Paying last respects to our unique HERO!

Today was the first day for the public to pay respects for Mr Lee Kuan Yew at the Parliament House, Singapore. It would last until this Saturday, 28 March 2015. This morning at 9am, I saw the live telecast of the funeral procession from Istana to Parliament House. I couldn't find the right words to describe my feelings. I wished he could live on but I also don't wish him to hang on suffering or in pain in the hospital. I know the time will come for people to go and the living will have to accept. Still... my heartache.  I had also taken half day leave off work few days ago for I know I had to go over there, to pay my last respects. This was the only little thing I can do.

The little red dot where I called home was built up by this man, It's his country and endless efforts.

Building up bit by bit, all this was super not easy and it was this man that continued his passion and love for the country to make all this possible. Buildings with balance of nature, lots of tress all over the place. 

A short walk through of the queue today. Arriving near Boat Quay. I do not know where the start of the queue was, I can only walk on.

  The sun was blazing hot today and I have never seen any queue in this way. I was offered an umbrella by a group of kind souls. I thank them and had the umbrella returned to her when the weather started to cool off. There was also good people especially this restaurant that put out the free drinks to the public. 

The queue went up and around the bridge and this was only about  an estimated 20% of the distance made. Then a u-turn around had to be make as directed by the police guards. 

By the time my queue reached Raffles Place, it was about 3pm. I had started queuing from 12 plus.

Of course, there were still some people trying to cut into the queue on and off, here and there. Thankfully, majority are queuing in order, doing it the right way, the honest way, the good way. Along the way, many guards was also helping to distribute water to the public. Overall, everything was still in a very good order.

Looking up at all this skycrapers, I can't help but think again how much was went through before all this can actually happen in a small island, in such a short time. Since young, I had lived in a shophouse and also a house in Chua Chu Kang. Both my childhood houses are no longer there and had made way for newer developments. Changes are inevitable, sometimes good, sometimes bad.

The queue goes on...

Looking at the opposite, I think I'm making to about 50% of the queue line from where I'm standing. Only then I started to take a few slips of my drink (given by the resturant). I didn't dare to eat or drink since 10.30am this morning, fearing I might have to go to the restroom. It is actually not advisable not to drink though especially under hot sun. Please do take a umbrella if you are going there.

At the bridge and nearing the Parliament house.

Upon reaching this covered point, it takes about another 30 minutes to get into the Parliament House.

Cards written for Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

Reaching. Photography not allowed inside. 

Paid my last respects.

Rest in Peace, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

Exiting back of Parliment House, Singapore. 

Large crowd continued on near Hong Lim Park. Overall, it took me about 4 hours. The crowd seemed to be longer and longer later in the day. TV are now reporting changes to the time. The time had changed it to 24 hours open from today and till 8 pm on Saturday. It is really touching to see such a huge crowd lining up orderly to pay their respects. Keep the good flow.

Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Goodbye, our nation hero Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
The one and only.
R.I.P and you will always be in my heart.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
双溪布洛湿地保护区
Singapore first protected wetland.
In 1986 : A group of birdwatchers from Malayan Nature Society from Singapore branch wrote a proposal to the government for it's conservation.
1989 : Area of 87 hectares of wetland
(Designated as a nature park)
2002 : Area of 130 hectares of Sungei Buloh
(Officially gazetted as nature reserve and renamed as "Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve)
2003 : Sungei Buloh became Singapore's first ASEAN Heritage Park.



I was at Sungei Buloh on the 30th January 2009.
The weather was good and I had a very enjoyable walk that day.
Upon arrival, I took the free map at the visitor counter and there are 3 different routes.
Route 1 which is approxmately 3km is about 1-2 hours walk.
Route 2 : Approximately 5km, 2-3 hours walk.
Route 3 : Approximately 7km, 4.5 hours walk.
I knew I would take much longer time as I was taking photographs, so I selected Route 1.
The next time, if I'm there early, I would like to try out the route 2 or 3.
I've been to Sungei Buloh a few times and I never forget the first time I was there, many years ago.
I brought my rabbit along for a stroll, not knowing that no pets are allowed, we both were not able to be admitted! LOL!

A unique letterbox outside the visitor centre.


Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Visitor Centre
Location : 301, Neo Tiew Crescent Singapore 718925
Opening Hours : 7.30am - 7.00pm (Mon - Sat)
7.00am - 7.00pm (Sunday and Public Holidays)
Admission : Free Entry except on Saturday, Sundays, PH and School Holidays (8.30am - 6pm).
S$1.00 per adult / S$0.50 per child or senior citizen
(Remember to get a free map here!)


A metal pledge on a big stone reads :
Sungei Buloh Nature Park
Officially opened by
Mr. Goh Chok Tong
Prime Minister
on
6 December 1993




This is the biggest Kingfisher I've seen so far.
He was perching on the fence just outside the vistor centre.
Some vistors got very excited and you see huge cameras started to setup to capture this cute bird.
There was a couple and the lady asked "Is that real? It's not moving..."
I turned over and told her "It's is a real bird, I saw it move a little earlier!"
They both seemed happy!
Then the guy said he used to live in kampong area when he was a kid but have never seen a kingfisher so big!


Walkway in the park


Signboard : Care for nature - No catching of birds and No Fishing!
Looking at this sign, I can't help thinking of Elmo! (My pet cockatiel)
Reminds me of Elmo having his wings trimmed at the pet shop.
The guy at the pet shop grab him so tight and it looks just like this picture!




The first squirrel I saw.
Snap, snap, snap... the squirrel must have find me a nuisance.






Can you spot the bird?


Razor/Pencil Fish
There are lots of fishes like this in the water.






A Bird Observation Hide








This squirrel is very cute.
He was so busy eating, he didn't know I was slowly getting nearer and nearer to him.
When I was only just 3 feet away, he decided to discard his lunch and ran off!


A simple screen for viewing.


Monitor Lizard
I used to see a few of them but my this trip, I only spotted this one.
This one is not very big.
Actually seem tame and friendly.
I took a few photographs and left quietly.
Then, I remembered my previous trip, I saw a very big one.
I was scared and luckily the Monitor Lizard also seemed scared by my present and ran off fast...


I wonder what is these wooden poles for?


Snails crawling up the tree


Mangrove


Flora Mangrove
Name : Rhizophora apiculata
Family : Rhizophoraceae
Common Name : Bakau Minyak

Description : A medium sized tree reaching 30 meters
tal with smooth to slightly cracked grey bark. The thick
leaf has a sharp pointed tip. The leaf stalk and stipule
(leaflike appendage to a leaf) are often tinged red in
colour. The cream coloured flower comes in paris and
without stalks. The brown fruit looks like an inverted pear
with persistent calyx (modified leaf forming a proctective
layer that would remain without falling off). The green
with purple hypocotyl is measured up to 33 cm long and
cylindrical in shape with a blunt knob at the end.

Uses : The wood is a source of timber, firewood,
charcoal, piles and fishing stakes. The branched stilt
roots are used for anchors weigh down by a stone.
Medicinally, the bark may be used
as an antidysenteric.








Aerie at Sungei Buloh (Route 1)
This aerie can be seen in many different parts in the park.
Height of tower is 18m
Width of deck is 9m
Number of steps to deck is 72 steps.














View from the main hide
















Mudskipper / Goby






It took me about 3 hours plus to complete Route 1 and it was then 5 plus when I left Sungei Buloh. It was a nice visit this time except that I was feeling quite hungry.
The next time, I'll remember to bring something to eat, more water and a pair for binoculars.
Please click here to view the Kranji Dam and parks! It's a place very near to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.