Batam, Indonesia
June 2013

Gillman Barracks

Back in the 1930s, Gillman Barracks was established in Singapore to accomodate the expanding stronghold of the British Military. It first housed the First Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment followed by the Singapore Armed Forces in 1971, when the British Military handed the barracks to the SAF as a part of withdrawal from the country.
The SAF abandoned the barracks in the 90s, leaving it for commercial purposes and was later named as Gillman Village in 1996.
The Gillman Barracks is now known as the British colonial themed hub for the local contemporary art scene.

I didn't really spend much time looking around the art galleries. I thought I wasn't dressed fancy enough for the liking of such contemporarily artistic scene. In the first place, I didn't really intend to give the place a visit on that day. I was just happily skating around:)

Taman Ayun Temple, Denpasar

Taman Ayun Temple, Bali, November 2012

escapdes of a local sightseer #7 (part II): Sentosa Island, Jungle Trails

Before the start of Imbiah trail, there were signages and posters stating that the Imbiah trail is closed due to renovation works. It was weird though since no blockages were put up. I then continued...





And so the signages wasn't put up before the start of the trail for no reason. Part of the trail was indeed under construction. I then walked aimlessly around Sentosa looking for other jungle trail entrances/exits whatsover...



These tram rails were no longer in use. It was cut at some parts. Funny how they never removed the trails. The last time I rode the tram was back when I was in 3rd grade.


Old, abandoned cottages



At first, I was a lil' bit hesitant to go deep inside. It seemed like ages since the trail tracks encountered visitors. I went deep in nonetheless. At this point of time and place, if anything happens to me, no one will find out. But what bothered me most was snakes jumping right in front of my face. But wait, Are there still snakes or wild animals of some sort around Sentosa? an Island too civilized and reconstructed? Oh well, I didn't encountered any. Oh yea, except Peacocks who can't be bothered, playful squirrels jumping around and hordes of mosquito like insects biting me (bit exaggerated I know).



Then I saw a random side exit, a cycling path beside the coast.



In the end, I didn't get to cover the whole Sentosa jungle trail. Some parts were closed for construction and some parts were just lost (or was I lost?). I never bother to look at the map. I didn't even have a map. I followed my feet. Time was an issue as well.

It seemed like the jungle trails of Sentosa are now long forgotten. Throughout the whole trek, I've only encountered less than a handful souls. Everyone tend to flock and get stuck at the Universal Studios and Resort World Sentosa. Modernity has gotten the island visitors too focused on the man made entertainment sites and branded leisure spots that they forget the stress-free environment friendly regions of the island.

where should I go next?!

escapades of a local sightseer #7: Sentosa Island Part 1

Yesterday, I had the urge to go out and do some exploring. I didn't know where else to go and it was too last minute to do an extensive research and a detailed itinerary. Initially, I thought of sailing to Pulau Ubin (well not really sailing by myself but rather, I have to get onto a scheduled bump boat which costs round $2.50 at the Changi Point Ferry Terminal) But the weather wasn't very much accommodating this past few days and it would a bummer if I get caught under a stubborn ,unpredictable, persistent rain which usually last for hours in an island made up of jungle trails and cycling paths. I abandoned the thought and found my way to Sentosa!


View Larger Map
Sentosa is a small island located down south of Singapore.

There are 3 ways to get there:
1. Jewel Cable Car ride from the Harbourfront Station at Harbourfront Tower II which then brings you to the Imbiah Lookout Station, Sentosa. Costs S$29.
2. Sentosa Express (a 2-cabin light rail transit) from Vivocity level 3. There are 4 stations around Sentosa to drop at (Sentosa station, Waterfront station, Imbiah station, Beach station). Costs S$3.50.
3. Hail a cab. Costs from S$2-S$6 (vehicle admission) + metered taxi fare.
4. Drive. Vehicle admission applies.
Or...
5. Walk along Sentosa Boardwalk (700m) from Vivocity to Sentosa and pay S$1 upon entrance. (And that's exactly what I just did!)



The S$1 fee was deducted through my ez-link card (transport concession card).



Passing through Universal Studios Singapore.


I've visited Sentosa countless of times (and trust me when I say countless, I really mean it) but not on this side. We usually just wander round the confines of Resort World Sentosa or just get tanned at the beach (Siloso/Palawan/Tanjong Beach). I've left Resort World and headed straight to Merlion Park. The Merlion marks the starting point for my search of the Sentosa jungle trails. (Just for the record, I've not been on this of Sentosa since I don't know, 7, 8 years ago?)


Passing through Imbiah Lookout.


Tiger Sky Tower


Jewel Cable Car Station


To Imbiah Trails.


to be continued...

Streets of Kuta at night

Streets of Kuta, Bali, November 2012