The attraction opened on 27 June 1973 as the Singapore Zoological Gardens with 272 animals across 72 species. Nowadays, the Singapore Zoo has over 4,200 animals of over 300 species. 

And, at a time when many zoos around the world had exhibits with animals in cages, the Singapore Zoo stood out for its open layout concept.

Animals were and still are, displayed in enclosures that resembled their natural habitats. Instead of cages and bars, the exhibits make use of barriers like moats or glass panes to allow visitors to a clear view to the animals. 

Orangutans are great apes native to the rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia. They are now found only in parts of Borneo and Sumatra, but during the Pleistocene they ranged throughout Southeast Asia and South China. 

Classified in the genus Pongo, orangutans were originally considered to be one species.

You can also see the free-ranging Orangutans.

Love a wet and wacky time? Then the high-energy antics of the mischievous California sea lion is sure to make a splash! Witness this sea lion gracefully glide on water, effortlessly balance a ball on its nose as well as many special moments that will tickle your funny bone and tug at your heart strings at the same time.

Wonder what's it like to be up-close and splashed on by a sea lion? Then be sure to come down at the end of the presentation for a big, wet goodbye wave from our Splash Safari star!

Besides a stunning 5-star hotel with over 2,500 rooms, other highlights include a luxury shopping mall with faux-canals and Italian gondola rides, Singapore’s largest ice-skating rink, 2 nightclubs, a host of fantastic restaurants, and one of the world’s most expensive casinos.

The 3 skyscrapers have – what seems to be – a cruise ship balancing precariously across the top. This is one of the highlights of Marina Bay Sands Hotel: a huge rooftop pool with sweeping views of Singapore, with an observation deck and a fancy rooftop club at one end.

The Merlion is a statue impersonating a mythical creature with the body of a fish and the head of a lion in Merlion Park near the Singapore CBD. It is a well-known tourist icon of Singapore.

Iconic, 8.5m-tall statue with the body of a fish & head of a lion, shooting water from its mouth.

With elevated views of the city and situated right in the heart of Orchard Road, lies JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La, with so much to see, eat, shop, and do.

Explore the Lion City at ease with unmatched direct connectivity to public transport and a wide array of shopping and entertainment options right at your doorstep. 

My window was over the beautiful waterway looking out over the city and watching all of the boats floating down the waterway.

Welcome to SPSB Kota Kinnabalu Port; 

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state in the northern part of the island of Borneo. 

Often referred to as KK, it’s a coastal city partly surrounded by rainforest.

Nestled besides the Penampang River are the many traditional buildings that make up the Monsopiad Cultural village, a living museum.

It's the only living museum in Sabah commemorating the life of infamous Kadazandusun and fearsome head-hunter warrior “Monsopiad” who lived in Kuai village 200 years ago. 

Drop by the House of Skull where skulls are being hanged to show Monsopiad’s eminence and a way to defend their village.

"In the house, a collection of 42 skulls hang from the rafters, those who had met their fate in the hands of the fearsome warrior, largely belonging to marauding thugs and pirates who had attacked, or tried to attack the village at that time. These skulls were once displayed on tall bamboo poles, then left to dry before being placed above the granary, as a warning to those thinking of raiding the village."

The walk across the hanging bridge is over a waterfall is about 25 feet down. The other side has a narrow concrete walkway. 

It's a perfect city to gain insight on Sabah's heritage in the form of cultural villages. One of the popular and unique cultural village we visited was Mari Mari Cultural Village.

The cultural performance at Mari Mari Cultural Village is one of the most anticipated highlights of the tour. Featuring traditional music and dances that was very entertaining.

A video of their great performance is included in our 30-Minute Movie/Download for your enjoyment!

It's the highest mountain in Malaysia and Borneo. With a height of 4,095 metres, it is the third-highest peak of an island on Earth, the 28th highest peak in Southeast Asia, and 20th most prominent mountain in the world. The mountain is located in the West Coast Division of Sabah, Malaysia.

This tourist destination is known for its beautiful scenery, unique culture, and friendly people. With its many kid-friendly attractions, stunning beaches, and cultural highlights.

The Waterfront, the city's premier entertainment and dining center.

Contrary to popular belief, Borneo is not a country. The Asian isle is shared between three countries – Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia. Indonesian Borneo, called Kalimantan, accounts for three quarters of the island. The remaining quarter, belonging to Malaysia, is split into the states of Sabah and Sarawak.

The Borneo Marketplace, a one-stop e-commerce marketplace that features products solely made in Borneo by local artists, homemakers, and entrepreneurs.

This market is a hidden gem for food lovers and culture seekers. From authentic delicacies to unique amazing Bornean crafts, this market offers an unforgettable experience. Join us as I take you on a tour of the best Malaysian street food and local specialties on our 30-Minute Movie/Download.

Aside from its beautiful city, mountain and islands, Kota Kinabalu is a perfect city to gain insight on Sabah's heritage in the form of cultural villages and waterfront paradise.

 Colloquially referred to as KK, is the state capital of Sabah, Malaysia. It is also the capital of the Kota Kinabalu District as well as the West Coast Division of Sabah.

Many boats & ships also.

 Kota Kinabalu has the enviable fortune of being located on the edge of the South China Sea with spectacular views of emerald islands just off its coast and forest covered hills reaching up towards the highest mountain in South East Asia, Mt. Kinabalu.

KK Waterfront as the place for casual, fun night out, with the restaurants and bistro offering a wide range of local and international cuisine.

The Waterfront as the place to be for a casual fun night out with restaurants and cafes serving a wide range of local and international cuisine. Pubs, karaoke bars and a dance club with lively music set the mood for a memorable evening in the city.

Vegetarian friendly, Lunch, Dinner, 

Late Night Table Service, Takeout

In Palawan, Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, followed by Islam and various indigenous beliefs. Historically, animist traditions (anito religions) were prevalent among the indigenous groups like the Palaw\'an, Batak, and Tagbanwa. Catholicism was introduced through Spanish colonization, while Islam influenced the region through early Malay settlers. 

The Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, called Hari Raya Aidilfitri, is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a joyous celebration that involves happy feasting in homes everywhere where family members greet one another with Selamat Hari Raya.

Puerto Princesa is a coastal city on Palawan Island in the western Philippines. It's a base for boat trips through the massive limestone caves and underground river of the biodiverse Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Dive sites are dotted around Puerto Princesa Bay, home to long-nosed dolphins, turtles and rays. 

Puerto Princesa Port is one of the top travel destinations in the Philippines.

We experienced the elegance of the bridge in Palawan, Philippines – a stunning architectural highlight perfect for photography and a careful leisurely stroll.

It's an engineering marvel that offers stunning views and a glimpse into the region's rich heritage.

Habal-habal is a local dialect for motorcycle taxis which means “sitting close to each other”. Habal-habal passengers, who usually range from two to three persons, sit behind the driver, close to each other and this is a Honda!

Trek to Batak Tribe Village.

Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

We also enjoyed the lunch that was provided  - was delicious !

Batak, meaning "mountain people" in Cuyonon, are known for their traditional way of life, including hunting, gathering, and shifting cultivation.

The Batak tribe in Palawan are one of the indigenous peoples of the Philippines, primarily residing in the rugged northeastern part of the island. They are also called Tinitianes and are closely related to the Aeta of Central Luzon. 

See them in action on the         30-Minute Movie/Download!

Along with the beautiful tall buildings, it also has one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The sand is clean and soft, the waters are inviting and the scenery is awe inspiring. 

While the city doesn't have a dedicated auditorium as a major tourist attraction, it offers various scenic spots and experiences that provide unique views. 

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a densely populated bayside city on the island of Luzon, which mixes Spanish colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers. Intramuros, a walled city in colonial times, is the heart of Old Manila. 

Metropolitan Manila encompasses six cities and 12 towns. Located on Manila Bay in the South China Sea, and bisected by the Pasig River, the capital of the Philippines is historic and modern, rich and poor. A popular sight is the walled area called Intramuros. 

From the salt curing process, the salted duck eggs have a briny aroma, a gelatin-like egg white and a firm-textured, round yolk that is bright orange-red in color.

Motorcycle taxis, commonly known as habal-habal, are a popular and traditional form of public transport in the Philippines. They are usually two-wheeled motorcycles with passengers riding behind the driver. 

In the Philippines, horse-drawn carriages, often called kalesas, are primarily a tourist attraction and a form of traditional transportation, rather than a modern-day taxi service. While they can be found in places like Intramuros in Manila and other historical areas, they are more for sightseeing and experiencing a piece of Filipino history.

We experienced a horse-drawn carriage ride enjoying a 

clip-clop through Chinatown.

 Roman Catholic church under the auspices of the Order of Saint Augustine located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila, Philippines.

It's home to the baroque 

16th-century San Agustin Church.

Also a Museum with a collection of artifacts & artwork in a former monastery adjacent to a landmark church.

Jesus

A beautiful collection.

Barbara's is the Best Heritage Restaurant in Manila, located in Intramuros in the early 90s revolutionizing the way Filipinos celebrate their own culture.

 Indulge in Filipino food and folklore!

A smaller ship that can get into places the larger ones can't go!

The Port of Kaohsiung in Taiwan is a major transportation hub with a vast infrastructure, including wharves, warehouses, and storage yards. It's a multi-functional port handling container, bulk cargo, and passenger traffic. The Port of Kaohsiung also features a modern cruise terminal and a museum exploring the area's history. 

Kaohsiung has the most beautiful harbor view, and is full of surprises with its city charm and ecological culture. Kaohsiung has an abundant of natural and cultural resources, farms, forests, mountains and hot springs, suitable for multi-day trips to experience the warmth of southern Taiwan!

The terminal also features a  Ferry Terminal, providing frequent ferry services and serves as a major transportation link. Kaohsiung is of strategic importance to the nation as the city is the main port city of Taiwan; the Port of Kaohsiung is the largest and busiest harbor in Taiwan and more than 67% of the nation's exports and imports container throughput goes through Kaohsiung.

The leading ship supplier in Kaohsiung Port, Taiwan, we specialize in delivering high-quality storage and handling with unmatched speed and reliability. Trusted by shipowners and masters worldwide, our team ensures the vessel gets everything it needs!

Taiwan's military has been building and adding new military ships, including an amphibious assault ship, to bolster its defenses, including the Kaohsiung port. 

The Port of Kaohsiung in Taiwan handles a significant amount of container offloading. It's one of the busiest container ports in the world, processing millions of TEUs annually. The port is experiencing growth and modernization efforts, including new container terminals and infrastructure upgrades. 

Kaohsiung is a massive port city in southern Taiwan. It's home to many skyscrapers, such as the 248m-tall Tuntex Sky Tower, and is known for its diversity of parks. Its focal point is the Love River, with walking paths and cafes along its banks, and cruise boats navigating its waters. Shopping options range from high-end malls to the Liuhe and Ruifeng night markets.

Cruise Ship Terminal by RUR Architecture Redefines Taiwan's Waterfront,; gradually rises into view above a mundane skyline as one approaches from the southern Taiwanese city’s downtown.

Kaohsiung is an important city in Taiwan due to its role as a major port and industrial hub. It's the nation's largest port, serving as a key gateway for international trade and connecting the rich agricultural hinterland of southern Taiwan. Beyond its port, Kaohsiung is a center for manufacturing, steel-making, oil refining, and shipbuilding. The city is also a cultural and service-oriented hub, with recent efforts to enhance tourism and cultural industries. 

The 85 Sky Tower (also called Tuntex Sky Tower) in Kaohsiung is a towering symbol of the city’s modernity and progress. 

It was completed in 1997 and has been for many years a major tourist attraction and a hub for business and commerce. 

Is an 85-story skyscraper in Lingya District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. 

Kaohsiung, Taiwan's vibrant harbor city, is a place where modern architecture meets rich history, creating a skyline that tells a unique story. As you wander through its bustling streets, you'll be captivated by the stunning contrast of towering skyscrapers and historic buildings, each offering a glimpse into the city's transformation from an industrial hub to a contemporary metropolis. 

The Kaohsiung Eye Ferris wheel is a prominent attraction situated atop Dream Mall in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. This observation wheel is a height of 102.5 meters, offering panoramic views of the city and harbor. 

The ride features 36 enclosed cabins, each adorned with popular cartoon characters, providing a comfortable and family-friendly experience. A full rotation takes approximately 15 minutes.

A wonderful musical greeting to all of us as we enter for our tour that day.

The Port of Kaohsiung is the largest harbor in Taiwan, handling approximately 10.26 million twenty-foot equivalent units worth of cargo in 2015. The port is located in southern Taiwan, adjacent to Kaohsiung City.

Koxinga Ancestral Shrine is a family shrine built in West Central District, Tainan, Taiwan in 1663 by Zheng Jing, to worship his father Koxinga.

Today the official name is "Ancestral Shrine of Koxinga". The complex is traditional and elegant. There is an old well in front of the gate and this is all that remains of the original shrine.

It's located on the east side of the "Koxinga Shrine;" as a result, the precious artifacts have been displayed in the historical sites to bring out the best contrast; after the renovation in 2003, it was officially renamed as Koxinga Museum.

Also known as the Datianhou or Great Queen of Heaven Temple, is a Taiwanese temple to the goddess Mazu, who is the Goddess of Sea and Patron Deity of fishermen, sailors and any occupations related to the sea.

The original building was constructed in 1664, the Mazu temple wasn’t actually established until a couple of decades later to this three-and-a-half century old building.

Obviously, as one of Taiwan’s oldest places of worship, it would be difficult to write out a concise history of all of the important events.

The temple claims that the Mazu statue in the main hall is the largest in Taiwan at 5.45 meters in height and dates back to the Qing Dynasty.

The Koxinga Museum is very interesting, particularly if you have an interest in Taiwan's history.

The exhibits are truly high quality and worth visiting.

Is also known as the Datianhou or Great Queen of Heaven Temple, which is a Taiwanese temple to the goddess Mazu, the Goddess of Sea and Patron Deity of fishermen, sailors and any occupations related to the sea. The temple is located in West Central District, Tainan, Taiwan.

Tainan is a pretty historic city, but if anything its a pretty significant place when it comes to ancient plaques. 

With a history dating back more than three-and-a-half centuries, Tainan’s Grand Mazu temple is one of the nation’s most important places of worship, and one where you can list any number of superlatives to describe how significant it is with regard to Taiwanese history.

Originally the mansion of a ‘royal refugee’, the temple holds incredible religious significance as well as historic and political significance in addition to offering visitors a treasure trove of stone carvings, wood carvings, paintings, and historic relics. 

For a temple of its size, it’s common to find shrines dedicated to other deities, but in this one, they’re carefully chosen to better reflect the importance of Taiwan’s first and arguably most iconic Mazu temple.

As the temple expanded over the centuries, so did the number of shrines located within. What started out as a palace for a prince was converted into a temple dedicated to who would become one of Taiwan’s most important religious figures. 

Well organized and well explained.

Tainan Shrine was built on the site of the death of Koxinga, a few blocks away from Koxinga Shrine.

There was some large sections focusing on indigenous Taiwanese.