Vivi's Random Ramblings

EdVi & Ariah on YouTube

2019-03-22T13:22:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone! I just want to share this trailer video I posted on our Youtube channel, giving everyone a glimpse of a day with us. We all love the same thing, cycling, beach, and food! We also post my toddler's playtime enjoying play areas both indoors and outdoors. We have so many more videos to upload!

Enjoy this video and please subscribe to our channel and watch more of our adventures. Gracias!

Ariah's Tree House Adventure at Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, Singapore

2019-03-15T09:51:00.001+08:00

Jacob Ballas Children's Garden aims to educate and instill a love for nature in children. The garden is a complete nature-learning environment, where children can dig deeper into the ecology of plants and our environment through discovery and hands-on learning.

Aside from that, there are plenty of play areas for the kids to enjoy. For this post, I want to share this video of my toddler enjoying one of the tree houses inside the garden:

Getting Here:

By Train:

10-min walk from Botanic Gardens MRT Station (Circle/Downtown Line)

By Bus:

Alight at “NUS Bukit Timah Campus” bus stop along Bukit Timah Road or “after Kheam Hock Road” bus stop along Dunearn Road. It is a 5-min walk from the respective bus stops.

Bus services along Dunearn Road and Bukit Timah Road: 48, 66, 67, 151, 153, 154, 156, 170, 171, 186

By Car/Taxi:

From Dunearn Road - At the Dunearn-Kheam Hock Road junction, turn right to enter NUS Bukit Timah Campus. Turn right into Jacob Ballas Children's Garden after car park gantry.

From Bukit Timah Road - At the Bukit Timah-Kheam Hock Road junction, turn left to enter NUS Bukit Timah Campus. Turn right into Jacob Ballas Children's Garden after car park gantry.

Limited parking lots are available at Jacob Ballas Children's Garden and NUS Bukit Timah Campus.

Opening hours: 8.00am to 7.00pm (last admission at 6.30pm). Closed on Mondays (except when Monday falls on a designated public holiday)

Admission: Free admission. Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is designed for children aged 14 and below. Children aged 12 and below must be accompanied by an adult. To promote a safe environment for children, adults are permitted entry only if accompanying a child. Adult visitors without children must consult the Service Desk for entry.

10 Things You Must Experience when you are in Australia

2018-08-10T14:54:00.000+08:00

Famous for Kangaroos, Koala bears and superlative cricketers, Australia is a tourist’s paradise. From mountains to cliffs, from rocky shores to long shorelines, from gorgeous beaches to lush forests, Australia truly offers something special to every tourist who visits the place.

Being a popular tourist destination, Australia also offers you a plethora of options when it comes to accommodation. From luxurious and plush resorts to deluxe hotels, there is something for everybody when you are visiting Australia. If you want a truly comfortable stay, you can opt for the Australian vacation rentals.

Australia offers a lot, as mentioned above, in terms of a travelling experience.

Here is a list of the most exciting 10 things you can do while you are in Australia.

Travel Around in your Own Personal Yacht

Australia gives you an opportunity to sail through the pristine waters around the Whitsunday Islands. The Islands consist of around 70 islands, almost 69 of which are uninhabited. There are boats which you can hire and subsequently stock up with provisions and set out on the journey to explore the virgin landscapes around the island. There are also companies which will follow you up through your journey through radio communication after providing you with the collaterals. This piece of excitement is surprisingly not way too expensive as the pricing starts around Australian dollars 365 onwards.

Experience a rail journey throughout the continent

The set route of this journey is from Darwin to Adelaide. The Ghan offers a beautiful ride through the continent in just three days and even gives whistle-stop tours in Katherine and Alice Spring. Though the budget is on the heavier side, this is a journey through picturesque locales that you simply cannot miss out on.

Get Wowed by the Pinnacles

Around 150 miles north of Perth lies the majestic Pinnacles Desert, where the limestone pillars look fascinatingly similar to extra-terrestrial tombstones. The enclosure is adorned with breathtaking white beaches, exquisite flora and fauna and excellent fishing opportunities. You can put up in the nearby village of Cervantes and the whole of the turquoise coast, Western Australia is a place you should experience as a journey.

Pass out into a Food Coma in Tasmania

The good way to life is through travelling and eating and both this amalgamate beautifully into an easy road trip through Tasmania. From the Farm Gate Market to the Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed, from the exotic Belgian dark chocolates at the House of Anvers to the sumptuous triple cream brie at Wicked Cheese, indulge in a gastronomical adventure consisting of delectable food and drinks while you journey through Tasmania.

Experience Fireworks Galore at the Sydney Harbour

The New Year is probably the most popular time of embarking on a vacation for travellers around the world and the destinations always invariably have something special to offer during the holiday season. One of the most celebratory sights in the world is perhaps the fireworks show that happens across the Sydney Harbour on the New Years Eve. Australia is one of the first places where the New Year comes in early and the spectacular show of fireworks that can be spotted throughout the Sydney sky is something that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Get on the Kimberley Cruise

One of the best ways to traverse through the intense wilderness of the Kimberley is through a cruise. Secluded sandy beaches, exquisite wildlife, lush waterfalls, gorges and rivers make the Kimberley one of the most non-tourist infested places in the world and you would want to explore every inch of the place.

Experience Gold Coast Delights

The theme parks in the Gold Coast are filled with thrilling and exciting rides, water slides as well as wildlife. This place is something that should be in your itinerary when you decide to visit Australia.

Get a Romantic Dinner Under the stars at Uluru

It is one of the most intimate experiences that you and your partner can share. The Tali Wiru, which operates around 3-4 times per week offers you a unique opportunity to feast while sitting upon a sand tune while you watch over the picturesque Uluru. If you are on a romantic vacation or a honeymoon, please gift yourself and your partner with this enchanting dinner.

Dive in with the Sharks at Port Lincoln

Are you an adventurous person? Then this should definitely be an experience of a lifetime for you. Around 43 kilometres from Port Lincoln, Neptune Islands gives you the opportunity to undertake underwater shark tours for a day with a proper safety measure.

Do Some Turtle Spotting in the Queensland

The exquisite wildlife of Australia is a thing to discover in itself on a different trip altogether. If you are an out and out nature lover, then never pass up on the opportunity of spotting marine turtle nests in the Mon Repos Conservation Park around Queensland. It Is totally a magical sight to watch mother turtles hatch baby turtles as they take their first step towards the sea. If you are an animal lover, you would probably never forget this part of the trip throughout your lifetime.

There are also a lot of other things that you must experience in the land down under. From drift snorkelling through a rainforest through the clean waters of the Mossman River, to skiing through the slopes of the Fall Creek, Australia is full of magical experiences only waiting to be explored.

Acea Subic Bay

2018-08-10T11:19:00.002+08:00

Acea Subic Bay is the newest international resort destination in SBMA, where guests can bask in an ambiance of relaxed elegance and an atmosphere that blends contemporary architecture with traditional Filipino touches.

I created the above short video for your viewing pleasure. Please subscribe to our youtube site!

Pros:
-location is good
-relaxing atmosphere
-well maintained resort and clean comfort rooms
-with infinity pool
-with kiddie pool
-with cool amenities
-with indoor air-conditioned play area
-the day tour comes with a free lunch
-they offer beach activities like banana boat ride, jet skiing, etc for a fee

Cons:
-a bit pricey

For any inquiries please contact them at:

Contact # : 0917 133 2232

Address: San Bernardo Road
Subic, Zambales (located right after SBMA airport)

FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/acearesortssubic/

Sunset at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar

2016-07-28T09:50:00.000+08:00

When I admire the wonders of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in the worship of the creator. - Mahatma Gandhi

I am a bonafide nature lover. I can sit all day and just be with nature. How can I get bored watching this magnificent beauty? I grew up in a place beside the sea, every weekend nung mga bata pa kami lagi kami sa beach nagbababad, beach reminds me of family. It reminds me of home.

A little background about the place: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a 400 hectares heritage resort located in Bagac, Bataan. It is owned by art collector Architect Jose Rizalino “Jerry” Acuzar, which aims to showcase our Filipino heritage. The resort features a collection of 27 Spanish Colonial Buildings which were carefully dismantled and transplanted piece by piece from Manila (Binondo, Tondo and Quiapo), Quezon, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, La Union, Ilocos and Cagayan to Bagac for rehabilitation and reconstruction.

To read more about Las Casas, pls visit my earlier post.

Road trip: Kennon Road

2016-03-11T17:07:00.000+08:00

Kennon Road aka the "zigzag road", is a very scenic highway located in northern Luzon island of the Philippines. It is one of the many routes that link Baguio to lowland towns. Kennon Road has a length of 41.2 km, it links the famous city of Baguio (the summer capital of the Philippines), at an elevation of 5,500 feet above the sea level, to the lowland town of Rosario in La Union province.

Kennon Road is one of the most dangerous roads in the country especially during the rainy seasons. Most of the road accidents occur due to landslides which makes it prone to closure during heavy rains.

Thanks to TPLEX, trip to Baguio is now easier and faster! And your trip won't be complete without experiencing Kennon Road. The drive is definitely worth it. But please remember to be extra cautious when driving, and please do not drive in the late afternoon, the roads are not safe at night, expect to encounter sharp turns and blind curves. Also, you will see a lot of road rehabilitation so please be extra careful, some portions of the road are not strong enough to hold the weight of a vehicle. so watch out for warnings and don't drive fast!

I took a video of Kennon Road the last time we were there (January of 2016) so I can share it with you guys. Enjoy the video!

Pls subscribe to our youtube channel:

I hope you enjoyed the video! Till next time!

Changi Point Boardwalk, Singapore

2016-03-04T14:32:00.002+08:00

Shout out to all nature lovers!! Here's your chance to enjoy one of Singapore's best walking path!!Tucked away in the western end of Changi Point is a boardwalk, which offers a beautiful view of the coastline. This boardwalk is open to the public 24 hours, 7 days a week. Strolling along this continuous scenic route is easy, it offers a safe wooden footpaths as wide as 2.4 metres and proper night-lighting to create a romantic atmosphere.

There are six distinct sections on this boardwalk: Creek Walk, Beach Walk, Sailing Point Walk, Cliff Walk, Kelong Walk and Sunset Walk. This walking path begins from Changi Creek in the east and stretches to the western rocky coast near Changi Beach Club, before finally linking up to Changi Point or Loyang Park Connector at Netheravon Road.

Walking time is around 45 minutes, distance of approximately 2.2km.

The boardwalk is accessible from four entry points, namely Changi Village, Changi Sailing Club, Changi Beach and Changi Beach Park.

Let me summarised our Changi Point Boardwalk experience thru a video. I hope you'll enjoy this one! And please subscribe to our youtube channel.

Pls subscribe to our youtube channel:

I hope you enjoyed the video! Till next time!

A narrow footpath connecting Diniwid Beach to White Beach, Boracay Island

2016-03-01T14:34:00.001+08:00

Diniwid Beach is located at the extreme north end of White Beach. The two beaches are connected through a narrow and cliffside footpath which is also known as Beachfront Path.

Diniwid beach is only 200 meters long, this is a secluded place to enjoy a good swim and the best place to watch Boracay sunset without going too far away from its larger and crowded cousin, the White beach.

I created a video showing the footpath, here it is:

Pls subscribe to our youtube channel:

I hope you enjoyed the video! Till next time!

Bulabog Beach, Boracay Island

2016-02-09T12:45:00.000+08:00

Getting tired of the crowded White Beach? Well, time to checkout other beaches of Boracay!

Bulabog Beach (also known as Kite Surfer Beach) is a 2.5km long water sports beach of Boracay, and is located on the east side of the island. This beach is popular for water activities, such as parasailing, and kiteboarding. It's at the opposite side of White Beach, around 10 to 15 minutes walk.

For this post let me share the video I made of Bulabog beach.

As you can see from my video, you won't find many people here. Bulabog is not for swimming but for tons of beach activities. Its a perfect spot to do kite boarding and wind surfing. There are a lot offering tutorials along the beach, the prices are not cheap but definitely worth it!

Ciao for now! Until next post.. ;)

Let's explore Baguio City, Philippines!

2016-01-25T22:26:00.001+08:00

I am a proud graduate of Saint Louis University, one of the most prestigious universities in Baguio City. What made me decide to stay and study in Baguio? Of course the weather! Located amidst the mountainous region of Cordillera, 250 km north of Manila and 1,500 meters above the sea, Baguio City is one of the few places in the Philippines blessed with a cool climate. Not surprisingly, Baguio has become the "summer capital" of the country, aside from that, it is also known as the "City of Pines".

Aside from the cool weather, Baguio also offers scenic and historical attractions which make it an important and interesting destination. We visited the city again last week after our trip to Manaoag, so let me share the video I made to summarize our trip.

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How to get there:

Since all air links to Baguio has been terminated, the only way you can get to the summer capital is via land using a car or a bus. From Manila you can try taking a bus from stations in Cubao or Pasay like Victory Liner, journey time is around 6 hours depending on stops. If you are taking a car you can get there faster, via NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) and/or the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) then continue on to TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway). At the moment, TPLEX is still under construction but you can use the expressway until Urdaneta exit then take the national road to either Kennon Road which was built by the Americans when the Philippines was their colony or the Marcos Highway.

You can book your hotel here:

Cycling Adventure at Punggol Waterway and Coney Island, Singapore

2016-01-05T18:08:00.000+08:00

Coney Island Park, Singapore's latest nature attraction finally opened its doors to the public on 10 October 2015. Also knows as Pulau Serangoon, this 50-hectare sustainable park being managed by NParks (National Parks Board) is located off Singapore's North East coast.

Coney Island also known as Pulau Serangoon, features diverse habitats, including coastal forests, grasslands and mangroves and casuarina woodlands. This rustic park is an ecologically sustainable park with many environmental initiatives. It focuses on conserving energy and water, recycling and retaining of the natural elements in the park.

The island is best explored by foot or by cycling. Start exploring the forest and mangrove habitats on the newly built boardwalk and move on to the beach which can be accessed at five locations.

Let me share my video while exploring the island, coming from Punggol Waterway Park. I hope you'll enjoy the video!

Pls subscribe to our youtube channel! ;)

Park Information

How to get there: From Punggol interchange, take bus 84 to Punggol Point Park/Punggol Settlement. Walk about 500m east along the Punggol Promenade Nature Walk to get to Coney Island West Entrance.

Park Size: 50 hectares

Park opening hours: 7am to 7pm (gate will be closed at 7pm)

Nearby Parks/Park Connectors: Punggol Promenade Nature Walk, Punggol Point Park, Punggol Waterways.

Accessibility: Barrier Free Access and Wheelchair accessible at the East and West ends. Cycling is allowed along the main path.

Specific Do’s and Don’ts: No Camping. No Fishing

Camara Island, San Antonio, Zambales version 2

2015-11-17T13:45:00.000+08:00

Love is sweeter the 2nd time around, well, same goes with my Camara Island experience! The first time I visited this place we had high tide, we stopped, took a few photos and left. This time, I'm in love!!

Check this island out guys! It is just opposite Pundaquit beach, around 10 minutes boat ride. After a whole day of mountain trekking from Pundaquit to Anawangin Cove, we were rewarded with a good weather so we decided to island hop before going home. We fell in love with Camara! White sand, clear water and nice view!

We went here a week before the movie "The Love Affair" was shown in cinemas, and guess what, they shot a love scene of Richard Gomez here in Camara island! ;)

the kiddos enjoying the water

You can visit my previous post about Camara Island here.

Lovely island right? Next time you'll drop by, wish for a low tide so you can enjoy this island at its best!

How to get here: Take a bus going to Zambales, ask the conductor to drop you at San Antonio town. Take a tricycle going to Pundaquit Beach, rent a motor boat and ask the boatmen to include Camara Island in your itinerary for the day. I will recommend Mang Mike, you can contact him to arrange a boat for you 0928 340 5136. Enjoy San Antonio!

A trip to Hundred Islands National Park with my cute little niece

2015-09-04T22:42:00.000+08:00

I died 7 months ago. Where I am now, I'm not pretty sure, is this what you call purgatory? You see, my baby died a month after birth and after 2 pregnancy losses, she's my precious little one. We can't contain our happiness when we had her, and just after a few weeks with us, she's gone. Everything still feels surreal. All of a sudden I'm at a crossroads and it hurts to realise that the only place I want to be is wherever I can be with her and my husband again. Sigh.

How do you move on after a thing as tragic as that? I don't really know, for now I'll just pretend to be that brave little girl I used to be.

A few weeks after her death, we decided to have a road trip. Not to grieve, but to celebrate her life. To say "thank you" to God for the opportunity to spend those precious time with her. From Subic we travelled to Manaog, stayed overnight with relatives in Dagupan, then stayed at my mom's hometown in Lingayen. We had a chance to visit the Hundred Islands National Park with our family and my cousin let us spend time with their daughter, bitter sweet yes, but seeing her with my husband made me happy. I knew deep within we both want her to be our daughter, our Eia.

I just want to share some of the photos I took of them together. Hoping that someday, that would be our kid he will be playing with.

they look good together right?

I enjoyed watching them having fun.

Isn't she cute? But as a mom who just lost her daughter, nobody can replace my Eia. Even the cutest and smartest baby can never replace her. Forever, that's how long I will grieve for her, forever, that's how long my heart will ache. I will just be thankful that every waking hour means another day closer to her, until we meet again my Eia.. until then.

a day with hubby and my cute little niece

Philippine Holidays for 2016

2015-08-27T11:39:00.000+08:00

We can now plan for our 2016 vacations! Yey! Malacañang released on Wednesday the official list of nationwide holidays for 2016. No wonder why I dreamt of Batanes last night, I can finally schedule my trip there soon!

Long weekends are as follows:

January 1 - 3
February 6 - 8
August 27 - 29
October 29 - November 1
December 30, 2016 - January 2, 2017

Holidays and special non-working days are as follows:

Regular holidays
New Year's Day	1-Jan	Friday
Maundy Thursday	24-Mar	Thursday
Good Friday	25-Mar	Friday
Araw ng Kagitingan	9-Apr	Saturday
Labor Day	1-May	Sunday
Independence Day	12-Jun	Sunday
National Heroes Day	29-Aug	Monday
Bonifacio Day	30-Nov	Wednesday
Christmas Day	25-Dec	Sunday
Rizal Day	30-Dec	Friday

Special (non-working) days
Chinese New Year	8-Feb	Monday
EDSA People Power Revolution	25-Feb	Thursday
Black Saturday	26-Mar	Saturday
Ninoy Aquino Day	21-Aug	Sunday
All Saints Day	1-Nov	Tuesday
Additional special (non-working) day	2-Jan	Saturday
Additional special (non-working) day	31-Oct	Monday
Additional special (non-working) day	24-Dec	Saturday
Additional special (non-working) day	31-Dec	Saturday

Proclamations to declare national holidays for Eid'l Fitr and Eidul Adha shall follow after approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined.

So go ahead and plan for your 2016 travel schedules! Good luck and have a fun filled vacations!

A walk along Lornie Trail, MacRitchie Reservoir

2015-08-22T20:23:00.001+08:00

MacRitchie Reservoir is a popular destination for joggers and runners, it covers a total of 11 km nature trail loop popularly known as MacRitchie trails. The walking trails skirt the water's edges and snake through a jungle which is ideal for all nature lovers and fitness fanatics.

For this post, let me share my photos of Lornie trail. It is connected to MacRitchie Reservoir park and around 45 mins to an hour walk. The footpath is uneven with rocks, stones, roots and fallen branches which adds thrill to your walking adventure.

here's the entrance to the trail, connecting the MacRitchie Park to Lornie trail

on the right is the start of the wooden path of Chemperai trail along the water edges of the reservoir

The trail is well paved and a lot of signages to guide you so don't worry about getting lost in the forest. Just make sure to follow the path, there are also plenty of map boards along the trail. Expect pools of mud when it rains, so make sure to wear appropriate clothing. Bring enough drinking water with you since there are no stores nearby.

a well-maintained path at Lornie Trail

wild monkeys along the trail, pls don't feed them!

This is our last trail from Venues Drive, it took us around 4 hours to complete the loop from Venus drive to treetop walk, golf link, Lornie trail and MacRitchie Reservoir Park. This is our exit point to Lornie Rd. Please be reminded not to enter Lornie trail after 7pm because there are no lights along the trail.

Getting there:

MacRitchie Reservoir is served by multiple bus services : 52, 74, 93, 130, 132, 156, 157, 162, 162M, 165, 166, 167, 852, 855, 980) that stop right at its doorstep.
The closest train station to the reservoir is Marymount, approximately 1 km away. Take a bus (services 52, 74, 165, 852, 855) to get to the reservoir from Marymount MRT Station.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Bagac Bataan: Pride in the Past, Hope for the Future

2015-08-14T18:00:00.000+08:00

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is a 400 hectares heritage resort located in Bagac, Bataan. It is owned by art collector Architect Jose Rizalino “Jerry” Acuzar, which aims to showcase our Filipino heritage. The resort features a collection of 27 Spanish Colonial Buildings which were carefully dismantled and transplanted piece by piece from Manila (Binondo, Tondo and Quiapo), Quezon, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, La Union, Ilocos and Cagayan to Bagac for rehabilitation and reconstruction.

The resort aims for both local and foreign visitors to have a glimpse of the past, and experience the Filipino traditions and practices. I am fortunate to have the chance to enjoy my childhood staying in my grandparent's old house which resembles some of the old houses inside the resort. It made me miss my childhood playing "sungka" and "patintero" with my friends. The moment you step inside the resort you will be transported back in time, from the old buildings, to the furnitures and fixtures of the hotel and casas, the calesa ride and even their swimming pool is "batis" inspired. This is a great venue for the kids nowadays to experience the life we used to have.

Paseo de Escolta

Las Casas offers day tours and accommodation:

1) Package 1 at Php1,200 nett per person (set meal)

inclusions:

welcome drinks
30 minutes to 1 hour guided tour of the Heritage houses
entrance fee and use of beach area
1 lunch, afternoon snack, 2 bottles of mineral water
all taxes and service charge

2) Package 2 (buffet meal) at P1,500 nett per person

Inclusions:

welcome drinks
30 minutes to 1 hour guided tour of the Heritage houses
entrance fee and use of beach area
1 lunch, afternoon snack, 2 bottles of mineral water
all taxes and service charge

3) Php850 nett per person (Php425 for children) Day Tour Entrance fee with snacks

4) Php685 nett per person, Day Tour Entrance fee only

5) Overnight accommodation. They have a hotel (Paseo de Escolta) and the old houses are available for rent, accommodation includes:

set breakfast
use of swimming pool and beach area
Heritage Walking tour
all taxes and service charges

Lubao Church Replica

Casa Mexico

Casa Hagonoy

Casa Tondo

Casa Cagayan

Casa Quiapo

Hotel de Oriente

beautiful interior of Marivent Cafe

Marivent Cafe / Casa Unisan

Calesa time with hubby

the beach

sunset at Las Casas

the "batis" inspired swimming pool

Casa Luna

Casa Baliuag

the Maranao houses

We stayed here overnight for free as a gift from my sister in law. Hotel accommodation is affordable at starting rate of around P5,000 and the casas are for rent (2 to 6 bedrooms) at a price range of P20,000 to P60,000 a night.

Overall, the experience is superb! Dinner is not included in our accommodation and we were on a tight budget so we decided to go out of the resort for dinner but enjoyed their restaurant for the free breakfast. For me, the day tour is quite expensive, if you will pay Php850 per head for a day tour (with snacks) and there are 4 of you including 2 kids, better to just stay overnight.

Resort Address: Bo. Pagasa, Bagac Bataan
T:(+63) 546 9123
Manila Sales and Reservation: (+63 2) 332 5338, (+63 2) 335 3032, (+63 2) 332 5286 reserve@lascasasfilipinas.com

MacRitchie Reservoir Park, Singapore

2015-08-07T22:53:00.000+08:00

Getting tired of Singapore's urban jungle? Then you should visit MacRitchie Reservoir Park. it is a 12-hectare park anchored by Singapore's largest reservoir which is a popular destination for nature lovers and fitness conscious individuals. It is the oldest reservoir in Singapore and offers hiking trails and recreational activities, both on land and in water.

MacRitchie offers a 11km nature trail loop known as MacRitchie Trails which is located within the tropical rainforest of Central Catchment Nature Reserve. To date, the trails are still being used as cross-country running routes for various inter-school competitions.

Schools are regularly using the reservoir as a place for water sports such as canoeing and kayaking. There are certain competitions held here annually. Avid water sports enthusiasts can also try their hand in kayaking and canoeing as these amenities are available for the public too. Kayaks are available for rent at the Paddle Lodge and they also offer Orientation courses.

Paddle Lodge schedule:

Monday to Sunday 9:00am – 12:00pm and 2:00pm – 6:00pm (Last rental at 4:30pm)
Closed on selected Public Holidays (New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and Christmas)
Rates is $15 / hour for sit-on-top kayaks (novice zone only) and $20 / 2 hours for closed-deck kayaks, $35 / 2 hours for sprint kayak

The zigzag bridge and Performing Arts Pavilion at the reservoir

The iconic MacRitchie Pavillion is often used to host performing arts presentations and solemnisation ceremonies.

We entered the reservoir from the Venus drive going to the TreeTop Walk, Petaling Trail to Golf Link, Chemperai Trail to Lonie Trail and MacRitchie Reservoir Park as our exit point. It took us almost four hours to complete the 11 km circuit and I am glad to have shared this adventure with my hubby. It's undeniably one of the best bonding moment we ever had.

the submerged boardwalk at the park

With so many attractions and scenic spots to offer, MacRitchie is an excellent destination for anyone who loves fun and the outdoors.

Getting there

MacRitchie Reservoir is served by multiple bus services : 52, 74, 93, 130, 132, 156, 157, 162, 162M, 165, 166, 167, 852, 855, 980) that stop right at its doorstep.

The closest train station to the reservoir is Marymount, approximately 1 km away. Take a bus (services 52, 74, 165, 852, 855) to get to the reservoir from Marymount MRT Station.

A walk along Chemperai Trail at MacRitchie Reservoir

2015-07-31T18:20:00.000+08:00

Care for a lazy and educational walk with family? Then try Chemperai trail. It is around an hour relaxing walking trail along the edge of the oldest reservoir in Singapore.

MacRitchie Reservoir was built in 1867-68, and originally known as the Impounding Reservoir or Thomson Reservoir. It is surrounded by more than 500 ha of forests. It offers so many walking trails, one of the most popular is the walking trail to the Treetop Walk.

Scenic right? You are actually looking at a carpet moss covering the water!

I love this picture above, the water looks like a well maintained lawn! So green and full of life. Makes me want to step on it and lay down.

The water is very shallow, you can easily see a thick collection of dead leaves, twigs and branches.

In time, these will disintegrate and be broken down, and their nutrients recycled and reused by other forest plants. Fungi and tiny insects, like the termites, help in this process. This ongoing cycle is dependant on every twig, branch and dead leaf. It is important that we do not remove anything from this forest, as this will upset the continuous nutrient flow within the rainforest. -National Park Board

father and daughter tandem enjoying the trail

A relaxing place indeed! A great therapy not only for the mind and soul but also for the body. The trail is mostly flat, a perfect place for a brisk walk.

Distance : 1.5km
Walking time : About 1/2 hour
Difficulty: Easy

How to get here:

By Bus: Take bus no. 52, 74, 93, 130, 132, 156, 157, 162, 165, 166, 167, 852, 855 or 980. Alight along Lornie Road at the bus-stop in front of MacRitchie Reservoir Park.

By car: The entrance to the MacRitchie Reservoir Park car park is along Lornie Road.

Picture above: On the right you'll see the end of Chemperai Trail connecting to Lonie trail

Nature is always a great refuge, an outlet from all life's frustrations. So let's enjoy nature more and strive to have a great, fit and happy life! Ciao!

Southern Ridges : Henderson Waves

2015-07-24T11:14:00.000+08:00

Henderson Waves is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore which stands 36 metres above the ground. This structure connects Mount Faber Park to Telok Blanch Hill Park. The bridge is famous for its distinctive wavelike structure, curving and twisting along its entire 274-metre length.

photo by Abdul Rahman Latiff

The bridge is lit with LED lamps at night from 7pm to 2am daily, giving the bridge an illuminative glow. Unfortunately for us, we went there in the morning, so no night shots for me! Which gives us a reason to come back! Yey!

The bridge is anchored by steel arches and deck that is made out of yellow balau wood, an all-weather timber found in South-East Asia. It reminds me of old houses in the Philippines. It reminds me of grandpa and an ancient house where I used to spend my childhood.

the view from the bridge:

here's us saying, goodbye for now! Till next adventure!

Getting there:

You can take bus numbers: 131, 145, 176 or 648. From the bus stop at Henderson Road, climb up the stairs to Mount Faber Park and walk towards Henderson Waves. Signboards are available to point you to the right direction. Have fun!!

Cycling at Punggol Waterway

2015-07-18T10:00:00.000+08:00

Punggol Waterway is Singapore's longest man-made waterway at 4.2 km long. It is also known as "My Waterway@Punggol". It features a landscaped promenade, five footbridges, viewing decks, cycling and jogging paths, exercise and water-play areas, lush greenery and eco-friendly features.

Punggol Waterway has earned global recognition when it won Global Superior Achievement Award (First Asian country to secure top honours from International Water Association) and Gold Award for the 2012 International Award for Liveable Communities, for its excellence in water engineering, innovative design and eco-friendly concept.

The park is definitely one of a kind! Alas for me, I was lazy to bring my bridge camera so all photos posted here are taken using my husband's HTC mobile phone. Hey, c'mon the photos are still great except for the night shot! hehe..

overlooking Sunrise Bridge

The park is a great place for the whole family. Fitness enthusiasts will have a fun time running on the well-maintained tracks while admiring the view. Bikers and skaters will enjoy challenging tracks designated for them. The kids will be entertained by their water playground offering a wet-and-wild day of fun. A nice venue also for hanging out with friends, they even created a bridge to best watch the sunrise and named it Sunrise Bridge (picture above).

overlooking Pasir Ris Bridge Connector

overlooking Jewel Bridge

One of the viewing decks along the park

Overlooking the other side of the park connected by Sunrise Bridge

overlooking the housing estate

Pasir Ris Bridge Connector

At either ends of the waterway are a variety of restaurants and recreational facilities. We took a break for a while to take a drink. We enjoyed the bike track!

Wave Bridge

How To Get There: Take the LRT from Punggol MRT Station to Damai LRT Station. Walk towards Punggol Road and you will find a path heading to the waterway.

Buses to Punggol Bus Interchange: 3, 34, 43, 62, 82, 83, 84, 85, 136

Lighting Hours: 7:00pm to 7:00am

Accessibility Info: Wheelchair-friendly

Surface: Gravel, Grass, Tarmac, Pavement

Reminder: No fishing is allowed at the park.

The Southern Ridges : Marang Trail

2015-07-15T10:00:00.000+08:00

As a frequent visitor of Singapore, I've seen almost every tourist attraction Singapore has to offer. Thusly, it is time to explore other areas that are not so famous with tourists. So how about a nature walk? Let's go explore Southern Ridges!

Southern Ridges is about 10 km in total, it connects four parks stretching across western part of Singapore: Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve. It can be separated into 8 trails: Marang Trail, Faber Trail, Henderson Waves, Hilltop Walk, Forest Walk, Alexandra Arch, Flora Walk & HortPark and the Canopy Walk.

The trail offers impressive bridges like Henderson Wave allowing pedestrians to cross busy highways. Several parts of the trail are suspended high above the jungle like the Hilltop and Forest Walk offering great views of the primeval greenery around the trail. This is great for families looking for a different kind of adventure, great for walking enthusiasts, nature lovers, bird watchers and shutterbugs like me.

My hubby/supermodel/bodyguard... ready for the climb!

For this post, let me start with Marang Trail. The trail is 800 metres long and 70 metres high. It will take you 30 to 45 minutes to reach the top.

Marang Trail extends from Marang Road, just behind the HarbourFront MRT Station . You’ll find the entrance to this forest trail as you step off the escalator exiting the HarbourFront MRT . Check the picture below:

Marang Trail is just outside HarbourFront MRT station, Exit D

The trail consists of steps and shaded footpaths, all you'll need is a comfy shoes and a bottle of water.

Expect a deck of stairs after the other. Oh boy, I think you will surely decide to love or hate taking the stairs after this trip!

You might want to skip this trail if you have little ones, I don't think you'll have the energy to climb these stairs with a baby in tow! It is better to take the trail with older kids. Bicycles and roller skates are not allowed.

Taking this trail is a good cardio workout, I can't barely breathe climbing but we've met a few people who were actually jogging during our climb! Wow, what an endurance!

Whew! After that 30 to 45 minutes climb, you will be rewarded with this view:

Panoramic view from the top of Marang Trail

Panoramic view of the cable car and harbour from the top of Marang Trail

The walk is as safe as you'd expect in Singapore, the roads and stairs are well maintained complete with warnings about lightnings, emergency numbers and feedings the animals. Please be reminded however, that in Singapore it is illegal to feed the animals in the wild! You may end up in a walking trail straight to JAIL! Yaiks, that is one walking trail I'm not so excited about!

Cycling Adventure to Chek Jawa Wetlands

2015-07-09T11:30:00.000+08:00

Chek Jawa Wetlands is situated in the far south-east of Pulau Ubin, it is one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems. The 100-hectare wetlands was discovered when the area was included in the government's plan for a reclamation project, but because of the immense richness of the ecosystem, plans for the development of Chek Jawa have been deferred and it is now one of the most visited area in Pulau Ubin.

Visitors can either walk, cycle or hire a vehicle to get to Chek Jawa Wetlands. We love to cycle so cycle it is! You can rent a bicycle for S$8 to S$12 for a whole day use. For those who love to walk, it will take you round 40 minutes from the main land to reach Chek Jawa.

The bike trail is not for the faint hearted, it is rather rigorous and hilly. There are steep slopes along the way, you are advised to walk your bike at times, and make sure your brake works! It is best to rent a mountain bike going to Chek Jawa.

House No. 1 at Chek Jawa:

In the middle of the jungle you'll find this interesting cottage. The cottage is a pre-war structure and best known as House No. 1. It was built in the 1930's in the English Lytyenseque or Tudor style.

Today it houses a small visitor centre which serves as a museum containing information about the wetlands.

In front of the cottage is the restored jetty port:

The wetlands is best visited during low tide. Unfortunately, as you can see, we arrived during high tide. So sorry for us, we weren't able to explore the wetlands.

the wetlands during low tide (picture not mine, taken from www.yoursingapore.com)

The wetlands provide a home for millions of creatures.

Even wild boars mingle with the visitors occasionally, and boy they are huge!

Chek Jawa includes such diverse ecosystems like mangroves, sandbars, seagrass lagoon, rocky shore and coastal forest. There is an abundance of natural creatures, rare plants and migratory birds. If you are a nature lover, you will surely love this place. You can bring the kids, both educational and fun for the whole family!

Pulau Ubin - Singapore's Cycling Heaven

2015-07-03T23:20:00.000+08:00

Scenic right? You are actually looking at an abandoned quarry in Pulau Ubin.

Pulau Ubin literally means "Granite Island". Pulau is a Malay word for "island" and Ubin is a Javanese term for "squared stone". The granite stones on the island were used to make floor tiles in the past and were called "Jubin", which was then shortened to Ubin.

Granite quarrying used to be a major industry on the island which was started in the 1800's. Quarrying was stopped when the granite was mined below sea level. To date, Pulau Ubin is one of the last rural areas to be found in Singapore. It is a home to Singapore's last villages or kampongs, add up the rich and preserved wildlife, an untouched nature, abandoned quarries and plantations, what you have is one of Singapore's best tourist attractions.

Changi Point Ferry Terminal

Pulau Ubin can only be reached via 10 to 15 minutes bumboat ride from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The terminal is served by bus numbers 2, 29, 59 or 109 and 3 minutes walk from the Bus Terminal.

Fare is S$2.50 per person, you can bring your own bike for an extra cost.

To enjoy the island you can walk, hike, rent or bring your own bicycle, or hire a taxi. Bicycle rental will cost you $8 to $12 which you can use the whole day.

Let me share some of our photos:

Cycling is the best way to explore Ubin. There are so many trails and routes to suit every preference. If you are an adrenaline junkie, you can take an off-road bike ride across the rugged terrain. Off-road routes range from easy to challenging trails. If not so adventurous, just follow the asphalt road, there are maps everywhere to guide you.

When visiting the island, it a must to bring the following:

Comfortable shoes, no flip flops please..
Drinking water
Snacks (you won't find any shops when you decide to take off-road trails)
Mosquito repellent
Rain gear (it rains every now and then, better be prepared than be stuck in the middle of the jungle)
Sun protection
Plastic bags or ziplock to waterproof your extra clothes and electronic gadgets
Camera and fresh batteries (if you'll have time to stop and snap photos)
Phone so you can call emergency numbers if needed

so tired but Happy!!!

I love nature so for me, this part of Singapore suited me more than the urban jungle it is best known for. I can't wait to share some of the trails we tried. Till my next post!

Street Art in Haji Lane, Singapore

2015-06-25T19:10:00.000+08:00

Haji Lane is one of the coolest shopping destinations in Singapore, but it is also famous for something else - its street art.

Street art is not that "in" in Singapore considering how strict their government is regarding vandalism. In Singapore, it is illegal to do it anywhere without proper permission, but I've seen quite a lot in some MRT stations and underground walk paths so that's a good thing and hopefully more areas soon! The cool art will surely add more character to Singapore. It is a good thing also that a lot of building owners are now starting to embrace urban art on their buildings.

Let me share some of my photos:

art work by Slacsatu , Myow, Asno (ZincNiteCrew ZNC) located at lane connecting Arab Street and Haji Lane (Kampong Glam)

located at Merdandy Bar & Cafe created by By Didier Jaba Mathieu

located at Merdandy Bar & Cafe created by Didier Jaba Mathieu

amazing mural covering the entire wall of Piedra Negra, created by Didier Jaba Mathieu (the largest mural in Singapore)

A closer look:

Piedra Negra by Didier Jaba Mathieu

in between Arab St and Haji Lane

at Piedra Negra by Didier Jaba Mathieu

mural located at Blue Jaz Cafe By Didier Jaba Mathieu (JabaOne)

Singapore is offering a lot of tourist attractions, unfortunately this place is not well advertised, but it doesn't mean it is not worth your time, there is so much about Kampong Glam that is worth exploring. For me the street art is enough to enjoy the place add up the selections of shops and restaurants offering a delightful historical ambiance.

Even beyond Haji Lane you can still see a few street art like this one above on the wall of Stuttgart Blackforest Express located at Jalan Sultan which reminds me of my mom's wall decal at home.

If you are up for a lazy walk, a casual drink with friends or to just to hang out with family, consider this place, it is definitely worth the trip.

Haji Lane is located in the Arab Street neighbourhood, walking distance from the Bugis MRT station or from the city centre or you can take the bus.

here's hubby saying he had a pleasant time exploring Haji Lane!

I hope you enjoyed the photos! Till next time! Ciao!

The World's First Curved Double Helix Pedestrian Bridge

2015-06-07T12:40:00.000+08:00

Helix Bridge is a 280-metre DNA-inspired pedestrian bridge (the longest in Singapore) that connects Marina Centre with Marina South in the Marina Bay area. it is made out of steel that resembles the double helix structure of a DNA.

This bridge is a destination point in itself, it allows visitors to enjoy a crossing experience while enjoying a panoramic view of the Singapore city skyline. Its resemblance to the DNA structure which is the basic building block of life, symbolises "life and continuity", "renewal", "everlasting abundance" and "growth" which reflects Singapore's aspiration for Marina Bay.

There are five viewing platforms available where you can stop to rest, take pictures, enjoy the panoramic view and watch events happening within the Bay.

Location:

For an unforgettable Singapore experience, be sure not to miss this magnificent structure located in the heart of the city.