Coney Island Singapore Re-visited

Most weekends, I will be out here cycling or just simply walking. It is a great place to chill out, unwind, soak in nature and practice photography. When the island was first opened, the gates at both ends were not installed yet. Now, the gates are only opened from 7am – 7pm daily.

Today’s post is more on nature photography on the island.

Misty Morning

Taken on 26 March 2017. When out cycling, I only bring along minimum gear, sometimes just the handphone. But that morning, I brought along the Nikon P900. Misty morning, just my favourite kind of scenery. The first picture, didn’t know that the lens was foggy from condensation but I like the effect anyway. Wait for the sun to rise higher up and the sunrays appeared!

Misty Sunrise

misty coney island

sunrise silhouette

lights and shadows

sunrays

 

A Different Perspective

These pictures were taken on 1 April 2017, using Nikon D5100. Happy belated April Fool Day, haha! Was hoping for mist but nope. Not meant to be on that day. But I found a different view I really like. Would not have notice this if I was out cycling. I’m glad I walked that morning, even though it was a last minute decision to get here. Walking is good because the mind slows down and see things in a different light. Pun intended!

coney island singapore

coney island singapore

 

Close-up

Taken this morning, 2 April 2017, using Olympus Pen E-PL6. Such a long time ago since I used this camera. Out cycling today so just a small camera to practice and check out different things. Tried out the 40-150 mm lens which I think I had only used about 3 times before. Switch to manual mode and make the best of the situations.

macro

close up leaf

leaf nature

white flower

leaf hearts

tree sunglow

If you haven’t been here before, do come visit! Its a haven for nature lovers, cycling buddies and photography khakis! 🙂

 

Nparks Concert Series in the Park : Rockester at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park on 19 Nov 2016

Nparks Concert Series in the Park is back. This time at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park on 19 Nov 2016. Rockester concert featuring bands like Ciao Turtle, Jive Talkin’, The JumpStart, Olivia Ong, Shirlyn and the UnXpected and SuperSonic, hosted by Pornsak.

Been a long time since I shoot any concert shows, so practice time! Enjoy the pictures and have a great weekend!

 

Coney Island Park – Officially Opens

The long awaited day happens – today was the official opening for Coney Island Park, formerly known as Coney Island and before that – Pulau Serangoon.

To clarify, past articles – Focus on Coney Island, Singapore and Exploring Coney Island, Singapore – contain old pictures and information. This posting has updated pictures and information.

Important Notice : Opening time from 7am  – 7 pm : No street lights here, please take note. No Camping. No Fishing.

The opening time today was to be at 10am but we came early and happened to see Mr Khaw Boon Wan giving a speech during the Official Opening of Coney Island Park. Nice to hear more about the background and history of this island.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan at the Official Opening of Coney Island Park – 10/10/2015

Waiting for Coney Island Park gates to be opened

This was taken from the East Gate – near Lorong Halus Wetland.

There are many signboards and information boards around the island. Take the time to read them, get your bearings and understand more on the history and biodiversity of this island. Some of the fauna and flora can’t be found anywhere else in mainland Singapore or the other islands.

Coney Island Park – take note of the Dos and Don’t

Close-up of the Park Etiquette

Information Board – spare a few minutes of your time here

More information on the natural biodiversity of the island

Sign Board at the West Gate – near Punggol Beach

The other sightings around the island – wooden path, walking trail, shelter, bird hides, beach areas.

Wooden path made from fallen trees around the island

Bird hide – not that adequate in my opinion as it is fully open. Eh, birds can see you!

Lush greenery, ferns and casuarina trees forest

Walking track to a shelter

Man-made woodpecker bird nest – hopefully the birds build their nests here

Water level at high tides goes quite far – so the wooden barriers – hopefully keeps out debris

Yup, you can cycling here now

Just a footnote here – the lower steps are very slippery. Please don’t go too far down – there are no barriers. If you fall down in the water, sea currents here are very strong. So be careful. Parents, watch your kids.

Check forecast of high tides before walking at the beach as water level goes quite high near the forest trail – so not as much room for walking.

Overall, I am happy that the natural lush landscape of this island remains for the most part untouched in its natural stage. The resident “bull” has remained on the island thankfully.

More information on Coney Island Park can be found at Nparks – Coney Island Park

Take your time to explore. Be respecttul of wildlife here, keep your distance, let them roam as they are. Keep your eyes open, your senses explore, let your hearings guide you. You will see many things and more! Happy exploring!

 

Birds of a Feather, Flock Together

Birds of a Feather, Flock Together

The caption fits, I think. The minimalist approach – black and white and simplicity. Hope you like it! 🙂

 

Flower Dome Architecture, Gardens by the Bay

The architecture at the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay has always fascinated me.

Beyond the beautiful flowers that reside within – this is the reflective beauty of the glass walls that stream light into its home.

Curved walls, patterns and textures, lines criss-crossing everywhere, reflection, defraction, illusion, imagination. Look up to the ceiling, steel beams connecting all that prism of light.

Light glow at the staircase…..stairway to heavens?…….well that is my imagination running a bit wild.

If you have not been here, from this montage, I hope you get a glimpse of what my eyes see.

For more information about the Flower Dome, click > Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay

Montage of glass walls architecture at Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay

 

Tanjong Rhu Panorama

Kayaking at Kallang Basin with Tanjong Rhu as a backdrop

A panorama of Kallang Basin with Pebble Bay at Tanjong Rhu in the background. Kayaks and dragon boat practice always around this area. Lots of thing to photograph here.

Taken with a Tokina 11-16 lens with a Nikon D5100 at 7am.

I think I will come back often here for sunrise practice. Meanwhile, have a great weekend!

 

Fireworks at Singapore Sports Hub

Singapore Sports Hub Fireworks

Last night, with a group of friends, I went out to shoot fireworks at the newly opened Singapore Sports Hub.

The occasion is to mark “One Year to the SEA Games”.

Very challenging to shoot fireworks. They come so fast, not possible to capture everything. More finetuning for next time.

 

Green Nature at McRitchie Reservoir

Green forest at McRitchie Reservoir

Solitude in the forest. Feast those tired eyes on something green and soothing. Let’s visit McRitchie Reservoir and walk along the boardwalk. Reflect our blessings and be thankful for each and every single day we have. Life is ever so precious.

 

Nature Serenity at Pasir Ris Farmway 3 Canal

Peace and quiet – nature interlude at Pasir Ris Farmway 3 Canal

If you just take the time to sit and stare, explore the little corners in your  surroundings, it is amazing what you may just discover.

Here it is, one of my favourite place to visit in the morning. The bushes are overgrown. There is no street light to illuminate the surroundings. Every now and then, flaps of wings could be heard when flock of birds take flight. Insects chirp and birds sing their merry songs. Somewhere in the distance, a woodpecker knocks continuously at its home. Butterflies flutter about and tiny beetles fight for food.

The clouds are always looking grey in the morning whenever I visit here. But my heart is enlighten to see beautiful nature and such a slow pace of life still exists here. Serenity not to be taken for granted for sure.

So wherever you are in the world, do take time to check out your neighbourhood. Who knows what you may just discover. 🙂

 

Sunset at Lorong Halus Wetland

Golden glow and pinkish sky over the Lorong  Halus Wetland bridge and Serangoon Reservoir

Yesterday, we had a beautiful sunset.

The landmark here is the red bridge that connects Lorong Halus Wetland to Punggol Promenade. Lots of wispy cirrus clouds which usually means lots of pinkish-red afterglow. To the left of the bridge, the light was a golden yellow while on the right side, pink reddish glow where the clouds were lit. Without a tripod, I was free to take many shots of the surrounding. The offset was the slightly grainy pictures but I would take that rather than blurry pictures.

A crescent moon was hovering over the clouds. If the sky is clear, may want to try your luck at photographing the stars.

Have a great weekend!