INSIDE SYDNEY

Bondi Beach on Australia Day

2013-02-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

Australia Day is celebrated on the 26th of January. This year, was extra special for me and my family. We decided to celebrate it at Bondi Beach (that's about 35 minutes commute from Sydney's CBD). We have also decided to take part in the Havaianas Thongs Challenge and hopefully go in the books for a world record. Registration and collection of the giant inflatable thongs starts at 8:00a.m. so we packed early for our trip.

First in the agenda was to set up camp. We brought along our Aussie flag tent, just in case it gets really hot later in the day.

Then we collected our Havaianas. Of course they came in Aussie colours. In Australia, this is one day everybody gets into the spirit of being patritotic and gets to show off their Aussie printed hats, shirts, towels, board shorts, bikinis, capes, esky, tent what have you.

We hit the water just as soon as we got our inflatables. The water was really cool. It was a nice respite from the three week heatwave we had in Sydney.

Oh Bondi is the best place to be in summer!

At noon, the Havaianas Thongs Challenge 2013 was on! Everybody who registered on time (some online, some on the day) hit the waves. The first group to brave the cool waters were the elite swimmers followed by the above average and then the average swimmers. It was such a nice picture. It's the highlight of the day. Imagine the thousands of thongs floating like some swarm of bees or school of fishes. The object of the challenge was for everybody to stay afloat and get connected to each other as the headcount begins. This was done in other parts of Australia and the beach with the most number of people gets the title.

Later, Havaianas announced that Bondi Beach had a record of 2070 participants and was defeated by Cottesloe Beach in the West Coast with 2093. Well, if you are with me, let's do it in 2014 and beat Cottesloe's record.

The Auburn Botanical Gardens

2012-11-06T10:25:00.000-08:00

It is a mere 20 minute drive from the Sydney's CBD and is also accessible by train and bus. Right in the heart of Auburn (at the corner of Chisholm and Chiswick Roads) is this haven of flora and fauna. The gardens occupy 9.2 hectares of land. It is most famous for its Japanese Zen garden and a popular spot for family picnics and wedding receptions.

Entry fee is just $5 and is free to Auburn City Council residents and children 16 years and below.

Upon entry, you are transported to a traditional Japanese garden set up. If you are lucky enough to visit during the month of August, you can catch the cherry blossom trees in full bloom as you walk through the Torii (Japanese Gate).

The Moon Gate awaits and lead you to the lake on the west side.

As you go around the lake, you will find different spots great for picture taking. There are stone hill structures, cherry blossom tree lined winding paths, shades of weeping willow and red bright bridges.

Further on is a Sunken Rose Garden, an amphitheatre and a Reflection Pool. To the east is a pond with ducks and swans.

It is best to plan your trip to make the most of your visit. Always check weather conditions.

Sydney Insider Goes To Japan (Part 5)

2012-06-29T15:51:00.004-07:00

I've been on the land of the rising sun for 5 days. My hosts have decided I can go on my own now. Well, the truth is, they've decided days before I arrived that I can manage to go to Tokyo Disneyland by myself on this day as everybody has to go either to work or school.

So, I start my journey with a train ride from Oppama to Yokohama station. That was a breeze as there was a ticket vending machine. Nothing a Sydneysider can't handle. (We also have that in Sydney, you know) Now, at Yokohama, that's a different story. I've gone to three ticket windows to purchase ticket for my next ride and nobody talks in English. Last window, the guy scribbled on a piece of paper, the bus station where I was supposed to get my ticket. Ok, so there's another ticket vending machine. Then I got on the shuttle that goes to Tokyo Disney Resort. The whole trip, I realized was as long as my trip from Narita airport. It was long, but I was excited to see Cinderella's castle and her prince (haha!) to even think about it. Besides, I got to take a nap along the way (see, I told you it was a long trip).

Tokyo Disney Resort has the DisneySea and the Disneyland. First stop of the bus was at DisneySea but how was I to know. My Japanese national seatmate even asked me if that was her stop. Even the driver does not speak any English, at all . At least he was able to say DisneySea and I just assumed there is another stop. Good thinking... there was. Yehey! Welcome to Disneyland.

I was so excited. It's just me and my Canon. But before anything else, my sister told me to ask where I should get my ride back to Yokohama before going on my sightseeing tour. First attempt... second attempt.. no luck, everybody was talking in Nihonggo! Panic? No, not for me. I'll take care of that later.

I took my Canon out of the bag and click! Uh oh, shutter just closed by itself. I must admit, my camera goes on a tantrum once in a while. It says "change batteries" even if you put on new fully charged batteries. It's done that a number of times, but I still love it. I just hope it wasn't one of those days. But, it was. Time to hit the shop for a camera. So I got myself a new camera. One made in Japan. A disposable one! No choice. Poor me (I don't have much money but boy, if I did ..I'd buy a Nikon D3200..lalalala).

So I got myself a brochure with the map...it was loaded with characters! I can only recognize the Disney characters... go figure (see photo) ... the others, could be Hiragana or Kanji... I really wouldn't know the difference. So map has to stay in my backpack (like Dora's map).

I love the spirit inside Disneyland. As they say, it is the happiest place on earth! And I could've been the happiest person on earth if only Canon didn't conk out. Well, I'll have to do with my Japanese camera, my new bestfriend for the day. First shot.

Beyond this main entrance, is the World Bazaar. I've decided to put on the shopping afterwards as I've wanted to see Cinderella's Castle first. Just walk straight through the shops and there's the majestic castle. Here are some photos I took from different angles at different times of the day.

Photo (A) Front view (B)Right side view (C) Back view (D)side view from the landscape (E) right side landscape

The Disney Princesses were just outside the castle for the greet and meet. In the photo below are Cinderella and Prince Charming, Belle, Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip, and is that the Evil Queen (?) sitting on the throne (in her Nike shoes) mwahahaha...

Now, for some more excitement, I walked down to Adventureland. There were long queues in all attractions but the Swiss Family Tree House and The Enchanted Tiki Room : Stitch presents Aloha E Komo Mai.

Onwards, I went to Westernland. I managed to get front seat at the Country Bear Theater. It was entertaining alright, but the ambience just made me sleepy. Outside there's a mob but inside the theatre there's comfy seats and airconditioning...it was just so relaxing. So, if you plan on coming over and then you feel the urge to rest from all the walking, this is the place to be.

Then it was time to hit the saloon. Well, I was still in Westernland and so decided to feast on their special chicken package with a bun, corn, mashed potato and a soda. How I wish it was Kenny Roger's. My meal was nothing like Ka Roger's or Mang Andok's.

Well, since I've started to spend on my meal, I thought I'd start on buying stuff to bring back home to Sydney. I noticed a lot of the revellers either had a Disney character hat or a hoodie to protect their heads from the sun. So, I got one of each. The chipmunk hat is my favorite.

And if you want to know how much things cost inside the theme park, here are the receipts from my purchases...again, go figure hahaha.

Photo (A) was for the chicken meal, (B) for the towel hoodie and (C) for the Chipmunk hat.

There's so much more to see and there's so little time when you're having fun. So, before I get you bored with too much talk and too little photos, let me bring you my last set of photos...Here is the very colourful Easter Parade.

Now, it's time to look for that ride back home. Till then, goodbye Disneyland.

Just a note, some photos were still taken with my Canon camera (like the last three photos from the parade and this last one). It's just that everytime I take a shot, it just shuts down by itself.

Sydney Insider Goes to Japan (Part 4)

2012-06-26T19:13:00.002-07:00

Now let's go see some shrines. It's about time, right? But before anything else, I just want to make it clear that you won't get a lesson about Japanese culture in this blog. I just want to share with you some photos of the places I've been to while having a holiday in Japan.

First stop, the Asakusa Kaminarimon which is the first of two large entrance gates before reaching the Sensouji (temple). This leads to the Nakamise or shopping street (about 200 metres) where you can see all kinds of Japanese souvenir items like the kimono, kabuki wigs and ninja weapons.

Upon reaching the second gate which is called the Hozomon, there is a pagoda and two stations where visitors purify themselves before proceeding to the temple. One, called the chozuya has dragons with flowing water and people scoop some water and clean their mouth or hands while the other has burning incense and people fan themselves with the smoke coming out of something like a big cauldron.

It is not allowed to take photos inside the shrine. However, I managed to take photos of some of its parts and around it. Here is a photo of the buddha, the straw slippers of the buddha hanging from a wall, the golden door knock and the lantern which adorns the hall of the shrine.

Here are photos of the surrounding gardens and smaller shrines.

Next stop is Kamakura which is about a one-hour trip from Tokyo if taking the Japan Rail's Yokosuka Line. Upon reaching Kamakura, there is a sign that says "Welcome to Kamakura, the Home of the Samurai". The first shrine is the Hachimangu, the most popular and important shrine in Kamakura.

A long line of Cherry blossom trees and a paved walk leads to the main torii. (Sadly though, it wasn't the right season when I went there.) From left to right: (1) The paved walk (2) from the end of the Cherry blosson trees and 100 metres away from the shrine (3) at the foot of the stairs to the main shrine. (Click on the photo for larger view)

Here are a few more photos taken at the top of the stairs: parts of the shrine, the wall of paper strips with fortunes written in them called the omikoji and another wall with prayers written on wooden slabs.

Then, there's the Great Buddha of Kamakura called the daibutsu (which is 13.35 meters). It is made of bronze and is hollow on the inside. For a small amount, one can go inside and peep thru a window at the back of the buddha. I chose to display here photos in black and white because it was a bit cloudy and the rain was about to fall when I took these shots.

Coming up, next...Tokyo Disneyland!

Sydney Insider Goes to Japan (Part 3)

2012-06-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

After three days of waking up with a breath of fresh air, I am now ready to take a ride again (the trip from Sydney to Japan left me claustrophobic for a while) . That being a long train ride and yes, tunnels. Did I mention that Yokosuka has the most tunnels in the whole of Japan? Well, they do, I've been told. Here's a couple of photos to prove that.

This is one of the shorter tunnels that penetrates thru Mount Takatori. It is a main thoroughfare from Yokosuka to Yokohama.

Here is one for pedestrians. It's lovely, great for photography but somehow this photo does not give justice to my claim. I wanted to go back and take more photos when not too many people are passing by (every 10 seconds or so) but due to time constraints, I wasn't able to do that. Maybe, next time.

So, after breakfast we took the train (not bullet) from Oppama station to the Oshiage station where the Tokyo Sky Tree Tower is. It is now the main attraction in Tokyo after it was opened to the public in May 22 this year. It holds the record for being the tallest tower in the world standing at a massive 634.0 metres (2,080 ft). It's got two enclosed decks located at heights of 350 and 450 meters respectively. However, if you wish to see the view from the top you have to wait until July 11 when they start selling entrance tickets again. Apparently, pre-selling tickets until July 10 has been sold out. But, a visit to the site and a view from a viewing deck across the street is still worth the trip. My sister and I still managed to make the most of it.

Underneath the tower are shops galore. The ambience reminds one of Malaysia's Petronas Towers. Souvenir shops and restaurants left and right. I got some stationery items and a key chain in one of the shops.

(Please click image for bigger picture). From left to right: (1) the 3d Skytree ballpen (2) the freebie 3d Skytree tower pick from the Takoyaki restaurant (3) notebook with the photo showing the Skytree and the city around it (4) a tincan of M&M like coloured coated chocolate candies and (5) a keychain. Item number (2) was a freebie from where we bought our lunch of Takoyaki, yummy!

Sydney Insider goes to Japan (Part 2)

2012-06-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

I remember vividly the day before, I woke up and it was winter in Sydney. Now I am in Japan and it's summer! Anyway, I decided to put on a light long sleeved tee as I would be going to a whole day school event. The Undoukai or sportsfest. In Manila it's similar to the Family Day cum Field Demo Day and in Sydney it's the Athletics School Carnival plus Cultural Day.

Rewind. I woke up to this view from the bedroom window.

This is absolutely far from the view I get in Sydney. One, houses are not this close together in my suburb. There's more space and it follows that the gardens do not look so cramped as these. Two, the Japanese have a more passionate approach in taking good care of their gardens. There is definitely art involved. I simply adore them. See next pic.

My sister lives on a hill (or is it a mountain).

If you go all the way down, you reach Oppama station. It's quite busy down there in comparison to the tranquility up the residential areas.

A few alleys and about a kilometer from the station is the Uragou Primary School. Here are some photos of the sportsfest.

Where is the Nikon DS3200 when you need one, huh?

Lunch is a nice shumai bento. I love it!

At 3:00 p.m. it's pack up time. My sister and I stopped for a coffee and a slice of cake (yes, we shared one piece! sweet!) at Doutur Coffee shop. Then we headed for home. Finally, here is one Japanese technology that caught my attention and I want to share with you.

It's the only one in this street, by the way. I was told, in Japan you cannot buy a car unless you've got a space to park your car first and foremost.

Sydney Insider goes to Japan (Part 1)

2012-06-11T16:13:00.001-07:00

Let me start by saying I was saving up money to get myself my very first DSLR. I would like to think I am loyal to Canon but had been advised to get the Nikon D3100 by at least four pro photographers whose opinions I trust. Then, my high school batchmate Riz Pulumbarit shared a video that showed the new Nikon D3200 which was about to hit the market. So I waited.

Fast forward two days later, Jetstar's print ad promo caught my attention.

Hmmm, couldn't resist an Aus$1,000.00 discount...who could? This is a good time to see my sister I haven't seen for five years now. Fast forward, 24 hours later, I was booked for Narita for a 10 day holiday. Had to stop thinking about the DSLR for now.

I was excited for all the good reasons - see my sister and her family, have a long deserved break, see the sites and whatever Japan has to offer and yes, take a lot of photos! On May 25, I was all set to go with my Canon SX20is in my handcarry bag, of course.

I had to leave the house at 3:30 a.m. Got to the station and waited for the first train for the day. It was cold (it's wintertime in Sydney) and it started to rain just before the train arrived at 4:15am. Had a chance for a few shots during the wait. Hubby was there to bring me to the airport.

Got on the plane in time. Left Sydney at 6:00 a.m. and arrived at Cairns 9 a.m. Had to walk 400m from the domestic to the international airport. It wasn't quite a busy day as you can see in the photo.

Waited for about 2 hours. I was first to come when the lights lit up for boarding but was told to wait. The ground stewardess had to talk to a guy. He seemed to have a special request they had to address to. Then we're off. Another photo op - Jetstar's hot meal. nothing special, really.

After meals, an announcement: "We have a passenger here who has something he wants to say"... The guy stood up, (same guy who had a special request, I noticed)...came over to the front and lo and behold, he started proposing to his lady companion. He called her and when she did , he went down on his knee and offerred her a ring. Almost perfect. It's just that, I noticed, nobody was taking photos. Darn, that was a moment, theirs most especially. Then they walked down the aisle (pun intended). What a picture of a lovely couple. I couldn't let this moment just go by... so with my loyal Canon, I went up to them and offerred to take their photos (which I sent to their e-mail). Their drinks, compliments of the airline. Sweet.

Seven and a half hours later, I was at Narita airport. The travel doesn't end there. It was about 7:30pm and I still had to take the YCAT (Yokohama City Air Terminal/ limousine bus service) for Y3,500.00. I will be met by my sister and her hubby at the station at around 9pm. Man, do they have a lot of tunnels. But in general, their highway is very much like the ones in Manila. I felt like I was at the South Super Hi-Way and was approachiing Makati and then there's a tunnel then another long hiway and the process repeats again and again. Woah! From Yokohama, another 50 minute ride to my sister's house. And finally, after some 18 hours spent on travelling, I finally hit the sack.

The Sydney Royal Easter Show 2012

2012-04-29T18:45:00.003-07:00

An event that is truly a must for everyone in Sydney to see and experience is the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Although its roots can be traced back to 1823, it is only in 1984 that it found its home at the Sydney Olympic Park in Homebush. It is very conveniently located beside the train station. A purchase of a ticket whether online, at the station or at the gates give you free access to bus and train ride to and from the venue.

There is a showcase of the finest agriculture achievements. The most anticipated of which is The Great Backyard Pumpkin Challenge. This year's winning entry for the Giant pumpkin weighed in at 430kg - and was 30kg heavier than the runner-up.

The winner of the miniature pumpkin (which has to be ripe) won by only 2mm from the runner-up.

Another crowd drawer are the cattle. livestock and other farm animals exhibit. Visitors are allowed to pat and feed chicks, piglets, rabits and lambs. Milking cows are for the braver ones.

After some interactive time with the animals, you can still enjoy the animals as you sit back and chillax. Get really excited as you watch the polo match, the rodeo and horse jumping show.

These shows are held at the Commonwealth Bank Arena where there is live entertainment everynight and fireworks display to cap the night. This is also where the ShowTime Freestyle MotoX is at, with the 360 degree backflip with a quadbike shown for the first time this year. Below are our Showlink tickets. Couldn't wait for hubby who was about to finish work so we decided we'll just hand him his ticket over the gate when he arrives.

So far, everything I've metioned won't cost you a thing once you got in the gates. And there's more...I could still go on and on...

There's so much happening, you'll need to spend at least a whole day (and night) at the Easter Show...the sights and the sounds...and I haven't mentioned the food galore, the rides and the fanfare at the carnival. Well, the last three, of course is not included in your showlink ticket. So, you have to be ready to put some cash out. It's crazy indulging and not indulging in them.

Well, I've got to end somewhere somehow. I've got to say it's definitely the showbags that will keep you coming back for more. Here's what I grabbed from the Coca-Cola showbag I got...the smallest Coke In Can radio with earphones...

and yes, we got showbags from Glee, Dare, Pepsi-Cola, Men's Health and XBox, too. Now that's indulging... Don't miss next year's Sydney Royal Easter Show from 21st of March to 3rd of April 2013.

Parramatta Park

2012-04-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

The park is inscribed in UNESCO's list of World Heritage. By private car, you can enter from Pitt Street or O'Connell Street. By public transport, it is accessible by taking the Parramatta Free Shuttle Bus. Below is the photo of the main entrance. Don't be overwhelmed by it's appearance. There are no guards or ticket booths at all. It is open to everyone everyday.

This gate leads you directly to the Old Government House. It is the oldest public buiding in Australia that is still standing. From the late 17th century to early 18th century, this was the seat of the colonial government. This was both home and office to the first ten governors of Australia, Governor Arthur Philip being the first.

They charge a minimal fee of $9 per person for a guided tour (special discounts for family and big groups apply).

Behind the Old Government House is the Lachlan's Cafe and Restaurant with a very beautiful garden ambience. It is available for private dining, social functions, wedding receptions and even for filming and photography venue hire. Sweet.

Around this structure is a 260 hectare haven for bikers, runners and hikers with uphill and downhill trails that run alongside the Parramatta river. It is also ideal for family picnics. Many historical and cultural events are also held here. The Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Australia Day Concert, the Carols at the Park, the Mother's Day Fun Run Classic (which I have joined for three years now) are all held here annually.

The park is also home to a recorded 120 bird species. Interestingly, there is also a place that has served as a resting place for flying foxes. I took this photo in one of my visits there around 11:00 noon just before the rain poured.

After a nice stroll and some bird watching, it's nice to enjoy some coffee or tea with a toast or sandwich to match at the Parramatta Park Cafe and Parramatta Park Event Centre. It sits right beside the riverbank where you can enjoy this nice view.

Hyde Park

2012-03-09T04:53:00.000-08:00

It is bordered on the west by Elizabeth Street, on the east by College Street, on the north by St. James Road and Prince Albert Road and on the south by Liverpool Street. The first time I set foot on Hyde park was to report for duty as a volunteer at the World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008.

My memory brings me back to that day. I got there by train. I got off at St. James station. I reckon this could have been one of the earliest rail stations that was built in Sydney. Stepping out of the train cab brought me back in time.

(FYI, the opening scenes from the 2003 film The Matrix Revolutions where the train station represents purgatory for Neo... they were shot here).

As I emerged from the underground station, the mood was very festive. People come in groups from different parts of Australia and the world. My duty was to direct these people to where events were happening. To make sure they don't get lost. Being there for the first time, I had to acquaint myself with the map and schedule of events. That would be my weapon and my bestfriend for the day and days to come.

After my duty, I took the time to go around. The place was really nice and the people who came and gathered for the World Youth Day festivities made the place even more interesting. I simply had to take photos (with my Fuji point & shoot) to capture the moment...and well, volunteer, to take photos for the hundreds of tourists milling around.

It was just a sight to behold. Best of all, it was also a delight to see my fellow Filipinos. Here is a group of students from the University of Asia & The Pacific from the Philippines.

For some time, the Archibald fountain in the middle of Hyde Park was a melting pot of races. And with throngs of devotees and delegates, Hyde Park was just a backdrop. The people were the main thing back then. They "made" the place.

Years after, when I came back with only memories of World Youth Day, I see the splendour of Hyde Park in all it's naked beauty (now captured in my Canon SX20is).

It is quite refreshing to have a walk in the park now that it is not crowded.

(That is the St. Mary's Cathedral across the street)

You can easily grab coffee and snacks from Bar Quattro at the north end corner of the park or at Starbucks just across Elizabeth Street. Then chill out and relax under the shade of the trees.

Or you can enjoy a game of chess.

Whatever you prefer to do, you'll surely appreciate the beauty of Hyde Park. Then of course, if you feel it's time to shop, there's David Jones just around the corner.

The Royal Botanic Gardens

2012-01-28T19:48:00.000-08:00

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney sits right in front of the Sydney Opera House. Well, most part of it’s 30 hectares of land is actually to the east. It is proximate to the Domain with the Circular Quay and Macquarie Street on one side, the Cahill Express and the Art Gallery Road on the other. It is open to the public whole year round.

If you are coming from the Sydney Opera House, upon your entry you will see The Satyr (aka the Faun). It is a Frank Lynch sculpture cast in bronze . It is life-size and quite mesmerizing that you want to touch it. For a while, you might even think you’ve just met Mr. Tumnus from The Chronicles of Narnia in person.

From here on, you decide if you want to hike up to Bennelong Lawn or take the trackless train to tour the gardens. I highly recommend you go take the stairway behind The Satyr that leads to the lawn. If going up the steps make you catch your breath, wait till you see the panoramic view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House up there. It's the best spot for a postcard souvenir photo. No wonder it is also one of the most sought after location for a garden wedding reception in Sydney. Below is a panoramic shot I took one noon.

A short walk will lead you to The Government House. It's design by the English architect Edward Blore has been described as a Gothic revival . This mock castle in sandstone brings you to the 19th and 20th century.

If you come on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you can actually go in to inspect the big collection of furnitures and decors of the said era at no cost. (Too bad I didn't come in any of those days) However, access is denied on the second floor where the private quarters are. Among the list of occupants to date include the Queen, the Royal family, the Governor General and other visiting heads of State. While the architecture is remarkable, the surrounding gardens are just as splendid. The patio and manicured lawns are enhanced by different colourful blooms.

Just outside the gates of the Government House is the Conservatorium of Music. It is a part of the University of Sydney established to create a music education facility of outstanding acoustic and architectural quality. It houses some teaching and practice studios and five halls/ performance venues for hire. There are also guided tours from Monday to Friday. Cost: $10. The cafe is also a nice spot for a morning or afternoon tea with the castle structure as a backdrop. (photo to follow)

Further on is the Rose Garden. First week of September is not the best time to go as the roses haven't bloomed yet. So, let me hold you for a while until they do.

I've spent a good four hours and I have covered only one third of the whole Royal Botanic Gardens. I'm either a slow walker or I just love to stop and smell the flowers. You should, too. Smell the flowers, I mean. See you soon for Part 2.

BiCentennial Park

2012-01-23T04:21:00.000-08:00

Bicentennial Park is located right within the Sydney Olympic Park. Although a lot of people find it an inconvenience to go there, I’d say it is worth the trip. If you’ve got a car, know how to get to the rail or bus station, can pedal a bike or would love a stroll, you can definitely find your way there. Entrance is absolutely free.

The park sits in 40 hectares of land. An ideal place for picnics (whether you’re two or two hundred). There are electric barbecues, park tables and benches around.

There’s just so much green space, too. There’s place for a game of tag, soccer or badminton. You can even rent a bike and follow the trail. They even have the kind where you can tag your baby in a wheeled trolley attached to your bike.

That or you bring your own bike. That is how family friendly this park is.

Are you planning a party on a tight budget? Consider this place. I’ve seen a lot of kids' birthday parties held at the park. You just have to come in early to find the perfect spot. You can choose a place near the playground, on top of the hill or amidst the conclave of pine trees facing Lake Belvedere.

If you want a more formal party, the Waterview pavilion is the place for you. It’s great for wedding receptions, debuts and school formals. Catering is also provided.

What if you are alone in the park? No worries mate, you’ll still feel safe. Rangers rove around the park regularly. You can grab a magazine to browse, lay down a mat and enjoy the shade under the trees. Or you can enjoy a bite of sandwich and a cup of coffee on one of the benches strategically situated around the park. By that I mean, at a distance from where you can keep your privacy. Coffee and tea by the way is available at Lilies Cafe and Restaurant at the top of the hill. They also serve lunch.

Nature tripping. It is also a living museum of birds. It’s ponds, swamps and lake boasts of a number of bird species from the Silver Gull, Pacific Black Duck, Black Swan, Australian Pelican, Purple Swamphen, Australian White Ibis and more.

Bird watching is encouraged but bird feeding is restricted. If you are into photography, there are various board walks and platforms provided for your convenience if you want to set up your tripod and snap some shots.

Another thing you should enjoy is the fountain area. It's so much fun weaving in and out of them and keep yourself cool especially on summer days.

So who says it's expensive to have fun in Sydney? Not the Sydney Insider. I hope you'll join me again on my next journey. Cheers!

Chinese Garden of Friendship

2012-01-21T00:58:00.000-08:00

The Chinese Garden of Friendship in Sydney is a reminder of the Walled City of Intramuros in Manila. Just south of the Darling Harbour, you will find the walled garden as you walk past Tumbalong Park. It is adjacent to Chinatown and opposite the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

It is a different world inside. Far from the maddening crowd of the CBD, it brings you to ancient China. The elements of earth, water, air and wood all in one place. It’s a sanctuary where you can commune with nature. The place is peaceful and a sight to behold.

Be enthralled with the panoramic view of the Lake of Brightness.

It beams with pride of lotus plants, carps and turtles. Not afar are the Bamboo Forest and the Rock Forest that gets a mystical effect as the sun shines upon them. The landscape is a total splendour. Winding paths will lead you to different pavillions which showcase Chinese architecture.

Flowers bloom beside the stream from the waterfall.

Water dragons blend in and stand guard.

If you are into nature photography or landscape photography, visiting this place is a breeze. You don’t have to plan for a long drive or pack your bags. Just bring your camera and tripod along. If you simply need a break from officework, drop by with a book or a magazine and find your spot. If you want to breathe, relax your mind and spirit, you can simply join a class of yoga, tai chi or meditation. There is also a place for you to enjoy tea.

The Chinese Garden of Friendship in the eyes of the SydneyInsider.
Map location