Village Hotel Changi was our base from which we did our staycation and explored the various attractions in Changi! From here you will be able to explore the rural island of Pulau Ubin and its natural marine bio-diversity at Chek Jawa. Village Hotel Changi also allows you to check out the various attractions in Changi such as Changi Village, Changi Boardwalk, the Changi Museum, Changi Beach as well as the famous Changi Village Food Centre!
Village Hotel Changi itself provided rooms (with sea views!), great facilities and excellent service as well!
Before checking in, we decided to start the day early and have breakfast at Changi Village before heading to Pulau Ubin for our day trip…
Why do a Staycation at Village Hotel Changi?
1. Breakfast at Changi Village
Buffet Breakfast at Village Hotel ChangiPrata Breakfast at Changi Village
There are several stalls that offer great breakfast options in Changi Village, just check out the size of that murtabak! We also caught a “live” match of the confederations cup between Nigeria and Uruguay. Goals with breakfast. Cool!
2. Day trip to Pulau Ubin and Chek Jawa
Pulau Ubin Day TripPulau Ubin JettyPulau Ubin Directional SignPulau UbinPulau Ubin Board WalkPulau Ubin Monkeys
Village Hotel Changi offers a great base for a day trip to Pulau Ubin because of its close proximity to the Changi Point Ferry Terminal (just a 3 minutes walk away). From there, you can take a ferry to Pulau Ubin at a cost of $2.5 per person per trip – only 10 minutes away from mainland Singapore.
At Pulau Ubin, we checked out the kampung community, trekked, explored Chek Jawa and even saw some native inhabitants of the island – monkeys, wild boars and monitor lizards! :p
3. Amenities at Village Hotel Changi
Check in time at Village Hotel Changi was 12pm. Though we were a little early, the staff at the reception quickly made arrangements to ensure that our room was ready. All the while maintaining professional service and smiles all round. We also got the coupon for our car. At the same time, we were specially reminded to place the ticket in before the cash card upon exit of the carpark. Special thanks to Zaw and Habibah for making our check-in a smooth and effortless one 🙂 As I was checking in, Kate went about the lobby of Village Hotel Changi to take some photos…
Village Hotel Changi Staycation SingaporeVillage Hotel Changi LobbyVillage Hotel Changi Lift LobbyVillage Hotel Changi Reception (Custom)Village Hotel Changi offers daily bus transfers to Changi AirportVillage Hotel Changi offers daily bus transfers to Changi AirportVillage Hotel Changi – La Cantina Italian RestaurantVillage Hotel Changi – Chou Bei Japanese RestaurantKoi Pond at level 6 of Village Hotel Changi – feeding available at $2 SGDExecutive Club Room with attached balcony, bathroom and sea view at Village Hotel Changi!Executive Club Room InteriorExecutive Club Room Balcony
While you’re here at the Village Hotel Changi, we would advise you to upgrade to the Executive Club Room. This is because, you will be able to stay on the executive floor, enjoy food and drinks at the executive lounge (which we’ll talk about later) PLUS, rooms with an attached balcony, overlooking the sea! All day sea view!
Kate commented that the balcony & sea view resembled our cruises. If you lie down, seeing the sea, you’d have a feel as though you’re on a cruise! The other cool thing about the room is that there’s a glass window from the bathroom where you can have great sea views while enjoying the bath. Great for couples 🙂
A recommendation would be to add a mirror on top of the shower point so that when you lie down in the bath tub, you can still watch TV from the bathroom!
As it was Tom’s birthday, a cake was also specially delivered to our room after we checked out our room. A huge chocolate mousse cake. A nice gesture from the hotel! Needless to say, the bed was SUPER COMFY! After turning in, the next moment I opened my eyes, it was already morning! Greetings from the blue waters of the sea also made the rest in the room, extra special.
Privileges of the Executive Club Lounge of Village Hotel Changi
Executive Lounge of Village Hotel Changi Alcohol SelectionExecutive Lounge of Village Hotel Changi Coffee and DrinksExecutive Lounge of Village Hotel Changi Food
We were saying earlier that you will have to upgrade to the executive club room for a staycation at Village Hotel Changi. This is because, for most parts of the day, you will be able to enjoy drinks (orange,apple,guava,milk,soda,ginger beer,water,coffee and tea) as well as snacks (nuts,cookies,fruits). Free flow! Haha, the real Singaporean…
In addition, from 6pm to 8pm daily, there’s a cocktail session at the executive lounge!
At the cocktail, you will be able to enjoy beers (Tiger,VB,Foster’s), red wine, white wine and champagne. There are also classy tapas such as the seafood croquette, smoked salmon and a local delight – satay (barbecued meat on a stick). Yes, drinks are free-flow! (True Singaporean once again) So if you add the privileges, it is actually worth more than the price of upgrade ($50++). You can treat the cocktail as a meal, saving on a meal altogether. From our perspective, this is quite a good deal 🙂
For a staycation to be an excellent one, the swimming pool must come up tops! You wont believe this but THERE ARE 2 SWIMMING POOLS AT VILLAGE HOTEL CHANGI!
Village Hotel Changi Staycation Rooftop PoolVillage Hotel Changi Staycation Swimming PoolVillage Hotel Changi Staycation Gym
The first swimming pool is at level 1, beside the Saltwater Cafe. The cool thing about this pool is that it is like a fish tank! Plus, there’s a bar beside the pool for you to enjoy a drink immersing in the idyllic atmosphere. We were told that the swimming pool, located at level 8 is modelled after the infinity pool of Marina Bay Sands. There’s a jacuzzi at the infinity pool as well. The best part of the infinity pool is that you can lie on an elevated platform overlooking ocean views and Pulau Ubin! Kate said I looked like a beached whale…*sob sob* :p
Breakfast at Village Hotel Changi
Buffet Breakfast at Village Hotel ChangiBuffet Breakfast at Village Hotel Changi 3Buffet Breakfast at Village Hotel Changi 2
The breakfast at Village Hotel Changi serves up a typical hotel buffet, serving cereals and breads as well as local delights such as nasi lemak and buns. Food was simple but the service was great! We were promptly seated down at a seat overlooking the pool and asked if we would like coffee or tea for our breakfast. We gently declined, preferring it at the end of our meal (so that it remained hot). Along the way, plates were cleared promptly with a huge smile. At the end of our breakfast, when we finally overturned our coffee cups, we were promptly served our coffee and tea! We then proceeded up to the executive lounge to continue with more gourmet coffee, waffles and my daily dosage of the newspapers. Sometimes, its really nice just to enjoy a cuppa, take in the morning sunlight with crisp morning papers in hand. Simple and nice. 🙂
4. Changi Village Food Centre
Changi Village Hawker Centre 2020
Changi Village Food Centre is just a stone’s throw away (almost literally!) from Village Hotel Changi! It is a famous spot for excellent local fare in Singapore. Check out our post about the nasi lemak, longan red tea pudding as well as the crispy chicken chop ipoh hor fun! Hungry already!
Staycation at the Village Hotel Changi Singapore
For a quick summary, here’s why we think you should try out a staycation at the Village Hotel Changi!
1. Enjoy Village Hotel Changi’s facilities and Club Lounge facilities. 2 swimming pools! Great for the kids and couples for a staycation.
2. Changi Village. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the board walk, go bar-hopping or try out the various eateries there.
3. Changi Village Food Centre. One of the best hawker joints in Singapore
4. Pulau Ubin and Chek Jawa. Rediscover Singapore’s gem and its rural beauty!
There are also other attractions such as the Changi Museum and Changi Beach that you can check out as well! Having a staycation at the Village Hotel Changi, offers you a great place to start exploring our gems of the east!
How to get to Village Hotel Changi
Take the MRT to Tampines MRT station and take bus 29. The bus ride stops outside Village Hotel Changi. Alternatively, you can drive there as parking is complimentary.
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Village Hotel Changi Staycation
Enjoy your staycation at Village Hotel Changi and rediscover the idyllic gems of Singapore right here!
**Special thanks to the great people @ Far East Hospitality for making this staycation possible!
What’s there to eat at Changi Village Food Centre?
Nasi Lemak and Longan Red Tea Pudding at Changi Village Food Centre
There are many Nasi Lemak stalls at the Changi Village Food Centre and we came upon the international muslim food stall’s nasi lemak because of its long queue! Long queues equal good food right? So we joined to find out. The wait was only slightly more than 5 minutes and we ordered the fried chicken set. The price was quite steep at $3.50. In terms of quantity, you get an additional piece of drumlet. The chicken was excellent! Crispy on the outside and tender yet juicy on the inside. Im actually salivating as I write this! The rice and chili was quite common. Hence, overall, we’re not really sure if it’s worth $3.5. If it was $2.5, even with 1 less drumlet, we’d definitely recommend it.
Next, we tried the Longan Red Tea Pudding. Yet another famous dessert you must try at the Changi Village Food Centre. Again for $2 bucks, it was a little expensive. But we do recommend it. The taste of red tea in the form of a pudding/jelly was indeed refreshing. Coupled with the evaporated milk, it presented a different form of milk tea altogether!
Battle of the Chicken Chop Ipoh Hor Fun at Changi Village Hawker Centre
Located right in the middle of the hawker centre, there are 2 stalls that sells the delectable chicken chop Ipoh Hor Fun. If you do not notice carefully, you would think that the 2 stalls are one and the same since the signs on the stalls are very very similar. However, we asked the uncle of stall 1 and he said
“No, we are opposition. It is like Samsung, you have and I have.”
There you have it. Since they are “opposition”, we’ve got to settle this dispute right? For Kate, she thoroughly enjoyed stall 1. Actually, stall 1’s chicken resembled that of the taiwanese fried chicken. However, I tell you (overwriting Kate’s recommendation), Amigo’s Chicken Chop Hor Fun is definitely better. Firstly, you see the amount of chicken, it has almost double the amount for the same price of $3.50. Secondly, the chilli is spicy, sweet and aromatic. Thirdly, the chicken itself was crispy, flavourful, chunky and juicy. Last but not least, there was a queue of young army boys there!
So Amigo’s chicken chop ipoh hor fun comes out top in this battle!
Yup, it’s the left one!
Other foods in the vicinity
Mutton Murtabak, Egg and Plain Prata at Changi Village
The total price of the mutton murtabak, egg prata, plain prata and iced coffee was only $10. Have you seen the size of this generous mutton murtabak? The prata and murtabak were all CRISPY!!! The curry was rich, bursting with meaty flavours. A little spicy but it perfectly complemented the crispy and fresh pratas. Yummilicious!
How to get to Changi Village Food Centre
To get to Changi Village Food Centre, you will have to first take the MRT to Tampines MRT station and take bus 29. After a long bus ride, you will reach Changi Village Hawker Centre. However, to avoid all the travelling, why not consider a staycation at Village Hotel Changi? It is just a 3 minutes walk to the food centre and there you can enjoy all the great Singaporean Hawker foods that this famous food centre has to offer!
Pulau Ubin is one of the few remaining rural places in Singapore and is home to some Singaporeans who still live in Kampungs (village in Malay). Pulau Ubin (Granite Island) is located to the northwest of mainland Singapore and is one of the places that Kate has not visited before. Since it was Tom’s birthday, Kate decided to arrange a trip that includes a visit to Chek Jawa as well! Unfortunately, we visited Pulau Ubin on the worst day ever in Singapore’s history – the day that the haze hit 400PSI! (Ta ta ta! – eerie background music)
Changi Point Ferry TerminalAround Changi Point Ferry Terminal
To get to Pulau Ubin, you will have to take a ferry from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The ferry ride from main land Singapore to Pulau Ubin takes about 10 minutes and costs $2.50 per person per trip. So it is $5 for a return trip per person.
Bumboat to Pulau UbinWaiting Area for Bumboat to Pulau UbinCaptain of our Ferry to Pulau Ubin from Changi Point Ferry TerminalFerry to Pulau Ubin from Changi Point Ferry Terminal
The catch is, THERE IS NO SCHEDULED DEPARTURE! You will have to wait patiently on one of these benches (see Uncle sitting on the bench?) and wait for 12 people to take the ferry together. I think we were relatively unlucky because we waited for an hour from 8 to 9am. Apparently, we just missed the ferry when we reached at 8am – but the prata / murtabak breakfast was really worth it (this we will discuss in the next post). Heh. Alternatively, you may wish to “book the entire ferry” by paying $30 for a single trip to Pulau Ubin.
Since we visited Pulau Ubin on the day the PSI hit 400, the ferry ride to Pulau Ubin was “exceptionally exciting”! Did you notice the visibility from the ferry in video? Almost ZERO! AND…the uncle was steering “hands-free” sometimes and drinking water with both hands, making the ferry ride more “thrilling” than it ought to be…
Well, actually Uncle’s steering was quite good and we had a smooth experience coming alongside Ubin. Soon we reached the entrance to Pulau Ubin!
Things to do at Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin Day TripPulau UbinMap of Pulau Ubin
After passing through the entrance and making a left turn, you will come upon the kampung itself. From the shops along the street, you can see that time has actually stopped in the 1970s – one of the beauties of this island. Most of these shops are bicycles shops or eateries.
It is also very easy to navigate Pulau Ubin. In fact, there are brown signs like these showing the directions/distances to the various attractions on the island.
Pulau Ubin Directional Sign
There are 3 main modes of transport on the island of Pulau Ubin.
The van is the fastest and costs $2 per person per ride. Bicycles costs $3 (and up) and is the most well-loved manner of exploring the island. The last mode…WALK! And walk we did to Chek Jawa, all 3.3 kilometres of it! Yes, the distance to walk from Pulau Ubin jetty to Chek Jawa mangrove/coastal board walk is 3.3km!
Nature on Pulau UbinOld Quarry of Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin was an island where quarrying and mining of granite used to be the main stay. Along the way, mining ceased but the quarry sites became lakes (quarry lakes) which you see today (bottom right hand corner of picture above).
What to see at Pulau Ubin Chek Jawa
After walking for about 40 minutes, we finally came to the entrance to Chek Jawa’s board walks. However, there were WILD BOARS at the entrance to the mangrove board walk! According to the safety caution sign for wild boars, you will just have to walk slowly, not have any sudden movements as you cross them. However, since Kate was afraid of the wild boars, we avoided the board walks at first and visited the Chek Jawa visitor centre…
Chek Jawa Visitor CentreAbout Chek Jawa Visitor Centre
Map of Chek Jawa Wetlands
The Chek Jawa Visitor Centre is located inside “House No. 1” – a beach front holiday house of a former government official during the colonial era. Inside, you’ll be introduced to the history of Chek Jawa as well as the rich bio-diversity that it offers. The visitor centre is also connected to the viewing jetty. On a clear day, you can enjoy great views of Chek Jawa as well!
As we stepped out of “House No. 1”, a baby wild boar spotted us and scampered away really quickly into the bushes! We were just as startled as it was! Then we noticed its family blocking our path back to the mangrove boardwalk! Hence, Kate closed her eyes and hugged close to me while I led her slowly and calmly past the wild boars!
Pulau Ubin Chek Jawa Mangrove BoardwalkPulau Ubin Chek Jawa Mangrove Boardwalk Tower
As you enter the board walk, you will notice a really tall tower. You can ascend it and enjoy cool sea views. But the climb itself is quite tiring and the tower sways a little. And if you are afraid of heights, we advise you not to do the climb because you can see through the steps to the ground level…scary sia…
Pulau Ubin Board WalkPulau Ubin Monkeys
As you walk along the boardwalk of Chek Jawa, you will be able to see the marine bio-diversity that it offers. Of course, the best time would be to visit during the low-tide where you can see hermit crabs, star fish and many other marine life forms! Unfortunately, we visited when it was high tide. However, we did catch several schools of fish of different species. LOTS OF THEM!
After visiting Chek Jawa, we began to walk back to the Ubin jetty. Guess what?! We saw monkeys and monitor lizards along the way! Hence, on this first visit for Kate, she saw all 3 natives of the island of Pulau Ubin – wild boars, monkeys and monitor lizards!
How to get to Pulau Ubin
To get to Pulau Ubin, you will have to first take the MRT to Tampines MRT station and take bus 29. After a long bus ride, you will reach Changi Point Ferry Terminal where you can take a ferry ride to Pulau Ubin for $2.5 per person per trip. However, to avoid all the travelling, why not consider a staycation at Village Hotel Changi? It is just a 3 minutes walk to the ferry terminal and you can enjoy all the facilities that the hotel offers! 2 swimming pools at that!
There are actually so many things to do in Singapore! There are major attractions you can visit, shopping, food, heritage and so much more! As Singaporeans, it is only right for us to introduce what Singapore has to offer and so we decided to create a list of the top 101 things to do and attractions in Singapore! As a Singapore Travel Blog, it is our pleasure to bring you the 101 things to do in Singapore! This post is likely to be our longest post ever!
Sentosa is a major tourist attraction in Singapore. It offers one of Singapore’s most beautiful beaches (at Siloso, Tanjong and Palawan Beach), fun activities, food, Singapore’s major attractions and even a Singapore staycation options for Singaporeans! So the things to do at Sentosa includes
1. Merlion. The merlion is a mystical animal of a cross between a mermaid and the lion. Word has it that a Palembang Prince, Sang Nila Utama spotted a tiger but mistook it for a lion and named the city “Singapura” aka “Lion City”. That is why our soccer team is today knowned as “the Lions”. But back to the merlion, it looks pretty much like this…
This merlion at Sentosa is the largest merlion in Singapore (The one that spurts water is at Marina Bay) and you can ascend it as well.
Merlion Sentosa Singapore
2. Universal Studios Singapore. Universal Studios Singapore is by itself a major attraction in Singapore. Located at the Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), Universal Studios Singapore boasts of rides, shows and activities for the entire family (get up close with Shrek!). There is even “Transformers the Ride : Ultimate 3D Battle” exclusive to Universal Studios Singapore.
3. Tiger Sky Tower. Ascend to the top of the Tiger Sky Tower and enjoy panoramic views of Sentosa, the ocean views and even the Singapore City skyline!
4. Fort Siloso. Learn about the history of Singapore and how the guns at Siloso were used to defend the city during World War 2. There is also a series of wax displays including this infamous replica of the photo taken during the surrender of Singapore to the Japanese during WW2…
5. Images of Singapore. Images of Singapore is a museum that depicts the history of Singapore from simple days (pre-modern era) to the modern Singapore as we know today.
6. Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom. Fans of beautiful butterflies? Then come close to these lovely creatures and other interesting insects at the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom!
7. Segway Eco Adventure. If you have not tried the Segway (think “Paul Blart : Mall Cop”), Sentosa offers you an opportunity to learn to handle this transportation tool and even letting you try to scale and descend some terrains (with guides of course). Once you’re comfortable, you can also opt to go on a tour of the island on the Segway!
8. Luge and Sky Ride. Feel a little need for speed? The Luge allows you travel at high speeds down the slopes! You can race a friend or just enjoy a leisurely descent through this 1.2km track. To ascend to the top of the track, you can also take the Sky Ride where you can enjoy views of the island (and maybe some thrills if you’re a little scared of heights).
9. 4D Magix. 4D is actually an expression of 3D images + physical experience of movement and/or effects. At 4D magix, you can enjoy movies, a 4D ride or even a 4D shooting game. Desperados (a 4D shooting game) is not as easy as it seems!!
10. Wavehouse Surfing.Surf’s up at the Wavehouse in Sentosa Island! Here you can ride the waves up to 10 foot in height!
11. Sentosa Beaches. Singapore is not known for its beaches and the best beaches in Singapore are at Sentosa. Siloso, Tanjong and Palawan are the major beaches with fine (man-made we suppose) sands that are suitable for chilling out or even beach activities such as volleyball, frisbee or soccer!
Beautiful day at Palawan Beach Sentosa
Enjoy a leisurely stroll down the beach or if you’re a real beach bum, you can take the beach tram to save some time (and effort)!
12. Ifly Singapore. Take flight at the world’s longest wind tunnel. The wind tunnel is used to simulate the “flying effect”, somewhat like a jump off a plane before you pull the parachute. Classes are also available for the kids. Some of them are really really pro!
13. Staycation in Sentosa. One of the many things to do in Singapore is to do a staycation in Singapore. Where else than the iconic Sentosa? Kate and I have enjoyed 2 staycations at Sentosa and we totally enjoyed ourselves! Our stays at Hard Rock Hotel as well as the Amara Sanctuary Resort were staycations that were really memorable. Take a look at the pool at Hard Rock Hotel!
Staycation at the Deluxe Pool View room of Shangri La’s Rasa Sentosa
Pool of Hard Rock Hotel Sentosa
14. Marine Life Park and Adventure Cove Water Park. The latest addition to Resorts World Sentosa, the Marine Life Park (world’s largest oceanarium) and Adventure Cove Water Park are major attractions in their own rights. The S.E.A Aquarium is the world’s largest aquarium as accredited by Guinness World Records with more than 100,000 marine life across 49 habitats! The Adventure Cove Water Park offers endless splashing fun with thrilling slides, relaxing lazy river and you can even experience a close encounter with rays.
15. Many other attractions in Sentosa! There are many many many other attractions in Sentosa such as the Maritime Experential Museum, Underwater World, Megazip Adventure, Flying Trapeze, Nature Discovery, Cable Car Ride, Malaysian Food Street Songs of the Sea and much much more!
Besides Sentosa, there are several major attractions in Singapore that you MUST VISIT!! This section will cover our favourite ones 🙂
Marina Bay
16. As one of the top things to do in Singapore, chinMarina Bay Sands.MBS is one of the most iconic structures in Singapore with its shape like a vessel on top of the 3 curved supporting structure. At the top of MBS is the Marina Bay Sands Sky Park. From here you can enjoy views of the Singapore city sky line as well as the Marina Bay region…
Close up view of Marina Bay Sands
17. Singapore Flyer. Singapore Flyer is currently the world’s largest observation wheel. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes and at the highest point, you can enjoy great views of the Marina Bay as well as other attractions in the area…
Singapore Flyer – The World’s Largest Giant Observation Wheel
18. Art Science Museum. The Art Science Museum is an iconic lotus shaped (to us, it’s really a hand) structure that features famous exhibitions from across the world such as Titanic, Harry Potter and Van Gogh.
19. Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. The Esplanade is yet another iconic structure in the Marina Bay Area. Affectionately known as “Durian” to the locals (cause they are shaped like durians dont they?), the Esplanade http://www.esplanade.com/index.jspis a performing arts avenue where we have caught several live performances and even the Phantom of the Opera!
View of Marina Bay and Esplanade from Lavo Italian Rooftop RestaurantFree Performances at the Esplanade
20. Marina Bay Merlion. This merlion at the Marina Bay is probably the most visited of all the merlions in Singapore. Yup, simply because it is easily accessible, free and spurts water! :p
Merlion @ Marina Bay
Singapore’s Tourism Icon – The Merlion
21. Marina Barrage. As part of Singapore’s strategy to control flood and to set up another water catchment area, the Marina Barrage was set up at the mouth of the Marina Bay. Besides these function, the Marina Barrage also offers a venue for locals to enjoy activities such as kayaking and kite flying. Events are also often held at the Barrage. The Barrage is also our favourite picnic site to enjoy views of the Marina Bay Sands!
Sunset @ Marina Barrage
22. Gardens by the Bay. Gardens by the Bay is a major accomplishment by Singapore to have a garden right in the heart of the city! At Gardens by the Bay, there is the indoor Flower Dome and Cloud Forest gardens as well as the iconic Supertrees with its light displays in the evening. The OCBC Skyway at the Supertree grove offers visitors panoramic views of the gardens.
Iconic Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay with Marina Bay Sands as the backdrop
23. Duck Tours River Cruise along Singapore River. To cover all the attractions at the Marina Bay, you can take a leisurely cruise along the Singapore River. The cruise along the Singapore River can take you to other attractions such as Clarke Quay and Boat Quay as well!
24. Clarke Quay and Boat Quay. Clarke Quay and Boat Quay are favourite night spots for locals and foreigners alike. With the Singapore River as the backdrop, evenings come alive with bustling dining outlets, pubs and live performances. A firm favourite with the night owls!
2bearbear at Ni Pang Zi Grilled Fish Boat Quay
25. Raffles Hotel Singapore A short walk away towards Raffles City, you will find the iconic Raffles Hotel. The hotel is the oldest in Singapore and has its roots closely linked to Singapore’s history. This exclusive hotel is where foreign dignitaries, celebrities and famous people stay (Think Prince William, Queen of England, Jackie Chan and Michael Jackson). You will also see the famous Sikh doorman at the main lobby of Raffles hotel as well!
Zoos and Bird Park in Singapore
Although Singapore is small, we have some of the best animal conservatories in the world. If you have only time for one paid attractions, this Singapore Travel Blog recommends the Singapore Zoo…
26. Singapore Zoo. After visiting several zoos across the world, we still think that the Singapore Zoo is one of the best around. Not only does it have animals from various parts of the world, there are shows and activities for the entire family. One of the best things we like about the Singapore Zoo is that there are snippets of information sprinkled all around the zoo for the kids to learn.
Singapore Zoo Entrance
27. Night Safari. Can you believe that the world’s first night safari is located here in Singapore? The night safari comes alive when the sun goes down and the nocturnal animals come out to play. Some of the animals are even allowed to come close to you. So expect a little excitement at the Night Safari in Singapore!
28. River Safari. River Safari is the latest addition to the conservatories in Singapore. Inspired by the 8 most iconic rivers in the world, visitors will be able to see animals from the Mississippi, Congo, Nile, Ganges, Murray, Mekong, Yangtze and Amazon Rivers. In addition, the Giant Panda forest is also home to Kai Kai and Jia Jia – a pair of pandas from China.
River Safari Singapore Zoo
29. Jurong Bird Park. The Jurong Bird Park is definitely one of the best aviaries in the world. More than 5000 birds and over 350 species can be found here. There is even a 30m high waterfall to re-create an environment for the bird species. Bird shows are also interesting with birds flying over you at close proximity!
Singapore’s Culture & Heritage
The Singapore culture is an amalgamation of different cultures in our society. When Singapore was founded, different enclaves were formed according to the various races then. Today, these enclaves are part of our national identity and you can visit them to find out more about Singapore’s history!
30. Chinatown. Another top things to do in Singapore is to visit Chinatown. staycatiChinatown was an area where Chinese gathered in the past. It also has an alternate name – Cow-driven Water Cart (牛车水). This is because, in the past, water was delivered from house to house in a cow-driven water cart. Today, Chinatown still has Chinese-inspired buildings from times past and alot of shopping and eateries have sprouted, bringing new life to the area. Chinatown is right at the doorstep of the Chinatown MRT station.
Chinatown with Chinese New Year decorations
31. Kampong Glam. Kampong Glam is a ethnic quarter to experience the hospitality of the Malay people. As you enter the quarter, you will notice that the area still has the feel of the olden days while shopping and eating options are aplenty. Kampong Glam is a short walk from Bugis MRT station.
32. Little India. Another enclave not to be missed is Little India. Located at the Little India MRT (Serangoon Road), you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Indian community. Enjoy Indian specialties such as the prata, thosai and various curries.
Little India Singapore’s Cultural Heritage
33. Mustafa Shopping Centre. For reasonable 24 hour shopping, head down to Mustafa Shopping Centre at the other end of Little India. Mustafa is really like a Singapore equivalent of Wal-mart but it opens 24 hours a day. For last minute no-frills shopping, look no further than Mustafa (even at 3am in the morning!)
34. Peranakan Culture. Rich Chinese traders in the past descended upon Singapore from the Malay archipelago and inter-married with the locals in Singapore. Their culture is a rich mix of Chinese and Malay cultures. Today, Peranakan plays an important part in Singapore’s culture and is typically well-known for nonya cuisines. You can visit the Peranakan culture in the Katong, Joo Chiat area and also follow the Peranakan heritage trail.
35. Eurasian Culture. Though the Eurasians have a small population in Singapore but they have let a huge mark. For more information about the history and contribution of the Eurasians to Singapore, visit the European community house at 139 Ceylon Road.
36. Singapore Botanic Gardens The Singapore Botanic Garden is the biggest park and gardens in Singapore and it boasts of many species of plants suitable for growth in the tropical climate. The iconic features will include the gazebo, swan lake, a performance arena, HUGE trees as well as a tree with its lowest branch almost touching the ground – a site where many couples take their wedding shots!
Morning walk to Botanical Gardens from Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
Museums in Singapore
The National Heritage Board has been working hard to promote museums in recent years. During certain festivals or major holidays, the museums may have FREE ENTRY! Over the years, the free entries has started an appreciation for the arts in Singapore.
37. National Museum of Singapore. If you only have time for 1 museum, VISIT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE! You can see resident exhibitions such as the national treasures of gold ornaments from the 14th century as well as Singapore History sections. The museum opened in 1887 and is also a national monument itself. We thoroughly enjoyed the Singapore History section and it brought back memories of things when we were younger. The exhibits also shows how Singapore grew from a small fishing village to a modern, first world country that it is today.
National Museum of Singapore
38. Asian Civilisations Museum The Asian Civilisations Museum partners with museums from all over the world to show case exhibits primarily in 4 zones including China, India, Southeast Asia and the Islamic world.
39. Singapore Art Museum. The Singapore Art Museum houses and preserves modern contemporary art from Singapore and Southeast Asia.
40. Peranakan Museum. The Peranakan museum is a very interesting museum that showcases the Peranakan culture and cuisine. You will be able to learn more about their customs, their way of life, what they wear and how they lived in the past.
41. Singapore Philatelic Museum. Remember those first day covers that you collected as a child? THERE ARE LOTS OF THEM HERE! You can see all the various kinds of stamps from different genres and even limited editions as well! Stamp fans will definitely go crazy here!
42. Reflections at Bukit Chandu. Reflections at Bukit Chandu recounts the last major battle during World War 2 where the Malay Regiment put up a heroic fight against the Japanese at the Battle of Pasir Panjang.
43. Memories at Old Ford Factory. The Old Ford Factory was where the British (Gen Percival) surrendered to the Japanese (General Yamashita) during World War 2. The exhibitions has first hand accounts of the occupation up to the surrender of the Japanese forces in 1945.
Shopping in Singapore
Besides eating, Singaporeans’ favourite past time is SHOPPING! There are no lack of shopping options here in Singapore and we introduce a few to you here!
44. Orchard Road Shopping Belt. If you ask anyone in the streets, where to shop in Singapore, Orchard Road would definitely be the first place that comes to mind. At Orchard, you can find all kinds of goods from luxury to the trendy. It is like Singapore’s own version of Champs Elysees (of Paris) and Oxford Street (of London).
45. Shopping at Marina / Raffles City. Another favourite place to shop is the Marina / City Hall area. This is because, once you step out of the City Hall MRT station, you can either visit Raffles City Shopping Mall, or take a walk along Citylink mall where there are further shopping options. Citylink mall can then take you to Marina Square or Esplanade (MORE SHOPPING OPTIONS!). Finally from Marina Square you can take a short walk across the road to, yes you’ve guessed it, Marina Bay Sands!
46. VivoCity. VivoCity is a mid-range shopping centre where you can get pretty much everything. There’s even a cinema and hyper mart to complete the entire shopping experience. Located outside Sentosa island, it can be reached via the Harbour Front MRT station. From there, you can take a short walk across the board walk to reach Sentosa. Entry via the board walk is only $1!
47. Bugis. For shopping options for the young and trendy, head on down to Bugis street. Here you will find a wide selection of merchandise at competitive prices. If you have had enough of street shopping, Bugis junction and Bugis plus is just a stone’s throw away!
48. IT Shopping. For all your IT shopping needs, head on down to Funan the IT mall or Sim Lim Square. Funan is a reputable shopping mall where you will get IT products at relatively good prices. Sim Lim is more like a consolidation of small computer/IT-related shops and prices are usually lower simply because you never know where the items come from…But still, if you’re looking to build your own computer or replace certain parts like ram, hard disk etc. This is the place to be.
49. Souvenir Shopping. If you want shirts that says “My friend went to Singapore and got me this stupid shirt” OR “Singapore is a FINE City”, this is the place to be. You will be able to find magnets, fans, shirts and many many more at competitive prices. A good place to shop for souvenirs for your friends before you head home! Oh, while you’re there, you may consider taking up some snacks such as bak kwa (BBQ pork) or pastries for your friends as well. 🙂
50. Singapore Expo. The Singapore Expo Convention and Exhibition Centre is another great place to shop when sales are on. From time to time, you may have sales ranging from sporting products to furniture to children products and even foods! Be sure to check out whats on during the weekend that you’re here!
Food in Singapore
Singapore’s favourite national past time is FOOD!! Did you know that Singaporeans spends the highest per person (on average) for food in the world?! This section will introduce you to the various kinds of food that we enjoy here in Singapore!
Street Foods Street foods (known as hawker food to the locals) play an intimate part of the everyday Singaporean. In this portion, we will introduce you to the various street foods that you should try when you’re here in Singapore!
51. Chicken Rice. The humble chicken rice (sometimes known as Hainanese chicken rice) is the most international street food – that is to say, so far, all of our overseas friends loved it! Typically, there are 2 types of chickens that you can choose from. Steamed or roasted. Let us know which is your favourite in the comments section below! Rice is usually steamed with pandan leaves and flavours from the chicken to give that extra fragrance!
Flavourful steamed chicken rice
52. Minced Meat Noodles. As the name suggests, the noodles (choice of yellow noodles thin aka mee kia/thick, flat white noodles or flat yellow noodles aka mee pok) is usually mixed with a braised meat sauce, chilli (or ketchup), vinegar, soya sauce and served with minced meat, sometimes with a little pit of pig liver and mushrooms.
Minced Meat Mee Kia Teo Hong Fishball Minced Meat Noodles Fengshan Market
53. Wanton noodles. Another local favourite is the wanton noodles. Wanton is actually a small version of the meat dumpling and the noodles is also usually served with char siew (roasted pork).
54. Roasted meat with rice. The roasted pork combination (crispy skin pork and roasted pork aka 叉烧烧肉饭) with rice is a common staple in Singapore. Sweet with the char siew and savoury with the crispy roasted pork. Yummy!
55. Laksa. Thick white noodles are served in a rich and spicy coconut gravy, usually topped with cockles, sliced fish cake and sometimes chicken/ prawns (if it is a classy joint).
DIY Laksa which was not bad with huge fresh (peeled!) prawns
56. Mee Rebus. Since we’re at the spicy section of the street foods, let’s move on to the Malay dishes. The Mee Rebus is a yellow noodles dish served in a slightly sweet curry sauce with a peanut twist. Sliced green chilli and an egg usually completes this dish.
57. Mee Siam. Another popular Malay street food. Thin vermicelli is served in a mildly spicy and sour, soup-based gravy. Egg and tau pok (beancurd) completes the meal.
58. Roti Prata. Roti prata is one of our favourite meals for a breakfast on the weekends. It is essentially fried flour made to the shape of a pancake. It is crispy,fluffy, savoury and served with an Indian curry (could be fish, mutton or chicken). Some like to put sugar on it for a different taste 🙂
Prata Breakfast at Changi Village
59. Ice Kachang. Moving on to desserts, the ice kachang is a local favourite. It is shaved ice served with red bean, palm seeds, corn, jelly and topped with coloured sweet syrup and condensed milk. Nowadays, there are several variations to it including mango and even durian ice kachang!
60. Chendol. Another favourite Peranakan dessert is the chendol. The chendol is also shaved ice served with green starched jelly, coconut milk and the all important gula melaka (brown sugar syrup).
61. Tim Ho Wan Dim Sum Restaurant. There are actually alot more street foods such as the char kuay teow, hokkien mee, prawn noodles and more! But they are more of an acquired taste and not all of our overseas like them. Let’s move on to a hot favourite in town, Tim Ho Wan’s dim sum. It is touted as the cheapest Michelin starred restaurant! Other than Hong Kong, Singapore is the only other country to have its franchise and if you’re here, why not give it a try. Tim Ho Wan Singapore is located at Plaza Singapura and you can reach there via the Dhoby Ghaut MRT.
62. Sunday Buffet Brunch. Sunday Buffet Brunches are a recent trend and these brunches are typically classy late morning lunches that stretches to 3pm in the afternoon. They are characterised by high quality food (think foie gras, seafood and prime ribs), champagnes, great tasting/innovative dishes and excellent service. We have tried the Raffles Hotel’s Bar & Billiard Room, Lime @ Parkroyal on Pickering as well as Riverview Hotel’s Sunday Buffet Brunch. Dont forget the champagne or beer!
Bar and Billiard Room Raffles Hotel Sunday Brunch Pan Fried Foie Gras
Where to party in Singapore
If you’re thinking about where you can enjoy a great night out and party or chill out with your friends, here are some suggestions.
63. Clarke Quay. Clarke Quay is also home to some of the best clubs in Singapore including Zirca and Attica. If you’re thinking of just having some drinks, consider Brewerkz with its own crafted beers. Ah….
Clarke Quay at Night
64. Mohammad Sultan Road. Clubs and pubs line the streets of this “old” (old because people have been clubbing here since we were still wearing our diapers!) hangout place. If you’re thinking, of chilling out, the wine bars are also available!
65. Holland Village. Affectionately known to the locals as Holland V, this stretch of road is cordon off in the evenings to allow revelers to walk down the roads freely (especially after a drink or two). If you’re into live bands, Wala Wala starts the party with support of local acts. 1-for-1 beers go for as low as $16 (i.e. $8 a pint!). If you want to take it down a notch, Haagen Dazs and Cold Rock Ice Creamery can offer a cooling relieve on some humid evenings!
66. St. James Power Station. Although not as crowded as compared to its heydays, St. James Power Station is still worth a mention. Conveniently located beside VivoCity, visitors can catch a movie and just hop over to St. James (literally across the road) and party at its various venues. You can party, enjoy some live performances, chill to some light tunes or simply enjoy a drink or 2 at the sports bar with the bros!
67. Zouk. You simply cannot write off Zouk can you? When you talk about the local club scene, Zouk comes to mind and there must be something about it to have survived for more than 20 years in Singapore! Located at Jiak Kim street beside the Grand Corpthorne Waterfront Hotel, it has been injecting life into the clubbing scene of Singapore since inception. Do check it out!
Cruises from Singapore
With the opening of the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, the cruise industry in Singapore is set for further growth. We have gone on a couple of cruises before and have really enjoyed ourselves!
68. Royal Caribbean Cruise. We have tried both RCC and Starcruise and we must say that RCC definitely comes out tops for us. There never seems to be a dull moment onboard eventhough we went for a longer cruise here. PLUS the food is so much better! Visit the fine dining daily! Visit our post and find out why!
Royal Caribbean Cruise – 8D7N Semarang, Bali (Kuta Nusa Dua), Lombok onboard Legend of the Seas
69. Starcruise. Before Royal Caribbean Cruise came online, there was Starcruise and we went on the Star Virgo as well. The cool thing about cruises is that you’ll just eat, play, sleep, repeat and the next thing you know, you’re at the next port! No lugging of luggage, catching of planes. Customs are a breeze as well. As for Star Virgo, it was a bit old when we were onboard but otherwise, the experience was still a positive one.
Besides Singapore itself, there are short trips that you can take from Singapore to visit nearby cities and islands!
70. Desaru. Less than 2 hours away by car is Desaru. Here you can enjoy beach activities, enjoy a spa, visit the Desaru fruit farm or watch fireflies by night!
Jet skis at Sand and Sandals Desaru
71. Legoland Malaysia. The newly opened Legoland Malaysia is also a mere 45 minutes drive away from Singapore. Kids will have so much fun while adults can seek thrills on the dragon ride as well!
Legoland Malaysia
72. Cameron Highlands. The drive to Cameron Highlands is about 3 hours and after that exhausting drive, you can reward yourself with fresh mountainous air! Here you can also pick your own strawberries or enjoy the world famous Boh tea.
73. Batam. Batam is a quick getaway for Singaporeans. After a ferry ride of 45 minutes, you’ll arrive in a different country, spend a little less and be able to pamper yourself to spas and seafood! All with the Singapore city skyline in sight!
74. Pulau Ubin. Other than the main island of Singapore, there are residents living on the island of Pulau Ubin. At Pulau Ubin, life seems to remain in the good old days of kampung life (village living) where neighbours know each other well and look out for each other. Visitors usually head to Pulau Ubin for bike trails, nature trails (Chek Jawa) or just cheap(er) seafood!
Pulau Ubin Chek Jawa Mangrove Boardwalk
Staycations in Singapore
Given the high number of luxury hotels concentrated on our small island, staycation at these Singapore luxury hotels seem to make a great relaxing getaway – quickly! We did some staycations and here they are…
75. Raffles Hotel Singapore Staycation.Arguably one of our best staycations in Singapore, the Raffles Hotel offers personalised service and exclusivity like no other. Did we mention that there are only suites in Raffles Hotel and that the staff actually remembers our preferences such as coffee, orange juice and Straits Times Newspapers?!
Iconic Sikh Doorman of the Raffles Hotel
76. Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore Staycation.Again, service was excellent. We recalled being brought to our seats at the pool and when it rained, being sheltered individually back to the changing rooms!
Swimming Pool at Ritz Carlton Singapore
77. Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa Staycation.The private plunge pool made the difference for us. Imagine being able to just step out of bed , right into the pool. Shiok.
Events Held in Singapore
There are many events held in Singapore each year. However, we are going to highlight a few of the prominent ones on our events calendar.
78. Singapore Formula One F1 Grand Prix. Definitely one of the top things to do in Singapore, Catch the thrills and spills (sounds so commercialised hor) at the Singapore Grand Prix. For non-F1 fans, you can also have the opportunity to catch world-famous acts performing live in Singapore! The Singapore Grand Prix is also currently the only night race on the F1 circuit!
Formula One (F1) Grand Prix Night Race Singapore
79. Chingay Street Parade. Each year, thousands of performers will take to the streets to showcase the Chingay Street Festival. The street parade is characterised by its vibrant colours, entertaining performances and topped off with fire works at the Bay.
Chingay Parade and Festival Singapore – Street Parade Culmination and Melting Pot of Cultures, Street Performances and Displays
80. Halloween Horror Nights.Each year, Universal Studios Singapore will organise the Halloween Horror Nights. The scare-actors are REALLY scary! The good thing is that they have a policy that they cannot touch you (and vice versa). We would have been frightened stiff if they could! The cool thing is that for the price of entry, you can also enjoy some of the usual rides at USS such as Battlestar Galactica!
81. Great Singapore Sale! During the months of June and July each year, the Great Singapore Sale (GSS) takes place where suppliers pull out all stops to woo consumers at this annual sales bonanza!
82. River Hongbao. During the Chinese New Year period, festivities termed as “River Hongbao” takes place at the floating platform of the Marina Bay. Here you will see familiar Chinese Zodiac animals (and their predictions for the year) as well as fun activities, well mostly for the kids. We will usually go there just to soak in the CNY atmosphere and ring in the new year!
Other Things to do in Singapore
83. Singapore Discovery Centre.Find out more about how Singapore came to be, the campaigns that we used to have (speak good English/Courtesy) and how we have developed over the years to become a first world country in a short span of 40 years. Plus, you will be able to catch some 3D movies at a cheaper rate ($9 vs $12) at the theatre at SDC.
84. Snow City. Missing snow? Snow City offers you an opportunity to experience snow in Singapore! Enjoy snow falling upon you as winter descends and there’s even a long ice slide where you can slide down using rubber tyres!
85. Ice skating rinks. Still on the theme of cold weathers, did you know that there are 3 ice skating rinks in Singapore? The ice skating rinks are located at Leisure Park Kallang, Jcube as well as Marina Bay Sands.
86. Singapore Science Centre. Singapore Science Centre is a bundle of fun for the kids. They will be exposed to simple theories in science through interactive activities.
87. MacRitchie Nature Trail Located at the MacRitchie reservoir, the nature trail takes you through the tropical forest that Singapore has preserved. You can also ascend to challenge the Tree Top walk – definitely not for the faint of hearts!
88. Southern Ridges. Still staying close to nature, the Southern ridges connects various popular parts of Singapore including Mount Faber and Harbour Front. Highlights include Faber Walk, Henderson Waves and Canopy Walk.
89. East Coast Park. On weekends, you will see East Coast Park FULL OF PEOPLE! Many head to East Coast Park to enjoy morning walks, leisure runs, rollerblade, cycle, kite flying, fishing, camping (yes! just need to apply permit easily via axs), BBQ and even cable skiing!
Viewing deck of Amber Beacon Tower (aka East Coast Park Yellow Tower)
90. Lau Pa Sat. Before Gluttons Bay and Malaysia Food Street, the first attempt to bring the best foods in Singapore under one roof was at Lau Pa Sat. Today, it is also home to the Satay Club.
91. Mount Faber. Mount Faber was where Kate and I used to date. Still remember the love sandwiches she made for me…ah…It is also here where you can catch fantastic views of sunrise in Singapore…
Mount Faber City view before sunrise Sunrise over City
92. Wild Wild WetWild Wild Wet is a water theme park in the east of Singapore. Taking the MRT to Pasir Ris MRT station, you can take the free shuttle bus to Wild Wild Wet. After completing a $2 million revamp, Wild Wild Wet has now a new ride known as Torpedo. Stationed at a 18 metre high capsule, you’ll drop almost vertically and reach speeds of up to 70km/h! The slide is over in 7 seconds flat!
Ular-Lah The Water Works Torpedo @ Wild Wild Wet Downtown East
93. Visit the Heartlands. If it’s your first time in Singapore, visit our heartlands! HDB (Housing and Development Board) flats are public housing that houses 80% of Singaporeans! Knowing the heartlands will definitely draw you closer to this island we call home!
94. Enjoy a cup of “Kopi” at a local coffeeshop. Firstly, the Singapore coffee is very different from what you drink anywhere else in the world. Some of our overseas friends swear by it. Yes, we too adore it. Goes perfectly with my morning newspapers. If you are from overseas, say “Kopi” (for coffee with milk and sugar) or “Kopi siew dai” (coffee with less sugar) and see the reaction of the stall owner. She may be amazed that you can order coffee – Singapore style!
95. Leisurely walk along the Singapore River.Besides the taking the river cruise, you can actually enjoy a leisurely walk along the Singapore river that takes you through Robertson Quay, Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, Fullerton and finally the Marina Bay!
Tall colonial-era pillars as seen from the swimming pool of the Fullerton Singapore Hotel
96. NEWater Visitor Centre.At the NEWater Visitor Centre, you can find out how Singapore harnesses technology to open yet another “tap” in Singapore’s quest for water independence.
97. Visit to Asia Pacific Breweries. Ever heard of Tiger Beer? Did you also know that Tiger Beer is produced in Singapore? Visit APB and find out how Tiger Beer is created, bottled and finally delivered to you! Includes tasting of fresh Tiger Beer at the end of the visit!
98. Prawning.The activity of prawning has gathered steam in recent years, sprouting many outlets all across the island. The excitement is really when you catch one – especially after waiting for some time. Experts can catch almost one every 2 minutes on average!
99. Enjoy a Singapore Sling. The famous Singapore Sling was created by a bartender of the Raffles Hotel around 1915. It was said that women of the time were not allowed to drink alcoholic drinks in public. So this bartender decided to create a drink specially for the ladies under the guise of a nice bright colour and ladies really loved it. Guys on the other hand were also happy that there was a drink that they could get for their ladies. Win-win!
The Original Singapore Sling at the Long Bar Raffles Hotel
100. Reverse Bungy. At Clarke Quay, you can experience Bungy – in an opposite direction! The GMAX propels you 60 metres into the air at speeds of up to 200km/hr! Dropping down is another thrill by itself!
Reverse Bungee at Clarke Quay
101 Things to do in Singapore
101. This last one is for you to fill in. There are simply so many things to do and attractions in Singapore, tell us what you have enjoyed in the comments section below!
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A Staycation at Raffles Hotel Singapore would definitely not be complete without a taste of the original Singapore Sling from Long Bar Raffles Hotel!
The Original Singapore Sling at the Long Bar Raffles Hotel
The original Singapore Sling was created by Mr Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at Raffles Hotel around 1915.
Legend has it that the Singapore Sling was created because ladies of the time were not supposed to consume alcohols in public. So the Singapore Sling was concocted to conceal the light alcohol in a bright fancy colour. The ladies were then happy that there was a drink available to them and the men were happy that they could buy drinks for their ladies! Win-win!
We were invited to a staycation at the Raffles Hotel Singapore and this little story was shared to us by the Resident Historian – Mr Leslie Danker. Cool huh? Let’s now find out what’s in this national drink of Singapore…
Ingredients of the Original Singapore Sling
The ingredients of the Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel are
30ml Gin
15ml Cherry Heering
7.5ml Dom Benedictine
7.5ml Cointreau
120ml Sarawak Pineapple Juice
15ml Lime Juice
10ml Grenadine
A dash of Angostura Bitters
Garnish with a slice of Pineapple and Cherry
How to make the Original Singapore Sling
If you’re interested to find out how to make the original Singapore Sling, here’s a demonstration done by a bartender at Long Bar Raffles Hotel during our staycation there.
As part of the demonstration to us, we were also shown how the slings of Cambodia, France, Indonesia, Philippines and Seychelles were made. Each of them are named after a Raffles Hotel in each of these countries.
Singapore Sling and the drinks of Cambodia, France, Indonesia, Philippines and Seychelles
If you have not tried the original Singapore Sling before, you have got to try it because it most definitely does not resemble ANY KIND of Singapore Sling we have tried before, ANYWHERE! Nope it does not resemble the ones at Clarke Quay or onboard SQ flights…
You have just read a post from the complete coverage of our staycation at the Raffles Hotel. You can find the rest of the posts here…
The Maritime Experiential Museum at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is a must visit for the whole family! It not only has alot of information about the maritime history of asia, there are also interactive points throughout the museum that kids can enjoy! The best part is that the price is relatively cheap as well!
Things to do at the Maritime Experiential Museum
The Maritime Experential Museum Level 1
The Maritime Experential Museum Level 1
At the entrance of the museum, you will see the Bao Chuan…
Bao Chuan – Zheng He’s treasure ship
Bao Chuan – Zheng He’s treasure ship
Bao Chuan is actually the treasure ship of Zheng He’s fleet of ships. Its main symbol is the figurine called Bi Shu (did we spell that right?). Legend has it that Bi Shu stole treasure, kept it to himself but was discovered by Zheng He. Zheng He then punished Bi Shu and placed him to guard the treasure. Hence, now Bi Shu is associated with guardian of wealth, well…it’s all just a myth. The cool part is that it actually moves during the start of the show. The light brown portion will show a short clip about Zheng He and his expedition to this part of the world!
Moving to the left, you will see “The Souk” exhibition.
The Souk – Ports along the Maritime Silk Route
The Souk – Ports along the Maritime Silk Route
The Souk covers ports along the maritime silk route such as Quanzhou, Qui Nhon, Palembang, Malacca, Galle, Calicut, Muscat and Malindi.
Along the Souk
Along the Souk
Here, kids can play the various interactive games such as learning to trade in a port, taking photos superimposed on a traditional costume and watching video of the construction of the Omani Dhow (Jewel of Muscat)
Dhow – A gift from the government of Oman to Singapore
Dhow – A gift from the government of Oman to Singapore
The Dhow (aka Jewel of Muscat) is a centre piece in the Maritime Experiential Museum. It is a gift from Oman and it is entirely constructed out of organic material (i.e. no nails!). Fibres are interwoven and these strong fibres are then used to hold the pieces of wood that form the ship. After construction, the ship actually took the journey that the forefathers took and finally arrived in Singapore! Then President Nathan accepted the gift on behalf of the people of Singapore!
Information about the Dhow
Information about the Dhow
The other main attraction at the Maritime Experiential Museum is the Typhoon Theatre.
Entrance to the Typhoon Theatre
Entrance to the Typhoon Theatre
The story starts with a chinese trading/sea faring company being entrusted with carrying a gift from China to Oman.
Storyline of the Typhoon Theatre
Storyline of the Typhoon Theatre
The father (captain) and son (first mate) together with the ambassador takes the golden cup and begins on the journey. You will then enter the typhoon theatre which is actually a 4D show. The ship then enters a storm and eventually sinks, leaving the treasure at the bottom of the ocean. During the storm, you will feel the wind, droplets of water as well as the platform on which you’re seated, move a little.
The show nicely leads to S.E.A Aquarium – The World’s Largest Aquarium…
Sunken Ship at the S.E.A Aquarium – World’s Largest Aquarium
Sunken Ship at the S.E.A Aquarium – World’s Largest Aquarium
It is like a preview of the aquarium (enticing you to pay to go into the aquarium itself) where the sunken ship from the 4D movie is shown in the tank together with marine life inside.
Viewing point of the S.E.A Aquarium
Viewing point of the S.E.A Aquarium
Paying the low price to the maritime experiential museum, we think it is well worth it to enjoy the aquarium at these 2 viewing areas. You will be able to sea the sharks, hammer head at that plus all other smaller and interesting fish.
The Maritime Experential Museum Level B1
The Maritime Experential Museum Level B1
Moving on, you will arrive at the Maritime Archaeology Gallery. Here you will see artefacts from the Bakau and Temasek shipwrecks. Nearby is another main attraction of the museum – the Bao Chuan Cutaway
Bao Chuan Cutaway
Bao Chuan Cutaway
It is a cross-section of the ship showing its treasures such as the giraffe that Zheng He brought back to show to the emperor. Below which, there is also the pirates and pirate hunters exhibit. Zheng He was also a pirate hunter in pirate infested waters.
The Maritime Experiential Museum Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
Ticket Prices of the Maritime Experiential Museum
Adults : $5
Child (4-12) : $2
Seniors (>60) : $3
Ticket Prices Typhoon Theatre
Adults : $6
Child (4-12) : $4
Seniors (>60) : $3
The ticket prices of the Maritime Experiential Museum are quite cheap right?!
Opening Hours of the Maritime Experiential Museum
The opening hours of the Maritime Experiential Museum varies according to the time of the year. But mostly, it should be open from 10am to 8pm. The typhoon theatre will close 1 hour before the museum closes.
Nestled at the corner of level 2 at Parkway Parade is Toby’s the Dessert Asylum. Kate and I saw the unpretentious ambience of the place and decided to give it a try.
Toby’s the Dessert Asylum @ Parkway Parade
Toby’s the Dessert Asylum @ Parkway Parade
The first thing we noticed was that the crew did not have any uniform or same-coloured polo-T. Everyone wore their own shirts to work. Everyone was able to be cashier, serve the food and clear the tables. Talk about empowering! Perhaps it’s a family owned business? Anyone care to comment?
We took some time to scan through the menu as there were simply too many items to choose from!
Mains Menu @ Toby’s the Dessert Asylum
Mains Menu @ Toby’s the Dessert Asylum
The blue lightning beside some of the dish represents “Chef’s recommendation” or something along those lines. This day, we decided to have one mains and one dessert to share, so we went with the pork stew baked rice.
Pork Stew Baked Rice with Chardonnay @ Toby’s the Dessert Asylum – $12.95
Pork Stew Baked Rice with Chardonnay @ Toby’s the Dessert Asylum – $12.95
The pork stew somewhat resembled the chinese mei cai kou rou. Surprisingly, this east (pork stew) meets west (baked rice with cheese) combination, worked really well and we tucked into it readily!
Next we had our dessert.
Dessert Menu @ Toby’s the Dessert Asylum
Dessert Menu @ Toby’s the Dessert Asylum
We scanned through the menu and decided to go for another chef’s recommendation that needed 15 minutes of waiting time – The Leaning Tower of Toby.
The Leaning Tower of Toby @ Toby’s the Dessert Asylum – $12.95
The Leaning Tower of Toby @ Toby’s the Dessert Asylum – $12.95
The tower was made up of 2 squarish pastries, sandwiched between a strawberry / whipped cream layer as well as a scoop of vanilla ice cream, topped with another roll-like pastry.
The highlight of this dessert would be the fresh cream that went really well with the pastry and berries (there were blue berries as well). We think that the taste and presentation was good. But the price was a little steep.
We also ordered a bottle of Chardonnay ($28.95) to accompany our meal and dessert.
All in all, Toby’s the Dessert Asylum offers good service (friendly staff), warm and welcoming ambience. Standard of food is somewhat comparable to most western joints. Good place to hang out with friends!
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We’ve been told many times about the difficulty of crossing roads in Vietnam especially in Hanoi. So we decided to create a post on “How to cross the roads safely in Hanoi Vietnam” so as to allow all our readers to know the tricks while crossing the roads there.
The thing about the roads in Hanoi is that there are SO MANY MOTORCYCLES ON THE ROADS! As a tourist or visitor there, it may seem like a daunting task to cross the roads.
Motorcycles galore in Hanoi
Even at traffic lights (IF you happen to come across them), you may feel as though you’re targetted by a huge swarm of bees as you attempt to cross the roads.
So how can you then cross the roads safely in Hanoi Vietnam? Do consider these tips when you attempt to cross the roads there…
1. Walk at a steady predictable pace.
This was a tip given to us by the locals at our hotel when we were in Hanoi. The thing is, motorcyclists in Hanoi are used to jay-walkers (people who cross the roads anywhere anyhow), so they will be on the look out for them. If you walk at a steady and predictable pace, they will then try to “negotiate” you as an “obstacle”, swerving in front or behind you. So it is of paramount importance to cross the roads in Hanoi at a steady and predictable pace. That leads us to the 2nd point…
2. Do not become anxious and make a dash for it!
DO NOT MAKE SUDDEN MOVEMENTS! As the motorcycles cross in front or behind you, there is a tendency to want to make a dash for it or just stop right there. DO NOT DO THAT. Continue to walk at that same pace. If you stop or make a dash for it, the motorcyclists that predicted your movement as they drive, may be too fast or too slow when you change your pace and may possibly run into you.
3. Follow the locals
If all else fails, just follow the locals. Well, not behind them, but beside them. If the oncoming traffic is from left to right, stand on the right of the locals. Walk and maintain the same steady pace as them and they will be able to guide you through this forest of motorcycles.
We hope that this quick guide to crossing the roads safely in Hanoi, Vietnam can give you that confidence in crossing the roads there. After several crossings, you’ll be able to muster the courage to cross the roads – just like the locals!
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The Singapore Botanic Gardens is one of the main attractions in Singapore and houses the biggest Orchid display in the world. Here, you can unwind amidst the natural surroundings and if you’re lucky, spot the swans in its natural habitat or squirrels dashing right past you!
The Singapore Botanic Gardens was established by a horticultural society on a piece of abandoned land in 1859. It was handed over to be managed by the government in 1875 and since then it has evolved to include research, education, conservation as well as recreation.
Entrance to the Singapore Botanic Gardens at Cluny Road
History of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
There are many attractions at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. You can visit the largest display of Orchids in the world (over 60,000 varieties) at the National Orchid Garden ($5 per entry)
National Orchid Garden @ the Singapore Botanical Gardens
Enjoy performances at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage (only on selected dates)
Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage @ Singapore Botanic Gardens
Visit the Swan Lake
Swan Lake at the Singapore Botanic Gardens
A pair of swans at the Swan Lake
Or just simply relax at the gazebo and watch as others enjoy the greenery…
Gazebo where many couples took their wedding photos in Singapore
Directional signs in the Singapore Botanical Gardens
Common folks enjoying the gardens
How to get to the Singapore Botanic Gardens & Opening Hours
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is open from 5am to 12am daily.
Map of the Singapore Botanical Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is located along Holland road and Cluny Road. You can reach there by buses 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 123 and 174.
Legoland Malaysia has another major attraction – Lego Technic! Here you will be able to find the famous Project X ride as well as other attractions such as the Lego Academy as well as the Aquazone Wave Racers & Technic Twister!
Attractions at Lego Technic Legoland Malaysia
Lego Technic is one of the educational zones for the kids (in addition to the rides of course). Here you will be able to find the Lego Academy as well as the Lego MINDSTORMS.
Lego Academy @ Legoland Malaysia
At the entrance of Lego Academy, you will be able to find this huge lego-built Albert Einstein! Of course, it is here that kids will be guided to build their own lego models. At Lego MINDSTORMS, lego robots can be built as well.
Rides at Lego Technic Legoland Malaysia
For the thrill seekers, there are several rides such as the Technic Twister, Aquazone Wave Racers as well as the famous Project X! Technic Twister is basically a “futuristic-looking” version of the teacup rides we used to go on when we were young? Remember those teacups going round and round and spinning on its own axis? Yup, thats the one! The only difference now is that you can control a wheel determine how you want your ride to be…
Aquazone Wave Racers Legoland Malaysia
Aquazone Wave Racers is like a merry-go-round on water. Using the theory of centrifugal forces, you can control how far you are from the centre by controlling the steering wheel. By our feeling (not sure if its scientifically proven) it seems that if you extend fully (away from the centre), the ride seems to be faster. Nearer to the centre, slower. Also for this ride, you may get wet because of the water splash around the ride. Passer by may just activate the “mines” that explodes beneath the water or use the water guns to spray at you! The wait for the ride was quite long as it can only accommodate 6 riders at a go…
Lego Technic’s main attraction : Project X
Project X , Lego Technic, Legoland
Project X is one of the main attractions not only at Lego Technic but also Legoland itself. It has a huge drop from a height of 18m which is quite exciting (definitely not for the faint of heart). After it descends, it ascends to a lower height and twists from left to right while you enjoy a great view of Legoland.
At first we thought that the ride looked like a kids ride, but dont under-estimate it!
Chomp Chomp Food Centre has been one of the hawker centres that we have always wanted to visit since time immemorial! (Cheem ah “time immemorial”, teens can consider using it in essays…) Well, for several reasons…
Firstly, if you take a look at the location of Chomp Chomp Food Centre (at 20 Kensington Park Rd) below
You’ll realise that the Serangoon Garden area is a nice little enclave that has amenities (banking, food, supermarket etc.) for the community that lives there. Quaint. Much akin to Holland Village.
Secondly, it is also a nice hangout area for teens and young adults. The al fresco setting, cheap hawker food and the unpretentious vibe, makes Chomp Chomp a great place to meet up with friends.
Last but not least, the food! We’ve tried the Hokkien Mee, BBQ Chicken Wings and Pizza from the first row of stalls…stalls 1,2 and 5 to be precise. Here’s the low down…
What’s there to eat at Chomp Chomp Food Centre
Chomp Chomp Food Centre
Legend has it that one of the best Hokkien Mee in Singapore is at Chomp Chomp Food Centre. We have yet to try it. Well, it means that the hokkien mee above is not it. Anyone knows which is the one that we should try?
This hokkien mee from stall 1 looks the part. Well arranged with lime at the side, bright red chili and even the thin white noodles that we prefer. However, it lacked the taste. The flavour of the stock was not infused into the noodles and it was the first thing we noticed right off the cuff. The chili was also too spicy! We take chili padi quite often and this chili is definitely not for the faint of heart (or tongue for that matter).
Dear reader, if you stay in the vicinity, please point us to the legendary hokkien mee!
Though not one of the best we’ve eaten, the BBQ wings at stall 2 is worth a try. The meat is still moist with some juices and the chili complimented the taste quite well. At $1.2 per piece, it is in line with the general prices of BBQ chicken wings.
The other main reason for our visit to Chomp Chomp Food Centre this time round is because of stall 5’s pizza. Friends have shared with us that the pizzas are only going for $3.90 each and there is also a variety of tastes to choose from. We chose the Tom Yam as well as the BBQ chicken and nope they did not disappoint.
The crust was thin and crispy while the Tom Yam flavour was mild but intriguing. No worries, no “hot” and “sudden” punch here. The prawn was also quite fresh. As for the BBQ chicken, there was a chunky piece of meat on each slice. Yum. Do give it a try and support the entrepreneurs who started this idea!
How to get to Chomp Chomp Food Centre
If you are driving, head to Serangoon Gardens. It is located at 20 Kensington Park Road. If you are going by public, buses 73, 136, 315 and 317 serves the area.
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Chomp Chomp Food Centre
If you have a great stall to recommend at Chomp Chomp Food Centre, do tell us in the comments section below! Enjoy your next makan at Chomp Chomp Food Centre, we will be sure to visit it again soon!
Legoland Malaysia has a main attraction called Miniland! It shows intricately crafted lego sculptures of world renowned landmarks, all by piecing Lego bricks (that you and I know of) together!
World Famous Attractions at Miniland Legoland Malaysia!
At Legoland Malaysia Miniland, you will be able to find world famous attractions made into a exquisite work of art where visitors can enjoy and take photos with! Here are some of these amazing works of art…
Kuala Lumpur with Petronas TowersMiniland @ Legoland Malaysia Singapore River & Fullerton Hotel @ MinilandForbidden City China @ Miniland
Besides these world renowned attractions, there are also themed displays such as the pirates and medieval castles!
Pirates & Castles at Miniland Legoland Malaysia
Interactive displays at Legoland Malaysia Miniland
At the Miniland exhibition, you will also notice some ships moving and even trains moving in and out of train stations. These trains may even move from landmarks to landmarks! In addition, there may also be some interactive buttons for visitors to press. We recall pressing one of the buttons and “workers” on the tarmac began to lift a car and make a grunting sound! Another button at the Singapore section, changed the direction of the water that comes out of the Merlion, directing the water at where the button was!
Picture opportunities abound here and you will be amazed at how these little pieces of Lego can actually come together to form these realistic structures! The designers must have placed alot of time and effort to bring all these world attractions together!
We shall now leave you with a video of Legoland Malaysia Miniland! Enjoy!
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Legoland Malaysia has many cute characters made of Lego! It is such a wonder to see these characters as they’re entirely made out of Lego Bricks! These characters are scattered throughout the theme park and most of them form great picture moments. Some like the Steven Spielberg character is hidden at the top of the 4D animation theatre so do watch out for it as well! Enjoy!
Cute Characters at Legoland Malaysia
Guy peering at the waters at Legoland MalaysiaLady feeding pigeons at Legoland MalaysiaTourist with bags of goodies coming out of The Big Shop at Legoland Malaysia
The Tourist is a really cute character just outside The Big Shop. The Big Shop is actually the souvenir/gift shop of Legoland Malaysia and you can find all sorts of Lego products ranging from Star Wars, Medieval Kingdoms to traditional Lego bricks. There are also shirts, magnets and other forms of souvenir as well. The Tourist is really cute because it shows him happy and satisfied as he leaves the Big Shop!
Giant Octopus with its victims at Legoland MalaysiaLego Academy @ Legoland MalaysiaDirector calling for water to be splashed at Legoland MalaysiaCan you spot Steven Spielberg?
If you observe closely, the director sitting on the director’s seat is actually Steven Spielberg, characterised by his beard! Haha!
Camel in front of Lost Kingdom Adventure Legoland Malaysia
Photo Moments with Legoland Malaysia Characters
Arent these creations made out of Lego amazing? As you enjoy the rides, shows and games at Legoland, do take time to take some pictures with these gorgeous creations! Although we did not get to catch Lego Buddy, we did see the dragon from Lego Kingdoms!
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Legoland Malaysia has a zone called Lego Kingdoms which is a spin off from its lego series. The main attraction at Lego Kingdoms Legoland Malaysia is the Dragon! The Dragon is of course the highest rollercoaster in all of Legoland!
Lego Kingdoms at Legoland Malaysia
Lego Kingdoms has several interesting attractions such as the Dragon’s Apprentice (smaller version of the Dragon albeit has its exciting moments on the ride), Royal Joust (kid’s ride on a mechanical horse), Merlin’s Challenge (high speed carousel), Castle Games (shooting/throwing games $/play), The Forestmen’s Hideout (a medieval playground) as well as the DRAGON!
Entrance to The Dragon Roller Coaster Ride The Dragon Roller Coaster Ride at Legoland Malaysia
After conquering the Dragon, you can also take some time to take photos with the castle as well as the medieval surroundings. Kids will also enjoy their time on the Royal Joust. The waiting time may be a little long…
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Legoland Malaysia’s Lego City is yet another zone which kids will have lots of fun here at Legoland! Here kids can learn to drive, captain a boat and even put out “fires” at the Rescue Academy!
Legoland Malaysia Driving School
Driving School Legoland MalaysiaDriving School @ Legoland Malaysia
At the driving school, kids are divided into the Junior Driving School (Ages 3 to 5) as well as the Driving School (Ages 6 to 13). Here kids can not only learn to drive, learn the traffic rules but also get their very own Legoland license! Sorry, adults are not allowed on the vehicles!
Legoland Malaysia Boating School
At the boating school, kids can learn to control a boat on water, adults can also join in if they wish to.
Legoland Malaysia Boating School
If you steer well, the lanes demarcated should be easy to navigate through. Otherwise, it may become “bumper cars” on water!
Legoland Malaysia Rescue Academy
At the rescue academy, teams can race against each other to put out “fires” at the other end of the academy. Teams must first pump the mechanical device on their rescue vehicles. When they reach their destination, they will alight and pump the water towards a building on “fire”. Once the Lego Fireman appears, return to the rescue vehicle and head back to base. The first team to return wins!
Legoland Malaysia Rescue Academy
Other Attractions at Lego City Legoland Malaysia
You can also hop on the Legoland Express, which is a train ride all around Legoland. Kids can also visit the Shipyard which is an outdoor playground.
Legoland ExpressThe Shipyard Legoland Malaysia
You have just finished a post from our series from Legoland Malaysia. Find out more about Legoland Malaysia in the following posts!
Sunway Lagoon actually has 5 parks in itself. All these while, we thought that it’s just another water themed park. We were wrong.
Sunway Lagoon consists of the Amusement Park, Water Park, Extreme Park, Wildlife Park (Zoo) and even a horror-themed Scream Park! We shall now take you through our trip to Sunway Lagoon!
Entrance of Sunway Lagoon
Entrance of Sunway Lagoon
Sunway Lagoon is opened daily from 10am to 6pm. They’re closed on Tuesdays, perhaps for maintenance on the lowest traffic day of the week? We were there on a weekday and surprisingly there was ALOT of people at the queue line at 10am!
Long Queues @ Sunway Lagoon
Long Queues @ Sunway Lagoon
The rates of Sunway Lagoon for adults is 100RM for all 5 parks OR 80RM for 3 parks (does not include scream and extreme parks). There are usually some ongoing discounts with certain credit cards. Malaysians get 25% off as well.
Rates at Sunway Lagoon Malaysia
Rates at Sunway Lagoon Malaysia
Attractions at Sunway Lagoon
Amusement Park
Map of Sunway Lagoon – Location of Amusement Park
Map of Sunway Lagoon – Location of Amusement Park
We headed first to the Amusement park and we conquered several rides including the Lost City and a water slide.
Lost City of Gold Sunway Lagoon
Lost City of Gold
Roller Coaster Ride at Sunway Lagoon
Roller Coaster Ride
We must say that the rides here are not really that exciting. For real extreme roller coaster rides, you can visit Universal Studios Singapore OR Busch Gardens. That is what we call a real roller coaster ride! There are also rides at wild wild west section for the kids to enjoy.
One ride that caught our eyes was the Viking. This one’s quite scary. Usually, you’d think that the Viking would just go back and forth right? WRONG! This Viking goes 360 degrees! One whole loop! 😮 You may even “hear” the screams from the following pictures!
Viking approaching the top almost inverting!
Viking approaching the top almost inverting!
Viking reaches the top and goes over to the other side!
Viking reaches the top and goes over to the other side!
Wildlife Park
Map of Sunway Lagoon – Location of Wildlife Park
Map of Sunway Lagoon – Location of Wildlife Park
Next we headed to the Wildlife Park. It’s actually quite a cool place with close encounters with the birds, huge crocodiles that look like that can leap out of the sanctuary and touch interaction with rabbits.
Can you spot the Owl sleeping
Can you spot the Owl sleeping?
An eagle at the spot where it ought to be
An eagle at the spot where it ought to be
As we walked past the birds sanctuary, we noticed that the birds were at the position that they’re supposed to be! No chains could be seen. We were speculating whether the birds have been clipped at its wings. Else we really cant understand how every bird was in its place as we walked past. Maybe we were lucky?
Huge Crocodiles @ Wildlife Park Sunway Lagoon
Huge Crocodiles @ Wildlife Park Sunway Lagoon
Rabbits that you could pat at the touch section of the Wildlife Park
Rabbits that you could pat at the touch section of the Wildlife Park
Scream Park
Map of Sunway Lagoon – Location of Scream Park
Map of Sunway Lagoon – Location of Scream Park
Entrance to Scream Park
Entrance to Scream Park
The Scream Park at Sunway Lagoon was scary. Not as scary as the Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Singapore. Still, it was scary enough for people to drop out at the entrance of the park. What happened was after all the safety brief, a man just rushed out from behind the doors! Some girls cried and some (even guys) left. As with all horror-themed parks, no touching is allowed. That is to say that visitors are not allowed to touch the scare actors and the scare actors are not allowed to touch the visitors.
At the start of the park, visitors are led to view a video clip. The video sets the background of the theme park. It’s about a couple who ventured into Sunway Lagoon when it’s closed (never a good sign). Somehow some pontianaks started to appear and scare them. Thinking that they’ve found a good hiding place in a run-down shack entrance (wassup man? just run out of the park already!), they went inside. And that’s where the guy who saws people up stores his corpses! And thats where the visitors are going.
Inside the park, there are scare actors, scary art and dungeon like settings. After the initial scares, you’ll get used to it. But beware of the final scare towards the end…
Extreme Park
Map of Sunway Lagoon – Location of Extreme Park
Map of Sunway Lagoon – Location of Extreme Park
Next we headed to the Extreme Park to try out some of the activities there. Do note that not all of the activities are free. We tried out the air gun (10 pellets), ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) as well as Archery (5 arrows). The rest of the activities such as bungy jumping, flying fox, paint ball and go-kart needs a little bit of top up.
We thoroughly enjoyed the ATV. Though it was a short ride, the slopes were quite steep. This made climbing and descending these slopes a little bit challenging. Some of the instructors had to get out of their own ATV and ride on the ATVs of those who were stuck.
Water Park
Map of Sunway Lagoon – Location of Water Park
Map of Sunway Lagoon – Location of Water Park
Last but not least, we arrived at the most desired destination of Sunway Lagoon – The Water Park!
Entrance to the Water Park @ Sunway Lagoon
Entrance to the Water Park @ Sunway Lagoon
The coolest part of the Water Park was the slides. Some slides required a map and some floats. And all of them were exciting! Just that you may have to wait about 10 minutes (sometimes) for your turn on the ride due to the large crowds. There could be a longer waiting time during the weekends.
If you are not the kind that enjoy extreme rides, you can always chill out at the wave pool as well. There are also water playgrounds for kids to enjoy.
Recommended Hotels near Sunway Lagoon Water Park
There are essentially 3 recommended hotels if you want to have easy access to Sunway Lagoon Water Park. They are…
The Villas Sunway Resort Kuala LumpurSunway Resort Hotel and SpaSunway Pyramid Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Last Words
Sunway Lagoon in Malaysia is definitely a visit well worth it. There are tonnes of entertainment for the young and old alike. Do check out ongoing promotions to get the best deal at Sunway Lagoon!
If you are planning to visit Kuala Lumpur KL and not sure what to eat there, here’s a low down of the things to eat in KL!
Famous Chilli Pan Mee in KL
Chilli Pan Mee at Restoran Kin Kin
Chilli Pan Mee at Restoran Kin Kin
Chilli Pan Mee or dry chilli noodles has been a creation that originated in KL. Here in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (just a short walk from Chow Kit station), you can try the famous chilli pan mee from both Restoran Kin Kin or Restoran Super Kitchen.
Roti Babi Anyone?
Roti Babi at Yut Kee Kopitiam KL
Roti Babi at Yut Kee Kopitiam KL
Roti Babi is synonymous with Yut Kee Kopitiam – one of the oldest surviving kopitiam in KL. While you’re here, why not try the hainanese pork chop and a cuppa as well?
Lot 10 Hutong
Lot 10 Hu Tong – Best Street Foods in Malaysia
If you are a fan of Malaysian Street Food, look no further than Lot 10’s Hu Tong! Here you will be able to savour some of the best street foods that Malaysia has to offer! Famous delights such as Penang Char Kway Teow and KL Fried Hokkien Mee will definitely delight your palate!
Recently, 2 taiwanese dessert stalls opened at the restaurant level of the Pavilion! Not only can you enjoy people watching over the atrium, you will also be able to savour some healthy and delectable dessert to cool you down from the heat of the day!
View of the Atrium from Taiwanese Dessert Place
View of the Atrium from Taiwanese Dessert Place
Bean curd, taro, red bean with shaved milk ice!
Bean curd, taro, red bean with shaved milk ice!
The Taiwanese are geniuses at food! This bowl of bean curd, taro, red bean with shaved milk ice really left us craving for more!
We hope that you’ve enjoyed this list of what and where to eat in KL. Do add on to this list through our comments page below!
If you are a street food foodie and you’re too lazy to go all over Malaysia to look for the best street food, then look no further than Hu Tong @ Lot 10 Shopping Centre!
Hu Tong @ Lot 10
Interior of Hutong @ Lot 10 shopping Centre
Famous Street Foods @ Hu Tong Lot 10 KL
At Hutong Lot 10, you’ll be able to try out all the best street food all over Malaysia! Here you can try out best street foods specialties such as
Our recent staycation at Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore was easily the best hotel stay in our all travels! And no, this post is NOT sponsored and we speak nothing but the truth! The entire staycation was filled with “Wah!” , “Wow!”, “Ah…” and “Shiok!” Kudos to the team at Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore!
Reception Ritz Carlton Millenia
The magic started right here at the reception of Ritz Carlton. This was roughly the conversation we had at the reception
Us : Hi, we would like to check in Receptionist : Certainly! (as she took in our check in slip)
After checking the system…
Receptionist : We noted your request for non-smoking and high floor with an additional bed. We have arranged for your room on the 28th floor
Us : (“Wow” in our minds) Thank you. Could we also check if we can have a late check out? Receptionist : Certainly! Let me do a check for you (Notice that she replied “Certainly!” first – makes you feel shiok, before she did the check)
After checking through…
Receptionist : Certainly! We will honour your late check out at 4pm! Us : Thanks! Can we also have a parking coupon? Receptionist : Certainly! You can receive your complimentary parking from the concierge Us : Thank you!
Not only was the service professional (it was the first time we heard the word “certainly” so many times over!), it was topped with the following act – The receptionist actually stepped out of the reception booth (by walking 10 metres), came over the counter and personally handed our room keys to us! 😮 We were pleasantly surprised by this gesture and personal touch!
Premier Room at Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore
Our stay on the 28th floor of Ritz Carlton Singapore was at the Premier Room with views of the city. Although it was not the Marina Bay View, we still said “Wah!” when we entered the room. It was because this view greeted us as we entered…(isnt always a surprise to enter the hotel room for the first time?)
City view from Premier Room of Ritz Carlton Millenia
The windows were huge and surprisingly clear both on the inside and outside, giving occupants a splendid view of the City & Kallang area!
Singapore City view from Ritz CarltonPanoramic views of KallangClose up view of the National Stadium under constructionOcean view with a glimpse of the Singapore Flyer
After walking past the bed and the TV, Kate let out another “Wah!” at the bathroom…
Study table leading to the bathroomBathroom of Premier Room at Ritz Carlton!
The bath tub had a window view of the city and kallang area as well! The blinds were also automated which means you dont have to struggle with pulling the blinds open and close by yourself! There’s a knob beside the switch for the blinds that adjusts the volume of the TV in the bathroom! Resting in this bath tub with the view was simply “Ah…” There’s also a huge dressing table and mirror in the bathroom, complete with a rain shower bathing area!
Rain shower Ritz Carlton Premier Room
The room itself was spacious and had class written all over it…
Bed in Premier Room Ritz Carlton
The king size bed was fluffy, luxurious and was irresistibly comfortable! If you take a look carefully at the wall of the bedroom, it is actually shining and glossy!
Huge Samsung TV
The Samsung TV was huge and the sound system of the TV is connected to the bathroom as well! The cabinet below was also well equipped with complimentary coffee/tea, refrigerator (have to pay for snacks and drinks), an ice cooler as well as a kettle!
Inside the cabinets Ritz Carlton Singapore
There’s also a little wardrobe beside your bed with bathrobes, safe and ironing facilities. Note that the lights of the wardroom is activated when the door is open. Just close the door to switch off the lights.
Wardrobe inside Premier Room Ritz Carlton
There are also other neat little gadgets around the room (playing “hide and seek” with you). Find them!
Swimming Pool at Ritz Carlton Singapore
Swimming Pool Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore
The swimming pool at Ritz Carlton is located at the first floor. To get there, you can either walk down the stairs from the main lobby or take the lift to the first floor and walk past the gym. You will be given a bottle of water if you take the route past the gym.
Walking past the gym to the swimming pool at Ritz Carlton Singapore
The excellent service extends even to the pool area! After getting the bottle of water (which the receptionist said “enjoy your swim!”), you will be led to a deck chair by the pool by an assistant. The assistant will then lay a towel over your choice of deck chair (so that you can lie on the towel) and place the other towel on the deck chair for you to use!
Swimming Pool at Ritz Carlton Singapore
There are steps on both sides of the pool so people can just lie beside the pool to get a tan if they want to. The pool is also not deep so kids can enjoy a splash, under supervision that is. There is also a jacuzzi by the side of the pool…
Jacuzzi Ritz Carlton
The jacuzzi is not the special bit but if you notice, there’s a smaller circular dip beside the jacuzzi. It is a cold bath! We entered and it seemed to be at about 15 degrees celsius or so. Cold baths are said to be able to help in muscle recovery. True? Not sure, but it is quite shiok to enter the cold bath first before a swim in the pool. This makes the pool relatively warm to your cooled skin.
Then the magic happened again. It started to drizzle by the pool and guess what? The assistants started to appear with umbrellas each in their hands. As you signal to them, they will shelter you personally back to the gym area! 😮 Talk about excellent service…
Back at the gym, the changing rooms have a steam bath as well as a sauna. The sauna is the traditional kind where you can increase the temperature by scooping water over heated stones!
Views of the Marina Bay
Although our room did not have views of the Marina Bay, we could see the same view from the lift lobby!
Lift Lobby with views of the Marina BayMarina Bay and Gardens by the Bay to the leftMarina Bay and Floating PlatformClose up view of Mandarin Oriental & EsplanadeClose up view of Marina Bay Sands
Buffet Breakfast at Ritz Carlton Singapore
Lobby towards Greenhouse Restaurant of Ritz Carlton Millenia
Walking past the lobby, you will find the Greenhouse restaurant. This is where the buffet breakfast is served from 630 to 1030 daily.
Pub area beside Lobby at Ritz Carlton Singapore
The breakfast spread was quite common with a choice of asian – fried noodles, dim sum, english – muffins, cereals & western – sausage, omelettes and bacon.
Buffet Breakfast Ritz Carlton SingaporeOmelette Station – For freshly made omelettesPastries, breads and fruits (Breakfast at Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore)Salad and selection of cheeseCereals, yogurt and Yakult!
We took some of the pastries as well as the char siew bao. It is recommended that you furiously attack the char siew bao because it is fluffy on the outside and mildly sweet and savoury on the inside. Yum! Besides the Yakult, there’s nothing else that really stands out at the buffet. Oh, do give the pancakes a try as well. They actually have different berries to go along with the pancakes.
Pancakes with strawberry, raspberries & blueberry topped with maple syrup!
How to get to Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore
How to get to Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore
Ritz Carlton Singapore is located at 7 Raffles Avenue. You can of course drive there as parking is complimentary. However, we recommend that you take the MRT to Promenade (closest MRT station) on the circle line OR take a short walk from City Hall via Marina Square. There is a side entrance from Marina Square to Singapore’s Ritz Carlton.
Another restaurant that you must visit when you are in KL is Yut Kee Kopitiam! It serves home-made food with its own innovation and has been doing so since 1928!
Yut Kee Hainanese Kopitiam in KL
Interior of Yut Kee Kopitiam
Located in Dang Wangi Kuala Lumpur, Yut Kee is one of the oldest surviving Kopitiam in KL. Today, it not only serves up one of the meanest kopi in town, it also specialises in what has come to be a trademark of Yut Kee – The Roti Babi!
Roti Babi @ Yut Kee Kopitiam KL
The Roti Babi is a well-known dish in Kuala Lumpur. It is an innovation of Yut Kee that serves marinated pork encapsulated in bread and then deep fried. Yum! (Everything deep fried is yummy right? :p) Another well known dish here is the Hainanese Pork Chop.
Hainanese Pork Chop from Yut Kee Kopitiam KL
The pork chop is tender and well marinated. The generous gravy (and condiments) is similar to that of the western “brown sauce”. The only minus point is that the sauce somewhat reduced the crispy factor of the pork chop.
Well, if you have the opportunity, why not pop by Dang Wangi and give the Roti Babi and Hainanese Pork Chop a try, the next time you’re in KL!
Legoland Malaysia has a zone called Imagination which is another interesting zone for the kids. Here you have 4D movies @ Lego Studios, Kid Power Towers, Duplo Playtown, Duplo Express as well as the Legoland Observation Tower.
Things to do and Attractions at Imagination Legoland Malaysia
Legoland Malaysia Studios
4D movies come to live at the Legoland Studios. For those who do not know what 4D movies are, they are actually 3D movies + special effects in the real world such as wind, rain drops, foam or “feelers” beneath your feet!
Can you spot Steven Spielberg? 4D movies @ Legoland Malaysia
Build & Test Legoland Malaysia
At Build & Test, kids can construct their own lego models and try out if they can really work!
Build & Test with Observation Tower at Legoland Malaysia
Kids Power Towers Legoland Malaysia
At Kids Power Towers, kids are expected to use the pulley system fitted and pull themselves up the tower. They can do it as many times as they wish within a limited time frame. Adults can accompany kids (2 to a ride) but adults must ride alone without kids.
Kids Power Towers at Legoland Malaysia
Legoland Malaysia Observation Tower
Rise up to a height of 50 metres and enjoy a paranomic view of the entire legoland at the Observation Tower!
Legoland Malaysia’s Observation Tower
See the entire Legoland from the Observation Tower!
At Imagination, the younger ones can also explore Duplo Playtown or ride on the Duplo Express! Everyone’s looked after at Legoland Malaysia!
You have just finished a post from our series from Legoland Malaysia. Find out more about Legoland Malaysia in the following posts!
Legoland Malaysia has one of the coolest rides at Land of Adventure – Dino Island! In addition, kids can take part in laser shooting at Lost Kingdom Adventure or have a mini drop at Beatle Bounce.
Lost Kingdom Adventure
Camel in front of Lost Kingdom Adventure Legoland Malaysia
At Lost Kingdom Adventure, players sit in a carriage (max capacity of 4) and enters into a maze of treasures & adventure! Players will each have a laser gun and you are expected to aim and shoot at green or red jewels. Try to out shoot and out score each other in this adventure! We had a high score of 37500!
Dino Island
One of the more exciting rides in Legoland, Dino Island brings you on a boat ride seeing dinosaurs made out of Legos. You will then ascend up an “abandoned volcano” only to escape from it down a steep drop! You will get wet for this ride, so be prepared!
Dino Island @ Legoland Malaysia
Beatle Bounce
If you had been to the Giant Drop in Australia, this is the kids version of it. A mini drop. Kids will be taken up to a small height and dropped in small degrees. The process is repeated. The ride is mainly for kids, accompanying adult can only sit in the middle seat. For balancing purposes?
Beatle Bounce Legoland Malaysia
You have just finished a post from our series from Legoland Malaysia. Find out more about Legoland Malaysia in the following posts!
As part of our anniversary celebrations, Kate and I headed out to the Riverview Hotel BBBQ (Buffet Brunch Beer and BBQ!). The BBBQ starts from 12pm to 3pm and costs about $70 per person (inclusive of all taxes). It has a spread of international buffet, BBQ buffet as well as free flow of Erdinger / Heineken!
International Buffet on the inside 1
International Buffet on the inside 1
International Buffet on the inside 2
International Buffet on the inside 2
BBQ Buffet on the outside
BBQ Buffet on the outside
Free Flow of Beer from the Tap
Free Flow of Beer from the Tap
Besides the wide selection of food available, there’s also entertainment as well as views of the Singapore River…
Enjoy views of the Singapore River as you dine al fresco
Enjoy views of the Singapore River as you dine al fresco
Entertainment in terms of song and dance
Entertainment in terms of song and dance
These tourists also thoroughly enjoyed themselves by dancing in front of the stage when they were done with their meals. This BBBQ at Riverview Hotel really has a great mix of food, drinks and entertainment!
We chose a seat in the al fresco dining area and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The food was splendid and the surrounding view as well as live performance really lifted the atmosphere there. Here’s what we ate…
What we ate at Riverview Hotel BBBQ
BBQ available at the BBQ corner
BBQ available at the BBQ corner
The highlight of the meal at the Riverview Hotel BBBQ has got to be the BBQ! All of the food featured on this plate was fresh, tasty and simply excellent. The prawns were really fresh and succulent, huge ones at that. The pork ribs was our favourite – huge chunks of meat as you tuck in, use of hands are welcomed! The pork ribs is also a favourite among other diners, so our recommendation would be to order the pork ribs first before they run out! The sausage and beef was also quite good. Give them a try if you have additional “space”.
Besides BBQ and the free flow of beer, there are also some selection of seafood as well as sashimi available.
Erdinger beer and seafood
Erdinger beer and seafood
Sashimi!
Sashimi!
The crayfish laksa was also very tasty. The crayfish was again fresh, sweet and succulent. It complimented the laksa really really well. Do note that laksa is a spicy soup based noodle.
Crayfish Laksa at Riverview Hotel BBBQ
Crayfish Laksa at Riverview Hotel BBBQ
There are also other chinese foods available such as dim sum and fried rice.
Asian Cuisine
Asian Cuisine
For those health conscious, do remember to take your greens as well.
Salads available
Salads available
We rounded up our meals with desserts and ice creams with various toppings!
Desserts at Riverview Hotel BBBQ
Desserts at Riverview Hotel BBBQ
Flow serve ice cream with nuts and chocolate toppings
Flow serve ice cream with nuts and chocolate toppings
Flow serve ice cream with fruit toppings
Flow serve ice cream with fruit toppings
Last Words
The Riverview Hotel BBBQ is definitely well worth the $70 bucks per pax! The vast array of food, live entertainment, al fresco dining as well as free flow of beer makes this meal thoroughly enjoyable and memorable!
Remember to go straight for the BBQ pork ribs! Enjoy the natural chunky meat and juices oozing from the ribs, washed down with a pint of ice cold beer!
If you are a foodie and have not visited 2 Chefs Eating Place at Blk 116 Commonwealth Crescent, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! (Just to clarify, this is a non-sponsored post, food and price were just great)
We’ve tried a few of their specialties and were impressed by the standards and pricing at this eating place.
On a separate occasion, we’ve also tried their “most ordered” butter pork ribs as well as honey chicken. As most online foodies have mentioned, the butter pork ribs was interesting but wasnt really that good. There was too much of a milky taste to it and the mixture may stick to your teeth. But we also did not believe what the others said and ordered it as well. You may like to do likewise…
The star at 2 Chefs has got to be the 2 honey food. The honey chicken as well as the honey pork ribs. Although, both has the word “honey” to it, there’re actually quite different.
The honey chicken has slices of garlic that brings out the aroma of the chicken. The best of the lot we’ve got to say.
The honey pork ribs were tender on the inside and well marinated and fried on the outside. Yummy!
The rest of the fried prawn frites, 3 eggs spinach as well as hor fun were average. The price though was relatively cheap.
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Legoland Malaysia is the latest attraction in Johor! We had an opportunity to visit so let’s find out what’s on offer at Legoland Malaysia right here!
How to get to Legoland Malaysia
Legoland Johor Malaysia is located near Medini and is just a 10 minutes drive from the Tuas Second Link, 20 minutes from Senai Airport and 30 minutes from Johor Bahru.
To get to Legoland from Singapore, after passing the Tuas Second Link, continue along the second link expressway and look for EXIT 312. Note that for this exit, there are 2 sub exits, go to the one that states Nusajaya / LEGOLAND. “LEGOLAND” will be prominently displayed in brown, you cant miss it!
Follow the signs to “LEGOLAND” and you will pass by Mall of Medini. PARK HERE!!
Mall of Medini – Park Here for Legoland!
The reason why we suggest to park here is because it is a shorter drive (you’ll still need to drive 200m to Legoland’s car park) and since both parking locations requires you to have a short walk from the carpark to Legoland, why not pass through a mall?
Passing through Mall of Medini…To Legoland Malaysia!
Things to do and Attractions in Legoland Malaysia
There are so many things to do and attractions in Legoland! There are 7 themed areas with over 40 interactive rides, shows and play areas for the kids! Legoland is a kids friendly place. We would say that more than 50% of the attractions are meant and constructed with kids in mind. The themed areas include
1. The Beginning
2. Lego Technic
3. Lego Kingdoms
4. Imagination
5. Land of Adventures
6. Lego City
7. Miniland
Before we proceed, let’s first take a look at the map…
Map of Legoland Malaysia
Map of Legoland Malaysia
Aerial View of Legoland Johor
The Beginning
The Beginning is the first area that you will go to once you enter into Legoland. After contending with the long queues to enter Legoland (we came on a week day and yet there’s such a long queue!)…
Long Queues outside Legoland Malaysia
Here, you will find guest services counter, mini market, the Brick Shop, the Cafe as well as the Big Shop! Cute characters made entirely out of Lego bricks can be found here and throughout Legoland as well!
The Big Shop @ Legoland Malaysia
If you stay near to Legoland or even in the western part of Singapore PLUS you have kids, we will recommend that you head right on to the guest services for the upgrade of your day ticket to the annual pass. This is because the price of the annual pass is about 3x the price of admission. This means that if you intend to visit more than 3 times a year, the annual pass is definitely worth it!
Miniland
If you head straight after passing The Beginning, you will enter into Miniland!
Miniland @ Legoland Malaysia
Miniland is an entire exhibition of world landmarks made entirely out of Lego Bricks! Here, you will be able to see land marks such as the Great Wall of China, the Petronas Towers as well as the Singapore Flyer! See the intricacy and details placed into constructing these structures and enjoy many photo moments here!
Miniland will include the landmarks from the following locations and themes…
KLIA, Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Singapore, India, Myanmar, China, Laos, Brunei, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Port Tanjung Pelepas and Pirates!
Lego Technic
Lego Technic boasts of several exciting rides and attractions such as Technic Twister, AQUAZONE Wave Racers, Water Splash, LEGO MINDSTORMS, LEGO Academy as well as Project X!
Project X , Lego Technic, Legoland
Project X is one of the main attractions at Lego Technic and Legoland. It is a 4 seater roller coaster that has a huge drop at one point, making it one of the most exciting rides in Legoland!
A recommendation to Legoland : We noticed that some of the carriages did not leave with all 4 seats filled. Perhaps the staff can plan for subsequent rides and check if there are single or 2 riders that can fill the seats. This will ensure that more riders can enjoy the rides in a shorter amount of time.
Lego City
Lego City is a theme of having the different modes of transportation that we have today. This zone offers the Lego City Airport, Lego City Stage, Boating School, Remote Control Boat, The Shipyard, Junior Driving School, Driving School, Legoland Express as well as the Lego Rescue Academy.
Driving School @ Legoland Malaysia
Another main attraction at Malaysia’s Legoland is the driving school. Do note that the driving school is divided into Junior (Ages 3 to 6) as well as Drivers (Ages 7 to 13). (Adults, we’re sorry, no rides for you here!) But kids can complete the lessons and ciruits here and have their very own Legoland Driver’s License!
Land of Adventure
Land of Adventure has some fun attractions as well. The attractions here include Lost Kingdom Adventure, Beatle Bounce, Dino Island as well as Pharoah’s Revenge! The main attraction here has got to be Dino Island where you will be brought up into the “ruins” and try to escape out of it through the giant water splash! Be warned that you will be wet for this ride!
Dino Island @ Legoland Malaysia
Imagination
At Imagination, you will enjoy the Kid Power Towers, Build & Test, Observation Tower, Musical Fountain, DUPLO Playtown, DUPLO Express as well as the Lego Studios!
Can you spot Steven Spielberg?
At Lego Studios, you will be able to enjoy 4D movies and they are shown in succession. They are Racers, Spellbreaker as well as Clutch Powers. We managed to watch Spellbreaker (Characters dont speak in this movie) as well as Clutch Powers. Each movie lasts about 15 minutes. A quick way to finish all the movies is to re-queue once you’re done with a movie and you can complete all 3 movies within the hour. Well, that is provided you do not mind the seatings. But be assured that all the seats will be able to enjoy all the effects even if you’re sitting at the front row.
For those who do not know what is a 4D movie, it is actually 3D graphics with additional effects such as water drizzles, wind, foam, crippy crawly feelers beneath you that will actually feel according the movie that you’re watching.
4D movies @ Legoland Malaysia
A recommendation to Legoland : We recommend that the screens at the waiting area show a countdown timer so that those waiting would roughly know how long more they will have to wait before the next show. Also, it would be good to show what movie is up next on the screens. We did not actually know what movie it was unless we asked OR waited till just before we enter the theatre.
Waiting area for 4D Movie
Lego Kingdoms
Lego Kingdoms boasts of the following attractions that include the Forestman’s hideout, Dragon’s Apprentice, The Dragon, King’s Market, Castle Stage, Royal Joust, Merlin’s Challenge as well as Castle Games. The main attraction here is of course the Dragon rollercoaster ride. It is the highest rollercoaster ride in Legoland Malaysia and you will be able to enjoy great views of Legoland at the top of the ride!
Lego Kingdoms at Legoland Malaysia
Legoland Malaysia Ticket Prices & Opening Hours
Opening Hours
Legoland Malaysia is open from 10am to 6pm daily. The hours are extended on weekends, public holidays as well as school holidays. The extended hours are from 10am to 8pm during these periods.
Ticket Prices
We advise our readers to purchase tickets online as there are some discounts when you do so. Also as mentioned earlier, if you are planning to revisit Legoland, do approach guest services to upgrade your day tickets to the annual pass. Ticket prices for Legoland Malaysia are
Annual Pass for Adults is RM275 and Children/Seniors at RM210
Hotels near to Legoland Malaysia
There are several excellent hotels such as Pulai Springs, KSL Resort, Thistle Johor Bahru as well as Tune Hotels. Legoland Hotel will be completed in 2014!
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Conclusion
There’s a full suite of entertainment for the whole family at Legoland. Exciting rides, entertaining shows, fun rides for the kids as well as many play areas. Kids will definitely be spoilt for choice at this Lego themepark. For a well deserved break and a full day of entertaining fun for the kids, look no further than Legoland Malaysia!
Ever since Marina Bay Sands opened in April 2010, we’ve wanted to visit the Marina Bay Sands Skypark to see the views of Singapore from the 57th floor observatory.
After splurging at Todai Buffet Restaurant at B2 of Marina Bay Sands, we finally received some complimentary tickets to the skypark (part of a promotion at MBS) and got to visit the sky park!
Entrance to Marina Bay Sands Skypark
Entrance to Marina Bay Sands Skypark
Ticket Prices of Sands Skypark
Ticket Prices of Sands Skypark
Ticket Prices of Sands Skypark
The tickets cost $20 for adults, $14 for children aged 2-12 years old , $17 for senior citizens aged 65 years and above. There’s also guided tours held daily at a first come first served basis. Hence, it would be wise to buy the tickets early and sign up for the complimentary tours of the skypark. The tour would allow you to visit the infinity pool, otherwise you can only see the sky pool from a distance. The pool used to be open for visits to the public but guess the hotel guests didnt enjoy others walking pass and taking photos of them in pool…
There is actually an alternative way to enter the skypark. You can visit any of the skypark dining venues, namely Ku De Ta, Sky on 57 or The Chocolate Bar. For the same price of $20 bucks, you can also enjoy a beer (could be cheaper for soft drinks) and enjoy complimentary visit to the sky park. The entry area would be at the various restaurant counters – do visit the information counter for directions.
Time spent in queuing for skypark tickets
Time spent in queuing for skypark tickets
Miniature Model of Marina Bay Sands
Miniature Model of Marina Bay Sands
After spending some time in the queue and seeing the miniature model of MBS, we got into the lift up to the 56th floor. The lift was rather fast and there wasnt much issue with pressure difference of the ear. As the lift opened at the 56th floor, there was a lift attendant to guide us towards the park so as to control the “human traffic” as there were others taking the lift down as well.
First Floor – Inside the Lift up to Sands Skypark
First Floor – Inside the Lift up to Sands Skypark
Lift Attendant at the 56th Floor
Lift Attendant at the 56th Floor
Views of Attractions and Singapore City Skyline around Marina Bay Sands
The Marina Bay Sands Sky Park offers fantastic views of the city skyline as well as the attractions around MBS. Here are some views from the top of the Sands Skypark!
Singapore Flyer – Night View (Sponsors for a better camera anyone)
Singapore Flyer – Night View (Sponsors for a better camera anyone?)
Esplanade and Swissotel (Tallest Hotel in South East Asia)
Esplanade and Swissotel (Tallest Hotel in South East Asia)
The Float @ Marina Bay – Venue of the National Day Parade (NDP)
The Float @ Marina Bay – Venue of the National Day Parade (NDP)
Singapore City Skyline Central Business District (CBD)
Singapore City Skyline Central Business District (CBD)
Boat Quay and Clarke Quay – Dining and Night Life
Boat Quay and Clarke Quay – Dining and Night Life
Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool
Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool
Art Science Museum – Currently showing Harry Potter and Andy Warhol
Art Science Museum – Currently showing Harry Potter and Andy Warhol
Avalon Louis Vuitton (LV) and the Board Walk – Great place to walk and see the Marina Bay
Avalon Louis Vuitton (LV) and the Board Walk – Great place to walk and see the Marina Bay
Helix Bridge linking MBS to the Floating Platform and Marina Square (More Shopping!)
Helix Bridge linking MBS to the Floating Platform and Marina Square (More Shopping!)
HDB Flats (Singapore Subsidised Housing) in the distance
HDB Flats (Singapore Subsidised Housing) in the distance
Construction of the New National Stadium – Sports Hub
Construction of the New National Stadium – Sports Hub
Views of the Singapore City Skyline in the Day
Whats there At the Sands Sky Park
As mentioned, there are restaurants such as Ku De Ta and Sky on 57 at the skypark. There’s also a mini kiosk for food and drinks as well as a souvenir shop. You will also see this iconic mast at the front of the skypark.
Mast at the front of the Sands Sky Park
Mast at the front of the Sands Sky Park
Souvenir Shop and Food Kiosk at the top of Sands Sky Park MBS
Souvenir Shop and Food Kiosk at the top of Sands Sky Park MBS
Night Views from Marina Bay Sands Sky Park
Singapore Skyline from MBS at Night
Singapore Skyline from MBS at Night
Another view of Singapore Skyline from MBS at Night
Another view of Singapore Skyline from MBS at Night
The new Marina Cruise Centre – Think that is Voyager of the Seas by Royal Caribbean Cruise
The new Marina Cruise Centre – Think that is Voyager of the Seas by Royal Caribbean Cruise
View of the Singapore City Skyline at Night
Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you may see some fireworks from surrounding events as well!
Fireworks seen from Sands Sky Park
Fireworks seen from Sands Sky Park
Another view of the Fire Works from MBS Sky Park
Another view of the Fire Works from MBS Sky Park
Magnificent Sunsets seen from Marina Bay Sands Sky Park
Each evening, there will be throngs of crowd gathering at the left side of the sky park (hope this doesnt cause any stability issues to the ship :p) to view the magnificent sunset. Here’s a progression of the sunset…
Sunset as seen from Marina Bay Sands Sky Park 1
Sunset as seen from Marina Bay Sands Sky Park 1
Sunset as seen from Marina Bay Sands Sky Park 2
Sunset as seen from Marina Bay Sands Sky Park 2
Sunset as seen from Marina Bay Sands Sky Park 3
Sunset as seen from Marina Bay Sands Sky Park 3
Sunset as seen from Marina Bay Sands Sky Park 4
Sunset as seen from Marina Bay Sands Sky Park 4
Hope you’ll find time and enjoy a visit to the Marina Bay Sands Sky Park! Do leave us your comments after your next visit!
We’ll leave you now if views of the city just after sunset! Enjoy!
S One Expo Stuttgart (Beer Festival) Germany is held at the Marina at Keppel Bay from 6 November to 9 December. Here are 7 reasons why you should go!
7 Reasons why You should go to S One Expo!
1. Food – Stuttgart fare & Local Delights
You’ll get to experience authentic german food, especially those from Stuttgart such as the Maultaschen (meat dumplings – a traditional Swabian dish), Blackforest Cake as well as the Apple Pudding! Remember to choose the lentils (peas) to go with the Maultaschen, that is unless you’re fans of the cabbage or potato. The lentils have pieces of minced meat which adds to its flavour.
Maultaschen at S One Expo @ $8
Maultaschen at S One Expo @ $8
Local Hawker Fare
Local Hawker Fare
If German food does not ring your taste buds, why not try the array of local delights available? Choose from hawker fare such as laksa, char kway teow, bak kut teh, fried hokkien mee, chicken rice and fried carrot cake. There’s even a soya beancurd/drink store to add to the local flavour!
2. Experience German Culture
There are several german booths such as Cuckoo Clocks, Wooden Toys as well as Ginger Bread. There are on-going demonstrations to allow you to better understand these crafts during your visit at the S One Expo. There’s also a S One Mart that sells produce.
Cuckoo Clocks at S One Expo
Cuckoo Clocks at S One Expo
Wooden Figurines
Wooden Figurines
S One Mart
S One Mart
3. Something for the kids
You might be wondering what are the other
things to do at S One Expo
– especially for the kids. Well, there are clog making sessions, snow man making sessions and even a giant snow globe for kids to revel in!
Winter Wonderland for the Kids
Winter Wonderland for the Kids
4. Live Entertainment
Enjoy your german fare to the sounds of jazz, german oktoberfest music or even popular acts such as Jack and Rai. Live Entertainment is available from 3pm onwards at the Music Pavilion.
Live Performance at the Music Pavilion
Live Performance at the Music Pavilion
5. German Engineering & Museum
Out of the tent, you will see museums as well as booths featuring German engineering. Bosch, Mercedes as well as Porsche have set up booths with their sports car being the show piece. You may also choose to learn a little german history by visiting a few small museums that have been set up such as the Schiller Haus. Friedrich Schiller a famous german playright is featured in this replica of the building in Stuttgart.
Schiller Haus
Schiller Haus
6. Lucky Draw!
In addition to the culture and food that you get to enjoy, there’s even a lucky draw just for being there! You can take part in 2 separate draws. After registration, you’ll get a red coupon that allows you to take part in the daily draws to win prizes such as juicers, knives, pans and vacuum cleaners from brand names such as Bosch and WMF.
By spending only $10, you’ll get a blue coupon that allows you to take part in the grand lucky draw to win a Porsche Boxster!
Porsche Boxster to be won at S One Expo
Porsche Boxster to be won at S One Expo
7. Last but not least – FREEBIES!
After registration, you’d get $5 F&B vouchers free! $4.50 can get you local delights such as bak kut teh, fried hokkien mee. $1.5 can get you drinks as well as soya bean curd. But on weekends such as last week, each visitor could get either a sausage or beer (usual price $10) absolutely free!
Kate and I shared the beef german sausage as well as a lager for free! 😮
Free bratwurst and lager @ S One Expo
Free bratwurst and lager @ S One Expo
How to get to S One Expo
Driving is discouraged but the organisers have made free shuttle buses available at the following locations
Exit C @ Harbour Front MRT
Exit E @ Dhoby Ghaut MRT
Exit B @ City Hall MRT
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After all this talk about being in Germany, are you thinking about a trip to Stuttgart? You can check out the best hotel deals in Germany right here! With all the 7 reasons listed, don’t you agree that S One Expo is definitely worth a visit?
Crab Buffet at Ellenborough Market Cafe, Swissotel Merchant Court (almost mispelt Crab buffet as Carb buffet…) is now ongoing from 2 to 18 November 2012! Which means that tomorrow will be the last day! 😮
So is it worth a visit to have unlimited crabs at this buffet? Let’s find out!
About Crab Buffet Ellenborough Market – Absolutely InCRABulous
Absolutely InCRABulous is Ellenborough Market Cafe’s annual crab buffet. This year, the crab buffet boasts of Spanner Crabs, Snow Crab Claw on ice, Chilli Crabs with Golden Mantou, Pepper Crabs as well as Nonya Curry Crabs.
In addition, Ellenborough Market Cafe’s signature Durian Pengat is also available during the buffet. It is also mentioned on the information flyer that Crab Cakes with Hot Mango Salsa and Bread and Butter Pudding would also be available. Unfortunately, these were not available when we asked the chefs…Sigh.
Prices of the Crab Buffet @ Ellenborough Market Cafe Swissotel Merchant Court
This buffet is only available daily for dinner and for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. The prices are as follows
Lunch Buffet (Saturday and Sunday) – $52++ for Adults / $26++ for Children (Aged 4-12)
Dinner Buffet (Daily) – $58++ for Adults / $29++ for Children (Aged 4-12)
There’s also an exclusive discount for OCBC Card members where One dines free with every three paying buffet adult diners.
Setting & Ambience @ Ellenborough Market Cafe
The buffet starts from 6:30pm to 10pm for dinners and when we arrived, there was already a queue outside! Good thing was that we made reservations but we could only get seats in the alfresco area which meant that all the seats inside were fully taken up that evening!
Entrance to Ellenborough Market Cafe , Swissotel Merchant Court
However, the first thing we noticed as we entered the restaurant was that the seats were actually very well spaced out and that the whole restaurant was huge and spacious! This meant that eventhough it was fully booked that evening, the crowd was not so huge (and noisy) as to affect the dining experience. This also translated to a more pleasant queue at the buffet lines.
The next thing we noticed was that the restaurant had a Peranakan theme to it. The centre pieces, displays and even the tables and chairs had a Peranakan feel to it.
Peranakan Displays in Ellenborough Market CafePeranakan Tables and Chairs
Highlight of the Buffet – Crabs Galore!!
The buffet lived up to its name in that there was an assortment of crabs available to choose from! From the cold platters, there was Spanner Crabs, Snow Crab Claw and even Alaskan Crab Claws!
But of course, the highlight was the famous Chilli Crab with Golden Mantou as well as the Black Pepper Crabs. The Slipper Lobster in Black Pepper Sauce was also a favourite of ours. Salt baked crabs and nonya crabs were also available at the buffet.
The buffet was generous in its servings and there was no lack of pincers for buffet lovers to go for. We had so many pincers that we lost count! Here’s a tip for you crab buffet lovers – We noticed that the Chilli Crabs had pincers that were particular huge (somewhat like Sri Lankan Crabs!) as compared to the black pepper crabs and salt baked crabs.
Close up of Chilli Crab, Mantou & Slipper Lobster
We strongly recommend the Chilli Crab as well as the Slipper Lobster. The Chili crab was not as spicy as the other versions and the sauce was enticing yet flavourful. The gravy really went well with the Mantou – but then again, any fried flour tastes good right? But we must say that the Golden Mantou was for real, crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The slipper lobster on the other hand was fresh. The meat came off its shell rather easily and you can easily enjoy one big chunk of the lobster – Yummy!
The only bad thing about the crabs was that not all of it were fresh. There were actually some that were turning bad – soft and mushy. Therefore, choose the huge pincers (Sri Lankan Crab lookalikes) from the Chili Crabs! You wont go wrong with that!
Peranakan / Nonya Food
There must be a reason why the restaurant is decorated with a nonya theme. The nonya food it serves! There was actually a selection of peranakan food available at the crab buffet as well. Ayam Buah Keluak, Kueh Pie Tee, Nonya Curry Chicken and Crabs – Traditional Nonya fare were served up in that selection. We went for the braised pork with vinegar and was thoroughly satisfied.
The meat (and of course the skin) was fully infused with the soya sauce and mild vinegar which gave it that fragrant smell. The meat literally melted in your mouth. Dont be too overly concerned about its name with the word “vinegar” as it’s more like a condiment in this traditional dish.
Other selections at the Buffet
Besides the crabs and nonya food, there was also a small selection of sushi, sashimi as well as gourmet fish such as fried tilapia,sting rays and steamed garoupa to choose from. There was also an array of appetisers as well as mains such as lor mee, stir fried udon and fried rice available.
Sashimi Selection @ the crab buffet
Highlight for the ladies – DESSERTS!
Then came Kate’s favourite segment of any buffet – DESSERTS! And the desserts @ Ellenborough Market Cafe did not disappoint. There was a good mix of western desserts such as cakes and sweets as well as traditional desserts such as cheng tng, nonya kuehs and of course the signature dessert of Ellenborough Market – Durian Pengat!
Selection of Western Desserts at the buffetClose up of the dessertsTraditional Desserts @ Ellenborough Market Cafe
We tried all the traditional desserts and rounded them up in a nice flower shape…
Traditional Desserts in a flower shaped arrangement
Starting from the top (the dark one) in clockwise order was cheng tng, bubur terigu, almond paste, bobo chacha, white fungus with pear (good for the throat especially after all the durian pengat), ah balling glutinous rice balls with peanut fillings and last but not least – Durian Pengat right in the centre!
Basically, everything was good but you can give the almond paste a miss. Of course, the best was still the Durian Pengat!
Durian Pengat – The signature dessert @ Ellenborough Market Cafe
Tasting the durian pengat was literally eating durians itself! It was rich, flavourful and even had the fibres of that of the durian mixed into it! Heavenly! The durian pengat went well with the pandan chiffon cake and of course the golden mantou! (What?!) Yes! Enjoy it with the mantou for your own version of durian puff!
To round things up, we had a healthy dose of fruits (durian pengat also counted as fruit right?)
Fruit Platter
as well as the complimentary coffee and tea.
Excellent Service
There’s something that we want to mention about the service. It was excellent! Contrary to what is written on some food review blogs (and note that this is NOT a paid article), the service was really really good! Here are examples of why we say so
1. We told the manager that we wanted to have seats in the air conditioned area once it was available. She remembered and came back to us when it was available later on. She even got the staff to bring our food over for us.
2. The lady and gentlemen serving us at the alfresco area was prompt with their service. Once we were sat down, the lady asked us for our beverage options and came back with our ice water in a jiffy. The gentlemen also cleared our tables as soon as we were done with our food.
3. But the most amazing part was this. Seeing that we were struggling to use the tool to crack the pincers, the lady offered to bring our pincers to be cracked open and brought them back to us. Not once but twice! She was also the one who linked up with the manager to bring us to the seats inside. Kudos to the service team!
Verdict
The excellent service really made our experience at Ellenborough Market Cafe an unforgettable one. It seemed as though they were exclusively serving us but in actual fact the restaurant was at full capacity.
The large variety of food was also a plus. Not only in terms of mains but in terms of desserts as well. Most buffets would only have a measly dessert section. Ellenborough Market Cafe certainly blew their competitors away in terms of variety and value.
The taste of the crabs and quantity of pincers that you could have was great as well.
The only draw back is that some of the crabs were not fresh. They went mushy instead of turgid and succulent as it ought to be. So please stick to the Chili Crab (large) pincers as recommended above and you’d be fine.
Overall, the crab buffet at Ellenborough Market Cafe / Swissotel Merchant Court scores 3.75 out of 5 stars for us! But excluding the service standards, it would be more of a 3.
How to get to Ellenborough Market Cafe @ Swissotel Merchant Court
Swissotel Merchant Court is located at Clarke Quay right beside Central Shopping Mall. Take the Northeast Line (NEL) to Clarke Quay station and take a short walk along the river and you will see the Ellenborough Market Cafe just before the Read Bridge.
As mentioned in the best chicken rice in Singapore post, we did mention the Yishun outlet as one of the contenders for the best chicken rice in Singapore.
The Long Queue
Long queues at Yishun 925 Hainanese Chicken Rice
Well, long queues always form the basis of whether a chicken rice stall is worth trying and at Yishun 925, the queue does not stop!
We joined the queue of 10 people (after lunch hours), sat down, ate and the queue was still there!!
Taste Test
As mentioned previously, the rice here was worth a try. However, when we tried it again this day, the standard sort of dropped.
Chicken rice at Yishun 925 Hainanese Chicken Rice
The rice did not seem to be as flavourful as before. The chicken was still good but could be easily taken out by Tiong Bahru or Mei Ling Street.
Close up of the chicken at Yishun 925 Hainanese Chicken Rice
The saving grace for our outing this time was the chilli. Flavourful, solid chilli that packs a slight punch. The cost of our meal for 2 person was $7.60 which is considered quite expensive for kopitiam price.
Verdict
After another round at this chicken rice stall, it seems to us that it has dropped out of contention for the best chicken rice stall in Singapore. Mei Ling Street, Tiong Bahru and Wee Nam Kee at Thomson Road still have the upper hand in this epic battle.
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Finally got to visit Switch : by Timbre over the Halloween period! The entire restaurant was decorated to suit the theme and the waiters/waitresses also had costumes on – some scaring us as they brought the food to the table!
About Switch by Timbre
Halloween at Switch : By Timbre
As we were being seated (with loud music in the background), we were told by our waiter that we had to order drinks prior to our food. So he introduced us to the Erdinger / Pizza deal at 33++
Erdinger & Pizza deal @ Switch by Timbre
The deal comes with 2 pints of Erdinger and a cheese (margherita) pizza by default. You can choose to upgrade the pizza to duck or meats with some top up. One of the interesting things we noticed was that order was done via the ipad!
Orders via ipad @ Switch by Timbre
The waiter showed us how we could make orders, cancel orders and send orders by confirming your choices twice. It was quite refreshing that the restaurant has decided to keep up with the times as well as the youths by using the ipad as a tool for taking orders. Of course this is in line with the government’s call for productivity! With the ipad, waiters were not required to stand by your side while you state your orders. Our drinks were brought to us within 3 minutes of pressing the confirm button and the food came shortly after.
Switch is also known for supporting local aspiring artistes and bands. During the halloween period, Little Green Frog took the stage and brought the audience to live with its fun brand of singing. The rendition of “Zombie” really sounded like that of the Cranberries – the heavy nasal version which was really cool.
Little Green Frog performing at Switch by Timbre
All in all, the ambience was great (albeit a little loud) and Switch by Timbre is recommended as a great chillax place to hang out with friends and if you’re into local music, a great venue to support our budding artistes!
How to get to Switch by Timbre
The best option to get to Switch by Timbre is taking to MRT Bras Basah MRT Station and exiting @ Exit A. It is just beside the station exit. Bras Basah MRT is located on the circle line.
Alternatively, you may want to alight at City Hall and take a short walk towards the Singapore Arts Museum.
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Gardens by the Bay is Singapore’s latest attraction located right in the heart of the city! You can also easily access Gardens by the Bay via Dragonfly Bridge, a link bridge from Marina Bay Sands!
Entrance to Gardens by the Bay
About Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is the amalgamation of a vision of Nparks (National Parks Singapore) – To have a city in a garden. In 2006, a competition was held to shortlist the design ideas for gardens by the bay and in 2007, the gardens broke ground. In 2011, a preview of Gardens by the Bay, including the Flower Dome, was held in conjunction with the 20th World Orchid Conference. Since then artistes such as Jason Mraz has entertained at the Gardens as well.
Things to do & Attractions at Gardens by the Bay
Map of Gardens by the Bay
There are many note-worthy attractions at Gardens by the Bay, namely
Gardens by the Bay – Flower Dome
The Flower Dome houses unique and unusual species such as the Baobabs and other floral displays that changes with the seasons. You can see some pictures of the Baobabs here. Species here belong to the cool-dry regions.
Gardens by the Bay – Cloud Forest
Cloud Forest houses the plant species of the highlands such as orchids, ferns and pitcher plants. There’s also a 35metres man-made waterfall and mountain. Species here belong to the cool-moist regions.
Man-made Waterfall at Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay – The Supertrees
One of the main attractions of Gardens by the Bay is the Supertrees! Here you can enjoy magnificent views from the Skyway or just sit back, relax and enjoy the Rhapsody (show of light and sounds) that takes place each night at 7:45pm and 8:45pm!
Supertrees and the Skyway at Gardens by the Bay Singapore
Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay in the evening
Supertrees during the light and sound show Rhapsody
There are also dining options at the Supertree such as Hill Street Coffee Shop, Peach Garden Noodle House, Texas Chicken, Canele Patisserie Chocolaterie and Casa Verde.
Dining options available at the Supertree Grove
Gardens by the Bay – Heritage Gardens
The Heritage Gardens showcases the plants that are closely linked to the different ethnic groups in Singapore. Here you can visit the Indian Garden, Chinese Garden as well as the Malay Garden.
Chinese Garden with Marina Bay Sands (MBS) as the backdrop
Gardens by the Bay – Dragonfly Lake
The Dragonfly Lake plays an integral part in sustaining the ecosystem @ Gardens by the Bay. Here you can also catch spectacular views of the domes, Supertrees as well as the Singapore Flyer!
View of the Singapore Flyer, Supertrees & Domes from Dragonfly Bridge
Dragonfly Island @ Gardens by the Bay
Admission Rates to Gardens by the Bay
Admission to the outdoor gardens are free while there are charges to the Conservatories (Flower Dome and Cloud Forest) & Skyway.
You can either take the MRT to Bay Front MRT Station and take a short walk from Marina Bay Sands across the Dragonfly Bridge
By Foot :
If you are at the Helix Bridge, you can take a short walk leading under the ECP bringing you to Bay South Garden.
Verdict
Gardens by the Bay is definitely a must visit attraction in Singapore. There are so many things to do here at Gardens by the Bay! You can check out the interesting species inside the 2 conservatories, enjoy views from the Skyway, leisure cruise on the Garden Cruiser or just check out the free gardens at your own pace. Definitely a must visit for visitors young and old!
Today (28th October 2012) marks another milestone in Singapore’s tourism calendar as the 1st ever Red Bull Flugtag Singapore took flight at Siloso Beach Sentosa!
1st ever Red Bull Flugtag Singapore!
What is Red Bull Flugtag Singapore?
Well, Red Bull Flugtag (pronounced as Floog Tug – which means “Flying Day”) is actually an event whereby home-made flying machines take off from a platform at a height of 6 metres. Teams of 4 are then judged not only by flight distance, but also showmanship (explaining the dance performance of teams before their flights) as well as creativity of the aircraft (resulting in this year’s flying durian and prawns).
Flying bird @ Red Bull Flugtag Singapore!
Talk about technicalities
What we actually love about the event is that it commensurates both bravery (taking off from a height of 6 metres?!) as well as brains (you really need to be creative at the same time technical to build a craft worthy to appear at the event!). At the same time, it provides loads of entertainment to the crowds who soaked in every minute of it!
About Red Bull Flugtag Singapore
The inaugural Red Bull Flugtag Singapore took flight with 38 teams participating and the “Chick Mobile” took centre stage as it took the first ever Red Bull Flugtag in Singapore to a roaring start!
Chickmobile with its chicks sounders @ Red Bull Flugtag 2012!
Before the start of the flug tag, members of Chickmobile were seen giving out little chicks that made sounds as heard in the video! Audience were also requested to sound these chicks as chickmobile made their historic flight at Silosa Beach Sentosa!
Chicks given out by crew of Chickmobile @ Red Bull Flugtag Singapore
This video shows the team getting ready and moving up the ramp towards the platform while the next team gets ready. Notice the sounds in the background! (really sounds like chickens huh?)
Chickmobile getting ready for Redull Flug Tag’s inaugural flight!
Red Bull Flugtag Singapore: The first flight at the first ever!
Well, here it is, the first flight at the 1st ever Red Bull Flugtag Singapore by Team Chickmobile! As expected, it went down crashing but full points for entertainment value and courage!
First flight at Red Bull Flugtag Singapore!
Red Bull Flugtag Singapore took place from 12pm to 5pm today and the winners for this year’s Red Bull Flugtag Singapore are… (*Drumrolls*)
1st Place: Team Super Sevens 2nd Place: Team Riff Raff Rubber Ruckus 3rd Place: Team Flurry Express Prize for the Wackiest Team Performance: The Serial Flyers The MINI Prize for the longest flight distance:
Team Amphibious Dragonfly Drone (Distance: 18.2m)
Current World Record stands at 69.79m!
Photo Gallery of Red Bull Flugtag Singapore
We will now leave you with a gallery of some of the photos taken at this year’s Red Bull Flugtag Singapore!
Ramp @ Redbull Flugtag Singapore
Tents where the aircrafts were held
View of the 6 metres platform at Red Bull Flugtag Singapore
Directions to Red Bull Flugtag Singapore
Red Bull’s Mini Coopers
How to get to Sentosa
By MRT : First you will have to take the North East Line (NEL -purple colour line) to Harbour Front Station. Here you will arrive at Vivocity – one of the biggest shopping malls in Singapore
By Tram : After arriving at Vivocity, you can choose to take the tram into Sentosa which costs $3.50 The tram is available at level 3 of Vivocity
By Foot : Vivocity is connected to Sentosa via a boardwalk and if you enter Sentosa via the boardwalk, it costs only $1! Once you enter Sentosa, you can then take the Tram and buses around Sentosa! Cool eh?
By Cable Car : From Harbour Front MRT , head towards Harbour Front Tower 2. There, you can take the cable car into Sentosa for $29 and at the same time, take in inspiring views of Singapore!
By Car : You can also drive into Sentosa, entry costs between $2 to $7 and parking costs between $1 to $5. Car pool to save!
Alamak, we made a really HUGE boo boo with our post on Sentosa Spooktacular 2012! In actual fact, Universal Studios Singapore (USS) also has Halloween Horror Nights 2, a continuation of Halloween Horror Nights last year!
Halloween Horror Nights 2 will be held on 19-21 and 25-28 October 2012. Halloween Horror Nights 2 will take place from 8pm to 12 midnight this year! The ticket types for Halloween Horror Nights 2 are as follows:
Ticket Prices for Halloween Horror Nights 2
Event Admission Ticket $68
(purchased from 1 to 28 October 2012)
Universal Express $40
(Get priority access to 3 haunted houses and selected attractions!)
Guests @ Resorts World Sentosa $58
(Use your card key at the ticket booth for the discount)
Annual Pass Holders $45
(Flash your annual pass for the discount)
RWS Invites $50
(Flash the RWS Invites card for the discount)
In addition, there is also a R.I.P Tour that gives you a VIP tour of all the attractions and haunted houses @ Halloween Horror Nights 2. The R.I.P tour costs $148.
About Halloween Horror Nights 2
This year, the Puppet Master will be “host” of Halloween Horror Nights 2. Last year, the Director really gave us the chills. We’re sure that the Puppet Master (workshop of dolls) will be able to do likewise. The other characters will include Doctor Dementia (The Insanitarium), the Undertaker (the Dungeon of Damnation) as well as the High Priest with his ancient curses.
As with Halloween Horror Nights 2011, rides such as Battlestar Galactica as well as Transformers : The Ride, are also available.
Hence, our recommended strategy would be to quickly get to the front of the queue and when the gates open, validate your tickets and RUN straight past all the scareactors to your desired rides. Take a few rides (before the crowds come) and head to the haunted houses. This is because the rides will always result in queue times of even up to an hour. Doing it in this sequence will allow you to finish the rides (a few times) quickly and head to the haunted houses with time to spare at the end of the night for some drinks and makan.
With the rides as an attraction, we would prefer to go for Halloween Horror Nights as compared to Spooktacular
For those who have been to HHN2 this year, do leave your comments below!
Have a frightful evening at Halloween Horror Nights…
Yet another foodie post for you food lovers out there! This time, we’re gonna visit the Golden Mile Food Centre! There are really loads of good food at the Golden Mile Food Centre tucked away close to the end of beach road next to Kampong Glam Community Club.
Map of Golden Mile Food Centre
Golden Mile Food is located along Beach Road and the buses 100, 961 and 960 can take you there quite easily. According to this piece of news from Channel News Asia, Golden Mile Food Centre is set to undergo a facelift and will go through 2 months of renovation starting in Sep 12. Let’s hope that the food that we’re gonna introduce here remains after the renovation!
1. Keng Heng Whampoa Teochew Lor Mee
Keng Heng Whampoa TeoChew Lor Mee @ Golden Mile Food CentreLor Mee
Lor Mee is really one of those food whereby you get accustomed to the taste. For those who do not know where lor mee is, it’s basically noodles drenched in thick dark soya-based sauce. Usually the ingredients include fish cake and some pork. The Lor Mee at Keng Heng was quite normal, the only ingredient that stood out was its chilli. It packs a slight punch and brings out the flavour of the noodles.
2. Golden Mile Fried Kuay Teow Mee
Golden Mile Fried Kuay Teow Mee Char Kway Teow
Apparently this fried kuay teow mee (basically 2 kinds of noodles fried together in a sweet sauce) has been around for many years now. The 2nd generation has taken over. The ingredients used are VERY fresh, the prawn was still succulent (not soft like some others) and the wok hei (very slight burnt fragrance) is infused into the noodles. Excellent dish. Must try when you’re there!
3. Chung Cheng Chilli Mee
Chung Cheng Chilli MeePork Rib Soup
The Chung Cheng Chilli Mee is famous for its (of course!) Chilli Mee! However, we had tried the chilli mee previously and was thoroughly satisfied. However, this time, we wanted to try something less fiery and opted for the pork rib soup kuay teow instead. Bad choice, should have stuck with what its famous for. The soup was quite bland. Perhaps because we were there relatively early. There was only a few slices of the ribs. The chilli mee on the other hand comes with generous servings of the chilli, fiery yet shiok. Do give the chilli mee a try and tell us what you think!
Name of the stall is called – Fried Hokkien Prawn MeeFried Prawn Noodle
This fried hokkien prawn noodle is apparently quite famous. We waited 20 minutes for portion on a weekday pre-lunch timing! However, it was all worth the wait. This rendition is the drier version which we prefer and the stock (made of prawns and ribs) have been infused into the noodles. The texture of the noodles remained chewy (not soggy) and each mouth is that much more enjoyable with fresh ingredients used. A Must try as well!
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This year’s Sentosa Halloween party is held at Fort Siloso entitled “Sentosa Spooktacular”!
It will be held on 19,20,26,27 and 28 Oct 2012 @ Fort Siloso and
Prices for Sentosa Spooktacular are as follows
Ticket Prices for Sentosa Spooktacular 2012
Early Bird Special $36
Standard Rate $48
Student Rate $28
Fast Pass $25 (in addition to tickets)
Sentosa Islanders get 15% off standard tickets while SAFRA (and some unions/associations – do check when you purchase your tickets) get 10% off. There is also a Kia Gui Pass (which literally translates to “scared of ghosts” pass) that allows admission into Fort Siloso only and not the haunted trails. Kia Gui Pass costs $10 bucks.
Introduction to Sentosa Spooktacular @ Fort Siloso
Map of Sentosa Spooktacular 2012 at Fort Siloso
There are 5 haunted trails at this year’s Spooktacular as compared to only 2 at Halloween Horror Nights last year. To rev up the scare factor, instead of holding the annual Halloween event at Universal Studios Singapore, this year Fort Siloso will host the event. As many Singaporeans know, Fort Siloso was where guns were mounted for defence of Singapore during World War 2 so there’s actually a history of “possible lingering ghosts” there.
The backdrop of Fort Siloso adds to the spook factor and this year, the 5 trails have different themes and they are
1. 碟仙 aka Ouija Board.
Ouija Board was used to summon spirits to enquire about matters. One day, a group of inquisitors vanished mysteriously. Ask the spirits here to find out what happened that fateful day…
2. Camp Berhantu
The story is about a recruit who was tortured and burnt alive by his bunkmates in the 1960s. This trails is actually a laser gun game where you’ll protect yourself from the oncoming recruit and his bunkmates with the help of your laser tag gun!
3. Deadly Doll Studio
You know the kind where people are mummified as dolls with creepy eyes peering at you? Try not to become one here…
4. The Land of Lost Souls
You are onboard Sawadee Airlines and there’s only 1 other person onboard. Or so it seems… with the “third eye” you’ll be able to dodge from oncoming attacks of tormented spirits and hopefully return home safely.
5. The Last Sequel
The novel of a horror-genre writer comes to life. See how this nightmarish plot unfolds as you wander through this haunted trail…
Conclusion
We think that Spooktacular this year may not be as entertaining as Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Singapore last year. There were many rides (including Battlestar Galactica) that were available in addition to the haunted trails and scareactors.
The 2 things that differentiates itself is that the location of Fort Siloso, does add to the “creepy” factor. The laser gun zone may also turn out to be a winner.
We do think that it’s wise of Sentosa to rotate the venues so that each attraction in Sentosa will have some degree of exposure as well – instead of just promoting Universal Studios Singapore. Wonder where next year’s venue will be? Along Siloso Beach?
After much consideration, we’ll be sitting out this year. For those who are going, tell us about this year’s Sentosa Spooktacular in our comments below!
One of the best things to do in Singapore is simply to catch the sunrise at Mount Faber!
Well, Kate and I caught the sunrise at Mount Faber during our wedding anniversary this year to relive our courting days! Kate got up earlier this morning and prepared 爱心早餐 (breakfast made with love) for our little picnic at Mount Faber. We were there at about 6:30am (Sunrise in Singapore is usually about 7am) and found ourselves a nice spot with views over the city.
Zoomed in view of the Singapore City Skyline from Mount FaberWider view of the Singapore City Skyline from Mount Faber
An older couple joined us to catch the sunrise. The sun was partially blocked by the clouds at first but soon the clouds moved away and revealed the sun , much like an egg yoke!
Mount Faber City view before Sunrise 1Mount Faber City view before Sunrise 2Mount Faber City view before sunrise Sunrise over City
An element of luck comes into play when if you wish to catch a sunrise or sunset. Sometimes, the clouds can be so thick that you barely see the rays of the sun. Thankfully we were able to catch the sunrise today.
To get to the top of Mount Faber, there are 2 usual ways. First of which is to drive. This is preferred because this prevents the need for you to “scale” the hill and gives you flexibility on where you would like to catch the sunrise. The only catch is that there isnt really much parking up there. However, for sunrise, parking should be fine.
The other way is to take the mrt to Harbour Front MRT station and follow the directions from there by walking the rest of the way. This is a VERY TIRING walk. Do wear proper trekking/sports shoes if you do take this alternative.
Sri Lanka is a fairly safe country to visit. The people are generally friendly and helpful. Most locals at tourist atrractions do speak English. And at some attractions, you can pay S$5 -10 for the guides to explain to you the history of the place.
Some other tips include:
See a doctor 4 weeks before your travel date to get a prescription for malaria pills.
Buy a local SIM card at the airport to call/text back home or to use the internet. You will need to register with your passport. A normal SIM card is 175 rupees and a microSIM card is 400 rupees. For data usage, 1MB cost 1 rupee. Watsapp is one of the cheapest way to stay in touch with family and friends. Or if you prefer, switch off your mobile phone and enjoy the nature! 🙂
Check with the hotel which currency they accept for payment, and make sure they do not double convert the rates.
Ask for early check-in or late check-out. Most small hotels are flexible.
Find out where the locals eat. The food is delicious and is much cheaper than touristy places.
Check with the tuk tuk driver if he uses a meter.
Pack a light colour top that covers your shoulders, and long skirt/pants if you intend to visit the temples
Keep some small change with you to pay the caretaker who looks after your shoes when you enter the temple.
Make sure you have the right travel adaptor. Some multi travel adaptor do not have the one for Sri Lanka (3 circles), so bring along a pencil. It is very useful.
Go where the locals go for their ayurvedic massage. It is one third the price of what they charge tourists. But let me warn you first, it is VERY oily.
Bring mosquito repellent! Especially if you are like me – I tend to attract mosquitoes:(
There are so many things to do in Sri Lanka! This post will show you the top 10 things to do right here in Sri Lanka! Sri Lanka is an exotic destination for travelers who are adventurous, loves the nature, appreciates history, and enjoys good food. It has an eclectic mix of attractions that will suit everyone. Sri Lanka is best explored through a free & easy trip, with a rented car and a driver. Or if you have time to spare, you can also use the public transport.
Map of Sri Lanka
Map of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a tear-drop-shaped country with awesome beaches, wildlife national parks, and a central mountainous area. Below are the Top 10 Things to do in Sri Lanka:
Vesak Day, Sri Lanka: 3 Days of Celebrations -Lanterns and Fireworks
It was hard not to miss the Vesak Day celebrations with all the lanterns displayed along the streets and at lobbies of buildings. In addition to that, you can’t miss the huge crowd of people who were enjoying their 3 days off work shopping in the city or having a splash with their families by the coast.
Colombo City Vesak Day Celebrations
Colombo City Vesak Day Celebrations
Lights and Lanterns in Colombo City
Lights and Lanterns in Colombo City
Huge crowd celebrating Vesak Day
Huge crowd celebrating Vesak Day
Typical Lantern for Vesak Day
Typical Lantern for Vesak Day
Throngs of people were crossing the roads, affected the flow of traffic at the main roundabout. Policemen had to direct both human and car traffic to ensure that there were no major traffic jams or accidents.
Police directing traffic during Vesak Day Celebrations in Colombo City Sri Lanka
Everyone was excited about the fireworks and wanted to get a good spot. We weren’t too comfortable with the crowd and decided to head back up to the Paronoma Roof Top Restaurant at our hotel (link) to watch the fireworks. It was indeed a good choice 🙂
Huge crowd waiting for fireworks
Huge crowds waiting for fire works
Fireworks during Vesak Day Celebrations in Colombo City Sri Lanka
It was nice way to end off our last night in Sri Lanka! 🙂
There are so many things to do in Singapore over the weekend! Here are the top 10 things you can do in Singapore this weekend!
10. Catch the Sunrise @ Mount Faber
Sunrise @ Mount Faber
At no. 10 of our Top 10 things to do in Singapore over weekend is to catch the sunrise @ Mount Faber! One of the highest view points in Singapore, Mount Faber boasts of views of the southern part of Singapore. Daily sunrise is between 6:50 to 7:20am.
9. Staycation in Singapore
Did you know that there are more than 200 hotels in Singapore? With such stiff competition, it is no wonder that hotels are trying ways and means to catch hold of not only visiting tourists but Singaporeans as well. Kate and I have done our fair share of staycations in Singapore. Check out our stays at Amara Sanctuary, Hard Rock Hotel & Ritz Carlton Singapore!
Infinity Pool @ Amara Sanctuary
Hard Rock Hotel Singapore
Hotels in Singapore boasts of spas, pools with views and so much more! What are you waiting for?
To catch the best views of Singapore, look no further than the Singapore Flyer. At 165m, it is not only Singapore’s highest observatory but also the World’s Largest Giant Observatory Wheel!
Singapore Flyer
View from the Singapore Flyer
Singapore Flyer also boasts of restaurants as well as the Singapore Food Trail where you can find the best of Singapore local delicacies right under one roof!
Coming in at number 7 is the Marina Barrage right in the heart of our city!
View from Marina Barrage
The Marina Barrage is primarily a water catchment area and is the largest one in Singapore. However, it is now also an integrated lifestyle destination where one can enjoy water sports, picnics, fly kites and enjoy a spectacular view of the Singapore city skyline!
Dont mistake them as some sort of alien invasion! These “Supertrees” are the iconic structures of the Gardens by the Bay. Built at a cost of $1 billion SGD to bring to reality the vision of “City in a Garden”, the gardens is the latest icon added to the Marina Bay and is an attraction not to be missed!
Have you experienced an amphibious vehicle that travels on the roads and cruises on the water? If not, why not hop on the Duck Tours?
Ducktours – The “Duck”
The “ducks” are retrofitted from WW2 amphibious vehicles that allow mobility on both the land and sea. This allows visitors to visit iconic landmarks such as the Swissotel (highest hotel in southeast asia) and views of the Merlion from the mouth of the Singapore River.
Coming in at number 4 is one of our 2 integrated resorts in Singapore – Resorts World Sentosa. The main attraction at Resorts World Sentosa is definitely the Universal Studios Singapore aka USS. Many travelers from neighborhood cities such as the beautiful Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam and Melaka come to spend their weekend in USS
View of Universal Studios Singapore
There are also other attractions such as the Maritime Experential Museum, the Marine Life Park as well as the Malaysian Food Street!
Malaysian Food Street Resorts World Sentosa
There are of course several hotels that you can choose from @ Resorts World Sentosa such as Hard Rock Hotel, Hotel Michael, Crockfords Tower, Festive Hotel and Aquarius Hotel.
With 57 floors at the height of 194m, Marina Bay Sands is the most iconic structure in Singapore! It boasts of the largest sky pool, an ice skating rink, a huge shopping complex, performance theatres (here we caught “A Chorus Line“) and of course the spectacular it offers from the Sands Skypark!
Swimming Pool Marina Bay Sands
Sands SKy Park Sunset
Nightly stay at Marina Bay Sands starts at over $300USD, but you may be able to pick up some special deals from Agoda.
How about a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of it all? As they say, the seas are calling and there are really many choices of weekend cruises here in Singapore! With the establishment of the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, visitors and Singaporeans will be spoilt for choice for cruises out of Singapore!
There are actually many reasons why we chose Singapore as the top attraction and things to do at the weekend. First of all, it has a combination of a few parks such as the zoo itself, the night safari as well as the latest river safari. There are therefore MANY species of animals for visitors to see and learn. Speaking of learning, the educational factor is really high as well. There are informative sign boards, statistics and interesting snippets all around the entire zoo. Even as an adult, there are lots of things we bet you did not know as well!
Last but most importantly, for families with kids, it is a family destination as well! Kids can learn and play all under 1 roof! With many interesting kids programmes as well as the Kidzworld, the children will definitely be entertained throughout their visit!
With so many attractions and things to do in Singapore this weekend, we hope you will have loads of fun! Share with us other things to do and attractions in Singapore that you have enjoyed in our comment box below!
Again the F1 season is upon us! Many have been asking where can we watch F1 for free in Singapore? If you search close enough, there are actually several pretty good spots to watch F1 Formula One Singapore Night Race for free!
F1 Singapore Circuit Park Map
F1 Singapore Circuit Map
Marina Square Food Court
Our top spot has got to be the Marina Square Food Court. Well, it used to be the top spot as there was an al fresco dining area there. However, now it has been air-conditioned. The bad thing is that you cant really take good pictures and videos with the glass panels. The good thing is that you can now watch F1 in an air-conditioned area! We were there about 5pm the last time round, so chope your seats early!
Formula One (F1) Grand Prix Night Race Singapore
View of F1 Singapore free from Marina Square Food Court
Marina Square close to Pan Pacific
Marina Square has a few spots actually. Right in the thick of the action, the area between Pan Pacific Hotel and Marina Square has a few spots such as the staircase and connecting bridge. Do explore to find your favourite spot!
Helix Bridge linking MBS to the Floating Platform and Marina Square (More Shopping!)
Helix Bridge to watch F1 Singapore for Free
From the Helix Bridge you can catch some views of the race. You may want to consider a pair of binoculars as well. There will definitely be a crowd. Here you can watch the race action near the flyer and the float@Marina.
Paid Venues
There are a couple of other places that offer good views but you’ll have to pay for entry fees or hotel rooms
Colombo City Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka: Ahhh…I just want to Zzz zzz
We arrived at Colombo slightly before 5am, after a 6 hours bus journey from Trincomalee. The bus stop was at the main train station. We checked our GPS on our phone (only 1 rupee for 1MB. So cheap!) and noted that Colombo City hotel was 800m away. There were many tuk tuk drivers touting for customers and they quoted us 300 rupees for the ride. Even though it was only about S$3, we refused to take the tuk tuk because we knew that it only cost 50 rupees for the first km (subsequent km is charged at 30 rupees). The streets were still filled with locals heading home after the Vesak Day celebrations, and there were many policemen patrolling, so we reckoned it was safe enough to walk to Colombo City Hotel.
World Trade Centre opposite of Colombo City Hotel
World Trade Centre opposite of Colombo City Hotel
Colombo City Hotel
Colombo City Hotel Sri Lanka
It was fairly easy to locate Colombo City Hotel as it was just opposite the World Trade Centre. The facade of the building was brightly lit and the light decorations on the trees in front made it a very beautiful picture as we approached the hotel. The staff on duty that night was friendly. He brought us to our room after we decided to pay the half day rate in order to get some rest due to the lack of sleep on the bus. I loved the room! It was spacious, the TV had ESPN channel, and most importantly, a bath tub! 🙂 The little pleasures in life….ahhhhhh.
TV and Kettle in Colombo City Hotel
TV and Kettle in Colombo City Hotel
Bath tub! in Colombo City Hotel
Bath tub in Colombo City Hotel
Comfy Beds in Colombo City Hotel
Comfy Beds in Colombo City Hotel
Dressing Table in Colombo City Hotel
Dressing Table in Colombo City Hotel
We took a nice hot bath and rested for 3 hours before we head up to the Panoroma Roof Top Restaurant for breakfast. Breakfast was simple but filling, and the supervisor on duty gave us directions to shopping malls.
Panoroma Roof Top Restaurant in Colombo City Hotel
Panoroma Roof Top Restaurant in Colombo City Hotel
We were in Colombo 1, and most of the shopping malls were in Colombo 3,4 and 7. It was easy to flag down a metered tuk tuk. We enjoyed a day in the city, shopping for gifts for friends and relatives. When we were done, we strolled along the coast and made our way back to the hotel. The location of Colombo City Hotel was awesome, and the price of USD90 was well worth it! 🙂
A Night in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka: Under the Stars, Illuminated by the Full Moon
The full moon hung fairly low that night, providing light for guests and locals who were playing beach volleyball. It was also especially pretty because of the many lanterns for Vesak Day celebrations. Sitting on a deck chair by the beach and enjoying the cool sea breeze was a great way to end the day before we went to Trincomalee town to catch our 10pm bus to Colombo City.
Vesak Day lantern decorations at dive shop at Trincomalee
Vesak Day lantern decorations at dive shop at Trincomalee
Chillax by the beach at night at Trincomalee
Chillax by the beach at night at Trincomalee
A game of beach volleyball under the moonlight
A game of beach volleyball under the moonlight
Natural light vs Artificial light
Natural light vs Artificial light
We were excited about our 6 hours bus ride to Colombo. The locals that we met informed us that the bus is safer than the train. It was also very affordable. A “regular” bus is abt S$8 while a “luxury” bus cost about S$12. We chose the “luxury bus” and was impressed by how new and clean the bus was. The bus was also very punctual. We set off at 10pm sharp and arrived in Colombo slightly before 5am. There was a toilet stop during the journey but we did not dare to use the public toilet at 2am 😛 The only thing I did not like was that the volume of the Tamil movie that was screened during the trip was too loud. (and we did not understand the movie as it was without subtitles!) A local guy did inform the driver to lower the volume but he did not 🙁
10pm Night Bus from Trincomalee to Colombo
10pm Night Bus from Trincomalee to Colombo
Well, that explained our lack of sleep (even though it was meant to be a night bus! And we thought we could save on a night in Colombo City Hotel) and so we ended up checking in at 5am and paid the half day rate. Oh well, that is another story altogether. Read on!
Uppuveli, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka: Chillax By The Beach
We were looking forward to the Trincomalee as we were a little weary from the trekking and climbing. It would be nice to chillax by the beach and focus on getting a nice tan before we head back to Singapore 🙂 We stayed at Lotus Park at Uppuveli which is about 10mins tuk tuk ride away from Trincomalee town centre. What is awesome about Lotus Park is that there is a swimming pool! Yay! And it has direct access to the beach, which is really nice and peaceful. It is not as touristy as Phuket or Bali.
When we are on a vacation, we like to catch either the sun rise or sun set (depending on our location). And for this trip, we woke up at 5.15am to catch the sunrise at 5.40am. Enjoy the photos below 🙂
Progression of sunrise at Trincomalee 1
Progression of sunrise at Trincomalee
Progression of sunrise at Trincomalee 2
Progression of sunrise at Trincomalee 2
Progression of sunrise at Trincomalee 3
Progression of sunrise at Trincomalee 3
Progession of sunrise at Trincomalee 4
Progression of sunrise at Trincomalee 4
Progression of sunrise at Trincomalee 5
Progression of sunrise at Trincomalee 5
As we were about to head back to our room for a short nap, we saw a group of fishermen pulling in their net. We thought they were almost done but it was another hour before the net was fully pulled in! It was a lot of work and the men (most of them looked quite elderly) were tired when the work was done. However, the catch that morning was not too good. According to a local, he told us that the fishermen only earn USD3 a day, and that there are very little fish these days due to dynamite fishing in the past.
Fishermen at work at Trincomalee
Fishermen at work at Trincomalee
Timing and co-ordination of fishermen at Trincomalee
Timing and co-ordination of fishermen at Trincomalee
Almost there!
Almost there!
Fishermen checking out their catch for the day
Fishermen checking out their catch for the day
Fishermen looking a little upset with the day’s catch
Fishermen looking a little upset with the days catch
Fishermen at Trincomalee Sri Lanka
Finally we get to just sit back and do nothing! We enjoyed a pot of tea with yummy Munchee biscuits by the pool. After 3 hours, we got the perfect tan 🙂 But the slathering of moisturiser after that was quite a chore 😛
Enjoying a cup of tea by the pool at Trincomalee
Enjoying a cup of tea by the pool at Trincomalee
Munchee biscuits and Tea. Yum.
Munchee biscuits and Tea – Yum!
Chillax at Trincomalee – Awesome! 🙂
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P.S If you are into diving, each dive costs about 30euros. Night dive will cost slightly more. If you are interested in snorkelling, there are boat rides out to Pigeon Island at around 9am by different boat operators.
Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla, Sri Lanka: Awesome Rock with Interesting History
Remember I mentioned that the ticket price for foreign tourist is constantly reviewed by the government? Well, it only cost USD15 to climb Sigiriya Rock a few years back but now it is USD30!! *horrors* (quickly purchase your airplane tickets to visit Sri Lanka now!)
Sigiriya Rock
Sigiriya Rock
At Sigiriya Rock, you can pay S$10 for a guide climb the rock with you and explain to you the history of the rock and the palace. It is also good so that you have someone to take photos for you when you are on the top of the rock 🙂
It is a fairly easy climb compared to the Dunhinda Fall and the stairs have recently undergone maintenance work (so it is safe!). But for those who have phobia for heights, you may find it a little scary when climbing, so don’t look down!
Lion Claws at Sigiriya Rock
Lion Claws at Sigiriya Rock
Stairs heading up the Sigiriya Rock
Stairs heading up the Sigiriya Rock
Scary stairs at Sigiriya Rock!
Scary stairs at Sigiriya Rock
You can pack your breakfast and have a picnic when you reach the top of Sigiriya Rock but beware of the monkeys who are after your food.
Halfway up the Sigiriya Rock
Halfway up the Sigiriya Rock
Ruins of Palace on Sigiriya Rock
Ruins of Palace on Sigiriya Rock
Top of the Sigiriya Rock
Top of the Sigiriya Rock
It takes about 45mins to climb up, so be prepared to set off early so that it won’t be too hot when you reach the top of Sigiriya Rock. Wear comfortable clothes, sensible shoes and bring a bottle of water with you. Enjoy the climb and the view! 🙂
PS. As we were leaving Sigiriya Rock at around 11am, we saw a bus load of Chinese tourists. The girls were wearing flowy dresses and wedge heels! Well, maybe they were really comfortable in that attire since I heard that there are people who climb the Great Wall of China in high heels! I would love to see that for myself…anyone wants to sponsor our trip to China? 🙂
A Digression – The Only Tunnel We Drove Through in Sri Lanka
As we headed up north from Kataragama, towards the mountainous central part of Sri lanka – Badulla, Ella, Nuwara Eliya and Kandy, we drove along the winding road as the elevation increased, and down the winding road as we got to the other side. It was interesting to note that throughout our journey, we only drove through one tunnel! Our driver wound down his window and had a lot of fun shouting and whistling in the tunnel, and hearing the echoes 🙂 The little moments of joy in life 🙂
Inside the tunnel
Inside the tunnel
Almost exiting the tunnel
Almost exiting the tunnel
Horton Plains, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka: A Great Workout!
Digress again: If you have been reading our posts on Sri Lanka (and the rest of our blog), you will realise that we like to blog about our hotel accommodation. We pride in finding the best deal; value for money; good location; clean room and comfort; helpful staff and feeling welcomed; wonderful facilities (swimming pool is our weakness. Heh). But I am not going to blog about our hotel in Nuwara Eliya. It was supposed to be one of the highlights of our trip – I was looking forward to posting wonderful pictures and raving about it (since we decided to splurge on this expensive hotel as a mid-trip treat). But all I can say is that either the staff were rigid in their thinking;, or not thinking at all, or just out to cheat customers of their money. So, no free advertising for this hotel even if it is mentioning its name in a bad review.
Back to Horton Plains…
The entrance fee for foreign tourists is about S$23 (inclusive of tax and service charge) and S$0.60 for locals. (You can start to see the pattern now). It is a short walk from the main entrance to the ticketing counter but it can also take quite some time as the tickets are handwritten. There is a toilet at the main entrance that looked recently renovated, so it is fairly clean with the modern seats.
Signage to Horton Plains National Park
Signage to Horton Plains National Park
Entrance of Horton Plains National Park
Entrance of Horton Plains National Park
Little Reminders for the visitors to Horton Plains National Park
Little Reminders for the visitors to Horton Plains National Park
We went to the park’s Visitor Centre and enquired about the trails. We were informed that there were 2 trails and the shorter one is about 9km which will take us about 3 hours. We were not expecting to walk for so long! 🙁 But we already paid for the entrance fee, so oh well. ( I did do my homework and asked our driver whether there was going to be a lot of climbing on this trip since we were tired from Dunhinda Falls, and he assured me it was “plains” so it would be easy. But I guess it slipped my mind to ask him how long the trail will be! By the way, there was some climbing involved especially at Baker’s Falls.)
Because we planned to set off early, the weather was quite kind to us during most part of our walk. Certain areas were shady and cool, and some were sunny but breezy. At some parts, the path seemed endless with no destination in sight, and we often asked “Are we there yet?” like annoying little children.
Small Stream along the plains
Small Stream along the plains
One of the easier-to-walk-flat-ground at Horton Plains National Park
One of the easier-to-walk-flat-ground at Horton Plains National Park
Are we there yet
Are we there yet?
Finally we reached Little World’s End! It seemed really scary standing near the edge as there was no safety barricade. According to our driver, there were Sri Lankan couples with “many many problems” who jumped off the cliff. Hmm, not sure if it was true. We took more photos and braced ourselves for the next 1.75km hike to the Greater World’s End.
Finally! We’ve reached Little World’s End at Horton Plains National Park
Finally We reached Little Worlds End at Horton Plains National Park
View from the Little World’s End at Horton Plains National Park
View from the Little Worlds End at Horton Plains National Park
Little World’s End also known as Mini World’s End
Little Worlds End also known as Mini Worlds End
Another 1.75Km Hike to Greater World’s End
Another 1.75 Km Hike to Greater Worlds End
The view from Greater World’s End looked about the same as the one from Little World’s End, although it is supposed to be about 3 times higher. We quickly looked for signs to direct us to the last attraction of the loop trail – Baker’s Falls.
Greater World’s End!
Greater Worlds End
Small Signage to Direct Us to Baker’s Falls
Small Signage to Direct Us to Bakers Falls
Big Signage to Direct Us back to Park Headquarters
Big Signage to Direct Us back to Park Headquarters
Along the way, there were several paths that were repaved because the older ones had become uneven and slippery. Some of the paths were very narrow and we had to really watch our step. There were also a couple of bridges that we had to cross, and we doubted the sturdiness of the bridge 😛 This “perilous” path reminded me of our Sapa trip in Vietnam…
Mini Bridge. We Wondered If It Is Safe
Mini Bridge We Wondered If It Was Safe
Interesting Plants At Horton Plains National Park. We thought it resembled the fried cauliflower we had for dinner last night.
Interesting Plants At Horton Plains National Park We thought it resembled the fried cauliflower we had for dinner last night
Another Bridge to Cross…and The path ahead was a little slippery and sloped
Another Bridge to Cross and The path ahead was a little slippery and sloped
We Can Hear the Waterfall! Are We There Yet!
We Can Hear the Waterfall – Are We There Yet?
We got excited when we could hear the sound of flowing water! We could see the downstream of the waterfall but the waterfall was not in sight. It was about another 30mins before we reached Baker’s Falls. And before we could see Baker’s Falls, we had to make our way down a steep slope, holding on to tree branches/trunks for safety! But of course the locals wearing their simple rubber slippers made it looked like it was an easy feat 🙂
Signage for Baker’s Falls
Signage for Bakers Falls
Baker’s Falls
Bakers Falls
Video of Bakers Falls
As it was a loop trail, we knew we had to make our way back to the car park. We saw the sign that says “3.5km to park headquarters”, and went “Ahhhhhh!~~” So we took a deep breath and psyched ourselves for the last part of the trail.
Ahhhh…we have only trekked two-thirds of the trail
Ahhhh we have only trekked two-thirds of the trail!
We took slightly more than 3 hours to complete the trail because we stopped for a little picnic along the way. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sufficient water for the hike and think about what clothes you want to wear if you want to avoid funny tan lines (especially the ladies!) 🙂
Extra: We were pleasantly surprised to see a deer near the exit of Horton Plains National Park. It was right beside the road and it looked directly at us when we drove by. I guess it got used to cars and humans already.
Unexpected Sighting of Deer as we left Horton Plains National Park
Unexpected Sighting of Deer as we left Horton Plains National Park
TODAI International and Seafood Buffet Restaurant at Marina Bay Sands has got to be the most extensive buffet we’ve ever been to! However, the extensive buffet also comes with a price. To see how expensive it is, check out its pricing below…(correct as of date of publish)
#B2-01 The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave Singapore 018972
So if you visit on the weekends, it would cost about 70 bucks per person! However, is it really worth it to spend so much on a buffet?
Entrance to TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Entrance to TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
The first thing we noticed as we entered the restaurant was that the entire restaurant was quite spacious with a nice setting and ambience.
Nice Ambience and Seating at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Nice Ambience and Seating at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
After being seated, we glanced through the site map and decided to have a go at every section of the restaurant.
Map of TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Map of TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
As you can see from the map, the choice is so varied with so many options to choose from! There’s Sushi, Seafood, Chinese, Noodles, Pizza, Pasta, Churrasco, Korean Food and Desserts! Next, we’ll go through each section and its recommended food!
Churrascaria aka Churrasco / Korean Food
Churrascaria section at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Churrascaria section at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
This was Tom’s favourite section! Also known as the meat lover’s section! We were glad that we have not visited the Brazilian Churrascaria before because a visit to TODAI also covers the Churrasco section where the barbecued meats were simply “ma ma mia!”.
Plate of Churrasco and Korean dish
Plate of Churrasco and Korean dish
There was beef, pork and wings. However the highlight for the Churrasco section was the BBQ pork! (See top left). The meat was tender and flavourful. Each slice came with a little bit of pork fat that really brought out its natural juicy flavour! It’s no surprise that we went for seconds (and thirds and fourths…). Also, give the jalapenos, onions and other garnishes a try. The flavours match the Churrasco and makes it less jalat (Singaporeans – pls comment below if you know how to explain jalat in English. Tks!)
Just beside the Churrasco section is the Korean Food section. We wanted to try the la chao nian gao (spicy rice cake – bottom right) that we so often see in Korean dramas. Well, it turned out not too amazing afterall. The cake was a little tough and we’ve not really used to the flavour. The fried noodle was not bad (well so is anything fried right?)
Seafood, Sushi and Sashimi!
Seafood section at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Seafood section at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Next we came to the highlight of the restaurant. The SEAFOOD SECTION! The seafood section boasts of snow crab, sashimi,sushi, fresh prawns, escargot and oysters! For us, the highlight was the escargot and oysters…
Seafood platter at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Seafood platter at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Plate of sushi with interesting names
Plate of sushi with interesting names
It was quite interesting to try escargot for the first time. You would be thinking like “Why would you want to try garden snails?!”. On the contrary, the escargot was not slimy, it had a firm and fresh texture. Hey, come to think of it now, maybe it’s not escargot. (Any visitor to TODAI can verify that shelled creature?). It was quite easy to extract the entire meat out of the shell, just use a fork to poke part of it, with a gentle tug, it all comes out. The meat was succulent and fresh, try it and tell us what you think!
As with other restaurants, the prawns, sashimi and snow crabs were really fresh. The prawns were especially firm, from which you know its really fresh and the taste was sweet! As for the oysters, it was also excellent in the sense that it was the best we’ve tasted in Singapore so far (best ever was freshly shucked ones in Australia). The oysters here were also freshly shucked by the chef within the counter. You have to ask him for the oysters and he would give you only 2 at one time. Hence, we also came back for seconds and thirds…but just a word of caution, oysters are high in cholesterol…just stop at 20.
Chinese Foods
Chinese Foods Section at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Chinese Foods Section at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Variety of chinese food and at least 3 different ways of cooking duck meat
Variety of chinese food and at least 3 different ways of cooking duck meat
The Chinese fare was ok. You could taste that the ingredients were really fresh but from the chinese taste perspective it’s really just ok. Even the chilli crayfish was normal. The crayfish was fresh no doubt, but the sauce was just mediocre. Still, when the crayfish arrived, it would be gone in a matter of minutes! The server would be there to serve each customer just 2 piece with some sauce. So if you miss a batch, you would have to wait about 10 minutes for the next batch. Make sure you “lurk” around when you see the chefs about to serve (you can actually observe them cook through the glass panels)…
Popular Crayfish with snow crab at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Popular Crayfish with snow crab at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Pizza, Pasta, Noodles and Fried Stuffs
Noodles section at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Noodles section at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Pizza and Calamari
Pizza and Calamari
Shrimp Cream Sauce with Spaghetti and Chicken Wings from Churrasco
Shrimp Cream Sauce with Spaghetti and Chicken Wings from Churrasco
Laksa without hum (cockles) from the noodles section
Laksa without hum (cockles) from the noodles section
Well, there’s nothing much to shout about at this section except that the pizza was thin crust with an excellent taste (cold soba was also available). Otherwise, DO NOT TRY the spaghetti and laksa.
Desserts!
Dessert section at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Dessert section at TODAI International and Seafood Buffet at Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
Last but not least, we have finally arrived at Kate’s favourite section, DESSERTS!
Yummy waffles with soft serve icecream, berry yohgurt, orange chococalate cake, banana chocolate and macarons!
Yummy waffles with soft serve icecream, berry yohgurt, orange chococalate cake, banana chocolate and macarons!
The highlight at this section was the waffles. Its freshly made and when you pick up your waffle, you know that it just left the heater not too long ago. It’s fragrant, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and warm!! Goes really well with ice cream (though not the soft serve kind but not much of a choice here). The macarons had only 1 flavour, so do not be deceived by the different colours. The cakes were also not too bad. Hence, Kate thoroughly enjoyed this section!
In Conclusion…
We actually do recommend this place. Just that the price is a little steep. But you can be assured that the foods are of the freshest grade and the ambience, location and wide variety of food should be more than make up for the price!
A Digression – On Board A Squeezy Train in Sri Lanka (It Is Really Like That! )
Bear with me as I digress from our itinerary 😛 I know we have seen photos in the newspapers or in documentaries but we were still shocked when we saw the following. Heh. Nothing beats experiencing it yourself, I guess.
Train Approaching
Train Approaching
It is really like that!
It is really like that!
Local Train Station
Local Train Station
P.S We also drove past the highest elevation train station in Sri Lanka but I was not quick enough with the camera 🙁
Hakgala Botanical Gardens, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka: Beautiful Landscapes and Pretty Flowers
We left Sunnyside Holiday Bungalow at 9.30am after a delicious Sri Lankan breakfast. After an hour on the road, we arrived at Dunhinda Falls. It was a tiring climb so we took the opportunity to nap during the 3 hours ride to Nuwara Eliya. What greeted us when we alighted from the car at our next destination, Hakgala Botanical Gardens, was cool, fresh air (Which we greatly appreciated after being cooped up in the car for 3 hours!)
Entrance of Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Entrance of Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Map of HUGE Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Map of HUGE Hakgala Botanical Gardens
The entrance fee for foreign adult is about S$11. Students get a discounted price of about S$8.
Locals only need to pay S$0.60! That explained the crowd in the gardens – Many families were having picnic in the garden; students still in their uniforms were hanging out, chatting, playing cricket etc.
As you can see from the map, the Hakgala Botanical Gardens is really huge. We walked for more than an hour and did not manage to cover the whole garden. We were afraid to venture too far as we needed to put into consideration the time needed to walk back to the main entrance. Our next hotel was another 1 hour car ride; and because of the narrow winding road, we wanted to make sure our driver drove while the sun is still up. If we had the time, we would have loved to sit on the grass and enjoy a picnic!
We took a few photographs of the gardens but I do not think they do justice to the gardens. You have to be there to experience it yourself! But in the meantime, enjoy the photos 🙂
Central Pond in Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Central Pond in Hakgala Botanical Gardens
First few pretty flowers near the entrance of Hakgala Botanical Gardens
First few pretty flowers near the entrance of Hakgala Botanical Gardens
One of the many rocky steps in the Hakgala Botanical Gardens
One of the many rocky steps in the Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Hill top Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Hill top Hakgala Botanical Gardens
I don’t know the name of this flower but I love the colour!
I dont know the name of this flower but I love the colour
Arty shot of sunlight thru the trees
Arty shot of sunlight thru the trees
Rock Garden at Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Rock Garden at Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Sculpture in Japanese Garden at Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Sculpture in Japanese Garden at Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Pretty greenhouse in Japanese Garden at Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Pretty greenhouse in Japanese Garden at Hakgala Botanical Gardens
My favourite flower – sunflower!
My favourite flower – Sunflower
Pretty arrangement of flowers at Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Pretty arrangement of flowers at Hakgala Botanical Gardens
