Thursday, June 18, 2015

Stunning Singapore

I never...even for once fancied Singapore, no offense meant, I just don't. So when worked demanded for me to fly to SG for some free tours—joke, I meant conventions and training. It was like a cup of latte—which I don’t usually take, all came flying from across the room for free. It wouldn't hurt that much to go right? 


Nice to meeting you, SG


I took an afternoon flight, no more that 3 hours to SG. My good friend Jomaru-san picked me up at the airport. Oh such a relief to see a familiar face! The train ride was so swift! I’m so impressed with their transportation system. After all this is Singapore—one of the most successful global financial center and commercial hub. 











The airport was nothing short of amazing! 

From Terminal 1, we hop into Changi Airport train service to get us into Terminal 2 then East West Line (Tanah Merah) going to City Hall station to my hotel. 


Peninsula Excelsior


Check–in lah trying to sound like Jomaru-san. I am such a lucky girl. For some reason, they upgraded my room to Sky-Lounge all for the same price. Now I don't only get a nice room, but a good Singapore view. 


Cool view.


literally my happy place 


The Marina Bay Sands (MBS)


Somehow when you say Singapore, Marina Bay Sands comes first in mind. Dubbed as the world's most expensive casino, Marina Bay Sands has 2,500+ rooms, a convention-exhibition centre, Shoppes at Marina Bay shopping mall, skypark, and an infinity pool. 




First day and off we go to the Convention Center. Where else do you do it best with style but at the Marina Bay. Took a cab from hotel and curiosity got me, a quick google and found out that a night  at MBS costs USD1,200 /night.  Soo desu ne.


So after our 1st day, went on a detour to the MBS Mall. When I entered the luxurious mall, I reminded myself to keep calm and do not berserk over expensive bags, shoes, jewelries when I can only stare at them..at least closely. The stores took my breath away, the prices makes me even more breathless! They have almost all the biggest brands, some which I've only seen in magazines. This is the poshest of the posh mall I've ever been... like Greenbelt multiplied 10 times. Even teabags and tin-cans look every inch Instagram worthy!

Rasaputra at MBS


Ban mien which was just ok


Rasapura literally means "City of taste", 
they have local  and international street foods all under one roof.


Clarke Quay


One interesting place I've been is the Clarke Quay area, a mere 10 minute walk from Coleman Street at the bustling area to get a flavor of Singaporean nightlife. Fancy some Mexican, burgers , or Italian food? They have various restaurants and not to mention a couple of clubs. I particularly enjoyed the ambiance plus we were able to get a nice spot outside with river view. The menu looks pricey, no its really pricey but luckily the boss asked, the boss pays di ba? 




We settled for some Mexican food for tonight!






So full, so an evening walk is needed.  We passed by  Cuba Libre,  one of the most jam packed pubs. So we decided to have a glass of what else but Cuba Libre! 

Bottoms up! Salute! 

Hardrock Café


On my third night and to celebrate a successful event, we were invited to Hardrock Café. Our group arrived a little too early before the reservation time but they let us in and offered some drinks while we were waiting for other attendees, also great to meet Pinoys, out kind is everywhere! Admired all these vintage posters, downed 3 glasses of cold beer, oh is Hard rock!


The Hilton Singapore 

Attended another event at Hilton's. What I like about is that it's walking distance to a lot of shops! Another posh place to stay, food was great of course, was so engrossed with the seminar and meeting Pinoys,  can't help but noticed some  nice aesthetics. 






The trip to SG wasn't just all business, I managed a quick weekend tour as well.
Starting with:

Merlion Park


Undoubtedly world famous as Singapore's icon. A mythical creature with head of a lion and body of a fish. The fish body originates as Singapore being a fishing village and the lion head represents Singapore's original name Singapura meaning Lion City. 




Oh hey hi..


Cavenagh Bridge


Walking just a little farther from Merlion Park, we passed by the Cavenagh Bridge. The reason? We couldn't find the nearest MTR station! It was a good thing because we come acrossed this bridge, so Victorian looking and one of the oldest bridges in Singapore across Fullerton Hotel. I can imagine how would look at night. Must be enchanting!






Gardens by the Bay


Another tourist attraction in SG. Although it was practically hot since its almost lunch time when we left Cavenagh it was a relief that there are some tree shades that you could walk under. Such a great view from afar. I wish I had another spare night so I could have watched the trees come alive! 



Lemme catch my breath!

Eats and Treats


Singapore is known for its hawkers. Hawker means cheap but good food stalls. They are practically everywhere in Singapore near transport hubs and around the city. Orchad Road is a haven for all sorts of restaurant, be fine dining or hawker. Here's what I enjoyed most so far!




California Pizza shot


Chicken BBQ, yum.


The baby back ribs gone nowhere, I can't believe I finished the plate alone.
But then, no food that bad for a starved person.

Fish soup I ordered from Shaw Centre. Cheap but good. 


BFF in the house at 4 fingers! I can't believe I could enjoy chicken like this. 




At Modesto's
Located Orchard Road, if you want some Italian fix, this is the place to be!

T.Y. SG


Great times in Singapore, business wise its easy to go around, although I'm not too sure if you'd like to come for vacation, but yes for shopping. I was lucky enough I come a crossed an on sale Ch&Keith, some purse at MBS.  SG is  a place filled with busy people keeping themselves occupied. Surprised to see "senior" wiping tables, cleaning restrooms making themselves useful. I read that one of most stressed people are the Singaporeans if that is true.
Singapore sounds like a fancy box of everything you needed perfectly wrapped, too good to be true but yes, that's exactly how it felt like in Singapore, life bounded within its 4 walls. 

Special thanks to my dear BFF for being my personal tour guide and how it felt just like the old days sleeping over just a little longer.  

Chismis time and video call time with the bunch.
BIG HUG, and until next time besy!



Love,
itsmelory (^.^)