Trip to Australia and New Zealand via Singapore returning via Bali
13 February to 15 March 2019
Trip to Australia and New Zealand via Singapore returning via Bali
13 February to 15 March 2019
PART 1 - 13/14 February 2019 – Depart UK travelling to Singapore
We departed from the UK with Qantas / Emirates, a good flight and arrived about an hour early on time at 20.45 Arriving in Singapore at 17.00 the Next Day) - Thursday 14 Feb 2019. We arrive into the wonderful city of Singapore full of colour with the beautiful planting and trees that abound the roadside.We transfer to the four star Copthorne Kings hotel, situated in an enviable position close to the banks of the Singapore River.
Copthorne Kings, Singapore is set in a convenient location near Singapore River and the city centre, and makes for an ideal base when exploring the city. Visitors should not miss go-to places such as Merlion Park, Boat Quay and Clark Quay. A visit to the Lion City is not complete without exploring the vibrant districts of Orchard Road, Little India and China Town.
Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Shopping Mall and Casino.
15/2/2019 – Singapore
This morning we enjoy a city tour which includes a stop at the Merlion Park. The Merlion is the symbol of Singapore and the original statue spouts water into Marina Bay from the Merlion Park. Two other replicas can be found in Mount Faber and in Sentosa.
We see the impressive views of Marina Bay, the historic Civic District
We visit Thian Hock Keng Temple
The temple is one of the oldest and most important Hokkien temples in Singapore. It was visited by Chinese immigrants giving thanks to Mazu (Goddess of the Seas) for their safe voyage. The construction of Thian Hock Keng was completed in 1840. The details of the temple’s history are recorded on stone steles inside the Entrance Hall. The temple was built in traditional southern Chinese architectural style. The entire structure was assembled without nails. It is an architectural masterpiece of stone, tiles and wood, carvings of dragons and phoenixes, intricate sculptures and imposing columns.
Singapore Botanical Gardens
The National Orchid Garden is located on the highest hill in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Three hectares of carefully landscaped slopes provide a setting for over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids, with about 600 species and hybrids on display. The distinctive feature of the National Orchid Garden not to be missed is its design concept which presents the display of plants in four separate colour zones over most of its areas.
Marina Bay Sands - Maybe the most recognisable building in Singapore must be the Marina Bay Sands, which incorporates a Hotel, Shopping Mall, Art Museum and Observation Deck. Although the building was opened only a couple of years ago in 2010, the view of the three towers with a boat on top of them became famous very fast. When walking around the bay area, you can't miss it. On the top (57th Floor) there is an observation deck, with a bar, and surprisingly as well a swimming pool.
The views from the viewing platform are magnificent.
16/2/2019 - The Gardens by the Bay are located at reclaimed land, and divided in separate parts. The park consists of three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden. At the Bay South Garden you will find the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest.
On the terrain itself the most eye-catching features are the 'Supertrees', with their multifunctional use (recycling rainwater, light show etc). Between a couple of these super trees a canopy walk has been created.
We went to the Garden by the Bay Light Show produced every evening on show at 7.45 and another at 8.45pm.
The Domes In the Flower Dome shows flowers and trees from all over the world a speciality this year are dahlias.
In the Cloud Forest the micro climate of a cloud forest has been recreated on several floors, and amongst the green, also includes a waterfall.
This evening we move on flying to Christchurch New Zealand via Sydney, Australia arriving sometime tomorrow.
