SINGAPORE....THE HOLIDAY YOU TAKE HOME WITH YOU

With our guide 

For Me Singapore was an “ideal” city to bond with my parents…owing to so many interesting activities. A quick check in later like good tourists first went to the Malay Heritage Centre to learn and check out some batik work, since Iam rather fond of it; Dad had planned this in our itinerary. Interestingly the Malays are the second largest community in Singapore. Inside the compound, I saw a replica of a boat used by Malay settlers which was all made from the bark of Gelam tree. Anyways the batik was amazing and I just loved the time spent here.

With mom and some friends

After a lovely lunch of some local cuisine at the Maxwell Hawker centre, like true Indians we spent time shopping (which is always fun) and Orchard road proved irresistible. Later that evening we took a boat ride from the Clarke Quay and sailed along into the open water in front of the Merlion fountain, across the Singapore River we arrived at Merlion Park. Interestingly, the name Singapore actually comes from the name Singapura meaning “Lion City”. A statue of the Merlion is based in Merlion Park, facing out to sea with its back to the city skyline, spewing out a massive stream of water. Back at Clarke we gave a shot at the Reverse Bungee Jumping in which as you are suddenly thrown up, it is quite thrilling, and when the passenger car turned Mom and me really screamed up there!  For dinner we headed to Dempsey Hill, a lifestyle hub converted from a group of old army barracks.

We chose to dine at “white Rabbit” for its ambience, once a beautiful old chapel; the restaurant still retains its old world charm. It had on offer a charming array of reinvented classics and a visit to Lewis Carroll’s storybook nostalgia where the white rabbit leads Alice to a veritable wonderland. I just loved it (and so did my parents). The comfort food was amazing!

The next day we went to all the “must-see” attractions amongst which the Jurong Bird Park was my favorite. 

I especially loved the behind the scene tour in which we got to drive around in a battery operated open air long cars and actually feed the birds.

Gorgeous views from the flyer

For dinner that day we hopped aboard the Singapore Flyer which stands 165 meters (541 feet) tall and anyone would think that being that high up at night and trying to enjoy your meal would be difficult, but the Flyer turns so slowly that we didn’t even notice the movement. The view however was totally distracting. 

Our flight back home wasn’t until late in the evening, so off we went to Buguis Village and China Town for some last minute shopping and yummy street-food. Finally it was time to leave and while waiting for our flight I realized this has to be the best airport I have ever visited, what with free gaming on Play station 3 and Xbox 360. Why do good holidays have to come to an end I wonder?

The mandate family pic