Jaunt through Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam takes its name from the Gelam tree (malaleuca leucadendron) that once grew in abundance in the area. Medicinal oil was extracted from Gelam tree while its bark was used by the Bugis and Malays to caulk the seams of their boats. Originally a fishing village at the mouth of the Rochor River, Kampong Glam was also the historic seat of Malay royalty in Singapore.
Yesterday, I took a jaunt to this historic area starting from the former Istana Kampong Glam (Istana means Palace in Malay) which now houses the Malay Heritage Centre (Taman Warisan Melayu).

The Malay Heritage Centre.Click on the above photo for high-res imageBuilt in 1840s as the palace of residence for the last Sultan of Singapore, Sultan Hussein Muaazzam Shah ibni Sultan Mahmud, this historical two-storey Palladian architecture-styled building was meticulously restored in 2003 to retain its flavour and authenticity. The Malay Heritage Museum now showcases the rich history and culture of Singapore’s Malay community.

The Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan).Click on the above photo for high-res imageLocated at Muscat Street is the grand Masjid Sultan or Sultan Mosque crowned by its golden dome. It is the largest mosque in Singapore with the capacity to accommodate up to 5,000 Muslims in congregational prayers.
Originally built in 1824 by Sultan Hussein, the mosque features a massive golden dome and is one of Singapore’s most imposing religious institutions. The mosque is a blend of classical Turkish, Moorish and Persian style which brings out the magnificence of the era of colonial architecture.

Bussorah Mall.Click on the above photo for high-res imageNo trip to Kampong Glam is ever complete without visiting Bussorah Mall, a pedestrian street of conserved shophouses which is closed to vehicular traffic. Fronting Sultan Mosque, Bussorah Mall cannot be missed. Tall graceful palm trees lined both sides of the street where the beautifully restored shophouses sell traditional clothes, artefacts, handicraft, furniture and jewelry.

Haji Lane (The narrowest street in Singapore).Click on the above photo for high-res imageI made a little detour down a small lane halfway down Arab Street and found this quaint little street. It is barely the width of two cars ! Yes! This is the famous Haji Lane where the shophouses were all built in the pre-war era, and have now been conserved. Many of the old tenants and businesses in these shophouses are no longer around, although the architectural character has remained largely unaltered.

The Alsagoff Arab School. Click on the above photo for high-res imageBuilt in 1912, the school was named after Syed Ahmad Alsagoff, a wealthy merchant and philanthropist who was very influential in Singapore's early colonial days. It is the oldest girls' school in Singapore, and was the island's first Muslim school.

Kampong Glam Cafe.Click on the above photo for high-res imageFinally, I made a pit stop at this cafe along Baghdad Street where I had my "brekkie". I counted at least half a dozen Arabic cafes along Baghdad and Pahang Street serving Middle Eastern food and drinks. Baghdad Street is a favourite haunt of taxi drivers who stop by for Singapore's best "teh tarik" (sweet tea with evaporated milk and sugar, served with a thick bubbly froth created by pouring the piping hot tea from a mug into a serving glass.)

Art by the Singapore River

As you walk along the Singapore River, you can find many interesting sculptures. Kucinta cats, kids jumping into the river, men in pigtails and a bullock cart. These are some of the public sculptures installed along the Singapore River since the opening of the promenade, to add a touch of art to this “river of life”.
Many of them is sure to remind you of the good old days along the banks of the Singapore River.

Sculptures of Kuchinta, the Singapura Cats.Click on the above photo for high-res imageA playful family of sculptured Kucinta Cats (river cats) sits on the corner of the Cavanagh Bridge at the southwest abutment. They are recognised as one of the smallest breeds around the world.

Title of sculpture : First Generation.
Sculpted by Chong Fah CheongClick on the above photo for high-res imageThis bronze sculpture located along the Singapore River shows 5 kampong boys (stripped to their birthday suit) jumping into the river for a swim.
It captures the simple and happy lifestyle of people once living along the Singapore river.

Bumboat with touristsClick on the above photo for high-res imageMoments later, a bumboat arrived and the tourist couple seems to have been taken aback by the life-like image of the five kids jumping into the water.

Forget 'emoticons' - use your own smiley face.

"Software that contorts an image of a person's face to express different emotions could enrich text-based internet chat.
The researchers behind the system say it can quickly transform a user's face to convey any of six emotions, ranging from anger to happiness.
A user first uploads a picture of their face with a "neutral" expression. Then they use their mouse to mark the ends of their eyebrows, the corners of their mouth and the edges of their eyes and lips."

Click on the link below for the full article:
http://www.newscientisttech.com

The Lord of Latin Love

Julio Iglesias performs the Spanish version of "Begin the Beguine".

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.