By Nathan Allen

Abandoned for many decades, it is the final resting place for many early Chinese pioneers…and currently home to a lot of colorful wildlife–such as kingfishers, woodpeckers, and even a troop of curious monkeys!

Singapore’s Chinese Heritage – Lost in a Jungle

Almost forgotten by time, the dense jungle has taken over much of this historic site. For me, that’s actually a huge part of its appeal. Bukit Brown was named after the original owner, George Henry Brown. He was a British trader that lived on this land.

Brown had sailed from Calcutta in the 1840s, and after purchasing the area, he named it “Mount Pleasant”.

It was then sold to Ong Kew Ho and Huay Kuan, but eventually transferred to the government when the need for a cemetery arose. It served Singapore’s Chinese community for about 50 years, and was actually considered the largest cemetery outside of China. It closed down decades ago, but you can still visit and take a self-guided tour of these mysterious gravesites.

I absolutely loved wandering and taking pictures here…with not a (living) soul around. It’s so solemn and peaceful – a wild and scenic counterpart to Singapore’s well-manicured green spaces (of which I am also a fan).

Photographers, birders, and general nature-lovers feel quite at home here. Have a look at this giant, “rain tree“! These are the kinds of jungle scenes I dreamed of as a kid. I never imagined ferns could grow high up in a tree, but these bird nest ferns feel right at home there.

Some Bukit Brown graves are adorned with stone statues and figurines.

This is one of those times when I wish I could read Chinese…I’m so curious about who these people were, and how they were immortalized and remembered on their tombstones.

A few have actual photos on them…and this helps to paint a picture of who these early Singaporeans actually were.

(continued below)

While exploring these jungle trails on my own, I began to hear rustling in the trees around me. I’m not a very superstitious person, but Bukit Brown is supposedly one of the top 10 haunted sites in Singapore. In fact, the “Asia Paranormal Investigators” are one of the groups working to preserve this historic cemetery!

As it turned out, these “ghosts” were of the long-tailed variety…

Spirit Guardians? – Long Tailed Macaques

Eventually I spotted a curious face through the jungle trees…it was a family of monkeys! There must have been 11 or 12 of them.

I approached slowly, but was still met with a bit of resistance. Most of the group slowly shuffled away, but the dominant male stood his ground and showed his teeth. I did not push my luck, but instead just sat peacefully, hoping to show them that I was no threat.

It worked. The old male kept a watchful eye on me, but he began to relax…and even start foraging for food around him. The female and baby monkeys slowly inched back into view.

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

Needing to get closer, I switched cameras. With my little Canon superzoom, I continued shooting photos in the fading afternoon light. Some of these monkeys even seemed to pose for me!

They were so fascinating to observe…I can see why anthropologists like Jane Goodall & Dian Fossey studied them so intensely. Their behavior seemed to mirror a human family’s so much…it was uncanny.

The youngest members were the most curious…but the easiest to be spooked as well. This makes sense, as they would be the most vulnerable. These baby monkeys were adorable…and so expressive!

Eventually, curiosity got the better of some members. They began to climb the trees and position themselves above me, so as to get a better look. At one point I had one almost reach down  and touch the top of my head. Of course, I didn’t let things progress too far, because wild animals are, after all, wild.

Still though, these monkeys and I bonded. They were nothing like the super aggressive ones I encountered in India or the Philippines. Those monkeys have no fear of humans, and will even steal food or attack if they feel at all threatened…or are simply in a bad mood! Haha. No…this group, this group was different.

Being in an abandoned jungle cemetery gives them some access to humans, but not too much. They are not too comfortable…but not too afraid, either. I had found a sweet spot. Being allowed to join them, in the wild…in such a humbling and surreal location…was an experience I will never forget.

How To Get There

Bukit Brown is near MacRitchie Reservoir. You can take a bus and get off here. Then walk a few steps down Kheam Hock Road until you see the sign for the cemetery on the left. I think there may be a possibility of guided tours, but I’m not certain.

Tips: If you visit Bukit Brown, I hope you’ll be respectful in this solemn place. Please don’t feed the wildlife, and be sure to pack out all of your trash. Definitely don’t forget mosquito repellent if you’re going in the morning or late afternoon. Other than that…enjoy!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

These Singapore Photos Were Shot During a 50-Cent Bus Ride (Ricoh GR II)

Singapore Street Photography (Ricoh GR II)

My Detailed Comparison of the Sony RX100 vs the Ricoh GR II

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Have something to add? Feel free to leave a comment…

*I am not connected to Canon, I bought the camera myself. However, using my Amazon links will help me keep creating content like this, so I appreciate it!

The post How I Was Adopted By Monkeys in Bukit Brown, a Singapore Cemetery appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

Little India is quite vibrant and diverse – with people and cultures from all over India. Although not a morning person, for the sake of good lighting, I went on a few early photo walks with my Ricoh GR II.

This is the entrance to a temple which serves the northern Indian community. Also shown are the colorful buildings near “Kerbau Rd”. Kerbau means buffalo in Malay. This was a cattle trading hub years ago. Hard to imagine that, when you consider what a sleek and modern city Singapore is today.

The buildings on the streets of Little India certainly win the award for “most colorful” in Singapore…but this love of color also includes the clothes that locals wear. Never seeming to be content with a bland, white shirt, I think Indians have a great sense of style. The scene above has a bit of a yellow / orange theme.

Crowds in Tekka Food Center, Singapore

The shot below was taken on the way into Tekka Food Center, where I found my favorite Punjabi food. Perhaps I will let you know the name of the stall at a later date… In other words, you must follow along to find out!

Anyhow, the Ricoh kicked up the ISO quite high in the challenging light here, and I had to work to clean up the file a bit. Converting the photo to black and white helped.

By the way, it’s not just the market called Tekka. For instance, locals here call all of Little India “Tekka”. I was surprised to learn the name actually comes from the Hokkien Chinese word Tek Kia Kha, which means base of the bamboo. It was named after the plants found growing at nearby Rochor canal.

Apparently some Chinese stall owners in Tekka Centre even speak Tamil, and some Indians, Hokkien!

Here you see an old man riding his classic motorcycle with sidecar. Little India MRT is in the distance.

The People – Little India Street Photography

Next to Kerbau Rd is Buffalo Rd, and I find that a bit funny…though I guess it makes sense when you consider the Malay & British both lived in Singapore early on. Buffalo Rd attracts many shoppers looking to buy fruits, vegetables, as well as the hand woven flower garlands that are used by temple worshipers.

Along a side street, I also came across these workers unloading a truck. I was struck by the color blue everywhere, and wondered if it was done on purpose.

Just another striking splash of color…this time in red.

As I have shown, hitting the streets of Little India is perfect for making photo albums with a certain theme!
Most people shoot street in black and white with the Ricoh GR II. For me, it would be a shame to photograph a dazzling place like Little India in B & W. However, with its striking contrast, the scene below was just begging for it.

There are always a lot of people walking near Tekka Centre. The community hosts many bazaars and holy festivals here. In the distance you can see “Campbell Lane”, which reminds me of a street where I grew up in California. It’s basically as close as I can get to home right now, being on the other side of the world.

Below you’ll see more colorful shops and houses along Serangoon Rd. These streets seem to get more traffic than other places else in Singapore, though it’s still nothing compared to other Asian countries.

MRT Murals & Kerbau Rd

The Little India MRT is quite a busy station. Tourists come here from all over the world, because of the area’s cheap hostels. That, and the neighborhood’s vibrant tourist draws, of course!

(continued below, but please consider following along with me below…)

Don’t miss the giant murals painted on the walls near here.

It seems I mostly find south Indian food around the neighborhood, but from what I read, Punjabis, Tamils, and Bengalis all live and share their cultures here.

37 Kerbau Rd – A Vibrant, Iconic Neighborhood Landmark

Colorful buildings like this are hard to miss. Say hello to the Tan Teng Niah Residence, and although it’s Chinese, the colors seem to be quite Indian to me. This is certainly one of the most popular locations for Little India Street Photography.

Later, snapped this photo of a man riding his bike past the bus station. Thanks to the Ricoh GR II’s “snap focus” mode, obviously I never miss a shot.

FYI, you can check out my camera and accessories HERE

Ricoh is not a partner of mine, and I paid for this camera. However, you can help support me by using the product links on my pages. Thanks!

Here’s one last black and white shot to keep you “street tog” purists happy…

I really enjoyed this bright and cheery community. I always eat at Tekka when I stay in Singapore, and have made some good friends in the neighborhood there. This neighborhood is surely worth exploring!

In closing, I hope you enjoyed my Little India Street Photography series (other Singapore locations below). I’d love to hear your feedback…

Cheers.

1. Downtown (main page)
2. Chinatown
3. Little India
   

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Feel free to share.

The post Singapore Street Photography: Little India w/ Ricoh GR II appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

Obviously, one reason is that with an f1.8 lens, I can still shoot at night or in low light. The photo below was taken at Chinatown complex after dark. This group of men is hanging on every move of an intense Chinese chess game.

I shoot RAW and do my own black and white conversions, but the RX100 has nice B&W and effect modes as well.

“Zone Focusing”

My Ricoh has a “snap focus” mode, which really helps with split second street shooting. The Sony does not, but I still found a way to set it up for zone focusing. Basically I set the aperture low, like f8…then use a fast shutter speed, like 1/500 of a second. Then, in manual focus mode, I use “focus peaking”, so I can see where (and how much) of the scene in front of me is in focus.

The shot of the man & temple above was probably focused around 1.5 meters in front of me. With those settings, most of what you see behind him will be in focus as well. Keeping the camera set up like this enabled me to take plenty of lightning quick shots here…and make sure they were all candid.

By the way, I realized that the RX100 has a nice focus ring…my Ricoh does not.

In the Chinese zodiac, 2017 is the “year of the rooster”. The photo below shows a massive lantern display, right in the middle of the busy Singapore streets. This gives you an idea of just how serious the Chinese take their traditions.

I used a relatively long exposure setting, so that I could capture the motion of the pedestrians and traffic passing by. It was taken handheld, thanks to the camera’s superb image stabilization. For more about this, you can check out my Low Light & Night Photography w/ RX100.

Below is another black and white evening shot in Chinatown complex. Don’t worry, this old man is only resting.

Singapore Crowds on Pagoda Street

Of all the locations I shot street in Singapore, I think I like my Chinatown the best. I found a never ending stream of people…and from all walks of life. The arc of the sun falls in line with Pagoda street…so there’s nice, even morning and afternoon lighting.

I walked through the shady corridor until I reached the entrance of Chinatown Food Street, another great location for afternoon shooting.

Temple Scenes – Chinatown Street Photography

The Buddha Tooth Relic temple is a striking landmark. I was quite inspired here. I love the way the afternoon sun drops lantern shadows on the walls. The later in the afternoon, the more pronounced the effect is.

After exploring the temple inside and out (a must see), I made my way back to Pagoda Street.

The shadows were growing taller and taller…a sure sign of fading light to come. I returned over the course of a few days, and decided my favorite time for Chinatown Street Photography is about 2 hours before sunset.

The low angle of the sun provides perfect lighting – with a lot of dramatic shadows. 1 hour before sunset might be a bit too late in a big city like this, because the tall buildings may already be robbing your subjects of sunlight.

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

Before hopping on the MRT, I noticed one last opportunity for a shot. It turned out to be one of my favorites.

Pleasantly Surprised by Shooting Street w/ the RX100

Overall, taking candid shots with the RX100 certainly impressed me. I already knew the camera was versatile, but I realize it more and more every time I use it. Hope you enjoyed my Chinatown street photography series…be sure to check out the 3rd and final chapter of my adventure below.

Update for 2025: The RX100VII is out now! Those interested in this awesome little camera can find it on Amazon HERE

(I am not a partner of Sony, but if you use the Amazon links on my page, it helps me continue to create content like this. Thanks!)

I’m curious if you’ve used the Sony RX100 for street photography?

Do let me know if you have any questions.

1. Downtown (main page)
2. Chinatown
   
3. Little India

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share.

The post Singapore Street Photography: Chinatown w/ Sony RX100 III appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

By Nathan Allen

That’s Arnold Schwarzenegger on his very first visit to New York in 1968.  It’s the face of a recent immigrant to the U.S. – one who sees nothing but unlimited possibilities before him…and somebody who fully explored those possibilities as he made the transition from professional athlete, to movie star, to best-selling author, to Governor of California – the eighth largest economy in the world. 

This face is symbolic of the “American Dream”; the potential that America used to hold.  Sure, it’s still attainable, but so many things seem different now.

A Changing World

By now, most of us are aware that China’s economy has surpassed that of the U.S.  Most recently, the “Father of Singapore”, Lee Kuan Yew passed away, and my Facebook news feed has been completely saturated with praise for both him and the country of Singapore.  Did you know that last year Singapore officially became the most expensive country in the world?  Even China has taken notes as this tiny country has risen to prominence.  

It’s hard to imagine, because Singapore pulled this off in the span of just 50 years.  So what’s the point of all this?  

The point is yes, America is a great country, but it seems like Asia is leaving us in the dust.  

A month ago I was in Cebu City, Philippines.  I met a young American guy who told me that he now lives in Asia.  When asked why, he looked at me as if it was a no-brainer.  His answer was straight to the point:

“Asia is the future.”

I have another American friend who speaks fluent Mandarin and has made a fortune doing business in China.

Myself, I have spent the last few years traveling all over India and SE Asia.  With this, of course, has come some interesting perspective on the world…but also on my own country, the U.S.  I’m particularly proud of our innovative and pioneering spirit, because I feel that’s what sets us apart more than any other country in the world.  

Improving On Our Success

Yes, in the past, that innovation defined us and propelled us to success…but Asia has been taking notes during our time in the spotlight, and it has carefully monitored what works and what doesn’t.  Among other things, Asia (and by that I mostly mean Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and increasingly, China) has mastered the art of making our innovations cheaper and more accessible.  Couple that with massive work forces (that, in some countries like the Philippines, Americans would describe as “paid slave labor”), and you see why Asia is running circles around us.  It’s not just Asia, either.  Dubai is another good example.  

In a throwback to ancient Rome, there are modern-day empires being built on the backs of armies of barely-paid workers.  

What’s hard for Americans to understand is this:  To these workers, any money is better than no money.  They are happy to have any job. 

These countries don’t always have the same concepts of equality and “fair” business practices…and they certainly haven’t always had the same opportunities.  They may be operating from a history of poverty.  Look at the Philippines.  Downtown Makati in Metro Manila is exploding with growth.  I came back after just one year and didn’t even recognize the skyline anymore.  

Yes, in the Philippines, shiny new skyscrapers are being built at an almost unimaginable rate.  We’re talking about a country about 2% of the size of the U.S., but with 33% of the population.  It is easy to exploit the workforce in overpopulated countries like this, but it’s ironic, because in many cases, the workers don’t even feel exploited!  Again, they are just happy to be working.

So how are we, a country which has worked so hard to fight for the rights of all workers (and in turn, made it prohibitively expensive to create and run businesses) to compete with THAT?

Should we?

These are difficult questions to ask, but of course, they are worth asking.  The U.S. may not be perfect, but when I look at the big picture in terms of global-leadership, it still seems to be the best viable option the world currently has. 

America, it might be time to face the music.  Perhaps other countries are no longer learning from us.  Perhaps it’s time for us to start learning from them.  

I only hope we won’t be too proud or arrogant to listen.

-Nathan Allen

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The post See That Face? That’s How People *Used* to Look at America. appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

Singapore has an undeniably impressive city skyline. This is just part of it, but you can see the spiked dome of the Esplanade Theatre on the right. These Chinese tourists are taking refuge from the hot, tropical sun… I thought their pink umbrella matched the flowers on the left nicely.

Tourists come here from all over the world, and cross this bridge on the way to the famous “Merlion Statue”.

Without a doubt, the cheapest places to eat are the “hawker centres”. For three or four U.S. dollars, you can find street food from all over Asia, and even some western options as well. Here I photographed some international students having lunch @ Maxwell Food Centre.

Most of the building is blanketed by shade, but a skylight perfectly illuminated their table, and provided the opportunity for a dramatic photo. Of course, the Ricoh GR II handles contrast and black and white tones very well.

Ricoh GR II – The Perfect Candid Camera

With its genius “snap focus” mode, my Ricoh camera is lightning fast. I can shoot candid photos with ease…and this is great to truly capture the soul of the country I’m visiting. Overall, I’m after something real. Getting raw, unfiltered, moments of truth out there on city streets. Nothing plastic or posed.

In other words, we live in an age of photographic deception – and I find street photography to be a breath of fresh air.

My passion for this genre actually began when I stopped viewing people as “in the way”…and instead, challenged myself to start making them the focus of my work!

To be fair, though, Singapore is the least crowded of anywhere I’ve been in Asia. Plenty of wide open streets and sidewalks. As you can see, I like to shoot quite wide…I guess my landscape background shows. My style is a mix between the two.

More Downtown Singapore Street Photography

I love taking pictures of the diverse crowds around the iconic Merlion statue. This is ground zero for tourism in the country. It’s a lot of fun capturing the joy on everybody’s faces.

Here I snapped a quick photo of a tour group posing as I walked by. These ladies looked like so much fun. They really seemed to have a zest for life. (By the way, this photo was published in National Geographic Magazine!)

I love city shots in the late afternoon, just before the sun dips below the buildings. This sleek corridor was a great place for contrast and long shadows. The natural lighting provided a lot of dynamic interest. If you are wondering, the title image on this page was also shot here.

Here’s another shot of my favorite Korean ladies. I caught them mid conversation – with a nice cityscape backdrop…just before they disappeared into the shadows underneath Anderson Bridge.

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

It was nice to find the contours of the bridge perfectly framing the skyline and tourists below it. As you may have guessed, downtown is one of the most versatile locations for Singapore street photography.

Talk about vibrant! The streets of nearby Chinatown are also a rewarding place to take pictures. This shot is from the entrance to “Buddha Tooth Relic Museum”.  The name is quite a mouthful, isn’t it?

FYI, you can check out this camera on Amazon HERE

(I am not a partner of Ricoh, but using these links will help me continue to produce content like this. Thanks!)

This shot was taken at Thian Hock Keng temple.

If you like these last few, be sure to check out more in part 2 of my series….you’ll see the link when you get to the end of this page.

“Native” Singaporeans have roots stretching back to many different countries. For example, most are Chinese, Malaysian and Indian. There are a fair share from Britain, Australia, and even the U.S. as well!

Exploring the streets and alleys of “Little India” really does transport you to another world. Part 3 of my Singapore Street Photography series explores this colorful neighborhood and community. It was also shot with the Ricoh GR II.

This is one my favorite pictures, and one that shows why the Lion City is such a “cultural melting pot”. Here you see the altar and pagodas of Tang Gah Beo temple…but with the contrast of a Catholic Church (St Teresa) in the distance.

In the next chapter of my Singapore street photography series, I explore the hustle and bustle of Chinatown in detail…

1. Downtown (main page)
2. Chinatown
3. Little India

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share.

* Update for 2025: The new version of this camera is out now! Check it out HERE

The post Singapore Street Photography: Soul of the City w/ Ricoh Gr II appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

Legend states that the Hindu mother goddess gave a spear to Murugan, the god of war. With this spear, she helped him destroy an evil demon.

Once a year on the full moon, Tamil Hindus around the world commemorate this during the fascinating Thaipusam Festival. They do so by fasting for 48 hours, and carrying heavy pots of milk on their heads. Others, incredibly, by “spearing” their own skin.

Some even wear heavy, elaborate metal cages that are literally “fish hooked” and chained into their bodies – in up to HUNDREDS of places. Here are more photos of these fascinating rituals…

Nighttime Festival Photos

Singapore’s procession starts quite late on the eve of the full moon.  Devotees gather at Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in “Little India”. The first group of worshipers depart carry pots of milk or offerings (paal kudam) on their heads.

For many, this is where the (intentional) suffering begins. Men and women stand and walk in this position for many hours. Friends and relatives join them on the festival route (3kms – 5kms), to offer not just moral support, but physical support as well. As you can see, it’s quite exhausting.

This suffering is seen as a way to pay back the “debts” owed to lord Murugan.

However, not everybody seemed to be suffering. Many devotees appeared to be in good spirits, laughing and visiting with each other along the way. Perhaps they were just getting started on the route, and exhaustion hadn’t set in yet.

This man is carrying a “kavadi”, a colorful, intricate cage that rests on (or all around) you. He is burdening himself with this weight to assist in the healing of a loved one…or perhaps to repay his own spiritual debts.

This seems to be a simple, unattached kavadi. As you’ll see later, others are much larger, and are often hooked directly into the flesh.

The devotees continue down Serangoon Road until they get backed up waiting to cross Bukit Timah and head downtown. This was a great place to photograph the group as a whole.

I can only imagine how painful it must be to stay locked in this position, carrying these heavy milk pots for hours and hours…

Kavadi Photos in Daylight

The attendees walk through the early morning, and the procession ends at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road. I opted to go home and rest before returning the next day for more photos.

I returned the next morning to a beautiful, but oppressively warm day.

Here you can see a kavadi “cage” that is pierced directly into the skin of this worshiper. Countless chains are “fish hooked” into his chest, and decorative spikes have been pierced through his tongue and cheeks.

I believe even his ears are chained to the kavadi poles on his sides.

The Kavadi Attam “Burden Dance”

As if this burden wasn’t enough to bear already, these men stop along the procession route and dance under the weight of their chained bondage. The soft, traditional voices being played through the speakers are cut, and replaced with thunderous, energetic drumming and singing.

Again, the route is 3km – 5kms, depending on the festival location. In the harsh tropical sun, it’s downright grueling.

However, it is also a colorful, lively affair…the crowd claps and sings along, taking photos and video.  Amazingly, the performers almost seem to enjoy it…

Almost.

Women & Children Join The Procession

Men aren’t the only ones showing their strength and courage. I noted hundreds of women carrying milk pots along the route, and quite a few with pierced tongues and cheeks as well. The woman above even appears to have a pierced forehead…

While there were many children simply walking alongside their parents, a few went the extra mile and carried a burden for themselves. I think they must be 18 or 21 years old to take part in the piercing, however. https://lap.lazada.com/banner/dynamic.php?banner_id=5a7a80633bf5f&theme=1&p=1

This is where the photos get a bit graphic. These are not just fishing hooks – they are massive, industrial-grade meat hooks, pierced and looped through the skin of the back. For what I assume is continual suffering, they are attached to ropes, and kept taught during the entirety of the festival.

It was quite surreal to see so many smiles amidst the suffering. Since they were out in public, part of me wondered if attendees are encouraged to “soften” things a bit by smiling for tourists when they see them. It would make sense, because some uninformed tourists might mistake a festival that brings people closer to God for one of pure torture instead.

Yes, this is religious devotion at its most intense.

This is the front view of the man with hooks in his back – carrying on a conversation like it’s just a normal day…astonishing.

This group was accompanied by a large chariot, which blesses the crowds’ offering plates as it passes by. These plates are filled with fruits and sweets.

Perhaps the heat and exhaustion is just too much for some. Even in a “resting” position, the ropes are pulled tight to continue the devotion.

Those without a “rope puller” often attach heavy fruits to their hooks – the weight adding to the pain and suffering. Presumably this is for more blessings / attention from lord Murugan.

(Continued below…but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me)

What an honor to be a guest, and witness such intense cultural traditions.

More Info About Thaipusam

Of course, Tamil people originated from the state of Tamil Nadu, India, so the Thaipusam Festival is not just restricted to Singapore…it takes place anywhere there is a sizeable Tamil Hindu population.

I learned that in Tamil, “Thai” means month, and “pusam” means star. The festival always takes place during the full moon in the month of Thai, which falls in January / February.

Photography is permitted, assuming you are respectful and avoid interrupting the procession.

Where to Stay

Little India is actually a great place to find more affordable hotels in Singapore. There is a colorful “backpackers district” there, but of course, Singapore has options at all price points. If you’re looking for an modern, extravagant hotel, you can find that as well. Check out Booking.com:

Despite the (seemingly) brutal ritual, the participants and organisers were all in great spirits. They were very kind to me (and all guests), offering free water, juice, and snacks. I have to give it up to the police as well…it must be difficult running such a massive, cultural  festival through the heart of gleaming downtown Singapore, and on a workday no less.

It was masterfully done, and a joy to attend.

To those who still say Singapore has no culture, I offer this post…and many more to come:) This is part of the reason I love this country so much. You can simply walk through the city – and leave feeling like you’ve traveled the world.

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

More Of My Singapore Photography

Dynamic Street Photography in Singapore

Festive Street Photography in Singapore’s Chinatown

Street Photography in Singapore’s “Little India”

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The post Thaipusam: A Deeply Religious Flesh-Piercing Festival in Singapore appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

Out the Window of a Double Decker

If you are lucky enough to get a front row seat on the upper level, you will have an elevated, panoramic view as you pass by some beautiful and historic Singapore landmarks. In the photo below you’ll find colorful Rochor Centre, which is actually scheduled for demolition sometime soon.

As you can see, up here you can sit directly behind the windshield. The driver is down below, so the view is 100% unobstructed. From this vantage point it kind of feels as if you are flying above the city streets.

Also, being up so high provides a unique perspective on everyday life in the city. As you are just on a commuter bus, you can observe the comings and goings on the streets below…and do so unnoticed.

Here you’ll find St. Andrew’s Cathedral, which is the largest in Singapore, and quite a prominent landmark.

Also note the subway commuters, as this is the City Hall MRT Station. I had to be quick to capture this picture…the trees block much of the view, and the bus passes this area quickly.

Below is the same location, but view of North Bridge Road & Peninsula Plaza (on the right).

Clean, Uncongested City Streets

Along with Tokyo, Singapore has some of the cleanest streets in Asia. However, what Singapore doesn’t have is the crowds. I remember when I first visited Singapore, I asked a local when rush hour was. They just laughed.

It is prohibitively expensive to own a car in Singapore, and in my opinion, that’s a very good thing. With hardly any traffic, Singapore is very efficient, and residents enjoy some of the best quality of life in the world.

Yes, fewer cars on the road means cleaner air…but also helping out in this department are the beautiful trees that can be found all over the city. Not only do they help to clean the air, but they shade and cool the landscape as well. When it comes to heat and humidity, Singapore, being right on the equator, could use all the help it can get.

Seriously, these stately trees are one of my favorite things about Singapore. These are even small compared to some of the giants I have seen while exploring the country. I’m so glad they incorporated all this green space into such a modern, metropolitan area. I hope to write more about this soon.

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

Photos of the Bus Ride Through Chinatown

I “hovered” right through the heart of this historic district – where tradition and modernity collide.

Above you can see the base of The Pinnacle@Duxton, a 50 storey high-rise with the largest sky gardens in the world.

Below is the “Buddha Tooth Relic Temple“, which is not only incredibly striking, but also (clearly) wins the award for best named temple.

If you were wondering, yes, this photo was taken from the bus, too (you can see the window border in the upper left hand side). Hard to believe, but there really is a LOT to be seen on this route!

Church of St. Teresa – Further Down the Road

Seriously, could this bus commute get any more scenic?? St Teresa Church sits on a small, picturesque hill just beyond Chinatown.

Labrador Park MRT / Overhead Bridge

A few kilometers later I decided to get off the bus…though I do wonder what else I would have seen if I continued! Next time, I guess. I just walked around Labrador park and enjoyed the sunset before returning back to the city center.

A DIY “Commuter Tour”

So yes, if you’re ever in Singapore on a nice day, don’t hesitate to take one of these double decker buses! Sure, the SMRT train might be faster, but as you’ve seen above, you’ll miss out on a lot of colorful scenery on the way to your destination.

Again, every photo on this page was taken from a window seat on one of these buses.

(If you were wondering, these pictures were shot with a Ricoh GRII camera. It’s basically a DSLR that fits right in the palm of your hand.  You can check it out on Amazon…or if you’re in Asia, on Lazada. Using these links will find you a great deal, but also help me out…doesn’t cost you anything extra at all)

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

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