Fur and Feathers in Singapore

Bird Paradise

We leave at 9am to go to Bird Paradise. Bird parks are always a favourite with me. Bird Paradise is one of a collection of wildlife parks in Singapore under the Mandai Wildlife Reserve which are considered some of the top rated zoos in the world.

Bird Paradise is the best bird park I have ever been to. There are many huge free flying net roof pavilions. You feel like you are walking around outdoors. I even have a few birds land on me. One bird started to pull down the straps of my dress…that could have been a crisis.

The penguin exhibit was exceptional. You could clearly see them swimming under water. Click here for a video.

I also love the Flamingo pond. Those birds are such drama queens. Click here for a video.

This place is pure ecstasy. John had to drag me out of there. I will let the pictures do the talking.

Singapore Zoo

Next we grab the Mandai shuttle to the Singapore Zoo which is right beside the Night Zoo and River Wonders park. We have lunch in the zoo food court. A peacock is running around the tables eating dropped food and begging for scraps.

The zoo is fabulous. I especially enjoy the orangutan display. There is also a fragile forest area where the birds and animals come up so close to you.

Speaking of close. We came across monkeys roaming wild in the zoo. Turns out they are native to the area and there were warning signs throughout the zoo about them.At the end of our visit, John and I take the zoo shuttle back to the subway and return to the hotel for a break.

Chinese New Years in Chinatown

After a short nap, we head into Chinatown. I have been wanting to eat at a Hawker (a market of street food), and finally tonight we are going to the Maxwell Hawker Centre. Anthony Bourdain and Gordon Ramsey had recommended a place here but unfortunately half the stalls including that one are closed and the open stalls are very busy. Our meal is still enjoyable.

We check out Buddha Tooth Relic Temple which is beautifully decked out for Chinese New Year. The area is really packed with people. The Chinatown Market around the temple is so crowded that after awhile I am starting to feel claustrophobic

We visit the Indian Sri Mariamman Temple before leaving Chinatown.

Evening Out

Boat Quay is known as a good spot for nightlife so we head there for a drink. Unfortunately (dare I say it), John and I find it too loud so we go to Clarke Quay and have a drink by the river before calling it a night.