Colours, Sights & Patterns At Kampong Glam

In the 19th century, Kampong Glam was essentially an ethnic district with a strong Malay-Arab influence. It was a place where locals patronized for their Arab-Muslim traditional foodstuff and merchandise...

Immersive 4K HDR Viewing Experience With Sony Projectors

Sony’s latest innovative laser light source projector is High Dynamic Range (HDR) compatible with native 4K resolution, creating an amazling clear lifelike experience, as if you are there yourself…

Back 30 Years To Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre

Iconic along this stretch of road is the rectangular block of a nondescript beige-tiled building. The facade of this building is blocked by an overhead bridge. And this is the front entrance to a shopping centre - the Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre… (USSC).

Monti - Singapore's Longest Brunch Every Sunday

Enjoy brunch by the bay concept, complete with stunning views of the Marina Bay and its surroundings, and a fabulous menu and music programme to match at Monti…

Where Freemasons Convene

In 1886, the Masonic Club was established to support Singapore freemasonry. Guess who was the first Freemason in modern Singapore?

Fullerton Heritage - Anderson & Cavenagh Bridges

1:27 PM  , , , , , ,  

Raffles Place
South, Singapore
March 2013
(This article is part of Merlion Wayfarer's Fullerton Heritage Guided Tour series.)
  
The Fullerton Hotel resides between two bridges - Cavenagh Bridge and Anderson Bridge.
   

Cavenagh Bridge

Cavenagh Bridge is the only suspension bridge and one of the oldest bridges in Singapore, spanning the lower reaches of the Singapore River in the Downtown Core.
In July 1856, there was a mere wooden foot-bridge where the Cavenagh Bridge now stands. In 1868, Cavenagh Bridge was built to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Crown Colony of the Straits Settlements held in 1869. Built in Scotland, it was originally intended as a drawbridge. It was named after Colonel William Cavenagh, the last Governor of the Straits Settlements (1859 - 1867) under the Government of British India. The coat of arms of the Cavenagh family can still be seen atop the signage at both ends of the bridge.
When Cavenagh Bridge became unable to cope with the increasing traffic into town and its low draught was insufficient for the passage of boats at high tide, the government decided to build the Anderson Bridge in 1910 to replace Cavenagh Bridge.  To this day, this 1910 sign can still be seen on the entrance to the bridge:
     
POLICE NOTICE
CAVENAGH BRIDGE
 
THE USE OF THIS BRIDGE IS PROHIBITED TO ANY VEHICLE OF WHICH THE LADEN WEIGHT EXCEEDS 3 CWT AND TO ALL CATTLE AND HORSES

BY ORDER
CHIEF POLICE OFFICER.

     
Anderson Bridge

Anderson Bridge is a vehicular bridge that spans across the Singapore River. It was completed in 1910,[1] and was named after the Governor of the Straits Settlements and High Commissioner for the Federated Malay States (1904–1911), Sir John Anderson, who officially opened the bridge on 12 March 1910.
Made of steel, Anderson Bridge's basic arched structure serves as a functional support. It also has three steel arches with powerful ribs, two rusticated archways and a fluted pier at each end. Erected across the mouth of the Singapore River between 1908-1910 by the Public Works Department, the superstructure was constructed by contractor Howarth Erskine Ltd and the bridge itself built by A. Butments of The Westminster Construction Co. Ltd. The plaque on the bridge is of a stone specially imported from Egypt. Built just after the reclamation of the south bank of the Singapore River, it was opened on 12 March 1910, by its namesake, Sir John Anderson, K. C. M. G. Governor of the Straits Settlements and High Commissioner for the Federated Malay States (1904 - 1911).
 
    
Merlion Wayfarer's Fullerton Heritage Guided Tour Series


 

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    Fullerton Heritage - Singapore River

    1:14 PM  , , , , , ,  

    Raffles Place
    South, Singapore
    March 2013

    (This article is part of Merlion Wayfarer's Fullerton Heritage Guided Tour series.)
        
    Opposite Fullerton Hotel was Johnston's Pier, a jetty and landing-platform for the convenient arrival and departure of sea travellers. It once stood opposite Fullerton Square, and Hong Kong Bank Building at Battery Road and Collyer Quay. Built by the Municipal Commissioners, construction started in early 1854 and was completed on 13 March 1856. In its time many famous dignitaries, including British Royalty and other VIPs first set foot in Singapore on this pier. Johnston's Pier was named after Alexander Laurie Johnston, one of the earliest European settlers in Singapore.  This was later replaced by the current Clifford Pier.
    Contrary to popular belief, the name "Ang Teng" was first used to refer to Johnston's Pier. When it was built, two handsome, stylishly designed ornamental lamp-posts, with fluted columns, turn-over leaves, and four copper lanterns were ordered from England to add a bit of elegance to its entrance. Another red lamp used to hang at the end of the pier, warning ships as it entered the harbour. Thus Johnston's Pier was popularly known as Lampu Merah or "Red Lamp" in Malay; and also, Ang Teng (the Hokkien, Chinese dialect name). Consequently, Lampu Merah and Ang Teng also became the name for Clifford Pier.
    A major ship arrival occurred every 3-4 months. A flag would be raised atop the Fort Canning Hill, and the townsfolk would enjoy a bout of drinks to celebrate.
    A bronze sculpture of coolies just outside the Fullerton Hotel.
    This depicts a typical scene along the Singapore River some 100 years ago...

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    Fullerton Heritage - Commercial Square

    1:13 PM  , , , , , ,  

    Raffles Place
    South, Singapore
    March 2013
     
    (This article is part of Merlion Wayfarer's Fullerton Heritage Guided Tour series.)
      
    The Union Bank of Calcutta was Singapore's very first bank in 1840, 11 years after opening its doors in Calcutta as the chief presidency bank. It was descended from the Bank of Bengal, set up in 1806 as the government bank.
    On the reclaimed land Commercial Square (now Raffles Place) emerged; the Square was 200 yards by 50 yards with a garden in the centre. Agency Houses then set up their offices in Commercial Square; the offices were on the ground floor while the top floor was used as living quarters. Raffles allowed businessmen irrespective of race to establish their offices there. Four banks were established in Commercial Square; they were the Oriental Bank of London, the Chartered Mercantile Bank of India and China, the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China and the Asiatic Banking Corporation.
     

     

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      Fullerton Heritage Guided Tour

      12:55 PM  , , , , , , , ,  

      Raffles Place
      South, Singapore
      March 2013
      As part of its commitment towards showcasing the unique history of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, a complimentary Fullerton Heritage Guided Tour is offered to in-residence guests of The Fullerton Hotel and its sister hotel, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore.
       
      Merlion Wayfarer was privileged to be on one such tour one bright Saturday morning.
       
      Her tour guide for the day was Florence, an experienced guide with a sunny disposition. She began the tour with some riddles:
      • "If you throw a stone anywhere near the Singapore River, chances are that you will hit someone with this occupation. What is it?"
      • "How many keys (quays) are required to unlock the Singapore River?"
      • "What is a bank without water?"
           
      The first stop was at the Singapore River. Merlion Wayfarer was left wondering, why exit the hotel for a "Fullerton Hotel" Heritage Tour?
         
      Well, she learnt how the history of the river and its surrounds influenced the history of the hotel.
         
      Florence enthusiastically explains the history behind the Singapore River
      with a collection of ancient photographs... 

      When the tour group re-entered the hotel, she was then regaled with tales of the Fullerton's past.
      And of course, Merlion Wayfarer was sidetracked by all the delicious cakes and mouthwatering candies (Giant Meringues at S$4!) at The Courtyard...
       


        

      The full album is available at:
      Merlion Wayfarer's Picasa (Places - Fullerton)      
        

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      Doutor Coffee - An Afternoon With Classy Jazz

      3:28 PM  , , , , , , ,  

      Doutor Coffee Singapore 
      Marina Bay, Singapore
      March 2013

      Merlion Wayfarer visited Doutor Coffee in her Sendai trip in 2009. She was charmed by its classy interior, delicious coffee and soothing music then. So it was with much excitement that she looked forward to the opening of a Doutor Coffee outlet in Singapore.

      On her first visit to the MBFC dining area last August, the cafe was not opened yet. Today, this was what she saw - A welcoming facade with its familiar black and yellow logo. In the foreground is a Japanese couple ordering at the counter. A Japanese cafe opened by a Japanese and patronized by Japanese. What does it say about its authenticity and quality? 

      Clusters of empty tables on a weekend bathed in warm halogen lighting. Comfortable siah...

      A mirrored wall with an amazingly authentic-looking bookshelf curtain lines the interior. The music played was smooth jazz with a catchy upbeat rhythm, a la Emi Fujita style...

      Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided. The owner was very friendly when Merlion Wayfarer's connection did not work. She actually went to check with her staff whether the connection worked for both Android and Apple OSs and later rebooted the wireless hub. She even waited while Merlion Wayfarer re-tested the connection. Nice! 

      It was really no fight when Merlion Wayfarer was at the counter deciding what to order. There were only 40 pieces of the Mille Crepe daily with only 5 pieces left. No prizes for guessing what she ordered! 

      To spice up your cuppa, Doutor offers a multitude of choices - Sugar, Syrup, Liquid Lemon and Honey Lemon. Sugar even comes in both 3g and 5g packs. There are even detailed instructions to aid you in your selection... 

      This was Merlion Wayfarer's order - Royal Milk Tea (Regular at S$5) and Mille Crepe (S$6). Though initially sceptical of the tea as it came in a tea bag, Merlion Wayfarer was wowed when she opened the plastic lid and found frothed warm milk atop the tea. The fragrance was further enhanced with some sugar...

      The rather plain-looking Miller Crepe. Merlion Wayfarer wondered, what's the fuss and the price tag for? 

      It was only when she took one forkful of the crepe that she realized the effort required to layer the crepe one on top of each other. And when she bit into it, the toasted sweetness of the caramel was unleashed together with softness of the crepe and the smoothness of the whipped cream. See how each layer of crepe unfolds slowly? Shiok ah!


      The full album is available at:

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      Seen & Heard - Only 5 Cents? 算了啦！

      5:22 PM    

      Singapore
      February 2013

      Merlion Wayfarer was having a meal at a fastfood restaurant when a group of teens started tossing money across tables. One of them dropped a bunch of coins all over the floor. His schoolmate was picking them up when she start lamenting that one of them was not reachable.
       
      "How much?" they asked her.
       
      "五分 (5 cents)," she replied.
       
      "Only 5 cents? 算了啦 (Forget it)!" they replied.
       
      A careless towards the value of money held by the youths of today? Or a testament to the decreasing value of money due to inflation? Hmmm.....


       
      More photos are available on Merlion Wayfarer's Picasa at :
         

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      Sunset At Mount Faber

      8:02 PM  , , ,  

      Mount Faber
      South, Singapore
      February 2013

      On a cloudy evening in the south of Singapore...


       
       
      More photos are available on Merlion Wayfarer's Picasa at :
       

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      Seen & Heard - Samsonite's Step Out

      3:24 PM  , , ,  

      Changi Airport
      East, Singapore
      December 2012
       
      One of Samsonite's latest adverts at the airport. Food for thought : Have you been listening to your inner voice? Following your heart? Embracing every possibility?
       


      More photos are available on Merlion Wayfarer's Picasa at :
      Seen & Heard

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      The Sun Sets In The West At Pandan Reservoir

      12:08 AM  , , ,  

      Pandan Reservoir
      West, Singapore
      January 2013

      To Merlion Wayfarer, Pandan Reservoir is the sister reservoir of Bedok Reservoir. (See "The Sun Sets In The East At Bedok Reservoir") Like Bedok, it has a jogging path around the entire elliptical shape of the reservoir. Like Bedok, the path is filled with gravel instead of smoothed with cement. And like Bedok, you can see an amazing sunset there. One in the East and one in the West. Truly of brother and sister capability!

       

      Total isolation in the middle of a gravel path - No birds, no cars, no people!
      Potholes can be found on a road leading to it - Truly ulu... 

      A floating platform with adjustable bits which can be detached...

      Two huge pipes from the reservoir which pump potable water to the nearby West Coast industrial area...

      The beautiful sunset in the West starts around 1800 hours with a slow change of the light to a yellowish tinge. The cool evening breeze shreds the puffy cumulus clouds into wispy thin strands...

      These strands catch on the long rays of the spectrum and are transformed
      into patches of pink, purple and orange as the sun itself turns golden...

      |  "Between The Stalks & The Gravel"  |  "The Sun Sets In The East At Bedok Reservoir"  |

      
      More photos are available on Merlion Wayfarer's Picasa at :
      Places - Reservoirs

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      Romantic New Year Countdown By The Sea

      1:59 PM  , ,  

      By The Sea
      Singapore
      01 January 2013

      It was a cold rainy day. It had rained most of the morning with the rain continuing into the afternoon and evening. The water deluge looked set to continue throughout the night. Hmmm, does not augur well for the upcoming new year!

      Fortunately... the rain stopped in late evening and Merlion Wayfarer was set to step out to celebrate the countdown festivities.

      Her criteria for the countdown this year were simple:
      • Far from the Madding Crowd (Good title, Thomas Gray & Thomas Hardy!)
      • Yet a place where one could still soak in the excitement of a countdown

      She ventured along the roads in search of one which is not jammed with people with party poppers, blaring music and flashing disco lights. Finally, one was found at a cosy beach in the romance of the night.

      With the faint sound of the countdown from the revellers behind, the countdown started. Seconds later, the signal flares from nearby parked ships and the blaring of fog horns blast in the New Year by the sea. In the distance, the faraway blasts from Marina Bay fireworks added to the festivities...


      A truly romantic way to start a brand new year...


      The full album is available at:
      Merlion Wayfarer's Picasa (Places - Beaches)

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