Sentosa Outing - 28 Apr

Sentosa is one of those places I really enjoy visiting. Already a few memorable outings there...though mostly they are night ones. One of them includes sampling free mussels ;p

This time, one of the key things I wanted to do was to kayak. However, when we reached the Sea Sports Centre operated by Rasa Sentosa, we were informed that they do not loan out kayaks during low tide. Reason: Fear of scratching of equipment. Anyway, we also realised the kayaks available are quite kiddy and amatuerish. Think we'll be better off at East Coast Park, MacRitchie or even Pasir Ris Park.

Thereafter, the group split into two, one went cycling, and the other played by the beach. I joined the cycling group. For $7, one could rent a pretty decent MTB with gears. Didn't really pay attention to whether there was suspension, but judging from the fact I didn't suffer from much muscleaches the day after, think there probably was. For $8, one gets to use the double bike.

Within 20 mins, the group cycled from Siloso Beach to end of Tanjong Beach. I suppose, that's what happens when you cycle with a bunch of guys. It's just point A to point B in shortest time possible. Whatever happened to slowing down to take in the sights. Not that I'm complaining anyway. The return trip, we did make a pit-stop to take photos, which turned out to be quite funny as we posed and played with the phone's Panaromic shot function that allows mosaic of photos to be taken.

Afterwhich, I managed to take a dip in the Siloso lagoon. Actually, I didn't quite want to swim in the sea. It's sandy and dirty. But, it turned out fun, because the water wasn't too cold, and it's great fun to play Frisbee in the waters. And stepping on sand and seaweed was a little therapeutic.

The next thing I tried was the Sentosa Luge and Skyride. Actually, I really dislike the Skyride. It never fails to freak me out. This time, I took the ascending route. The last time, it was the descending route. I think I controlled my freaked-outness more this time. Maybe because the steady BF is beside me. Haha... Also, this time, they have a handle over us to protect us, so it really seemed less freaky. I honestly wonder if that feature is new, 'cuz I'm quite sure there was nothing like that the last time I took it with my bro and Princess.

The view from above is nice, the few seconds that I managed to pluck up enough courage to turn back and see the view. I think I saw the sea, some boats, the evening sky. Then, it's quickly, eyes back to the front and up, don't look down.

Once we alighted the skyride, we moved on to queue to try the Luge. It was a pretty long queue, don't know got between half to one hour long or not. So long...we waited from while the sky was still sorta bright till it was dark. But, it was quite worth the wait. The Luge ride was very fun! As it wasn't priced too expensively, I definitely think I'll come back for more next time. Except the queueing...that's abit of a turn-off.

The Luge is controlled by the handles. We push forward to move forward, and pull backwards to brake. Very simple. Controlling the speed of the Luge is abit like controlling a bicycle on a downward slope. Just pull more brakes to slow down, and release breaks to move faster. However, as the ride is relatively long, I do not think children may have the energy to keep pulling back the brakes. In fact, after awhile, my arms got tired.

Going down the hill reminded me of the Initial D movie. Round certain bends, I kept wondering if my Luge is going to topple. There were also certain obstacles here and there, so learning to control the vehicle is quite important. But, overall, it's not difficult to control the luge, and speed or no speed I think really is up to the individual to control.

After the adrenaline rush, we head back to Siloso Beach for the Jazz by the Beach event. It didn't look as crowded as the one we went last year. The lead singer was also the drummer, which is really unusual we thought. There was also a keyboardist, bassist and saxophonist. Too bad they didn't play that many popular songs, which I think makes it difficult for non-jazz enthusiasts to really enjoy the performance.

All in all, it was a simple outing to Sentosa. Next time: More Luge Rides...and Cycling to explore the Island. Also to try the new Sentosa Express. And what's with that mystical garden with lots of lights. And maybe..just maybe, check out the Songs of the Sea.