Christmas Tree Ablaze at Orchard Road

I just read the news that a christmas tree outside Ngee Ann City Tower A caught fire last night at about 8.36pm. Pictures and videos are posted at Yahoo Singapore. Unfortunately, the fire destroyed the christmas tree. No report out yet on the cause of the blaze.

There were three christmas trees outside of Ngee Ann City that I remembered. From the videos and picture, it looked to be the tree on the extreme left. For comparison, these pictures were taken last thursday night before the fire destroyed the tree.

Three Chrismas Trees outside Ngee Ann City 5 days before the Fire

Vertical View of Christmas Trees outside Ngee Ann City

Thursday night, there were maintenance or repairs done to that christmas tree on the far side. If that was the christmas tree on fire last night, I wonder if there are any faulty wiring. Sad to see it go up in a blaze of glory. So very very glad I got pictures before its destruction.

Hope there is a replacement soon.

 

Dragon Boat Race in Singapore

Today, I tagged along with my sister-in-law in support of her cousin participating in the Dragon Boat Race at the Singapore River, in front of UOB Plaza. Event started at 10.30am with various teams from corporate companies, polytechnics and various sectors from the government and statutory boards. It rained intermittently and we had to rushed for cover each time a heavy downpour started.

Pictures from the event.

 

November Sunset at Lorong Halus Wetland

It had been a while since I took any sunset photographs while at the Lorong Halus Wetland. It rained in the late afternoon but had subsided in the evening. Weather forecast was cloudy in the evening. Perfect conditions for a great sunset. The battery went flat while I was taking pictures at Rievierra LRT Station. Always bring a spare camera or the handphone could be handy. I used my Lumix LX5 camera instead.

Three pictures from different focal length taken at the red bridge, Lorong Halus Wetland. As we got nearer to December, the sunset position had moved further to the left horizon. While in May around 7pm, the sunset’s position was just over the buildings on the right frame.

Tomorrow’s weather forecast is rain in the late morning and early afternoon. Bear that in mind if you are going out. Have a great weekend!

Sunset over Punggol and Serangoon Reservoir

Beautiful Clouds during Sunset

Wide-angle view of Serangoon Reservoir during sunset

 

Orchard Road on a Thursday Night

Just came back from Orchard Road and running short of time. Haven’t got a chance to look at the pictures yet to see if there is any worth posting. In summary, the whole stretch of Orchard Road was lit in blue and silver christmas lighting. It was raining now and then. Even after 10pm when most shops had closed down, there was a constant stream of people. Not advisable to take bus or taxis at that hour. Traffic jam and cars horning constantly. Best to take the MRT instead. Be right back later with pictures.

Update : Pictures uploaded.

Orchard Road in Silver Blue Lights for the Singapore Christmas Light Up 2011

Crazy traffic at Orchard Road during Christmas Light Up

A few things to note. Wisma Atria at street level is undergoing renovations. The side street in front of CK Tangs  and ION Orchard are under construction too. November is not the optimum time to take christmas lights in Orchard Road it seems. Wait till December, once renovations are done, to take those pictures.

Have a great weekend, everybody!

 

Christmas Light Up 2011 at Sentosa

As part of the Singapore Christmas Light Up 2011 celebration, Sentosa and Harbour Front celebrate in a blaze of colors, lights and dizzling laser displays. So pretty to look at. Folks this is the place to be to get entertained with beautiful lights display. I heard whispers of fireworks at midnight but did not linger for long. Bear in mind this was not confirmed. On weekends, this place will be jammed pack. Choose a weekday instead to come here and snap as many photos as you wish without jostling. Have fun!

Beautiful laser displays at Sentosa in celebration of Christmas

 

Blue sky before the rain storm

It is raining now while I am typing this. To get blue skies, have to shoot around mid day. Most of the time, I would not advocate shooting in mid day but for certain conditions, go for it! There were plenty of storm clouds around the afternoon. As I lingered at the beach, fast moving black clouds covered up the brighter white clouds. Oh oh, rain was coming really soon. Better moved on. True enough, about 10 minutes later, a slight rain shower. A passing cloud then. But much later, and luckily when I was at home already, a heavy rainstorm was here. Pictures before the rain.

Blue Sky at Punggol Beach during a sunny day

Doves flying above Punggol Beach

Dark clouds arriving

 

News on Singapore Christmas Light Up 2011

Came across a number of news articles on the Singapore Christmas Light Up 2011. Official launch : 19 November 2011 and ending 2 January 2012. According to news report, this year’s event will be grander than last year. More locations are participating. The usual Orchard Road and Marina Bay areas will be lighted up. Also participating this year – Sentosa Development Corporation, Resorts World Sentosa, VivoCity, HarbourFront Centre and Mount Faber Leisure Group. More details can be read from the news articles listed below.

News Articles
Straits Times
E Travel Blackboard Asia
About.com

I am looking forward to this year’s Singapore Christmas Light Up 2011. Hope you are too. 🙂

Christmas Tree at ION Orchard

 

Punggol Reservoir Dam at Night

The weather forecast was rain and thunderstorm in the late evening. By the time I exited the MRT, the sky was dark, the ground was wet but no rain. I guess the thunderstorm had passed for now. The best part, only one or two people jogging or walking in the park. Woohoo, I had the place to myself for the most part. That was around 7pm. Later in the evening, I did see more people coming by. Unfortunately the water cannons at the top of the hill was not functioning tonight.

Meanwhile, featuring the Punggol Reservoir Dam night view. Taken around 7.22pm, 7.26pm and 7.31pm.

Punggol Reservoir Dam taken from the Jewel Bridge at Punggol Waterway

Night Landscape at Punggol Reservoir Dam

Lights Reflection at Punggol Reservoir Dam

The sky was not in total darkness. White storm clouds lingered on the low horizon. Expect to see passing rain tomorrow. So bring that umbrellas wherever you go. In the last picture, those blurs were traffic movement. On a friday night, quite a number of vehicular movement travelling at top speed. Get that traffic lights functioning soon, before 2012 please.

The weekend is here! If you have time, check out the Christmas Light Up. I will cover on that next week on a weekday when there is less crowded. Happy holidays!

 

“Elephants” Sightings at 2011 Singapore Christmas Light Up

Elephants at Fullerton Square, Marina Bay area

Apparently everywhere in Singapore, 2011 Christmas decorations are all synchronised with the “elephants” theme. From shopping malls to tourist attractions like the Merlion Park – all trumpeted with colorful visuals. Check out the durian elephant below.

Elephants facing Marina Bay

More elephants at Fullerton Square/Merlion Park

Cute but what does elephants have to do with Christmas? These decorations are sponsored. Read out the plate signs at each elephant to find out the story. So grab your camera, family and friends and join in this year’s Singapore Christmas Light Up starting from 19 November 2011.

 

Preview of Singapore Christmas Light Up 2011

Just came back from Orchard Road about an hour ago to check out this year’s preparation of Singapore Christmas Light Up 2011. ION Orchard, CK Tangs, Takashimaya and Paragon have their christmas trees decorations up but a work in progress signboards are still around. The christmas lightings are up but no lights yet. This year’s theme – elephants! Have to see them elephants yourselves. 🙂

Meanwhile, pictures to show before the official launch of Singapore Christmas Light Up 2011 this weekend on 19 November 2011 which ends on 2 January 2012. Note : some news report state the starting date as 20 November 2011. To me, it makes more sense to have the opening on 19 November 2011, a saturday instead of sunday.

Get your cameras ready!

Orchard Road Christmas Lights 2011

Orchard Road Blue Chrismas Lights Decorations 2011

2011 Christmas Lights at ION Orchard

ION Orchard Golden Christmas Tree 2011