A sure hit attraction for picture obsessed individuals!

 

 

Trick Eye Museums have literally taken the world by storm,  and I fully understand why.

 

 

How can one resist, a picture perfect opportunity to get a shot or two, right next to really interesting and original 3D artworks and
backdrops?

 

 

****

 

Trick Eye Museum is finally in Singapore.

 

 

It is located in Resorts World, Sentosa, right next to the Malaysian Food Street, just a few meters away the Universal Studio.

 

 

Entrance to the Trick Eye was included in the Sentosa 1 Day Play Pass we bought.  Otherwise, a ticket would cost you SGD20 for children and SGD25 for adults. 

 

 

For discounted rates, you may opt for the RW combo/bundle tickets, through the Resorts World website.

 

 

I have posted some of our favorite photos below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 TIPS:

• Know your angles. 
• You may borrow a selfie stick from the museum, so don't fret if you forgot to bring your own. 
• Don't rush into the exhibit.  Take you time and shoot from the recommended photo-shooting angle.
• There is no rest room inside, so do your business before entering.
• Get the most out of the museum.  Come on a weekday to avoid the crowd. 

Your imagination is the limit!

For more information and tips on Sentosa Singapore, please visit my other posts... SENTOSA SINGAPORE

Madame Tussaud Singapore Invasion

 

What is not to like about the Madame Tussaud Museum? 

 

We have been to the Madame Tussaud in Hongkong, and enjoyed our visit so much, that I can't let pass visiting their newest museum in Sentosa, Singapore.

 

We had so much fun, posing like stars besides country leaders, famous  athletes, rock stars and Hollywood A-lists.

 

 

It is an absolute haven for photo fanatics. 

 

 

Of the pictures we have taken, these are my favorites.

 

 

 

 


It was cool posing with the Terminator himself and pretending like famous rock stars after.


 

 

 

 

L-R/T-B: An upper-cut vs. Muhammad Ali, sit ups with David Beckhams, followed by an interview with the Queen of Talks "Ophra", a leisure biking with ET.

 

 

 L-R: Rocking it with Taylor Swift, striking a pose with Madonna and Madame Tussaud herself.

 

 

 

L-R/T-B: With his EX-girlfriend Nicole Kidman, idol Johnny Depp, taking a kick from Bruce Lee and rocking with the King "Elvis".  

 

 

 

 

L-R/T-B: Sit-ups with David Beckham, wanting to be an Artist, too cool for Arnold Schwarzenegger,

readying a punch for Muhammad Ali

 

  

Book a date with your favorite stars.

 

When in Singapore or HongKong include the  Madame Tussaud Museum in your itinerary.

 

Singapore - Malaysia Budget

Sharing our expenses during our December 2014, 8D/7N travel to Singapore - Malaysia.

I admit our budget is nothing close to frugal travelling, but will try to add notes, on how you can possibly save and make the most of your hard earned money. 

Prices are in Philippine Pesos (using Php34 per SGD conversion) as of December 2014 and are broken down by day (except for hotel and combo tickets costs) based on our itinerary.  Cost is for 2 adults and 2 children, ages 6 and 10.

Since we travelled on a peak season, airfare and hotel prices were obviously higher. You would be able to save a lot if you choose to travel on a non-peak season.


If you have very little options and decided still to travel on a holiday, I suggest you book your airfare and hotel accommodations at least six (6) months in advance.  It is very rare that airlines and hotels will even lower their rates during peak seasons (which based on what I have seen starts 16th of December, all the way to the Chinese New Year). Remember: The earlier you book the more you will save.



I. AIRFARE

For 2 adults and 2 children is P 47,000 via Philippine Airlines (Booking PAL later on proves to be a wise decision, since Cebu Pacific had issues on numerous cancelled and delayed flights last December). 


II. TRANSPORTATION
Travel by taxi proved to be both efficient and convenient.  The attractions are not necessarily right next to the MRT or Bus station and still requires quite a bit of walking, which is strenuous if you are towing children.  Travel by taxi is roughly SGD15-20 from Orchard area to most of the tourists' attractions.  

III. FOOD
Price depends where you eat. Cost is expectedly more expensive inside resorts and parks.  I have noticed that most locals bring water container and refills it once empty. 

Meals at hawker center is about SGD5-8 per viand, while prices at fast food restaurants cost SGD15-20. Hotel buffets range from expensive at SGD25-30 (for breakfast) to SGD80-100 (for lunch and dinner).  Note that prices are higher for holiday lunch and dinner.


IV. HOTEL

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
ROYAL PLAZA ON SCOTTS (ORCHARD) - SUPERIOR ROOM - 4 NIGHTS	32,000.00	This hotel is located in Orchard area.  It is very accessible to public transport and taxi fare is never more than SGD20 in most of Singapore's tourists' attractions.  At P8,000/day, we get free mini-bar (replenished daily) and wifi access for multiple devices. BTW, we have been upgraded to a Royal Premier Suite, which gave us access to the Royal club which included free buffet breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner for two.
LEGOLAND MALAYSIA - 1 NIGHT	19,000.00	Rate is for a Standard Room and included buffet breakfast for 4 and two days combo tickets to the Legoland Wetpark and Themepark. We were again upgraded to a Premier Suite.  To make the most out of your Legoland visit I strongly suggest you get a two days combo pass (however, this is only available to hotel guests).
FESTIVE HOTEL RESORTS WORLD - 2 NIGHTS	29,000.00	Total cost is for a Deluxe Family Room and included tickets for 2 adults to SEA Aquarium, Universal Studio and Adventure Cove. Reservations was done through a Mastercard Promotion.

DAY 1 - SINGAPORE CITY

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
Asia Travel 3 in 1 combo ticket  - Adult P2400 / Child  P1800	8,400.00	Singapore Flyer, Ducktour and Gardens  by the Bay entrance to the twin conservatories

DAY 2 and 3 - LEGOLAND MALAYSIA

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
Singapore - Malaysia - Singapore via SGMYTaxi Private Transfers	7,140.00	There aree cheaper options of travel from Singapore to Malaysia, but we opted for a door to door private transfer.  Cost is SGD105 per way.
Tickets to Legoland Themepark and Wetpark inclusive in the	n/a	Included in our hotel cost.
Cabana Rental	3,220.00	Rental is not necessary, but very nice to have.  Cost is MYR280 for a whole day use.  Inclusive of Cabana rental, with mini refrigerator, electric fan, safety deposit box, 2 lounge chair, 2 lounge bed, 2 huge Legoland towels, 10 bottled drinks and wifi.

DAY 4 - JURONG BIRD PARK and SCIENCE CENTRE

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
Park Hopper Special 2 in 1	5,800.00	If you intend to do multiple zoo attractions, I suggest bookings online via zoo.com website and avail of their park hopper special.  We bought Jurong Bird Park and Singapore Day Zoo combo.
Combo Science Center with Transformer Exhibit Tickets	3,672.00	We bought the tickets directly at the Science Center complex.  Adult - SGD32 / Child SGD22

DAY 5 - SINGAPORE ZOO

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
Zoo Entrance	n/a	Included in the park hopper ticket.
Breakfast with the Orangutans	3,672.00	My boys enjoyed breakfast with Singapore Zoo's resident orangutans.  Adult SGD32 / Child SGD22

DAY 6 - SENTOSA

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
Sentosa Day Pass	10,064.00	The Sentosa Day Pass gives you single entry access to more than 20 attractions in Sentosa. Adult - SGD79/Child - SGD69.

DAY 7 AND 8 - UNIVERSAL STUDIO and SEA AQUARIUM

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
Universal Studio Singapore (USS) and SEA Aquarium combo tickets through Asia Travel	4,624.00	Our USS and SEA Aquarium adult ticket came free with our Festive Hotel bookings, so we only bought USS and SEA Tickets for our children. Cost is SGD68 per child.

Please see also the detailed itinerary of our Singapore-Malaysia travel. 

"SINGAPORE - MALAYSIA Itinerary and Tips (8D/7N)".


I hope you find this helpful as you plan your own Singapore-Malaysia adventure.  Let me know if you have questions, will try my best to answer them for you.

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

Popeye's Chicken and Biscuits (Singapore Flyer)

It was no brainer decision to dine at Popeye's Chicken for our first family lunch in Singapore. 

 

 

 

 

We visited is conveniently located at the Level 1 of the Singapore Flyer building.  It was a perfect stop, right after our Singapore Flyer ride, while waiting for our afternoon DUCKtour.


We ordered the Family Meal package which included complete meal, drinks and dessert. The meal costs us SGD25.

Legoland Malaysia (A Dream come true for Lego Fans)

Legoland Malaysia is a dream come true for Lego lovers and fanatics. The park is located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia's southern most city.  It is actually closer to Singapore than Kuala Lumpur, hence the suggested point of entry is via Singapore. 


The Park is divided in 6 major zones. These are (counter-clockwise): 

1. Lego City is where you can find most of the kiddie rides and attractions.  

• Lego Rescue Academy*. The boys love this family firemen role-play competion with other families.  My boys did all the work, as I cheer them on.  Of course, we WON!!!

 

• Lego City Airport. My son piloted a plane while I co-pilot.

  

• Boating School*.  The boats were quite difficult to navigate.  My eldest was very good at it, while my husband and youngest struggled a bit...

My serious boat captain.

• The Driving School* was one of my boys' favorite attractions.  My youngest was quite proud to drive his first Lego car and get his own Lego driver's license after (He wore it the entire duration of our Singapore-Malaysia vacation. Yup, even in USS - check out his USS picture with his Papa here).  

• Junior Driving School for toddlers (pass).

• The Shipyard is a playground for younger children (pass).

• The LEGOLAND Express* is a mini train that goes around the park.  It is a good and easy way to tour the park, while resting your tired feet.

2. Land of Adventure takes you to:

• Lost Kingdom Adventure* is a ride to an Egyptian-themed landscape on board a jungle vehicle, while armed with laser blaster.  Your goal: to shoot enemy mummies and tomb creatures.

• Beetle Bounce (pass)

• Dino Island* is a river raft jump ride similar to Enchanted Kingdom's Jungle Log Jump (pass)

• Pharaoh's Revenge is a play gym for small children (pass) 

3. Imagination is a place for Lego fans creative minds. Here guests can bring their imaginings to life. 

• Kid Power Tower you pull yourself up to get a vista of the park (tiring - pass).

• Observation Tower is actually an observation deck, that gives you a 360 degrees view of the park.

• Lego Studio** is a LEGOLAND's theatre showing Lego movies with 4D features.  If you have time suggest you watch all the movies.  Click here for the latest schedule - Lego Studio Shows.

• Duplo Play Town is an interactive playground for small children (pass)

• Duplo Express is a mini train for much smaller children (pass).

4. Lego Kindgoms is a legend and myths themed zone. 

• Forestmen's Hideout is a play gym for school age children (pass). 

• Dragon Apprentice* is mini roller coaster ride for school age children.

Courtesy of LEGOLAND Malaysia webpage.

• Royal Joust is a medieval contest on a Lego horse.  Boys particularly loved riding the Lego horses all dressed up in medieval outfit. 

• Merlin Challenge is a high speed carousel (pass).

• The Dragon is Dragon Apprentice's mommy.  It is a huge roller coaster for thrill seekers. None of my boys wanted to ride with me after the Dragon Apprentice experience (pass). 

5. Lego Technic has action packed rides and exciting workshops for older children.  

• Technic Twister you spin the wheel to control your ride (pass)

• AQUAZONE is a wave surf type of ride, where viewers can water bomb riders (pass - not cool, unless you want to get wet)

• Project X* is an 18 meters high crazy ride. I so wanted to ride this one, but you know about the Dragon Apprentice experience already, so I would no longer elaborate (pass).

• Lego Star Wars Miniland* is the latest of Legoland's attractions.   The park has recreated various scenes from the Star Wars  movie.  On display are about 2000+ well known Star Wars models  and iconic scenes.

6. Mini Land* is the center piece of  the LEGOLAND theme park.  We were awestruck to learn it took LEGOLAND Master Builders three years and 30 Million Lego Bricks to recreate some of Asia's best known landmarks. 

We so Love LEGOLAND where everything is Awesome!

Please check LEGOLAND Malaysia website on how to get there, pricing and latest promotions -
LEGOLAND MALAYSIA WEBSITE.

Must see attractions and rides are in "*", meanwhile we did not ride attractions labelled "pass".

Feel free to ask me questions about LEGOLAND Malaysia, I would be happy to help.

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