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Published: April 4th 2009
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So This Is What Paradise Is!!
We were up nice and early today, mainly because Amy was bouncing off the walls, as we made our day trip to Sentosa Island. The island is only about 1km off the coast of Singapore and is considered the southern most point of continental South East Asia (even though it's an island off an island off the continent). About 20 years ago the military gave the island over to tourism to create a resort/theme park/wilderness precinct and when the government does something here, they do it in style!!
Through the neon arch, we pay the $2 admission to the island which then provides all bus and tram transport free making the world your oyster so to speak. First on the agenda... a lesson in history. Fort Silosa, built back in the 1800's, was the World War II fort that myth surrounds, saying that the guns were never fired when the Japanese invaded Singapore due to them facing out to sea and the Japanese invading over land from the north.
Not True!! The guns were there to protect the harbour and did fire into the oncomming invaders over the city as well as sinking
an oil tanker in the harbour so the Japanese couldn't use it. When the surrender of Singapore to the Japanese occured in 1942, the guns were turned around to face the sea by the invaders to fire upon Allied troops and the fort was converted to POW camp. Guns found in the jungles all over Singapore have been restored and sent to Fort Silosa to be displayed as part of the wartime heritage.
Next to Fort Silosa is the Underwater World, Singapore's version of AQWA, with it's many creatures of the deep and even a few cuter ones too. From eels to stingrays, sharks to sea horses, and one very hungry dugong, it provided an insight into the world below the waves.
So after seeing all that water, we thought it was about time we discovered the beach lifestyle, and headed down to the bars. I must say, there is something to be said about lazing on a sun bed, under an umbrella, on the beach, being brought cocktails, at a place called the "Bora Bora Bar"!!! They had me sussed before I even walked through the door. The beaches are beautiful on Sentosa with the palm trees
and white sand but don't look to close at the water!! A wander down to the other end of the beach reveals why Amy has been so fidgety all day....
Cafe Del Mar!! Basically a dance club on the beach with sun beds, drinks, views and pumping beats. Amy's little slice of paradise!!
Now... remember the Merlion at the Esplanade??? Well seemingly that's the Mummy Merlion and there is a little baby one just behind it. "Where's the Daddy?" you might ask... Sentosa Island of course. You can go up the inside of it and get some views from the mouth and head out in 360 degrees. But wait until you see it at night!!!
The other main area of the island is Imbiah Lookout where all the amusement rides are. Everything from luge rides to a butterfly,bird and insect exhibits are here for your perusal, as long as your willing to pay. We spent some time having a look around and going on the nature walk before heading off for some more of that cheap, good food for dinner.
A walk around after dark was followed by a laser, pyrotechnic and water show that's like watching
a high-tech version of playschool but still very worth it. I've only got videos of the show sorry guys but I think it's better that way anyway.
To cap the night off, we took the cable car from the island up to Mt Faber, giving us another bird's eye view of the city, though this time at night.
An exhausting day but well worth it.
If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home. ~James Michener
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Melissa
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convinced on the Island
Well I was debating where psend the little time we will have in Singapore. This looks like an absolute goer.