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Sentosa Island Singapore – Asia’s Favorite Playground

December 15, 2014

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Sentosa Island Singapore – Siloso Beach – MegaZip Adventure Park

Sentosa Island Singapore – Asia’s Favorite Playground

I vividly remember my visit to the Sentosa Island Singapore. I simply love how some of these countries have dedicated whole islands for tourists, isolating the destination from the city life and the pollution that comes along with the urban lifestyle.

Sentosa Island Singapore has progressed a long way since its inception in 1972. Anyone who has visited the island would agree with my claim of Sentosa Island Singapore being one of the most wonderful places to visit in Asia.

Beaches

The Sentosa Island Singapore hosts three of the most amazing beaches in the region, Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach and Tanjong Beach

In the centre of the vast and expansive southern coast of Sentosa Island Singapore, lies the Palawan Beach. Upon the first footprint on the warm sands of Palawan Beach, the gentle yet firm sea breeze had a blinding effect. The beach was filled with a diverse group of tourist, some swimming, few sunbathing while others mingling at the minimalist bars, complementing the natural beauty of the terrain. The best part was the shared sense of wonder over the gorgeous beach.
The western portion of the southern coast, Siloso Beach attracts tourists more inclined towards physical outdoor activities, such as, canoeing, mountain biking, beach volleyball, skim boarding and the list goes on. Siloso beach has a more urban feel, with food courts and shopping outlets dominating the area.
The crescent shaped beach, Tanjong Beach is much more secluded then its counterparts on the southern coast. This part of the coast is mostly used for private parties and special events.

Hanging bridge over a small tropical lagoon

MegaZip Adventure Park

The adventure park is the first of its kind in Singapore, atop Mount Imbiah. The park hosts Asia’s longest and steepest zip wires. Although, the park has several other activities which are impeccable in their own right, for example, a freefall simulator, an ultimate physical challenge course. But none can compare to the extreme zip line experience, the 450 meter long, 75 meter high, an adrenaline junkie’s idea for heaven.

Finally, I was strapped in, heart throbbing, blood rushing, and a thought crept up, all this before the experience even started, within a second it had vanished, along with me into the madness. I sped over the gorgeous lush green canopy jungles of Mount Imbiah. And across the greens were the emanating sands of Siloso Beach, swallowed up by the warm embrace of the clear waters.

It was one heck of an amazing experience. The sights were seared into my mind for the coming eternity. They say that a person is capable of taking only a few things through that unknown transition that awaits us all. Well, when I say this, I say it with certainty, this experience was one of those things that can even outlast time itself.

Enjoy!

Pulau Ubin – The Perfect Island For A Getaway

November 24, 2014

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Pulau Ubin – The Perfect Island For A Getaway

A small tranquil island located in Singapore, blessed abundantly with flora and fauna, is the gorgeous Pulau Ubin, which dazed me with its natural beauty. I had read good reviews about the island, hence it was on my list of places to visit, when I went for a short getaway to Singapore. The small island turned out to be as beautiful as I had expected.

To get to Pulau Ubin, I took a bumboat from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal.

I didn’t have to wait for long as bumboats leave for Pulau Ubin quite frequently, once they get filled with their twelve passenger limit. Just when I arrived at Pulau Ubin, I went off to the information kiosk which was conveniently located beside the jetty, and got hold of a free map of the lovely island.

When I began to gaze at the beauty around me, it didn’t fail to leave me in awe.

I then moved to look at what the taxi kiosk offered, and just behind the taxi stand, I saw Ubin Town which was a very small village with old wooden buildings, bike rental shops, and simple restaurants too. It seemed like a scene dated back many years ago.

I decided to explore the area around the jetty that led me to the sensory trail. This is a serene trail that displays a myriad of plants, planted side by side in a line. When my walk ended, I decided to have my lunch as I was really hungry, so I headed to Ubin Town for lunch.

Ubin Town had quite a few restaurants for its visitors; I chose a seafood restaurant next to the sea and had tasty fried rice and eggs with fish. Finally I decided to rent a bike to explore the island. I smoothly cycled along the main road, crossing simple Singaporean houses and tall coconut trees on my way. The island evoked a serene feeling in me, and made me forget the hustle bustle of my town.

After some time cycling, I saw the turn to Chek Jawa, so I decided to go that way. Only after a short while, the gravel track came my way, making cycling a little tough, as the path was winding uphill, and eventually it turned too steep, that I decided to walk for some time.

After an hour or more, I finally reached Chek Jawa, Singapore’s famous wetland reserve and took a short break from cycling and sat down under a shady tree for some rest. At Chek Jawa, there were two boardwalks and a jetty as well. I moved along the coastal boardwalk that ended up at the shoreline of Chek Jawa.

Once on the boardwalk, I truly felt enveloped in the aura and tranquility round me, breathing in fresh air, and seeing the high tide around. I even took interesting pictures of colorful fiddler crabs and mudskippers near the mangrove swamp. After a long time on the boardwalk, I decided to head back.

I think the beautiful island of Pulau Ubin, far from the noise and crowd of the city life, is a perfect place for a getaway. I had a great time on the island, which truly rejuvenated my soul. I would recommend this lovely island to everyone who is seeking a quiet, relaxing place in Singapore.

Enjoy!

Hawkers Market in Singapore – a Food Paradise

November 19, 2014

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SINGAPORE - Locals eat at a popular food hall. Inexpensive food stalls are numerous in the city so most Singaporeans dine out at least once a day.

Hawkers Market in Singapore – a Food Paradise

In Singapore; friends and colleagues don’t start conversations with a ‘hello’, but with ‘have you eaten?’ which says so much about the hospitability of Singaporeans itself.

There are many places where traditional Singaporean cuisine is available, but the quickest and cheapest way to get your ‘makan’, is at one of the many hawker centers scattered throughout the island.

Visitors to Singapore are aware of such markets where they can find good quality food, and at cheap rates. For those who don’t know, a hawker center or market is a building that houses rows and rows of stalls that serve a wide range of food, drink and dessert, made to order.

First Impression

During a visit to the Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown, I was stunned at the size of the place. Two rows, with over a 100 food stalls serving various specialty foods, with a cramped sitting area. I briefly wonder how one could eat at such a place with so much gusto as the place was packed with people, locals, and tourists alike.

After getting a taste of their famous Hainanese chicken rice, I finally understood what the whole fuss was about and was again in line for a second helping.

The sheer size and outward disorganization can be a little disconcerting for the first time visitor to a Hawkers Market in Singapore, but it’s not so hard to understand the basics of hawker market etiquette.

Following are basic guidelines that the newbie food lover can take help from, to get the most amazing hawkers market experience ever. I should know, as they are all tried and tested.

Find the Right Hawkers Market in Singapore

Decide on what you want to eat first. Each center boasts just a few noteworthy dishes by food cultures dominant in Singapore such as Malay, Chinese, Thai, and Indian among others.

You can also view Singapore’s excellent guide book of food, ‘Makansutra’, or visit hungrygowhere.com which will help narrow down your choices.

Find the Right Flavor for your Taste-buds:-

Singapore's famous chicken rice at hawkers food court — Singapore’s famous chicken rice at hawkers food court

Food in Singapore can be a little hard to swallow for tourists who have delicate palates; therefore, I recommend Lau Pa Sat in Chinatown, and Newton Circus near Orchard Road.

The first visit to any Hawkers Market in Singapore is bound to be confusing, but don’t worry.

There will always be someone who’ll help you out. One tip to remember, when deciding on the food to eat is look for a stall with the longest queue. There’s got to be a reason, or dish why so many people have lined up in front of that stall.

Seating Arrangements

When it comes to seating, hawker centers generally go by the rule of first come, first serve. You can even reserve the seat which you choose by placing colorful packet of tissues on the seat, which will inform others that the seat is taken.

Delivery, Take-away and Clean-up

Most stalls will deliver the food at your table, while others will require you to wait in line for your food. Stalls will provide you with eating utensils, and plastic packaging for take away.

I was extremely surprised when at the end of our meal; an attendant came to our table and started clearing up.

I sincerely hope this will help the first time visitor, to Singapore and/or its famous Hawkers Market in Singapore. You can ask questions or share experiences through my blog!

Enjoy!

Cultural Etiquettes in Singapore – Know The Basics

November 15, 2014

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Cultural Etiquettes in Singapore – Know The Basics

Ever since I had moved to Hong Kong back in 2003, one of my best friends was from Singapore. Without fail, every story of life, food, language, culture, fascinated me to the point that I needed to go. Go to simply experience the city – country of Singapore. It was great that my friend offered some incredible insights for cultural etiquettes in Singapore.

Singapore is a multi-ethnic country with 76 percent Chinese, 15 percent Malay, and 6 percent Indian inhabitants. These ethnic groups enjoy racial harmony and national unity. The younger generation of Singapore considers themselves as Singaporean first and believes in building a common national culture that is beyond individual ethnic differences. Here is a look at some common etiquettes and norms of Singapore.

Cultural Etiquettes in Singapore – Meeting

Greetings usually follow a strict protocol. If you are meeting people with Chinese ethnic background, you may offer a hand shake with a slight bow. Malay men and women do not offer a hand shake to each other due to Islamic traditions while two men and two women can shake hands. Similarly, ethnic Indians shake hands with members of same sex only. Upon meeting the person of opposite sex, nodding with a smile is usually appreciated.

Cultural Etiquettes in Singapore – Non Verbal Cues

Singaporeans pay close attention to non-verbal cues including tone of voice, posture, and facial expression. They tend to be subtle and implicit in their communication to maintain the respect of the other person. Silence is a significant part of their communication as it indicates that you are giving enough consideration before speaking.

The head is considered sacred; therefore, touching someone’s head is impolite and offensive while foot is thought to be the lowest and unclean part and showing the bottom of the feet may offend your Singaporean host.

Cultural Etiquettes in Singapore – Food and Dining

Food and dining is the most common way of interaction among people that gives the best chance to build relationship with your Singaporean host. In Singapore, food is the basis of entertainment. Food is usually served on the table in dishes to be shared by all.

Appetizers and drinks are uncommon and the dinner is usually served immediately without entrée upon arrival of the guests. You are expected to wash your hands before the meal in both Indian and Malay homes. They use the right hand to eat, and some dishes are consumed directly in hand without the involvement of a fork or a spoon. After a meal with an Indian host, you are expected to stay for an hour for conversation.

Cultural Etiquettes in Singapore – Gift Giving Etiquettes

Gift giving etiquettes vary across ethnic groups of Singapore. If you are giving gifts to ethnic Chinese, make sure to wrap it in colorful wrapping papers like red, pink, and yellow. Giving scissors, knives or any cutting object should be avoided as it indicates that you are severing your relation with the receiver.

Your gift may be refused three times before it is accepted. This is done to show that the receiver is not greedy. The gift of flower is not taken well as they are associated with sickness and funerals.

When you are giving gifts to ethnic Malays, avoid giving alcohol, toy dogs, or anything made of pigskin. Wrap the gift in red or green paper while white should be avoided as it is a sign of death or mourning.

If you are presenting something to ethnic Indians, offer the gift with your right hand. Avoid black and white wrapping papers; rather use bright colors as these are thought to bring good fortune.

Due to the ethnic diversity in Singapore, it is important for you to know the ethnic background of your host to follow the protocols properly. The people of Singapore are generally warm and welcoming and would show great hospitality if you respect their customs well.

However, for all cultural etiquettes in Singapore, I always make the recommendation to ask your host or friend for some advice.

Most of the time, people from Singapore are a real pleasure, very kind, and more than willing to share.

Enjoy!

Singapore Botanical Gardens – A Visit of Wondrous Nature

November 11, 2014

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Singapore Botanical Gardens – A Visit of Wondrous Nature

Singapore is famous for the many shopping venues and plazas it offers, as well as the numerous food places and hawker markets that are known for serving traditional and authentic Singaporean dishes. One other attraction that visitors flock to see there, are the Singapore Botanical Gardens, the only one in the world that opens from 5 am and closes at 12 midnight each and every day for visitors.

I was certainly happy to discover this, upon visiting the Gardens on a spur of the moment.

Originally established in 1822 by Sir Stamford Raffles, the gardens were re-located by the Horticultural Society in 1859. This incredibly green 74 hectare national park has still kept a subtle feeling of Victorian times and gentility about it, with its dazzling swan lake, symphony stage, and beautifully themed gardens which only enhances the entire experience. In 2012, the Botanical Gardens were listed under World Heritage sites by the UNESCO.

Beautiful statues are scattered around the gardens, the most notable being of Frederick Chopin and his wife near the Symphony Lake. There is a large, white building in the middle of the artificial lake which looks like a mushroom, but is really shaped like a turtle. This is the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, which on most events becomes the venue for concerts for which locals and tourists alike come in huge numbers.

Singapore Botanical Gardens: The Highlights

Apart from the National Orchid Garden which requires a small fee to see, entry to the Botanical gardens is absolutely free and a popular venue for practicing early morning tai chi, families out for a picnic, joggers and nature enthusiasts.

Admission to the Orchid Garden is free for children 12 years of age and below. For senior citizens and students, entry ticket is $1. However, students may need to show their student’s pass. For adults, the admission ticket is $5.

There are numerous other themed gardens, although the main attraction is the Orchid Garden which houses nearly 60,000 orchid plants, out of which there are more than 2000 hybrids and consisting of 400 different species found throughout the world.,

The other themed gardens within the Singapore Botanical Gardens include the Ginger Garden with different species of the ginger family, the Healing Garden, the Fragrant Garden, The Foliage Garden, and the Evolution Garden.

Singapore Botanical Gardens: The Halia Restaurant

One other attraction in the Ginger Garden is the restaurant which is named after it. The Halia Restaurant, due to its incredibly gorgeous setting is one of Singapore’s get-away places for a relaxing brunch or dinner surrounded by lush nature, and abundant birdlife.

The restaurant offers a selection of dishes, appetizers, and drinks that are sure to blow the mind away with the infusion of classic and traditional Singaporean flavors, in a modern touch.

Singapore has so much more to offer, other than the shopping and food. Just take a stroll in one of the many pathways of the Garden, and see for yourself. Here’s the official website for the Singapore Botanical Gardens.

Enjoy!