February 2012 - Ivan Teh

27-Feb-2012, 09.55 PM

27-Feb-2012, 09.55 PM

27-Feb-2012, 09.55 PM

Caught me by surprise. First time...

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CONVERSATION

National Orchid Garden
1 Cluny Road

http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_visitorsguide&task=parks&id=24&Itemid=73

Opening Hours:
Daily 8.30am - 6pm

Admission Fees (In SGD $):
$5

Estimated Visiting Duration:
1 - 3 Hours

List Of Star Attractions (Must See):
Burkill Hall
Tan Hoon Siang Misthouse
Cool House
VIP Orchid Garden

List Of Main Attractions (Good To See):
Yuen-Peng McNeice Bromeliad House
National Orchid Garden Entrance Pavilion

List Of Other Attractions (For A Complete Experience):
Orchid Pathway
Orchidarium

Wealth Of Orchids, Not To Be Missed

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 7
Visited: Jan-2012

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The National Orchid Garden, although situated within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, is an entirely seperate attraction.

The National Orchid Garden boasts over 1000 species and 2000 hybrids, with over 600 species on display. Unlike the Singapore Botanic Gardens, there is little activities to be done here, except view the various flower species on display, but it is worth it, and highly recommended.

The National Orchid Garden features Burkhill Hall with its VIP Orchid Display, the Yuen-Peng McNeice Bromeliad Collection, the Tan Hoon Siang Misthouse, and the Coolhouse with its Waterfall and collection of Carnivorous Plants.

If you're planning a visit, the admission charges is $5 for Adults, and allocate between 1 - 3 hours of time for the visit. And bring a camera as well.

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CONVERSATION

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Singapore Botanic Gardens
1 Cluny Road

http://www.sbg.org.sg/

Opening Hours:
Daily 5am - 12am

Admission Fees (In SGD $):
Free

Estimated Visiting Duration:
2 - 12 Hours

List Of Star Attractions (Must See):
Swan Lake & Gazebo
Bandstand
Swiss Granite Ball Fountain
Sundial Garden
Vanda Miss Joaquim
Palm Valley
Symphony Lake
Eco-Lake
Bamboos & Reflexology Path
Trellis Garden

List Of Main Attractions (Good To See):
Tanglin Gate
Curtain Of Roots
14 Heritage Trees
10 Sculptures (Swing Me Mama, Flight Of Swans, Joy, Chang Kuda, Lady On A Hammock, Girl On A Swing, Girl On A Bicycle, Passing Of Knowledge, Chopin, Conversation From Nature)
Sun Garden
Bonsai
Ginger Garden
Orchid Plaza
Visitor Centre & Water Cascade Garden & Palm Court
Singapore Botanic Gardens Exterior & Surroundings

List Of Other Attractions (For A Complete Experience):
Botany Centre
Frangipani
Plant House
Fernery
Rainforest
E.J.H. Corner House
Marsh Garden
Evolution Garden
Healing Garden
Bougainvillea
Herbs & Spices
Medicinal Plants
Fruit Trees
Nuts & Beverage Crops
Jacob Ballas Children's Garden

Tranquil And Scenic Gardens

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 8
Visited: Jan-2012

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The Singapore Botanic Gardens is both an attraction as well as a conservation and heritage center for the majority of plant-life in Singapore. The National Parks headquarters is suitated here.

There are multiple areas of interest in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, including 3 Lakes (Swan Lake, Symphony Lake, And Eco Lake), various Sculptures, and open Fields which are great for picnics or playing, like Palm Valley.

Plants are grown in various themes around the Singapore Botanic Gardens. These include the Marsh Garden, Ginger Garden, Sun Garden, Bonsai Garden, Plant House, Evolution Garden, Healing Garden, Spice Garden, Bamboo Relexology Path, Fruit Tree Garden and Trellis Garden.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is also 1 of only 2 places in the world which has a Rainforest within the city limits.

There are various cafes and restaurants within the Botanic Gardens, such as Food For Thought, Casa Verde, The Garden Refreshment Kiosk, The Dunearn, Kidz Cafe, Halia and Au Jardin.

If you're planning a visit, do allocate between 2 - 12 hours, bring lots of water, and a good pair of walking shoes.

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CONVERSATION

Marina Barrage

Marina Barrage
8 Marina Gardens Drive

http://www.pub.gov.sg/Marina/

Opening Hours:
Outdoor Area: Daily 24 Hours

Information Counter: Daily 9am - 9pm

Sustainable Singapore Gallery: Weekdays 9am - 6pm, Weekends and Public Holidays 10am - 8pm, Closed Tue

Admission Fees (In SGD $):
Free

Estimated Visiting Duration:
1 - 4 Hours

List Of Star Attractions (Must See):
Central Courtyard & Fountain
Pump House
Marina Barrage Bridge
Sustainable Singapore Gallery
Green Roof

List Of Main Attractions (Good To See):
Water Playground
Boat Hoist
Canopy Lift Landing
Marina Barrage Exterior & Surroundings

List Of Other Attractions (For A Complete Experience):
What Goes Around Comes Around
Gold Flow
The Force Of Nature
Wasser Zylinder
Beneficence 3
Splash @ Marina
Community Wall
Abundance
Solar Panels

Great Place For Picnics And Kite-Flying

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 6
Visited: Oct-2011

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In land-scarce Singapore, an industrial building can be turned into an attraction. Such is the case with the Marina Barrage, a dam over the mouth of Marina Bay.

The Marina Barrage is designed to regulate water levels in Singapore's city centre, provide fresh water and prevent flooding. In keeping with the 'Green City' theme of Singapore, it also functions as a great hang-out place for both tourists and locals.

Marina Barrage has 2 eating places, a casual cafe for snacks, light bites and drinks, and a formal restaurant, 7th Storey Live Seafood & Charcoal Steamboat.

Things to do at Marina Barrage include kite-flying or picnics at the Green Roof, viewing the Sustainable Singapore Exhibition Gallery, admiring the Skyline or Architecture in both Day and Night, or taking part in Water Activities like kayaking.

Allocate between 1 - 4 hours if you're planning to visit.

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CONVERSATION

Food For Thought

Food For Thought
8 Queen Street

1 Cluny Road
#B1-00 Botanic Gardens

93 Stamford Road
#01-04 National Museum

http://www.foodforthought.com.sg/

Affordable Brunch In A Relaxing Place
(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 8
Ambience & Setting: 8
Food & Beverage: 8
Service: 8
Value for Money: 8
Spent about SGD $18 per person.

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Spent a weekend photographing the Singapore Botanic Gardens, so eventually, I had to dine here!

Food For Thought has opened its latest outlet right here in the Scenic Botanic Gardens, and its ambience tries to incorporate the greenery of its surroundings. From its high ceiling, to plants in the middle of stone tables, to the cafeteria-like layout, Food For Thought gives off a welcoming and homely vibe. Suitable for relaxing after a stroll through the Botanic Gardens.

The Brunch menu at this location differs from its sister outlet at Queen Street, in that you can customize your own brunch from a list of options. Choose any 3 items for just $8, with additional items at $3 per item. Personally, I prefer the Scrambled Eggs With Cream, Garlic Mushrooms, and Chunky Chicken Sausage.

The Raisin Cinnamon Roll comes as a huge slice, and is really sweet and indulgent. Advisable to share... I couldn't finish it on my own!

Another highly recommended item is the Duo of Pancakes - Banana & Walnuts. They actually have walnuts stuffed into the pancake, and as a garnish on top. Looks messy when presented, but the taste is incredibly good!

However, you may want to skip the Duo of Pancakes - Mixed Berries. The berry toppings and syrup provided is too little, and looks lacking when presented.

Service is cafteria style, so do take note of your table number before queuing to order.

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