Spectacular Singapore

Sigh...Speechless..

Oct.15-19, 2014

[Malaysia-Singapore Trip]

It only took us about an hour plane ride from KLIA2 to Changi Airport. Here we are getting to ride the train that would take us to our lovely home in the City.

Train seats were super clean and comfy.

Places to stay in Singapore are not cheap so I made sure I researched for the best backpackers place for us that fits our budget. Thanks to tripadvisor, we found the best..the Beary Best! ;P This quaint accommodation was very clean, full of cutesy reminders and notes. We loved it there and we only had to walk a few minutes to get to the Chinatown metro station. Ever since KL, we thought it best to travel by train. Not only does it get to places really fast, it also allows us to brush elbows with the locals and tourists. So for starters, we decided to have our city (night) tour immediately after check-in.

Oh how lovely Singapore is! When we arrived at the city center, we were greeted by endless skyscrapers. Each, seemingly trying to compete with each other.

Left: Singapore Flyer: an observation wheel built in 2005 and it stands about 165 meters high.This gigantic wheel has capsules that could hold 28 people at a time.  It provides an awesome view of Marina Bay's skyline as well as an experience you'll never forget.
Right: Lotus-shaped Art Science Museum: built to coalesce art and science. 

[Daytime photo]
We didn't get to visit the museum itself but we're sure it's just as marvelous as its external appearance. I've read that the open lotus design allows it to collect rain water which is further recycled to be of use for the building. That which is a testament of how this amazing museum aims to promote environmental sustainability.

Ahhh yes....THE Marina Bay Sands Hotel..boasting of elegance and luxury right in the heart of Singapore. You can't miss this one. It demands attention and it has a light show every night which I'm sure everyone would enjoy. 

[Daytime photo..please excuse the DIY couple shot ;)]

During our day time stroll, we went inside the shopping area at the foot of MBS Hotel and we were greeted by luxurious cosmetic and fashion brands. We only stayed there for a while because we were not so keen on shopping. Maybe next time when our wallets are thicker..wink wink!

We proceeded to the top floor of the shopping center and voila! There are actual trees here!

Another engineering  masterpiece that we have seen in the Lion City is the Helix bridge. Sources say it is inspired by the geometric arrangement of DNA. It serves as a pedestrian bridge linking Marina Center with Marina South in the Bay area.

Spectacular indeed!

We were overwhelmed with the tourist attractions at the Marina that we forgot that we have not seen the great Merlion yet. So we walked our way through the thick crowd and went in search for it. Our landmark was the sophisticated Fullerton Bay Hotel. With aching feet and a little luck we have finally found it...

The Merlion!!! It stands more than 8 meters high and almost always surrounded by tourists. This iconic structure has the head of a lion and a body of a fish. It is said that the fish body symbolizes Singapore's origin as a fishing village and the lion being from the original name Singapura meaning "lion city".

We enjoyed our photo session so much we got so hungry after. Thank goodness there's a food junction nearby.

Now that our tummies our full, we did some more walking and exploring.  

This is the Esplanade- Theaters on the Bay: located at the mouth of the Singapore river this durian-shaped structure houses the performing arts. I'm sure it is as splendid inside.

We walked further and discovered Marina's exciting night life.We then capped the night off with the lights show from the marvelous Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

 Hurry and visit Singapore!
Coming up: Universal Studios Singapore ;P

Merdeka Malaysia!

Here we are looking for our couple pose in one of the most photographed landmarks of the city.

Oct.15-19, 2014
[Malaysia-Singapore Trip]

My hubby-to-be being the good navigator that he is, found this place in no time. We just walked by the way. It was easier not to get lost when you walk. Tiring yes, but definitely worth the adventure.

The Kuala Lumpur City Gallery was centrally located and was housed in a very beautiful building.

Inside was a traveler's haven. There were maps, memorabilia and tours available for those who want to explore the great city. We opted to enjoy the short tour of Malaysia's history presented inside for free . It was very fascinating!

All that walking, touring and getting lost made us really hungry. I never intended to eat here but this is where our feet lead us-- an authentic Indian restaurant with all the spices in the world! The look on my face says it all. I'm a fan of spicy food but I was never prepared for this one. The food looks promising and really appetizing. I will give it another try next time.

Our next stop was Merdeka Square. In our short history tour earlier, we learned that "Merdeka" means Freedom. And it was what the people fought during the British colony.

And this historical Merdeka Square is a beauty. The buildings are carefully designed and very well preserved. We spent the rest of our afternoon here with our DIY prenup photo session. 

Afterwards, we grabbed some BR icecream to console our weary selves.

Aaaand maybe we did a little more consoling after that. (wink wink).

Also, as we promised to each other, we went back to the Petronas Towers during daytime just so we won't forget how wonderful it is.

More couple shots here and there. 

We also wanted to visit this famous Masjid Jamek Mosque but it was closed to tourists during our visit. So we just looked at its marvelous architecture from afar.

  That's us in China Town and in their Central Market. We also discovered what shop-houses are. First floor is for business (shops) while the second floor is where they sleep.

This was near a Metro station in Kuala Lumpur. Their wall art caught our attention just before we went back to our accommodation to fetch our things.... so we can leave for....... SINGAPORE!!!! Coming up next...

It's the Climb! 272 Steps To The Batu Caves

[Oct.15-19, 2014]

Malaysia-Singapore Trip

We woke up early for our 2nd day in Kuala Lumpur to explore the famed Batu Caves. We took the metro and enjoyed a very smooth ride to Selangor, Malaysia. 

When we arrived, we saw this huge 50 ft. statue of a Hanuman god (noble monkey devotee) near the entrance. The whole place was considered sacred with carefully designed temples. It was very quiet and it seemed like we were the only ones there. 

As we walked further on, we saw that there were already hundreds of tourists before us. We even noticed that a wedding was about to take place. And like it was on cue, the bridal car arrives..

Wedding attendees scampered around all excited for the ceremony.

 Since we were not invited, we carried on our way and headed to the base of the hill where the Batu Caves were located.

And yes, the doves were as many as, if not more than, the tourists that day.

Standing a jaw-dropping 42.7 meters (140 ft) high, the world's tallest status of Murugan, a Hindu deity, is located outside the caves.

So here we are, staring at the 272 steps before us..wondering whether or not we could make it. But then we saw people way older than us who make it seemed very easy. It would be such a shame if we wouldn't do it. After all, the caves are what we came for. Let's climb! Oh and before you can start your ascend, you need to be dressed properly. Shorts and miniskirts are not allowed. You have to wear sarongs or long skirts as a respect to this holy place.

 Aside from the doves, monkeys also roam about. Tourists are advised not to get too close to them so as not to agitate them. 

 After almost a hundred steps, we took a breather (heavy breathing with knees shaking and sweating). And then we had this view of the city. Not bad!

And we're almost there. Just a few more steps and...

We have made it to the amazing Batu caves! When the caves were discovered back then, they turned it into a place of worship and later dedicated a temple inside to Lord Murugan. The cave's dome reached as far as 440 feet and the lime stone-wall you can see behind me is believed to be around 400 million years old. Awesome! There are lots of interesting things you can see inside this huge cave but of course, you have to see them for yourselves. 

No need to worry about keepsakes, there are several souvenir shops at the foot of the cave and this store owner was kind enough to pose for a photo with us. Thank you kind sir!

You can also visit the art gallery, the beautiful gardens and temples while you're there.

Don't miss this place when in Malaysia :)