Eye of the Emirates, Qanat Al Qasba Mall

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Fantasy World in Lemery, Batangas

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Al Ain, literally means The Eye or The Spring is the fourth largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With a population of 421,948 (2005 estimate), Al Ain is dubbed the Garden City of the UAE. It is located in Abu Dhabi (emirate), directly adjacent to the border with Oman. The freeways connecting Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and Dubai form a geographic triangle in the center of the country, each city roughly 150 kilometers from the other two. Ref: wikipedia

Me and my two friends with a new acquaintance, Farhan braved the summer heat off to the outskirts of Dubai. We had a long holiday and what better way to spend the weekend than to plan a getaway.

At 8 AM on March 2008, we gather ourselves for a  much needed break. Our new acquaintance will drive for us.

As we passed by Sheikh Zayed Road, our eyes were caught by these beautiful creatures. Fabulous Peacocks showcasing their gorgeous feathers. Around 50 of them roaming freely around Sheikh Mohammad Palace.

Visitors are only allowed to make a U-turn at the Palace ground so I have those snapshots taken inside our car. These eye-candies are amazing, I wanted to take one home.

We were back on the road in no time, and traveled for about 2 hours going to Al Ain. There were hardly any vehicles on the highway connecting Dubai to Al Ain, that made our trip a breeze.

Al Ain is famous for its roundabouts. The roundabout intersections are distinct to almost every corner.

Our first stop was Al Ain Oasis. Located between Main souq area downtown and Al Ain Street. This is home to the thousands of date palms and known for its largest underground irrigation system. There are also old building ruins along the way which they plan to restore.

We decided to visit Al Ain Zoo. It was all our first time to be there and I did enjoy our animal encounters. Moreover, Farhan, was like a kid craving for more to see. I was in awe to see rhinoceros and storks, among others.

We left Al Ain Zoo around 11 am and seek our way to Jebel Hafeet. It is located between a desert and its magnificent sand dunes to the west and the jagged and impressive Hajar Mountains. Jebel Hafeet is the second tallest mountain in the United Arab Emirates (1350 m).

The road going up is steep zigzag slope. We passed by Green Mubazzarah Park, which has a stretch of hilly mountains covered by grasses. The three view decks of Jebel Hafeet offers equally beautiful, spectacular views. Each has a parking area. There is an isolated hotel halfway, the Mercure Hafeet, with its panoramic view, I still find it an odd location. Who prefers to stay there?

There is a construction at the top of Jebel Hafeet. Farhan said it was a palace of the crowned prince. Hmmm, impressive but quite dangerous. Ever heard of landslides?

Basking in the sun’s glory at noon is not a good idea. The best time to go for viewing  pleasure is just before sunset or hit the road before dawn. Looking down, dark and hazy clouds were covering most of the great views of the mountains and sand dunes.

After the short visit, we headed to Al Ain Mall to for a late lunch. The newly opened Dubai Outlet Mall is on the way, so we dropped by to take a peek of what’s in store before heading home. We were done at 5 pm.

Tips: Its best to go during winter, naturally not on a summer’s scorching heat. Not much to see from up there, except for a visual treat of sand dunes and patches of greens.

My Solo Journey in Singapore was invigorating yet exhausting. It is bound to be more exciting though as Minnie and Christine arrived on the 3rd day.

3rd Day – Kids play at Vivo City & Sentosa Island

I woke up late as usual. My legs still numbed from the long walk I had the previous day. I pushed myself to get ready and make room for my friends arrival. They were fetch by Christine’s cousin, Rose at Changi Airport. Minnie arrived via Singapore Air while Christine came in via Philippine Airlines.

They made it to Azalea Park by 1 PM where they met Mr. R & Mrs. C. They too were excited to dip in the pool when they glanced over from the glass window.

We can’t wait to paint the town and rock Singapura, so off we go for a power lunch to start the day. After a sumptuous feast, we headed to Vivo City. From Outram Park we changed lane going to Harbour Front MRT  Station. We went inside the Mall and off to Vivo City Lobby to purchase tickets for Sentosa Express.

Sentosa Express is just one of the many choices to get to Sentosa Island. It is a monorail ride and perhaps the fastest way to get to the island. Ticket priced at S$3 per person per day for the 2-way express ride and admission to Sentosa.

At half passed 4, we were on our way to Sentosa Island. The short ride delighted us with lush greenery and awesome coastal view. We were transported to Imbiah Station where a  soaring Merlion greeted us.

Access to Merlion mouth gives one a 360 degrees panoramic view of surrounding islands. I bet its best to go there at night to witness a spectacular show of lights and gleaming Singapore Skyline.

We pass through a suspension bridge where a wonderful cascading waterfalls welcomed us. We later learned that the lush greenery leads to a detour to Mount Imbiah.

The Merlion Walk is equally charming, where a luring wave water pool flows endlessly in  a decorated colorful tiles of sea dragons and mermaids.  Towards the end is an intricate tower of Carillon Bells. Sunset is fast approaching as we went further down to the beach station.

We wander to where our feet will take us or rather where the tram would make a stop. In this instance, we went down to Palawan Beach. It’s a tropical haven of white sandy beach stretch. One can choose from a number of recreational activities, from beach volleyball, swimming, kayaking, and other water sports. Our senses were filled with nature’s warmth and the refreshing sea breeze cooled us deep inside.

We travel across the hanging bridge to get to a lush islet. Its theme might be an island paradise where one can find a nook to watch the sunset either on the boardwalk or along the beachfront.

We searched for a secluded spot to lounge and eat the snacks we brought in. The Beard Papa’s Cream Puffs were yummy as well as the authentic Singaporean street food on sticks.

We continued our stroll and spotted the Songs of the Sea concert area. We agreed to buy our tickets for the night’s show. To while away the time, we challenged ourselves with the Skyride. Me and Minnie are not a fan though. We both have fear of heights and the thrilling experience of an open-air cable chairlift almost gave us a heart attack. Thank God were still alive. For most of the long journey high above the ground I kept my eyes shut. Fortunately, I was able to take some photos and glanced at the stunning sunset before its too late.

The Luge takes the cake! It was fun and we all love it. Like a kid with our own go-kart / toboggan, we raced and owned the racetrack.

It was getting dark and we hop in at the tram going to Siloso Beach. We don’t have enough time to stroll though as we need to get back and grab a good seat for Songs of the Sea.

Songs of the Sea is a combination of dramatic pyrotechnic effects and water extravaganza that won Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement for Event Spectacular and ASEANTA Award for Best ASEAN New Tourist Attraction both in 2008. I have never seen anything like it before, so I think its a must see for kids and adults alike. Be ready for jaw-dropping laser show, flame bursts & water jets. The expensive entrance fee is worth it and the show puts a perfect end to our day trip in Sentosa.

We crammed to catch the Sentosa Express back to Vivo City.

The view from the rooftop was amazing. A huge Christmas Tree is set up, dazzling with hundreds of lights.

We had our photo ops before calling it a night.

4th Day -  Farewell to Singapore, Hello Manila!

My last day in Singapore. Yay!

We made a stop by the swimming pool and grab the chance for photo ops. The blue water is inviting but we need to get on foot or I’ll be late with my flight later.

Of course my Singapore tour wouldn’t end without the usual tourist pose at the most popular Singapore attraction:  Merlion Park. We went down at Raffles Place MRT station to walk around One Fullerton. The midday sun is scorching hot and its quite a maze to find what we were looking for. We made it to downtown Marina Bay where we were enthralled with the unique ambience of waterfront promenade. Singapore River flows in at this artificial bay. The apparent development on the bayfront is visible with a good line up of fine dining restaurants and cruise terminal for ducktours and river cruises.

Further ahead, we finally reached Merlion Park. There is a viewing deck stretch through Singapore River that offers superior panoramic sight of the massive Esplanade Theatres on The Bay, Singapore Flyer, the Float and grandstand, and towering Singapore skyline backdrop.

Merlion is a hybrid of lion and fish and known to the world as Singapore’s Icon. It represents the early beginnings of Singapore as a fishing village.

We went back to the condo after our quick lunch.

Much as I want to extend my stay in this beautiful city, I need to get ready to rock Manila.

Thanks so much to Kuya Robert and Ate Cindy for the hospitality. Hugs goes out to Minnie, Christine & Rose for spicing up my Singapore Adventure =)

i  ♥ singapura