It was easy, just hop onto Air Asia for a direct flight. We
(four of us, including my niece and nephew) touched down at Changi Airport,
at about 11 a.m. The last time, my sister and I were visiting my brother and
his family in Singapore
was in December 2006. I have forgotten
the dates till I did some checking on my old passport. Back then, Air Asia only
stops at Senai Airport, Johor Bahru.
We decided to try out the MRT from Changi Airport
to Jurong East. The trip was easy and we
only have to pay S$4 plus each for the trip. My brother, then pick us up at
Jurong East, enroute to his place.
The View
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| Little Quilin |
We have not been to my brother’s new place and have been
making plans to visit him for some time now. It is a nice, compact home with a
fantastic view, particularly that of beautiful Little Quilin from their
condominium window.
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| Little Quilin |
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| Condo Grounds |
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| Sunset View |
We were there for 4 days, 3 nights. Spent some time shopping
and sight seeing. Luckily for us our main objective was not sight seeing as
entrance fees to most of the tourist attractions are exorbitant. (most places
of interest charge more than one set of fees for their various attractions).
The Food Trail
When going for Food Courts, do go for those old food masters
who have been serving these wonderful fares for years. Do not go for the new
establishments, who have yet to build up their reputation, and not so uniquely
outstanding. Yes, we did have some standard, average meals here and there, when
they were conveniently around for us during those times when our stomachs or
our legs directed us to the nearest available food.
We tried some great Japanese food at Nihon Mura Restaurant.
Yummy, yummy. (that’s international, no?). It’s actually is English, origin
unknown….more like baby talk, but international enough for me.
We had Kim Dae Mun Korean Food at the Juz Food Court aka Concorde Hotel Food Court. Admittedly, it
is one of the best Korean Food you can find in Singapore. Another great lure at
the Food Court
is Red Rubies and Sago Gula Melaka dessert. I just bought some sago, and I hope
I can come up with something nearly as good as theirs. After all, isn’t
“Imitation, the best compliment.”
We had the infamous Singapore Chille Crab at Jumbo Seafood
at Dempsey Road.
Awesome, the ambience, the great food, the service :-) and of course ….. what
they charged us.:-(
It was definitely a case of ‘too little stomach, too much
food.’
Sightseeing
We made some lucky wishes at their Fountain of Wealth, Suntec City.
We had to circle the small fountain below the largest fountain in the world, three(3)
times to have our lucky wishes granted. A shame that we missed the ‘big one’ that evening, but you surely
can’t have it all, anyway I would always opt for our alternative spectacle that
evening.
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| Hajjah Fatimah Mosque |
We were walking and lucky us, found ourselves right in front
of the famous Hajjah Fatimah Mosque. The mosque is a national monument and is
named after a wealthy businesswoman, whose generous donations were used to
build the mosque. It is located at Beach
Road, and is nicknamed the “leaning tower of Singapore”, because of its tilting unique
minaret.
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| The Flyer |
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| Marina Bay Sands |
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| Lotus-Shaped ArtScience Museum |
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| Merlion in the distance |
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| TWG Tea Salon & Boutique (at The Shoppes) |
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| Horse Statue at The Shoppes |
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| Shoppers (at The Shoppes) |
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| Lotus pond at ArtScience Museum |
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| Lotus pond at ArtScience Museum |
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| The SkyPark (at the Top) |
We, especially me had a wonderful time at Marina Bay.
We did not go up the Marina Bay Sands but being around the bay, practically
took up the whole afternoon and evening. The view that evening was amazing. We
were tired but the lights, the images and sounds really lifted our spirits and
melted away, those aches crying from our tired muscles. Please see for yourself!! Mine
pictures taken on my compact Canon are not so good.
Marina Bay Sands is a spectacular creation by Moshe Safdie
Architects. I, am most fascinated its cantilevered platform which houses the
340m long SkyPark and Infinity Pool. (which has a vanishing edge). The SkyPark
has a public observatory deck, where you can get a 360 degree view of Singapore. Next
to the Marina Bay Sands, three towers is a lotus like structure where the ArtScience Museum is. There are lots of beautiful pictures
on Marina Bay Sands, just search for it on the internet.
These 2 links will give you some idea of what it is like.
Our outing to the Singapore Science Centre was a
disappointment. Most of the displays at the Centre is over used and old. I could
easily say I had more fun on the bus ride there than at the Science Centre. Oh
oh, we botched on the stops, but it was fun. All routes, destinations and
charges are clearly displayed at the bus stop. All you have to do is know where
you are heading, when you are to alight and of course get ready some small
change.
So Long
Glad we finally made it, holidays are the best. You get to
meet the people you missed, you chat till the wee hours of the morning, you get
to enjoy the taste of Singapore
and you laugh at being together and at every silly little thing. I love the
laughter most, it is so very light and refreshing, and of course the beautiful
views and sights.
Each time, I am back from Singapore, I would miss all the
neatness and convenience of a fabulous public transport system. I used to think
that maybe I would get to enjoy such convenient facilities in Malaysia when I
am old but not anymore. I have given up that dream and hope. It is depressing
when you think about it, for me and for the millions of public commuters in Malaysia.
Singapore
is the most expensive city in the world, (latest statistics). More so with our
Malaysian Ringgit conversion, Malaysia
sure has to work on catching up. It is a tight race between Singapore and Hong Kong,
but that is one race most would rather not be the winner.
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| Lights Display at Changi Airport |
If only Malaysia could make it so easy and attractive for
Singaporeans, tourists to cross over to Malaysia, do their shopping, feast on
our food and enjoy our sights, would not that do a lot for our economy. If only
we can improve on the traffic jams and immigration jams.
All in all, it was a happy, tiring trip for the not so young
ladies. Guess, playing host and hostess is tiring and happy too especially if you
have very busy schedules.
I always feel a little bit blue when I am back home. Funny
thing now that I am older, I do miss home, just a teeny bit when away,
especially on the first day.
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