8thworldwonder

As we all know, there are several lists of the 7 world wonders. Singapore will be your 8th world wonder. Despite being a small island on the globe, Singapore has much to offer. Right here, you can experience festivals and events that blend the best of the East and West, topped off with our own Singaporean style, so start exploring this garden city and be sure to fall in love with the amazing -
8th world wonder.

Regal Golden Double-Dragon Gates

Source: SingaporeSights.com

Early 2008, my family and I were amazed by the Esplanade Park’s transformation into a floral-themed oriental paradise. As a teenager and never having enjoyed the idea of traditional Chinese celebrations with a large crowd in the sweltering heat, the River Ang Pao that year changed that perception. Words fail me as I attempt to describe the sights and sounds of the nation ushering in Chinese New Year together. I felt a tinge of pride as I experienced the Chinese culture in the unique Singaporean way.

Opening with a blast of an impressive fireworks showcase launched from the Esplanade Drive, I can guarantee almost anyone that the 12-day period by the waterfront will not disappoint. There was an activity for everyone in my family.

God of Fortune and Oriental Pavilions

Source: SingaporeSights.com

Mythical styled pavilions were definitely good spots for me and my family to take photos for keepsake. I was hoping for a chance to take photos with the mascots roaming around and to take part in this year’s highlight – the “counting the rats” competition, where I could stand a chance of winning $5000 if I counted the total number of rats “hiding” at the site accurately. The whole experience was definitely novel for me.

Merry land for the Little Ones

Giant Rat Displays

Source: SingaporeSights.com

My 5 year old sister was awe-struck by the massive sculptures modeled after Chinese folktale characters, such as ‘Cai Shen Ye’ (the God of Fortune) and the 12 zodiac animals. With her persistent badgering, my parents were kept busy throughout the night regaling her with Chinese folktales. All the children in sight were ecstatic when surrounded by the large variety of colorful amusement rides. You could say that at the end of the night, the little ones had to be dragged home with all these activities going on that kept them wanting more.

We also indulged in the nightly parades featuring the legendary God of Fortune and impressive displays by acrobatic troupes and I personally felt that it was almost akin to a Disneyland set in Singapore.

Housewives’ Paradise

Stall Selling Japanese Delights

Source: Her Highness/ Flickr.com

I would recommend going on an empty stomach so you would be able to hop from stall to stall to sample tantalizing delights as that was exactly what my mother did at the River Ang Pao. There were stalls selling Shark’s Fin Soup, Japanese Okonomiyaki (omelette) and even the famous Haw candies often spotted in period dramas. My mother, a food enthusiast, was especially excited when she found out that they would be open till 4 am on the eve of Chinese New year.

Nightly Performances

Source: SingaporeSights.com

Of course, we couldn’t give the nightly multi-cultural performances a miss. Ranging from Malay folkdances to Chinese Orchestra displays and even showcases by puppeteers, there was a bustling crowd already present to catch the highlights of the night as we made our way to the stage. I would definitely be arriving early next year to grab myself a good view of the stage.

Fun for the Gramps

My grandparents beamed with pride as they strolled through the cultural exhibitions brimming with rich Singaporean Chinese culture. Granny, who is a Cantonese, was pleased to judge her culinary skills against the chefs displaying cooking demonstrations from different dialect groups. Even my grandfather, who is usually serious, became visibly excited and engrossed by the variety of auspicious handicrafts available for sale. There were at least a 100 stalls lined up!

River Ang Pao 2008 was the event that brought celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore to a whole new level for me; I am definitely going back again next year. Believe me - you have to experience it for yourself.

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