Super Singapore

8^th March – 9^th March (Singapore)

After a final riverside walk in Melaka (Helen went to the Sultanate history museum) we travelled to Singapore. The bus took five hours including a border (with Coronavirus checks) so it was early evening by the time we arrived. We then set off for the iconic Gardens by the Bay, walking past the equally iconic Marina Bay Sands. We watched the 8.45 pm light show in the Super-tree Grove and it was FANTASTIC. With opera music in the background and the trees dazzling with light, it was a truly memorable experience. What a start to our time here!! We were impressed by how clean and fresh the city felt and despite all the skyscrapers there seemed to be trees and greenery at every turn.

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In the morning we went by MRT (the tube system which was class) to MacRitchie Reservoir and Park. We did an 11 km loop of the Reservoir along beautiful forest trails. The park was full of walkers and joggers as well as a few cheeky monkeys playing near the footpaths. We also walked along the TreeTop Walk, which was busy but very scenic. In keeping with the city, the park was extremely well maintained with clear footpaths and no litter. After finding and demolishing gluten free granola (life is good) we explored Singapore’s Botanic Gardens, which were sublime. Established in 1859 the gardens were designed by Lawrence Niven and since their establishment they have continued to be a centre for plant science, research and conservation. Today it’s library (~40,000 books and journals) and herbarium (~750,000 specimens) are used by botanists all over the world. The gardens are also Singapore’s first nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For us the National Orchid Garden (with over 1000 species & 2000 hybrids this is the largest orchid display in the world) and Swan Lakes were highlights, but the whole gardens were awash with so many beautiful colours and smells. On the way back we stumbled across CHIJMES; a former convent that now also houses a group of restaurants and cafes in the outside courtyard. We then visited the Esplanade rooftop and concert hall, which was equally wonderful and (in true Singapore style) offers free music concerts. Then we ended the night watching the light show at Gardens by the Bay again.

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On our last day in South East Asia (momentous I know) we took a stroll to Fort Canning Park. The park is home to a fort used by the British from 1860 to WW2, and then the Japanese during the war. However, the original fort was viewed as a bit of a fail. It’s purpose was to protect the docks but it’s location meant that they were actually out of range of its canons. Oops. We also visited an underground bunker (Battlebox) where, on the 15th February 1942, Singapore was surrendered to the Japanese by the Malaya Command. This marked the start of one of the darkest eras in Singapore’s history and the beginning of the end for the British Empire here. The hill is also known as Bukit Larangan (Malay for Forbidden Hill) and was the seat of Temasek: an old Malay kingdom. Said to be the final resting place of Temasek’s last king, it may also be haunted… Finally, the park is home to several gardens named after key figures from Singapore’s history, e.g. Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles (1781-1826), who was also a naturalist. Our next stop was Chinatown and Sri Mariamman Temple. This is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore (built in 1827) and is dedicated to the Mother Goddess, giving the temple its name. After picking up some supplies for lunch including Granny Smith apples (THEY TASTED SO GOOD) we walked along the marina front one final time. This afternoon we start the journey towards Fiji.

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It’s been almost 4 months in South East Asia…. So here is

The good:

1. The people; so welcoming, smiley and friendly
2. The history, nature and sightseeing (every day has been something new)
3. The scenery has quite often been out of this world
4. The prices are unbelievably cheap (especially Vietnam)

The bad:

1. The temperature… (we’ve never been so sweaty)
2. Gluten free on the go food has been a struggle
3. Bangladesh (well at least Dhaka)

The ugly:

1. Rob, especially before having a shave