While in Singapore I had no car and I was lucky enough to
stay with some friends in a beautiful big house. Those very same friends- happened to have a few bikes just
lying around with no one to ride them. So,
I did what any thoughtful person would do; I hopped my butt on one of those
lonely bikes and got busy a-peddlin’!
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| Thanks Carmen and Paul for the accomodations |
One really chill place to bike is East Coast Park. This
is a multipurpose water front trail that meanders along the beach, circling
around half of the island. I only took it fifteen miles or so. There are plenty
of spots to rent bikes there but biking is not the only activity to be had
here. Roller blading is definitely alive and well in these parts, and my inner 90’s
child was very pleased to see the sport florishing. Stopping for a beer at an outdoor hawker center I took in the surrounding
Singaporean people, the sun, and the smell of the salt water. This is a relaxing
place to ride for any level of rider due to the flat path and lack of motor
vehicles.
I also spent some time wandering through different
neighborhoods, and the variety of temples is impressive. Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist and
Muslim places of worship are scattered with in arms reach of each other. This
variety, naturally matches the people of Singapore in diversity. The majority
is ethnic Chinese and minority Anglo (I would estimate about 5%- high for an
Asian country), with a whole spectrum in between. It was very cool to be in a
mix, which I had not seen before. and although a different mix, definitely one rivaling the bay area.
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| Buddhist |
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| Tao |
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| Muslim |
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| Token white girl |
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| Hindu |
Another leisurely ride I took, was through the manicured
path outside the Marina Bay Golf Course.
It is paved with flowers and ferns and an occasional monitor lizard and it goes
up one side of marina bay. As you cross over a small bridge before the bay
breaks out to the ocean you arrive in the Gardens
by the Bay.
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| The "boat" on top of the MBS |
This side of the bay is the part of Singapore you see in all
the photos, and not for no reason it’s got a lot going on! Those rad dome like
buildings house different botanical gardens, and the grounds have several
museums all ornately designed. But if you prefer to shop and eat don’t worry
there is plenty for you as well. A visually stimulating and refreshing ride for
sure, but if you want to really get refreshed you need to look up.
At the top of the Marina
Bay Sands Hotel and Casino is a massive boat like structure that connects
the three towers. Down one side of the “boat” is a fantastic infinity pool (you
have to be a hotel guest to go in) and the other half is a restaurant, club and
lounge. At the Ku De Ta the drinks
are tasty and the view is fantastic. Down below you can see the whole city
including the famous Merlion, the “floating” soccer field and all the cargo
ships out at sea. Careful though, after a few cocktail that ride home might
seem too relaxed!
