Wet Wet Wild / The Airport

Today I had to check out of my Hotel but that wasnt until 12 so had time for breakfast and to get everything ready. I have accumulated so many leaflets and tickets so far that it was too many to take to Oz so I went to the post office and posted them home along with a few other things. It was half the price to send it sail mail so I did that, it prob will get back home the same time as me.

After I had sorted out the stuff at the post office I decided to spend my last day at Wet Wet Wild which Is Singapores water park. The waterpark itself was relatively small but had won the innovation award of 2004 for this one ride they had. It was like a vert ramp in size but not quite vertical, you sat on a rubber ring and went down this ramp and up the other side It was really good. I have a little video of it for anyone who wants to see. So I spent the day at the park and then made my way back to the Hotel as I had left my baggage there and I also wanted to do my laundry before I left for the airport. I just had enough time and made it to the airport approx 3 hours before departure. I then found out I wasw flying Singapore airlines again woohooo!! They didnt have any exit seats left though and the woman said the flight was pretty full. She said she was going to make a request for me anyway whatever that meant?

Im keeping this post short and sweet as im at the airport taking advantage of the free internet point but there are people waiting so don't want to be too long. And I dont have the ability to upload any pics from today im afraid I will do that when I get to my next Hostel. Well Im going to look around the shops now before my flight, bye for now!

The Merlion at Night 

Monkey Mayhem 

Siloso Beach 

Cable Cars 

Sentosa Island

Today I decided to take a trip to Sentosa Island which is off the south coast of singapore about a stones throw away. I got I ticket which gave me a round trip in a cable car to get there and back and entry to some of the attractions on the island. While I was trying to figure out how to get to the cable cars there were a group of girls also trying to find the way so I got talking to them. We managed to find the entrance and I shared the cable car with the over to Sentosa Island.

The ride in the cable cars was really good, I had read they had perspex bottoms so you could look beneath the car but you had to pay extra for that which was typical. Anyway I arrived at Sentosa and departed from the girls as they were heading for the beach and I wanted to go do the things my ticket gave me entry to. The first was the Carlsberg Sky Tower, which was basically a revolving room that went up so high. It looked similar to those revolving restaurants and gave a nice view across the Island. The next attraction I went to was The Merlion, it you hadn't worked it out a cross between a lion and a mermaid. This is Singapores kinda symbol and I watched a short movie of why, I cant remember why now but something to do with liosn and mermaids :)

When you entered they gave you a coin which was apparently a lucky coin, you put it into a merlions mouth and out came a ticket by magic stating I had won prize B. Prize B turned out to be a fan which also double up as a compass and thermometer, I guess It wasn't that lucky for me as I ended up breaking it within a matter of minutes. Anyway you could get the lift to the top of the merlion and look at the view from the top, you could also go down to its mouth and look out from there. On my way between the two I bumped in Heather the girl I had met a couple of days before at the Hotel I am staying at so I hung out with her for the rest of the day.

My last ticket was for Fort Siloso which was an actual fort used in World War II by British troops who ended up surrendering to the Japanese in 1942. Had a walking tour around there which was ok but too many stairs and hills for me. Got an ice-cream and jumped on the bus back to the beach.

Siloso beach looked so nice, and the sea was warm which was a bonus. I had a nice swim in the sea which so good as the heat was ridiculous I couldnt even walk on the sand for too long. After the swim on the beach I went to get a shower and got changed, as I came out I would hear some noise near-by which sounded like a show. We headed over for a look and saw a monkey slam dunking a basketball!!

As soon as we saw it was a monkey I we went to watch the show. Its pretty impressive the stuff monkeys can do. After the show anyone could go up and get a photo with the monkeys wooooo, I had a monkey on my shoulder and I have a photo to prove it. They were pig tail monkeys or something like that and had really big red bums.

After we had finished with the monkeys we both decided it was time to get something to eat so went on the search for a restaurant. We got off at a bus stop as the driver told us there were eating places near-by. Unfortunately the all you can eat buffet didnt open until 5.30 and it was only 4.40 so we went and got a drink. This restauarant had a really nice setting over the sea, and the food was pretty good too. They had this steamboat theme where as you had a pot of water which was lid from underneath to boil it, they then had uncooked seafood like prawns and fish fillet etc that you put in and cooked yourself It was kool.

After our meal we went back to the cable car place and I remembered there was this musical fountain display thing so we went to investigate. I think we got there just at the right time as I think they may only do this show once a night. It was quite impressive the had big water sprays which they then projected images onto that were animated it was really clever.

Im back at the Hotel now and really need to take a shower as I have had sweat dripping from my face all day, you probably didnt need to know that but I though I would tell you anyway. Not sure what my plans are tomorrow as my flight to Melbourne is at 11.40pm im sure I will find something to do. I doubt I will have much news tomorrow so my next post is likely to be when im in Oz.

A Big Muddy Rhino 

Anyone seen Pumbaa???? 

Orchid from the Botanical Garden 

Night Safari

Got woken up nice and early today by thunder and heavy rainfall, but it was too early so went back to sleep for a while. Stuffed myself again at the buffet breakfast to last until dinner time, then waited for the bus to take me down to the MRT station at the bottom of the road.

I decided first off I would visit Chinatown before going to the Botanical Gardens. I got to chinatown and straight away there were poeple trying to sell me stuff especially suits. Every time I walked past a tailors they try and get me in the shop by asking where I was from and offering me there bussiness card. I didint want to be rude by ignoring them but It was the only way to stop them hassling me. After a while this got really annoying to I jumped back on the train back to Orchard station, where I got a bus to the Botanical Gardens. There was some construction work being done to part of the gardens and I was told the entrance was up the road. This road ended up being a trek and a half it just took so long to get to the entrance gate! The Gardens were free to get in to but you had to pay an entrance fee if you wanted to go into the Orchid Garden. The Orchid Garden was quite good and had some nice looking orchids in it. By this time It was getting on for 3 and I also wanted to make a visit to the zoo which closed at 6 so made a move to get there in time to see everthing.

I must have been quite lucky as my bus turned up as soon as I got to the stop, my train came a few minutes and the bus after that wasnt far behind so made it in good time to the zoo at about 4 ish. I bought a park hopper ticket which allowed me entrance to the zoo and the night safari and was a lot cheaper then buying the tickets seperately. The zoo was really kool, I dont think I have been to one where you can get so close to the animals and most of the animals were to sectioned off by windows or a wire mesh. Clouds were hoving overhead and the sound of thunder made me thin that soon there would be rain, which there was so I ducked for cover and managed to see a sea lion show which was good timing. I didnt manage to take many photos from when It started raing but was just hoping it would stop in good time for the night safari.

I finished walking around in the rain and popped into KFC as I thought Id better get something to eat to keep me going. I chomped away at my zinger burger and had a look at the night safari leaflet I had been given. The night safari didnt open until 7 so I had an hour to put up my feet after my days walking. I got talking to some German woman called Claudia who was also going to the night safari, her english wasnt brilliant but she seemed ok.

It got to 7 and the gates to the night safari opened, by this time it had stopped raining thankd god. I had a tram pass which gave you a guided tour around the park but I decided I would take the walking route first and go on the tram afterwards. This park has over 900 nocturnal animals of 135 species and I must say Is the best thing Iv'e done in Singapore so far! Its in a rainforest and there isnt much light which makes it all the better as it just feels so real, you had to watch where you were walking though as I nearly trod on a poor little froggy. I walked all the routes and it was just so good all the animals were amazing, I especially fell in love with this little guy who was a tarsier he looked awesome.

They had these walks inside a big cage where they kept bats, you were so close you could touch them if you wanted to. I was just hoping none of them would take flight and fly right into me, It was reqally amazing to see I dont know where else this would be possible. The tram trip was really good too and went to a part of the park where you did not have access to on foot.

The last bus back to the station was at 10.30 so I had to make sure I made that or I would be getting a taxi and I didnt really have the cash for that! I decided to go watch a show that was on at 10 which was really impressive and good fun to watch but I left 5mins before the end so I made sure I was on that bus. I really need a shower now after that long hot day, but If anyone ever goes to Singapore this should definately be top of your list.

Im possibly going to go check out Sentosa Island tomorrow and get a cable car over which has a perspex bottom so you can see everything your passing over!

Raffles Long Bar 

Crazy Building 

Sultan Mosque 

Slinging Action

Got a good nights rest last night and got up for my buffet breakfast at the hotel which is included in the room price. Had a bowl of cereal, a couple of plates of cooked stuff (eggs, sausages, beans) and some fruit so I was all set for the day. They had a free bus service that took you down to Orcard road right next to the Orcard MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) Station, which Is the name for there subway system. While I was waiting for the bus to arrive I got talking to a girl called Heather, she was going to Little India and I had no plans so decided to go as well.

At the MRT station I got a EZ-Link Card. These cards have some kind of chip in them and are preloaded with money to use on the MRT and buses, all you have to do is swipe them at the gate or when your boarding a bus and it automaticallt takes off the cost. These are so much less hassle than buying tickets all the time!

We got to Little India had had a walk around, It certainly smelt like India haha. There were alot of shops and places selling food but really wasnt all that exciting so decided to venture to Kampung Glam where there was the Sultan Mosque. Unfortunately for us they had just closed it for lunch and were re-opening again at 2.30 so we went to find somewhere to get a drink as this place makes your mouth unbelieveably dry. Had some nice fresh lime juice and then consulted the guide book. Near-by was Bugis street and Raffles Hotel so decided to go to Bugis Street and then onto Raffles.

Bugis street was a few interconneting street which were full of market stalls selling fake designer makes amongst other things. Whilst walking in different directions through these streets we kind of lost our sense of direction but luckily were heading in the right direction for Raffles.

I saw on a one of those top 50 shows that to go to Raffels Hotel and have a Singapore Sling was something you had to do before you die, so I thought I would. We entered the lenendary Long Bar and ordered some Singapore Slings! Each table had a bowl of monkey nuts on it which were free so started to dig into them. The thing to do is throw the shells on the floor once you had got the nuts from inside, hence the fact that the floor was covered in shells.

The Slings were quite pricey in comparison to singapore prices $18 but converted back to UK pounds it was only about 6 quid which wasnt really all that bad. I wanted a souvenir so asked if I could keep a place mat and the waitress also gave me the recipies for the cocktails and a box of raffles matches which was nice.

By the time we had finished in Raffles the Mosque was open again so went back for a look inside. The outside looks really kool but inside there wasnt much to see at all just people praying and stuff not much fun.

On the way back spotted some awesome looking skyscrapers. They were kind of a diamond shape and from certain angles looked really thin and flat as if they were 2D, got some pictures of them then went back to Orchard Station to get back to the Hotel and get a shower.

Havn't decided what my plan is for tomorrow Im going to look through the leaftets and stuff I have I hopefully get a rough Itinerary for while Im here.

Lovely Leg Room 

Singapore Galore

Well got up early this morning to have a shower and get my stuff together in time to catch my train to the airport. When I got to the airport I managed to navigate myself to the check-in desk, but before I checked in I zipped away the straps on my bag and put on my security mesh. I then noticed that all bags being checked in went through an X-ray machine and was just hoping they didnt want to have a look in my bag as I had just spent a while packing it all away ready, luckily they didnt. So I check in and then went to the shops before going to my departure gate. I bought a few souveniers and went to sit down to pack them in my rucksack. I had my hands pretty full so decided to sit on my boarding pass while I packed the stuff in. After I had done that I went to get a drink and an ice cream to get rid of the last of my cash. A man then came up to me and said is that your ticket on the chair?? I couldnt believe I had wlked off and forgot I was sitting on my boarding pass what an idiot, I guess im just lucky that it wasnt taken as I havnt got a clue what I would have done then. With a sigh of relief I walked down to my departure gate and waited until we started boarding.

When I checked in I asked if I could have an exit seat so I could have some extra leg room. I got on the plane and my seat was amazing I had soo much room miles of space it was wikkid. There was also no-one sitting behind me so I could recline as much as I liked without feeling guilty about crushing the people behind me. I was travelling with Singapore airlines and there were great it was possibly the best fligh I have ever been on it felt like I was in first class if I were to imagine what that is like haha. They came round with a hot flannel first, then papers, then a drinks/meal menu you were being waited on hand and foot. Then the drinks came round and I had a Singapore Sling I thought it was only right. I had a couple of those before they brough out lunch which consisted of a marinated seafood salad, beef strogonoff served with buttered veg and pilaf rice. For dessert there was cheese with crackers and a chocolate truffle cake it was all very nice. The in flight entertainment was pretty good too similar to that on the Virgin flight I had.

Whe I landed I decided I would get the bus to the place I was staying (Metropolitan YMCA). No-one was very helpful but I eventually found out what bus to get. The only problem then was knowing what stop to get off at, I had a map but it wasnt a bus map and I was struggling to work out where I was. I think im too used to the japan buses which are so much more helpful and display the name of each stop before you get there!! Anyway I ended up asking a lady on the bus who spoke english but couldnt read it, she told me where to get off and I started to walk to the hotel which was a 15-20min walk. I did have directions but I didnt think they were very good so didnt want to go looking for another bus, but the walk nearly killed me. This place is so humid and I was sweating so much. When I eventually got to the hotel I went up and had a shower straight away it was so refreshing. My room looks ok and I have a en-suite bathroom and tv. Because the place is pretty big I dont know if thre will be many people hanging around but we'll see.

Koko-en Gardens 

Himeji Castle 

Himeji

Went to the train station and got by breakfast from the bakery again, reserved my seat on the train and went to the platform to wait. There were a couple of trains that zoomed through the staion while I was waiting, I havnt got a clue what speed but it was so fast youve really got to see it to believe it! One also passed when I had borded the train and it shook side to side haha. Anyway I went to Himeji today to see the Castle, bought a combination ticket which allowed me entry to the castle and the gardens just up the road.

It was a really nice day again today, I have proof of how nice it was yesterday from my red nose haha. I got a map from the ticket office and made ,y way around the route. I first went up into the west bailey building which you had to take your shoes off to enter. You put your shoes into a plastic bag and carry them with you, they give you some slippers to wear but all the ones they have everywhere are always to small for my feet. If you attempt walking up and down stairs in these things you know theyve got disaster written all over them. I opted to just walk in my socks which I found much easier. While im on the topic of these slippers you also have to wear them in the hostels, hotels etc. They also have different pairs for when you go in the bathroom, which on many occassions I found have found my self walking around with slippers on that have TOILET written on them in big letters haha.

Back to the Castle anyway, I followed the maps route and had a good look around. The castle was quite outstanding and I got some good photos of it. Its constructed with rocks as foundations and a wooden structure. There was a model of its structure and it looked quite amazing. You were able to climb up to the 6th floor which was pretty much the top and gave you a really good view across Himeji. Its not as great to look at as Tokyo but was still pretty kool. After Id finished looking around the castle I went to see what the gardens were like just down the road.

The gardens (Himeji Koko-en) are composed of nine seperate gardens, all as stunning as each other. There just so tranquil and relaxing, the huge ponds have enormous carp in them and its great to sit and watch them. I just love the way how all the gardens are designed it is truly beautiful. After I had spent some time there I made my way back to the station and got on the next train back to Kyoto station.

It was my last full day in Japan today :( so went to find out about trains to the airport tomorrow. Ive got to check in two hours before my flight so Ive reserved a seat on 8.16　from kyoto which gets to Osaka Kansai and 9.35 which should be enough time to sort myself out and check in.

Raiden (He is now retired from Mortal Kombat) 

The Big Man Himself 

Home of Big Buddah 

Nara Wildlife 

Big Buddah

Ok today I had planned to go to Nara, Jan and Martin were both leaving today for Tokyo so exchanged emails and went to grab some brekkie with Martin before my train. For some reason everywhere was closed near by possibly because it was a sunday or maybe because we were a bit too early. Anyway we went to the station and got some bakery yum yum. Said my goodbyes and boarded the train to Nara.

It was only 40 mins so just put on my mp3 player. When I arrived at the station I check at the info office that everything was in walking distance and set off. I ended up at the five storied pagoda first where there were loose deer everywhere it was wikkid. Got some guy to take a pic of me next to a deer which was really kool. I then headed for the Big Buddah!!! This was in Todagi Temple and absolutely huge it was monumental. After I had stared in amazement for a while I went for a walk and passed my a big hill called Wakakusayama that i decided to climb which in retrospect I think was a bad idea as It completely knackered me out. I got to the top of the hill and the view was outstanding, I perched myself on the top and cracked open a beer to celebrate my hike. After a while I could feel myself gradually slipping down and was now about 30 inches from where I had first sat. After I finished my beer I went back down found a bench in the park and had a rest and nearly fell asleep so forced myself to get up and wander about. After a nice long walk I got back to Nara station and took the train to Horyuji where the worlds oldest surviving wooden structures reside. Cost me a whopping 1000 yen but It was worth it I guess. Its only a fiver anyway!

Tomorrow Im going in Himeji to see the castle and see what happens after that.

Japanese Dancers 

Sanjusangendo Statues 

Ginkakuji Temple 

Templed Out!

Had another temple day today. Went off again with Jan to see the temples we didnt manage to see yesterday. Started off at Ginkakuji Temple which was pretty nice and had a really good garden, we hadnt got any breakfast and had set our sights on a bakery so was on the lookout. We then went and took the bus to Kyoto Imperial palace still looking for bakeries without any luck. There was quite a walk to the entrance and we has already been told we would have to fill out an application before we were allowed in the palace. The really annoying thing was that when we got the the gates we were told it was closed as the government offices were not open. We had wasted quite alot of enery walking so far and really needed some food but didnt fancy fish! We then planned to get the bus to Shijo Kawaramachi but got off a stop early as Jan spotted a bakery. Filled up there and then went for a look around the fish market and souvenir shops which were quite interesting. Jan decided to stay and look around but I had walked enough and decided to go have a look at the Sansusangendo Temple as It apparently had loads of statues. This temple was awesome it had 1000 statues in it and looked amazing. You wernt allowed to take photos but I turned the flash off and discretely snapped away - Id paid 600yen to get in so wanted my moneys worth.

I then got the bus to Kyoto station but realised I had jumped on a sightseeing bus which is not covered with my buss pass doh! I assumed that the passes looked similar on the back so just flashed the back and got off the bus :) Just outside the station there was some kin of street show going on so I stopped and watched that for a while. There were different groups of kids showing there dancing skills and were dressed in strange clothing it was kool. I then headed back to J-hoppers and met up with some people in the lounge and had a chat for a while, bunged in some laundry and got ready to go out for some food.

Im getting the train in the morning up to Nara to see the big buddah woo!!

Zen Garden 

Golden Pavillion 

Me and Jan at Kiyomzu Temple 

Super Loo 

Temple Hopping

Last night I hung out in the lounge at the hostel and spoke to a few poeple who were staying here which all seemed really kool. Had a good nights sleep and went out around Kyoto with Martin and Jan both who I had met the night before. We all got a buss pass which allows you unlimted travel on the buses aroubd Kyoto for a whole day. We headed for the south east area to start with to visit Kiyomizu Temple which was so nice and the surroundings were what made it really special. We got japanese ice creams,　Ｉ　tried green tea and cherry which was delicious. We then walked to near by Kanninji Temple and had a look around, hopped back on the bus and headed east to Arashiyama. In arashiyama was the nonomiya temple, Tenryuji Temple which has such a beautiful zen garden. Our stomachs were rumbling so we looked for something eat eat and ended up eating in a little restaurant near the temple. I cant even remember the name of the dish I had but It was nice and filled me up.

We were going to go see the monkeys in Iwatayama but didnt want to pay so decided to jump back on the bus and head north making our way towards the golden pavillion (kinkakuji Temple). We stopped off at the Ninnanji Temple on the way but the golden pavillion closed at five so we only had a few minuted there before we got back onto a crammed bus to the Golden Pavillion. We decided to makwe this the last stop and it was such a good temple to top off our day of temple hopping. Its actually covered in real gold leaves and looks amazing, It was good to see a temple that was a bit different from the rest.

After we got back to the hostel me and martin decided we would go and check out the local Sento (public bath). I though I may as well try it out as im here so what the heck. We didnt have a clue about the procedure but kinda worked it out after a bit if debating. Basically you took your shoes off outside, went inside and got undressed (yep totally naked) and went to wash yourself before entereing the bath. The baths are thought of as a passtime rather than a method of washing and it is though of as dirty to get in before washing first.　Anyway we got into this super hot bath I mean it was boiling!!! My legs were tingling and I wondered how long I would actually last, but after a few minutes it got better but still felt boiling hot. After a few minutes of pain I got in the next bath which was warm rather than hot and had bubble pumped into it kinda similar to a jacuzzi. After that was the cold bath which was totally the other extereme and was freezing. I had to gradually lower myself in but once I had sorted out my body temperature it was real nice. I kinda felt a bit dizzy I guess this was because of the drastic change to my body, and when I took a breath of air it felt like I was inhaling menthol fumes it was quite bizzare. At least I can say I have done it and it was definately an experience. Gonna spend another day in Kyoto tomorrow I reckon and see some of the temples I didnt get round to seeing today.

Mt. Fuji