Singapore – September 1999

Chinese Gardens
Covering 13 hectares, the Chinese Garden or Yu Hua Yuan
replicates classical Northern Chinese imperial architectural
style.

The Chinese Gardens

Some of the garden’s attractions to look out for:

The Stoneboat

The Twin Pagodas

The Towering Pagoda – Climb 7 storeys and have a bird’s eye view of the West.

The Statue of Confucius

Yun Xiu Yuan (Bonsai Garden) – Not to be missed!

Double Bridge Beauty (across to the Japanese Gardens)

Just a little bit more about Yun Xiu Yuan


A visit to this garden is a must!

Yun Xiu Yuan…Bonsai Gardens

This Suzhou-styled bonsai garden houses about 2000 pots of bonsai
from various countries. Well-maintained and placed on
stone pedestals and shelves, these bonsai vary in sizes and patterns.
Also notice the intricate stone-pebbled floors and the
architecture of the buildings.

The Towering Pagoda

The Towering Pagoda

This pagoda is about 7 storeys. If you could afford to climb it, do it as it is worthwhile. You can catch a bird’s eye view of Chinese Garden and it’s vicinity: Jurong, Boon Lay and Teban Gardens.

To get to the Chinese Gardens, take the mass-rapid transit, get off at
Chinese Garden Station, and take a 5 minute walk to the gardens.

Address: 1 Chinese Garden Road
Tel: 65-2643455

Yours Truly …

I am a local. Love to go places, take photos and basically
get “soaked” into the culture.

I do own a pair of Blundstone booties which I bought from
Australia. However, it is too hot to wear such a thing in
Singapore, but I still look at them and think of where I have
trekked with them.

Visit my website at
Tikita’s Island

About Singapore

History

This tiny fishing village was founded by a British East India
Company official, Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles, in
1819. The settlement came about so that the British could
secure their trade against the Dutch in the Far East region.

Quirky Facts

It is unknown how Singapore actually got its name. The
most popular legend being a Sumatran Prince who came
ashore after a shipwreck, and spotted a beast. His advisors
then told him that it was a lion (Singa). Thus, the name
Singapura came about.

Was also known as Temasek which means “Sea Town”.

Singapore is also well-known for its fines imposed on
littering, smoking in air-conditioned areas, spitting and
flushing of toilets. Death penalty for drug trafficking and
possession.

Geography

96km North of the Equator.
At the southern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, separated by the
Straits of Johor.
The main island covers 647.5 sq.km, together with 60 other
little islands.

Climate

Temperature ranges between 23 to 33 degrees Celsius. Humidity is
high at about 84.4%. Subject to NE and SW monsoon.
Do roam around in light clothing.

Transport

Very assessible and easy to navigate around.
Check out the online transport guides:

Mass Rapid Transit

Singapore Bus Services

Trans-Island Bus

Buy the Singapore Explorer ticket for unlimited rides or hop
on the Singapore Trolley for a sightseeing option.

Currency

The Singapore Dollar (SGD). Banks and licensed money
changers do offer better exchange rates than hotels.
Do scout around town area and compare the rates.

Dining

Due to its multi-racial society, you can expect to find a
variety of Western, Malay, Indian and Chinese food.
Other flavours can also be found around town.
Look out for reasonably priced ‘all-you-can-eat’ buffets.

Coffee Places

Visitors can find numerous coffee joints all
around town:

Starbucks Coffee,

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf,

Seattle Coffee Company,

The Coffee Club,

Dome.

Arts & Music

Visitors can catch various performances.
Check out the for
The National Arts Council for schedules and SISTIC for
ticketing information.
You can book your tickets online.

Posted in: Singapore