Urban oasis
Updated: 2012-11-25 07:59
By Li Jing(China Daily)
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The Supertrees is a collection of 18 imposing trees with concrete trunks and artificial branches and canopies, created with thousands of thick metal rods. Photos provided to China Daily |
Singapore is known as the 'Garden City' and for good reason, reports Li Jing, who took a guided tour of its myriad attractions, flora and fauna.
I had heard Singapore was a clean and orderly cosmopolitan state, packed with skyscrapers, but my recent trip there was more about nature, and it started with the city's famous Night Safari. The nine-time winner of the Singapore Tourism Board's Best Visitor Attraction Experience is located on the island's northern edge and comes alive as night falls, naturally.
As we make our way to the location on a tram my fellow passengers are clearly excited as nature envelops us in the form of trees and ferns. We can also hear the faint sound of flowing streams as we enter the mysterious world of nocturnal animals.
Under the dim lights, a tram guide speaks in a low voice so as not to frighten the zoo's residents and then directs our eyes to the animals hidden in the dark. Some animals appear to be studying us attentively -- instead of us observing them - but others seem indifferent, even though we are only an arm's length away. We see greater Asian rhinoceros, axis deer and Malayan tapirs.
The 40-minute tram ride is just the prelude to our adventures. The highpoint comes when we have to hike along trails into the realm of the animals.
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Flower Dome mimics the Mediterranean's cool-dry climate, with a luscious collection of thousand-year-old olive trees and unusual baobabs. |
We stay close to each other as we step through the lush forest for fear of being left behind by the group. There are four themed trails, providing exciting encounters with various species of animals, as they engage in their nightly activities.
Rae Tang, our guide from Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort, says the zoo runs an annual Halloween festival that adds further excitement.
Our second stop is Gardens by the Bay. It is a new attraction and was just launched in June. The Gardens' key features are two landmark glass biomes - Cloud Forest and Flower Dome.
Cloud Forest has a man-made mountain soaring 35 meters into the sky and a majestic waterfall that dives sharply into a pool. Veiled in mist, the mountain is densely planted with orchids, pitcher plants and ferns. The view is like a scene from a science fiction film.
While Cloud Forest replicates the cool-moist climate of tropical mountains, Flower Dome mimics the Mediterranean's cool-dry climate. It has a luscious collection of thousand-year-old olive trees and unusual baobabs of the cool-dry Mediterranean and subtropical regions, in addition to seasonal floral displays.
As I walk out of the glass biomes, the most magnificent section of the Gardens by the Bay, Supertrees, welcomes me.
It is a collection of 18 imposing trees that have concrete trunks and artificial branches and canopies, created by thousands of thick metal rods.
An aerial walkway is suspended 22 meters above the ground, linking two Supertrees of 42 meters, which appear to be reaching for the sky.
Against the backdrop of Marina Bay, the bridge offers a breathtaking bird's eye view of the Singapore Strait.
Through the grid floor, I spot smaller, real trees, struggling to reach the same immense heights. At night, these trees are brightened with lighting and projections, offering a multi-media experience.
After visiting Gardens by the Bay, we head down to the city's largest green attraction, Sentosa Island. Visitors can choose to either take the 20-minute ride via cable car or shuttle buses. I decided on the cable car.
Like a magic compartment, the cable car locks out the noise of the city and transports us into a secluded and serene atmosphere. The night view is nothing short of spectacular.
As we arrive at Sentosa Island, I notice how laid back it is compared to the city. So relaxing is the environment that peacocks are seen strolling proudly around as if they own the place.
Alongside rainforests and golden sandy beaches, the resort is home to an exciting array of attractions, which requires at least one whole day to explore.
In the mood for some fun, I choose to visit Megazip Adventure Park, which has a great reputation among thrill seekers.
Perched above Sentosa Island's mountaintop at a height of more than 70 meters, it offers a ride with the steepest descent in Asia.
As soon as I reach the top, I regret my decision. The rope course with a flying fox is much higher and longer than I expected. But obviously this is the fastest way of descending the mountain.
The official photographer catches my confused yet frightened facial expressions at the starting line of the course as I am secured with a rope around my waist.
I am supposed to hold a rope that is attached to a metal rail with my hands, which are sweaty from fright. With a hard push, I dive toward Siloso Beach, screaming until I am out of breath. Although the journey probably takes only a few minutes, it feels like forever. I almost throw up my breakfast. But it is exhilarating and I can still truly say, it is worth a try.
Adjacent to Siloso Beach are Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon.
The oceanarium is home to more than 2,500 fish of 250 different species, and it is also the research center for pink dolphins, white tip sharks and black tip sharks.
At a touch pool, guests are free to play with baby fish, including sharks. Gentle and shy, the sharks' skin feels rough, which surprised me.
For those who don't mind getting wet and who are brave enough, they can dive nose-to-nose with the grown-up sharks. I am not so courageous.
Instead, I choose to stand near the pink dolphins, also known as Indo-Pacific Humpbacked dolphins. One of the employees tells me the dolphins are born gray or white and turn pink when they are mature. I am pleasantly surprised when one of the mammals tail-walks toward me and I can't help giving it a pet on the head.
Before my trip, I thought I was going to visit a concrete jungle but I ended up being pleasantly surprised by the real "jungle" of Singapore.
Contact the writer at lijing2009@chinadaily.com.cn.
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Pink dolphins are born gray or white and turn pink as they grow up. Li Jing / China Daily |
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Cloud Forest replicates the cool-moist climate of tropical mountains. |
(China Daily 11/25/2012 page16)