River Safari Visit

River Safari is located at 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826, and the number to dial is 6269 3411. It is basically nestled  beside Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari, opened in November 2012 and probably needs no introduction on my side.

Photosource: http://www.singapore-vacation-attractions.com/river-safari-photos.html

I was supposed to play tour guide for some dear cousins and their kids, from overseas, but ended up being more lost than them because it was my first visit as well. The entire park is divided into different sections with interesting names of rivers and forests, such as River Nile, Congo River and Yangtze River etc.

We were first at the Amazon Flooded Forest section. This place was like a giant aquarium (reminds me of the Underwater World) and there were many different species of fish and sea creatures for our viewing pleasure.

Some Freshwater Stingray greeted us first, laying flat like handheld paper fans, a rather interesting sight to behold, especially when these "giant fans" began moving.

This was actually the very top of the entire "aquarium", later we would be heading to the lower  levels to view the deep waters from other angles.

This is actually one of the not-so-big Manatees, trust me these creatures are massive in size and weight!

The water is a serene world of its own, encased in dim-ness and beauty.

We walked down the path leading us deeper down into the "aquarium" and more exhibits along the way.

It was feeding time for the cuties. Look at the Manatees, dearies - don't they look like giant rocket missles? Anyway, the diver delved deep into the waters and fed the "water cows" (as they are called in Mandarin) with green plants / vegetables! They ate ravenously while we watched on.

Then we viewed an assortment of interesting fish - Tiger fish, Pufferfish, Conga Tetra etc - looking like a monkey with mouth open, if not its the entire school of non-moving fish, still was statues. They were all showcased in glass boxes along the dimly-lit pathways into other sections.

This fish was still as a log - the uncanny resemblance was 100%. How simply fishy, especially for the unsuspecitng.

There were also some turtles and tortoises which I did not manage to snap many pictures of. This black, long fish had a body that was so soft it was almost like paper or cloth, quavering about like cloth blowing in the wind.

We entered the tunnel and here was where the Giant River Otters were.

They were really adorable animals, swimming overhead us. They tend to twirl their bodies in circles as they move, reminding me of a giant (electrical) drill. 

We found ourselves in the Squirrel Monkey Forest next - still a joke as we had thought it was an enclosed nature reserve with squirrels and monkeys. That was not to be so. All these tiny, agile little things were named Squirrel Monkeys and they were busy hoping from one tree to another, as if they were performing for their guests. But they are so adorable.

This is a black cat of sorts, ensconced alone here in this habitat.

We finally crossed over to the Panda Outdoor Viewing Gallery, which was atmosphered coolly  a la the chilly climate in China, the panda's suitable living conditions. It was an interesting place with lots of bamboo plants and some bamboo-made items exhibited besides the sleepy and shy pandas.

Guess who we saw first? Yes, the very sweet-looking and cute Red Panda. It was perched on the tree looking so adorable with its tiny white face (against the flaming redness of its luscious fur) and big bushy tail. It just refused to look at anyone though, refusing to "show face", not even for a fraction of a mini-second.

Finally, we saw the Giant Pandas - okay, we only managed to see Kai Kai, and he was sleeping. We were informed that Jia Jia was more shy, so she probably hid herself. See her lovely home though, albeit its stark emptiness without her in the picture.

Kai Kai was sleeping soundly it seemed, but he was shaking his feet and we were all hoping that he would wake up from his slumber and let us watch him play, eat bamboo shoots or simply going about doing his things. Pandas are such delightful creatures, I simply adore the monochrome look!

Herein ended our 2.5 hours tour. I would say that for SGD$26.00 per adult and SGD$16.00 for a child (cheaper if purchased via online apps and using certain bank cards), it was a little overrated. I did not get to see alot of the animals listed in the map, but we'd combed every inch.

For boat ride, the tickets are sold separately, but they have designated time slots for the rides and limited seats - we did not get to take the ride! 

Lastly, there is a section for Polar Bear but I did not to get to see the giant white bear at all - others had managed to catch a glimpse of it before it hid into some hold or corner for hours. 

Overall, it was quite an all right trip. I believe the cousins' kids enjoyed themselves rather much.

[Event] Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel - Sopra Cucina & Bar, Lounge and Rooms

Having enjoyed a sumptuous dinner at 10 Claymore before, I looked forward to heading to Sopra Cucina & Bar located at 10 Claymore Road #01-02 Pan Pacific Hotel, Singapore 229540 and the number for reservation is 6884 6884. It is the first restaurant in Singapore to serve Sardinian cuisine (a type of Italian fare).

One may reach this elegant restaurant by the road itself (walk from Orchard Tower or Palais Renaissance), or one may simply descend a glossy flight of marble steps from the hotel lobby to reach Sopra's.

The interior is furnished in a sleek, contemporary and slightly rustic style, bringing out a very classic Italian flavor to it. A giant bar counter is nestled in front, and there is an assortment of bar counter seats, low dining tables or high tables for the diners to choose from. The ambience is cosy, comfortable and hearty.

I snagged a high table outside, intending to dine al fresco and enjoy the cool breezes of the impending evening. Guests were beginning to flock in gradually. I entertained myself with a glass of Cabernet Merlot (smooth!) while waiting.

Uniformed waitresses and waiters were circulating tables with trays of delicious canepes - so I helped myself to a mini skewer of Grilled Squid - finely sliced and utterly tasty (even succulent despite its chewy texture) amongst celery and olives. It was flavorful, needless to say, and a fine item from Sopra's main menu itself.

Next, the spoonful of Fregola pasta (tasted like barley) and bouncy, fresh prawn cooked in a delicious gravy - another delicacy from Sopra's ala carte menu. Taste-wise, it was a good savoury-sweetish combination and the roasted semolina pasta were actually rather fun to chew, like pearls (in bubble teas). My friend commented that the best way to eat it was in one mouthful, which he did, but for me I used the spoon and ate daintily - since the waitress gave me this tiny metal teaspoon.

The other food item that was being offered was a slice of thin-crust pizza - while the ingredients were not distinguishable, the pizza was crispy, and inducive with the sapid aroma of cheese. The crust was crispy as well, so this item (also from Sopra's menu) deserved some taste merits too.

Following the above, we finally have a "canape" from 10 Claymore's "Global Plates of Pleasure" menu - the famous Char Kuey Teow with fresh shrimps, Chinese sausage, eggs and spring onions. I am glad to be able to eat this Chinese delicacy again - the prawn was still as fresh and springy in texture, the kuey teow noodles were still smooth and the overall flavor was still scrumptious.

After dinner, it was a little rest and relaxation in the Pacific Club Lounge - a gorgeous, luxuriant lounge exuding nothing but waves of delight to its guests.

Talk about being treated like royalty! Plushy, lavish couch seats and settees, elegant European furniture and thick carpeting, complete with a mini buffet counter for the guests to indulge in - feel free to be spoilt here.

This is the posh, comforting meeting room that looks so inviting with its tasteful interior decor and soothing lightings. It has a little bit of a "cabinet" kind of regal feel, but that does not stop it from exuding a classy charm of its own.

Now, the elevator doors open to reveal some very lovely and intricate furniture welcoming us with an arty embrace.

The luxurious room with good furniture and comfortable beds - tempting to book a staycation right away, or just doze off in the soft, mellow sheets right here.

This is the larger room, complete with a larger work console and more space. Another temptation luring one's into Morpheus's arms right here.

One of the suites - elegant interior with advanced eletrical gadgets and an open concept. I have been in one of these before, spending part of the night with a girlfriend on her staycation here sometime back. Talk about being pampered and comfort level - this room definitely tops the points scales.

The bigger suite  - providing a home away from home for its visitors and guests. A modernistic appeal with a chic finish, soothing in its own way.

What's not to love about a transparent bathroom scales? 

And a slick tub that is built into the grounds so that one could literally "step in" instead of having to "climb into" a tub above grounds level! Yes, this is definitely a very practical and comfortable tub to have a soak or two in.

Welcome to the pool area - when one seeks solace in sun's touches or the cool embrace of the waters. The deck chairs look so  inviting, believe me it took all sheer of willpower to not take a plunge and then spread myself out on the deck chairs right there and then.

Finally, their luxuriant St. Gregory's Spa - and bear in mind that even the bath products in this hotel come from here! 

What a gorgeous and tantalizing hotel, ain't it? Oh well, time to head back to Sopra's for another round of drinks!