hit the rocky shores...

Embrace every second of sweet sea breeze caressing your skin...

Inhale slowly A deep breath of pure fresh air... 

Feel a delightful rejuvenated body and soul.

Walk to the end of the cliff. Some called it 天涯海角, literally 'Edge of Sky, Corner of Seas' or simply 'The End of the Earth'. A term used poetically to describe immeasurable distance in longing to be with a loved one. As such, it also symbolize Forever Love, thus, a perfect place for couples to exchange promises of love and eternal vows.   

But from any enthusiastic photographers' point of view, its a powerful vantage point for great shots of 'A Border-less World!'. Whether its the 'End of the earth' or a 'Border-less world', the panoramic stunning views will definitely  blow your mind away..

The west side of the peninsular cliff; viewed from the cliff bank of the picture above. 

A close up view of the inner sanctum of Uluwatu temple with the iconic three-tier meru towering beautifully on the edge of the limestone promontory, about 80m above the roaring sea. Entry to the inner temple sanctum is strictly for Balinese Hindus ONLY.

'A Spectacular Sunset of Uluwatu' is perhaps the most memorable sunset treasured by all tourists. Sure it's one big attraction of Bali that should not be missed!

A beautiful seascape with the mellow sun radiating rays of strong orange hues light and warmth across the shoreline while wispy cotton clouds gently drifting through the pastel blue sky on a summer breeze. A beauteous evening to behold indeed!  

The last bit of the Sun as it slowly slipped smoothly into the western horizon at 6pm. 

Softly, the Blue Hour sets in, creating a splendid dreamy seascape that totally captivated its viewers' heart, mind and soul instantly. 

Saying my farewell to this monkey, we then make our way to Jimbaran Bay, a short distance from Uluwatu. Jimbaran was once a fishing village and is now home to exclusive and prestigious hotels, beach resorts and luxury rental villas. There are about 50 grilled restaurants in three different clusters lining the glorious white sandy beaches.

Relaxing and enjoying the cool sea breeze, the sounds of the waves, kicking our shoes off and swirling our legs in the sand. Watching Balinese cultural performances on stage while waiting for our orders. And buskers came singing 小微, thinking we were Taiwanese. 

Our most expensive dinner in Bali Rp656,000/RM235.64 Set D- Grilled Prawns, Squids, Mussels and fish served with steam rice, soup, vegetables, salad, fries soft drinks and seasonal fresh fruits. Different set dinner offers different types of seafood combinations or pick your choice of live seafood from the tanks. Ala- Carte available too. 

Cheers for Home Sweet Home tomorrow!

NOTE:
Temple Visit: 
1. No 'skimpy' dressing. No open wound. No menstruation. (Nothing fleShY nor bloOdY!)

2. Sarongs and waist sashes are provided. (sarongs for those who forgot to dress appropriately but everyone is required to wear a waist sash to ward off evil spirit unless you want to risk your soul!!)

3. DON'T wear any eyeglasses at all. (Risk of being snatched by monkeys and a scratched face)

4. DON'T eat/drink or feed the monkeys. (unless you like monkeys to jump onto you)

5. Wear proper shoes for a journey of stony walkways and steep stairways. (Monkeys love thongs and flip flops, risk going home bare-footed!!)

6. Get hold of a tree branch/stick, so the monkeys dare not get close to you. 

8. Kecak Fire Dance - a cultural performance held daily(6pm). Get your ticket (Rp 50,000) and be at the venue on time. 

Jimbaran Beach Dinner: 
1. Be prepared to be ripped-off.  
2. Have smaller notes ready for buskers.
3. Have insect repellent handY.
4. Have a healthy stomach as it's a long way back to the city!