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, what to see and what to watch out for.

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

Why come here? Great place for hiking and birding, peace and quiet, great location for sunset and sunrise views.

Google 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 formerly 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. Beyond the gate, is the rustic path towards the other Dam. 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.. 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.

What to Do and See on Coney Island

Hiking and Cycling

A rustic path cuts through the heart of Coney island and connects the two dams. 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.

Coney Island Rustic Path

Sightseeing

Favourite spots are along the rocky shoreline facing Pulau Ubin. There is a staircase or steps there. There used to be a Kelong here, which had since moved much closer to Pulau Ubin,

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

Eagle

Nature and Wild Life

Casuarina 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. (Update : don’t try to find the seats yeah, it’s no longer at the beach. There is a similar looking stone seats near the “Coney Island” signboard somewhere near the middle of the island, close to the shoreline.)  There used to be lots of rubbish along the shore when there was no rubbish bins then. (Update : The beach has been cleaned and there are rubbish bins now on the island.) 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. Walk to the right side of the beach to reach the West Gate entrance.

To Lorong Halus Wetland : Alight at Riviera LRT Station (from Punggol MRT Station) or Bus No.  3, 83, 85 (from Punggol Bus Interchange). Edit : That is now a longer way. A shorter way now is to alight at Kandaloor LRT station, walk towards Punggol Edge, follow the trail down the bridge. Turn right and cross the red Halus bridge. Follow the gravel path on the left towards the beach where Coney Island. If coming from Pasir Ris Dr 3, turn right to Pasir Ris Coast Ind Park 6. To the left, there’s a road heading to Coney Island. Only bicycles here, no motorised vehicles allowed (except wheelchairs).

Fallen Tree

Operating Hours : 7am – 7pm. Gates are locked outside operating hours.

Important Noting

• No fishing.
• No camping.
• No street lights here. Plan your route and don’t come too late.
• No water cooler/venting machine here. Bring your own drinks. There is a water cooler at Lorong Halus Info Kioks and near the toilet at Punggol Beach.
• Put on insect repellants as there are plenty of sand flies at the beach.

Estimated walking time from one gate to another, depending on your route, is about 2 – 3 hrs including photo taking time, etc. Fastest way is the main route, mostly straight line from one gate to another but not much shade from the sun. The meandering tracks closer to the shoreline is more sandy and rocky but have lots more trees shade. Beware of falling branches though.

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 (in the past, 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

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

New updates : Sorry folks, no fishing or camping here. But cycling is allowed. The official opening was on 10 October 2015. Much has been done by Nparks to preserve the natural charm of this place. No lights here so check your time and plan accordingly when hiking before it gets dark. While there are rubbish bins now, please be mindful and keep the environment green. Have fun exploring!

 

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.