The Barrage

There is really a new place to go to in Singapore. The Marina Barrage. I thought it was just a dam. It is that and more. Its a place, where, if you want to, you can have a picnic with your family or your significant other while you admire the Singapore Flyer, which is the tallest structure of its kind in the world. Of course, on a rainy day, the view becomes hazy, as in these photos, but the view is still expansive. Besides the huge circular arc that leads up to the park, there is the gallery which features several rooms full of pictures, decor, etc. that tells about water and the related technologies that the barrage is an example of. There is also a scale model of the barrage mechanism that lets the water flow out to the sea in case the water on the side of the Singapore River gets too full during a huge storm. You are allowed to take photos in the gallery, but video is not allowed.

The only problem with this place is that there is no public transport there, and even if you take a taxi, there may not be any to take you out, unless, by chance, one comes in. And I am not too sure that any taxi will want to respond to a booking as there isn't any surcharge that the cabby can earn, unlike going to Singapore Expo or Changi Airport.

But if you own a set of wheels, it is really a place worth visiting. Plan your journey ahead because this barrage is in the midst of the huge construction going on to built Singapore's first Integrated Resort.

Heavenly Heights

The world is in recession now. Overseas travelling traffic has been hit. Airlines are scaling back on their flight services. Even premier airlines like SIA are reducing the number of flights to some destinations to save on costs. Many, who just cannot do without the travelling, are going to destinations nearer home.

Well, why not take that logic one step closer - closer to home, that is. Many would forget that, in the rush to get out of the country, there are interesting places in Singapore that are new and probably remains unexplored. Take for example, the relatively new Alexandra Arch and Henderson Waves, which stretches from Mount Faber at the southern tip of Singapore to Kent Ridge on the west. These names themselves already evokes excitement and hints of adventures to come. These are a number of footpath and bridges that connects several hills in the south of Singapore right up to the western coastal area in Kent Ridge, the home of the National University of Singapore and Haw Par Villa.

I took a walk, well, not the entire stretch, but have seen enough to wonder at the ingenuity of our National Parks Board in creating these heavenly heights of greenery, which have become part of the Southern Ridges. The Henderson Waves boast the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. It is also, as the National Parks Board boasts, "one of the best spots in Singapore to catch panoramic views of the city, harbour and the Southern Islands".

Take a miss of Chiang Mai. There's the Souther Ridges in Singapore.