tourist spot in singapore
22) A Tribute to the Dolphin
Welcome to our homeland, my super star
Welcome to Sentosa Island
Welcome to your new ocean blue
Hugging your new kiddy fans
Dancing with your marine friends
Enjoy your lovely feast
Laughter in the air
Our kids willing to share
With their family joy and happy meal
Good to see your new home, my super star
You have come from a long way
My smiley honorable ambassador
Welcome back to your homeland, Wen Wen
Welcome back to Soloman Island
Welcome back to your ocean blue
Hugging your childhood friend
Back to your missile speed
Moon walking on the sea
Laughter in the air
Your dad is cheering for you
Your family joy and happy meal
Good to see you back home, Wen Wen
You have come from a long way
My honorable ambassador
Always a smile on your face
This post was inspired by a news article regarding Dolphins. Wen Wen died suddenly less than an hour before the flight from Philippines to Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore.
Wen Wen is the third dolphin to die out of 27 which RWS acquired from the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific between 2008 and 2009.
39) 2 sculptures by the bridge
On the left of the Cavenagh Bridge, along the fringe of the Singapore River, there are 5 bronze naked boys frolicking, driving off the bridge for a swim.
This First Generation sculpture halted the movement of olden days kids playing along the river while the river is still polluted by mud and garbage. It is a common sight during those days where children swing on trees and take plunge into the river, an uncommon sight these days.
Sculptor, Chong Fah Cheong designed this lovely piece depicting scenes of early days Singapore. You can see the scene played out all over Asia, though the young laughter of the boys were heard no more.
On the right corner of the bridge, a family of Singapura Cat rest themselves there. Kitty mama watches over her 2 lovely kittens frisking happily by the side, though 1 of her kittens was stolen.
Kitty mama guards the heart of Singapore day and night, never missed a single movement along the busy riverside.
38) It’s big, but it’s not the Sesame Street Big Bird!
Where do we see this round butt?
Or is this something else?
“Bird” sculpture is made of bronze, created by renowned sculptor, Fernando Botero. This beautiful 3-dimension art piece signifies the joy of living and the power of optimism. It has a “vital statistic” of 245 x 310 x 250 cm and is located outside UOB Plaza, next to Singapore River.
UOB (United Overseas Bank) believes so long as there is peace and optimism, the nation will continue to grow and prosper.
Personally, I like its shape in round form. It epitomizes an eternal strength and inspiring hope to every passerby.
“Bird” join tip with the UFO-like Supreme Court
Viewing through “Bird” underneath is the 5-star Fullerton Hotel, it’s a breezy view.
“Bird” under the blue sky, waiting to take wing.
35) Where is your Bandstand?
This is the only bandstand in my memory since childhood. For some, when you ask the question around, the answer might not be great difference. Yes, we are back to Singapore Botanic Gardens again.
With fair skin and elegant appearance, this octagonal classic beauty was refaced in 1930. It was erected in the 1860s as a focus point of Botanic Gardens. For sure, that was our grandparents or even our great grandparents’ time. But it has retired from its military band performance. So, let’s listen to the musical flow in the charming winds and cicadas’ call.
And so, where is your Bandstand? Mine is in this lovely garden. Anywhere, in any of its piece of greenery!
34) What so special about this ceiling?
This is the main reflective roof ceiling of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3.
This unique roof has a second name – “butterfly roof”. As the name has it, the butterfly-like automatic reflector panels open up its wings and reflect natural light from the open skylight and illuminate the open space beneath.
The daylighting system helps to reduce energy usage by minimizing daytime use of artificial lightings. It also results in decreased cooling load for air-conditioning.
During the night, the skylights will be lighted up by artificial lightings, and the reflectors will do the same job as in the day as an Eco-Ambassador.
Beneath the impressive roof, a distinctive 15m high vertical garden call The Green Wall, spanning 300m across the building enjoys and dances in the light of glory.
When you look up the ceiling, you see a group of eco designers spreading their warm gestures and friendly handshakes. That is where I salute them with the great job they have done to conserve energy and our environment.
33) Where can we spot these two sculptures?
The pair of sculpture is located at Singapore Changi Airport, Terminal 3, near the entrance of Crown Plaza Hotel.
The lovely sculpture mold under the hand of Sculptor Han Sai Por, is hewn from “Han Bai Yu”, a natural stone from Yunan, China.
The form symbolizes Singapore as a Garden City as it continuously grows and blooms.
4) What so special about this Orchid?
(Vanda Miss Joaquim)
Vanda Miss Joaquim, our very own Singapore national flower. A natural hybrid Orchid between Vanda terres and Vanda hookeriana.
It was first discovered in 1893, in the garden of Agnes Joaquim, an Armenian best known for breeding the hybrid orchid. Agnes Joaquim’s tombstone can be found in the grounds of the Armenian Church at Hill Street, Singapore.
The flower was selected as Singapore’s national flower in 1981.
Vanda Miss Joaquim was chosen from 40 flowers, 30 Orchids out of the 40.
It stands out by its vibrant in color, hardiness as it blooms throughout the year. Thus, it reflects the spirit and quality of the Nation.
And now, Miss Joaquim is humming National Song in the sunset.
31) What so special about this tree?
An usual tree that is unusual
This tree may look normal to us. It is a tree of tropical rainforest which require humid climate though it can withstand dry season.
It is as special as its dedication to Mr Nelson Mandela, President of Africa who visited the Singapore Botanic Gardens 15 years ago, on 5th March 1997.
This Giant Cola Tree is among one of the Tree of Fame in the gardens
The extracts from nuts of related species are used in cola drinks and food items. The cola nuts contain caffeine. Chewing cola nuts can also ease hunger pangs and was thought to be remedies for whooping cough and asthma.
This is certainly an usual tree that is very unusual.
30) Where is this sculpture?
“SWING ME MAMA” Sculpture
The beautiful art piece named “Swing Me Mama” is located next to the swan lake of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
It is made of serpentine spring stone. The sculptor, Dominic Benhura from Zimbabwe created this beautiful piece of work through the inspiration of his kids while he was trying to swing them.
And now, both father and child are swinging and dancing together next to the Swan Lake, emitting and sharing the happiness they had together to visitors day in, day out.
3) A story about Tiger in a little Jar
This 1-inch diameter Jar clawing with tiger doesn’t harm you, it doesn’t make any complaint until your muscle is yelling or nose is blocking. It becomes a tiger that eases your pain and calms your vein.
The Jar captures an insight story about Assiduousness, a story about two brothers, Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par, whom took over the business from their herbalist father, Aw Chu Kin in the 1870s. They founded “Tiger Balm Gardens” in 1930, one in Singapore (the well known Haw Par Villa), and the other in Hong Kong. During the olden days, Haw Par Villa is a must visit mythology theme park for family outdoor event during weekends or public holidays. The Chinese mythology figures are good means of teaching traditional Chinese values.
Aw Boon “Haw” literally meant “Tiger” in Chinese and Aw Boon “Par” literally translated as “Leopard”, and this infamous story of Tiger and Leopard is legendary worldwide.
The Aw families with enormous fame overseas has done benevolent contributions to society with this huge garden, till now admission is free for all.
AddGrainOnEarth 