Mingalabar Myanmar – You have to come fast

March 14, 2022 bichvan

Glamorous Myanmar is a large country in southeast Asia region. This country shares borders with 5 countries Laos, Thailand, China, India and Bangladesh. The first thing pop up in my mind is the branch of Buddhism. Buddhism was divided into 2 branches after the Buddha got Nirvara. While the Mahayana (or the Greater Vehicle) was developed toward the North and preached in countries like Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Korea, Japan, northern Vietnam; the Hinayana (the Modest Vehicle) is spread down to the southern trails over Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, southern Vietnam, etc. This is the reason the pagodas are appeared everywhere in those Buddhism countries.

The pagoda with golden stupas or sharp pagodas are very typical and fairly similar in Laos, Thailand, Myanmar as the locals practice same type of Buddhism branch.

Many travelers are concerned about the unstable politician in Myanmar. So Are you safe in your Myanmar Travel? The comfort but true answer is the conflict does exist and get tensed at the frontier areas between Myanmar and Bangladesh. The rest cities, as you know Myanmar is very large, are definitely very peaceful.

Myanmar’s capital is Naypyitaw. However the tourists would not or hardly come to this political hub. The mains cities worth visiting, or the Big Four of Myanmar are Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake. Plus, Golden Rock and Hispaw are interesting spots and highly recommended if you can include in your Myamar trip.

Why you can no longer delay your trip to Myanmar?

Myanmar is among very a few countries remained intact and not yet affected by mass tourism
Myanmar is a peaceful Buddhism country of holy pagodas and temples scattered all over country, and with high concentration in Bagan.
Exotic nature from mountains to giant lake and authentic countryside
Multi-ethnic country of rich culture
Regional cuisines are variable and amazing. Curry isn’t the only cooking type in Myanmar. Come and get involved, you will find amazed how tasty the local food is.

How to get there?

+ Two big cities in Myanmar with international airports that you can fly to and access Myanmar are Yangoon and Mandalay. From Mandalay, you can take a unique day boat from Mandalay to Bagan included with many cultural and local experiences.

+ To travel internally: Each travel city/ region are a few hundreds from each other. Then, flying is the most optimal choice with shortest traveling hours and the airfares are pretty reasonable if you don’t mind taking Myanmar local air-fleets with less fancy and less comfortable seats. There is another way is night buses taking 7 -12 hours to traverse in between depending on the distance. A could not be better news is that the bus quality is very good. Myanmar night buses are quiet big and comfortable with spacious legging space for the passengers’ stretching. There are attendants dressing nicely in the uniform support and provide snacks, mineral water and blanket to the guests onboard. Last but not least point is that most of buses set up a screen in front of each passenger with entertaining videos, Hollywood movies, etc. but aren’t the trending ones.

What are main places to visit in Myanmar?

Yangon

Yangon is not the capital of Myanmar but it’s more popular to tourist as well as businessmen than Naypyitaw. In the past, Yangon is the only city of Myanmar with international airport that all tourists will enter Myanmar via Yangon. This city must be more convenient to the business too. There are only cars in this city, motorbikes have been restricted since 2008; while the narrow roads and infrastructure haven’t been improved that traffic jam or slow transfer hours should be anticipated in your Myanmar tour.

There are significant golden temples sited right at the end of the main road, or on a hill in Yangon. You can take a stroll to Shwedagon Pagoda with ticket validity up to 24 hours so that the visitors can return at night when the stupas are lit up and appeared shiny, Octagonal Sule Pagoda, Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda with a reclining Buddha of 65 m long and so on.

Busy China town of old style attached houses with atmospheric nightlife of local food, drinks, beer for a chill-out. In the China corner, there is a religious Kheng Hock Keong Temple.

For shopping, let’s troll to wholesale Bogyoke Aung San Market but sell retails too. Walking over, you can find dozens of goods like clothes, Myanmar milk-tea, Myanmar jade and silver products, candies, etc.

Another experiences to delve into local life is Myanmar circular train taking you around the city, stop at a local market and observe daily exchange activities, see the hustle but happy life, and find fruits, chickens, shopping baskets here and there on the train, etc. There are scheduled train with 30 – 45 minutes one after another daily.

Mandalay

Mandalay known as the second biggest city of Myanmar. To reach Mandalay, there are flights from other regions of the country, or there is a day boat sailing along river from Bagan with many cultural activities on board as well as stops at local villages for interaction. There are direct flights from outer cities to Mandalay including Bangkok, Singapore, Chiang Mai and around 15 cities of China.

Mandalay – the last royal city in Myanmar is a region formed and developed nearby Mandalay Hill. Right in city center, you can pay a visit to huge Mandalay Palace surrounded by the royal citadel. Aside and belonged to the palace ground is the impressive teak wood Shwenadaw Kyaung Monastery. This is a sophisticated teak monastery showcasing the histories as well as glorious Mandalay.

Out of the Palace, taking a short drive in 10 – 15 minutes, you will find the largest book in the world which are Khuthodaw and Sandamuni Pagodas with 729 stone pages of which with a stupa each. This impressive book is very unique in terms of the inscribe and the peaceful ambience. There is a natural suncream thanaka grinding table and thanaka root for the visitors to grind then put on their faces at their own to protect themselves from the intense sunshine.

Following the main route, you will find 2 super big guardian lions from where you can walk up to Mandalay Hill. There is another slightly winding road with the lush shadow of greenish canopies for car and motorbike to get to the peak. Standing from Sutaungpyi Pagoda which crowns the hill, you can cast a panoramic view to the region.

Apart from these spots in city center, a journey out is a definite must. To the south of the city center, U Bein is the longest teak bridge in the world and also an iconic landscape of Mandalay. Walking leisurely on the bridge and feeling the fresh breeze is engaging. The sunset over the bridge is stunning and intriguing. Boarding a local boat and sail to the middle of river, you will be able to admire the larger and whole view of the bridge hold up by thousands of teak pillars.

In the past, all the monks are gathered and sent over here the Amarapura region due to political and religious issues. Day-to-day, there are around 2000 monks in Amarapura will show around the U Bein Bridge. It’s a nice chance to stop by and learn more about the monks. U Bein Bridge is a definite must in your Myanmar itinerary.

In the same direction with U Bein Bridge, it’s Inwa (Ava) with iconic ancient temples and Buddhism relics. It’s worth exploring around this countryside region. Not so far from Inwa is Sagaing hill offering another panoramic views to the river and land. You will find many monasteries and the monks come around.

From Mandalay City, let’s cross the river by seamless local boat of only 5000 kyat/ person/ way and travel to Mingun. There are choices of riding cow cart, walking or biking to visit around. You will able to admire the temples and pagodas of very unique designs as well as meaning including Pahtodawgyi Pagoda appearing like a brick pile which is not intact due to the severe affection of earthquake twice. Another special one is the Hsinbyume white pagoda named after Bodawpaya King’s queen and yet constructed to dedicate to her. Built with waved terraces surrounded the core gradually lead up to Mount Meru representing the cosmology in Buddhism ideology.

Beside, you also see the big Elephant surrounded by large shadow of ancient tree and huge Mingun bell. This half day trip to Mingun is a very unique and of course memorable experience when staying in Mandalay.

Bagan

If there is only one city to be chosen, exotic Bagan would be the most prioritized one. This land was the capital of Pagan Kingdom which is Myanmar these days. There were 10,000 big and small temples and pagodas erected in this land. Due to the human being fight and the natural earthquake that many of them had been destroyed. The remained number is only 2,000 temples.

Nesting itself along Irrawady River, Bagan is a amiable region. The idyllic landscape, friendly people and rich culture will leave you with a life time experience. It’s highly suggested to spend at least 2 nights in Bagan. The further you spending for your Myanmar travel, the deeper you could delve into the local heart. To divide, there are 3 main regions in Bagan which are Old Bagan, New Bagan and Nyaung U. As most of pagodas and temples are concentrated in Old Bagan, visitors have to arrange the transfer to Old Bagan no matter where they overnight. The distance between regions is not a big matter and could be travelled in between easily by car, electric bikes, electrics motorbike or bicycles.

Back to the three areas, it’s definite the best to stay right in the Old Bagan among and get blended into thousands of brownie temples and pagodas nestled in the lush jungle. Due to its location, hotel in Old Bagan generally will be at the higher costs. Then alternative stay could be New Bagan with a quiet and lovely countryside trail leading to Old Bagan. For whom prefer lower cost hotels in Bagan and nightlife, Nyaung U is a good choice.

So what to visit in Bagan? The answer will be temples, pagodas and villages. It’s never boring to wanderlust whole day among those temples which each of them is designed with different architecture and meaning as well as worship purposes. The trails connecting temples are intriguing and mysterious. It brings a feeling that you are totally lost into a mystic land and you can freely admire the temples and pagodas from different angles. At times, you will caught a cow school wandering or some cows pulling the cart come slowly over.

Some of prominent and must to see temples in Bagans are Ananda Temple, Dhamma Yangi Temple, Shwezigon Temple, Thatbyinnyu Temple, Htilominlo Temple, Shwesandaw Pagoda, etc. There are dozens of unnamed temples emerging over Old Bagan. Take your time and call in the one you feel interested. To enter these temples, you are mostly asked to walk with barefoot and proper costumes.

For Bagan sunrise and sunset, you can choose the Ta Wet Hpaya Temple located in the central of Bagan Archaeological park; Thitsawadi Temple is where most of Bagan hot air-balloon fly over; Law Ka Ou Shaung is where you can capture the sunrise with Shwesandaw Pagoda captured into background; or Pyatheygyi Pagoda for sunset but a bit crowded; lastly counted is Bagan viewing Tower where you can cast a 360 degree view of the archaeological park and amazingly pleasant sunset moment. The cost to go up is 6500kyats with inclusion of a welcome drink and using of binoculars. The Balloon over Bagan is very wonderful and available during dry season from Nov to Mar only, however Bagan, to me, is beautiful whole year.

On the way travel around the temples, you will encounter a few local villages. Just come and learn more about local life. If you look for places to eat, just stop at any local restaurants – with many domestic eater, experiences shared by Anthony Bouder. I have tried and would suggest some choices that I found the food are very nice and tasty like The Moon vegetarian restaurant right in the Bagan archaeological zone, Black Rose restaurant in New Bagan – we had dinner there with very good food and some tamarind candies after the meal or it can help releasing the hot if you eat spicy food, and Nanda Restaurant.

Culturally, you can have a dinner of Burmese traditional dishes listed in your Myanmar itinerary and enjoy the Myanmar Puppet Show at Nanda Restaurant.

If the trip is not tight, spend haft a day for the Popa Mount a religious center of local people which could be said as important as the Batu Cave in Kuala Lumpur. A small note is keeping an eye on the monkey bunches. Plus, for the whole long way walking up, local keep their feet bared which might not comfortable and clean on rainy days. But it’s the local religious respect that you should not come unless you can do as local doing. The view on top, fairly say is not an wow.

Inle Lake

Inle Lake is located in the north-east part of Myanmar. The weather here is cooler and less humid. Accordingly, local people will have brighter skin color. With such moderate weather, the stilled and stunned mountain ranges shadow themselves onto the giant lake that present a picturesque and tranquil landscape. The trip to Inle Lake also granted us a wonderful and very different experience to other regions of Myanmar when learn about the floating living. The culture here bears it own Myanmar breath that similar to no where.

For the lake part, yet, a day cruising with local long boat with capacity up to 7 or 8 guests is a must. The captain – a local person will sit at the back and control the boat. The boatman as well as a local guide can show you around in a day to observe local livings, the initiative floating garden, floating market – will be closed by 9.30am, the local workshops with traditional handicraft like cloth made from lotus stem string, the silversmith, or a village of long neck women.

On the lake, the men go fishing too. They work hard and skillfully when control the boat by one leg then the other leg will stand and their hands will be used for net throwing and casting. Amusingly A few of them boating on the lake but not for fishing. They will display and act passionately and cheerfully for tourist to have a closer look and best angles to shoot nicest photos of them to get gain some tip back.

The boatman also lead you to famous pagoda on the island or on river banks like Phaung Daw Oo Paya Pagoda and Shwe Inn Dein Pagoda. For Myanmar adventure tour, there are options of trekking through local villages too which will be meaningful and interesting if you are accompanied with a knowledgable local tour guide. There are options of trekking package of one day, 2 days to 3 days to Kalaw to Shan mountains, minority tribe villages and experience homie homestay.

For the mountain and land part, biking on land is alluring. Beginning from Nyaungshwe, let’s take a leisure bike to Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery and evocative Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery. If you come at right time, you can observe the young monks attending their classes. Carry on the road surrounding Lake, tranquil InLe will be revealed. You can stop en route to visit Tofu Village where local people make dozen types of tofu and snacks. If tired, jump on a boat to cross the lake at the middle to reach the other side of the it where lays a long gray wooden pier leading you to mainland. Half way is done, the biking will conquer Red Mountain on the way from pier to Nyaungshwe town. It’s not difficult to find the winery farm on Red Mountain as sign boards are helpful. Please to remind that the bucolic natural scenes always gratify your thrilling biking.

Gear up, baby for the slope to Red Mountain! On the top, you will be awarded with wine tasting of 4 types in glasses. Choose your own table and relax with captivating view over windy vineyards to the Inle Lake. Well, the actual fact is it costs USD 5 person for the taste with some peanut. Plus, if you are tired, you can leave the bike on the way under roadside parking. Afterward, just go slowly back to busier town and call to an end of this day escape.

Golden Rock

This iconic rock is inlaid with gold, really. Even these days, local men – not women because female are not allowed to get closed to this believed holy rock will bring gold leaves with veneration and affix them on the rock. Golden Rock is the short and easy to remember name; the actual local name is Kyaiktiyo Pagoda means “pagoda upon a Hermit’s head”. This pagoda is a famous pilgrimage destination for local as well as tourists.

Golden Rock is suggested for Myanmar Photography tour too because it’s dazzling all the time – the sunrise, sunset, day time and night time. To visit this rock, visitors are arranged with local truck to ride around 40 minutes up to the station from where walk around 1km to the pagoda area. Take off your shoes and keep walking to see the golden rock. While tourists can arrange a day trip to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda with 4 hours drive each way, many spend one night at the basic hotels on the mountain. Staying nearby the golden rock is very convenient to contemplate the sunrise, sunset and flashy shining rock at night.

Hsipaw

Hsipaw, 250km (155 miles) from Mandalay is a mellow northern region and ideal for trekking, hiking, intermingling with congenial locals and admiring the appealing rural landscape, and especially the breathtaking view at Goteik Viaduct – a life time unique experience while on the train from Pyin U Lwin to Hispaw master-pieced by British Engineers for the commercial purpose of transferring the goods to Shan State.

Hsipaw could be reached by arduous minivan in 6 hours or local train in around 11.5 hours. All in all, the landscape will pay it. If your trip is happen to Mandalay and you can extend a few more days, consider to explore Hsipaw. This region is around 200km (124 miles) from frontier of Myanmar and China; then hiking around and visit the Hsipaw area is fine. If you plan for a off-the-beaten trek, get a tour guide.

You can visit the Shan Palace, plunging waterfalls like Nam Tok and Nam Hoo Nwae, plan trekking trips in one day, 2 or 3 days over hilly agricultural plantations. The trekking tours are mainly hosted by local farmers and yet, homie and pleasant.

Above are the most highlighted places to visit around. There are more experiences in Myanmar as well as pristine beach escape options in the southern part of Myanmar which will be introduced later.

Feel free to share with me if you have any comments to contribute and introduce vividly about Myanmar’s beauty.

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Singapore travel blog – essential things to know

March 14, 2022 bichvan

Singapore is worldly known as a tiny country that coming out like a dot on the map when being placed with other countries. Singapore covers only 721.5 km sq ranked 19th smallest in the world. Impressively, this country rises up as a powerful country and become globe’s financial center. One more brilliant point that I do love of this country is its air pollution index is very low. See my Singapore travel blog and find out how interesting Singapore is.

About Singapore

Singapore is also a multicultural country. There is a blend of Malay, Indian, English, Chinese and Arab cultures. Each community have it own corners offering the visitors with thrilling sightseeing and cultural experiences as well as gastronomy tasting chances of diverse dishes.

With its modernity, Singapore is featured with high-end hotels, uniquely designed buildings and scrumptious cuisine. Beside, there are affordable price accommodations for those plan a small budget for the trip. On average, the prices are slightly higher than other southeast asian countries and its neighbor Malaysia.

Singapore appears like a commercial giant and have not much to explore but the artificial recreational centers and places. This assumption is half correct; and my mind had reserved totally when traveled in this country in May 2019. Getting around Singapore is so pleasant and enjoyable for whatever interests you have: entertaining, discovering, relaxing, nature, etc.

Singapore History

The ancient Singapore

The ancient Singapore date back to 14th century with the stops over of many trade missionaries and ruling intentions. But they didn’t have chance to bring the country to higher level of developing. During this period, this country was named Singapura, means Lion City, by a prince of Sumatra who said to see a lion when landed on this island. Being ruined, Singapore was gradually turned into a swamp for centuries till the arrival of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, a Lieutenant Governor, seek for the establishment of a new trading port for Great Britain for commercials while the Portuguese and then Dutch took over most of the ports in the region. With its ideal convenient location, Singapore then became a trading hub and also had the immigrants from China, India, Malay and more. This made this country population rise up to 100,000 by 1871 over 1,000 when Raffles first arrived.

Merging with Malaysia

During WWII, Singapore was taken by Japanese; but not so far then back to be the crown colony of British. The Chief Minister of Singapore David Marshall negotiated with British in 1965 for their own self-rule but rejected due to the fear of communist influence and labour strikes would affect to Singapore’s economic stability. There was the showing of ineffectivenes of government during the previous strikes happened. Till the new Chief Minister Lim Yew Hock showed his strong against communist, British granted them self-rule on the new round of talk in 1957.

Expel from Malaysia

Believing by countries’ leaders that the merge of Malaysia and Singapore would benefit both, they decided to bond their tie in 1963. Due to benefit affections and racial tension, Singapore was expelled and own ruled in 1965. This made the country bear many difficulties at the time like the lack of natural resources, freshwater, unemployment, education underdevelopment and the threatens of being invaded.

With the lead of Lee Kuan Yew and secret aid on military advising, the country gradually gain its economic success and other reinforcements till the admirable developments like today.

Transportations in Singapore

You would never be disappointed by the transportation in Singapore. The public traffic means like bus and MRT are super convenient and reasonable to get around city. The Grab just moved its headquarter to Singapore in Jan, 2019. Well, even excluding this fact, the grab is still very good for our usage to get roundabout. A note to consider that the grab cost increase highly during some specific rush hour which you can use bus or MRT; but offer good price during normal rate and you can travel by private transfer with grab driver.

Things To do in Singapore

You would never get bored when staying in Singapore. I’d love to put the must to do thing in Singapore in my own favorable order as below:

Gardens by the Bay

The Flower Dome of Garden by the Bay

Garden by the Bay is a large park up to 101 hectares including Central, East and South Gardens with different playground and visiting area. It takes roughly 3 hour to half day to explore the place. I visited 3 main spots first that took much energy to walk around already: The Flower Dome, Cloud Forest and the OCBC Skyway. Spending time in those glass greenhouse and admiring the nature were so pleasant and inspiring. The opening hour is from 5am to 2am daily then I would spend more time if have more days in Singapore.

The Flower Dome is the largest greenhouse in the world. It replicates the Mediterranean climate and displays diverse garden like Australian Garden, South-Africa Garden, Mediterranean Garden, flower field, etc. The walking around sounds a bit sprawling at first, but be assured that you then will find the way.

singapore-the-flower-dome-garden-by-the-bay

The Cloud Forest in Garden by the bay

The Cloud Forest with waterfall and higher moisture for a tropical gardens of fern, orchids and many other categories. Like its name, the garden is designed in a spinning route with gradual walk up to high level. People with walking difficulties and prioritized subjects like the elderly and pregnant can use the lift to go straight up and enjoy the view from above. Yay, they made us feel like we were at a forest on the cloud. So wonderful!!!

singapore-OCBC-Skywalk-garden-by-the-bay

OCBC Skyway in Garden by the bay

OCBC Skyway with aerial walkway liking giant trees. I was very happy when we walked on this skyway late afternoon to see the place during both day time and then at night when it was lit up with colorful lights. Out of any arrangement, I felt more special when we enjoyed the Garden Rhapsody on air while strolling on the walkway. Most of the guests were asked to go down but we were among the very last one to come down and took advantage to linger on the bridge as much as we could. The feeling was just blowing and memorable. By the way, the Garden Rhapsody takes place daily from 7:45pm – 8:45pm.

Other corners for your exploration if you have time and interests: Children’s garden, Horticultural Themed gardens, Bayfront Plaza and Floral Fantasy

Singapore National Museum

Singapore National Museum is a beautiful complex of sophisticated and glorious buildings. It spreads two national monuments the City Hall and the former Supreme Court. So what visitors would find here are everything about Singapore from history, economy, modernity, culture, education, etc. and an impressive digital present of the Forest Story. It worths every pennies when visiting this museum. I love the ambience, the museum architecture and all 8,000 artifacts making the largest collections in south-east Asia.

Singapore Botanical Garden

Singapore Botanical Garden is a huge area of different gardens. This place provides very different experiences to the Garden by the Bay. The walking is more outdoor and in comprised of tropical gardens and nice settings. My suggestion is to study the garden map carefully in advance and base on your time spent for this garden to decide which parts of the garden to walk through. We had a shortage of time; that visited only the core area with Orchid Garden, Keppel Discovery Wetland and Bambusetum. Observing local people run, walk, picnic, singing, dancing and couple proposing in the area was so nice.

What we missed was the other half of the garden. There are 2 main gates to enter this garden and our friendly grab female drive took us to the main gate closer to the Orchid Garden. The other gate Tanglin will show you the SPH Walk of Giants featuring some of the tallest trees in South-East Asia. Because of time shortage and and not so well prepare, we missed this walk. But I’ll save it for my return. Promise!!! The CNTravelers advise this is a can’t-miss place; then put it in your pocket list. May be just walk around the core area and get straight here to save time.

China Town of Singapore

Right after getting off the plane, we boarded the MRT and travel to this town as we chose this corner for overnight. Interestingly, the MRT station is a few feet to the China Town Heritage Center. Like any China town in the worlds, this area is vibrant with eating and shopping experiences. China Town in Singapore is my most favourable one. The first night walking around was interesting and memorable, of course. The streets and houses are in Chinese styles but more organized and colorful. We ate at local hawker stalls, the Micheline one star chicken rice, visit the attractive Tang Dynasty temple The Buddha Tooth Relic, wandered around just to see the streets and the city life.

The surroundings of China Town offers many choices of eating for tourists and locals. Enter the China Town Heritage Center to learn more of the past of Chinese migrant’s journey in 1950s. The entrance fee is USD 20/person and opening hours is 9am – 8pm daily. Its address is No 48, Pagoda St.

Another interesting activity is visiting a Chinese Opera House to enjoy the special Chinese brewed tea, snacks and dessert at the cost of USD 25/person. To have tea and then dinner, the cost is USD 40/person. On Friday and Saturday, the Chinese Opera is available for your enjoyment.

China Town is not for culture buffs only. There are dozens of bars in China Town for nightlife with a cocktails at Bitter & Love, a craft beer at Freehouse, Japanese Sake at Kabuke, etc.

Merlion Park

The next one to introduce in my Singapore travel blog is Marina Bay. This is a nice area with open space, big lake overlooking the Marina Bay, Singapore Flyer, the ArtScience Museum, the Esplanade theater on the bay and especially the Merlion of lion head and fish body. The iconic image of the Merlion represents the origin of Singapura country as a lion city and the fishing village.

One of the best restaurant for special Chilli Crab in Singapore is No Signboard. After lunch of delicious crab, fried rice and stirred noodle there, we took the stroll to the park. Luckily, it was a sunny day with blue sky and breeze.

Marina Bay Sands

This luxury hotel is one of iconic spot of Singapore with 3 connected skyscrapers and infinitive pool on top. We couldn’t afford the room at this hotel of 2,500 rooms and suites; then chose to buy ticket of USD 26/person to the observatory located of 57th floor to the the panoramic view of beautiful graceful Singapore and strong wind. Or else, you can choose to go to a bar there for a drink.

Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam is a Muslim corner in comprised of some interconnected streets in Singapore where the Muslims come to the Mosque for praying daily. Apart from the situating of a big and beautiful mosque, Kampong Glam is colorful with Arabian products, halal food restaurants, cafés, and shops. The most outstanding street in this area is Haji Lane. Beside the religious followers, Haji Lane Street and Kampong Glam attract many young and hipsters. It was fun for me taking photos around and enjoy the Singapore bubble tea while strolling roundabout.

Orchard Road

Orchard Road is a 2,2 km street with upscale shopping opportunities. You will find dozens of international brands outlets and department stores, coffee shops, supermarkets, etc. Waking along the street, getting involved with local flow is fun. This street is definite a must for shopping buffs. There are variable restaurants for dining as well as entertaining too.

Clarke Quay

In the past, Clarke Quay was the place of warehouses storing the trading goods. These days, the houses are painted colorful like rainbow and becomes club and restaurant center with top club of Singapore. Spending a night here sound great. There is also a choice for river cruise to sail around and admire Singapore from river. Cruise ticket cost USD 25/ person.

Clarke Quay is more quiet and sleepy during day time when we were visiting around; but promises to wake up and be atmospheric by night.

Little India

Little India in Singapore is the corner for Indian communities living in Singapore with religious temples, restaurants, market and shopping malls in the premise. We just strolled around the interconnected streets freely and observe the local life and tried some local snacks. Indian food lovers might have Indian meal at a local Indian restaurant.

Sri Mariamman Temple

Sri Mariamman Temple is located in China Town of Singapore is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Visitors can enter the temple at specific time from 5.30am to noon and 6pm to 9pm. There is no entrance fee but who want to take photos and film the temple would be asked to pay a few bucks.

Other things to do in Singapore that I didn’t prioritize for my first trip here, but might consider to try on my second trip. Also put in an order of interest 🙂 And further photos will be uploaded then.

The Southern Ridges of Singapore

This 5.6 mile ridge sounds interesting when it connects 5 parks in the south of Singapore. The highest deck is the timber bridge Henderson Waves for wonderful chances of photo taking. In case 5.6 miles is too much taking around 3 – 5 hours, we can pick some to do like Henderson Waves, the Canopy Walk.

Both bus (number 197) and MRT are available to reach these Ridges from the center. Its opening hour is from 7am to 11:59pm and free of charge.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

This Nature Reserve is a place of mudflat, ponds, forest and biodiversity. There are chances of observing the wildlife, flora and fauna. Entrance fee isn’t required; plus, this area can be reached by public transportation.

Beside spending time at Buloh Tidal Ponds to see wildlife habitats, there is a chance to go up Aerie Tower for birdwatch. As bird watching is seasonal, the best time to come here is Sep to Mar.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, around 12km from the center of Singapore, is situated in the equatorial belt. This is the tallest hill in Singapore with the richest ecosystem of Singapore. This rain forest surely will bring us closer to the nature. The way to its peak is paved that doesn’t require hard trek.

Esplanade – The theater on the Bay

This is a notable theater with indoor and outdoor theater. Its architecture is noticeable with durian spikes and sophisticated that Esplanade hosts many concerts, theater performances and biggest touring shows. The terrace on its roof & futuristic visual arts space should be in the list to see too.

There is an exploration tour around the Esplanade theater at the cost of USD 20/person with chances to learn of the architecture, history, etc. It’s sounds wonderful and worth spending USD 20 bucks here. The tour happens in around 2 hours; and an optional choice for dinner is available.

This is also a family spot with play boxes, stamping workshops and learn of visual art for kids.

Night Safari

This Night Safari of Singapore homes around 2,500 animals and being opened from 7pm till midnight. A tour around takes in 40 minutes. There are choices of either go with a tramp ride or on foot. A wildlife lover and family can’t miss it.

Gillman Barracks: Contemporary Arts Cluster

ArtScience Museum

This place was a military barrack. It’s free of charge and is a nice place to explore the contemporary Arts of Singapore.

This white lotus-shape building designed by an Israeli architecture is a part of the Marina Sand Bay Hotel. This museum is renown for its touring of the blockbuster exhibitions. The other exhibition is “Future World” created by Japanese art collective team lab. The opening hour is from 10am to 7pm daily. The entrance fee for this museum is USD 30/ person.

Sentosa Island

This is an island resort housing the Universal Studio Singapore, the SEA Aquarium, Tiger Sky Tower. Local people and tourists can come here for recreational activities, relax on the beach, play golf, do shopping and eating. Well, it might take a full day to play on this island.

East Coast Road

East Coast Road is a residential street of around 3km long. We can come here for Singaporean eateries, spending relaxing time at cafe. This road is close to Changi Airport.

Best food to eat in Singapore

Laksa

Laska noodle soup is a popular aromatic dish in Singapore. The wheat noodle soup with many topping choices of prawn, chicken, meat, fish, etc.

Bak Kut Teh

Bak Kut Tek is a Chinese origin soup of pork rib, and pretty popular in Singapore. The pork ribs are simmered in nutritious broth of spices and herbs with mushroom and some other ingredients.

Hokkien Mee

Hokkien Mee is a noodle dish originate from Fujian, China. In Singapore, the Hokkien Mee noodle is prepared in both soup or stirred fried types. The noodle bowl will be topped with prawns and some slices of pork, squid, fish cake, etc.

Hainanese Chicken Rice

This is a dish of steamed rice with boiled chicken and sauces. It’s a popular dish in Singapore that we can find in almost dining corners of Singapore.

Nasi Padang

Nasi Padang is another popular dishes in Singapore that we met this dish store at any foodcourt in Singapore. The fixed part is steamed rice; then we can come and choose other combinations like fish, chicken, meat, beef cooked in different style like deep fried, simmering, stirred, etc.

Chili Crab

Chili Crab is a national dish of Singapore. This is a savory plate of semi-thick sauce. It isn’t spicy at all despite of the name. This dish is a definite must try when travel in Singapore.

Char Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow is a type of stirred noodles. There are 2 types of noodles used for this dish flat rice noodle and egg noodle. Being fried with bean sprouts, cockles, egg, Chinese sausages, green onion, etc. Char Way Teow is a savory and can’t be missed if you are in Singapore

All in all, as you might find in my Singapore travel blog, this country offers a great experience to me. and I definitely will come back soon to wander around and get to know more of this little pearl. After Singapore, we travel to Kuala Lumpur. Keep reading and see!!!