Sang Nila Utama Was Here

Singapore, was described as 'Pu-luo-chung' (Island At The End of a Peninsula) by the Chinese, who first discovered the island. However, little is known about the island's history at this time. As recorded in the Malay Annals, in ancient times, Singapore was known as 'Temasek', a Javanese word for Sea City. Sometime in the 11th century, Singapore was again discovered by Prince Sang Nila Utama of the Sri Vijaya Empire who sighted a mystical beast which he later learnt was a lion. He then decided to name the island "Singapura" which in Sanskrit means Lion (Singa) City (Pura).

I stood infront of the Merlion statue, one of the world's famous icons. I flipped through the guidebook I had bought while my friend was busy taking a few shots of the statue. According to the book, the fish tail of the Merlion symbolises the ancient city of Temasek and represents Singapore's humble beginnings as a fishing village (populated by a handful of fishermen and sea gypsies). Wow! Looking up, I glanced around and wondered how Singapore might have looked like long long time ago. Starting as a fishing village, Singapore is now a vibrant, modern city-state of 2.8 million people and has also become one of Asia's economic 'dragons' and the regional centre trade, transport, banking, tourism and communication. Thanks to Sir Stamford Raffles who had developed the swampy, thickly jungled island into a sophisticated country after he claimed Singapore for the British East India company in 1819.

Humming the country's national song 'Count on Me, Singapore', we walked to the Esplanade - Theatres On The Bay, Singapore's most exciting performance arts venue to date located at the waterfront overlooking Marina Bay and just a walking distance from the Merlion statue. The complex with its unique and distinctive dome-shaped roofs (dubbed 'the Durian' by locals) comprises a 1,600-seat concert hall, a 2,000-seat theatre and several recital rooms, theatre and rehearsal studios, as well as outdoor performing spaces. It also houses a mall, cosmopolitan food outlets and a library.

From Esplanade to Orchard Road and from Orchard Road to Sentosa, it had been an endless fun and excitement. At Sentosa, we visited the Underwater World and played volleyball on the Siloso Beach. We even managed to catch the pink dolphin show before headed back to the city centre.

Our last stop was Mount Faber which had presented us an excellent view of the Singapore city. As a compliment to the beautiful scenery that surrounded us, I took a few snapshots.

That’s the end of our sighseeing in Singapore. We headed to the Singapore Train Station right away to catch the Senandung Malam coach back to Kuala Lumpur where we belonged.

Up, Up And Away!

I nearly got choked on my food when I was told that my name was listed for the Merdeka Day 2004 helicopter ride. The purpose was to check the traffic condition on North-South Expressway on that day and prepare a report about it as soon as I got back to the office. It wasn't so much fun to me as it might be to some people.

I have height anxiety. Scientifically they call it as 'Hypsiphobia'. And to make things worse, I have also the fear for flying which they call it as 'Aviophobia'. The word phobia is Greek which means 'fear' and therefore any word that is connected to it should be Greek. Having a combination of both anxieties didn't give much help during my heli ride from Ipoh to Senawang and back to Kuala Lumpur. It was really a torment that I could not close my eyes during the take-off as I also suffered from 'motion sickness'. Closing my eyes would only make it worse. Afraid of throwing up on my shoes, I kept my eyes wide open and kept myself calm at all times. 

With camera in one hand and airsickness bag in the other, I did what I was supposed to do. Keeping close watch on the traffic, I continuously updated the log book and took few shots of the traffic at certain stretches. As those photos would have to go along with my report, I had to make sure those shots were taken with steady hands (so as to capture sharp and clear photos). The fear and sickness I had inside were soon forgotten as the behaviours of some road users catched my attention. From up above, I could see some of them speed like they were so in need of toilet. Some drove like they were being chased by mafias. The motorbikers tailgating the lorries for no solid reason. 

I was pleasantly entertained by the scenarios. But then, as I was about to get quite comfortable with the altitude and the whole situation, I heard the pilot radioed the Subang Terminal and I knew it was time to land. Supressing my frustration that the show was over, I laid back and tried to relax. The fear came back again but it was not as terrible as earlier.

Eventhough I did not find heli-riding overwhelming at first, at the end of it I did learn one important thing - it is absolutely a great satisfaction for being able to overcome your worst fear. So I'm gonna keep on watching you guys from above. Captain, I am ready for another take-off!