Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Theres not stopping me now!!!
Following on from my trip on thursday, my feet have been very very itchy and I was just dying to get out again, and I did just that. This time I ventured to the southern islands known as St Johns, Lazarus and Kusu. First stop on the map were St Johns and Lazarus, 2 very untouched islands that seemed to be quite empty of people and just full of trees, plants and birds, what had I stumbled across I wondered? Rumour has it that by 2015 these 2 islands (that are now connected via a sea wall / bridge) will become a rich tourist hot spot so I felt lucky that I was able to see it before Starbucks and McDonalds moved in. Upon reaching the pier I headed straight for Lazarus which was only over the wall, within 15-20 minutes I couldnt believe my eyes, a beach that had about 2 people on it and a few boats anchored up and best of all, water that I could actually swim in. You've no idea how good that felt. I have been in Singapore for 7 weeks now and the waters around the mainland are not really for swimming (unless you want to come out with another head or limb) due to the large number or ships that use the waters while on their way to the port (which is one of the worlds largest) so as you can imagine, a lot of crap gets dumped into these waters on a daily basis. Anyhow, as soon as I found this place I was straight in and it felt so good, especially in the heat you get over here, the beach is also now named Daniel Beach because it felt like I had made a significant discovery (I just forgot 2 other people got there before me). I probably spent about 60-90 minutes there and judging by my body now looking like the Singapore flag, that was more than enough (Yes mum, I did wear sun cream but it seems I will have to increase from factor 30-50!). To be honest apart from laying about on the beach and swimming about in the sea, there really isnt that much to do there as it is THAT untouched, but in a way I prefer it because I have seen another island called Sentosa which is very close to the mainland and that is resort hell (hell for me), its full of hotels, $20m+ houses (which are half empty), Universal Studios and every major food chain you can think of, I spent all of an hour on this island, really not for me, far to fake for my liking!
After my baking I took a little stroll but really didnt stumble across much so unfortunately folks, not much to report, this did however prompt me to go to island 3. This particular island I hoped would throw up something new, and it did just that. A lot of Chinese people go there to pray and ask for good luck, good health etc etc at 1 of the 2 temples. These temples have a number of shrines inside them with all kinds of charms, personal items, lottery tickets, fruit? (weird) all in the hope that some luck will come the way of the owner. The second temple is located on top of the main hill, well, a big rock to be honest, but to get to it you have to walk up 152 steps. This particular temple and its shrines was very different from the last. The majority of it is all painted yellow, the steps, the walls, the buildings, everything and people from all over have written on the rocks asking for good fortune, luck in exams, more charms and umbrellas hanging from trees.....anyone care to give an insight to this? it really was quite interesting. I must admit I do like seeing how other religions / beliefs work and how they differ from my own, and they differ quite a bit.
After a nose around, I headed down the yellow brick road and waited for my ferry home. Although I visited 3 islands, there isnt that much to write about because they really are that secluded, so apologies for that. I could waffle on about nature, trees, sea blah blah blah ZZZzzzzz but I will probably put myself to sleep as well as you. My next trip will hopefully be this coming weekend but this time to another country -Woooo, the prices are a bit steep at the minute as its bank holiday weekend, but I really dont want to spend it in Singapore. Honestly, its quite boring here and if you didnt have the options of being able to visit surrounding countries, I think I'd go nuts!
My main aim is to visit every country in SE Asia at least once. There are a total of 11 and to date (2No I visited before now) I have been to 4 total, so a few to go yet, but I will do it!!
Talk soon
Daniel
- comments
josie mcging that all sounded very peaceful and zen like just make sure you get the factor 50 before your next adventure.
Robbie C. Loving the pics and posts. Keep it up buddy! I look forward to reading them.