Images of Singapore Museum ~ transporting you straight to the soul of Singapore.

Imbiah Lookout 
Sentosa Island

Singapore

Balong and I in front of Images of Singapore Museum.

We have a great time exploring the whole island of Sentosa, we admit we were a bit exhausted because of the entire day of walking, but all in all it was one awesome day not to forget.

The 37-meter tall Merlion can be found at the base of this escalator.

When the three of us (Balong, BFF Lemwuel and myself) arrived in Imbiah Lookout from Beach Station, we spent a few minutes wandering around first. The stunning statue of a 37-meter  replica of a  Merlion is the first attraction that greeted us then. Please don’t get confused with the original statue located in Marina Bay as this is a different figure. It doesn’t sprout water in his mouth but one of the 5 recognized Merlion statues by Singapore Tourism Board (STB). The replica here is 4 times bigger than the original which is surrounded with greeneries and art pieces that you will truly enjoy.

One of the art pieces scattered in the hill on our way up.

There is a Merlion Walk at the base that replicates the marine life in the ocean. It’s a beauty of its own as thousands of tiles were used to form this almost 200 meters of passage ways with cute figures. Roaming around the vicinity is free but if you have plan to enter the crown then you need to spend SGD 10 per adult (around PHP 330 or USD 7.5) and SGD 8 for kids. Once you’re on top, it gives you the bird’s eye view of Singapore’s signature skyline and the nearby islands of Indonesia and Malaysia.

oooppppssssss.. i don't have any plan to bring it at home just wanna know how heavy it is. (ahahaha!)

After roaming around the enduring icon of Singapore, we headed straight to Imbiah Lookout where most of the attractions awaits. There is no problem going up because there are escalators with covered canopies that will direct you straight to the top of the hill. We did a few stops on our way because there are so many attractions which is too cute to ignore. We’ve seen a giant ‘tea kettle’ made of mesh wire and we paused for a while to have some pics taken (ahahaha!).

The beauty outside of the Museum.

When we reach at the top, the two-storey building of Images of Singapore Museum is the first structure we’ve seen. Its designed replicates like the one built during the British colonial period with its wall painted with plain white and its roof with maroon. Its windows are huge which is too common in any tropical countries to welcome more air as the scorching weather is ruthless sometimes.

What i like about the museum is the presence of balcony that surrounds the whole structure.

What I love about the design is the balcony that surrounds the whole structure. I don’t know if guest are allowed to use it but having such features makes an Asian house distinct and unique. There is an information that during the early years around 1893 to 1950, this building is actually used as a Military Hospital and lots of restorations where made and was then transformed into a Museum.

BFF Lemwuel, be careful please...

Just at the façade, there are so many exhibits that really grabs our attention. There is a vintage car used during the colonization of the British and we asked one of the staff if it’s ok to have a picture then. After he said that it’s fine, we hop-on the truck and took several shots (ahahaha!). It’s better to inquire than to go ahead without permission you know, it’s a shame to walk in directly just to find out that it’s not allowed to do so (ahahaha!). I have this notion that once you’re in a museum as long as there is a signage that says you are allowed to touch it, then touch it; however, if there is no sign that says so better keep your distance (ahahaha!).

Balong infront of the display outside the museum. It's the remnants during the British colonialization.

Even we were granted permission, we were still too cautious not to leave any mark in the truck. It’s a treasure from the past and the least we can do is to take some precautionary measures.

Four of the famous founder of Singapore greeted us on our way in : a Malay, an Indian, a Chinese and a Peranakans

After taking shots, we said our thanks and went to the entrance which is decorated with potted bonsai plants. There is a an interesting sand sculpture that interest us too with a lying dragon embellished with bushes and spring flowers. I am amazed because it is situated under the sun yet the sculpture is still intact. Usually if you leave the sand sculpture in the midst of open air it collapse after few minutes.

One of the wax sculpture inside. The elaborate and intricate detailing of the sculpture feels like you're really facing a real stage actress.

After checking the whole vicinity, we queued ourselves to the ticketing outlet and paid SGD 8 around PHP 260 or USD 6 per person. If you’re a history buff or wanted to know the humble beginning of Singapore then a visit to this museum is a must. There are so many museum that surrounds Singapore that focus on different themes, but this one will transport you straight to the soul of this small yet amazing country.

Replica of a dragon boat racing.

Images of Singapore Museum explains the chronological history of Singapore through several presentation of imagery, exhibits, theater staging, life size picturesque display, and lots of striking visual dramatic scene. If you have been to Madam Tussaud’s famous wax museum of known actors/politicians then you can experience it in here too. The difference is most of the figures are not known actors but represents ordinary people like you and me.

You can even touch, hear and smell the displays as there are no barriers that exist between the tourist and the artifacts. The exhibit starts at the earliest days that gives thorough and exciting replicas for you to learn what is the life in the past. It also depicts the valuable historic and values that engulfs Singapore. The images are so real life and feels like am watching the whole of Asia’s  origins firsthand. We don’t know maybe my bloodlines were in here too, you know? (hehehe ~ just a thought!)  

Shadow puppet theater is called Wayang kulit in Indonesia and it is particularly popular in Java and Bali.

It also narrates how Singapore is formed and what the country had been too.  It showcase the country’s dark past like the occupation of the Japanese and the internment, the plight of the poor inhabitants, the Stories of the Sea, Pioneers of Singapore, the landmark signings at the Surrender Chambers, flight for self determination to build the country, and showcasing celebrations of the festivals that evolves in Singapore.

The salesman in front of his old shop selling wide varieties of spices and oils.

The whole exhibition is a great depiction of the history and social development of Singapore and Malaysia. I love the lifelike displays and comprehensive information accompanied to it as they explain each figure in a manner that even kids could understand clearly. They have replicas of old houses, street games, stores, theaters, and lots more that represent the old ways of living in here.

At the end of World War II, when half a million of Japanese troops surrender at Singapore.

The most interesting part personally is the striking display in the wall of the four men and their fictitious story as they were considered as ‘the four founders of the nation: a Chinese, a Peranakans, a Malay and an Indian’. I didn’t learn their history but has come to appreciate the origin of Singapore which replicates the origin of Filipino too.

When we left at the museum, the rain just stop and we headed directly to Tiger Sky Tower.

So when you are in Sentosa Island, spend an hour of your time exploring the museum to learn about Singapore’s culture and heritage. I assure you it’s worth visiting, a walk through experience is an adventure in itself as it brought you back to past and made you think what it is to be an Asian. 

Balong just in front of the museum . The background is the Hotel Michael in Resorts World Sentosa.

That's it for now folks. Have a great day/ night everyone.

Enan signing off.

Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrriioosssssssss!!!!

SMILE :)

.

Sentosa Island ~ Asia’s Favourite Playground

Sentosa Island

Singapore

Sentosa signage just in front of the 37-meter tall Merlion.

You’re visit to Singapore is incomplete if you haven’t visited the beautiful island of Sentosa. It is just a few minutes away from the mainland and there are so many ways to go here. The island offers an impressive range of activities for you to enjoy , better tag your family and friends along to share the fun and excitement. There is no shortage of entertainment once you’re in here, that is no question why it is considered as Asia’s Favourite Playground.

I Fly vicinity just outside of Beach Station.

Balong in Imbiah Lookout Station

We stayed in Singapore for only 7 days but we maximize everything possible. We did consult for advices two of our closest friends Llowel and Lemwuel  who are based here with regards to the top destination slash attraction that we need to witness and experience firsthand. We have a detailed itinerary everyday and we didn’t waste any single minute staying in the hotel as we always on the run to visit some places. It’s true that you need to spend a few bucks to spoil yourself; but on the contrary, there are areas here that is absolutely free.

The terminal station of Sentosa Monorail Express in Level 3 of Vivo City.

Sentosa is a place where fun and frivolity take centerstage. The island is a complete package and one day is not enough to explore the whole island. There are so many attractions that you will truly enjoy and filled your vacation trip an enjoyable and memorable one. Just an entrance fee of SGD 1 or PHP 33 is what you need inorder for you to get here.

To fight the scorching weather of Singapore, it's a MUST to drink plenty of water.

There are so many modes of transportation to choose from. You can take the most common one the Sentosa Express which its terminal is located in the level 3 of Vivo City. You can also take the colored bus which is available just outside of Harbour Front MRT or you can take the infamous cable car starting from Mt. Faber for you to have a bird’s eye view of the island and the signature skyline of Singapore. For budget friendly travelers, you can try the long way via Sentosa Boardwalk while enjoying the natural breeze of the bay that connects the main island to Sentosa.

Sentosa Terminal Station.

Sentosa Express has three (3) three substation within the island, the Waterfront, the Imbiah, and the Beach Station. The single day Sentosa Pass is only SGD 3.50 around PHP115 or USD 2 that includes admission entry. You can pay it by cash, credit cards or EZ link cards that is used as an electronic payment on all public transport. Each station has its own specific attractions to enjoy and you can use the monorail anytime you want.

Sentosa Boardwalk overlooking the Keppel Harbour.

Sentosa Boardwalk is what I prefer the most. We’ve been here several times as we enjoy the view that surrounds the Keppel Harbour. It’s Asia’s first themed boardwalk and its passage is composed of travelators, souvenir outlets, restaurants and bars for you to enjoy. Rain or shine is the least of your worries because the whole pathway is covered with canopies and themed garden. For budget friendly traveler, prepare SGD 1 for the entrance fee to the island.

Imbiah Lookout station of Singapore Cable Car.

Singapore Cable Car is one of the best mode of transportation to have the bird’s eye view of Sentosa and the nearby islands. If we talk about photo opportunity, then this is the perfect answer. It offers lots of picturesque landscape in 360 degrees especially the signature skyline of Singapore in Marina Bay. Aside from that, when you go to Mt. Faber, it has a beauty of it own as it is considered as the oldest hilltop parks in Singapore and one of the most popular destination. The price is only SGD 26 for adult and SGD 15 for children.

View of the dangling cable car from Sentosa Boardwalk.

Once you arrive in Sentosa, name anything that is in your head and voila you can find everything in here, from shopping outlets of local and international brand, to themed park entertainment, to manmade beaches, to casinos, lush greenery, and lot lot more. In fact, there are millions of pleasure seekers do visit Sentosa every year and count me and Balong to that (hehehe!). To summarize all the attractions that we’ve been too, I’ll try to enumerate all in here. It was one awesome day not to forget, we devote one whole day in here plus one whole day in Universal Studio.

Here are the point of interest that we indulge in:

The stunning beauty of the Merlion surrounded by the lush greenery of Sentosa.

1) The Merlion ~ we spent a few minutes wandering in here. This 37-meter tall statue which is considered as one of the tallest statue in the world is considered as the icon of this small yet amazing country. You never been  here if you haven’t seen its stunning stature. It’s location is just a few walks away from the Imbiah lookout station. You can go to the crown of the statue and you’ll experience the 360 degree view of the island. Price: SGD 10 for adult and SGD 8 for child.

Tiger Sky Tower from Images of Singapore Museum.

That's BFF Lemwuel with me at the exit point of Tiger Sky Tower.

2) Tiger Sky Tower ~ is considered as the tallest free standing observation tower in Asia. It’s located in the Imbiah Lookout where Merlion is located too. There is a large air-conditioned cabin disk for you to get in and surrounded with glass. If you’re afraid of heights then lots of confidence is needed as it gently revolves to the top more than a hundred meters from the ground (ahahaha!). From the top, you’ll view the signature skyline of Singapore and surrounding islands of Indonesia and Malaysia. Prices: Adults: SGD 15 and Child: SGD 10.

The facade of Images of Singapore Museum.

One of the exhibit found in front of the Museum.

3) Images of Singapore ~ as what the name suggest, it exhibits the culture and history of Singapore. If you want  to go one step further to know the humble beginning to the present then this is a must-visit for every visitor. The location is near the canopy covered escalator in Imbiah lookout facing the Tiger Sky Tower. Exploring the chronological history museum will only take an hour or two but if you want to learn all the minute details then extend your stay to 4 hours. Prices; Adult SGD 10 and Child: SGD 7

The vicinity of Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom.

4) Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom ~ its location is just a few walks away from Tiger Sky Tower. The vicinity is surrounded with lush greenery and offers wide variety of rare and exotic butterflies and insects. It exhibits the beauty and wonders of mother nature. This is a must stopover for nature lover and be prepared to be touched by the gentle feet of butterflies as they sometimes parked on you. Prices: SGD 16 for adults and SGD 10 for kids.

In the entrance to the ticketing outlet to Luge and Skyride.

5) Skyline Luge and Sky Ride ~ are you ready to have a thrilling ride? Then try the part go-cart part toboggan attraction here located just in front of Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom. Don’t forget to bring extra shirt as expect lots of sweat while doing it. It offers a unique outdoor experience that can only be found in Singapore. Kids and adult alike will surely love the adventure as it offers lots of laughter in maneuvering the equipment. The Skyride will take your breath away as it takes you to enjoy the panoramic scenery of the towering skyline and the beautiful southern coast line. Prices: SGD 20 per person and you'll have 3 Luge + 3 Skyride.

Thats Balong, BFF Lemwuel and myself in the infamous signage of Siloso Beach.

Look how beautiful the weather is during our visit to Siloso Beach.

6) Siloso Beach Resort ~ is one of the manmade beaches in Singapore located in the southerncoast of Sentosa. There is a free tram ride from Beach station and offers lots of outdoor activities like volleyball, kayaking and football. The famous Rasa Shangrila Hotel is home here as well. At night, there is a party usually going-on that is why it’s considered as one of the hippest beach in Sentosa. There is no entrance fee in here and you can stay as long as you want. Just take note: camping is strictly prohibited.

The beauty of nature freely swimming in the river ways of Underwater Sea World.

7) Underwater World ~ can be found just a few walks away from Siloso Beach. Just at the outside alone you’ll see the beauty of the wonders of the sea as we saw marine turtles freely swimming through semi-river waterways. It’s a family friendly oceanarium packed with interactive undersea encounters. Prepare yourself to be amazed to see firsthand the beauty of sharks, seahorses, jelly fishes, and much more. There is Arapaima in here as well, considered as one of the living fossils. Prices: Adult SGD 29.90 and Child SGD 20.60.

Good job Baby Girl!!!

The wavehouse in Siloso Beach.

8) Wavehouse ~ if you’re a thrill seeker and haven’t tried to surf yet then a visit to this place is a must. They have a manmade fully flowing sheet wave just near Siloso Beach. There were lots of people around but we enjoyed it so much. You can do snowboarding, skateboarding, skimboarding, wakeboarding and of course surfing in here. Almost any sports I guess as long as there is board in it. The price varies especially if you want to hire an instructor but the average is around SGD 50 per hour.

View of the Palawan Beach that stretch along the southerncoast of Sentosa.

Since no one is around then it's time to have some FUN!!!!

9) Palawan Beach ~ I love this part of Sentosa than Siloso Beach. This area is much more secluded and more family friendly. We were fortunate to visit the place during weekdays and no one is in there. There are lots of restaurants to dine in too just in case your hunger strikes. For kids, Port of Lost Wonders (POLW) is a must visit attractions, kids will truly love the pirate themed water park, I assure you that. Stretch of Palawan beach is free but POLW isn’t.

The suspension bridge that connects Palawan Beach to the islet.

Balong and I made it to the Southermost Point of Continental Asia.

10) Southernmost Point of Continental Asia ~ we may haven’t been to the highest mountain of the world or the coldest part of Antarctica at least we can say that we’ve been to the Most Southern Point of Continental Asia (ahahaha!). The place is beautifully maintained and surrounded with coconut trees that serves as shades. To have that rustic  feel they have this suspension bridge that link Palawan Beach to the islet. There are two wooden observation deck which is absolutely free to get in. From here, you’ll see the magnificent statue of The Merlion in Imbiah Lookout and the nearby islands.

Entrance to Universal Studio Singapore with the background trademark of Resorts World.

Balong just in front of the Transformers, The 3D Ride in Sci Fi City.

11) Universal Studios ~ it’s one of the best themed park we’ve been too. We’ve been here on a separate day (one whole day to be exact) but we pass-by in here just to have lunch in ‘Malaysian Food Street’. It has 7 zone for the crowds to enjoy starting from Hollywood, New York, Sci Fi City, Ancient Egypt, Lost World, Far far Away and the last but not the least the Madagascar. One whole day is perfect to explore all the rides and attractions in here. It’s a whole day of fun for the whole family to enjoy. Start your day from 10:ooam until 9:3opm to witness the Hollywood After Hours. Prices: Adult SGD 74.00 and Child SGD 54.

Musical extravaganza in synchronization with lights, water, air and fire.

12) Lake of Dreams ~ it’s not actually a lake, it’s a mini pool with lots of art pieces in it. During the day it’s just an ordinary fountain but every night, it becomes alive that showcase wonderful synchronization of air, water and fire. It is just one of the free show here in Sentosa that usually happen at 8:3opm. 

The courting of the magnificent crane.

13) Crane Dance ~ it’s great to wrap up the night in Sentosa while watching for free the largest crane dance in Asia. Please note that it is not an everyday show as we thought at first. They only perform at night of Thursday to Monday and public holidays. It transform an ordinary mechanical cranes to a magical reel birds that explains their love story. Astounding water and light effects showing the lovely courtship of the pair.

There are still some attractions that we haven't been and seen personally because of time constraints and honestly not in included in our budget (ahahaha!). We haven't been to the 1) Song of the Sea, 2) iFly, 3) Tanjong Beach, 4) Dolphin Lagoon, 5) Siloso Fort, and the 6) Maritime Experiential Museum. However, if ever given a chance to go back to Singapore again pretty sure me and Balong will gladly visit those places. 

Balong at the top of one of the observation deck in Southernmost Point of Continental Asia.

For the time being, we need to save money inorder to materialize the next trip to Singapore (ahahaha!).

Have a great night/day everyone. That's all for now.

Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeerrriooosss!!!!

Enan signing off.

SMILE :)

.