Colorful Singapore

It’s almost an impossible task to write about Singapore as it is hard to figure out where to start - there is just so much to see and never enough time. The Rendevous Hotrl was a great spot to stay and enjoy the city.

Let’s start with the airport - we did not see this until departure but if you come to Singapore DO NOT miss the Jewel - an indoor waterfall with green walls around.  It is a bit of a theme park as well.  The shape of the waterfall is similar to the beautiful super trees at Gardens by the Bay.

Gardens by the Bay is an amazing park with outdoor gardens and 2 special domes. It is behind the magnificent Marina Bay Sands Hotel - definitely not in a Gess Where Travels budget.

The Flower Dome is exactly that - a perfectly kept environment with plants from all over the world.  In addition there are many plants we recognize from home but it is like they are on steroids - huge, lush colors and beautiful.  The dome also had numerous displays focusing on Chinese New Years.

The grounds:

The Dome was crowded but the Jurassic Park display in the Cloud Forest was a complete zoo.  The moving dinosaurs were a major attraction and so was the totem pole donated by the Canadian and BC governments.

The Super Trees are man made structures covered in plants.  Unfortunately we did not have time to go up them but we did manage to catch the light show.

We also caught the light show over the bay.  Music and lasers lit up the bay for 15 minutes. Pictures just do not do it justice.

Last Bali Charms

One of the real treasures of Bali are the Rice terraces.  Jatiluwih gives you a chance to do a short walk and see the terraces up close.

Another majestic sight is the Kayu Putih tree.  At over 700 years old, it is over 75 metres tall and 65 metres in diameter.  It is reported as a banyan tree although some tests say it might be something else.

The 5 churches street truly represents the way of life here.  Together Muslim, Catholic, Protestant, Hindu and Buddhism share an area close to each other.

Seafood dinner on Jimbaran beach - another favorite.  Way too much food but the setting was beautiful and the dancing at the end was unique.

Uluwatu is a temple set on a cliff high above the Indian Ocean.  The setting is great and the monkeys are bad.  Just as we arrived a couple of people had already lost their glasses to the monkeys.  The kecak dance that follows really is different.  Music is from the men’s chanting and the characters are interesting to see and watch!

One of my favorite restaurants on the whole island is Bumbu Bali.  From the moment you enter to their greeting and a flower tucked behind your ear, you are treated like royalty. 

And the food - simply amazing and way too much!

Appies

Main course

Sweets at the end

Our last location was Nusa Dua.  It was a perfect spot to enjoy the beautiful grounds in the area, the hotel pool, and  the beach.