Showing posts with label Singapore. Show all posts

Railway operations the old-world way- Malaysia�s KTM in Singapore

Location: Bukit Timah KTM Railway Station, Singapore (1� 20' 3? N, 103� 46' 52? E)
Date: 29 June 2011, 5.35pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Most independent travellers to Malaysia who have been to destinations other than the main cities would have take a ride or two on Malaysia� railway run by KTM. In fact most travellers traveling to Singapore from Malaysia would have taken the train ride into the city-state because of its convenience- the journey terminates right at the Tanjong Pagar Station in the heart of the city, at the edge of the Central Business District (CBD). Well, that is no more as the two countries implemented a landmark agreement that resulted in the moving of the terminus station to right at the border between the two countries. As a result, rail travellers will find it less convenient to get to the city from the new terminus station. Alongside the ending of the KTM route within Singapore is the discontinuance of a couple of old-world railway operations that were still practised in Singapore by KTM. This includes the exchange of key token (as pictured) between the train driver and station master, bestowing the authority to the train to enter into the next sector of the railway track. This is a safety measure designed to prevent head-on collisions as the entire route is on a single track. On top of this is the disappearance of the manually operated signalling system.

Singapore�s night skyline gets better and more exciting��.

Location: Marina Barrage, Singapore (1� 16' 53.22? N, 103� 52' 21.58? E)
Date: 18 September 2009; 7.10pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Singapore�s night skyline used to be rather boring compared to the other cities in the region such as Kuala Lumpur. This has changed in the last few years with the transformation and moving of the Central Business District to the new Marina Bay area. New iconic buildings are being added and more are still being built. This development reflects the changing focus of the government from being paternalistic to one with a more open global perspective. However Singapore�s night skyline still has a long way to go before it can rival that of Hong Kong. But it is getting more exciting.

This should be left standing��.

Location: Tanjong Pagar KTM Railway Station, Singapore (1� 16' 22? N, 103� 50' 17? E)
Date: 3 August 2010, 8.35am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

The Tanjong Pagar Railway Station located in Singapore is the terminus station of the Malaysia Railways (Keretapi Tanah Melayu). The land on which the station and the railway tracks in Singapore are situated is held by KTM on a 999 year lease. The station entrance has statues of white marble, allegories of Agriculture, Industry, Commerce and Transport. Inside the station, there are panel paintings of Malayan scenes: rice planting, rubber tapping, shipping activities, tin mining and so on. Singapore was part of Malaysia until they separated in 1965; when the border control was established after separation, both the Malaysian and Singaporean Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) officers were stationed at Tanjong Pagar for immigration clearance of railway passengers even though the station is in fact deep at the other end of Singapore. In 1998 Singapore moved its CIQ functions for railways to Woodlands, which is at the point of entry into Singapore but Malaysia continues to maintain its CIQ functions at Tanjung Pagar. This created a situation whereby rail travellers leaving Singapore actually got checked into Malaysia (technically the station and the railway tracks are Malaysian territories) before they are cleared out from Singapore at Woodlands. This confused state has persisted for the last few years; as a result of a recent agreement between the governments, Malaysia will move its CQ to Woodlands as well by 1 July 2011. The Singapore Government has not being decided as to what will happen to the magnificent Railway Station after the relocation; I personally hope that the station architecture and sculptures will be kept intact.

Singapore�s new landmark- the 3 Towers of Marina Bay Sands

Location: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore (1� 17' 4? N, 103� 51' 21? E)
Date: 18 August2009; 8.50pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

As posted previously, Singapore is busy changing the face of its CBD plunging billions of dollars in building up and transforming the new Marina Bay area. One of the latest addition to its skyline and possibly considered a Singapore landmark is the new Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort. This comprise of casino, hotels, shopping and conference facilities built and owned by the US-based Vegas Sands. It was opened in April 2010 though construction of a few of its sites is still in progress. This is supposedly the world�s most expensive standalone casino property. Foreigners are warmly welcome (to lose money) in the casino while Singapore Residents are discouraged to visit the casino by having to pay a hefty entrance fee of S$100 per visit.

Songbirds enjoy singing, naturally, Singapore

Location: Ang Mo Kio neighbourhood, Singapore (1� 22' 12.6? N, 103� 50' 44.23? E)
Date: 27 June 2010, 9.35am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Despite its very modern facade, Singapore or more precisely Singaporeans still maintain many traditional habits and pastimes. One of them is enjoying bird singing. Every Sunday mornings, enthusiasts will gather at a few locations scattered around the island for their birds� regular training. The owners arrive with their birds -merboks, China thrushes, white rumped shamas, red whiskered bulbuls and mata putehs (white eyes) - some costing hundreds of dollars, in carved lacquered teak cages. The owners will try to choose a hanger near other birds that will encourage them to sing at their best as it is the nature of songbirds to try outperforming one another in the attempt to attract the opposite sex. While the birds sing, the owners will exchange tips and news or just simply enjoy the �music�. It is believed that a bird�s diet influence how it sings; so a songbird�s diet may include any of the following- live insects, fruits and/or hard boiled eggs. These are very useful practice sessions for owners who are planning to enter their birds in bird singing competitions- National Competition carry a cash price of $10,000. It is not uncommon for winning birds to be traded for thousands of dollars. This is another of the non-mainstream activities (on top of those recommended here) that is highly recommended to visitors to Singapore. Any visitors who may like to experience this unique gathering should note that the busiest period of any Sunday is between 8.00 am and 10.00 am.

Singapore Flyer, world�s largest Ferris wheel so far

Location: Singapore Flyer Singapore (1�17'21.53"N 103�51'47.03"E)
Date: 22 February 2010; 8.10pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Singapore is in the midst of transforming itself, physically, socially as well as economically. Socially by encouraging more immigration of skilled and professionals, dubbed �foreign talents� into the country to counter the low birth rate of Singaporeans, economically by restructuring and encouraging local companies to grow bigger regionally as well as intensified training of its workforce and physically by developing more iconic landmarks as well as improving and redeveloping existing localities. One of the newer attractions on the island is the so-called Singapore Flyer, which is supposedly the largest Ferris wheel in the world. The attraction had been in operation for about 1.5 years but is struggling to attract visitors.

Lanterns and other Chinese New Year decorations- Singapore

Location: Chinatown, Singapore (1�17'2.30"N,103�50'35.60"E)
Date: 6 February 2009; 8.20pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

It�s that time of the year again- coming close to the Lunar/Chinese New Year (CNY). As usual, in most Asian countries where there is a large Chinese population, this is one of the most joyous festival and shoppers throng shops and stalls that sell CNY goodies and decorations. This coming CNY falls on 14 February and is the year of the Tiger- one of the most feared (and perhaps respected) animals in the Chinese Horoscope. Most Chinese couple getting married will rush to do so before the Year of the Tiger because it is apparently not-so-auspicious for such events. But of course, there will still be millions of Chinese marriages in the Tiger year- not everyone is superstitious.

Changi Airport has it all, including a mobile post office!!

Location: Changi Airport Terminal 2, Singapore (1�21'26.54?N 103�59'19.81?E)
Date: 2 May 2009; 9.20am
Camera: Canon IXUS IZoom
Singapore has great pride in its national carrier (Singapore Airlines) and airport terminals at Changi. Both are icons of Singapore and had consistently topped surveys by travellers. More terminals are being added to Changi Airport while the older ones are constantly being upgraded. Unlike some other airports where it is boring and uncomfortable to transit or wait for flights, Changi has lots of amenities, entertainment, shopping and probably the airport with the most number of free internet terminals (and also free wifi connections for those with their own laptops) in the world. A lot of thoughts must have gone into trying to make the airport as user-friendly as possible including providing a mobile post office (on wheels) and souvenir stand like this in the photo.

The changing face of Singapore especially the new CBD

Location: View from Marina Barrage, Singapore (1� 16' 50? N, 103� 52' 16? E)
Date: 20 July 2009; 8.20pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

The only certainty in Singapore is perhaps change. The skyline, retail facades and residential skyscrapers of the island is constantly changing. Many of the buildings, be it commercial or residential and retail facades that were around 10 years ago were either refurbished, renovated or plainly demolished to make room for newer, better and taller ones. The country is also in the midst of remaking its Central Business District (CBD) by relocating and building new office towers around the new Marina Downtown area. The picture at the Downtown area today (above) is distinctly different from two years ago. The Singapore Flyer in the photo (Ferris wheel) was only operational in early 2008. The so-called Integrated Resort named Marina Bay Sands Resort, which is in effect a huge casino complex represented by the three towers at the left of the picture, is scheduled for completion by year-end. A couple of other projects are in the pipeline to maintain the change momentum.

Location: Parkview Square, Singapore (1�18'0"N 103�51'27"E)
Date: 31 October 2002; 6.05pm
Camera: Canon G1

The building, Parkview Square is a landmark building in Singapore, located just outside the Central Business District. It is a landmark because it stands majestically tall in solitary in contrast to the much-shorter buildings around it. The owner wanted the building to be "imposing and monumental, yet stylish and elegant". The building is designed in the classic Art Deco style, with a similar Art Deco lobby that feature a 15m-high ceiling with handcrafted details. The open plaza, reminiscent of Piazza San Marco of Venice, is surrounded by sculptures and statues of many famous figures in world history such as the two gentlemen in the photograph, Sun Yat-sen, Mozart, Shakespeare and others. The building is also adorned with many motifs, sculptures, and ornamentation. It is "guarded" by eight gigantic fiberglass statues of men holding a light ball in their hands, four of them standing on each broad side of the building's crown. Similarly hand-crafted gargoyles decorate the building's exterior while a statue of a golden bird stands in the center of the plaza.

Sun set behind Singapore's skyline from Batam, Indonesia

Location: Singapore skyline from Nongsa Marina, Batam, Indonesia(1�11'47.04"N 104� 5'52.71"E)
Date: 16 February 1996; 7.10pm
Camera: Minolta Compact

Batam is part of the Riau Island group of Eastern Sumatra. It has benefited tremendously from its proximity to Singapore with many companies based in Singapore setting up factories on the island. It also has many beautiful beaches, especially in the north of the island, rivaling some of the best of Asia. As such it is also a favourite weekend getaway for Singaporeans, who come to enjoy the beaches and the cheap and abundant seafood. It is so "Singapor-ise" that prices on the island are quoted in Singapore Dollars and are only marginally cheaper than in Singapore. The island is also well-known as a "mistress haven" where Singaporean men keeps Indonesian mistresses and only visits them during the weekend.

David of Michelangelo- a feminine touch of the perfect man

Location: Singapore National Museum (1� 17' 48.2? N, 103� 50' 55.1? E)
Date: 21 March 2008; 12.45pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

A different perspective of the famous David statute of Michelangelo; this one is covered by a flowery layer of textile, reminiscent of traditional handmade brocade, commonly used for the baju kebaya, a customary women�s blouse. In this novel garb, Indonesian artist Titarubi uses David to explicitly express attributes of femininity.

Technorati Tags: Singapore,museum,David

Deities at Sri Krishnan Temple, Singapore

Location: Sri Krishnan Temple, Singapore (1�18'1.98"N 103�51'10.58"E)
Date: 6 January 2005; 4.30pm
Camera: Canon IXUS IZoom
Sri Krishnan Temple is a major Hindu temple in Singapore, being dedicated to Krishna, the ninth incarnation of Vishnu. The temple�s origins in 1870 were modest. A large banyan tree (now gone) was the congregation point for many of the Hindu labourers that lived and worked in the neighbourhood. A wealthy merchant, Mr. Hanuman Beem Singh, realized that these men needed a place to worship and had two deities built along the base of the tree. Some years later a larger platform was built to place a deity of Lord Krishna. The temple had since undergone several renovations over the years.

Renovations and additions are very important to Hindu temples, often occurring at least once every 12 years in ceremonies meant to symbolize ritual purification. This is why the deity representations around this temple retain their paint and colours. Nowadays the temple also benefits from its location next to the Kwang Im Temple; hordes of Buddhist/Taoist devotees and/or tourists pray at the temple after or before visiting the neighbouring Kwang Im Temple.

Technorati Tags: Sri Krishnan Temple

Angels and saints, Bidadari Cemetery, Singapore

Location: Bidadari Cemetery, Singapore (1�20'18.77"N 103�52'15.06"E)
Date: 12 March 2004; 6.35pm
Camera: Canon 300D with EF50/f1.8 lens

Bidadari is a defunct cemetery in Singapore. It was Singapore's third cemetery, opening its doors on 1 January 1908 with sections for Muslims, Hindus, Singhalese and a large section for Christians of different denominations.

Like everything old and ancient in Singapore, it eventually succumbed to the voracious appetite for development and then simply disappeared. The cemetery was closed in 1973 and was slated to be redeveloped for public housing and other facilities. The exhumation of an estimated 143,000 graves was started in 2001 and completed by the end of 2006.

Bidadari used to have many elegantly carved tombstones especially in the Christian sections. Sculptured tombstones adorned with angels and saints were quite common sights.

Technorati Tags: Bidadari,cemetery

Plant diversity at the Singapore Botanical Garden

Location: Homalomena rubescens of Araceae family, Singapore Botanical Garden (1�19'18"N 103�48'59"E)
Date: 26 August 200; 10.36am
Camera: Canon 300D with kit kens
Singapore Botanical Garden is a pleasant place to spend a few hours, strolling amongst its vast collection of tropical trees, flowers and plants (see previous post on Singapore guide). It has a fairly substantial collection of plants including about 20,000 orchid plants display in the National Orchid Garden (orchid is Singapore's National Flower). There is even a stage where outdoor performances are held occasionally. Entrance is free except the Orchid Garden.

Travelling in South East Asia- Singapore

Singapore is situated right in the centre of South East Asia (SEA) and is a favourite destination for travellers to Asia to stop-over for a few days to enjoy its amenities and to recharge before charging back into the rest of their travelling in Asia.
Singapore is a tiny citystate and is probably only good for 3-5 days of stay at most. This is especially so considering is is quite an expensive destination by Asian standard. But because of its compact size, many places of different themes and interests can be reached rather easily with its efficient transport system compared to most other Asian countries that boast similar but better quality attractions. Most of what one sees in Singapore can be seen in other parts of SEA and in more "original pristine" conditions in those countries. For example guidebooks often rave about Singapore's Chinatown but hey, the whole of Singapore is a Chinatown- one cannot avoid bumping into a Chinese in Singapore every other minute!! It used to be quite quaint with nice old pre-war shophouses but after so many rounds of renovations, demolitions and rebuildings by the government, such shops certainly look overly artificial. The same goes for street market at Bugis Street- miniscule and overpriced compared to the likes in other SEA countries.
However there are a few notable attractions that stand out:

- Orchard Road is definitely worth a visit even though one is not keen to do much shopping but to ogle at the shops and the ladies (and guys). Nearly every major luxury brands in the world are represented here and they are supposedly cheaper than anywhere else in Asia. Serious shoppers can really shop till they are dead- even tourists from all over Asia come to Orchard Road to shop.
- Little India is probably the place with the most Indian-like atmosphere outside of the Indian Sub-continent; especially on a Sunday evening when most of the thousands of South Asian foreign workers in Singapore come out from their workers' enclaves to enjoy their holiday, shopping and meeting with friends.
- Old kampong (village) charms at Pulau (Island) Ubin. This is a small island only few minutes away on a bumboat from Changi Village. It is better to explore this place by cycling (bicycle rental next to the jetty) and finish off with a seafood meal at one of the few old-time coffeeshops on the island.
- Walking in a real primary jungle of undulating trails at the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. This is one of the best experiences for someone who has not been inside a tropical jungle. Bring insect repellants as the mosquitoes will definitely love you.
- The Botanical Garden is a pleasant place, amongst the flowers and birds. It also has a Rainforest Trail that has remnants of Singapore's original rainforest. One can get close to giant trees, see some colour butterflies and forest birds.
- The Zoo and Night Safari is reputedly the best in Asia and a very worthwhile experience. But beware that the experience will set you back a bit financially.
- Singapore's museums especially the Asian Civilisation Museum is worth a visit. It has good collection and often hold special exhibitions.

On top of such "mainstream" activities, there are also some "hidden" gems that probably only locals will know. Some of these interesting outings would include:

- people watching and getting crowded in at Little India (as above) on a Sunday evening.
- watching street walkers (yes, they are many in this supposedly squeaky-clean state as well) and deals being struck on the narrow lanes between Geylang Lorong 8 and 22 especially along Westerhout Road (only after dark). Also interesting to see how brothels are decorated Singapore-style (from the outside) on these lanes.
- watching beautiful sunsets and the flames from distant oil refineries at Pulau Bukom lighting up the evening sky at Labrador Park.
- sipping ginger tea (teh halia in Malay) and chilling out in the open air along Baghdad Street and puffing shisha in the various cafes along Arab Street in the Kampong Glam area (also known as Arab district).
- sampling local food at a hawker centre or coffeeshop- see this blog for good recommendations.

As alluded before, Singapore is an expensive place and its hotel rates are among the most expensive in SEA. For budget travellers, these are the cheaper but clean, safe and fantastic options- A Travellers Rest Stop (oops- just found out that they have stop operating due to end of lease), Backpacker Cozy Corner Guesthouse and Betel Box Backpackers Hostel. Go to Hangout @ Mount Emily for a slightly pricier option but with more facilities and choice setting (also member of YHA).

Location: Chinatown, Singapore (1�17'2.30"N,103�50'35.60"E)
Date: 16 January 2006; 10.30pm
Camera: Canon IXUS IZoom
Wish my readers a Happy & Prosperous Chinese New Year (CNY).
CNY is the biggest festival on the Chinese calendar and is celebrated by Chinese all over the world. Before CNY the Chinatown areas will be full of temporary street stalls that sell all sorts of goodies and decorations for the new year. The atmosphere is normally very celebratory and the streets are choke-a-block with shoppers. I went to Chinatown to try taking some photos this year but was disappointed with the lights. I thought this photo from a couple of years back was more fun.

Technorati Tags: Chinese New year,Singapore,Chinatown

Location: Serangoon Central, Singapore (1 22 N, 103 48 E)
Date: 10 August 2006; 8.30pm
Camera used: Canon 400D with EF 50mm/f1.8
Hungry Ghost Festival falls on the 7th month of the lunar New Year and is celebrated mainly in China and other countries such as Singapore & Malaysia. It is believed that during this month, the gates of hell are opened to free the hungry ghosts who then wander to seek food on Earth. Chinese celebrate this festival chiefly to remember their deceased family members and pay tribute to them. They also feel that offering food to the deceased appeases them and wards off bad luck.
Chinese also believe that the dead return to visit their living relatives during the 7th month and so they prepare a sumptuous meal for the �hungry ghosts�, just as they would for normal Chinese gatherings at festivals. They also offer prayers to the deceased relatives and burn joss sticks.
In Malaysia and Singapore, there are also concerts (getai or wayang) performed on outdoor stages in some neighborhoods at night. These concerts used to be traditional Chinese (different dialects) operas and (Teochews and Hokkien) puppet shows; however nowadays such traditional performances are very rare- they are replaced by pop music. There is a belief that this entertainment would please those wandering ghosts.

This photo is a rare Hokkien puppet show.

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Railway operations the old-world way- Malaysia�s KTM in Singapore