July 27, 2013 Singapore for the 3rd Time
Homer and I arrived the previous night in Singapore from Johor Bahru. Little did we knew that it's really the rainy season. The following day, dark clouds formed in the sky then the strong gust of wind blew followed by a heavy downpour. Our schedule was ruined allowing us to leave the hostel by 11AM already. It was my third time already in Singapore and it felt like I'm home since I am already familiar with the city. I led the way again in showing the city just like last time I was in the city. I was the guide of my colleagues in going around. From Little India MRT, we loaded additional credits on our E-Z link card since we would be doing a lot of train transfer later. First stop was at Harbour Front where we made our way to VivoCity. I showed Homer the view on open park atop the mall. Sentosa Island was just upon our sight with the world's busiest port on our right. We then went to the 3rd level of the mall for the monorail going to Sentosa. We no longer queued for tickets but instead we just tapped our E-Z link card. The gates opened and we proceeded to the boarding platform. Soon we were enroute to Sentosa with us getting off at Waterfront Station. Right there, Homer's excitement could not be contained.
I went to change shirt cause it started to rain again and I got wet. It's as if the heavens will not let us really enjoy the day. Okay, we bought our tickets, got in and enjoyed the rides. I'm really gratefull that I got the chance to visit again Universal Studios. They have this new attraction, Transformers the Ride which opened December 2011. It was still on construction last time I went there July 2011.
Transformers the Ride makes use of the motion platforms or motion simulator that creates an illusion that you were really part of the scene. the story revolves from the rider or recruits riding in Evac with the help of other Autobots trying to protect the AllSpark from the Decepticons. I must say this one was the best ride I've been in Universal Studios. At least I had my thrill unlike in Legoland. Anyway, during the fight scenes, I felt like I was falling from the buildings too with all the chasing and explosions around. Did I mention it was on 3D? Yes it is. One of the best rides so far in the park aside from the Battlestar Gallactica Cylon coaster. We just have to queue for so long since the ride is now one of the best sought attractions in the park. During the queue, there was the pre-show orientation from Gen. Morshower and other Autobots about the Decepticons coming to Earth in search of the AllSpark. I loved the props on display including the AllSpark fragment and the detached tail of Scorpunok as seen on the first movie of the franchise. Evac stood tall outside fronting the ride entrance. A 2012 Camaro Bumblebee car was also on display that came all the way from USA.
Later that afternoon I met again the guys from Madagascar. I managed to have a photo with King Julian and the penguins. After our snack we went to watch the Waterworld show by 530PM.
Earlier when we had got out of the train, I bought a simcard to contact my uncle Ramil and a friend in Singapore. My uncle said that he would just meet us at the airport since his timeout from work was 7PM. Homer was destined to go fly back to Manila come midnight so by 6Pm we left Sentosa and headed to Changi airport. I met my uncle at 8PM and introduced him to Homer. We had our dinner then at the airport at terminal 3. After dinner, we went back to terminal 2 for Homer's check-in via Cebu Pacific air. Right then I bade Homer a safe trip back to the Philippines. Uncle Ramil and I then went to the bus station going home. As for me, I stayed a few more days with my relatives.
Before going home, we went to an eatery to wait for my uncle's eldest kid from school. We catched up with two bottles of beer while waiting. Soon my cousin arrived and had his dinner while emptying our bottles. We the went home after.
July 28, 2013 Exhausting Day at Marina Area
At breakfast, Tita Bebe, uncle Ramil's wife, asked me what will be my plan for the day and where have I not been yet in Singapore. I said I haven't been to the Skypark and the newly opened Gardens by the Bay. Hearing the words skypark, she said that some of her friends had an overnight party at Marina Bay Sands and they will check out before 12noon. She reached for her phone and dialed her friends number. I think she even woke her friend that hour. She asked her friend what time will they check out and if she could take me at the Skypark with their passes. Her friend obliged anyway what is just a small favor to ask. I was told by Tita Bebe that it costs SG$20 to go to the Skypark. Thank heavens, I was able to save such amount.
Since uncle Ramil and Tita Bebe were going to downtown anyway, they accompanied me to Marina Bay Sands. Tita Bebe called her friend and we met at tower 3 lobby. She introduced me to her friend and left me with them. I was instructed to give them a call later for dinner. So at the elevator, I got a short exchange of conversation with my new aquaintances. They gave me the passes and told me that I got to show it to the staff at the pool entrance. At the 57th floor, I was accompanied to the poolside and left as soon as I have my wrist band for poolside access. hanks to them. It was a Sunday so there were a lot of guests at the poolside enjoying the waters and the view of the skyline. I wasted no time checking the place from both ends. A good wifi connection was also available with me updating my FB status at that instant. I then went to the observation deck to have a bird's eye view of the buildings nearby.
It was almost lunch when I went done of the Skypark. I surveyed first the interiors of the three towers before exiting at tower three.
From tower three, I crossed the street and entered the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands mall exiting through the door leading to the lotus shaped ArtScience Museum. I got a good vantage point of the marina area from the where I stood. Several species of lotus also were on bloom at the lotus ponds around the ArtScience Museum.
It was already 12noon and nearest cheap restaurant is across the Helix bridge all the way to Marina Square. I should have had my lunch at the Shoppes but the area is of everything luxurious housing celebrity chef restaurants and other high end ones. Next plan was going to Gardens by the Bay so as to save time since it was already nearby. It was a nice idea too to bring bottled water with me that kept me hydrated from the hot sunny day. The sun finally showed up unlike the previous day delaying our scheduled trips.
I followed the path that lead to the shell-like conservatories facing the river mouth. I walked passed the dragonfly lake until I got on the shaded part of the conservatory. Tickets costs SG$28 for the conservatories. I had the other option which was to roam around the outside gardens for free. But if you don't want to walk, there is the Garden Cruiser tram for SG$5. I saw different species of plants from around the world during my leisure walk. There was this odd South American tree aptly named as the cannonball tree because it bears a fruit shaped like a cannonball. Those tree like structures are called Supertrees. They are vertical gardens surrounded by different species of orchids, bromeliads, ferns and vines. For those who aren't afraid of heights, then the OCBC Skyway is there for you suspended from the towering Supertree grove giving an aerial view of the outdoor gardens all for SG$5.
I followed the path that lead to the shell-like conservatories facing the river mouth. I walked passed the dragonfly lake until I got on the shaded part of the conservatory. Tickets costs SG$28 for the conservatories. I had the other option which was to roam around the outside gardens for free. But if you don't want to walk, there is the Garden Cruiser tram for SG$5. I saw different species of plants from around the world during my leisure walk. There was this odd South American tree aptly named as the cannonball tree because it bears a fruit shaped like a cannonball. Those tree like structures are called Supertrees. They are vertical gardens surrounded by different species of orchids, bromeliads, ferns and vines. For those who aren't afraid of heights, then the OCBC Skyway is there for you suspended from the towering Supertree grove giving an aerial view of the outdoor gardens all for SG$5.
I checked my watch and it was already 130PM. I was already so hungry so I walked my way again towards the Helix bridge. I crossed it and marched my way towards Marina Square where I had my lunch.
Here's a photo of Marina Bay Sands from the other side of Helix Bridge.
After lunch, I went to Suntec City for the world's largest fountain, the fountain of wealth. Unfortunately there were lots of construction activities in light of the upcoming National Day. Hence, the improvements around. I just went back to the CityLink Mall to have a coffee and reload my prepaid Singtel sim. My friend Jomel then texted me to check out the Esplanade which I obliged after my coffee. CityLink Mall is an underground mall that connects the Esplanade to different areas of the Marina Area like the Marina Square, Suntec City and the City Hall MRT. I just walked my way towards the Esplanade passing through a hall with artworks done by students.
I was not going to watch a play or any musical event at the Esplanade but Jomel told me that I should check out the library at the 3rd floor for a great view of the marina area. Unknowingly there was this free Jazz concert at the concourse. I spent a few minutes listening to the music played by the band. Then I went to the Esplanade library. I was expecting of a typical library but I found myself at the music section. They have a large collection of CD's including the hard to find ones. Searching albums or artist was easy since the catalog was similar to the Dewey system. Once you found the CD from the file, have it unlocked and you can play it on the audio player with headsets nearby.
It was already past 6PM and I have to travel north still. Before leaving the Esplanade, I happened to pass by this store named Popcornpop. They don't sell popcorn but movie posters and other movie memorabilias. They have the latest movie posters I tell you. They come in different sizes too. Should have I not on a travel lite flight then I could have bought some. I saw Harry Potter wands, Game of Thrones items, and the yellow minions stuff toys. I bought one for my niece consuming space in my backpack. I then left the store and catch the next train going to Pasir Ris for dinner. I now knew where to buy movie memorabilia next time I am in Singapore.
It was already past 6PM and I have to travel north still. Before leaving the Esplanade, I happened to pass by this store named Popcornpop. They don't sell popcorn but movie posters and other movie memorabilias. They have the latest movie posters I tell you. They come in different sizes too. Should have I not on a travel lite flight then I could have bought some. I saw Harry Potter wands, Game of Thrones items, and the yellow minions stuff toys. I bought one for my niece consuming space in my backpack. I then left the store and catch the next train going to Pasir Ris for dinner. I now knew where to buy movie memorabilia next time I am in Singapore.
July 29, 2013 A Walk in Chinatown
I went to Chinatown to search for affordable pasalubongs. Since I am already at the area, I went to visit again the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. I had visited this temple on my last visit during the evening. But this time I finally had the chance to enter the temple since its daytime. It's my first time to enter a Buddhist temple with monks praying. Several visitors like me quietly observed them as we go around the temple. A large incense sticks urn was located on the central door upon entrance at the temple. On the first floor where the Hundred Dragon Hall and the Universal Wisdom Hall was housed, picture taking was allowed. The third floor is where the relic can be found. Here, shoewear and phototaking was not allowed. I saw a family being blessed by a monk too. Several followers medidated on two sides of the room. The upper floor is an open garden with the Vairocana Buddha Prayer Wheel.
After Chinatown, I went Back to Sentosa for last minute shopping of shirts. I found my way towards the Maritime Experiential Museum where several old ships that navigated the Silk Road were on display.
By 430PM, I waited at Raffles Place for my friend Jomel after his work. By 5PM, we met at the park and he took me to this Italian restaurant on top of Ocean Financial Center. From there, we had an unobstructed view of the Marina area. We catched up just like old times. On our way home, we took the same train since he was also north bound. I being on the last train station.
It was another tiring day but it left some thoughts to ponder. It was my last day in Singapore. At least I got to spend quite time with my relatives and meeting my college friend again. The following day I boarded the 6AM Jetstar flight back to Manila.
"Travel is the frivolous part of serious lives, and the serious part of frivolous ones." -- Anne Sophie Swetchine