Marina Bay ~ lies the signature skyline of Singapore (Part 2)

continuation from:

........... Marina Bay ~ lies the signature skyline of Singapore (Part 1)

The conspicuous design of Marina Bay Sands from Singapore Flyer.

               6) Marina Bay Sands and Parks ~ is the focal point of Marina Bay. Just the impressive architectural design of this superb structure has a story in itself. It’s like a building holding a huge luxury ship which is about to sail in the horizon (ahahaha!). Hey hey hey please don't get me wrong that is only how i see the building (hehehe!). Since it is one of the famous landmarks, we told ourselves that no matter what happen we need to witness firsthand the grandeur of this iconic hotel and finally…… here we are (hehehe!).

It is an integrated resort considered as the ‘world’s most expensive stand alone casino property at a staggering SGD 8 billion’ Whew!!! What can you say about that huh? It’s a one-stop destination for business, leisure and entertainment that offers world class luxury casino and hotel complete with 5-star restaurant, a museum,  expo and convention facilities, glamorous shopping mall, two state-of-the-art theaters, sensational nightlife, and of course the stunning ‘Skypark’ that capped the three 55-storey towers.

Balong inside 'The Shoppe' of MBS.

Looks like the river in Venice, ayt? (hehehe!). Actually, the boat is called Sampan, they used it before for fishing.

               7) The Shoppe @ Marina Bay Sands ~ MBS is not just mainly about casinos and hotel as this is also called the place for everything that you fancy with. That's why, we spent much of our time roaming around ‘The Shoppe’ and feed ourselves with luxury items that are only reachable in our dreams (ahahaha!). Even we can’t afford to buy one at least we experienced it personally (ahahaha!). 

Famous international brands can be found inside 'The Shoppe'/

Most of the internationally known fashion brands have its own exclusives lavish boutiques in here such as Prada, Cartier, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Hermes, Gucci, Chopard, Vertu and a lot more that creates a modern shopping mecca that rivals the fashion capitals of the world. Why bother to go to New York, Paris, or Milan if you can find luxury items that you wanted to have here, ayt? (hmmmmm I was just dreaming ok? ~ ahahaha)

Entrance to the Sands SkyPark.

The 360 degree view at the top of the Skypark.

              8) Sky Sands and Skypark ~ is another attraction with a price within Marina Bay Sands (ahahaha!). Don’t get me wrong please as we only paid SGD 20 and that is equivalent to PHP 660 or USD 15 per person (ahahaha!). Actually, it is not supposed to be in our list to visit because we already been to Singapore Flyer but if we missed this out pretty sure we feel gutted if we haven’t seen the best 360-degree panoramic view of whole Singapore and beyond. 

Balong is busy taking pics of the surroundings.

Paying a visit to this man-made marvel should be in your to do list (believe me!) because this is an architectural masterpiece crowning the three hotel towers of MBS at 200 meters in the sky. It is also home to the ‘world’s largest public cantilever’ covering 1.2 hectare tropical oasis housing a public observatory deck. Please note however, that guest who only paid SGD 20 has no access to the famous infinity pool, but if you wanted to stay for a night in the hotel then you’re free to go in. Hmmmm to spend PHP 8,500 for a night in a room? Nah, better luck next time I guess (ahahaha!)

The famous crystal pavilion of Louis Vuitton, first in Southeast Asia.

                   9) Louis Vuitton Island Maison  ~ After few hours of wandering around, we find our way out of Marina Bay Sands and roamed around the exterior of the resort. We’ve seen two pavilions just adjacent to MBS. The first one houses two internationally known nightclubs, the 'Avalon' and the 'Pangea' while the other one dwells the 'world’s largest boutique of Louis Vuitton Island Maison'. Both are situated amidst the Marina Bay's breathtaking landscape. There is a floating bridge just in case you’re interested to visit both places. For party goers, Avalon and Pangea are best for you; whereas, if you like to shop lavishly then visits the amazing crystal pavilion of LV Maison. It is the 'first Louis Vuitton Maison in Southeast Asia' and was specially designed by internationally acclaimed award-winning architect Peter Marino.

                                                            The welcoming hand of Singapore, the facade of Arts Science Museum.

                   10) Arts Science Museum ~ Just nearby to the Maison is 'largest private museum in Singapore'. I was particularly fascinated by the “existence” of a museum near a casino because these two don’t seem to blend but here it was (fascinating!!! ~ ahahaha!).  There’s absolutely no need to do background reading or be an art enthusiast to “properly appreciate the arts” just the façade of this building will explain everything. The architecture is said to be a form reminiscent of a lotus flower; however, locals and tourist referred this as ‘the welcoming hand of Singapore’ to greet guests from across the globe. We supposed to attend the Harry Potter exhibit, but unfortunately, the exhibition starts two days after our flight back to Manila. Well, since we won't be able to witness the exhibit; thus, we just enjoy the interesting surroundings and took lots of pictures as souvenirs.

 

The distinct design of Esplanade from the SkyPark.

               11) Esplanade ~ is one of the interesting and architecturally unique that we witness while in Marina Bay. Aside from MBS, its conspicuous and distinct architecture is very astounding too as its design is a precise replica of ‘durian’ cut into two. Do you happen know what durian looks like? Better google it then (ahahaha!). Kidding aside, it is a well known Southeast Asian tropical fruit which is too common in the southern part of the Philippines too. We have few trees at home and sigh! I missed the taste! (ahahaha!). The 2 oblong shape of the structure is undeniably outstanding and the roof is covered with thorn-like panel which is assembled scrupulously.

Balong at the edge of the cantilever, am afraid of heights but i have to do this as well just to have the souvenir pics. (ahahaha!)

Signage information explains that the Esplanade or colloquially known to locals as ‘The Big Durian’, officially opened on the 12^th of October, 2002. It was developed at a cost of about 600 Million Singapore Dollars which is equivalent to a staggering P19.8 Billion or USD 460 Million! Whew! I may not be able to have that amount throughout my existence but just the experience of being in here is more than enough I guess (ahahaha!)

 

The enduring icon of Singapore ~ The Merlion!

               12) Merlion Park ~ Man, man, man….. the enduring icon of Singapore (hehehe!). If we talked about Singapore, pretty sure first thing that comes to mind is of course the infamous statue of ‘merlion’. Well, you never been here if you haven’t seen for real this proud figure that’s well-known as a tourist trademark of this lion city.  Lion’s probably never lived here unless you go to their pristinely maintained animal sanctuary in Mandai Lake where Singapore Zoological Garden and Night Safari is located. The zoo is homed to white tigers, one of the most popular attractions they have because of their rarity and exceptional beauty. 

The view of the Merlion from the Double Helix Bridge.

The park is situated at the mouth of Singapore River that connects with Marina Bay. From 'The Shoppe' of Marina Bay Sands, no need for you to hire a taxi or ride a bus as this spot is situated just opposite of the bay that can be travelled ‘on foot’ merely around 10 - 15 minutes. The Merlion figure may be dwarfed from afar but this is a must-stop and not to be missed site for all visitors. This is the proud symbol of Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

                13) Makansutra, Gluttons Bay ~ is the best place for dinner as per suggestions of BFF Lemwuel. Well, we are new here; thus, his advise really matters (ahahaha!).  Makansutra is located in the premises of Esplanade. There are so many stalls in here selling typical Singaporean dishes. Better bring your families and friends and pamper them to experience the unique and exclusive street food dining experience in a spectacular setting of the  magnificent skyline view.

The fantastic view of Marina Bay Sands from Makansutra vicinity.

Prices ranges from SGD 3 to 15 depends on what you order of course. Comparing to other ‘hawker center’, prices is a bit expensive because of its location. There are so many stalls to choose from that offers, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Javanese and local dishes that you will truly enjoy. Ooopppsss they have Filipino cuisine too it’s just that am fed up with Pinoy foods already, thus better explore local flare (hehehe ~ mwaaa Philippines!). Just the smell of the food outside is so enticing. If you have a date afterwards, this is a 'no no' place as you will be engulfed with smoke pretty sure (ahahaha!).

 

                14) Clarke Quay ~ is the place where all the party begins (hehehe!). I can’t imagine how do this beautifully transformed Clarke Quay be a busy commercial hub plied by stevedores, traders, fisherman and other’s in the past. The transformation is really amazing as these 5 blocks of restored multihued shophouses,  warehouse and godowns turns out to be a lively lifestyle and entertainment center of restaurant, wine bars, entertainment spots, retails shops and lot more!

The distinct features that you can find along Clarke Quay is their winding lanes which are all covered by umbrella-like canopies. Each stand has its own climate controlled unit to battle the humid weather and shield shoppers and pub goers from seasonal tropical rains. It’s interesting to watch as every minute the color change into purple, yellow, red and blue creating a modern and cosmopolitan ambiance amidst the traditions and history. 

 

                15) Central Business District (CBD) ~ If you like architecture then you're in for a treat! This is the main highlight when you’re in Marina Bay as this area is packed with all sorts of phenomenal architecture. For years, Central Business District (CBD) was simply a place where people went to work as it comprise the core of Singapore’s financial activities but now it is surrounded with lots of endless entertainment packages for every tourist to enjoy. We even get lost in here many times because there are so many buildings blockings our way (ahahaha!).

The CBD are known for its signature skyline that lined up the horizon and oh yeah! prepare yourself to be AWED!!!!Just witnessing the lined up of buildings is an architectural marvel to take pleasure in…. (Whew!!!) It is where you can see Singapore’s uber-modern side, where malls and MRT station can be found underground connected via interlinked with wide arrays of retails and dining options for tourist with time and money to burn.

Actually, there are still so many attraction within Marina Bay that we never been to like the Gardens By The Bay, the Marina Barrage, the Asian Civilization Museum, and the notorious F1 race every September.  However, if given a chance to go back to Singapore again, we will not missed to visit these.

So there you go, need to pause now guys (hehehe!). Hmmmm what a litany ~ my apology! (ahahaha!).

 

Have a great day and night everyone.

 

Cheerssssssssssssssssssssssss!!!

 

 

Enan signing off.

 

 

SMILE!!!

.

 

Singapore Night Safari ~ world's first safari park for nocturnal animals

80 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729826

This huge signage awaits when you arrived in Mandai Lake.

Before we visit Singapore, Balong and I went on several discussions about the list of attractions to visit in here. We came up to an idea that all the top 20 best attractions of Singapore should be on our bucket list in order not to fell gutted if we missed it up. There are some attractions here that are absolutely free but there are also some spots that require spending a few bucks to experience it.

Waiting for our bus 138 in Ang Mo Kio station which direct us to Singapore Night Safari.

Supposed to be our main concern was just 20 attractions but we came up with the list of around 30 as we were in doubts about which attractions to choose. There are some areas that put us in reservations because usually both have the same purpose but different perception like our trip to Singapore's 'The Flyer' and the 'Marina Bay Sands SkyPark' in Bayfront Avenue. They both encompass the bird’s eye view of Singapore's signature skyline but we don't know which spot to pick. 'The Flyer' is considered as the world's largest observations wheel but when you’re in 'Sands SkyPark', it is a bit dwarfed in terms of structure. And wanna know what our verdict was?  We ended up selecting both attractions then, they may have the same panoramic view 'at some point' but seeing Singapore in two different platforms is way more than words can say.

Our bus 138 seems empty; however, when we arrived at the park, there were already many tourist queuing to buy the tickets.

We thought that it was the only issue we have to solve but the qualms happen again between Singapore Zoo and Singapore Night Safari. Both are zoological garden and the only difference is the day and night setting of the park. To solve the dilemma, when we checked-in the first night in our hotel, we asked our receptionist what he thought about Night Safari. He clearly said 'a visit to Singapore is incomplete if Night Safari is not on top of our list'; so, here we go again, we decided to visit both attractions, that's why we bought the 'Park Hopper 3-in-1 combo ticket' in Jurong bird Park 4 days ago.

One of the signage in the entrance that briefly explains about the biodiversity of  tropical animals.

Our visit to Night Safari started from Sentosa Island right after our siesta in Tiger Sky Cafe. Balong and I asked BFF Lemwuel, who is based in Singapore to go to Mandai Lake coz after 3 days we will be leaving SG and we need to use the 3-in-1 ticket which includes entrance to Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Zoo and Singapore Night Safari that cost us SGD 69 each around P2,300.oo or USD 53 per person. We already visited the Bird Park and the Zoo the other day and Night Safari is the last attractions we haven’t visited yet. After BFF agreed that he is willing to accompany us; we traveled instantly via MRT to Ang Mo Kio (NS16), then alight Bus 138 to Mandai Lake for 40 minutes I guess.

Sculptures of endangered animals in the vicinity that seems real.

I like the mode of transportation here in Singapore. It’s easy, convenient and tourist friendly as most of the attractions here is accessible by MRT. Night Safari is way out of the city center but traveling is just a piece of cake sans the traffic. If you messed up and got lost, you don’t need to worry as everyone knows where the location is and there are so many signage that will help you out. Singapore is an English speaking country, therefore asking questions is the least of your worries too.

Brochures are available in the entrance but Balong brought this  fresh from the hotel.

We already visited Singapore Zoo two days ago and we supposed to visit Night Safari right after but since that day is our first meeting with BFF Lemwuel; he invited us to have dinner in Makansutra in Marina Bay.

The park usually open at 5:30 PM and we arrived an hour earlier, we decided to have a cup of coffee first at the nearby Singapore Zoo because there are so many café and restaurant just at the entrance. 

The preserved replica of the pangolin and the anteater.

After a few minutes of chitchat, we headed to the entrance of Night Safari which is filled with many information about conservation and protection of our environment. There are explanations how this park was created and how we need to support their cause. Several sculptures of crocodile, rhinoceros, elephant family, pangolin, and a replica of a group of 'malay ancestors' that seems reals are also scattered outside of the park. I haven't seen an 'anteater' for real and the closest experience we can get is their preserved body enclosed in a glass.

The three tickets we bought that cost SGD 35 each.

At exactly 5:30, the park opened and there were already so many tourists queuing to buy tickets. Since Balong and I already bought ours in Jurong Bird Park, we waited for Lemwuel to buy his which cost him SGD 35 that includes a free one-round ride with the tram. We checked the vicinity first before going in and asked the information if they happen to have a locker room where we can leave our bag. I forgot how much we paid for the locker cabinet but it was around SGD 1 I guess. It's like a locker in the gym where you need to drop coins to open it and don't ever forget your number combination. 

There are so many souvenir shops around just in case you wanted to buy some memorabilia.

There are so many souvenir shops and restaurants that surround the area. If ever you forgot your dinner then try Bongo Burger that offer several delights like pasta, hotdogs, fries and burgers. Another restaurant with a little bit of rustic feel is the Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant which offers a choice of Asian or Indian buffet. For ice cream lovers, there is also Ben and Jerry's ice cream cafe just opposite to the information desk.  

The thumbuakar show that features tribal dance performance and fire-eating stunts.

Before we experienced the adventure and the thrill inside the park we were entertained by fire dance show comprising of dancers from 'Borneo' whom they called themselves Thumbuakar Tribe (combined words meaning 'growing roots'). It is considered as one of the highlights of the whole safari adventure which features tribal dance performances with fire-eating stunts. The feeling was like transporting you really in the midst of the jungle along with the ethnic tribes. It's a crowd pleaser I may say since there were so many tourists surrounding the stage.

The highlight of the whole show. Performers gather in the center while making a ball of fire.

The interesting part of the whole fire-eating show is when all the performers gather together in the center and they manage to form a ball of fire that move from one place to the other. By the way, prepare yourself as they sometime pick guest randomly in the audience to go upstage to participate. They may not allow you to drink and emit kerosene to produce fire but be prepared for a few surprises during the show. 

Tourist of different nationalities queuing for the tram ride.

After we watched the performance, we get ourselves queued in one of the alley for the tram ride. Kudus to the one who materialized this idea, as the atmosphere here is really astounding! They really make you feel apart from civilization as it felt like a step into an African tribal setting. The ambiance was literally successful in creating a jungle-like mood. One could feel the nostalgia of darkness where you can only hear the sound of crickets. 

Carved totem situated in every part of the vicinity

The entire area is surrounded with torches, carved totems, and the shed that leads you in is like you're entering a huge forest lodge complete with old gas lamp. The park tram is camouflage too with animal prints and the staff is complete with safari uniforms. There were so many tourists that day, around 5 trams lined up just to accommodate the entire guest. If I am not mistaken each tram can handle around 100 to 150 passengers.

An open tram experience, be ready to be amazed and captivated by the beauty of nocturnal natural world.

The exciting and exhilarating part is when the open-tram starts to budge through the darkened moonlit surroundings. Each tram has its own raconteur that explains every features of the park. It introduced us to all sorts of animal that come within inches from the tram. Water buffalo, babirusa, spotted/striped hyenas, Malayan tapir, lions, giraffe, elephant, grant's zebras, leopard, rhinos, Malayan/Bengal tigers are just examples of all the animals that we witness firsthand. What's great is when we passed through the gathering of deer; they were just around a few 'INCHES' away from us where you can barely touch them while they were having their dinner.

The Himalayan Thar, the first group of animals we've seen while on the tram ride.

Looked how curious this tigress be? She seems waiting for yummy dinner huh? waaaaaaaaaaa scary!

Please take note that camera flash is strictly prohibited and all the staff enforce this rule so expect no outstanding shots in here. If you're planning to take photographs, bring a camera that has an adjustable shutter for low light or night time. The flash is banned so as not to scare or disturb the animals. Some animals tend to be aggressive too after seeing bright light from the darkness of their natural environment. The only thing we have is silhouette but you've probably been to a zoo and pretty sure you know what the animals look like then (hehehe!).

The silhouette of pygmy hippo.

Personally, the idea here is just you and the animals. You may have company along the way but the feeling is like you're walking/traveling in a jungle where no one is around. It feels like you're surrounded by carnivorous animals ready to have you as their dinner (ahahaha!). It's kinda creepy at times though and the low lighting conditions add to that excitement. It's an open concept like Singapore Zoo where you can see up close with the animals. There is no obvious fence in here but instead to keep tourist away from danger, dry and wet moat were present in each enclosure. You can watch animals playing, prowling, feeding, and preening in the grounds.

Giraffe having dinner  in its enclosure.

Darkness aside, your eyes have to be really sharp to catch any movement as there are some areas where the animals are quite far from you. If you have a problem with night vision, you may not probably appreciate the whole tour then. One more thing, if you're sensitive to mosquito bites then apply an insect repellant before coming here as there are hundreds of them waiting (ahahaha!).

Family of Ankole Cattle, the distinct feature is their towering horns.

Thanks to the recommendation of our hotel receptionist as our exciting adventure in Night Safari was an experience not to forget. It's really great to see animals in their semi-natural habitat. The park is unique because of the extraordinary thrill and nostalgia that awaits every visitor. I definitely suggest this to everybody to see the park in different light. Somehow magical, as common as they are, in short I truly love this place.

Indian Gharial, don't messed-up with them or else you know what will happen next hehehe..

It keeps you away from the norm, a visit here is truly remarkable. If given a chance to come back in Singapore, we'll put the doubts aside and will surely revisit this place with our families and friends. In the end, we enjoyed ourselves and we ended up tired and exhausted yet every moment we spent was truly worth it.

The leopard trail.

An Asian elephant the biggest of its kind.

So there you go, once you're in Singapore this is a must-do to visit.

Have a great day/night everyone.

Enan signing off.

Cheeriossss!!!!

Smile :)

A gift bought by BFF  in Singapore Night Safari . Thank you for everything BFF. :)