Summary Part 3

During our trip around Australia we could not resist the cheap flights into Asia from Darwin.  While this area is not for everyone, we loved everything about Singapore and were amazed by the sights and experiences available.  There were many surprises and among the most memorable were how clean and pretty Singapore was.  It was a coincidence that it was spruced up for a visit by Wills and Kate and the F1 GP that was due three weeks after our visit. Singapore people in general and young people especially were very nicely dressed and very polite to us visitors.  The same applied in Kuala Lumpur where as soon as we paused in the street to consult our map, some random uni students would stop to help us on our way again. It was great to experience and we could not help but compare it to Australia and sad to say that it would probably not be better.

The respect that Singaporean's have for Australian soldiers and there effort during WW2 was humbling to see in young tourist guides proudly showing off places and relating stories showcasing heroic Australian deeds.

While this little side track was not a planned part of our trip, we loved the experience and highly recommend the opportunity should it arise.  

p.s. the flight cost from Darwin to two countries was half the cost of a trip back any other Capital city in Australia.

The long distance shot when Carol happened to see Wills & Kate arrive at Raffles Hotel in Singapore

Merlion Statue on Sentosa Island, Singapore

Malasia's version of our Lodge where the leading politician lives for a fixed term and must then be replaced

War Memorial commemorating the ANZAC's efforts in WW2, Kuala Lumpur

Batu Batu Caves, Malasia, nice statue and more than 400 steps up to the caves!!!

inside Batu Batu Caves, shops and temples

cute little animals all over the steps to the caves, well fed despite the "Do Not Feed" notices

KL Tower, great viewing level up top

even more awesome Petronas Towers also in KL

Marina Bay Sands back in Singapore, 3 separate hotels holding up an infinity edge pool and bar area 

The biggest and best greenhouse we could ever imagine seeing in Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Some of Singapore's most amazing orchids that seem to grow like weeds everywhere

Another view inside the greenhouse with 6 story high waterfalls coming out of orchid covered buildings

this little orchid would have to be the Mexican

the greenhouses from on top of Marina Bay Sands Hotels

Looking down on Singapore's Eye with the F! Grand Prix grandstands behind 

Statue inside a cathedral in the Indian region of Singapore 

one more beautiful flower in the Botanic Gardens

really well done entrance to the Botanic Gardens left a lasting impression.

Next week we return back to our Australian trip further on from Darwin.