Genting Dream Cruise (Jan 2018)

(Above) From Genting Dream Cruise Brochure

I noticed there were interests about Genting Dream Cruise, especially from those who have booked the cruise but did not know what to expect.  Above, from brochure, lets you know how big the ship is.

Having gone on this cruise in January 2018, below is what you can expect (at least back in Jan 2018). Things may hopefully improve since then.

Genting Dream Cruise Ship (up close)

I was on the weekend cruise to nowhere (Friday afternoon to Sunday morning).  Ship currency is Singapore dollars (S$).

Dream Cruise App

Genting Dream Cruise App

You may like to download the Dream App in your mobile device before sailing.  You can only connect and log on when you are on board, using the ship's complementary Wi-Fi.  This Wi-Fi only allows you to connect to the App and you have about 60 seconds before you are dis-connected.  You may re-connect to continue using the App for another 60 seconds.  You can use this App to do cabin-to-cabin chat, but with limited 60-sec connectivity time (unless you purchase the on-board Wi-Fi package), I find the chat feature rather redundant - WhatsApp (or other chat apps) would be so much better if I have bought the Wi-Fi package.  Do note that everything in the App is "gone" once you left the cruise ship.

Genting Dream Cruise App Chat

Embarkment

Cruise Embarkment

Besides City check-in 1-2 days before the cruise (details provided when you book the cruise), you can also check-in on the actual day, either via self check-in kiosks or get assisted check-in (above picture top).  Just bring your necessary travel documents.  One person can do multiple check-ins.  In City check-in, you are issued a piece of "colour group" paper.  On actual day check-in, you are issued a card with a group number.

You will be ushered into a holding area (above picture bottom) where drinks and snacks are offered, while waiting for your group number to be called.  The "colour group" will be called in between the numbers, so do not panic once the numbers are called and you did not hear your "colour".

After your group number (or colour) is called, you may then proceed through immigration before boarding the ship.  You need to surrender your passport to the ship before you board it.  You just need your cabin card.

On my cruise, there was no ship mascot forcing people to take compulsory photo before boarding the ship.

Cabin

Genting Dream Cruise - Balcony Deluxe Cabin

We booked the "Balcony Deluxe" cabin, as the "Balcony" cabins were fully booked.  The beds can be separated if you wished.  Just ask the deck cabin attendant outside your cabin for help.

Genting Dream Cruise - Balcony Deluxe Cabin Bathroom

The washroom has a bath-tub cum shower area.  Elderly persons may have difficulty crossing over to stand on the bathtub if they want to shower while standing on the bath tub.

Genting Dream Cruise - Balcony Deluxe Cabin (Charging, Wi-Fi, Fridge)

There is USB charging point with shelf to place your tablet or phone, in case you do not have space on the side table.  There are instructions if you wish to pay for Wi-Fi.  The fridge below the desk is empty for your personal use.  You can also find the hair dryer below the desk.

Food (inclusive)

Genting Dream Cruise - Restaurants (inclusive)

There is a function room at deck 8 which serves buffet.  The main dining at decks 7 and 8 serves set meals brought to your table.  There is another buffet at the pool level (deck 16) serving international and Indian food.  During the full-day cruise at sea, there is morning tea and afternoon tea at Deck 16.  There is no supper though.

There are fixed operation timings for the restaurants.  For the main dining hall serving set meals, seating is first-come-first serve.  If the restaurant is full, you will be advised to return either 30 minutes or 1 hour later.  A reservation slip will be issued to you without the table number.  For buffet restaurants, you look for the tables yourself.

S$2 supper snacks (after 11pm) can be found in the "exclusive specialty"(extra charges) "Blue Lagoon" restaurant if you are hungry.

Food ("exclusive specialty", extra charges)

Genting Dream Cruise - Restaurants (extra charges)

There is a Japanese Restaurant, Blue Lagoon, Ice-cream parlour, Hot-pot and a Bistro.  Your spending are stored in your cabin card.  Before your last port of call, you may settle the bill using any credit card or via Alipay (through the Dream App).

Entertainment and Shopping

Genting Dream Cruise - Entertainment

There are nightly entertainment (advisable to pre-book your seats once you board the ship), bingo games and outdoor cinema where you can actually have a bed to lie on.  In Jan 2018, the movie screened outdoor was "Spiderman: Homecoming".

There is a main ship show performance about a mermaid and an astronaut.  How these two met was due mainly to the imagination of a small girl who narrated the story during the performance.

Genting Dream Cruise - Shopping and Entertainment

You can get duty-free bags, hats, watches, etc on board.  The common medicines sold in Dream Store is a few times the cost of those found on land.  The ship souvenirs may be worth considering though.

Advance booking of show tickets are at the counters in bottom left.  This is at Deck 7.  The ship area is big enough for my exploration, although I "heard" there are certain parts restricted to Suite users' access, which I would not miss on this cruise.

Genting Dream Cruise - Entertainment

Other entertainments include an art auction, indoor movie screening (above was "Transformers 5").  There were talks by invited guests and also acrobatic performance (Superman vs Spiderman?), if you catch the timings on the daily programme sheet.

This ship is from Genting, which has a casino in Genting Highlands, Malaysia.  So expect to see lots of slot machines (jackpots) and some gambling tables.  There are smoking and non-smoking gambling areas on the ship.

Sports

Genting Dream Cruise - Sports

You need covered shoes if you want to try the rope obstacle course.  A helmet and safety harness will be provided for you.  You need swimming attire if you want to use the swimming pool.  You need sports attire if you want to use the gym.  There is also wall climbing, basketball course, mini-golf (not in picture), jogging track, water slides, swimming pool cum jacuzzi, giant chess board, gym and "glow bowling" (S$8 per game).

Disembarkment

Genting Dream Cruise - Disembarkment

To disembark, we were led into a movie theatre where we enter at the bottom and up to different sections of the theatre.  Exit is at the top, with many steps from bottom to top.  Elderly persons carrying big wheeled luggage have difficulty climbing steps while lifting the luggage.  Luckily the crew was around to help them lift the luggage to the top of the theatre.  While waiting in the theatre to disembark in batches, the entertaining movie screened was "La La Land".

At port, there are crews holding signs directing Singapore and Other Passport holders to different queues.  There were no ship mascots and bands bidding farewell to us.. I do miss them.

May elaborate more.. enjoy the pictures first.  :-)

Singapore - Murals @ Everton Road (Dec 2015)

Provision Shop mural at Everton Road

Barber mural at Everton Road

Amah mural at Everton Road

Nearest MRT station:  Outram Park MRT (North-East Line and East-West Line)
Physical Address:  Everton Road (near Everton Park), Singapore 080003

The artist's attention to details is excellent.  Above are three of his life-size murals found along Everton Road.  The "Amah" mural is opposite Everton Park.  The "Barber" mural is on the adjacent wall next to the "Amah" mural.  The "Provision Shop" mural is just a scenic walk down Everton Road.  These are reminiscence of past scenes in Singapore and his drawings "merged" with the surroundings seamlessly.

As advised by the artist, the late afternoon sun (around 4 pm) is the best time to view the murals.  Just keep a look out for traffic when you take photos and marvel at the art-pieces.

Feel free to drop by, pose next to the life-like murals and spread the word of such wonderful murals along the accessible street of Singapore.

By the way, the artist inserted a "common object" in two of his above murals..  see if you can spot the wall calendar with the date "12 Jan".  :-)

Below is a write-up about the artist and some of his works, including above murals:
http://sg.asia-city.com/city-living/news/meet-amazing-muralist-decorating-singapores-neighborhoods

Singapore - Personal Dengue Experience (Nov 2015)

It was Day 47 (14-Dec-15) since my dengue symptoms started on 29-Oct-15 and yet I have not fully recovered.  The starting symptoms are pain behind the eye, high fever and aching body, without the flu symptoms of cough and running nose.  Things got serious when blood "flowed" out of your blood vessels and turned your limbs (and face) to something which look like blood-red rashes.  Within 24 hours, your stomach rejected whatever you ate and drink, and everything got projected out through your mouth, even before they were digested.  I felt like a "zombie" from the "Walking Dead Season 6" TV serial screening at that time.  The next few days were spent in a haze, sleeping, waking, getting blood test at hospital, back home to sleep again.

It is Day 58 on Christmas Day (25-Dec-15) when this article is next edited.  I found a research article which I last read while recovering from dengue.  In my "hazy" state back then, I mistook it to be post-symptoms of dengue which one will recover from. On second reading, it is about persistent symptoms which could continue, even at Day 730 (which is 2 years later) !!  More of this below.

This blog entry is more about post-dengue symptoms.  What happened during dengue, up to the "skin peeling" stage has been well documented and easily googled.

Food that made me feel better from post-dengue symptoms (fatigue, etc) include papaya fruit (not the leaves), longans (and its related sweet desserts), fresh pineapple fruit, peanuts (unsalted), peanut soup (dessert type with "tang yuan", or the hot steamy type with lean meat ("bak kut")) and green bean soup (the sweet dessert type).  The internet also suggested omega-rich food like steamed fish and white meat like steamed chicken (definitely not fried).

Back to the "long-term persistence" of dengue symptoms, the full article is found here.  According to the research article, "in the 2 years after hospital discharge, more than half (56.7% of 97 study participants) reported having experienced dengue symptoms".

The top ten (10) long-term persistent post-dengue symptoms are: Muscle pain (30% reported experiencing this), Arthralgia or joint pain (30%), Asthenia or abnormal lack of energy - lethargic (23%), hand weakness (22%), general malaise or feeling of discomfort/illness (20%), Irritability (19%), Lost of memories (19%), Palpitations or irregular heartbeats (19%), Dizziness (18%), and Arthropathy or joint discomfort (17%).

So you can now put it down to "dengue", whenever you have any of above symptoms within the first 2 years of the Aedes mosquito bite.  However, do take extra care, as the second Aedes mosquito bite may not be so "forgiving".

Next edit: Day 365+10 (Day 375)...  The memories lost came back over the months, whenever I hear familiar songs over the radio or watched movies showing "something familiar".  Finally in early Nov-2016, it felt like everything (all memories and past yearnings) had came back to me !!  The feeling was exhilarating, like just getting off a long and thrilling roller coaster ride, and surviving it.

My first thought was.. "Oh no, I have lost a year of my life !".  After a while, I decided not to "lose the year", as I had picked up some good habits during my "lost year", which I will try to integrate with my past yearnings. So all is not lost... as I look forward to my first "real" taste of a glass of red wine, after "rejecting" the wine (alcohol) taste for a year since dengue.  Cheers !!

Singapore - River Hongbao 2015 (Feb 2015)

Singapore River Hongbao 2015

Physical Address: The Float at Marina Bay
Web Address: http://www.riverhongbao.sg
Nearest MRT stations: Esplanade MRT, Promenade MRT, Bayfront MRT or City Hall MRT
(click at Visitor's Info in above web address for walking direction from the MRT stations)
Operating hours: 2pm to 11pm (till 28 Feb 2015)

There is no need to visit Singapore River Hongbao only at night, although you get to see the lantern displays when they are lit at night.  It is equally colourful by day.  Just go during late afternoon (after 4pm) when it is not so hot.  A preview of the lantern displays can be seen in below URL:
 (http://www.riverhongbao.sg/lanterns.html).

Singapore - Singapore River Safari (Sep 2014)

Singapore River Safari and the pandas

Physical Address and nearest MRT stations:  see below for Singapore Zoo (next to River Safari)
Web Address: http://riversafari.com.sg/

The star attractions are the 2 pandas, Kai Kai and Jia Jia,  The River Safari showcase marine life in various rivers like Ganges and Nile.  There is an enclosure with playful squirrel monkeys.  Just make sure they don't "steal" food from your bag when you take photos of these monkeys.

There is an "Amazon River Quest Boat Ride" which you need to buy tickets before you enter the River Safari park.

Singapore - Singapore Zoo (Sep 2014)

Singapore Zoo

Physical Address: 80, Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Web Address: http://www.zoo.com.sg/
Nearest MRT stations: Ang Mo Kio (North-South line), connecting bus: 138
                                     Choa Chu Kang (North-South line), connecting bus: 927
Operating hours: 8:30am to 6pm daily

It has been a long while since I visited the Singapore Zoo.  It was refreshing to see animals roaming in their in-built habitat and not confined in cages.  There are entertaining animal performances at various timings.  There is a "rainforest kidzworld" for children and the young at heart.

Some enclosures allow visitors to roam around with tame animals like ducks, civet cats, butterflies and even get close-up view of fruit bats.  Just try to make sure you do not have stowaways when you exit the enclosure.

Wild animals at Singapore Zoo

This is not a safari in some exotic countries.  You can get decent photos of wild animals (as if you are in a safari) on a good day here.  You can pose near these animals, although you will not be able to stroke them with your bare hands.

I visited the Zoo on the same day I visited River Safari (above post), which is next to the Zoo.

Singapore - Marina Square Shopping Mall (Dec 2013)

Marina Square Augmented Reality -
Polar Bear, Christmas tree, Telephone booth

Marina Square Augmented Reality -
Santa's Hut (Spot the difference)

Nearest MRT stations: Esplanade (Circle Line), City Hall (North-South / East-West Lines)

To attract shoppers this Christmas, Marina Square shopping mall set up an "Augmented Reality" display at its Central Atrium (from now till 25-Dec-13).  To see special animations, you need to download a free app into your camera phone or tablet.  Both iOS and Android apps are available from their respective online stores.

Select the marker at the bottom right before you point the app's camera at the object and you will see something extra appearing in your phone/tablet.  You can get someone to pose next to this animation, hence the word "Augmented Reality" [real-world environment augmented (supplemented) by computer-generated graphics].

You do not need to download the app to see (and pose next to) the polar bears though.  Have fun !!

More details can be found here:
http://www.marinasquare.com.sg/happenings/promotions/view/1183

Singapore - Bugis Junction (Jun 2013)

Global Smurfs Day (June 22)

Nearest MRT Station: Bugis (East-West Line)

Do you know that June 22 is Global Smurfs Day?  The Smurfs are back in Bugis Junction, near the Inter-Continental Hotel !!  Do catch them before they head back to Smurfs Village.

Singapore - Cathay Building (End of World - 21 Dec 2012)

End Of World SALE

We may have survived "End Of World" (21 Dec 12), but shop on !!  You'd wanna look your best on the NEW YEAR. :-) 

Singapore - Clarke Quay (Oct 2012)

Halloween weekend at Clarke Quay (Singapore)

Nearest MRT station: Clarke Quay (North East Line, NEL)

Clarke Quay was quite a 'happening' place during the weekend before Halloween (27 Oct, Sat).  There was a lively 'zombie performance' outside the Central Mall (http://www.thecentral.com.sg).  Top right showed them dancing gangnam style.  There was also an organised zombie-walk (bottom row), where participants might choose to get their zombie make-up done, just before the walk.

My exotic travel notes so far..

Travelling Around the World (2002 to 2008)

Inspired by a YouTube video of a guy dancing badly around the world (just google "Where the Hell is Matt"), here are some of the countries I have visited.  Do see if you can recognize them before reading further. :-)

(top row from left) Sydney Opera House (Sydney, Australia), Colosseum (Rome, Italy), Leaning Tower of Pisa (Pisa, Italy), Pantheon (Rome, Italy), Burj Al Arab (Dubai, UAE)

(middle row from left) Sphinx and Pyramid (Giza, Egypt), Abu Simbel (Abu Simbel, Egypt), Partheneon (Athens, Greece), Knossos (Crete, Greece), Santorini (Santorini, Greece)

(bottom row from left) Charles Bridge (Prague, Czech Republic), Kodaiji Temple (Kyoto, Japan), Auschwitz Camp (Krakow, Poland), Peterhof (St Petersburg, Russia), Red Square (Moscow, Russia).

It has been a wonderful privilege for the opportunity to visit these exotic countries.

Singapore - Bugis Junction (Feb 2012)

Bugis Junction - Street Art Project

MRT station: Bugis (East-West Line)

It looked like the floor cracked and we saw another world beneath Bugis Junction!  The Bugis Street Art will be around till 19-Feb-12.  The staff on duty will show you where to pose, so you will not look out of place with the artwork.  He will even help you take a photo with your camera or camera-phone for free.  One is between Starbucks and MacDonalds, while the other is in front of Intercontinental Hotel.

Have fun!

Singapore (and other countries) - Beware the Yogi Man

The Yogi con-man is everywhere.. just google "Yogi Man" and read similar stories of those approached by him, not just in the streets of Singapore, but also in Bangkok, Sydney and London.  Below is a sample local site: http://www.blowingwind.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=23298

Even the Lonely Planet forum site mentioned about this yogi guy in Bangkok:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1947064

His trick is the same.. to attract your attention, he may call out to you and say "Excuse me, I know you are a very lucky person".  You may not believe him initially.  He writes something on a piece of paper, crumple it and put in your hand.  He then asks you a few "random" questions like "favourite number", "wish for yourself", etc and writes them on another piece of paper.  He then takes the crumpled paper from you, puts it on his forehead and then return the paper to you.  When you un-crumple the paper, the wordings match the answers you gave when the crumpled paper was in your hand.  He then asks you for dollar notes to be put into the diary he is holding.  He does not accept S$2 notes.. "at least a ten", after showing you a paper saying he prefers "$50, $100 or $150".

I was amazed at first, until a forumer suggested it could be a sleight of hand.  When he took the crumpled paper from your hand, he made a switch.  The other small piece of paper could be a carbon-copy below the paper when he was writing your "answers".  Good thing I never carry big notes in my wallet, so I only extremely reluctantly but "with a happy heart" gave him $30 for his "entertainment trick".  He gave me another "gift" of a small black stone which is supposed to absorb my "bad luck" and which I am supposed to "release into a river" 3 years later.

Why did I willingly part with my money?  Like most human beings, I "want to believe" something special and extraordinary had just happened to me.  My skepticism in me only allowed me to part with my $10 notes and no bigger.  Yogi guy was lucky I had 3 pieces of $10 notes in my wallet.. there were days I only have $2 notes in my wallet.

Oh, it happened on Christmas Day 2011 at a not-so-crowded Selegie Road, in Singapore.

Singapore - Sentosa Boardwalk (Nov 2011)

Sentosa Boardwalk - Merry Marionettes

Nearest MRT station: Harbourfront (North-East Line)

I was lucky enough to catch the first-day performance of the "Merry Marionettes" along the Sentosa Boardwalk on Sat (19 Nov 2011).  The Boardwalk, linking Vivocity to Sentosa, has become quite "happening" these days.  Weather permitting, the open-air free 30 min performance is on every Sat and Sun in Nov and every Fri to Sun in Dec until Christmas Day.  There are 2 timings, 7pm and 8:30pm.  It is very entertaining, so go catch it with your kids or go watch it yourself.

Singapore - Circle Line stations and destinations (Oct 2011)

Circle Line station murals

You can find various murals in the newly opened (on 8 Oct 2011) Circle Line stations.  Leftmost is at Telok Blangah station. More of this below.  Next 2 are at Labrador Park station and Holland Village station respectively.  In the final column, top is at Haw Par Villa station, bottom left is at Farrer Road station and bottom right is at Caldecott station.

The "Amazing Race 3" at Telok Blangah?

Taking a closer look at the mind-mapping mural in Telok Blangah station, I spotted "The Amazing Race 3" on the top left.  So what has the Amazing Race got to do with Telok Blangah?  Tracing down,  oh..

Pit Stop in Telok Blangah

 Telok Blangah Hill (or Mount Faber) was actually a pit-stop for "The Amazing Race 3"!

So, what does Telok Blangah got to do with a "cooking pot"?  Telok Blangah in Malay means "cooking pot bay", which describes the cooking pot shape at the bay, which is behind Keppel Harbour.

Convenient destinations along Circle Line

Some of the destinations [exit at station of the same name as the destination] within walking steps of the Circle Line stations are (top left) Holland Village, (top right) Botanic Gardens, (bottom left) Haw Par Villa, (bottom right top) exit at one-north station for Black Canyon Coffee, the best coffee in my opinion from one-north, and (bottom right corner) exit at Botanic Gardens station for Serene Centre (with nice eateries there).

Incidentally, the Circle Line is not a complete circle.  One terminal is at Harbourfront station, while the other ends at either Dhoby Ghaut station or Marina Bay station.  You can reach both Singapore Integrated Resorts (IRs) via the Circle Line - alight at Harbourfront station to get to Resorts World Sentosa; or alight at Bayfront (on the train heading to Marina Bay) to get to Marina Bay Sands.  Bus service 97 also connects the 2 Integrated Resorts.

Singapore - Fun sculptures (Aug 2011)

Fun Singapore sculptures

There are many interesting sculptures around Singapore.  You can see some when you google images on "singapore sculpture".  The left-top sculpture of 3 cats is called "Kucinta" and can be found along Singapore River.  The left-bottom cat sculpture (ACM cat) and the one on the right can be found outside Peranakan Museum (map of museum location is found here: http://www.peranakanmuseum.sg/visitus/gettingthere.asp).

Singapore - National Day Parade Rehearsals (Jun/Jul 2011)

National Day Rehearsal - Esplanade near Floating Platform (30 Jul 11)

On the final full dress rehearsal on 30 Jul 11, I decided to get as close to the performance area as I can.  The stage was still a bit far off, but I caught most of the off-stage action.  There were no seats and with the nearest train station cordoned off after the fireworks (for crowd control), the crowd had to walk at least 400m to the next nearest train station (Raffles Place or Clarke Quay).  We were thankful it did not rain that night!

National Day Parade Rehearsals - Helix Bridge (16 Jul 11) and Marina Bay Financial Centre (23 Jul 11)

(Top row, 2 pics) From the Helix Bridge, you are closer to the action.  You can hear but not see what happened, as the stage was blocked.  You can see the audience but may not be able to see what the audience saw.

(Bottom row, 3 pics) This is an alternate view of the National Day Parade.  It was just as crowded as other vantage points.  To get here (http://www.mbfc.com.sg/location-map.html), take the MRT (North-South line) to Marina Bay Station.  After you leave the station, just head towards Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort.  The fireworks from the top of buildings would be behind you, while the main fireworks would be in front.

National Day Parade Rehearsal - Marina Square Level 3 Food court (9 Jul 11)

(above pic) You will not get good photos from this place due to the glass panels, but you get air-con comfort and cheap food while waiting.  It is an open secret that this food court (located at level 3 of Marina Square shopping mall) offers a breath-taking view of the fireworks. You will not get to hear much of what happened outside though.  To book a window-view table, you need to be there before 5:30pm (or even before 5pm!).  Do patronise the food stalls for the variety of nice and cheap food, as you wait for the memorable fireworks to start (with your party of friends).

National Day Parade Rehearsals - Skypark (18 Jun 11) and Esplanade (25 Jun 11)

The weekly fireworks (every Saturday night, between 7:45pm to 8:10pm) for the National Day Parade (NDP) rehearsals have started.  As the month of July progresses, the fireworks will get more elaborate.  The rehearsals are on the floating platform near Marina Square / Esplanade / Helix bridge / Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort.

(left column) Pictures taken from Marina Bay Sands Hotel's Skypark on 18 Jun 11; (right column) Pictures taken from Esplanade on 25 Jun 11.  The schedule dates of the NDP rehearsals can be found below:
http://www.ndp.org.sg/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/traffic-table.jpg

So where were you, if you were in Singapore, during the Saturday evenings of July?

Singapore - Sentosa Broadwalk (May 2011)

Sentosa broadwalk

Nearest MRT station: Harbourfront MRT (North-East Line)
Official Website: http://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/getting-around/sentosa-boardwalk/

The sheltered garden-themed broadwalk is a pleasurable stroll from Harbourfront / Vivocity shopping mall to the entrance of Sentosa island.  There are travellators along the way, so you walk minimally.  I would advise you to get off mid-way to check out the waterfront view and the restaurants.

To get into Sentosa island from the broadwalk, you need to pay S$1 entrance fee.  You may then continue your stroll into Sentosa island.  To get back to the mainland, you can either stroll back along the broadwalk (no exit fee), or take a complimentary ride on the "Sentosa Express" light-rail from any stations in Sentosa island.

Singapore - Marina Bay Sands - Water and Light show (Wonder Full)

• 

  Marina Bay Sands Water and Light Show

Having seen "Sound and Light" shows in other countries' tourist attractions, I was expecting just shooting water, laser lights and maybe some fireworks.  The clear images projected on the water mists were unbelievable!  Go experience it yourself, if you can.

The show is played nightly at Marina Bay Sands' waterfront platform just outside the shoppes.  You will not miss the platform because of the crowd which gathers there.

The first Saturday of the 15-min complimentary show (19 Feb 11) played to a packed and appreciative audience.  The show started at 9:30pm but the platform was already very crowded by 8:45pm.  So, go early to pick a good spot.. and pray it does not rain. :-)

By the way, there are no fireworks - just laser-light, wonderful images and water fountains played to accompanying music.

The official site with updated timings is below:
http://www.marinabaysands.com/Singapore-Attractions/Wonderfull/

Singapore - Chinatown (The TinTin shop)

The TinTin Shop

Address: 56 Pagoda Street Singapore 059215 
MRT station: Chinatown (North-East Line)
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am to 9pm
Email enquiry:  info.tintin@gmail.com


Fans of TinTin, you need look no further than Chinatown (Singapore) to get your favourite TinTin products!  I heard stocks are moving fast, so do check out this place soon.

Singapore - ION Orchard (Dec 2010)

KRASNAYA Watch Art Gallery

A couple of tourists (1 male and 1 female) walked past this shop at ION Orchard, pulling along their trolley luggages and probably doing last-minute shopping.  When the man spotted above shop (website: http://www.krasnayawatch.com), he became very excited, as if he has found the "Holy Grail" or something.

Most locals would walk past the shop with barely a glance.  The man took out his digital camera, took a few pictures of the shop (like above), asked his female companion to take a shot with him posing in front of the shop, asked his female companion to also pose in front of the shop, brought his camera into the shop, only to be chased out promptly (no photos allowed in shop).  The female companion appeared not very interested.

For those who did not click on the above weblink, according to the website, this is the only KRASNAYA shop in Singapore.  KRASNAYA means "Red" in Russian (Red Army Watches) and this shop sells collector branded watches from Russia.

It is located at Unit B3-03 (opposite Starbucks) of ION Orchard shopping mall, accessible by buses or the trains [MRT] (North-South Line, look for the ION exit at Orchard station).

Happy Holidays! (Dec 2010)

Christmas Stitch (outside Inter-continental Hotel, Singapore)

Here's wishing all readers "Happy Holidays!!"

I shall be back with more "exotic travel pictures" soon..

Singapore - Resorts World Sentosa (Aug 2010)

There is life after sunset at Resorts World Sentosa and I am not just referring to the Casino. The rides at Universal Studios Singapore may be closed but the restaurants (in and around Universal Studios, as well as at the basement near Casino) are open. There is also a "theatrical circus spectacular", Voyage de la Vie, starting at 8:30pm (Wed-Sun nights) at the theatre next to the Casino. No animals are involved, just human acrobats and a male singer.

If you can choose, request for seats at the front rows closest the stage. You will feel more "immerse" in the performance and enjoy the show more. Do note the performance is "closed for maintenance" from 12 - 23 Sep 2010.

You can find out more about the performance, showtimes and book your tickets here:

http://www.rwsentosa.com/language/en-US/EntertainmentNightlife/VoyagedeLaVie

Well, at least the show's ticket price is cheaper than the entry levy for locals into the Casino.. :-)

Singapore - Final NDP Rehearsal at Marina Bay Sands (31 Jul 2010)

For the final National Day Parade (NDP) rehearsal on 31 Jul 2010, I caught the flypast and mobile columns from the overhead bridge leading towards Suntec City.

I then made my way across Marina Square Shopping Mall, the Helix Bridge and onwards to Marina Bay Sands. During the playing of the National Anthem, look up towards the SkyPark and you would see a dazzling light show!
Look who had gathered to catch the best views of the fireworks? No other than the marching contingents!
They were actually there to participate in the finale of the National Day Parade, One Voice 2010, to recite the pledge and sing the National Anthem on 2010 hrs. It was quite impressive!

P.S. On all the Saturdays when I caught the NDP finale firework displays from various locations (Esplanade Bridge, Marina Bay Sands, Helix Bridge, and I am sure everywhere else), there was always appreciative applause after the firework display ended. If only the firework display can continue every Saturday.. (sigh!)