Tuesday, July 6, 2010

S'pore Experience 3

* This is the third and final part of a three-part post.

" It is you i have loved all along. " - Shrek soundtrack

After a long and exhausting day at the Universal Studios (No, i'm not complaining. It's all worth it), we had another long day ahead. You know what makes a holiday a holiday? Yes, for me, it's getting around and experience the best it could offer, even if it sores the feet. If it's going to be just sitting around, watching the day go past, then that's not a holiday. So, although we didn't get up as early as we did yesterday to beat the crowd into Universal Studios, we prepared ourselves for Sentosa, Singapore's playground, without a doubt.

- Chinatown
Before heading to Sentosa, we stopped by Chinatown for brunch. Ate the Singaporean Laksa in the hawker centre. Not bad. Then while strolling around the place, halted at a stall that sells durian pancake. Seriously, this pancake tastes so good, especially if you're a durian lover. It's hot and crispy on the outside, cold and chilly on the durian paste inside. Yummy! Sorry, no photos here for you to drool.

- Sentosa
Again, we took the monorail into the island. Instead of stopping at Waterfront, we went straight ahead to Imbiah station, where most of the Sentosa's activities are located.

> Sentosa Luge and Skyride
If you're going to Sentosa, this attraction is a must try. Thrilling ride, both up and down. We checked in to the platform and boarded our luge. It's similar to go-kart, but you don't need to press for oil. Instead, you lift to either go ahead or brake. You can race with your friends to the finish line, but we'd rather take our time and savour the moment. We paid for a one-time ride only. And to go back up, we sat the skyride. Similar to a ski lift, it's a magnificent view from above. If you're afraid of heights, this puts you to the challenge.

Queuing for our turn.

The skyride. At some points, it's quite high, or may be it's just myself.

> Merlion Walk
To enter, there's admission fee. So, we decided to just see the iconic structure from outside.

Posing quickly at this half lion, half fish statue.

> Sentosa's 4D Magix, CineBlast and Desperado.
Frankly, i wouldn't recommend you these if your itinerary on the island is tight. The 4D Magix was just above average (comparing to Shrek's 4D), the CineBlast was a little disappointing, and Desperado was fun but expensive. In fact, they were all quite costly- taking into account the length of play and the currency exchange rate.

> Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon
I just like to go for Underwater World(s). Perhaps, it's my enthusiasm for the marine life and the endless possibilities of the world under water. Do you know that i'd also wanted to be a marine biologist before taking on course and become an engineer?

In the tunnel.

Posing with a diver who was feeding the fishes while in the tunnel.

Behind me is a dugong. It got taken in when it was little and placed under the care of the Underwater World personnel.

An interesting hologram of a shark that appears at a certain angle.

Inside this dome, where i could get a closer look at the creatures.

Dolphin show at the lagoon. Seen here is the dolphins performing with their ball.

Splendid marine lives as my background.

Meet the sea lions session.

Japanese Giant Spider Crab. If i happen to see this real, without a glass separating us, i'd quickly swim away. Very quickly. It's really... giant.

In Langkawi, we saw the Leafy Seadragon and it was my favourite then. Here, even with the leafy seadragon, my favourite became the Sea Angel. It was too tiny, that even if i took with my camera, you'll just be seeing a tiny red dot in the water. The way they swam, spun, and dived in the water really made them looked so... angelic.

In short, this place is worth the price. You get to watch two shows: dolphin and sea lion, see new and unseen sea creatures like the sea angel and giant spider crab, touch rays and star fish, and walk through the tunnel and be close to the creatures.

> Songs of the Sea
After the Underwater World, we regrouped and prepared to witness the much-awaited spectacular show by the sea. We took the next train to Beach side station and greeting us at night was a splendidly lit fort-like building. The show was impressive. Highly-recommended and reasonably priced.

I just liked the lights!


The Lord of Fire!


The water fountain is fantastic! With the music, pyro-effects, lasers and of course, the water effects, this show is a must watch!

After the show, we went on a tram ride around the beach front to experience the night breeze. It was, surprisingly, a nice ride.

>Haw Par Villa
Just before flying off back to KL, we stopped by Haw Par Villa. It's a nice place to visit. Free admission. We walked around Hell, went next to see the Eight Immortals and other statues, with our luggage.

At the main gate.

I don't know what it's written but i know this is the entrance to the Ten Stages in Hell. An interesting place to see and, i have to admit, entering this place brought chills. Especially when looking at the figures.

One of the many lessons. Seen here is the virtue and vice. There were many other interesting Chinese tales to read in this place and i'd like to spend more time here. If only time permits.

Bidding farewell to the place, hopped onto bus number 10 and returned to Vivocity.

> Brook Cafe
The last meal we had in Singapore before rushing to the Changi Airport. Because we were dwelling to much on our lunch, and not wanting to leave this place, we overlooked the time and ran from one terminal to the other. Thankfully, we made it back!

Spaghetti on offer and a Bahamas breeze- i didn't know what it was until my order came. What an adventure.

Arrived in KL and headed back home. Well... not exactly home. Just when i reached KL, my dad told me that we're going to our uncle's place to watch football. Brazil versus Netherlands! What a way to end my already exciting holiday!

wc10&Singapore likes this!

* Onto World Cup.

Went out to watch the second half of the Germany-Argentina match in Kayu, Petronas in Ampang. The crowd was amazing, and so was the match! Looking forward to the semifinals...

No comments: