Sentosa island Singapore is leading leisure destination. A man made island and made for fun and enjoyment.In this 500 hectare island so many activities to do.
HISTORY –
Sentosa were called before “Pulau Blakang Mati” means island of death. Sentosa was British Military base camp and many Chinese were killed here during the time of Japanese. After in 1972 this island…
Andrea Sees SEAsia: Last Tour Singapore, February 24, 2017
I started my day off with a run through Garden’s By the Bay. I didn’t sleep well, and woke up so early, and with 11 other girls in my room, I had to be very careful not to wake anyone, but I think I did a decent job. I left my room around 5:30am, walked outside my hostel in Chinatown and heard the Call to Prayer from the Mosque next door. I’ve seen it in movies before, but have never heard it. It was very cool to start the morning that way.
I then made my way to the metro, and took it to Gardens By The Bay. This city is so clean that you can’t even drink water on the platform of the metros while you wait. There is art all over the metro walls leading into the Gardens. The Gardens were pretty deserted this early, and even though I felt much safer in Singapore, these paths were winding and confusing, so I stayed on the lit path on the perimeter, where I also saw other runners. I ended up taking a path that led to Supertree Grove. They were massive, and gave me a quick preview of what I would see later in the day when I come to explore the exhibits at Gardens by the Bay. By then, the sky was beginning to lighten, so I made my way out of the Gardens, around the west side of the Marina Bay area, to end up in Merlion Park to watch the sunrise. It wasn’t quite as colorful as I had hoped as it was quite cloudy, and the sun was pretty much behind the “Titanic Hotel,” but it was to put in another 3 mile run and new location for #AndreaRunsTheWorld.
After talking to Mike outside to pass time until my roommates were awake, I went in to change, pack a bathing suit, grabbed some fluids from 7eleven (side note- I’ve never been to a 7eleven more than twice before arriving in Asia), and hopped back on the metro to head towards Palawan Island. The metro transfer was slightly confusing as I got off in a hotel, and had to figure out which floor to go to in order to catch the monorail that takes you across to Palawan Island. The monorail is only $4 to get onto the island, and free to return. The monorail gives a nice overview of the island, which is mainly a large theme park/resort area called Sentosa that resembles Universal. It’s definitely a great place to go with a family to keep everyone entertained. I was just really looking for a beach to relax on my last day. On the way, though, I saw a MASSIVE Merlion in the middle of Sentosa, so I would definitely be finding that later to get a picture, since the one in Merlion Park was “bathing.”
As I walked towards the beach, there were many things geared towards children, and all seemed to be remnants from the Chinese New Year, which brought the year of the Rooster and Love. I continued walking towards the beach and saw students playing beach volleyball, some collecting samples of water into ziplock bags, and saw a small island attached to the beach by a suspension bridge.
I decided to check that out (as it was still a little overcast) and as I approached the little island, I discovered that it is the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia! I was at the Southernmost Point of Continental USA when in Key West, FL. Maybe a new goal of mine should be to get to ALL of the southernmost points?? There were two lookout points atop 3 story tree houses.
The view out to the ocean wasn’t quite as picturesque as I was expecting, as the waters were filled with cargo ships. Sea trade is a deeply rooted in Singapore’s history, so it makes sense that the ship trade is still thriving in the area. A look towards Sentosa was much more tropical and picturesque, with turquoise waters, white beaches, and filled with palm trees.
After taking in the views from the lookout points, I wanted to explore the little island. There was a small trail that I followed, leading to random white lawn chairs at lookout points, small cabanas for picnics, and the perfect palm trees for a great photo opp! I continued further east to where the trail was no longer wide, but simply a foot path up a hill where others have explored before. I took 10 minutes to sit on the hill, amongst some brush, and just take in the warm breeze and reflect on the week. I wanted to find somewhere on the beach to lay and journal, but the sun was not cooperating, so I found the perfect little rock, shaped like a Papasun Chair under some palm trees, so I sat there and journaled, enjoying the relaxation after a busy, busy week.
I knew there was a chance of rain at some point, so when it began to sprinkle I didn’t pay it much mind. I had coverage from the palm trees and my umbrella to keep me dry. The sprinkles quickly were followed by lightening, making all swimmers get out of the water. The wind certainly picked up quickly, too. It was definitely one of those tropical storms that appeared and were heavy very quickly! I realized it wasn’t going to stop, so I put on my rain coat, packed up, and left. Crossing the suspension bridge was fun as it was pouring down rain, with gusty wind, and my dress was soaked. It let up after a little, so I strolled around the park, finding more facts about the Chinese New Year, information about myself as I was born in the year of the Rabbit, and then found the GIANT Merlion, reaching 37 meters. The Merlion is the perfect symbol of Singapore as it is half mer (fish, because of it’s amazing port life), and Lion, as it is an Asian symbol of courage, excellence and strength. Singapore is derived from the Sanskrit “singa” meaning “lion,” and “pura” meaning city.
I decided to head back to Chinatown to get some lunch, and change out of my wet clothes. I got off on the wrong metro exit, and ended up in the backside of Chinatown where the streets were lined with shops selling souvenirs, and such. I got my typical postcards for myself as souvenirs, then found a Chinese restaurant near my hostel and ate outside.
After lunch, I headed back to my room as was quite exhausted. I took a quick nap, and did some repacking. My goal was to get to Gardens by the Bay, but it was still quite drizzly. Friends who saw my Instagram about the Titanic on stilts told me it’s a hotel (Marina Bay Sands) with casinos, amazing restaurants and bars up top with great views, so I decided to go and have a drink, and continue journaling, since I had been so busy all week I was getting behind.
I ended up at Wolfgang Puck Spago Singapore, which did indeed have amazing views. I only meant to have 1 drink, but I made friends with 2 of the bartenders, Carmichael and Phil, who were from the Philippines. They told me about their lives and explained to me that I should reconsider the Philippines and make a trip as they miss their homes. Carmichael dreamed of being transferred to a Wolfgang Puck restaurant in California or NYC, while Phil wished to remain in Singapore to be able to see is 1.5 year old daughter who is still in the Philippines. As we talked, they ended up giving me a drink they made on accident, as well another as I asked what it was like. They only charged me for 1, which was great, considering it was $15. Singapore includes tip in their checks, but they were so great, I just gave them the extra cash I had, with a note saying I wish them the best in their dreams. They both came over before I left to say thank you, and wished me safe travels, and hoped I would make it to the Philippines.
Although I didn’t get to explore all of the things Garden by the Bay had to offer, I was quite pleased with my relaxing day, meeting them, and that the rain cleared up for the Light Show under the Supertrees I saw earlier that morning. I found somewhere under a section of trees and set up camp. Many people were seated on benches, or standing. I found somewhere on the ground and decided to lean back and take it all in. The lights were timed to the music, and it told the history of Singapore with older, traditional music, to newer jazz and pop music. It was pretty cool!
VIDEO TO COME SOON
I walked myself back to the metro, to Chinatown, did some final packing, then got ready for the long, 33 hour journey back to Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
More pictures of Palawan Island, Sentosa Beach, and the Supertree Light Show
