Sri Lanka

At the Arrival Hall of Sri Lanka Airport, one will be greeted by the very Serene looking image of Buddha welcoming you to Sri Lanka. :-)

Let's begin the journey of Sri Lanka by introducing the sacred mountain of Mihintale (located near the city of Anuradhapura) which is believed to be the location where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka.

Mihintale

Be mentally and physically prepared to climb the 1,840 stone steps to reach the summit of Mihintale.

A worthwhile climb, non-taxing with nature scenery along the way leading to beautiful white statue and stupas with beautiful blue sky as contrast.

Sri Lanka

Sri Maha Bodhi Tree Temple

Looking deceivingly young, this Sri Maha Bodhi Tree of Anuradhapura, believed to being grown more than 2300 years ago from a cutting of the original Bodhi Tree in India is the most sacred tree in Sri Lanka.

This is a popular venue that attracts millions of worshippers.

Sri Lanka

Golden Sand Stupa (Ruwanweliseya)

The hugh white stupa, at Anuradhapura, of north-central Sri Lanka is located near to the Bodhi Tree Temple. Standing at 300ft (92m) and with a circumference of 950ft (292m), Majestic against the beautiful sky in the day or night, this is also one of the places I like. :-)

A good picture of the hugh compound can be found here: http://www.asiaexplorers.com/srilanka/ruwanweliseya_dagoba.htm

Sri Lanka

Dambulla Rock Temple

I like this place, a pity I didn't really took much pictures on it. It is certainly worth the climb (wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding forest, reservoirs & flat lands and oh many monkeys along the way again, if you zoom in, there are 2 sitting on the fencing:-)) and strongly recommended to visit this World Heritage site for its rich history & cultural heritage.

It is to me, like the Dun Huang of Sri Lanka.

History of the caves could trace back to 1st century BC.

Paintings and statues of the Buddha and his life are spread mainly over 5 caves. Although pretty well-preserved, you could still see signs of history in the caves.

2 Hugh Reclining Buddha from 2 different caves with paintings around the surrounding walls of the caves

If without a guide explaining, it will be just another place of interest but with the explanation of the history & rich culture, one better appreciates the art & place better, so always recommended to listen to the guide's explanation before wandering off to take pictures...

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The Samadhi Buddha

Well arranged offerings of flowers on a stone table before the Samadhi Buddha Image.

The Samadhi Buddha is located at a serene park in Anuradhapura. Sitting in a meditative posture, this Buddha image built within a Bodhi-Tree Shrine (belonging to the period between 5-6 centuries A.D.) is believed to be the most exquisite image found in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka

The Temple of the Tooth Relic of the Buddha at Kandy

The interior compound of the temple buildings has a combination of richly carved beautiful inner shrine (left/topmost picture) and more modern (right/bottom picture) Sinhalese architecture. The Tooth Relic (left upper canine tooth) of the Buddha is believed to be housed in the 2 storey inner shrine.

The exterior, beautiful park with beautiful sky makes a wonderful view

At a connecting tower, one can see the oldest ola leaf book and many other precious leaf book.

There is also a museum in memory of the elephant whom had been carrying the sacred tooth relic during the past yearly festival parade and whom had lived to high age of over 80 years old.

It is a place worth visiting especially during Full-moon day (every full moon day of the month is their public holiday so they have at least 12 days of leave each year excluding other leave entitlement!) where at the garden compound you can see many locals observing the 8 Precepts (their culture to wear all white).

MacRitchie Reservoir Park

The MacRitchie Reservoir Park is a place of fond memories for many family outings, school excursions, favourite training ground for 2.4km run & marathon participants.

The symbolic center stage with its zip-zag bridge

Now, even water-sport lovers can enjoy the water.

There are broadwalks along the edge of the Reservoir, allowing close contact with freshwater wildlife.

As you can see, before entering cooling MacRitchie Lornie Trail or Forest Trail on left, as shown on above immediate picture, it can be quite a sunny walk that a cap or hugh hat is recommended to accompany you on a relaxing walk.

For those who are gamed to explore further, you may try the HSBC TreeTop Walk which is a 250m aerial free standing suspension bridge, and at its highest height of 25m tall, one enjoys a panoramic view of the Reservoirs and surrounding rainforest. It is a long long walk, so please ensure you have a good breakfast or be equipped with simple snacks & drinks, especially so if you are bringing kids along on the excursion.

The Park is located off Lornie Road,

It is accessible by most buses along Thomson & Novena Bus Route.

According to the bus guide, following buses are available: 52,74,93,130,132,156,157, 162,162M,165,166, 167.

You may also request the bus driver to alert you when reaching nearest bus-stop to the MacRitchie Reservoir Park or simply take a cab for non-drivers. :-)

Singapore Art Museum

The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is housed at a restored 19th century mission school (the former premises of St Joseph’s Institution), a beautiful architecture.



Opened since 1996, it had housed numerous southeast asian as well as international exhibitions. A good place to visit when one's in a mood to be away from the hectic commercial life.
One's strongly encouraged to join their guided tour to have a quick introduction to the exhibits. One may think that what one already know or interpret what one sees as just a simple painting or artwork but with the explanations of an enthusiastic guide, then one knows the history or idea behind that painting or artwork and better appreciates it. You may then discover many more wonders as you make a tour around the museum.
SAM's Official link: http://www.singart.com/
Its address is 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189555 (abt 10mins' walk from City Hall MRT)
Telephone: (65) 6332 3222
Monday to Sunday: 10am - 7pm
Friday: 10am - 9pm (Free admission on Friday night, 6pm – 9pm)