Starbucks Pacific Plaza Singapore

No matter where you are, familiar coffee shops are just pure comfort.

While on our stay at the Royal Plaza on Scott, we chanced upon Starbucks Pacific Plaza.

Breakfast meal comes with freshly brewed coffee (starts at Y6.90 per set) 

We ordered  bagel, fluffy egg with turkey ham and cheese sandwich and breakfast pancakes,  plus signature chocolate drinks  for the boys. 

Check this link for more on Starbucks Morning Selections ~Mornings Made Better Selection

For Starbucks Store near your place in Singapore click below ~ Store Locator.

SINGAPORE-MALAYSIA ITINERARY 2015

My son opted for a LEGOLAND Malaysia trip to celebrate his 7th Birthday.  We were there just last year, so planning this one was easy.  

The plan was simple, reach Malaysia via Singapore, stay overnight in LegoLand Malaysia (LLM) leave and stay one night at Sentosa in Singapore for a quick visit to Universal Studio.

Here is our itinerary:

Day 1 - LEGOLAND Malaysia - Water Park

• 5am - Early flight from Manila to Changi Singapore
• 10am - Arrive at Changi Airport
• 11am - Travel to Legoland Johor Bahru, Malaysia via a pre-arranged private taxi.  We used SGMY taxi services, the same one we used in our last visit.  We had a very good experience hiring them last year ~ easy and really hassle free!
• 1230pm - Arrived at LLM Hotel.  Check-in is at 4pm, so we just deposited our luggage and got our 2 days combo tickets. 

 

 

• I pre-booked the LLM  Hotel and got the ticket via the LLM website.  The 2 days combo ticket allows multiple entries to both the LEGOLAND Themepark and LEGOLAND Waterpark for 2 consecutive days.
• 1pm - Lunch at PanCake House at the Mall of Medini.
• 2-5pm - LL Waterpark.  I packed our wetsuits and change of clothes in a separate bag, so we don't have to open our other luggage. We got a CABANA like we did before.

• A half day cabana rental costs MYR180. Each cabana has two deluxe chair lounges and seating chairs, two complimentary towels, safe deposit box, mini refrigerator and a table.  It also has free wifi access, plus bottled water and soda.

(Check out our LL Waterpark trip from last year:  LLM Waterpark)       

• 4pm  - Left the waterpark to check-in and rest for a while before dinner. The boys were tired from the early morning flight and swimming.

 

• 6pm - Dinner at Burger King the Mall of Medini.
• 7pm - Early retreat.  

Day 2 - LEGOLAND Malaysia - Theme Park

• 8am - Breakfast at the Bricks

• 930am - Off to LLM Theme park. The park opens at 10am, but LLM Hotel guests are allowed to enter 30 minutes earlier. Note: We had to check-out before leaving the hotel. Our bags were deposited at LLM Hotel's luggage storage. 
• 6pm - Left LLM Hotel. I have arranged for an SGMY taxi pick-up at LLM and drop off at Movenpick Sentosa Singapore
• 730pm -  Check-in at Movenpick Heritage Hotel our home for the night. Dinner was at the Imbiah Station, which is just across the hotel. 

Day 3 - Universal Studio Singapore (USS)

• 830am -  Early check-out. Left our luggage at the hotel luggage storage for pick-up.  Before leaving we requested assistance from the concierge for a taxi booking at 330pm to take us to the airport.  
• 9am - Breakfast at McDonald's Forum Mall, Resorts World

 

• 10am - USS Theme park. I realize that USS is more enjoyable off peak season.  We were able to cover more rides this time, compared to our December USS trip, that considering we only stayed 5 hours this time (compared to our 9-9pm last time). 

• 3pm - Left USS.
• 330pm - On the dot, left the hotel for Changi for our late night flight.
• 8pm - Flight back to Manila. 

It was a busy and fun packed 3 days at LLM and USS.  

I will post updates of our SG-MY 2015 trip on our budget and will try to provide additional tips, that hopefully will help you in planning yours.


Meanwhile, you can also check below blog post from our SG-MY trip from last December 2014: SINGAPORE-MALAYSIA ITINERARY 2014
 

Movenpick Heritage Hotel Review ~ Lovely Sentosa stay

Jurong Bird Park ~ Asia's Largest Bird Paradise

 Singapore has so much to offer children and kids at heart ~ and Jurong Bird Park is one of them

Jurong Bird Park is Asia's largest birds paradise. It is home to almost 5,000 birds across 400 species (yes that many!). 

Here you can find different species of birds fly, swim and roam freely.

The park's major attractions include:

1. Penguin Coast - houses nearly 500 penguins across 5 species.

2. Lory Loft - a 9 storey high enclosure (the structure is so huge, it's hard too tell, you are in a bird cage) that offers close encounters with colorful lories that you can feed.

3. Waterfall Aviary - a 30 meter high man-made waterfalls, the largest walk-in aviary in the world.  We did not see much birds though and this attraction was in need of a little up-keeping.

4. Bird Shows - Jurong Bird Zoo also runs numerous shows:

• High Flyers Show (Pools Amphitheater; shows at 11am and 3pm) - is a showcase of birds' skills. My boys love the low flying birds as they did exhibition flights across the arena.  Very colorful and entertaining. 
• King of the Skies (Hawk Arena; shows at 10am and 4pm) - is a display of hunting birds' skills. It was educational to learn about hawks, falcons, vultures as they parade around.
• Lunch with Parrots (Songbird Terrace; show at 1pm) We gave this one a miss, over Breakfast with the Orangutan at the Singapore Zoo) 

  

5. Birds of Play - is a water playground (yehey)!  Remember to bring trunks and swimwear for your little ones.

 

Located near the water playground is Safari Scoops.  A perfect cool down and last stop at the bird park.


 TIPS:

1. If you intend to do numerous zoo parks suggest you get the park hopper tickets via their website: PARK HOPPER TICKET for discounts.
2. The park is huge.  Get the ticket with tram access.  You can hop on and hop off anytime.  I suggest you do a full ride first to familiarize yourself with the area before touring the park on foot.
3. The park opens at 830am. Come early to get the most out of the park. Any later would probably be too hot to enjoy your tour.
4. Wear comfortable shoes and bring lots of water. Don't forget your umbrella or cap and insect repellant.
5. Jurong is about 30-40 minutes away the city center.  There are various transportation options:

• MRT via the East West Green Line alight at Boon Lay (EW27) then transfer to a connecting bus at the bus interchange, bus no. 194 or 251 OR
• Direct bus via Singapore Attraction Express (SAEx). Check SAEx website for their schedule OR
• Like what we did take a taxi cab.

The Luge and Skyride at Singapore Sentosa

Included in our Sentosa 1 Day Play Pass is roundtrip ride to the Sentosa Skyline Luge.


The line at the Luge was long and winding (literally)... but that was fine since this ride is a MUST try when visiting Sentosa.


The Luge and Skyride are actually two rides. 

The Luge takes you downhill, while the Skyride takes you back up.
The ride downhill takes approximately 5 minutes, and the skyride about 10 minutes.


The LUGE is a gravity thrill ride, with a unique braking system that takes cruising or speeding downhill.  I was only at cruising  speed though since I was riding with my youngest. However, hubby and my eldest son were (hmmn...carefully) speeding downhill. 


The Skyride was like riding a ferris wheel only lateral.  I was a bit scared for the boys, as we were seated very high up, traversing on cable! 

 

 

VERDICT

1. It was fun riding the Luge and the Skyride.  Although the boys loved the Skyride more. I think the height adds to the excitement.
2. I can't say the Luge is really safe, since I saw a teen girl with bruised elbow being attended by the Luge medics. I guess one needs to exercise caution in steering the luge, especially next to steep corners.
3. Be careful driving, but don't forget to have fun!
4. It can be hot up on the Skyride so apply sunblock for protection.
5. Be careful with loose belongings, especially your cellphones, cameras and wallets. Please avoid booboos.

For updated pricing please visit the Sentosa website:  SENTOSA LUGE AND SKYRIDE.


For more travel tips on Sentosa, please visit also our other Sentosa Posts: Singapore Day 6 - SENTOSA.   
 

Images of Singapore LIVE (The Real Deal)

(Unfortunately they don't allow photography inside the IOSL, succeeding pictures are photo grabs from the IOSL website)


Images of Singapore Live (IOSL) is housed in the same building as the Madame Tussaud Museum.  IOSL used to be the Images of Singapore, but was enhanced to incorporate live actors in their program.

IOSL transports guests back in time.  Here you get to see real actors, with the help of special effects and  compelling backdrop the story of how Singapore came to be one of the most powerful nation we know today.


This is a one of kind attraction, that showcase how Singapore transformed from a small fishing village to a first world country. 

Inside the IOSL complex, you will see:

• Singapore Dock - Quayside Walk
• Four Winds Trading Company
• Malay Fishing Village
• Commercial Square
• Chinatown
• Jubilee Cinema (which was my favorite)
• Television shop (showing footages of Singapore in 1945 and 1965)
• the Miracle of Singapore (a visual interpretation of Singapore's success)
• the Spirit of Singapore Boat Ride (a boat tour of Singapore's best loved attractions and land marks) 

A visit to the IOSL is highly recommended.

 For ticketing and additional information on IOSL,

please visit their website at: IMAGES OF SINGAPORE LIVE.

Gardens by the Bay Singapore

Did you know that Singapore is also known as a Garden City? Amidst high-rise buildings are lush green parks and meticulously landscaped gardens all over the city. 


As part of our 8D/7N Singapore-Malaysia adventure is a visit to Singapore's premier green park, Gardens by the Bay. 

The Gardens by the Bay is a 101 hectares park located in Central Singapore.    It is divided into three uniquely themed world-class gardens: Gardens at Marina South, Gardens at Marina East and Gardens at Marina Center.

The Gardens main attractions are the:

1. Cooled Conservatories (consisting of the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome)
2. Super Trees
3. OCBC Sky Tower
4. Far East Organization Children's Garden

Due to limited time, we were only able visit the twin cooled conservatories: Cloud Forest and Flower Dome.

THE CLOUD FOREST

Via the Cloud Walk: fun and scary walk atop the Cloud Forest Mountain.

 Our favorite Cloud Forest's attractions is this

man-made Waterfalls.

 THE FLOWER DOME

  

  Awesome-awesome sight!

TIPS:

• If I had one regret, it was not having enough time to explore the famous Singapore's Gardens by the Bay.  We tried to cover both conservatories in only three (3) hours.  I recommend that you spend at least a day to get a full appreciation of The Gardens' beauty.
• The conservatories are air-conditioned. You may want to bring a light jacket to wear inside.

Please see also related articles on our Singapore-Malaysia adventure here:  Singapore-Malaysia Itinerary.


For more information regarding Gardens by the Bay attractions please check their website "Gardens by the Bay".

Our Singapore DuckTour Experience

Kids and walking really doesn't fit well together. 


I figured it would take a lot of walking if we insisted in touring the Singapore Marina area on foot, and so decided a tour onboard an open tour bus and the river cruise. However, due to limited time, I thought it is brilliant to do a Wacky Duck Tour instead.


The Original (with live commentary) Singapore Duck Tour takes you on a Singapore Heritage Tour by Land and Sea on onboard a DUCK, which is actually a remodeled WWII amphibious Vietnamese war craft

I booked a combo tour, through Asiatravel, which included: a ride on the Singapore Flyer; a DUCKtour and tickets to the Gardens by the Bay twin conservatories. 

The entire package costs SGD70 for adults and SGD55 for children. 

The tour boards by the Singapore Flyer tourist center and

lasts for about 60 minutes.

Hubby and I got to see most of Singapore's famous attractions without the trouble of dragging and forcing the kids around the city.

The land adventure included sights of Esplanade, the Historic Civic District and the Suntec City.  This is followed by the harbor tour view of Marina Bay, Merlion, Art Science Museum, Skypark and Gardens by the Bay Domes.


VERDICT

I think nothing beats walking, if you are yearning for a more authentic Singapore experience.  However, if you have children around, your next best bet is a Ducktour that combines both land and sea tours.


TIPS

• The chairs near the commentator may get wet, as the duck makes a huge splash as it enters the water.  It was fun to watch my kids giggle in laughter as they moved away from the "danger zone". 
• Remember to reserve seats though phone, especially if you intend to ride on a weekend or a holiday.  I have seen a couple, turned away since the tour is full and they have not made reservations.

Check out the Duck Tour webpage for additional details.

Festive Hotel - Resorts World Singapore

 

Hotels inside Sentosa are really expensive, if not for a credit card promotion, which included a 2 nights stay in Festive Hotel's Family Deluxe Room, inclusive of multiple attractions tickets for 2 adults in: SEA Aquarium, Universal Studio and Adventure Cove - staying in a Sentosa Hotel would not have been included in our Singapore adventure.

 

I booked via Agoda using my MasterCard and used earned reward points from my previous Agoda hotel bookings.  The entire package is less than P20,000 total.

 

Breakfast was not included in our package though, but no worries since there are numerous restaurants in the adjoining Forum Mall and nearby Malaysian Foodstreet.

 

Festive Hotel is connected to the USS Theme Park through the Festive Walk and Forum.  It is still about 5-10 minutes walk to and from USS, but a lot convenient than staying outside the Resort's World complex.  

The room was huge with a king size bed, loft bed and sofa bed, that can comfortably sleep 5 pax.  The hotel provided enough linens and pillow.


Room was clean enough (since my dust allergy was not trigger), although it has seen better days and would soon need renovation. 


There is a bath tub, but I find it quite high for the average Asian.  You would need to use steps to climb in and out the tub, which could be slippery when wet.  You have to be extra cautious, especially of the kids to avoid accidents.

There is also no bidet, which saddened by husband. Bidet sprayer happens to be one of his hotel requirements.

But that was okay, as the view compensated for the missing bidet....

Our room opens up to balcony, with a pool view and a glimpse of the USS park at the back ground.


VERDICT
Would like to try other hotels in Sentosa next time.  I have heard about Movenpick, which is cleaner and newer than Festive.  Would consider staying here again, but only if on promotion.


TIPS:

1. Entry via taxi is free for hotel guests, just show a proof of your hotel confirmation (SMS or print out).
2. Ask for the special children toiletries pack upon booking.
3. Request for Sentosa Espress Pass tickets.  This would give you free access to the Sentosa Express to and from Harbourfront Station.
4. Standard Hotel Check-in at Festive Hotel is 3pm, but you may leave you luggage at the hotel concierge before exploring Sentosa Island.   
5. Festive has a pool, but the Hard Rock Pool is much nicer.  Hotel guests may use the Hard Rock Pool, just by showing their Hotel Key card.
6. For convenience, you may opt for the hotel limousine for transfers outside Resorts World.  As the taxi bay, was located near the Forum Mall (5-10minutes walk from Festive, through Festive Walk), we decided on a limousine transfer to the airport which cost us about SGD55 (regular taxi, on a non-peak hour from Resorts World would cost approximately SGD22-25).  The limousine transfer was more expensive obviously, but so convenient, considering regular taxi going outside Resorts World is difficult to get especially during rush hour.  With 4 pieces of full luggage, excluding backpacks and 2 EXTREMELY (we've been walking across Singapore for 8 days straight  now) kids in tow ~ a hotel limousine was a welcome luxury.

 
For Festive Hotel bookings and inquiries, please visit the Resorts World Singapore website:  FESTIVE HOTEL


You may also check out, the rest of our Singapore-Malaysia trip here:

Day 1 - Singapore City
Day 2 and 3 - LEGOLAND Malaysia
Day 4 - Jurong Bird Park and Science Center
Day 5 - Singapore Zoo (with breakfast with the Orangutans)
Day 6 - Sentosa Island
Day 7 - Universal Studio Singapore 
Day 8 - SEA Aquarium and Vivo City

Royal Plaza on Scotts ~ Our Singapore Vacation Starts Here

We wanted a hotel along Orchard Road, but find most of the hotels quite expensive.  We were truly delighted to have chanced upon the Royal Plaza on Scotts (RPoS), which was our Singapore home for 5 days.

Check-in was spot on easy. 

I emailed the hotel a night before our scheduled check-in to inform them of our estimated arrival in Singapore, which was early in the morning (Note, that I did not specify for an early check-in, but was hoping they would take a queue).  We were delighted to be ushered to our room right away and it was only 11am.


Location simply perfect.

RPoS is an affordable first class accommodation in one of Singapore's prime location. It is located at Scotts Road which is just a few steps away the famous Orchard Road.  Truly ideal for some mega shopping.

Accessible.

RPoS is about 300 meters away from an MRT station.  There is also a bus stop just outside the hotel and a taxi station, with the hotel's good old bellhops ready to hail a taxi for you anytime.


Our mode of transportation in Singapore is via taxi.  RPoS is never more than SGD20 away from most of Singapore's favorite attractions.


A hotel with pluses!

We were upgraded to a Royal Club Premier for the entire duration of our stay.

All rooms, except for the Suites are only 32 sq. meters, but inarguably spic and span.

The following are free with all types of room  accommodations:

• In-room Nespresso machine (we saved a couple of dollars on coffee)
• High-speed WIFI/wired Internet for multiple devices (really fast)
• Mini-bar with snacks (re-stocked daily)

The upgrade gave us access to Royal Club Lounge worth over SGD190++, which included:

• Afternoon tea
• Evening cocktails
• All-day coffee/tea/soft drinks
• Breakfasts for 2 at award-winning Carousel or exclusive Royal Club Lounge (we had ours at the Carousel)
• Pressing of 1 suit per stay
• Priority check-in at Royal Club Lounge
• Use of Royal Club Lounge meeting room (1 hour)
• Luxury toiletries (L'occitane was so much better than the standard brands)
• Dream bed by Simmons (ultra comfortable, we wake-up refreshed and rested)
  
  

VERDICT

We enjoyed every minute of our stay at the Royal Plaza on Scotts. Our next vacation in Singapore  would definitely be a stay at the RPoS.
 

Royal Plaza on Scotts
25 Scotts Road, Orchard, Singapore 228220 (View map)
Contact Numbers: (65) 6737 7966(65) 6737 7966
Email: royal@royalplaza.com.sg

SINGAPORE DAY 8 (SEA Aquarium)

Day 8.  Our last day in Singapore is a visit to the South East Asia Aquarium (more popularly known as SEA Aquarium).

Our journey started with a tour of Asian maritime heritage at the Maritime Experiential Museum.

The SEA Aquarium is home to over 100,000 marine animals of over 800 species, across 49 different habitats.  

My boys were so enthralled with the multitude of marine animals present in the park. 

SEA Aquarium has 6 major attractions:

• Maritime Experiential Museum
• Typhoon Theatre
• Shipwreck Habitat
• Ocean Gallery
• Ocean Dome
• Shark Seas

My family's favorite attraction was the Ocean Dome. The Ocean Dome gives guests a 180 degrees vista of the Open Ocean habitat through the largest underwater acrylic dome 9m in diameter.

My boys occupied a window nook at the Ocean Dome and spent time admiring the marine animals.

VISITORS INFORMATION

(As of  December 2014)

(Operating Hours: 10am to 7pm)

Ticket Type: One Day Pass - Adult SGD38 / Child SGD28

The SEA Aquarium One Day Pass allows admission into Typhoon Theatre except weekends and during holidays.  An additional SGD5 will be charged during these dates.

SEA Aquarium is located in Resorts World Sentosa.

  

From the SEA Aquarium we went to Vivo Mall via the Sentosa Express, for lunch and last minute "pasalubong" shopping. 

Lunch was at Food Republic.   

Meals were cheaper here than inside Resorts World. Total food bill for all these was less than SGD20. 

Check out the rest of our Singapore-Malaysia escapade here:

Day 1 - Singapore City
Day 2 and 3 - LEGOLAND Malaysia
Day 4 - Jurong Bird Park and Science Center
Day 5 - Singapore Zoo (with breakfast with the Orangutans)
Day 6 - Sentosa Island
Day 7 - Universal Studio Singapore 
Day 8 - SEA Aquarium and Vivo City

SINGAPORE DAY 7 (UNIVERSAL STUDIO SINGAPORE)

Day 7 is an entire day at the Universal Studio Singapore (USS).

We came on a busy holiday, so half of our time was spent lining up for queues. We have not much choice really as our entire vacation coincided with the Christmas Holiday. The crowd lightened up though, at about 6pm.  

As it was Christmas, the theme park time was extended to upto 930pm, so that was an additional 3 hours rides' time (Note that most of the shows last performances were at 7pm).

Our USS Itinerary:

• 930am - Breakfast at Slappy Cakes. Quite expensive, food wasn't that great either.  The boys did enjoy making their own hotcakes though. 

• 10am - USS
• Lights, Camera, Action (hosted by Steven Spielberg) was just awesome. You get to see a studio transform into a backdrop to a major hurricane in NYC.   

• Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase bring you to a space adventure with the Sesame Street gang in search for the missing spaghetti.  This one is for kids and I suggest you skip unless riding with children. 

 

 

 

• Transformers The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle is a must, must try!  If the queue is long, do not hesitate to get a Universal Express pass.  Lining up can sometimes take forever and you wouldn't want to waste precious time.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• 1pm Lunch at Goldilocks, Far Far Away.  Prices inside the park is triple compared to costs outside (Note: You can leave the park and request for (same day) re-admission, by presenting your USS tickets and hand stamped).   

• Revenge of the Mummy* is an indoor roller coaster thrill ride, not for the faint of heart.  You would be asked to deposit bags and loose belongings.  You would know why, once you begin the ride. 

 

• Treasure Hunters takes you into a dessert jeep ride in an abandoned Egyptian excavation site.  

• WaterWorld* show is one of our USS highlights.  The boys were awed by the breathtaking stunts and awesome explosions.  Note:  Don't seat on the blue colored seats less you want to get soaked. 

• Dino-Soarin. My boy won't leave the Lost World without a piloting his own dinosaur.  It is a ride we have here in Manila and I must say a 30 minute waiting was an absolute waste of time, but how can I say no to my dinosaur flyer kiddo?

• Shrek 4D* takes you up close to Fiona and Shrek's fairytale adventure.  Must try as well, very entertaining. 

• Enchanted Airways* is a roller coaster ride.  I initially thought it was a mini-roller coaster for kids, but was wrong.  It has the scary loops of full roller coaster and was ultra fast.  I was a bit scared for the kiddos and my husband (who hates roller coasters). 

• Madagascar: A Crate Adventure is a funny and amusing trip to Madagascar on a river boat.     

• King Julien's Beach Party-Go-Round is a carousel ride.  

Rides we missed, because the boys were already too tired:

• Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure* a river rapid ride similar to Enchanted Kingdom's Jungle Log Jump
• Canopy Flyer* an upside down roller coaster ride
• Magic Potion Spin a ferris wheel for children
• Donkey Live an interactive live show hosted by Shrek's sidekick Donkey.

Note: The attractions with "*" must not to be missed.

Check out the rest of our Singapore-Malaysia escapade here:

Day 1 - Singapore City
Day 2 and 3 - LEGOLAND Malaysia
Day 4 - Jurong Bird Park and Science Center
Day 5 - Singapore Zoo (with breakfast with the Orangutans)
Day 6 - Sentosa Island
Day 7 - Universal Studio Singapore 
Day 8 - SEA Aquarium and Vivo City