Noordin Beach, Pulau Ubin.

The sign says it all.Click on the above photo for high-res image
I went to Pulau Ubin today, the last reserve of the kampongs. Except for the absence of chickens, ducks and turkeys, [the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) has banned all poultry on Ubin since 17 June 2005 as part of ongoing efforts to keep the deadly bird flu out of Singapore] the island has not changed much since my last visit some 15 years ago. The rustic settings and slow pace of life in Pulau Ubin is still well preserved and is a refreshing change from the main island of Singapore.
The Gazebo in the afternoon.Click on the above photo for high-res image
The abandoned Pekan Quarry.
Today, it remains as a picturesque relic of Ubin's history.Click on the above photo for high-res image
First thing I did on arrival was to make a bee-line to the NParks Info Kiosk and say hello to the friendly staff out there. Unlike most visitors who rent a bike to explore the island, I decided to walk instead. Took a leisurely stroll through the village town center and headed towards Noordin Beach. The scenery is beautiful and after passing Pekan Quarry, I spied a number of durian trees heavily laden with fruits. After slightly more than an hour or so, I arrived at Noordin Beach. It is a small beach, and the view was ruined by the "fence" that was erected to thwart the landings by illegal immigrants.
Noordin Beach.Click on the above photo for high-res image
I continued to explore Noordin beach. There was a lone feral dog that kept following me around. I saw a pair of Grey Heron perched on the "fence" motionless waiting for prey. As thunder clouds started to gather, I decided to head back to the village town centre.
Road sign-post in Pulau Ubin.Click on the above photo for high-res image
I was sun-burnt, hot, sweaty and tired. My leg muscles were aching and I thought it was best to stop at a roadside stall for some fresh coconut juice before catching the bumboat back to Changi Point.

Test shots using my Nikon 4T.

Received the airmail package containing the Lens Adapter Tube for my Nikon 4T on Monday, 15 May.

Went to MacRitchie today and took some test shots with my Nikon 4T. Whilst prowling along Petai Trail, I met Peter San who is a Macro enthusiasist. He is using a Lumix FZ10 coupled to a Nikon 6T. When two Lumix users meet up, there is bound to be plenty of yakking and exchange of views. I must thank Peter for his tips on Macro shooting. Will try out his suggestions on my next outing.

Posted below are some of my test shots, (still a long way to go !).
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Click on the above photo for high-res image
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Cycad Blue. [Chilades pandava pandava]Click on the above photo for high-res image
Tyriobapta torrida Kirby, 1889.Click on the above photo for high-res image

Simpang Kiri Park Connector

This is the entrance to Simpang Kiri Park Connector, located at Canberra Link near to Yishun Industrial Park A. The jogging track begins just after the bollards. Along this track, (adjacent to a wide canal which ultimately flows into the Johor Straits) you'll find fitness stations and benches to rest your tired feet.
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The jogging track is 2.8km long, starting from Yishun Avenue 2 and stretches to the end at Tanjong Irau beach next to the Bottle Tree Village. Good place for in-line skating, cycling and jogging.Click on the above photo for high-res image
This jetty fronts the Bottle Tree Village (where the Sembawang Sea Sports Centre used to be) and offers a beautiful view of the Straits of Johor and Malaysia..Click on the above photo for high-res image

Jelutong Tower

The Tower.Click on the above photo for high-res image
Named after a common forest tree, the Jelutong Tower allows visitors to have a bird’s eye-view of the varied terrain of the MacRitchie Reservoir and the skyline beyond. This seven-storeyed observation tower (reaching 20m in height) can be reached via three access routes – the Golf Link, Sime Track and the Rifle Range Link. I took the Golf Link route, a boardwalk that hugs the reservoir's edge of the Singapore Island Country Club (Bukit Location).
An exhilarating view from the top of the Tower. See the Reservoir beyond ?Click on the above photo for high-res image
This trail leads to the HSBC TreeTop Walk.Click on the above photo for high-res image

Are the distances displayed correct ?Click on the above photo for high-res image

Closure of Sime Track (from Petaling Hut to the Ranger's Station).Click on the above photo for high-res image

The "top of the world" feeling.

The suspension bridge is 250m long and 25m above ground (at the highest point).Click on the above photo for high-res image
Situated amidst the MacRitchie forest, the HSBC TreeTop Walk (free-standing suspension bridge) is a first of its kind in Singapore and enables us to have a rare bird's eye view of the forest canopy level. Drawing inspiration from those who have been to the Tree Top Walk (TTW), I became very excited over the idea of experiencing what it'll be like to overlook the Central Catchment Area from an unobstructed, panoramic view, never made available before. Taking advantage of the good weather this morning, I took to the Terentang Trail and headed for the TTW which is located in mature secondary forest between Bukit Kalang and Bukit Pierce, the two highest points in MacRitchie.

A breathtaking view of the Upper Peirce Reservoir and lush greenery.Click on the above photo for high-res image
Getting to the TTW involves going through an undulating trail with steep slopes and long stretches of mud track strewn with stones and broken bricks. Proper footwear and clothing are necessary in such a terrain. Just as I was wondering if the trail will ever end, the service road of Singapore Island Country Club at Island Club Road looms into view. From there, it's another 20 mins of walking to the Ranger's Station followed by some panting uphill climb before reaching the bridge itself. The view from the bridge is quite a sight to behold. I was earlier informed by one of the NParks staff that the Sime Track (from the Ranger's Station to Petaling Hut) is affected by a landslide and is currently closed until further notice. To get back to the Ranger Station, he advised me to follow the pipeline track at the half-way mark of Petaling Trail. The return route takes visitors up and down a series of boardwalks. What a relief when I finally reached the car park at Venus Road.

Croc sighted at SBWR

Estuarine Crocodile, [Crocodylus porosus] .Click on the above photo for high-res image
Spotted this croc at Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve this morning. I was walking along the Mangrove Boardwalk looking for butterflies when this reptile caught my attention. It was about 2 metres from head to tail and look deceptively coy ! If you ever go down to the Mangrove Boardwalk, do precisely as what the signboard says - "WATCH IT !"

Radjah Shelducks (Tadorna radjah)

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These wild ducks caught my attention when I was at the Singapore Botanic Gardens yesterday. There were three of them, all with the same color markings. The head, neck, and under parts are white whilst their wings and a band across their breast are black. The secondary feathers are metallic green with white tips. Legs, feet and bill are light pink.

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Click on the above photo for high-res image
Thanks to Ms Jacqueline Lau (ecologist and nature photographer cum nature guide) for ID-ing them as "Tadorna radjahs". They are also commonly known as White-headed Shelducks or Black-backed Radjah Shelducks.

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Tadorna radjahs are definitely not native to Singapore. They are mainly found around the coast of New Guinea and on the Moluccan Islands, the Aru Islands in western Papua, and on Fergusson Island. These birds prefer marshes, lagoons and swamps of shallow brackish or saline water. Both sexes are vocal, even when flying. Females sound like a harsh rattle, males sound like a hoarse whistle.

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Radjah ducks feed mostly at night by grazing in pastures or by dabbling in the water. They eat mollusks, insects, sedge materials, and algae.

Green Iguana (Iguana Iguana)

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Spotted this handsome Green Iguana at Sungei Buloh today. As Iguanas are not native to Singapore, I suspect that this one has been (illegally) released into the freshwater ponds at Buloh. This beautiful reptile was sunning himself at the lily pond. He was easily 1.5 to 2 meters long from head to tail. He nodded his head (and the dewlap under his throat swung like a pendulum) just before disappearing into the bush. I understand from fellow photo-buffs that there is another one at the Botanic Gardens which I have not come across yet.

Labrador Nature Reserve (Labrador Park)

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Labrador Park is well-known for its natural rocky seashore and coastal vegetation, and has been gazetted as a nature reserve in 2002. However, it is more than a nature reserve. Labrador is also a park rich in history. In its midst are historical war relics and bunkers that date back to the 19th century, when the British identified Labrador as a strategic site for the defence of Singapore. View of the Labrador Jetty from the aerial staircase.Click on the above photo for high-res image
The cliffside aerial staircase offers a good view of the Southern Islands of Singapore. In the distance, the chimneys of Pulau Bukom's oil refineries stand out clearly against the blue sky (though perhaps not on camera). The Jetty is also known to be a good fishing spot and is very popular with local anglers.
Click on the above photo for high-res imageThe above is one of the two 6-inch Rifle Bridged Loading (RBL) guns deployed at Labrador during the war and is an apt reminder of the role played by the Labrador Battery during the battle of Singapore in February 1942.

The Little Heron (Butorides striatus)

I spotted this juvenile Little Heron (aka the Mangrove Heron or Striated Heron) at the Singapore Botanic Gardens this morning. It was standing on a water-lily pad hunting for little fishes.
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Changeable Lizard at Kent Ridge Park.

This morning I went to Kent Ridge Park with the simple intention of wanting to try out the Canopy Walk. Kent Ridge did not disappoint... The Canopy Walk.Click on the above photo for high-res image
Another view of the Canopy Walk.Click on the above photo for high-res image
I was hanging around at the Look-Out Point till noon, when I then went in search of the legendary alligator at the pond. Just imagine, some wise guy saw a Monitor Lizard and later the story went around that he saw an alligator ! Whilst walking along the edge of the pond, I saw a juvenile Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis) or Pucong Kuning (Malay name) on the opposite bank. It is not easy to spot a Yellow Bittern because of their supreme camouflage. They are usually seen only in flight, and their flights are usually brief and low. Couldn't get a good shot, as it darted quickly into the thick undergrowth to hide.
As I made my way back to the Canopy Walk, a Changeable Lizard (Calotes versicolor) ran across my path just in front of me. It was a matured male in red crested breeding regalia. He seems to be less fearful of people. I leopard-crawled to within 3 feet of this agamid ( See photo below). This agamid froze momentarily on hearing my footsteps.Click on the above photo for high-res image

Hindhede Nature Park

Went to Hindhede Nature Park this afternoon for these pics despite the partly cloudy sky. Strolled up the gentle winding boardwalk to the lookout point where I was rewarded with a lovely view of a water-filled disused quarry. From the dense forest across the water, I could hear the chatter of monkeys and the garrulous call of the white-crested laughing thrush. This is one of my favourite scenic spots at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Very calm and peaceful surrounding, reminds me of the same tranquility that I experienced at Tasik Kenyir.

In case your sense of direction isn't too good, this map will put you on the right track.Click on the above photo for high-res image
View of the quarry from the lookout point.
The TAS VHF Station is at the top of the quarryClick on the above photo for high-res image

Clouded Monitor

Photographed at MacRitchie Reservoir, Singapore
Family : VARANIDAE
Species : Varanus bengalensis nebulosus.Click on the above photo for high-res image
Whilst on the way to the Tree Top Walk, I encountered this specimen as it was digging amongst the leaf litter searching for beetles and other insects. The hike to Tree Top Walk had to be abandoned due to bad weather.
The Clouded Monitor is often mistaken for the Malayan Water Monitor due to similarity in appearance. The Clouded Monitor is distinguished by the position of the nostrils which lie mid-way between the eye and snout.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

This is the mouth of Sungei Buloh Besar with the town of JB forming the backdrop. Click on the above photo for high-res image
There are three walking trails in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR). On my previous visits, I managed to complete "Route One" and "Route Two" but somehow I took a wrong turning and missed the "Tower Hide".
This morning I visited SBWR again and chose to do "Route Three" which is approximately 7 km long. It took me about 4 hours to complete this trail. This time with the aid of a trail map I made it to the "Tower Hide". Here are some pictures that I took from the top level of the "Tower Hide" :-
Can you see the "Bird Observation Hide" on the left ?Click on the above photo for high-res imageAnother view from the topClick on the above photo for high-res imageDuring the course of my hike, I came across quite a number of Malayan Water Monitor Lizards (Varanus salvator) sunning themselves. There is a large community inhabiting the Aquatic Pond. Another common sight is the "Common Sun Skinks" and the "White-breasted Waterhen". The star attraction of SBWR is of course the migratory birds that feed on the mudflats. I couldn't get any good shots with my camera as they were out of range. Time to get a more powerful zoom ?
Whilst on the way back to the car park, I spied a "Pink-necked green pigeon" (Treron vernans) feeding on the the ripened fruits of a palm tree. Here is the shot :
Pink-necked Green PigeonClick on the above photo for high-res imageWhen I next come back to SBWR again, I intend to explore the 2 km long "Kranji Nature Trail" which is the green corridor linking two wetlands, the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and Kranji Reservoir Park.

Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.

Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra will tour China and Singapore in October, performing two concerts in Beijing, one in Shanghai as part of the prestigious China Shanghai International Arts Festival and two in Singapore.

Photo Credit: Mark Lyons
Tour at a Glance

• Friday, October 21: Beijing, Great Hall of the People

• Saturday, October 22: Beijing, Great Hall of the People

• Monday, October 24: Shanghai,* Shanghai Grand Stage

• Wednesday, October 26: Singapore, Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay

• Thursday, October 27: Singapore, Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay

Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay is Singapore’s national performing arts center. It boasts superb adjustable acoustics — by world-renowned acoustician Russell Johnson — found only in four other halls globally.

I have two of the Pops recordings, both are on TELARC label. One is "Time Warp" with Don Dorsey on the synthesizer keyboard and the other is "Round-up".

Globalogue Forum - Launched Today

A new forum, "Globalogue", has been launched today at :



http://globalogue.org/forums

What is a forum ? (an uninitiated may ask.)

A forum is a place for online discussion, debates, dialogues and information sharing. It allows you to post messages for everyone to read, and in turn read the messages of others. Forums are an excellent place to learn and share knowledge with other people from around the world.

In "Globalogue", there are a number of topic areas in which global affairs are discussed. These and other topics are listed on the forum's topic index page.

Check here for their WELCOME MESSAGE.

See, Hear and Feel the Sound.

You are invited to "see, hear and feel the sound" of Dolby.
Stereo speakers recommended.
( See the video )

Mighty Mouse is here !

Apple today introduced Mighty Mouse, its next generation mouse with several innovative new features that make using a Mac even more powerful and easy. Mighty Mouse offers power users up to four independently programmable buttons, without compromising simplicity for users who prefer just a single-button mouse. Mighty Mouse also introduces an ingenious Scroll Ball that lets users scroll in any direction—vertically, horizontally and even diagonally. With the Scroll Ball, users can scroll with natural, fluid movements, making Mighty Mouse perfect for applications from viewing web pages and photographs, to video editing and music creation. Mighty Mouse is priced at just S$88.



Check this review: http://www.apple.com/mightymouse/

I think I'll wait until Apple releases a Bluetooth version of this mouse before shelling out money.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Went trekking at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve this morning as the weather was cool and breezy.
Situated within this 164-hectare (400 acres) of nature reserve is Bukit Timah Hill, the highest point in Singapore standing at a "towering" height of 164m. I took the shortest path to the summit because of time constraint.
Summit Path
The shortest trekking route to the summit follows what the park has labeled as the "Red Walking Trail" which is just over 1 km and follows a paved road heading northwest from the the Nature Reserve's Visitor Centre. From the Visitor's Centre to the entrance of the Nature Reserve, I encountered a rather steep climb, (about 60 degrees incline) which actually provided me with some good exercise as I plodded my way up the hill.
Saw many interesting insects along with the Plantain Squirrels (Callosciurus notatus) on my way up. I also spotted two beautiful butterflies - the Blue Glassy Tiger and the Common Palmfly.The Blue Glassy Tiger.Click on the above photo for a high-res image
The Common Palmfly.Click on the above photo for a high-res image
Watching these butterflies feeding from flower to flower in their natural environment is always fascinating and rewarding.
The whole Nature Reserve has four clearly marked trails. The shortest one takes about 20 minutes while the longest route will take about 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace. Throughout all the routes, there are many simple jungle-themed shelters which provide rest as well as shelter from the rain for the visitors.
Bukit Timah Hill was once an active quarrying site in the mid-1900s. One abandoned quarry has been developed as a park. Hindhede Nature Park is now a popular spot with visitors who come to enjoy the quarry’s scenic beauty.