Singapore Visual Food Diary

Okay. There definitely has been a shift to the sweet in this Singapore Food Diary. Singapore is awash with cuisines to eat, due to its rich heritage of Chinese, Malaysian, Indian and Indonesian influences. Many of these dishes are found in food courts, old shop-houses and kiosks. There are also just as many savoury dishes available for consumption as there are sweet. To really see if I'm telling the truth I guess you'll just have to visit won't you?

S.E.A Aquarium

S.E.A Aquarium is home to more than 100,00 marine animals, the world's largest acrylic viewing panel and 49 different habitats, covering marine life from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea. Before reaching the actual aquarium, visitors pass through a Maritime Experiential Museum where they can learn the history of sea exploration and trading in Asia. There is a life-sized replica of Admiral Zheng He's Treasure Ship, an assortment of goods and materials that were traded through their respective ages and a mini exhibition of the wares lost and found at sea. 

Among the many different habitats are some 800 species, divided by geography and compatible species type. Its 10 zones provide interesting showcases, with an underwater tunnel Shark Sea and an open ocean panoramic encounter. The Ocean Dome offers panoramic 80 degree views of this Open Ocean habitat with many fish swirling around like confetti in snow globes. The Discovery Zone is home to a floor aquarium and a creature petting pool for kids (and curious adults) to touch the starfish and assortment of sea creatures. 

You are welcome to come face-to-face with bottle nose dolphins, even given the opportunity to touch and ride them if you're on the smaller, younger side. You can find Nemo and Dory in the Bay of Bengal and be both hypnotised but somewhat unnerved by the long and fluid tentacles of the jelly fish in the Ocean Journey Zone. Watch as the sharks and sting rays swim above you in the underwater tunnel and view the scuba divers swim with the fish in the viewing panel. It's a fantastic sight to see and you'll learn a little marine history on the way.

Gardens by the Bay: Supertree Grove

Magical and surreal. The Supertree grove looks like it's been stolen from the set of the Avatar movie and placed by a bay in Singapore. Its mix of urbanization and Mother Nature is what truly captures visitors. The strong and simplistic architecture is combined with foliage and creeping vines. Oddly enough they seem fragile in comparison, yet find no difficulty in climbing up some of the 16 storey Supertrees and nestling themselves there. The manmade trees are also environmentally friendly, with sustainable photo-valic cells harvesting solar energy. 

There are 18 Supertrees in total, scattered around Bay South at Gardens by the Bay. Reaching some 42 metres in height, a 128 metre long suspended walkway connects two trees, enabling visitors to take in the view of the surrounds at 22 metres high. The city scape views are particularly beautiful, as is that of the sheer architectural brilliance of Marina Bay Sands.

The walkway remains open subject to weather conditions, with strong wind currents hinting at closure for obvious reasons. The walk itself is approximated to take about twenty minutes, having one tree with a lift (and stairs) directing patrons up and the other at the end of the walkway directing them down. Tickets cost $5. If you're feeling hungry you can opt to dine at the 50 metre Supertree home to a spread of restaurants and dining options.

I would suggest visiting just before sunset and staying until light becomes dark, as the trees are a sight to see in the day time, offering a tropical and stripped back feel. At night the grove comes alive in a myriad of colours and lights. Don't miss out on the opportunity to have the best of both views. Be forewarned, crowds do however accumulate in the evenings, but the view is incredibly worth it. 

Gardens by the Bay: Flower Dome

Okay, so perhaps I didn't take as my photographs of flowers as I perhaps could have. That's not to say that the Flower Dome only has a few - it definitely doesn't. Flowers, plants and fruit trees from an array of countries and continents in the world are living lavish and comfortable lives in the likes of Singapore's Flower Dome. 

If you are not particularly interested in flowers then this isn't the dome for you. During various holiday seasons and festive celebrations, the Flower Dome sets up a display made from flowers in the centre of the dome, adding to the interest. There are flowers and native shrubs from Africa, the Mediterranean and even many from Australia (although we're pretty familiar with these ones...). It is a nature fiend's paradise. Although, do refrain from perhaps plucking and taking home with you any of these floral beauties. 

The Tintin shop

At some point or another, a Tintin comic book was always in my school bag. I would constantly borrow Tintin books from primary school - not only for its short and interesting stories but for its fascinating illustrations and funny dialogue. Although now seen as somewhat controversial, much like the Enid Blyton books I read as a child, they captured the history of the time. The books also acted as an escape - allowing me to take trips to an assortment of places and follow Snowy, Tintin and Captain Haddock on their adventures. One doesn't quite forget the Secret of the Unicorn. 

Tintin might be associated with Belgium but it's not limited to remaining there. It's also hidden down a street in Chinatown in Singapore,  believe it or not. As soon as you step in, Tintin is there, arm extended behind him and welcoming you in. The Tintin Shop is an awesome place of adventure, packed with plenty of gifts, merchandise and every single Tintin comic book I've ever had my little paws on since a child. Restraining myself from purchasing three different comics, keychains, postcards and a Tintin bag to put them in was difficult. I did however come away with one keychain... My wallet barely got out of the little store on Pagoda Street unscathed. 

The Tintin books are the main attraction. Hardcover editions, special collector's editions and illustration books like the shelves. For those that perhaps aren't as big a fan, they'll find coffee cups, posters and stuffed Snowy plushes to keep them happy (and to some Snowy might just be a cute stuffed dog, but we know he's much more than that!). Serious Tintin lovers can purchase figurines that cost far more than I would have imagined, but hey - I did just purchase a Sailormoon figurine that sits on my desk so I guess I can't talk. The items on sale and on offer rotate through different seasons in the store but one thing is for sure, there's no leaving the store without buying at least something. 

Exploring Singapore: Chinatown

A pocket full of colour and culture in Singapore is it's historic Chinatown. A busy mix of old and new, the modern city architecture is juxtaposed against that of Chinatown. Traditional stores and markets are cramped door to door, next to modern shops in cramped alleys and chaotic streets. 

Although some aspects are so obviously targeted at tourists,  walking past the stalls you can still obtain that traditional feel of the Old Town. For many locals it's still a place to visit to buy their wares, traditional Chinese medicine, dragon puppets, chopsticks and vases. For tourists it's a fantastic insightful walking and shopping experience, where they can purchase shirts, shoes, fans, teapots and key chains.  

Market stalls line Sago, Pagoda and Trengganu streets, offering a selection of souvenirs and collectables. Visiting during Chinese New Year makes it all the more fun, with dragon dances and martial arts displays. While visiting you can't go past having a fruit ice lolly or visiting the Chinatown Food Street full of hawker stalls, restaurants and kiosks along Smith Street for local delights. 

You can visit a few temples if you're in the area too. The Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore and dates back to 1827, ornate with colourful deities and mythological beasts. The Buddha Tooth Relic is also worth a visit with its rich and red decor. If you're looking for a temple of a different kind - The Tintin Shop is also located in Chinatown.