Singapore Day Trip

Travel Date: August 5, 2015

#TheSocialTree 

6 months after my previous day trip to Singapore this year, which i failed to document, I was off again for a "work-related" day trip to the Merlion City. In comparison to the previous one, this time i have prepared for this 12 hour overseas excursion. I made sure i got to visit one place i have never seen before in Singapore plus food trip. 

Since it was a very short trip, let me share some photos and some tidbits along the way.

GETTING TO/FROM/AROUND

Jakarta, Indonesia to Singapore via Garuda Indonesia - 955,200 IDR

One of my travel wish lists is to experience different airlines when traveling. It only make sense to finally experience garuda indonesia  before i leave this country. hehe. 

The flight was on time. And i must say, they serve the best in-flight nasi goreng ever. Too bad the travel was only 1 1/2 hours. Maybe next time. 

in flight meal

Around Singapore via MRT - ez link card

I have my old ez link card, which was fortunately refilled before my trip. I have used this card during the duration of my day trip and i  still had enough credits for the next trip. yay for that!

mrt way is the way

Singapore to Jakarta, Indonesia via Jetstar - 54 SGD

got this fare for sale! base fare was only 17 SGD. 

ITINERARY

since i arrived early in the morning, i have to make "work-related" errand first and luckily finished at around 10 in the morning.

happy 50th anniversary SG!

I had the free day so off to... chinatown! yes, i have never been to  Singapore's chinatown before. 

one of the reasons why i wanted to go to chinatown was because of the recommended street that sells local paintings. Sadly, the street was closed for renovation of sort and i have no idea where to look for its relocation. boo!

It was almost lunch so i suggested Maxwell Hawker Centre . I definitely missed my hawker fixings. yum! 

oyster cake and hainanese chicken rice

next stop was to spend the rest of the afternoon in orchard before my 4:30 pm appointment. i went window shopping in takashimaya, ngee ann city, ion and wisma atria. and of course, my jollibee fix at Lucky Plaza. 

After my appointment, i went straight to airport so i can look around changi airport (a.k.a. shop) and grab some dinner before my flight. As i was walking around, i saw one of the newest attractions  in the airport, The Social Tree. It is an interactive installation wherein you can store and share photos and videos in its memory capsule. if you're not keen in sharing your photos in your social media accounts, you may opt to sent to your email instead. 

#OOTD

it was unbearably hot so i made sure i wore comfy outfit for this 12 hour trip. yes, i wore sneakers for this trip. I figured i will be walking for almost the entire day so i made it to a point to wear something comfy footwear.

dress: temt | sunglasses: rayban wayfarer | sneakers: nike | tote bag: goyard

Last Thoughts about Singapore

i was saddened to the thought that this was my last work related trip to Singapore. It was a bittersweet realization that i don't have to go to Singapore for a day. Moreover, it got me into thinking  how convenient it was to go Singapore for a day. Yes, a day from Jakarta. And when i leave Jakarta, Singapore will truly be a destination to be missed.

drama aside, there are still a lot of places in Singapore i have yet to explore, food to try, adventures to experience. That being said, there is a big chance that i will go back to Singapore before the year ends (day trip again) and hopefully, some places of must eat/see will be ticked of from my list plus the local painting that i have originally planned on buying. hehe. let's cross fingers to that!

Photos by Madel & Lalaine

Singapore Day Trip

Travel Date: August 5, 2015

#TheSocialTree 

6 months after my previous day trip to Singapore this year, which i failed to document, I was off again for a "work-related" day trip to the Merlion City. In comparison to the previous one, this time i have prepared for this 12 hour overseas excursion. I made sure i got to visit one place i have never seen before in Singapore plus food trip. 

Since it was a very short trip, let me share some photos and some tidbits along the way.

GETTING TO/FROM/AROUND

Jakarta, Indonesia to Singapore via Garuda Indonesia - 955,200 IDR

One of my travel wish lists is to experience different airlines when traveling. It only make sense to finally experience garuda indonesia  before i leave this country. hehe. 

The flight was on time. And i must say, they serve the best in-flight nasi goreng ever. Too bad the travel was only 1 1/2 hours. Maybe next time. 

in flight meal

Around Singapore via MRT - ez link card

I have my old ez link card, which was fortunately refilled before my trip. I have used this card during the duration of my day trip and i  still had enough credits for the next trip. yay for that!

mrt way is the way

Singapore to Jakarta, Indonesia via Jetstar - 54 SGD

got this fare for sale! base fare was only 17 SGD. 

ITINERARY

since i arrived early in the morning, i have to make "work-related" errand first and luckily finished at around 10 in the morning.

happy 50th anniversary SG!

I had the free day so off to... chinatown! yes, i have never been to  Singapore's chinatown before. 

one of the reasons why i wanted to go to chinatown was because of the recommended street that sells local paintings. Sadly, the street was closed for renovation of sort and i have no idea where to look for its relocation. boo!

It was almost lunch so i suggested Maxwell Hawker Centre . I definitely missed my hawker fixings. yum! 

oyster cake and hainanese chicken rice

next stop was to spend the rest of the afternoon in orchard before my 4:30 pm appointment. i went window shopping in takashimaya, ngee ann city, ion and wisma atria. and of course, my jollibee fix at Lucky Plaza. 

After my appointment, i went straight to airport so i can look around changi airport (a.k.a. shop) and grab some dinner before my flight. As i was walking around, i saw one of the newest attractions  in the airport, The Social Tree. It is an interactive installation wherein you can store and share photos and videos in its memory capsule. if you're not keen in sharing your photos in your social media accounts, you may opt to sent to your email instead. 

#OOTD

it was unbearably hot so i made sure i wore comfy outfit for this 12 hour trip. yes, i wore sneakers for this trip. I figured i will be walking for almost the entire day so i made it to a point to wear something comfy footwear.

dress: temt | sunglasses: rayban wayfarer | sneakers: nike | tote bag: goyard

Last Thoughts about Singapore

i was saddened to the thought that this was my last work related trip to Singapore. It was a bittersweet realization that i don't have to go to Singapore for a day. Moreover, it got me into thinking  how convenient it was to go Singapore for a day. Yes, a day from Jakarta. And when i leave Jakarta, Singapore will truly be a destination to be missed.

drama aside, there are still a lot of places in Singapore i have yet to explore, food to try, adventures to experience. That being said, there is a big chance that i will go back to Singapore before the year ends (day trip again) and hopefully, some places of must eat/see will be ticked of from my list plus the local painting that i have originally planned on buying. hehe. let's cross fingers to that!

Photos by Madel & Lalaine

Singapore: Reunion Weekend

Nov. 1 - 2, 2014

This trip was originally concocted several months back. My OZ love, Jen, was visiting the Philippines and fortunately, Singapore was her last stop. We then made the plan to meet at least 2 months before her trip. All of these for a weekend getaway together in Singapore. haha!

I was also fortunate that my re-entry permit to Indonesia won't expire at least 2 weeks after this planned trip so i was happily able to leave Indonesia for 2 days.

So, let me share some deets and photos about my almost 48 hours Singapore trip.

ACCOMMODATION

after some research of nice yet cheap hotel, we decided to book V Hotel Bencoleen as per Jen's positive experience in this hotel. I have booked the hotel via Agoda. The total rate of one night stay (twin bed with wifi) was USD 128.46.

PROs

• clean room and comfy bed
• shower was separated to the toilet
• bigger bathroom than value hotels
• walking distance to MRT
• nearby convenience store and restaurant 
• accommodating hotel staff

CONs

• not all taxi driver knew how to reach this hotel; some even complained because of the on going construction nearby
• you get what you pay for (based on Singapore standards)

DINING

i love to eat in Singapore! My goal is to eat in a new place for every visit. This trip was the first time for all the dining places we dined in. *happy dance*

KU DE TA

we had a reunion dinner in one of the highest points in Singapore. We had the 9 pm dinner reservations. For menu, you can check their website. We have no idea how massive was the servings for each dish so we ordered a lot! hahaha! I must say, everything tasted nice. Not so drool worthy dishes but worth trying.

anyway, i coined the term "reunion" dinner as this was our complete get together since our Australia trip way back 2012. Funnily, how time flies. Before, we were wild, barely slept and carefree and now, we were contented just sipping our wine, random chikahan and going home just around past midnight. haha!

Pinot Grigio FTW!

Friends since Australia 2012!

Osteria Mozza by Mario Batali

I have always been wanting to try this celebrity restaurant in Marina Bay Sands. Luckily, i was able to dine in during my visit.

Overall experience in this restaurant was nice. Servers were all extra attentive (especially the Pinoy ones). we ordered mozzarella and prosciutto for antipasti. As for pasta, I ordered Garganelli with ragu bolognese. In all honestly, i found the pasta too salty. sadness.

  

TWG

I am a huge afternoon tea enthusiast. I have been lusting to have a tea experience here in TWG but most of the time I travel by myself to Singapore. So, when the opportunity presented itself to experience with a lovely friend, i made sure to really push for this to happen. haha! 

Since we didn't have the luxury to spend a long time before our flight, we opted to have their signature tea and 2 scones with jam and cream. I have 2 favorite TWG teas: silvermoon and grand wedding. And for this tea experience, we ordered grand wedding. 

We liked the ambiance of the tea salon. However, we find our spot (or maybe the entire salon) to be hot. Oh well. I would love to go back again still. hehe.

Random Snapshots

feeling arts fartsy

with my love, Jen

making the most out of marina bay sands

#OOTD

I guess it comes to a point where black is the safest bet for a night out. I would have shared more skin given Singapore is a place where it is perfectly fine to be overdressed. However, i have opted to tame it down a notch, not because of prudence but more of the lack of night out outfits. sad but true. hahaha!

top: hM | skirt: HM | shoes: fladel | bag: gucci | belt: forever21 | watch: marc jacobs 

I have always preached that airport outfit traveling overseas should be smart casual. I would talk about that more next time. Anyway, this outfit was what i have worn from that day until my flight going back to jakarta. I just used cardigan to cover me up during the flight.

top: HM | skirt: thamrin city | luggage: delsey | bag: gucci | scarf: gift | cardigan: HM | shoes: topshop | earrings: I am

Last Thoughts About Singapore

I love singapore. It was even more special spending it with my travel buddy. I am not seeing her in Australia this holidays so this get together was extra special. I guess we are making it a tradition to see each other and TRAVEL once a year. So next year, it's definitely somewhere exciting.

Anyway, despite the limited time i have spent in Singapore, which i normally does, it is still a much needed breather. Life has been crazy right now. A short break from reality is sometimes a good way to recharge self and re-focus on important aspects in life.

There is a good chance i will travel again in Singapore. May it be work related or something personal, i am still looking forward to the experience. Til next time, Singapore! Kisses! 

Singapore: Reunion Weekend

Nov. 1 - 2, 2014

This trip was originally concocted several months back. My OZ love, Jen, was visiting the Philippines and fortunately, Singapore was her last stop. We then made the plan to meet at least 2 months before her trip. All of these for a weekend getaway together in Singapore. haha!

I was also fortunate that my re-entry permit to Indonesia won't expire at least 2 weeks after this planned trip so i was happily able to leave Indonesia for 2 days.

So, let me share some deets and photos about my almost 48 hours Singapore trip.

ACCOMMODATION

after some research of nice yet cheap hotel, we decided to book V Hotel Bencoleen as per Jen's positive experience in this hotel. I have booked the hotel via Agoda. The total rate of one night stay (twin bed with wifi) was USD 128.46.

PROs

• clean room and comfy bed
• shower was separated to the toilet
• bigger bathroom than value hotels
• walking distance to MRT
• nearby convenience store and restaurant 
• accommodating hotel staff

CONs

• not all taxi driver knew how to reach this hotel; some even complained because of the on going construction nearby
• you get what you pay for (based on Singapore standards)

DINING

i love to eat in Singapore! My goal is to eat in a new place for every visit. This trip was the first time for all the dining places we dined in. *happy dance*

KU DE TA

we had a reunion dinner in one of the highest points in Singapore. We had the 9 pm dinner reservations. For menu, you can check their website. We have no idea how massive was the servings for each dish so we ordered a lot! hahaha! I must say, everything tasted nice. Not so drool worthy dishes but worth trying.

anyway, i coined the term "reunion" dinner as this was our complete get together since our Australia trip way back 2012. Funnily, how time flies. Before, we were wild, barely slept and carefree and now, we were contented just sipping our wine, random chikahan and going home just around past midnight. haha!

Pinot Grigio FTW!

Friends since Australia 2012!

Osteria Mozza by Mario Batali

I have always been wanting to try this celebrity restaurant in Marina Bay Sands. Luckily, i was able to dine in during my visit.

Overall experience in this restaurant was nice. Servers were all extra attentive (especially the Pinoy ones). we ordered mozzarella and prosciutto for antipasti. As for pasta, I ordered Garganelli with ragu bolognese. In all honestly, i found the pasta too salty. sadness.

  

TWG

I am a huge afternoon tea enthusiast. I have been lusting to have a tea experience here in TWG but most of the time I travel by myself to Singapore. So, when the opportunity presented itself to experience with a lovely friend, i made sure to really push for this to happen. haha! 

Since we didn't have the luxury to spend a long time before our flight, we opted to have their signature tea and 2 scones with jam and cream. I have 2 favorite TWG teas: silvermoon and grand wedding. And for this tea experience, we ordered grand wedding. 

We liked the ambiance of the tea salon. However, we find our spot (or maybe the entire salon) to be hot. Oh well. I would love to go back again still. hehe.

Random Snapshots

feeling arts fartsy

with my love, Jen

making the most out of marina bay sands

#OOTD

I guess it comes to a point where black is the safest bet for a night out. I would have shared more skin given Singapore is a place where it is perfectly fine to be overdressed. However, i have opted to tame it down a notch, not because of prudence but more of the lack of night out outfits. sad but true. hahaha!

top: hM | skirt: HM | shoes: fladel | bag: gucci | belt: forever21 | watch: marc jacobs 

I have always preached that airport outfit traveling overseas should be smart casual. I would talk about that more next time. Anyway, this outfit was what i have worn from that day until my flight going back to jakarta. I just used cardigan to cover me up during the flight.

top: HM | skirt: thamrin city | luggage: delsey | bag: gucci | scarf: gift | cardigan: HM | shoes: topshop | earrings: I am

Last Thoughts About Singapore

I love singapore. It was even more special spending it with my travel buddy. I am not seeing her in Australia this holidays so this get together was extra special. I guess we are making it a tradition to see each other and TRAVEL once a year. So next year, it's definitely somewhere exciting.

Anyway, despite the limited time i have spent in Singapore, which i normally does, it is still a much needed breather. Life has been crazy right now. A short break from reality is sometimes a good way to recharge self and re-focus on important aspects in life.

There is a good chance i will travel again in Singapore. May it be work related or something personal, i am still looking forward to the experience. Til next time, Singapore! Kisses!