SENTOSA: SONGS OF THE SEA

We purchased tickets (S$6 per person) at Beach Station Ticketing Counter for the show called “Songs of the Sea”. Approximately 6:00 pm, hubby decided to wait at the entrance gate before everyone else did. Soon, before we knew it, the place was already crammed full of people. We queued for a long time waiting for the 7:40 pm show.

Around 7:20 pm, all entrance gates were opened and we were able to sit at the front row. The venue is an open-air viewing gallery, which can comfortably accommodate 2,500 visitors.

The setting is the traditional fishing huts called kelongs, built on stilts over the sea. We waited again roughly 15 minutes when suddenly from a distance we could hear the sound of music. Finally the time had come that everyone was waiting for.

Visitors are told a thrilling story about Li, a young man gifted with a charming voice who embarks on a gallant quest to break the spell and awaken Princess Ami. It features with a live cast and amazing pyrotechnics, water jets, brilliant lasers, computer images projected on giant water screens, captivating music and stunning flame burst.

(Princess Ami)

The creative visual effects were overwhelming and fantastic. Since we were seated in the front row, we could also feel the heat every time the flames burst out. It was exhilarating! With mischievous sea creatures and Oscar, a cheeky tiger fish, I’m sure children will definitely love this show. It was one of the most entertaining show we had, and it was a great way to end a pleasure tour at the Sentosa Park.

Songs of the Sea is the world's only permanent show set in the sea. The show runs twice a night at 7:40 pm and 8:40 pm and lasts 25 minutes.

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SENTOSA LUGE AND SKYRIDE

Soon after, we went to the Sentosa Luge and Skyride at Imbiah Lookout. We purchased the Luge ride only (S$6 per person). We went to queue for a few minutes until our turn came. We excitedly jumped on the part go-cart and part toboggan, which is a non-motorized self-steering, gravity driven three-wheel cart.

(Ticket Office)
(I got my hand stamped at the entrance)

But before we proceeded, one of the staff members gave us a detailed and helpful instruction on how to maneuver the unique breaking and steering system of the Luge track. We were told that the gears are in the form of handles that we could decide on the speed as we're in full control. Shortly, we braced ourselves speeding down a hill over a course of 650 meter ending at the Siloso Beach. I felt like a child all over again. It was a fun-filled and exciting ride that hubby and I won't forget. Pretty addictive!

After the ride, guests can also view or purchase the captured candid images at the Photo center. You can have the thrill-pix ride photo printed right away, or you can opt for the "e-mail photo service" (pictures will be send immediately to your e-mail address). I chose the latter.

(my captured candid shot sent through e-mail from Sentosa Luge)

For visitors who wanted both the Chairlift and Luge track rides (S$9.00 per person), you can start your adventure at the Siloso Beach station.

Sentosa Luge and Skyride is open from 10:00 am to 9:30 pm (including weekends and public holidays.

SENTOSA: BUTTERFLY PARK AND INSECT KINGDOM

Then we stopped by at Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom. Here you can stroll around the surroundings and experience the many butterflies fluttering around and explore the many species of the world’s most beautiful and rarest insects.

Admission is S$10 for adults and S$6 for children. Opening hours from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm (last entry 6:00 pm).

SENTOSA: IMAGES OF SINGAPORE

Soon we moved to Images of Singapore. Guests can experience Singapore both past and present cultural diversity. The life and times of the four main races that make up the island nation through historical exhibits, interactive displays and live shows.

Admission is S$10.00 for adult and S$7 for children. Open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm daily (last entry 6:30 pm).

SENTOSA: THE MERLION

Then we hopped on the Sentosa Express again and arrived at Imbiah Lookout, which is located near Mount Imbiah and is known for a collection of various attractions. First, we checked out the Merlion, the Singapore's tallest tourism icon. The Merlion symbolizes in its fish body the ancient city of Temasek, and its lion head, the legend of its discovery.

Visitors can view the Singapore city skyline and Sentosa from the top of the 37m high through Merlion's mouth and head.

some really nice surroundings from Imbiah Lookout

Entrance fee is S$8.00 for adults and S$5.00 for children. They are open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily. Last entry is 7:30 pm.

SENTOSA: OSCAR AND CO.

We arrived at Siloso Beach Station which lies at the western portion of the southeast coast. We began by walking and exploring the area. The place is wide with lush parkland and gardens, very clean and tidy. There were lots of people around and various trams shuttle in the parking area (close to the main entrance).

Then we popped round at Oscar and Company boutique, selling souvenirs ranging from plush toys, photo frames, magic wand, clocks, ballpens, towels to clothes and children's slippers. The shop also offers photo services.



I bought several Sentosa hand towels jacqua (S$7.90 each), and 3-Fold super flat umbrellas (S$9.90 each). I got a 20% discount for showing them our Songs of the Sea tickets. Nice!



The shop opens at 11:00 am to 9:30 pm daily.

SENTOSA EXPRESS

Upon arrival at Vivo City shopping mall, we went straight ahead to Sentosa Express ticketing station located at level 3. We purchased the single day Sentosa Pass (S$3 per person) that allows unlimited rides on the Sentosa Express including admission into Sentosa park.

beside the ticketing station is a food court named Food Republic
a gargantuan poster of "Songs of the Sea" posted near the station

Sentosa Station

Sentosa, which means peace and tranquility in Malay, is a popular island resort and themed entertainment including family attractions, beaches, golf as well as hotel accommodation and retreats in Singapore. It lies just half a kilometer away from the southern coast of the main island of Singapore.

station with platform screen gates

We made our way and hopped into a colorful two-car train. The monorail has four stations on Sentosa and departs every 5-8 minutes from 7:00 am to 11:45 pm daily.

inside the Sentosa Express

views from the train

NIGHT SAFARI (PART 2)

We were among the first in line at the entrance gate and before we knew it the place was filled up fast.

While waiting we happened to see the tribal dancers getting ready for their cultural performances (known for their blowpipe demonstrations and fire eating displays), which are a regular feature at the safari.



We waited agonizingly for about one and a half hours before we finally made it and boarded the open-air tramcar with a well-trained English-speaking tour guide. As we toured the zoo, the guide warned everyone from taking flash photography so as not to disturb the animals.



The place is surrounded by green forest and some relatively low hill. The setting is enveloped in shadowy-half light. And the night air was cool at that time.


We were told that we could hop off at the various trails and embark on a brisk stroll along the three walking trails: the Fishing Cat, Forest Giants or Leopard Trail. Each trail averages half a kilometre in length and can be covered in approximately 20 minutes. But no one dared to do it because it drizzled on and off for a couple of hours plus it was dark and gloomy. The ride took us around 40 minutes covering 3.2 km.

Our experience was mildly disappointing. The animals were way too far from our observation vehicle and the place was too dark, so it was hard to spot some of them. sigh... Plus the hype made our expectations a little bit too high. But nonetheless, the zoo is decent and I would still recommend it to anyone who wishes to experience a night venture of the zoo.

Night Safari (Part 1)

Then we ventured to Night Safari just beside the Singapore Zoo. Since we arrived a little bit early, we did our photo-taking opportunity around the area.

Night Safari is an entire open-air zoo set in a humid tropical forest that is only open at night. It is known for nocturnal animals that only come out at night, while others are simply more active at night. It is divided into eight geographical zones, which can be explored either on foot via walking trails, or by tram. Animals are separated from visitors with natural barriers, rather than caged, similar to the Singapore Zoo's open concept.

There are a number of food and beverage outlets in the Night Safari which include Bongo Burgers, Ben and Jerry's Scoop Shop, and Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant (with ethnic ambiance and offers an array of local favorites and international cuisine).

Bongo Burgers / Ben and Jerry's
Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant

Visitors can also experience dining on the move with the Cocktail Safari Express and Gourmet Safari Express.

SINGAPORE ZOO (PART 5)

Near the entrance is a huge Safari Zoo Shop with great assortment of merchandise and interesting souvenirs such as cuddly animal plush, toys, caps, t-shirts, bags etc. These items make ideal presents for children, plush toys collectors or any animal lovers.

Then we stopped for a drink break at Ben and Jerry's, a brand known for ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet and other ice cream novelty products. We stayed there for a while before the closing time (6:00 pm), then we proceeded to Night Safari.


There are also other varieties of restaurants to go such as Pizzafari (a pizza outlet that offers Italian-style thin crusted pizzas), KFC, Forest Fare, Jungle Flavours, Jungle Tandoor and Cheers (a convenience store). Refreshment prices vary from reasonable to high.

Overall, Singapore Zoo is nicely laid out, divided into differen sections, which will keep you busy for the whole afternoon. The layout of the zoo is easy to follow. But expect to walk quite a bit which every so often can wear you out. Some of the sections are quite far-flung from one another. You can ride around on a tram but you have to go to one of their stopover sections where visitors line up in queues. If you want to spare yourself walking under the hot tropical sun, you may opt for guided tours. Animals shows, as well as token feedings coupled with live commentaries by keepers, are also the daily staple in the Singapore Zoo.

The zoo is open from 8:30am to 6:00pm daily.


Address: Singapore Zoo
80 Mandalai, Lake Road
Singapore
Tel (65) 6269 3411

SINGAPORE ZOO (PART 4)

Shortly we came face to face with the little penguins in their special glass-fronted enclosures, swimming gracefully underwater.

Soon after, we passed by the Elephant Rides section. Guests can ride on the back of these animals and have your souvenir photo taken.



Later on, we decided to hop on for a free tram ride as we were already tired from walking.



We drove around most parts of the zoo and we stopped at the Polar Bears section, where we saw Sheba and Inuka (the first polar bear born in the tropics). They live in a large air-conditioned den, 3.5-metre deep pool, which allows them to cool off. They have a separate cubbing den for rearing cubs. The place was too crowded but we managed to get to the front side. But sad to say my photos were so blurred and crappy because of the glass fronted enclosure.



Afterwards, we walked a bit further and then we caught sight of the "Asian Small-clawed Otter", which is the smallest of the 16 otter species found throughout the world. I was trying to capture a shot of them but I was too late as they hide immediately in their nooks and crannies.



Then we spotted these exotic and colorful tropical birds.

SINGAPORE ZOO (PART 3): Primates

Then we went to the Primate Kingdom, which consists of six large and two small moated islands and houses several species of monkeys including the lion-tailed macaques, black and white colobus monkeys, brown capuchin and spider monkey.

(One of the small moated island)

While walking around the park, we glimpsed an adorable and mischievous orangutan at the Island Free Ranging Orang Utans. He was brachiating (hanging and swinging with the arms) through thick branches and cheerily making cutesy faces at wide-eyed visitors who cooed and laughed at him. This ape has an undeniable magnetic personality and mesmeric appeal as he amuses everyone, including us. What a sight! Darn, now I've got a crush again. *big grin*


The zoo also offers a highlight programme called the "Breakfast with an Orangutan" that allow visitors to meet and interact closely with the orangutans in the zoo, including the famous primate Ah Meng who is an icon of the Singapore tourism industry.

SINGAPORE ZOO (Part 2): Elephant of Asia

The map made it easy for us to find the way to the Elephant of Asia. When we got there, I was already tired and perspiring heavily after our long walk. phew!

The area is built along the tranquil waters of the Seletar Reservoir, the 7800-square-metre exhibit comprise viewing lofts, rustic thatched huts and elevated boardwalks. The sad part, the exhibit area was already full and seats were all taken. Nevertheless, we were satisfied standing on the elevated boardwalks near the back row seats.

Shortly the elephant show started. It was held in an open field and the elephants entertained the audience with their variety of skills and several balancing acts, obeying the commands of trainers such as sit, lay down or crouch for trainers to ride on the neck, dancing along the music, playing football and dragging logs by arranging in order.

And what I enjoyed most was the latter part of the show when the elephants showered the audience with water who were seated in the front rows. They were caught off guard and everyone was surprised. hahaha... it was a blast! Even though some part of the show was a bit sluggish, it was still a nice exhibition with a perfect display of cooperation between the elephants and their trainers, who are called Mahout.

SINGAPORE ZOO (PART 1)

In the afternoon, we headed to Singapore Zoo. We took the MRT and alighted at Ang Mo Kio Station, then we hopped on the Bus service 138 (just accross the MRT station) bound directly to Singapore Zoo.

Upon arrival, hubby bought our Zoo Park Hoppers Ticket 2-in-1 (Zoo and Night Safari Admission), at the Ticket station, which cost us S$40.00 per person including the 5% GST. Lines were quick. Once inside, along the rainforest courtyard, one of the staff greeted us and had our photo taken. He told us that it would be available at the Digi Photo located at Zoo Entrance beside Ben and Jerry's.