Singapore Zoo

September 2009

Singapore Zoo, unlike any zoo we have visited so far, not only educates visitors about the various animals in their natural habitats, but also takes an active part in expressing our social responsibility in caring and preserving the environment.

The displays are very informative, with detailed descriptions and brief history of the animals and their surroundings.

Children and guests can view the animals up close in a safe and well maintained environment.

There are 3 ways in which you can go around and explore the different attractions of the Zoo:

1. Ride a boat and enjoy the scenery... A short introduction and presentation is given by their highly trained staff to make the ride enjoyable and informative.

2. Ride the tram... A welcome rest for the weary explorer as these vehicles transport you from the one attraction to the next...

3. Try walking... Besides being good for your health, you can control the length of time you can stay and enjoy a particular attraction...

Various animal shows are regularly run during the day, so be sure to check the times so you can maximize your stay and enjoy the shows...

A fun and informative day... Too bad we were to tired to try the Night Safari. Maybe next time...

Address:

80 Mandai Lake Road

Singapore 729526

Tel. No.: (65)62693411

Website: http://www.zoo.com.sg/

Images of Singapore

Singapore, "the Lion City" , is home to a diverse culture of people. Chinese people forming an ethnic majority with large populations of Malay, Indian and other races. Singapore is probably the only country in Asia where one would feel at home, irregardless of race and nationality. Each year flocks of people travel to Singapore in hopes of a better pay check and possibly a better future. Personally, I would like to visit Singapore for a vacation and to meet with friends who have decided to live here, but there's still no place like home.

I visited Singapore 4 years ago. I stayed there for almost a month on field assignment. They say you could go around Singapore within a day. During my stay here, I haven't really had the chance to explore and check-out the local scenery. My normal route consists of hotel-office-hotel. I usually, report to the office Mondays to Saturdays (9:00 A.M. to 6 P.M.). I usually spend Sundays inside my room resting. As much as I loved to go out, I just don't seem to have enough energy left. After I finished my stay in Singapore, I vowed to make the most of time whenever I returned here.

Alas, after 5 years I finally got my chance to return to Singapore on vacation. With only 5 days to go around the country, we were faced with a dilemma, to tour the area or visit friends. So as discrete as possible, we planned our vacation and decided to go on tour during the day, then have dinner with friends. As clever as the it seemed, there was a slight draw back to our plans. It seems that we could only meet friends living within the vicinity of Sentosa, Singapore Zoo, etc. places we intended to see. We still needed to consider the distance from these places to our hotel. So we did as most adventure seeking tourists do, we just winged it and the rest is history.

This entry is a collection of experiences touring the Lion City. Hopefully, I could add and share more as time goes by...

Ark Avilon Zoo

June 12, 2009

Located in Frontera Verde Ortigas Ave., Cor. C5, Pasig City (Near Fun Ranch & Tiendesitas). The Ark Avilon Zoo is built to resemble a huge boat (similar to Noah's Ark). It is home to a variety of animal species, some not normally found on regular zoo's.

Animals on the lower deck are seen through glass displays, making it safe for children to view at a close distance.

They also have a display of aquatic animals...However, limited to a few species...

The Zoo is highly interactive. You can pet, feed, or even have your picture taken with some of the resident animals on display..

You can take a break on the play ground or grab a snack...

Pets are also for sale for animal lovers and enthusiasts.

Rates:

Regular Rate: Php 250.00/person

Kiddie Rate: Php 200/person (3.75 ft. below)

Children below 1 yr. old are free of charge.

20% Discount on Senior Citizen Card Holders

Schedules:

Weekdays 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Weekends & Holidays 10:00 am to 7:30 pm

Nuts Huts, Bohol

Loboc, Bohol
May 23,2009

Situated along the bank of the Loboc River, not far from the town of Loboc, this resort offers a very calm & relaxing environment. A backpackers paradise and nature lovers haven. Definitely for people who enjoy the great outdoors. It is accessible either by boat ride along the Loboc river and enjoy the view or trekking along the trail.

It is equipped with its own restaurant, and is an strategically located for making trips within Bohol.The resort offers mountain biking, road cycling, cave hikes, and a herbal sauna. The owners personal touch and affordable rates, make it a place work visiting.

You May also want to check-out more interesting places in Bohol:

1. Mag-Aso Falls
2. Punta Cruz Watch Tower

3. Flushing Meadows

4. Bohol Habitat Conservation Center Butterfly Sanctuary
5. Nova Shell Museum
6. Bohol Bee Farm
7. Clarin Ancestral House
8. Zoocolate Thrills
9. Tarsier Conservation Area

Mag-Aso Falls

Antequera, Bohol

May 22,2009

Located within Antequera, Bohol, the Mag-Aso falls takes approximately 30 minutes from Tagbilaran city.It derives its name from "Aso", a Visayan term meaning smoke. A smoke like effect is generated as water drops from this 25 ft tall falls.

There are 2 ways reach the falls: thrill seekers and back packers could take a trek to the falls or take a safer route by taking 197 concrete steps to the falls,as the trail becomes slippery after rains.

Water is normally clear and calm here, however, this picture was taken after heavy rains...

Take a dip in the water or have a picnic beside the falls while listening to sound of the water as it drops from the falls. Either way, its a cool calm experience amidst nature.On your way home be sure to pick-up your trash and practice safety precautions at all times.

You May also want to check-out more interesting places in Bohol:

1. Nuts Huts
2. Punta Cruz Watch Tower

3. Flushing Meadows

4. Bohol Habitat Conservation Center Butterfly Sanctuary
5. Nova Shell Museum
6. Bohol Bee Farm
7. Clarin Ancestral House
8. Zoocolate Thrills
9. Tarsier Conservation Area

Punta Cruz Watch Tower

Maribojoc, Bohol

May 22, 2009

Built in 1796 as a look-out post against pirates and Muslim marauders, who at that time where a nuisance to the people of Bohol. Made from corals and shaped like a triangle on top. The watch tower was damaged during the war of 1944 and declared as a National monument only this year. It is a testament to the Filipino craftsmanship and ingenuity that has stood witness to the passing of time.

Punta Cruz Watch Tower...

You May also want to check-out more interesting places in Bohol:

1. Nuts Huts
2. Mag-aso Falls

3. Flushing Meadows

4. Bohol Habitat Conservation Center Butterfly Sanctuary
5. Nova Shell Museum
6. Bohol Bee Farm
7. Clarin Ancestral House
8. Zoocolate Thrills
9. Tarsier Conservation Area

Flushing Meadows

Brgy. Dao, Dauis, Panglao Island Bohol

May 22, 2009

Located along the white sandy beaches of Brgy. Dao, Dauis, Panglao Island, Bohol.It takes approximately 20 minutes from the airport and the pier of Tagbilaran City.

Equipped an international standard tennis court, Play ground for kids,eternity pool and Spa, the resort offers an alternative destination for vacationers and tourists. However, why go to Bohol when you just want to stay in a resort? The Island of Bohol in itself is a tourist attraction, full of History and mysteries to the past.

Cosy rooms and warm decors make for a well rested stay.

A play ground for kids while passing the time...

A spa to soothe the senses...

A chapel that conducts masses for guests who don't want to miss-out on their religious obligations.

Facility wise the Flushing Meadows resort is a nice place to visit. However, great facility is just half of the equation. No matter how great the facility is, if Customer Service is sub-par, the resort will remain average. To provide the best quality of Service, Excellent Customer Service must always be practiced regardless of gender or nationality.

Overall, we may consider revisiting this place, provided that new attractions are added and customer service improves dramatically.

You May also want to check-out more interesting places in Bohol:

1. Nuts Huts
2. Mag-aso Falls

3. Punta Cruz Watch Tower

4. Bohol Habitat Conservation Center Butterfly Sanctuary
5. Nova Shell Museum
6. Bohol Bee Farm
7. Clarin Ancestral House
8. Zoocolate Thrills
9. Tarsier Conservation Area

Kamay Ni Hesus

Lucban, Quezon
May 16, 2009



The Kamay ni Hesus Via Dolorosa Grotto and Healing Church has become one the most, popular places in Lucban Quezon. Popular not only among devotees and locals,the kamay ni Hesus is a spectacle in itself to behold. Famous not only for its 50-foot statue of the ascending Christ at the top (which is said to be the third largest Christ statue in the world) it also showcases the 14 Stations of the Cross in life sized statues.A sacrifice in itself just to climb all 14 stations to reach the top (not for the faintest of hearts).

Whoa... What a climb to the top... Maybe I'll climb it all the way to the top, next time...

Healing masses are celebrated here every Monday and Saturday at 9:30 A.M. Pilgrims and those who seek physical and spiritual healing, travel to Lucban just to visit Kamay ni Hesus.

Pahiyas Festival 2009

Lucban, Quezon

May 15, 2009

The Pahiyas festival a colorful tradition celebrated by the people of Lucban Quezon in honor of San Isidro Labrador. A tradition that the farmers celebrate as a thanks giving for good harvest. Celebrated every 15Th of May, the festival brings together family, friends, politicians,celebrities both foreign and domestic. Celebrated since the 16Th century, the Pahiyas Festival seems to have not lost its luster through the years. Showcasing even colorful and imaginative decorations from its creative residents. This years decorations being no exemption, drawing up prizes as much as Php 65,000 per entry.Unfortunately, some of the decorations don't last the next day to be able to allow onlookers to take a decent picture the following day.

The Pahiyas is Festival is not just about the houses, an assortment of floats adorned in native produces of abaca fibers, coconut husks,Kipings, fruit and vegetables parade through the busy streets.

Watch giant figures made of paper mache parade through the crowded streets...

A parade of carabaoe's march through the streets pulling along their decorated carriages. Some are even made to genuflect...

A showcase of Filipino creativity and traditional delicacies such as the famous pancit habhab and longganisang Lucban, the Pahiyas Festival is testimony that the Filipino spirit is very much alive, even in times of turmoil and uncertainty.