Singapore National Museum

This old beautiful building keeps all the story about the nation's history and culture; everything you need to know and don't. It'll take days to enjoy the whole thing,  beautifully. To be honest, the collection it has, is nothing compared to - let's say- Indonesia's National Museum. But the way they present the collection, the way they tell the story, how they take it seriously... we should be ashamed. The high technology and modern art goes well with the old building and its collection, makes it a stunning museum I've ever visited. 

Two shops with interesting artsy goodies, one fine restaurant and a cafe, huge numbers of galleries and some world-class temporary exhibitions. Oh I'm so envy that Indonesia can't have one!

Istana

The Singapore's Presidential Palace is opened for public twice a year, and I got a chance to visit when I was there. Here're some pics I could take, but not inside the palace, since it is forbidden. ( no worries, the interior wasn't that interesting, anyway )

What I'm impressed was its lush garden: well maintained, but not over-trimmed. Beautiful tropical garden as it should.

one of the many pavilions in the palatial ground. A lovely tropical colonial building - my dream house!

view from the garden, outlooking the city's skyscrapers

the palatial guards; so young I bet they're still teens

People of Tanimbar

Not much chance to meet locals,... until when we were taking pictures of the bridge, some half drunk drivers asked me to take picture of them. Took some shots, but when I asked them where should I send  the picture, they were hesitated.. oh well, hope they read my blog :-)

Another chance was when we have to wait for our plane. I saw some students going back from school, and they watched me with my camera excitedly. I guess it's my luck.

An Old Town Somewhere Nowhere

Small town of Saumlaki, on the Tanimbar Islands,  on the outermost of Indonesia bordered by Australia, Papua and Timor Leste, still has that old feeling, almost look like it's never been touched by modern life.

port and old market of Saumlaki

I love how the old shops still stand like olden days, with bright colors and naïve signage. The heart of Saumlaki -where all the business happens - is still there, in the old town, although the government has moved their headquarters further in the island.

Shells on The Beach

We finally got a chance to visit one beautiful island. A deserted one, the outermost island of the Country. Beautiful white sand in some parts, rocks and corals on the other parts. Beautiful shells were scattered everywhere.