Colorful Flowers at Sentosa

This is a follow-up on the earlier posting, Preview of Sentosa Flowers 2012. More pictures this time around. Taken with a different camera on a different day. Enjoy the pictures. Today and tomorrow is the last day of the Sentosa Flowers 2012.  Grab your cameras before the flowers wither!

Zinnia Flowers at Sentosa Flowers 2012

Brilliant Red Violin - So Pretty!

Peach Musical Note - Play On That Funky Music!

A Wideangle view of the Dinosaurs Flower Display

Cactus - Keeping a Sentinel view of Visitors

Would you care to have a cup of tea?

Sunrise on a Sunday

Sunrise at Punggol Beach

Good morning! Here’s a picture of today’s sunrise. I was out a bit later than usual. Saw a lavendar dawn on my right horizon but could not stop because I would for sure be late for a sunrise shoot. Not as dramatic as the last sunrise shoot or maybe I missed the light. In any case, hope everybody have a good holiday!

Preview of Sentosa Flowers 2012

We have a long weekend with Monday and Tuesday being Chinese New Year. Gong Xi Fa Cai to all those celebrating!

One suggested event to attend during the holidays – the Sentosa Flowers 2012. This is the year of the Dragon. So expect to see lots of dragon motifs and themes during this event. The Sentosa Flowers 2012 will be held in Sentosa from 22 to 29 January 2012. From the Sentosa Boardwalk, Resort World Sentosa, Merlion Park and Mt Imbiah, it is time for flowers galore.

If you are keen to attend this event, come during the morning. Weather forecast is heavy thunderstorm in the afternoon from Sunday to Wednesday. To avoid the crowd, come early and avoid the monorail or bus. Walk instead along the Sentosa Boardwalk. Climb the stairs above the Lake of Dreams at Resort World Sentosa and you will reach the Merlion Park entrance. Entrance fee at the Sentosa Boardwalk is the cheapest entrance fee – only S$1 and can be paid via your transitlink card.

I was there today during the early hours. Some sections are closed with “work-in-progress” signs. Get ready tomorrow for the event. Meanwhile here are some pictures at the Sentosa Flowers 2012.

Sentosa Flowers 2012 at one entrance to the Merlion Park

Dragon Flowers at Merlion Park

Giant Flowers

Rhinocerous Flowers at Sentosa Flowers 2012

Sand Dragon at Mount Imbiah

Reach Out for Your Dreams

Thank you, Ronald Colunga for using my photo and featuring this blog!

It is so interesting to read how others interpret your pictures. Ronald writes about positivity and encourages people to reach out for their dreams. Take a look at his website Life Stepping Stone and spread the message. It matters not what you don’t have, it is what you do with what you have that matters!

You have dreams, don’t you? Whatever it is – be it travel, write, climb Mt Everest – what is stopping you? Yes I know. Life has its huddles, obstacles and commitment. Most often than not, that hindrance is YOU! Take courage, friends, reach out for that first tentative step. Small baby steps one day at a time and you are already doing something positive in your life. Be brave!

It is very inspiring to read someone so young with a clear vision and doing something so encouraging. Thanks for the inspiration, Ronald!

Since we are focusing on kites, here is another kite picture in Ronald’s honour.

Kites at Sunset

Focus on Coney Island, Singapore

If you are here looking for more information, this article is a guide on how to get here, location spots for fishing, what to see and what to watch out for. Warning : this island is not officially opened yet. Venture at your own risk.

This is a very isolated place. Visitors are advised not to come here alone. There is no shelter or facilities here. As highlighted during the recent lightning incident here, don’t seek shelter under a tree during stormy weather.

Why come here? Great fishing spots, peace and quiet, great location for sunset and sunrise views.

Google Map

View Larger Map

Where is Coney Island, Singapore?

Coney Island, formerly known as Serangoon Island, is located at northern east of Singapore, facing Punggol estate and Pulau Ubin. It is now connected to mainland Singapore via two dams. At one end – the East Dam – is near Lorong Halus Wetland. The West Dam is across Punggol Promenade, between the Nature Walk section and Jetty Walk section. Previously people have to hire boats to get here.

The East Dam leading to Coney Island near Lorong Halus Wetland

The East Dam

This side is more accessible for the general public and a great location for fishing – the rocky shoreline opposite the Dam. Pass by Lorong Halus Wetland, through the gravel path and you will see the Dam or Tidal Gates as some called it. Facing the Dam is a road, a pathment with green railings and a view of the sea facing Pulau Ubin and Pasir Ris in the distance. There is a locked gate at the end of the road. Beyond the gate, that will be the rustic path towards the other Dam. If you want to follow the coastline of Coney Island, cross the green railing on the right. More is explained in an earlier posting here : Exploring Coney Island

The West Dam from Punggol Promenade connecting to Coney Island

The West Dam

The other Dam is nearer to Punggol Beach and leads to one corner with steps or staircase, another great location for fishing. You can get to Punggol Beach by taking Bus 84 from Punggol Bus Interchange and alight at Punggol End. Walk along Punggol Promenade on the right side of Punggol Beach to get here. Currently there is construction works and there is a barrier at the end of the Jetty Walk section. There is also a locked gate at the end of the Dam. Those adventurous and curious could figure a way across.

What to Do and See on Coney Island

Hiking and Camping (still under construction)

A rustic path cuts through the heart of Coney island and connects the two dams. This section is still under construction. Personally I would prefer that rustic path closer to the shoreline facing the Nature Park, Punggol Promenade and leave the central section of Coney Island intact. Less environmental destruction this way and leave the wildlife here more space to roam. A rustic park will be built here and from some maps, looks like this park will be on the opposite shore facing Pulau Ubin.

Coney Island Rustic Path

Fishing

Favourite spots are along the rocky shoreline facing Pulau Ubin. Others fish along the beach and at the other end facing Punggol Beach. There is a staircase or steps there. Along here, you have a view of the Kelong.

Staircase or steps on Coney Island facing Punggol Beach/Pulau Ubin

Eagle

Nature and Wild Life

Casurina trees and other tropical trees inhabit the island. Along the shoreline, the sea almond trees are spotted at various locations. The nuts are edible. Spot the kingfishers, hermit crabs and other wild creatures along the shoreline. So many brown eagles were spotted above the trees and fishing in the water.

Beach Seats

Beach

Some of the interesting sightings along the beach – wild boar hooves prints, old tyre, fallen trees, stone seats. Where the seats came from, I have no idea. There are also lots of rubbish along the shore. There is no rubbish bin here. So please be mindful of the environment. Bring along a bag and remove all your rubbish once you leave the island. Do your part. A little effort goes a long way.

Hermit Crabs

How to Get to Coney Island, Singapore

To Punggol Beach : Bus No. 84 from Punggol Bus Interchange

To Lorong Halus Wetland : Alight at Riviera LRT Station (from Punggol MRT Station) or Bus No.  3, 83, 85 (from Punggol Bus Interchange)

Postings on Coney Island
Coney Island Singapore Monochrome Landscapes
Exploring Coney Island, Singapore
Coney Island Opposite Punggol Promenade Nature Walk
Evening Landscapes at Coney Island and Punggol Reservoir
Beach Opposite Serangoon Rerservoir West Dam
Path to Serangoon Reservoir East Dam and Coney Island
Golden Sunrise at Serangoon Harbour
Coney Island, Singapore – Landscapes Around the Shoreline

Others Account of Coney Island
Still Exploring Ponggol Coney Island (runningsucks.blogspot.com)
Mysterious Coney Island (www.hungzai.com)

If you have a blog article or pictures detailing your trip here, I will be happy to put a link here.

Fallen Tree

Keep the Environment Green

On an end note, Be Green and remember the saying “Leave Only Footsteps Behind” or words to that effect.

• Don’t light any fire without precautions (there are burnt out patches of trees there)
• Don’t take anything you don’t need
• Don’t throw away any rubbish
• Bring along a trash bag to put your rubbish there
• Leave the wild boars and other wildlife on the island alone

I have put up a Social Vibe – Protect the Environment widget at the top of the sidebar. If you could be kind and click on it. It does not cost a thing. You will be doing a small part but much appreciated effort in protecting Planet Earth. Thank You!

Update – Latest news articles. Coney Island has been declared as the 9th nature park in Singapore by the National Parks Board (NParks).  Set to be ready around 2 years time, NParks aimed to leave the park as untouched as possible to preserve the island’s natural habitat.

www.eco-business.com
www.straitstimes.com
news.xin.msn.com

Sunrise Sequence

Another day, another dawn, another sunrise.

Dawn at 6.47am

A view of Pasir Gudang from Punggol Beach at 6.47am

Before Sunrise at 6.54am

Promising dawn to a Sunrise at 6.54am

At 7.01am

A Blue Dawn with hints of a red sunrise at 7.01am

Changing Lights at 7.12am

Grey Clouds Come Marching at 7.12am

Last Look at 7.17am

One Last Look of Sunrise at 7.17am

In summary, the sunrise looked so promising before 7am, with red hints in the clouds. Unfortunately, fast moving grey clouds came from the left and covered the horizon. After several minutes of waiting, alas it was not meant to be a red sunrise today. Such is Mother Nature, ever changing. No two days are ever the same. For the  others who were there in the early morning, hope you have great pictures whatever the weather conditions.

Surreal Dawn at Punggol Waterway

It rained last night and early this morning. I was hoping for a glorious sunrise and came prepared with my graduated ND filter set. Alas it was not meant to be. I was at Punggol Road, at the bridge overlooking the directions of Lorong Halus when the dark clouds blew in from the left horizon. Saw flashes of lightning, hey, it was time to get out from there. Captured this picture of dawn breaking on the opposite horizon, looking west.

Punggol Waterway landscape at Dawn

This was done by using a red graduated ND filter. Camera settings : F8, 1 seconds, ISO 360, +0.3EV at 18mm focal length.

Sometimes when the sky is grey, it is always fun to experiment and be creative. Have fun over the weekend!

Golden Sunrise from Punggol Beach

Sunrise Panorama as taken from Punggol Beach

Good morning, Folks!

It was a beautiful golden sunrise today, in comparison to last saturday when we had such cloudy weather. I was out at 6.30am and reached Punggol Beach before 7am. Not too many people taking sunrise photos this morning. On first sight, the clouds condition did not look optimistic. Thought it was going to be a very cloudy morning. But the sun rose and casted a golden glow to the beach landscape. Beautiful.

This picture was taken at 7.22am precisely. Camera settings : F8, 1/200 seconds,  ISO 100 at 36mm focal length.

At different months of the year, depending on your location at the beach, the sunrise position changes slightly. During the later half of the year, Nov – Jan, the sunrise is more from the right side. As the month progresses, the sun’s position moves nearer to the left. Keep the camera pointed in the right position.

Take advantage of the fine weather today because late afternoon weather forecast is for rain. Have a great weekend!

Stormy Blue Sea

Turbulent sea water surrounding Pulau Ubin

Happy New Year 2012! It is a monday so let’s start afresh. It was a windy day at the beach. The sea water was so choppy but the guys carry on fishing as usual. Nearby I could hear the abandoned plastic bag whistling as I stood at the bridge. Not a day for swimming for sure. Groups of white clouds were moving from left to right. I guess the wind was blowing from north west. Soon the blue sky were covered with dark grey clouds. Was it going to rain? Luckily, not today. Those who were on choppy seas today, hope no one was seasick.