Sunday 24 February 2013

Down There, Across The Causeway II - SEA Aquarium

Went to Resort World Sentosa, an small island off Singapore on the 2nd day & visited the world largest aquarium, SEA World Aquarium. Unsure if this is the larger than the ones in US, Japan or Australia or anywhere else in the world, but perhaps somebody can clarify this??

To Resort World Sentosa, in a monorail
 
Probably I didnt love marine life enough to fully enjoy the visit to the aquarium but I must say I spent more time looking at the impressive information on the walls rather than fishes in the aquariums. It was a wonderful journey from the moment u checked into the hall till the entrance of the aquarium. Portraying informative exhibits, signboards & games, they brought u a walk-and-learn expeience of South East Asian marine & exploration history, dated all the way to Malacca Sultanate days & before.

Christopher Columbus greeting u along your way to aquarium entrance
 
Not forgetting also the legendary Admiral Zheng He

U dont need to be a Jacques Cousteau in order to see the rich marine life of the ocean. Here, the ocean marine life is brought to u. Was really hoping to see a Great White Shark but can only be happy with group of medium sized Mako sharks.

One of many different shapes of aquariums filled with tropical fishes

Manta Ray stingray & its friends, lots of them...
 
This is one reason why I just loved the information signboards in the place
 
With capabilities to fill thousand of gallons of waters, this is the thickness of glass of the aquariums...

Deep ocean aquarium, with Mako sharks swimming on top of u....
 


Thursday 14 February 2013

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

Slightly late here but better late than never. Its still within the 15th day celebration anyway...

WISHING ALL A HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR !!!!
MAY THE YEAR OF SNAKE BRINGS GREAT HEALTH, WEALTH & PLENTY OF PROSPERITY TO ALL !!!

Wednesday 6 February 2013

Down There, Across The Causeway I

It's an annual thingy with the Akurians. This time slightly brought forward to first week of the year, instead of doing it around New Year day to Singapore. Not the top choice at first but pushed for it since never really visited the island for ages.

Took an overnight KTM train on Thursday nite. Pretty comfortable & value for money ride. Slept soundly during da ride & the best part is u dun need to come down when embarking at Johor immigration. The immigration officers will come on board the coach & personally checked each passenger's passport. I, literally have my passport checked while lying on my bed..:)  We only need to come down when arrived at Woodlands station at 6.30am. Paid only MYR 46.00 for 2nd class seat, will definitely take it again for future trip. The gang rested a Nei's bro's house before proceeding for lunch & to Singapore Zoo.

Checking in on da bed

Singapore Zoo has to be the most informative zoo in the region, which caters for people of all ages. Hundreds of animal species lived here & each has information about them in the form of impressive signboards, videos & slideshows. All were placed according to their natural habitat areas such as Australia, Africa, South East Asia etc with the 2 Chinese pandas clearly the main attraction. If time permits, I would have prowled thru the whole area. Hardly even covers 1/2 of the place. Didnt take the Night Safari ride though but daytime visit with entrance passes of SGD 27.00 (additional of SGD 5.00 if ur to visit the pandas) is good enough. A must-visit place if ur in Singapore.

Meet Jia Jia, the panda

Thats Omar, the white Siberian tiger with his partner
 
Marine fish from prehistoric time

One of the many informative signs in da zoo

Maj & Clare stayed back for the Night Safari ride while Nei n myself went to check into our hotel, Orchid Lodge, located in Orchid Country Club in Yishun. I must say the room was impressively big & cosy with striking view overlooking the 36-holes golf course. Only setback is the accessibility whereby we need to take 10 minutes free shuttle bus to the nearest Yishun MRT station.

Spacious & comfy room, fit for 4 paxs

Our room balcony view. U can practically take ur golf bag & walk straight to the 19th hole for a putting practice

Took a taxi ride to Orchard Road for dinner with couz Zhiew who are working in Singapore. Ray & family joined us later at Food Opera food court at ION Mall Orchard, followed by chitty chat+drinks at a premium cafe nearby. Thanks for the treat, Zhiew !! Took da MRT ride back to hotel.

I picked up a babe at Orchard Road. Meet Hayley..:)

Group photo with couz Zhiew, Ray & SL

Waiting for MRT ride back to hotel

The next 2 days were spent solely in Resorts World Sentosa which I shall post later.

To be continued....