Sights in Singapore

We had 1.5 days in Singapore before boarding our cruiseship. This was not our first trip to Singapore and we had already seen the sights before. So, we focused on hitting the hawker centers and sightseeing along the way.

From our hotel, we walked to the Tiong Bahru Market. Along the way, we passed the Alkaff Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that spans the Singapore River near Robertson Quay. It's shaped like a tongkang, a light boat used to transport goods along the river.

Christmas celebrated in style in Singapore. Decorations were up in mid November.

Sculptures outside Prada on Orchard Road.

We stopped to get an ice cream sandwich. The vendor cuts a slice of ice cream (peppermint chocolate chip) and slaps it between 2 wafers--SGD1.50 ($1.12).

Clarke Quay was named after Sir Andrew Clarke, Singapore's 2nd governor. It is a quay on the Singapore River that used to hold warehouses. Today, the warehouses have been converted to shops, restaurants and nightclubs.

Green space incorporated into the Park Royal Collection building. What a great way to bring some green into such a dense urban area.

After boarding the ship, we discovered that we would not be landing in Semarang or Surubaya and our departure from Singapore was therefore delayed by a day. We spent the extra day doing some additional sightseeing in Singapore.

From the Singapore Cruise Center, we took the MRT (North East Line) to Clarke Quay.

Multi-colored windows of the Old Hill Street Police Station and the Elgin Bridge. There are 927 windows, each painted with a color of the rainbow.

The Cavenagh Bridge near the Fullerton Hotel is the only suspension bridge and one of the oldest bridge in Singapore.

Today, it carries pedestrians and bicyclists. No horses or cattle allowed.

"The First Generation" by Chong Fah Cheong depicts boys jumping into the river near the Cavenaugh Bridge.

"The River Merchant" by Aw Tee Hong depicts Scotsman Alexander Laurie Scotsman, a prominent merchant of early Singapore, mediating between a Chinese trader and Malay Chief while sacks are being loaded onto a bullock cart.

The Anderson Bridge is another pedestrian bridge. It's popular for wedding pictures.

Underneath the Esplanade Bridge on the way to Merlion Park.

Esplanade=-Theatres on the Bay.

The mascot of Singapore--the Merlio, half lion, half fish.

Marina Bay Sands Hotel viewed from Merlion Park.

Cross the Singapore River on the Anderson Bridge to find "From Chettiars to Financiers" by Chern Lian Shan. It depicts early financial services operated along the river by Chettiars from South India. There is a modern-suited businesswoman who appears to be participating in the bidding.

"A Great Emporium" by Malcolm Koh, depicting trade in early Singapore.

In front of the Asian Civilizations Museum is "24 Hours in Singapore" by Baet Yeok Kuan. It is an interactive audio sculpture installation that captures the sounds of Singapore.

On the other side of the Singapore River are high-rises.

The Arts House at the Old Parliament is an arts venue in Singapore. The venue plays host to art exhibitions and concerts. Built in 1827, the Old Parliament House is the oldest government building and perhaps the oldest surviving building in Singapore.

The Old Supreme Court Building is the former courthouse of the Supreme Court of Singapore, . The building was the last classical architecture to be built in the former British colony.