Sentosa

Sentosa is a small island very close to Singapore's southern tip.  It is accessible by a pedestrian walkway (and by bus, car, and light rail).  It is set up as a resort destination, including a casino and various high-cost amusements.  It is a pleasant enough place even to visit by walking.  But it does not seem much like the rest of Singapore.  It was a bit odd to choose this destination for my last weekend day in Singapore, but I did.  Here are some images.

Nice bike rack on the bridge to Sentosa, but no bikes?!

The largest Merlion in Singapore is on Sentosa

Along the walk from the Merlion toward the southern beaches.

Huge mosaic-tiled water feature is among my favorite sights.

Walkway is bordered with fun house mirrors

Some of the ornamental details are visually striking!

Sm island S of Sentosa is southernmost point in continental Asia

Siloso Beach — No waves, no matter!

Display above Candylicious store seems a fitting close

Reflections at Keppel Bay

This private condominium complex is visually striking.  It dominates the skyline just west of the southern tip of Singapore.  It may not be too practical for living (too much heat gain and light penetration through the windowed walls).  But I think it is a great piece of architecture as (visual) art, presenting outstanding views from almost all directions.

Green Corridor — Bukit Timah south

Sunday afternoon, my colleague, Stefano, and I hiked the southern portion of the Green Corridor, about 7 miles.  It was a great loop.  Starting from the 151 bus, which we picked up on the NUS campus, we rode to King Albert Park and joined the trail where the old trestle bridge crosses Bukit Timah Road.  We walked south and east along the old rail right-of-way almost as far as we could.  When we popped out, we decided to just jump on the first bus, which happened to take us directly to Vivo City.  After a food-court dinner (char kway teow — my new favorite!) we strolled across the bridge to have a quick look at Sentosa Island before returning via the MRT and the 97 bus.  We departed Kent Vale at 2:30 PM and were back just as dusk was settling in about 7 PM.  Almost 11 miles of walking in all.

We alight from the 151 at the first stop on Bukit Timah Road

It's easy access to the trail at the trestle bridge.

I love this sign announcing the one former train stop mid-island.

Much of the path feels remote.

Giant elephant ears

At times, we are reminded of our proximity to urban life.

Spectacular fan palm

We didn't see much wildlife, but did spy a few chameleons.

Hiking MacRitchie Reservoir

It was a 14 mile outing altogether, probably 11 miles in the loop around MacRitchie Reservoir, including the TreeTop Walk.  Surprisingly busy on the trail, but still some good wildlife sightings, including (as usual) macaques (photo 2), monitor lizards (photo 3), and skinks (photo 5).  A surprise was a pretty green snake, just off the trail, which I later discovered was a venomous Wagner pit viper (photo 6).  Yikes!

Botanic Gardens

Casual afternoon outing on an overcast, warm, and humid (of course) day.  Walk across NUS to the Kent Ridge MRT station.  Ride to Botanic Gardens.  Spend 90 minutes meandering the grounds.  Highlight: first time I've visited the Foliage Garden.  Hop the 106 bus from the Tanglin exit to Commonwealth.  Eat at our favorite mixed veg rice stall (eggplant, white fish, pork chop, white rice, and a lime juice all for S$7.40 = US$5.40).  Walk to Buona Vista MRT for the short ride to Kent Ridge.  Pick up some groceries at the Fair Price.  Quick (2 stop) bus ride back on the 963.  Total trip time ~ 3 hours, including about 7 miles of walking.  Photos are all from Botanic Gardens.