Monticello (LSD 35) - Naval Cruise Book

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Snake charmer entrances the deadly cobra Malaysian dancers Monkeys run free at Botanical Gardens Alligator farra Buddhist temple 29

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SINGAPORE Crossing the equator from Singapore was an experience which the crew, now all loyal shellbacks, will not forget. Singapore, a bntish Crown Colony which covers 32 square miles, has a treasure chest of scenery and oriental handicraft. As for sightseeing, the island offers such points of interest as botanical gardens, Tiger Balm Gardens, American rubber plantation, and alligator farm, (at which many of the crew purchased snake and alligator hide belts), the muddy Singapore River, and last but not least, the sandy beaches. How nice it was to relax sea-sore muscles on the warm wind-swept sands of the beach. Chopsticks proved to be a challenge when the crew visited a Chinese restaurant for an enjoyable 8-course meal. Of course the visit to Singapore was not unlike other port calls of the cruise in that the crew departed slightly poorer. Such items as wooden handicraft, Malaysian clothing and tapestry rugs were bought as momentos of a trip to Singapore. An interesting feature of the stop in Singapore was that MONTICELLO ' s shore steam was supplied by steam engines resembling those used in the United States on early 1900 locomotives. Heavy barge traffic on the Singapore River Even the snakei aie (nendly in Singapore. Camoidb in hand, everyone enjoyed the instant Asia Show . 28

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Tiger Balm Garden Character of Budda Legendary dragon 30