Singapore's Indian Heritage Centre

ABBEY: As people of all ages and races celebrated Singapore's 50th birthday, we also had some plans to participate. Since MRT and buses offered free rides it is expected for jam-packed destinations. Sentosa for one was really a crowd favorite. The snake line for Sentosa Express is very long that some people opted for the boardwalk. For me and my wife, we visited the recently opened Indian Heritage Centre at 5 Campbell Ln (nearest MRT is Little India).

We were warmly welcomed by their staff. They told us to go up to fourth story after giving us the information pamphlet. The museum exhibits the part of Indians in building in Singapore. How they thrive, built business and live in this land.

One of the busts that were given by Indian government to commemorate the museum inauguration is of Mahatma Gandhi. The first National Servicemen enlistee is an Indian. It was Mr. Albel Singh which served Singapore Armed Forces for 32 years.

Part of the museum shows their religion; from the gods up to the intricatedley-designed great door of temple. It was good to learn the culture, life and religion of other races so your knowledge will also be enriched.

WILL: Indians are one of the races who build Singapore and this Heritage Centre is to accredit all their works and milestones for the Little Red Dot. 

The centre showcases well the Indian culture, their contribution and their beliefs. It also magnifies how they live, their professions and their people who got a position in the government. 

It is a great idea to put this up. Hope it will housed a lot more information about the Indian culture. :)

MacRitchie Reservoir's HSBC TreeTop Walk

ABBEY: You want to walk in a suspension bridge so you can be as tall as the trees? You're in for a treat as you go to HSBC's TreeTop Walk inside MacRitchie reservoir. 

I've been here twice. The first visit is when I traversed the long journey from Lornie road (Lamppost 51). It was exciting at first as you can appreciate nature and the views along the trail. But if you're walking nonstop for more than 4 hours on the heat of the day it is not funny anymore. The signs keep telling how much more to walk but it seems endless. I thought that we were already lost, that I have to save battery for my phone and water :) I just want to walk on the bridge. At last we saw the ranger station. I knew we're close. Few more minutes then we were on top. It was relieving. The long walk is worth it. I can't imagine I've done that.

The second time, I stepped up my game plan. I came prepared. We took the track from Venus Carpark. Within 45 mins, we reached it. I'm glad my wife finally saw it after my numerous stories of the bridge. Since it is one-way, we circled along the boardwalk until we reached the ranger station again and off we go out of the reservoir.

WILL: If not for the sake of the project we are doing, I will not visit this kind of place. I mustered all my courage to face MacRitchie's HSBC TreeTop. Great thing Abbey had already been there; already lost and researched to be more specific what will be the shortest way to be there. 

When I entered the forest, I felt that it engulfed me. That was it! No backing up! 

I fought my fear (fear to see any reptiles or snakes) and walked..walked..walked. When we reached the HSBC TreeTop, I observed in awe. Trees and wildlife really matters here in Singapore.  

I went home relieved. I never encountered any iguanas, monitor lizard nor snakes. Please be careful with monkeys, they are not friendly and they are lurking some of the visitors for some food. 

This is one accomplishment! Wooohooo!

Dinner at Wheeler's Yard

ABBEY: We planned on meeting my former colleague, Arnold but due to some office work he was not able to come. So Wilma came up with something and asked me and Grace to go to Wheeler's Yard at Lor Ampas (one-bus ride -139 from Toa Payoh bus interchange). Grace was delighted to hear that as she is a cyclist. 

The ambiance is like a warehouse you see in movies where the bad guys hide their kidnap victims. But instead of tension and fear, the cafe was filled with all-smiling and attentive staffs. It was warm and relaxing. 

I got their spring chicken. It took time to be served. But, oh boy, when it was served, it was aromatic and delicious. Since it was baked, the fat is almost gone leaving the skin crispy. The meat can easily be removed from the bones. It came with creamy mash potatoes and purple cabbage coleslaw. The meals starts from 15sgd. 

Other half of the place is for the bikes and accessories that are for sale. 

WILL: Wheeler's Cafe is one of the must visit cafes here in Singapore. And because Grace is a cyclist, I thought of going in here with her for some dinner. 

We were amazed my the interior designing of the place. It is very clever for bicycle shop to put a cafe beside. We sat in front of the long table that have bicycles displayed on it. 

I went for Steak Hanger ($19.90). The meat is quite tough to chew. But the taste complements well with mushroom sauce. Abbey and I was delighted to their mashed potato, it is creamy. 

Next time? ...