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Singapore

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The relatively small island state is perhaps best known as a place to shop while in transit to other destination but surprisingly it does offer numerous photographic opportunities.

Chinese and Japanese Garden: This garden is for most of the year is relatively quiet and is only really at its busiest during Chinese festivals. Over the last few years both the Japanese and Chinese gardens have been undergoing some renovations. The Chinese garden is complete but there is still ongoing work re-landscaping the Japanese garden.

Initially it will seem like there is little worth taking a photo of but as ever taking time to look around will reveal there is more to be seen.

I have in the past seen a monitor lizard darting into pond in the Japanese garden. It came as a bit of a shock as I did not realise there were monitor lizards in the garden. This may no longer be the case as the sighting was some years ago now.

The gardens lends themselves seem to record well under various lighting conditions be it sunny or with a storm about the role in. It is very important here to monitor the lighting conditions to help ensure you get the results you want to achieve.

Botanic Garden: If you like orchids then this is definitely the place to visit. Like may botanic gardens around the world, this botanic garden has a wide range of plants on view. Covering about 52 hectares, there is plenty to see and many places to just take a break to relax and enjoy the view. The differing colours of foliage displayed make great abstract photos under the right lighting.  The Orchid Garden on its own is worth the visit. The wide assortment of orchids and variation in colours make will keep those interested in taking photos of flowers occupied for hours.

Chijmes: This place was once a convent (Convert for the Holy Infant Jesus) and for some time has been transformed into one of the premier places for dining out. It has numerous restaurants, pubs and night clubs. With the rather gothic appearance of the main chapel area, its a great place to take photos.

Boat Quay and Clark Quay: Both of these locations are situated riverside and are popular places to dine in the evenings. This riverside area is a mixed of both old building and new skyscrapers which make an interesting contrast. The main building looks great in the late evening sunshine.

Singapore Zoo: This zoo follows the open zoo concept which means the use of cages are minimised. The animals have are given a lot of space in which to roam and the public are protected by the use of nicely concealed moats. As a consequence it is easy to take clear shots of most of the animals but some patience is required. Special attention should be paid to feeding times in order to get more animated looking photos. Make sure you visit the Fragile Forest enclosure.

As the main zoo comes to a close the Night Safari opens of visitors to see and array on nocturnal animals. Photography is more difficult in most cases.

Jurong BIrd Park:

As can be imagined, a wide assortment of birds can be seen in this large complex. A monorail provides transport for getting round the park though more can be see when on foot. Dedication and patience are the order of the day to ensure you come away with some great photos. The flamingos are perhaps one of the major attractions.

Esplanade:

This is the number one arts venue and its 'durian' style architecture ensures it stands out among its surroundings near Marina Bay. It makes a great photographic subject whether shot from one of the neighbouring hotels (for a high view point) or if shot from the ground. The interior is just as interesting and is well worth having a good look around.

Although most of the arts takes place within the main building there are usually smaller events (outdoor performances) taking place which are just as entertaining.

Sentosa Island:

Sentosa is Singapore's island resort offering a range of activities. It is perhaps most well known for its musically fountain show (which happens every night). Underwater World is another popular attraction and displays a large number of underwater living species. Photography can a tricky as the lighting is subdued and it tends to get a bit crowded. Flash can be used but it is not always the best option.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve:

The reserve at one point (and it still may be the case) considered too out of the way by many taxi drivers as some were not prepared to drive out there (luckily, they were definitely in the minority) but the location served by a bus service that will get you to the nearest MRT station (Kranji).

There are three defined paths (routes) for visitors to walk, with the second path taking the longest time to cover (up to around 3 hours). The third path is the shortest of the three.

The is definitely a bird watchers paradise as migrating birds can often be seen there. There are a number of hides on the various paths where birds can be observed and serve as a used place to rest and get out of the sun. There are other animals to see in the reserve so as well as packing a decent telephoto lens for a macro lens will also come in handy.

Note: As this is a nature reserve there are locations which are inhabited by mosquitoes. It is important to be protected from mosquito bites.

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