SCOOT YOUR WAY TO SENSATIONAL SINGAPORE
with Scott McRae , The Travelling Guy
When it comes to holiday destinations under 10 hours flight time from my home base in Sydney , Singapore has always been a personal favourite . So , when it became one of our neighbouring countries that relaxed its COVID entry requirements a little more last week , I was more than eager to return . Singapore has so many travel prerequisites covered and it ’ s a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lives .
Its cuisine is influenced by its diverse population from all around Asia . Think Eurasians , Peranakans , Indonesians , Chinese , Pakistanis , Middle Easterners and a few English and you get my drift , right ?
Singapore is a foodie ’ s dream destination , where you can visit a hawkers ’ centre in Chinatown or Arab Street and eat yourself silly for $ 20 AUD . Yes , you will be able to roll out and home !
While developing some of the most stunning skyscrapers with a significant tilt towards sustainability and constructed to ‘ wow ’, the architecture has still firmly held on to its art deco and colonial historic charms .
If you ’ re travelling with the family and want to earn major brownie points ,
Sentosa Island with its almost endless enthralling alternatives is undoubtedly a must see when visiting ‘ instant Asia ’. You can reach Sentosa by cable car with its amazing views or take the monorail . The pedestrian boardwalk is another alternative and a terrific example of Singapore ’ s modern way of life .
Once there , the possibilities are incredible . As I exited the monorail with its spectacular view , I proceeded to the islands ’ newest attraction , The Skyhelix . This is an open air gondola-style ride that slowly rises 79 metres above sea level , providing 360-degree views as far as the eye can see . If you are afraid of heights , maybe walk past this one .
As I travelled across the island on yet another cable car , I was struck by the beauty of its beaches ; you could easily spend a relaxing afternoon soaking up the Singapore sun . Unfortunately , I was on a mission and the clock was ticking .
Resorts World Sentosa was next and it was as mind blowing as I was led to believe . I found it almost impossible to comprehend how many entertainment , accommodation and restaurant options could be squeezed into 50 acres and not make you feel claustrophobic . There was still plenty of open space and green settings to enjoy .
The next thing was deciding which attractions to visit . Adventure Cove Waterpark , S . E . A . Aquarium , The Maritime Experiential Museum and Dolphin Island are a few , so take your time . For me though , and not normally
one for the theme parks , Universal Studios was an absolute cracker . Do not miss out on hopping on The Mummy and Power Rangers rides , just don ’ t ! Must do I had the pleasure of walking through Chinatown with renowned artist and street muralist Yip Yew Chong , who offered me an insight into some of his unique and captivating works . This is one you can do yourself , and it will only cost you your time and your imagination .
Not only do you get an insight into the Yew Chong ’ s Chinatown , but you will also be transported back in time ; it feels like you can walk inside the artwork and become a part of his personal history . Getting there If you are looking for a super cost effective choice when flying to Singapore , I suggest you give Singapore Airlines low cost carrier Scoot a go . My journey was seamless and surprisingly very comfortable .
The Scooties , as the staff are affectionately dubbed , are up there with the most helpful and attentive flight crews I have ever experienced . Also , flying in the big bodied sleek and stylish Dreamliner certainly removed any restrained feelings you may experience on other carriers .
Scoot ’ s versions of Economy , Premium and Business are also out of the box with the choice of Economy , Scoot in Silence ( no kids in sight ) and ScootBiz
( Scoots Business Class ). Check out flyscoot . com for the scoop on Scoot . Stay Swissotel Stamford is a master class in delivering slick service and luxurious accommodation and is located in one of the most accessible and scenic positions possible . Finally reopened after two long years serving as a quarantine hotel , staff here are in raptures at the return of much-missed travelling guests .
Affordable lavishness is the go here and every room is brimming with chic design and technology-enhanced trimmings . With some delightful dining options in house and the direct connection to the alluring shopping precinct of Raffles City you will be more than happy with your surroundings .
My Travellingguy tip at Swissotel is to treat yourself to a meal or at the very least a couple of sundowners at Skai on the seventieth floor . Beautiful views and delectable cuisine . Visit my website for some fantastic reopening specials .
Scott McRae is The Travelling Guy for more stories and travel videos visit www . thetravellingguy . com with Ian Knowd , Hawkesbury Harvest
Winter fun
June signals the winding down of the apple picking season in the Bilpin area , the Land of the Mountain Apple , but there ’ s still plenty of apples to pick and purchase with Pink Lady , Granny Smith , Fuji and Sundowner apples all super fresh , crisp and delicious .
June ’ s also when the navel oranges come into season down along the Hawkesbury River and on the Central Coast Plateau . From now until October , these sweet and juicy beauties can be found at Schofields Orchard , Anderson Farm and Fords Farm further north at Laughtondale .
If you ’ re up near the Central Coast , visit S & S Peruch ’ s Farm at Somersby , and Wyuna Farm at Kulnura . On the Harvest Trails and Markets home page , click on ‘ Produce ’, scroll down to find the navel oranges , and click through to the list of farms – easy !
The idea of picking your own fruit right off the tree is as simple as it sounds ,
but there ’ s also a couple of tips we can give you to make the experience the best it can be .
• Check the fruit is still available – always call the farm and check that the fruit is still picking to avoid disappointment . Contact details can be found on the farm ’ s page on the Harvest Trails and Markets website .
• Some farms ask you to book a picking session – many of our farms will happily let two or three visitors pick their own without prior arrangement , but if you have a group , then always contact the farm and check .
• Take your own bags – fresh fruit is heavy and picking your own usually means you will pick lots . Take some stronger bags than the usual supermarket plastic ones so you can be sure to get your pickings home safe and sound .
• Scissors ? Yes , especially if you ’ re picking citrus , having scissors or secateurs will make picking a lot easier . Oh , and pay attention to how the farmer says the fruit should be picked . The correct way helps the plant and all the work the farmer has put into making the trees abundant and healthy – you ’ ll be playing your part in next year ’ s bounty .
HIDDEN IN THE HILLS Ducks ducks ducks !
by Lachlan Turner
Along many creeks flowing through local bushland reserves are numerous ponds and deeper pools . Several water birds frequent the larger pools in search of food , as well as establishing a secure nesting environment in thicker vegetation around the shoreline . One such bird is the Pacific Black Duck ( Anas superciliosa ). Although the black duck is found in suitable habitats throughout Australia , it is generally a wary bird when not accustomed to people . It can be solitary , but also gathers in pairs and small groups . When breeding , mature ducks are mostly seen in pairs as they dabble along the edges of water courses searching for aquatic plants .
This common species is characterised by a distinctive blue bill , black and white markings on its head ,
Pacific Black Duck .
Australian Wood Duck with its brood .
Australian Shell Duck with an injured left wing .
and its neck and body are covered in dappled dark brown plumage .
Other ducks that frequent bushland waterways are the Australian Wood Duck ( Chenonetta jubata ) and the Australian Shellduck ( Tadorna tadornoides ).
All three mostly prefer a hollow in a tree for nesting which is only a short distance above the ground in close proximity to water . They may lay up to 10 eggs each and the clutch leaves the nest very soon after birth . Both parents take seriously the responsibility of raising and protecting their family .
The Australian Wood duck pictured has a clutch of at least 13 chicks to look after . When young , the new born ducklings are confined to the ground , concealing themselves in long grass not far from the parent birds . They also have the ability to swim
within a couple of days of hatching . The Australian Shellduck in the photo has an injured left wing ; when disturbed it swam to the cover of nearby reeds to hide .
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 15 // JUNE 2022 25