Haze-stricken Singapore

For almost a week, the tiny little island of Singapore was shrouded by severe haze. This was due to the massive forest fires happening in the Sumatran region of Indonesia. The first few days was alright but as the days go by, the air pollution level increased drastically; from PSI (Pollution Standard Index) level of 100 which then soared to the hazardous level of 300, then to 400 last Friday, a record high in the Singapore history.  Due to the hazardous air quality, the demand for face masks (N95) and air purifiers ridiculously soared. Face masks especially went out of stock in every stores nationwide.

Hazy afternoon in Singapore River

Within a day, everyone wanted to have one, a quality face mask for themselves. The face mask craze did not only leave every shops' counter with list after lists of face mask reservation but also gave those opportunistic individuals to put up marked–up priced face masks up on sale online. 

The craze came and went. Everything's back to normal now. 

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!


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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...