ADEX 2008

Asia Dive Expo 2008 (ADEX) opens at Suntec Singapore. This year is of particular importance for the conservation of marine movement. Indeed, Singapore will join 50 countries throughout the world to a better understanding of threats to the reefs at risk. It will welcome top international marine Richard Leck from the World Wildlife Fund’s Coral Triangle Program, Christine Ward-Paige from Global Shark Awareness and Julian Hyde from Reef Check. All visitors will learn about the Coral Nursery, which is a project launched to preserve and proliferate natural corals. It has also some exciting program of screenings, presentations, talks, seminars and activities which will educate and entertain on an array of dive-related subjects. There will also be a generous number of prizes, giveaways, dollar deals and fun activities like the Scuba Tryouts where potential divers can learn the basics in a safe environment.

At the Night Safari

I have witnesses a different world at the Night Safari. Upon arrival, I have enjoyed the exhilarating tribal performance by people from the rainforest of Borneo. I was amazed with their dance, blowpipe demonstrations and fire eating displays. After which we have proceed on the Fishing Cat Trail despite the risk of possible dangers, I might catch the cats in action as they eye their prey. Other animals in the trail include the leopard cats, small-clawed otters, Indian Gharials, and the Malayan flying fox. Our adventure continues on Forest Giant’s trail. In here we have witnessed awesome forest giants, of over 100 other native plants with the nocturnal activities of toads, frogs, crickets and other insects. It is really enjoyable; you might even catch some bats, flying lemurs, nightjars, owls, squirrels and tree shrews.

After the adventure we go to the amphitheatre to watch the show of Puma, Barn Owls, and Python, Raccoons and more, showing behavior and incredible abilities of our animals, from predatory to survival skills. The night adventure continues when we are on board with the Tram Journey, and at the Leopard trail to see all the animals in a different light. Our last stop is to buy some souvenirs to remember the entire magical journey.

Sentosa Singapore: All-In- One Island

Before I go to Singapore, I said to myself that I should visit Sentosa, which my friend usually tells about its breathtaking beauty, lush greenery peppered with exciting attractions and activities. And when I got to the place, this popular island resort is really an all- in- one themed attraction, tropical resort, and nature park and heritage center.

Among the attractions I have liked are the two-kilometer long sheltered beach, Fort Siloso, golf courses and the five-star hotels. For me Sentosa is a place of fun sports and activities for the whole family, with its amenities, which is easily within reach. Also, I have enjoyed looking for those friendly peacocks, monkeys and squirrels found everywhere the place. I have met the friendly pink dolphins as well as other exciting ocean life, butterflies and unusual insects such as the man-face bugs, stick insects, giant millipedes, scorpions and rhino beetles at the Underwater World and at the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, respectively.

This Singapore’s fourth largest island really offers variety of attractions, museums and other facilities to provide a variety of experiences, recreation and entertainment to the whole family. It is so easy to reach this place. Just take a short causeway or cable car from the mainland. It is also accessible by Sentosa express monorail.

The Singapore Zoo

Singapore zoo is one of the world’s most spectacular zoos because of the use of natural barriers such as streams, rock walls and vegetation to separate animals from visitors. And later enhances the open zoo concept. The zoo is a home of 315 species of animal, over 3,600 mammals, birds and reptiles, including rare and endangered species. There is also the large captive colony of orangutans.

We can see endangered species like the Malayan tiger, the white rhino, proboscis monkey, Komodo dragon and the sea lion. We can also witness exciting and educational display of ecosystems and rainforest culture, the Fragile Forest.

My parents enjoyed the "Breakfast with an Orangutan" program, which allow them to meet and interact closely with the orangutans in the zoo. We really enjoy every animal shows, as well as token feedings coupled with live commentaries by keepers.

MacRitchie Reservoir, Singapore

Going on a tour with a volunteer guide is the best way to see and learn more about the special forest at MacRitchie Reservoir. It is Singapore's oldest reservoir. During the tour, we were informed that the forest around the reservoir was protected as a water catchments reserve, as well as the forests surrounding the other two reservoirs, Peirce and Seletar.

Through the forest, there are boardwalks skirting the edge and walking trails. Also, we can see signboards along the boardwalks for a self-guided tour along the fringes. Indeed the boardwalk allows for easy exploration of freshwater wildlife. Furthermore, there were also intriguing Ant plant and pitcher plants.

Surprisingly, I was attracted with the 250m aerial free standing suspension bridge spanning Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang, which are the two highest points in MacRitchie. This bridge really offers a panoramic view of Upper Peirce Reservoir and the surrounding lush rainforest, by which we can also enjoy the sounds and sights of native birds in the morning.

Pearl's Hill City Park

This park is also called Mount Stamford Hill, which is located in the Central Region of Singapore, was built around a reservoir on top of a hill. There were spice plantations on the hill, sago factories were also situated on the flat ground near the base. At the foot of the hill is the People's Park Complex.

In this park we can experience peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of city life. We can have the chance to climb the hill to enjoy the wooded ambience provided by trees. Furthermore, we can just sit back and relax by the pond, meditating upon the still waters and watching lively fishes. And when in full bloom, the water lilies in the pond provide a splash of color across the entire pond. Relax at the park, which is lit from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am.

Fort Canning Park, Singapore

Belonged to the Malaya Kings, this one of the oldest parks in Singapore that is another worth paying tourist attraction. During my 1- month stay in the country, it was a good experience to see precious memorials of Singapore’s early history. I have seen Sir Stamford Raffle’s personal bungalow.

This place is really a popular venue for the arts, including sculpture exhibitions, plays and open-air ballet. Visit this place and learn Singapore history.

Merlion Park, Singapore

Last month I visited my friend in Singapore. Since it was my first time to go there, it’s been a great experience to see the most popular tourist attraction in Singapore, Merlion Park. The lion head with a fish body designed as an emblem for Singapore Tourism Board. As a matter of fact it quickly became Singapore’s ion to the rest of the world.

I hope to go there again soon.

Jurong Bird Park

What I like in this park is the beautiful Flamingo Lake while we are having feast with their local delights. Jurong Bird Park is one of the great landscaped park tourist attraction in Singapore managed by Widlife Reserves Singapore, with an area of 202,000 square meters.

I was able to catch a glimpse of all 7 species of pelicans including the endangered Dalmatian Pelican. I really enjoyed strolling along the boardwalk and observe lots of birds.

Furthermore, I have watched bird of prey such as eagles, hawks and falcons, who will fly in aerial loops and soar above the treetops. Also, in one corner of the zoo there is a section full of flightless birds such as ostriches, emus, rheas, and cassowaries.