Another walk through the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018

Here’s us visiting the reserve back in 2015, when the tide was high. We encountered plenty of tree crabs and monitor lizards during that walk. This year, in March, we went during low tide, which meant a whole different crew of animals. We weren’t expecting to see saltwater crocs, but we saw at least three lurking in the depths of the mangrove swamp. Horseshoe crabs aplenty; easy to spot even from the boardwalk, thanks to the lack of tide making it harder for them to hide. Caught sight of many interesting birds, and even an adorable acid-green tree snake hanging around on a branch at eye-level that we spotted only as we came within two feet of it. Of course, the archer fish and mudskippers were doing their usual thing.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018 Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore 2018

See? We weren’t kidding about the crocodiles–don’t believe the naysayers who think there are no crocs at Sungei Buloh. They are there, being sneaky.

The Datai Langkawi: The Tropical Paradise You’ve Always Dreamed Of

The Datai Langkawi The Datai Langkawi The Datai Langkawi

There are so many things we loved about The Datai Langkawi —

The fact that it is surrounded by lush virgin rainforest. The abundance of wildlife, including tame dusky leaf monkeys and cheeky macaques intent on climbing through the guestroom balcony window. The constant cicada noises that echo through the surrounding forest. The balmy sea breezes that cocoon you in tropical bliss. The sound of calm waves washing along the shore by the Beach Club. The sunbirds and swallows and hornbills that drop in to say hello. The resort’s dark wood furniture and modern touches here and there. The pretty orchid blossoms that are thoughtfully placed throughout the bedroom and bathroom. The little green frogs in the lilypad pond by the Lobby Lounge that insist on hopping all over the place — up pillars and down corridors. The panoramic view of the Thai islands belonging to Tarutao National Park in the distance (we were that close to the border!). The two swimming pools — the smaller ‘family’ pool by the beach and the larger one that the lobby overlooks. The fancy breakfasts each morning at The Dining Room (think DIY cocktails and à la minute signature dishes, among a decent buffet spread). The much-needed peace and quiet. And, as a cherry on top: the fact that there is high-speed wifi pretty much everywhere. Including down at the beach, and at every far-reaching restaurant of this sprawling place, so you can do your work wherever you are!

Continue reading “The Datai Langkawi: The Tropical Paradise You’ve Always Dreamed Of”

Singapore Botanic Gardens – For the Love of Orchids (And Other Colourful Things)

Singapore Botanic Gardens 2016 Singapore Botanic Gardens 2016 Singapore Botanic Gardens 2016

One should really only attempt a serious visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens on a cloudy day, or in the evening. If the sun’s out, you’ll probably bake to death trying to get from one end to the other. That said, if you can find a cool day to pay your visit, you’ll find that it is well worth your while, especially if you like the colour green or have the patience to seek out and observe local wildlife. Continue reading “Singapore Botanic Gardens – For the Love of Orchids (And Other Colourful Things)”

Kyoto Aquarium @ Umekoji Park, Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto Aquarium Kyoto Aquarium

Well, it was bound to happen! We’ve done Sumida Aquarium and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyūkan. Now, we can cross Kyoto Aquarium (京都水族館, Kyōto Suizokukan) off our Japanese Aquariums list! Located in the northern part of Umekoji Park, the modern complex of Kyoto Aquarium is a relaxing 10 to 15 minute walk from Kyoto Station. Continue reading “Kyoto Aquarium @ Umekoji Park, Kyoto, Japan”

Tennōji Zoo, Osaka – Japan’s Third Oldest Zoo

Lions at Tennōji Zoo, Osaka Mandarin Ducks at Tennōji Zoo, Osaka

Just a handful of animal photos, all taken at the Tennōji Zoo in Osaka. Not the best zoo I’ve ever been to. Opened in 1915 as Japan’s third oldest zoo, it celebrated its 100th birthday this year, and its age certainly shows. Many of the enclosures are small and we noticed some of the larger animals exhibiting signs of listlessness. Then again, at only ¥500 to get in (about AUD 5.80), it’s a wonder they make enough to keep such a large place running. I wouldn’t have minded paying a higher admission fee to help the zoo improve some of their enclosures. Continue reading “Tennōji Zoo, Osaka – Japan’s Third Oldest Zoo”

When Not To Visit The Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens

Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens

How weird do you think it is to witness a prehistoric-looking hornbill the size of a rooster try to pick a fight with a giant sassy-as-heck blue crane standing over a metre tall? Very weird. I’m not exaggerating about the sassy crane, either. That thing was strutting around its enclosure like its tail feathers were the best thing since sliced bread. Its companion watched in what I would call mild interest as it tried to kick and bite and unfurl its wings at the hornbill in the next cage over, despite the wonderful steel bars in the way. You’d be glad to know the hornbill decided to humour the angry crane and had a rolling good time pecking at it through the cage. Funny things, birds. Also, goddamn frightening. Continue reading “When Not To Visit The Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens”

Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyūkan) @ Tempozan Harbour Village, Osaka Bay Area

Osaka Aquarium Neon Tetra Osaka Aquarium Osaka Aquarium Jellyfish

“Jeez, is it school holidays or something? This place is packed!” 

Somehow, I’d convinced James to let me drag him to the Osaka Aquarium (海遊館). It’d be like a romantic date, I assured him. Secretly, I just wanted to take cool pictures of aquatic creatures and fantasise about the possibility of keeping rare species in my own home. James’ role was relegated to being the “photographer’s assistant” – a role that he assured me he didn’t mind (he probably did). Unfortunately for me, and fortunately for James I suppose, the aquarium had become a temporary can of sardines that day (there’s probably a pun in there somewhere) and taking photos was almost impossible with the number of kids (and adults!) jostling their way to the front. I believe I gave up being a photographer at some point and the aquarium visit did end up becoming a date after all. Continue reading “Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyūkan) @ Tempozan Harbour Village, Osaka Bay Area”

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary @ Gold Coast, Queensland

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Koalas Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Kangaroos

My first memory of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is of a rainbow lorikeet interrupting my breakfast and stealing from the yoghurt and granola parfait I purchased from the front entrance café. The whole fiasco had been amusing and exasperating all at once. Alright, so my favourite Australian wildlife park to date is still Taronga Zoo, but I do love the koala haven that is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. As you’re about to find out, I took heaps of photographs there on our last excursion. Continue reading “Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary @ Gold Coast, Queensland”