AND I AM JUST THRILLED! (At the Hermes Leather Exhibition)

As part of its world tour, the Hermes Leather Forever Exhibition made its way to Singapore. 
The Leather Forever Exhibition allows you to discover the world of Hermes Leather while showcasing the incredible know-how of its artisans through an informative exhibition (I call this passion and ingenuity combined).

I took the opportunity to visit the exhibition armed with my two bodyguards (my son and hubby). Boys being boys (or should I say men), both are not really much into fashion and much more so with women and their crazy addiction to bags and shoes...but going to exhibits and museums is part of our cultural immersion, so to speak.

The Hermes family's history dated back in 1837 when Thierry Hermes opened up a harness and saddle workshop in Grand Boulevards quarter of Paris. So yes, "it was with the horse, for and on the horse that it all began" as the below information says (pardon the not-so-professional way of taking the photo)

One will be amazed at the many leather collection the exhibit has to offer and would just make you feel excited, thrilled and captivated (oh yes I am exaggerating) with the array of designs, bright colours, various shapes and sizes. 

Did I say I was blown away? To me, it was not just the name it made of itself but the creativity and the passion behind the brand - it really took a lot of love, hard work and dedication to make something big happen. And this brand carried the family name and a legacy - something great that every one of us should aspire for.

Bad news is that there were no items on sale - otherwise, I will be one tempted woman leaving with an empty wallet. But still, to own one is in my bucket list. I am sharing some of the photos I personally took - most of which captivated my interest. Enjoy the photos - I only chose some of them. It would be better to see and experience it for yourself.

Different materials for the horse saddle

Different types of leather

I want one

Any of these will do for me

or this?

Maybe this

One of my favourites - wish I could ride on one :-)

My son called this the "Holy Bag"

How's this for creativity?

From the latest collection

The exhibition runs until the 13th of this month, December at the Arts & Science Museum in the Marina Bay Sands area (#6 Bayfront Avenue). The exhibition runs from 10AM to 7PM daily and 10AM to 9PM on Fridays. Admission is free! So what are you waiting for?

Have fun and always be safe, travel buddies!

WHERE TO FIND THE BEST TOP 10 ALL-TIME FAVOURITE SINGAPORE HAWKER FOOD

As an entry point or travel hub centre, Singapore's food culture was vastly influenced by its geographical location and the various ethnicity that had since migrated to the country. And for most of you who have traveled in Singapore, you know that majority of the race is comprised of Chinese, Malay and Indians and knowing this fact alone you would know that the variety of dishes available could be aplenty.

Being a bustling trading pot, street peddling or hawking by different nationalities was a common sight during the early days. The proliferation, however, led to problems (mostly sanitary) that at the beginning of 1970, the first hawker centres were "created". This is of course through the effort of the Singapore government to resettle these street hawkers to more permanent locations.

Fast forward to now, many hawker centres are now part of many Singaporeans' lives. Hawker centres or cooked food centres are mostly open-air complexes that comprises many stalls selling a wide variety of local food that are affordable in price. These are mostly conveniently located in or near housing estates, usually some with nearby or adjourning wet and dry markets. These places are important part of the social culture where you will observe family gathering and social interaction as majority of the people have their three (3) meals a day in these places.
After living in Singapore for nearly eight (8) years now, we still do cook our food at home (sorry I am really for home-cooked meals) but these top 10 all time favourite Singapore hawker food will not escape my wandering palette for great food.
Source for identifying the best hawker places is through a published book entitled City Hawker Food Guide by City Gas Pte. Ltd. and Shin Min Daily News produced and published in Singapore.
Here are my top 10 all time favourite food (in no particular order).
Try and indulge!

1. CHICKEN RICE
Perhaps what could be called as the country's national dish, chicken rice originated from Hainan province in China (hence the name Hainanese chicken rice as it most popularly known for). It is very popular in Hainan and of course was introduced to Singapore by the immigrants from the same place.
I will let you in on some cooking tips, the secret ingredients to having a perfectly home cooked version of this dish is a blend of silky smooth white chicken, rice cooked in chicken broth and of course served with blended chili, garlic and dark soya sauce. Nowadays, you can also buy ready made mixes - not authentic but hey good enough if you are a newbie in cooking. 

Photo credit: www.thebestsingapore.com

You can get this in many places but best place to get this is at #02-16 Toa Payoh Lorong 1. Go to the nearest Toa Payoh MRT (red line) and head out for a bus and it could easily take you there.
2. LAKSA
There are two varieties, Curry Laksa and Asam Laksa, favoured by Singaporeans and Malaysians respectively. Curry Laksa uses fish cakes, shrimps, bean sprouts (or togue) cooked with coconut milk gravy base while Asam Laksa is a fish sour soup flavoured with cucumber, pineapple, shredded fish, lettuce, mint ginger buds served along with noodles. Finally added with sweet prawn paste.
Best place to get: #01-26 Upper Thomson Road (nearest MRT: Marymount - yellow or circle line)  

Laksa Curry

3. NASI LEMAK
A traditional Malay dish, this dish is usually fragrant and aromatic as the rice is cooked in coconut milk along with pandan leaves. Usually served with dried anchovies (or what is called ikan bilis)or fried fish or chicken, toasted or fried peanuts, sliced fresh cucumber and chili paste. As some eat it for breakfast, some dish comes with fried egg.

Best place to get: #02-15 Market Street Food Centre (nearest MRT: Raffles place - red line)

4. CHAR KWAY TIAO (or Fried Kway Tiao)
Literally stir fried cake strips, cooking styles are varied but those who are said to be the best usually have ingredients of fresh cockles, Chinese sausages, good quality soya sauce, Chinese chives and bean sprouts. Variations to the dish allows you to add more vegetables, hence, healthier.

Best place to get: #01-91 Beach Road, Golden Mile Food Centre (nearest MRTs - Nicoll Highway circle/yellow line; Lavender or Bugis both in green East West line)

5. HOKKIEN MEE
The story behind this ever Singapore favourite is that it was introduced by Hokkien-speaking immigrants from the province of Fujian China. It was said that after the Second World War, the Hokkien dock workers will gather around Rochor Road to cook this dish over kerosene stoves.
The noodles are usually a combination of two, thick yellow noodles and Beehoon (vermicelli or thin glass liked noodles) garnished with pork belly, egg, de-shelled prawns, bean sprouts and squid. The dish is basically stir fried over high heat in a typical Chinese wok covered with a lid so that the noodles soaked up the juices. Most interestingly served in dried nipa palm leaf. Best eaten with a serving of lime (or kalamansi) and shrimp chili paste (known as belachan to locals)...makes me crave for one by just writing...

Best place to get: #01-11 Chomp Chomp Food Centre in Kensington Park (nearest MRT - Kovan and Serangoon both in purple/North East line)

As I've eaten the dish before I took a photo, here's a photo taken from the sg-city-asia website. Thanks!
 

6. FISH SOUP
One of my favorites, fish soup is usually served with rice or as I would prefer it with Beehoon (vermicelli) so that it is light and nutritious. There is also an option for other type of noodles like egg or flour noodles.
The original version is actually a fish head soup but most stalls will just serve with thin slices of white fish - some stalls would actually offer a replacement of deep fried fish or a combination of both.
Some diners can also opt for condensed milk to be added in their soup. Always best to garnish with fish chili sauce and white pepper for a more flavourful indulgence.

Best place to get: #02-15 Market Street Food Centre (nearest MRT - Raffles place red line)

7. ROTI PRATA
Perhaps my first introduction to Indian cuisine is the roti prata. Roti actually means bread and prata means flat. This particular snack loved by many is popularly known as Indian pancake. Texture varies from soft to crispy and best to eat when freshly cooked and therefore hot. Varieties to this simple bread comes from adding egg into the mix before heated in a large hot griddle which I would normally prefer. However, several variations to this wonderful dish are now available almost everywhere. When ordered, it usually comes with curry for dipping or if you want sweet stuff, you can ask for sugar.

Best place to get: Jamila Food Stall Bedok North Street 3 - an HDB estate

Egg prata

8. YONG TAU FOO
This rich Hakka tradition made its way to Singapore with the variation of pork and fish paste stuffed in the tofu, tau kwa, chili, bitter gourd and okra and is usually served steamed or boiled with noodles in soup or dry versions. You can either top it with a combination of sweet sauce and chili sauce. Nowadays, some stalls serves healthy variety and you can mix and match the items you want included in the dish. Best for those who are into healthy diets.

Best place to get: #02-112 Amoy Street Food Centre - close to the Tanjong Pagar MRT station

Photo credit: healthguru.sg

9. BAK KUT TEH

Photo credit: healthguru.sg

Reading through the history, this dish originated a century ago in the province of Fujian province in China. This dish was introduced into Singapore by then labelled as "coolies" (this was a term used for unskilled workers. These people were mainly impoverished Chinese immigrants who moved to Singapore to seek better fortune but serving instead as unskilled labourers. As the story goes, immediately everyday after work, these coolies would buy pork bones, add pepper and spices and Chinese herbs to form thick, tasty broth for breakfast the next day. It was believed that this particular breakfast tea makes them endure the hard day's work. This comes into 2 varieties - the dark brown broth from Fujian and the Teochew clear broth. It can be best eaten with rice or dough fritters and never forget some dipping sauce of dark soya mixed with red chillies.

Best place to get: #01-04 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 (nearest MRT - Ang Mo Kio red line)

10. WANTON NOODLES

Photo credit: enews.sg

It can be served either dry or with soup, this particular dish has its origin in the province of Guangzhou in China.  It usually comes with char siew (roasted pork), fresh chai sim (green vegetables) and tasty wanton (dumplings) on springy noodles.
The wantons that is served with the noodles basically comprises of minced pork, soya sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and cornstarch. These are mixed and then wrapped in the wanton skin or wrapper and sealed with water. These wanton noodles can either be steamed or deep fried. The seasoning sauce is key to a good wanton noodles dish. Hawkers have their own versions to lure diners. Take your pick to the many varieties being offered.

Best place to get: #01-45 Tampines Street 11

Keep this list fellow travelers and the next time you are in Singapore you will be hungry no more.

Keep safe dears!

For any questions, comments - please write them down below. I will be happy to guide you.

Find Hidden Bargains in Outlet Stores at Changi City Point Mall Singapore

Tucked in the Eastern side of Singapore is a new shopping mall called Changi City Point. 

Changi City Point Mall in Singapore

The mall was completed in 2011 but, there are still a few constructions going on. Nonetheless, for thrilling budget finds or for just simply strolling around, you can include this place as a must-visit to your list.

A friend told me about this place when one day we were talking about finding branded items at cheaper prices. I guess their main office being near the mall, it is not surprising at all for her to discover this place.

So out of the blue, we thought it would be worthwhile to just see what the mall can actually offer. It was quite a distance from our place but for a pair of itchy feet and the budget hunter that I am, there is nothing that can simply stop me from going. And I was right, another gem of a discovery!

Strolling through the mall, we were greeted with several bargain outlet shops. When you first enter the mall, you will see Puma and Payless shoe store. Shoes are discounted up to 30% off. Located as well on the ground floor is Charles & Keith and Pedro - again a pair of shoes can be 40% cheaper!

Head out to the second floor and your eyes (and wallet in danger of getting empty) will surely not be able to resist to look at Adidas, Nike, and Lacoste. The Lacoste Classic shirt was a steal for two (2) shirts at $99 - that would be 50% off the original price. Beside the Lacoste shop is Royal Sporting House outlet as well which caters to several sport brands. I was able to buy a Speedo swimsuit for only $25 ! 

Walk even further and you will be able to find Crocs and Hush Puppies. There is also another outlet called Branded Outlet which just basically means it is selling all branded items - some of the brands they carry are Onitsuka Tiger shoes and Anne Klein. 

There are also quite a few restaurants and a food court which you can visit should you go hungry.

The Oasis at Changi City Point Mall, Singapore

One of the interesting feature of the mall is called "The Oasis" - a sanctuary where one can enjoy a bit of nature inside a shopping mall where you can relish your meal or quench your thirst when drinking beer.

Click here for information on Changi City Point Mall's free shuttle bus service and full list of shops.

They also have a children's area where your little ones can play. : )

Head out there now and just have fun! 

Fun Family Adventure in Singapore's River Safari Part 2

While heading out to Zone 2, a picturesque view of the 'real river' presented itself- so we stopped by at the viewing deck and took the time to relax our tired feet and took more photos.

Look what we found while resting! 

A bird perched on a tree at the River Safari in Singapore. Can you see it?

A squirrel monkey at the Squirrel Monkey Forest in Singapore's River Safari

First stop at the Wild Amazonia is the Squirrel Monkey Forest - here you will be allowed to see them face to face - they just jump from one tree to another. Be careful though - you are not allowed to touch them as it can be dangerous of course. But nonetheless, I think these monkeys are already used to people looking and admiring them, so they are pretty safe. You will not just find five but lots of them.

Squirrel monkeys normally live in the tropical forests of Central and South America. 

Anaconda at Singapore's River Safari

Just outside of the Squirrel Monkey Forest, you will find a giant glass window wherein you will see an anaconda - do you know that they are known to be the heaviest of snakes? The biggest on record weighed 227 kilograms (that is equivalent to the weight of 3 adults) and measured 8.5 m long.  Want to know how they breed? I just read that for them to breed, up to a total of 12 (yes, you read that right) wrap themselves around a female to form a 'breeding ball' and wrestle for a chance to mate with her (is she one lucky female or scary to be in that situation?). After several weeks, only one victor will emerge.

Breeding ball - how anacondas breed at Singapore's River Safari

Entrance to the Amazon Flooded Forest at Singapore's River Safari

Next, move on to the dark area of the Amazon Flooded Forest - you will be amazed at more than 18 majestic species that you can find there. Look for the electric eel, or the pacu, and the giant manatee! 

Manatees at the River Safari in Singapore

The place is fully air conditioned and dark - I guess in a way these also simulates the resting and hiding place of these species. Be in awe and come face to face with red bellied piranhas - I was scared, honestly.

Red-bellied piranhas at the River Safari in Singapore

We decided to come for our boat ride, it was almost 20 minutes before the hour of 12. Do note that there will be probably more than 50 slots alloted per ride so each one was given 15 minutes to queue up before the scheduled slot. The boat ride is at the Amazon Square, perhaps before going for your ride you can visit the nearby toilet, baby changing and nursing room which are in this area. Clear signs are also available so you will not get lost. 

A total of 15 minutes will take you to the whole boat ride experience plus give some time to wait for your turn.

In this boat ride, we were able to witness several beautiful and unique animals such as the Brazilian tapir, the Jaguar (who was sleeping by then), the noisy pink flamingos, the capybara and the maned wolf. You will see more but they are just there lurking around somewhere. 

After the quick but fun boat ride, we headed back to see the main attraction of the safari - the two Giant Pandas. However, if you want to take a quick break - you can either drink some coffee or buy some soda from the vending machines and just sit down and enjoy a couple of minutes' view of the other side of the river. But we decided to move ahead as I have a hungry teenager to satisfy.

The queue to seeing the Giant Panda was very long - nevertheless it was fast moving (even though some irritating tourists and locals alike do not know how to follow). I pity the volunteers shouting to the very best they can so they can get everyone organized, but sad to say, there are just many who can't seem to simply follow the rules. While waiting though, you can watch a video of how these two Giant Pandas were transported from China to Singapore, quarantined, bathed and then letting them accustomed to their new home. This big dome is kept cool at 18 to 22 degrees, so expect some instant hush of cold when you go in. 

Kai Kai, a giant panda, sleeping at the River Safari in Singapore

It was worth the wait, they are simply adorable! We were able to see only one, the male one named Kai Kai - he was cozily sleeping (and perhaps dreaming), not realizing that a handful of people were there to take his picture. Tourists were also instructed to be quiet, no flash photography so as not to disturb their peace. The female one, aptly named Jia Jia decided to take a respite in her room - we understand that she was particularly shy - so you will still see her but only from cctv camera.

Here you can also see how their food is being prepared from a glass window. Cool, right?

Upon exit, you can head straight to Mama Panda Kitchen. I heard the Panda pau (steamed bun with different fillings) is famous here but the line is long (obviously) so we decided to head out and have our lunch somewhere outside. 

Overall, it was a fun adventure but at the same time loads of new information not just for us adults but for my son. Will do it again next time - who knows, there might be new species that we have not seen yet. Go out and head out there, am pretty sure you will not be disappointed!

Travel tips (and how to's)

1. Book your tickets online - saves you the time in queing.

2. If you can, come in the morning. Not only you can get sure slots for the boat ride but surely it will not be as hot as in the afternoon. The safari opens from 9AM and closes at 6PM.

3. Follow the trail as you can find in the map - this will not only allow you not to miss on any of the rivers but it will save you (big time) on walking back and forth.

4. Don't forget your camera or your phone! And these will surely build lots of memorable trails after.

5. For the ultimate wild life experience, book for the 4-in-1 package (Singapore Zoo, River Safari, Jurong Bird Park and the Night Safari). Saves you more. The Singapore Zoo is just a minute walk away and Night Safari is just 3! BUT, do not rush yourselves in going all at the 4 at once - just slow down and  enjoy the experience communing with nature and the animals. A ticket is good for 31 days from date of purchase.

6. If you decide to take public transport (from a bus interchange) to go the safari, do not rush. An empty one will surely come between 10-15 minutes. This way, you will be happily sitting on your way there.

Itching to got there now and experience it yourself? Please make sure to go back to this page and share your experience with us in the comments below. Do not forget to send these blog link to a friend who might be planning to vivit Singapore this summer or anytime this year!

Till next time, travel buddies!

How Tossing a Salad Will Bring You Good Fortune: A Glimpse Into Singapore Chinese New Year's Lo Hei

Lo Hei or Yu sheng

It is that time again of the much anticipated Chinese New Year. 

While the rest of the world welcomes the new year on the first day of January as the opportunity to change, improve, make some resolutions or resolve to do something different, the Chinese will wait for several weeks before welcoming a new year.

The rest of us who are non-Chinese and who do not celebrate such occasion were strongly influenced by their beliefs and traditions, nevertheless. I, for one, had in many instances waited for my zodiac sign's forecasts at the beginning of the year and when Chinese New Year approaches. At the same time, I also love to watch, listen and read anything that a geomancer would advice (not that I always heed everything they say).

And one more activity I look forward to during this festive Chinese season, is doing the "Lo Hei". Lo hei (pronounced as lo hay) or yu sheng is what is defined as "prosperity toss".  It is actually a type of salad and usually consists of strips of raw fish (most commonly salmon) and mixed with shredded vegetables and a variety of sauces and condiments, among other ingredients. Do not be confused with this two words. My Chinese colleague actually explained that Yu sheng literally means "raw fish" and since fish is also a symbol of abundance and prosperity, therefore it became  linked to the tradition. Lo Hei meant the "actual tossing". 

My friend also explained that this particular type of celebration was dominant amongst Chinese Singaporeans as it was believed to have originated by four (4) known Chefs in Singapore back in 1964. So, if you asked a Chinese from Hongkong or mainland China, they would have no single idea of what it meant.

But since it was introduced 40 years ago, the Singaporeans continued with the tradition as it is believed to bring good luck. So, how's that for good fortune!

Ever since I came to Singapore in 2007, I actually had no idea of what it is. People talk about it, colleagues do it, but never did I try. I actually had doubts as well that plainly tossing a salad will bring luck. Not until in 2011, when I first tried it and I continued ever since.

Let me give you a run down of how it was like.

When you order a set of Lo Hei, the salad will come with raw fish, vegetables, oil, spices and flour crisps. Each particular ingredient will have its own meaning. While the specific spice or ingredient is added, the server will explain what it meant or what the particular ingredient will provide. You can probably say it is a ceremony or a littany of wishing you luck when the new year approaches. Since I cannot understand Chinese, a colleague will usually translate. So here goes:

It starts with "Gong Xi Fa Cai" meaning “Congratulations for your wealth” followed by "may your wishes be fulfilled." The raw fish is then added, which symbolises abundance and excess through the year.

Pomelo or lime is then added to the fish, adding luck and auspicious value. Pepper is then dashed over in the hope of attracting more money and valuables. Then oil is poured out, circling the ingredients and encouraging money to flow in from all directions.  

Carrots are added indicating blessings of good luck. Then the shredded green radish is placed symbolising eternal youth. After which, the shredded white radish is added which means prosperity in business and/or promotion at work. 

The condiments are finally added. First, peanut crumbs are dusted on the dish, symbolizing a household filled with gold and silver. Sesame seeds quickly follow symbolising a flourishing business. 

Deep-fried flour crisps in the shape of golden pillows is then added last with wishes that literally the whole floor would be filled with gold.

This will be the most interesting part - each one participating in the "toss" are given chopsticks - you will just literally toss. But then for each toss, you can start mentioning your wishes and dreams for the year and the exciting part is that there is a belief that "the higher the toss, the higher the fortune". I would literally see people standing up on their seats while tossing the salad.

Beside the tossing and the meaning, the salad is quite tasty, refreshing and nourishing. You can never have too many - the Chinese New Year runs 15 days from the first day, which means you can do it for 15 straight days! However, some restaurants or even hawker centers would offer such salad even before CNY starts. 

If you plan to celebrate Chinese New Year the traditional way or just want to join the fun, you can either go to Singapore or make your own. You can find a lo hei recipe here. 

So you ask me, did it bring fortune into my life when I started doing it? Sure it did! BUT, believe me when I say, it all comes with faith, lots of prayer, hard work, more prayers, dreaming big and more faith, more prayers. 

Nevertheless, there is nothing to lose by just trying. Toss some now and start your way to an abundant year!

IMM Singapore: A Mall No Shopaholic Can Resist

IMM Mall Singapore

Opened in 1992, IMM Mall of Singapore provides retail, warehouse and office spaces. Located just 5 minutes from the Jurong East MRT (red line), this place is unknown to many even among the locals.

Even though the place is far (located at the Western part of Singapore), the mall provides free shuttle bus that takes one to and fro. 

Free Shuttle Bus to & from IMM Mall in Singapore

I discovered the mall back in 2008 - our regional office was about 15 minutes away by cab and almost always once a week, we go there for lunch (and your guess is as good as mine, some mini shopping!). Back then, there were only about 19 outlet stores. Constant favorites would be Esprit, Fox and Daiso - the ultimate one as all items are priced at $2 SGD! Even though we don't intend to shop, we are tempted to do so. Our temptation also gets tickled every time the sales clerk at Esprit sends us a text message of the shop's even bigger sales.

This outlet is different from all other malls in Singapore because the sale is all year round! Be surprised even with an even bigger sale during the yearly GSS (Great Singapore Sale). How do you top that? 

Tourists and locals alike will be delighted to know that there are now over 50 outlets (or discounts store) in the mall. This is part of the mall's strategy to re-brand itself when it went on a massive renovation that started in 2012 and completed just in May of 2013. IMM now boasts to be the biggest outlet store in Singapore.

Some of the stores include popular brands such as Esprit, Timberland, Agnes b and Coach. FJB outlet is also now present which carries popular brands such as Gap, Guess and Banana Republic.

La Boutique cannot be missed with brands like Naf Naf, French Connection and Tila.

Can't get enough of it? Other brands such as Bossini, Giordano, Hush Puppies, and Fox are shops not to be missed.

Discount ranges for each store are between 30% to 70% - that is one big discount which will really push your itchy feet to get going.

Daiso (the popular Japanese store) that offers all items at 2 SGD can also be found at the 3rd floor of the mall.

Gone hungry? Not to worry, as there are many restaurants, fast food chains and food courts available.

Want to know more? Go to the mall's official website at www.imm.sg and check out your favorite shop.

Location: Jurong East (take the North-South red line going to Woodlands) and alight at the Jurong East interchange. When you exit the train, find the free IMM shuttle bus or take a 5-minute walk.

Was this helpful? Let us know in the comments. :)

ABSOLUTELY FREE DESTINATIONS TO VISIT IN SINGAPORE! (PART 1)

Singapore Botanic Gardens. Photo courtesy of Catherine May Singson

Do you love freebies? 

Enjoy these sights for FREE when you visit Singapore and get to save some bucks for shopping, a food trip galore or something else!

For garden enthusiasts or for someone who simply likes to stroll:

Gardens by the bay at the MBS - head towards circle line and alight at the Marina Bay station- head towards the exit going through Marina Bay and it will open up to several gardens - there you will get to enjoy and experience the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Japanese and Colonial gardens.

Can't get enough? Run through the famous Botanical Garden - the 74 hectare garden will probably take you the whole day. No worries, this particular garden is the only botanical garden that opens from 5 a.m. to 12 midnight every single day of the year and does not even cost a single thing. How generous is that?

Chinese Garden in Singapore. Photo credit

Chinese Garden - built in 1975 by a Taiwanese architect, the inspiration for the garden comes from Chinese gardening art. A bridge connects as well the Japanese garden. From the bridge, the Pagoda twins can be seen from afar. The East entrance was designed right outside the Chinese garden MRT station so that by exiting will lead you straight to the place. Don't forget to have your picture taken at the entrance at the Red Bridge which is a symbol of good luck.

For trailblazers:

Singapore is not all about concrete buildings and shopping. There are several nature trails to explore if you can't help but satiate the nature hiking-trailblazing person in you. Head out to:

MacRitchie Reservoir Park in Singapore. Photo credit

MacRitchie Reservoir - the holy trail for running enthusiasts. The total 11 kilometer trail will probably leave you breathless but hey, you will love it! The nearest MRT station is Toa Payoh- when exiting, take another public transport or better yet jumpstart by walking!

Dairy Farm Nature Walk - this one is a favourite amongst those who loves challenge, the "elevation" trail goes up to 164m high summit of Bukit Timah Hill and back down. Stretch out your legs with the 3km long trail.

They called it the Woodcutter's trail - this particular trail runs point-to-point from Upper Pierce Reservoir (off Old Upper Thompson Road) and Chestnut Avenue at Bukit Panjang. For the experienced trailblazers, this will be a good challenge. But if you are a newbie, make sure you will be with experienced trailers or hikers as you may tend to get lost easily. How exciting is that? 

For those who love water shows:

There are two wonderful free water shows that you can find at the Resorts World Sentosa.

Crane Dance at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore. Photo courtesy of Catherine May Singson

From Singapore's website, the Crane Dance is a modern interpretation of a classic Asian folk story where artificial birds come to life through the power of love. The graceful courtship dance of the giant robot cranes is accompanied by colorful lights, spraying water, pounding music, and jumbo TV screens with animation on each bird’s body. The performance takes about 10 minutes and is suitable for all audiences. Be there a few minutes so you can save a seat, show starts promptly at 9 PM. 

Lake of Dreams, Singapore during the day. Photo courtesy of Catherine May Singson

Lake of Dreams, Singapore at night. Photo courtesy of Catherine May Singson

Lake of Dreams --- Flaming dragons, water cannons, and laser special effects, all in a spectacular show. This free entertainment spectacle, located close to the Casino at the heart of Festive Walk , dramatically transforms the strip from day to night. Head out straight to this area as the shows start promptly right after the Crane dance show.

If you are still at MBS on a particular day, you may want to stay up to around 8 PM and stay to witness a fantastic water show called Wonder Full. Much similar to HongKong skyline light show, this one is an amazing convergence of light, music and sound. For 13 exciting minutes, be immersed and watch the skyline with your whole family!

There's a whole lot more areas to explore in Singapore absolutely for FREE! Read where these are here.