Singapore 13 - 16 September 2010

Selamat Hari Raya to all my muslim friends.. And the rest, how was your holiday? Mine was splendid.. Instead of spending RM500 for the flights back to Kuching, I went to Singapore again after being there the last raya.. Had also stopped by Singapore on my way to a workcamp in the Philippines earlier this year..

I have things undone in Singapore, not work of course.. Few years back, i read about Marina Bay.. I was pretty interested in the development of Marina Bay.. Casino wasn't my first priority as i didn't even enter the casino although i was right in front the main door.. What caught my interest was the design of the buildings.. I love the idea of putting a skypark on top of the three hotel towers.. And deep inside my heart, i told myself, i will be up there when it is completed.. And there i was, on top of Marina Bay Sands Casino and Hotels..

Weather was good during my visit to Singapore.. Manage to cover the places that we wanted to visit.. Three altogether; Universal Studio Singapore, Marina Barrage and the Skypark..

The bus departed Bukit Jalil 10.30am sharp on the 13th September 2010.. I was pretty impressed with the timeliness of the bus.. I had a bad experience previously waiting for one and a half hour in the bus before finally departing to Penang.. That was the reason why i rather spent a bit more on this company, Transnational.. They deserve a pat on the back although the bus wasn't as new as i had heard of earlier...

Xinni and i arrived in Singapore at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, after which we walked a distance to the Lavender station... After switching to another train and travelled for an hour, we reached Sembawang, our base for the trip.. It was her sister's house there.. :)

- my usual breakfast there -

And, our first destination, the Universal Studio Singapore... The studio cost us SGD 66, inclusive of one day pass, SGD5 worth of food voucher and another SGD5 worth of souvenirs voucher.. The concept there was pretty similar to the Disneyland, only different characters.. Had a fun-filled day at the studio minus the heat from the sun... It would be much better if we have winter here.. But credits to the sun also for we have nicer photos with it.. :)

We went to the Marina Barrage the second day.. The idea of building the barrage wasn't new as we also have one in Kuching.. It has few functions.. First, to control flood.. Second, to provide Singapore with fresh water.. And the third was the one which attracted my attention.. They made it in such a way that the building itself is a playground.. It has a green top, overlooking the heart of Singapore.. The roof is planted with grass, and it resembles a big big field.. It is a heaven for kite fliers like me and picnic enthusiasts, especially in a place where land is scarce..

- Sustainable Singapore Gallery, Marina Barrrage -

- Sustainable Singapore Gallery, Marina Barrrage -

- On top of the Marina Barrage -

- Marina Barrage Cafe -

Later in the afternoon, we went to the Marina Bay Sands Casino and Hotels.. The buildings are gorgeous, with a skypark laying on top of them.. The skypark is longer than the Eiffel Tower laid horizontally and four and a half jumbo jets A380.. At the tip of the skypark, the cantilever, is the longest in the world of its kind.. Thanks to Architect Moshe Safdie, i was able to be up there, overlooking Singapore and parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.. But before that, I had to pay SGD20 to go up there.. Burnt a hole in my pocket!!!

- Sunset -

Here are the bird's views of Singapore city from the cantilever.. They are marvellous, i tell you....

Now, i am back in my condo in Bukit Jalil, bringing back together photos and memories from Singapore with xinni.. Am currently down with sore throat and mild fever... Recuperating for Uni this monday.. Got to stay healthy for the trip to Kuantan for the IIUM quiz this friday..

Thanks papa and mummy for the financial support.... :)