Its the March school holidays! The kiddos are out for a week after 10 weeks of school and amidst the very many school holiday assignments, we decided to bring the kiddos for some much needed fresh air and play. The news segment on the Sakura blossoming was just what we need and off we go today!
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| Gardens of The Bay |
We were not too late there, reaching around 10am+, wanting to avoid the afternoon sun even though it was totally air-conditioned. Parking was hassle free as there were not that many cars so we were able to park pretty near the entrance. Family lots were quickly snapped up but its still not that far a walk for the normal lots. My 2 oldest had been there when it first opened but not my littlest so he was full of awe as we walk towards the Flower Dome for the Sakura display. If you think that the super trees were the ones that caught his eye, think again! It was the diecast bulls that he kept pointing to though I simply have no idea why?! Go figure!
We joined the queue like any good Singaporean and was pleasantly surprised when we were lead to another (shorter) queue. We must have looked suitably local I guess and were asked if we were and given the local discounted rate. You can find out more on the rate and can even book the tickets online here :)
The sight that greeted us was amazing! One does feel as in Japan! Of course the very strong and "powderful" air conditioning helps a great deal in lulling us into Japan mode :P
Warning! From here on, it will be photo heavy :)
This is just one of the many Japanese styled setup within the Sakura display and it lends a definite Japan feel to the whole atmosphere :) More of these below...
The very famous icon of Japan
A look out from a cave-like setting that gives that awesome framed setting :)
This is my absolute favourite !
Below are the main cast itself - the Sakura :) There are actually many many types of cherry blossoms, over 200 cultivars (!!!) but the most famous one being the Somei Yoshino. Its flowers are almost pure white, tinged with the palest pink near the stem and it usually fall within a week, before the leaves emerge.
Some close-up shots...
Of course besides these cherry blossoms, there are many other alluring flowers all vying for your attention!
We were there till about 2pm, taking our time to view the cherry blossoms and also the rest of the flowers in the Flower Dome. Indeed the "weather" inside was really very nice (at first) against the backdrop of the merciless sun we have outside. 3hrs into our visit, the kiddos were starting to feel the cold despite layering on for the 2 younger ones. A word of caution here - if you do intend to stay long, please bring along jackets and longer pants for the kiddos especially the younger ones. It does get pretty chilly after a couple of hours! A good alternative to temporarily "relieve" the coldness will be to head up to the highest level of the Flower Dome and catch some sun rays streaming through. It does warm you up abit :)
All in all, it was a good break from the usual shopping centres etc. The kiddos enjoyed the flowers, posing and taking photos, the coldness even! For those of us who have larger family size (read - need more $ to travel), this is a good way to just let the kids have a taste of it while we try to save up for the trip :P
The display is ongoing from now till Sunday, 27 March 2016. Go soon though as most cherry blossoms will wilt within a week of blossoming. Even as we stroll through today, there were some that had already started falling! Also, if your kiddos are like mine, fond of taking back "souvenirs" aka fallen Sakura petals, bring along a small ziplock bag for these as they are pretty light and will fly at the slightest whiff of breath :)
Enjoy some Japan goodness in our sunny Singapore!
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