庐山东林寺 LU SHAN DONGLINSI

东林寺是中国净土宗的发祥地
Donglin Monastery located behind Mount Lu is the birthplace of the Pure Land School of Chinese Buddhism.

Majestic monastery with reflections of golden rays surrounding the main shrine via camera lens.

Majestic & Serene. Upon entering the premises, one feels the peacefulness surrounding the monastery. We arrived at the monastery during their afternoon chanting session timing (which they blocked entry to the main shrine) and enjoyed their serene chant while we toured around the premises.

I wish we could had stayed longer to enjoy more of the sereneness.

(Should there be an opportunity and conditions are right , I will be glad to revisit to attend a Fo3 here. Amituofo :-))

More Ref on Donglin Monastery: http://zt.donglin.org/dl/

Thank you to sister AW, PK, AK for contributing the pictures, Amituofo

Labrador Nature Reserve

Went for a relaxing meditation outing at Labrador Park, a place of beautiful greenery & sea view besides its rich history. A great place to listen to the nature's Orchestra of birds, insects, swaying of tree leaves and waves of the sea.


In future, there is Labrador MRT at the very front entrance of the Park but there is quite a distance to walk as the Park is quite deep-in. Currently, may be accessible via SBS bus 408 from Harbour front Bus Interchange which operates only during weekend & Public Holidays.

Pulau Ubin

A day of good weather that we had for our trip to Pulau Ubin.

We arrived at Changi Jetty near Changi Village to take a bumboat to the island. The boats operate from 6am-8pm and will only leave if it has 12 passengers ($2 per person) , so one either wait or pay the difference for the boat to start the journey.

It takes only around 15 minutes to reach the island.

Once onto the island, after the jetty board to welcome you to Pulau Ubin, one steps into the rare to see kampung days' scene in city. It is a recommended way to tour the island via cycling, hence there are a couple of bicycle shops with various types of bicycles suitable for families (with baby/child seat), dual extended version for couples and mountain bikes which is more recommended for the stony, forest path of the island. And the rental is very reasonable ranging from $6-$14 depending on the age of the bicycles for a WHOLE DAY!
For those who do not cycle, they can either take a slow stroll or take a taxi/van which charges about $6-8 per person per trip (to be negotiated in advance) to the island's popular places of interest.

The roads are already much well improved compared to many years ago when we had school excursions and we decided to explore Chek Jawa, the island's popular nature site. It is about 20minutes' bicycle ride from the jetty.

All car passengers or cyclists have to alight and park their bicycles just outside the reserve. A short walk to the right and one reaches the Information Kiosk manned by at least 2 friendly rangers where you can get information brochures on the Chek Jawa Wetland.

First sign of wildlife on land that we saw a mother wild boar with her kids near the kiosk.

We decided to begin with the rightmost path and a beautiful British colonial era cottage - House No 1- Chek Jawa Visitor Centre, appeared before us. The other side of the cottage has a fantastic sea view with a viewing jetty.

Beware, these are not beautiful greenland but green mosses floating above the water near the shore that one may mistaken.

A great place to watch planes flying low in the sky, a beautiful picture of technology and nature.

From the cottage, we walked back to the information kiosk and embarked on the 2nd path that leads us to what resembles the boardwalk concept at Macritchie Reservoir. There is a small adventurous sloppy path before one reaches the Coastal Boardwalk.

Near the end of the boardwalk, we reached the Seagrass Lagoon which we spotted the secretive crabs and mudskippers.


To be continued....

Views from Singapore Flyer

Welcoming guests to Singapore Flyer in the Year of Rabbit

Sunrise

!

Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort

A reflection of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel from the flyer cabin

Wishing All a Prosperous Year from the God of Wealth while descending back to ground :-)

Nice garden at ground level

The 165m high Singapore Flyer is located at 30 Raffles avenue, #01-07, Singapore 039803.

Contact: 67348829.

More info of Singapore Flyers can be found from: http://www.singaporeflyer.com/en/visitor-guide/index.php

Bright Hill Temple 光明山普觉禅寺

Hall of No Form of Bright Hill Temple

The galaxy feel. The indescribable atmosphere of peace is always the stop for most after a eventful temple visit to calm one's mind.

How to reach the temple:
If you are coming by MRT, pls alight at Bishan MRT station and take bus 410 (white plate) and bus 52 from the bus interchange. It will bring you to the temple front gate within 10 minutes.
Official website of Bright Hill Temple:
http://www.kmspks.org/

Sri Lankaramaya Buddhist Temple

Located at 30-C St Michael's Road,Singapore 328002, built in 1952, this is the oldest Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist Temple in Singapore.

After viewing hugh Stupas in open space in India & Sri Lanka, it is comparatively quite a unique feature to see a Stupa on a building's rooftop. :-)

Main Shrine & beautiful Wall Paintings

Bodhi Tree

Hugh Reclining Buddha, Colorful Wall paintings, Stupa and Bodhi Tree, what a representaion of Sri Lanka!

How to reach there?
Nearest MRT: Boon Keng , Potong Pasir
Nearest Bus Stop: Serangoon Rd - ST. Michael's PL
Bus No. SBS 13, 23, 26, 31, 64, 65, 66, 107, 133, 147, TIBSÂ 857, 985Â
From Bus stop, still a long walk in, so do wear comfortable walking shoes. :-)