Phantom of the Opera - Singapore - May, 2025
- Details
I can't remember how many times I have seen this show! It's still good - one of the real classics, but for me, no longer exciting. I don't need to see this again. Having said that, something tells me I will, it's one of Shanhong's favourites - although she is getting fussy about the voice of the Phantom. No one beats Killian Donnelly!
Singapore - Gardens by the Bay
- Details
Singapore is a city-state - but one that claims, and proves, to be a "garden city". The government mandate is that every citizen should have a park within 25 minutes' walk and new parks are being continually added. Gardens by the Bay is one such area that has been developed over the last ten years (with new bits still be developed). Built on reclaimed land - these parks have become a landmark area with the flower dome and cloud forest displaying ever-changing floral landscapes and the 'super trees' - actually rainwater collection reservoirs, becoming a display in their own right.
Gallery 1 (42 pics)
Singapore - North Cycle Loop
- Details
As I was on holiday, and Shanhong was not, I took the opportunity to go and explore a new corner of Singapore!
Grabbing my HelloRide Bike (public rental bikes all over Singapore - scan and ride) at Springleaf MRT, it was time to explore the North Cycle Loop.
I followed the map and directions provided at bike-a-local.com under their "Secret Pedals" Ride #12. This took me to a variety of parks following the PCN network for the most part. The parks included the Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, Yishun Neighbourhood Park, Sembawang Park, Woodlands Waterfront Park, Admiralty Park and the Sembawang Hot Springs Park. A total of 36.1km taking around 3.5 hours.
Gallery 1 (22 pics)
Singapore - Kranji Marshes
- Details
Kranji Marshes are Singapore's largest freshwater marshes, spanning some 57 hectares, although only a small section is open to the public. With the marshes being home to 170 species of birds, four species of butterfly and 33 species of dragonflies (as well as the squirrels), there is plenty to see. The Kranji marshes are predominantly open, grassy marshland, with six bird hides, two blinds, and the raptor tower to offer viewing opportunities.
Unfortunately, it is a little "out of the way" connected only by an infrequent shuttle. I visited by bike, although the marshes are officially outside of the public bike area! It's a nice place, but compared to others in Singapore, a little too small, and too far from public transport to make it really worthwhile.
Gallery 1 (11 pics)
Singapore - Mandai - Rainforest Wild
- Details
The Mandai Wildlife Parks are Singapore's resident "zoo" group - operating Singapore Zoo, The Night Safari, Bird Paradise and River Wonders. This year, they added a fifth park, Rainforest Wild, as well as a free Boardwalk around the outside of the reserve.
I visited Rainforest Wild early on a Monday morning to 'check it out'. The main difference is this park is laid out as a series of short 'trails' - so, rather than wide tarmac/concrete pathways, you are walking across pebbles or stones or following a grass track. This makes it much more intimate and natural feeling. There are less animals in this park; however, those that are here are in larger spaces where they have a certain freedom to roam. These include the Francois and Javan langurs, Malayan Tiger, Crocodile, Sun Bear, and a selection of different deer breeds. Unfortunately, I was too early and none of the deer, tigers or crocodile were out, so I feel I missed a major part of the experience.
Rainforest Wild also offers (at an additional fee) some adventures, such as rock climbing, rappelling into a cave, trampoline nets and a canopy jump. A beautiful park, although smaller that Mandai's other parks. However, do come later in the day when all the animals are out.
Gallery 1 (18 pics)
Page 1 of 4
