Day 2 ~ All Over Singapore: Marina Bay Sands, Clark Quay and Mustafa

Day 2 is the only thing that is truly planned in our itinerary.  I have been wanting to watch Mamma Mia in Manila, but unfortunately did not have a free day to watch it.  Good luck, however was at our side (Birthday Luck working) as we managed to get tickets of the show on its last day of showing in Singapore! Yes we get to see Mamma Mia at Marina Bay :P

We got at Marina Bay for early lunch at The Bird Southern Table and Bar, which came with the show and dine package we bought.  

Food was unsurprisingly delicious and filing.  

We had Deviled Egg and Bacon and Theatre Set Special (Two pieces of Lewellyn’s Fried Chicken, Chilled Spiced Watermelon and a fresh Buttermilk Biscuit)

The restaurant was homey and with a couple of Filipino crew who looked real delighted to serve us.

After lunch we got to tour Marina Bay Sands a bit.  The place is grand and expectedly expensive.  All the big brands are there!

We watched the 1pm show since we wanted to still have time to check out the Art Science Museum and Sky Park.

After the show we (which was outstanding) we went to the Art Science Museum.  We did not enjoy it much, but  I guess kids would appreciate it better.

Our last stop at the Marina Bay area is the SkyPark.  We went there at 4pm, early enough to beat the queue of tourists fighting over a sunset view.  

We sat on the deck with ice cream onhand to end our visit to Marina Bay. 

Love the ice cream ~ perfect with the view that comes with it!

 

TIPS: Get yourself a Sands Rewards Lifestyle Cards to save on entrance fees to the many attractions of Marina Bay Sands.  It is fast and easy and you can use right away. 

We got a 1+1 deal on our Art Museum Tickets and 10% discount on our SkyPark Observation Desk Entrance and souvenir purchases.  

Your can sign-up here >>> www.marinabaysands.com/sands-rewards-lifestyle



After Marina Bay we went to Clark Quay via the MRT (through Bay Front Station to Fort Canning Station, which is just about 3 minutes walk to Clark Quay).  

It was a little early for dinner so we decided to hop on the Singapore River Cruise.  Touring the Singapore River via a bumboat was an enjoyable experience.  

Seeing Singapore on a different vantage point on a more relaxed setting was nice and pleasant.   We were back at the Clark Quay loading deck some 40 minutes after, with our tummies ready for dinner :P

Dinner was at the Muchos Mexican Bar and Restaurant next to Hooters.  We had a Muchos Platter, Grilled Chicken Quesadillas and Taco Salad, plus a round of chilled beer to each to match.

With my handsome date :P

The restaurant outdoor seating is a perfect date place to cap a night out in Singapore.  Serving is hefty and if you are not really hungry an order of the Combo set is enough for 2-3 persons.  Food is great too, though mostly spicy.

It was almost 9 when we finished eating, but the night was still young so we've decided to pay famous 24 hours Mustafa Shopping Center ~ this where to go for "pasalubong shopping".  We took a  cab to Mustafa Center.  

It gives me a peace of mind that they only sell genuine stuffs here, so you are sure not getting fakes. After my introduction to Mustafa, I don't think I will be shopping anywhere else in Singapore but here.

Our best buys include:

1. Souvenirs
2. Chocolates (my boys especially liked the chocolate coated almonds)
3. Perfume (keep in mind that you cannot hand carry anymore than a 100ml perfume bottle) 
4. Branded Shirts
5. Electronics ~ Headphones  

 

It was almost 11:30 when we finished, my feet were sore from all the walking we did today, so we hopped on to a cab to our hotel.  

Oh our POOR feet :P

Follow our Day 3 in Singapore ~ Botanical Garden, Taste of Hawker Food (up next)... 

3D/3N in Singapore minus the Theme Park (Day 1 ~ China Town)

For my birthday, my Ex and I got a chance to do another out of country gallivanting (without the kids).  I have always wanted to go to Singapore minus the theme park commotion ~ Singapore was perfect for a short vacation; And since this is our 4th (or is it 5th) time there, this visit is more relaxed and carefree.

We took an early flight via Singapore Airlines and arrived at Changi Airport before noon time. 

• For SGD we exchanged a few USD at the airport and the rest we exchanged at Mustafa. Rates at the airport was surprisingly good (the best rates we have seen though was at Mustafa Shopping Center, which was slightly higher by a few centavos).
  
• We bought EZ Link and local sim cards, before taking a taxi to Amara Hotel near Chinatown.   Our taxi ride to Chinatown costs about SGD25.  
  

Our chosen hotel for our Singapore excursion is Amara Hotel (I will write a separate post about Amara).  It is located at Tanjong Pagar Road. Location is within walking distance form Chinatown.  Nearest MRT is Tanjong Pagar Station (about 300meters) and Chinatown Station (1 km away, about 7-9 minutes walk along scenic charming the Tanjong Pagar Road). 

Day 1 ~ Chinatown 

First stop ~
Singapore Gallery is a perfect way to start ones tour of the city.  It showcases a miniature 3D version of the Singapore on a 1:400 scale.  It was fun looking at the miniature buildings and identifying the streets and landmarks. 

About 3 minutes away is the next item in our agenda ~ Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a remarkable four-story temple. Be sure to visit all the floors.  We took the elevator to the top floor then walked our way down.  It is really a magnificent temple.  

Then came the China Heritage Center ~ it is a good place to rediscover the life of Singapore's early pioneers and the stories of people who made Chinatown their home.  

Hours (not so sure how long we've been there) at the Chinatown Heritage Center worked up our appetite.  Just across the Center the Chinatown Seafood Restaurant. Food there is really very good and perfect night cap to our Chinatown tour.

Walked back to the hotel with a cup of special Singaporean ice cream on my hand.  It was a nice take-out as we check out Chinatown's many shops.

Look who bid us on our way out of Chinatown... 

"The Buddha of Wealth (Laughing Golden Buddha)”.

TIPS:

• Bring water and stay hydrated.
• Spend at least half a day at Chinatown, but if you really want to appreciate this part of Singapore at least a day should be in order.
• I did not do much shopping here, except for lucky charm bracelets which I gave my husband.
• For shopping I really recommend going to Mustafa.  They have everything there.  But if it is too far out Chinatown shopping will do. 
• We were not able to check out the nearby Maxwell Hawker place, but were back on our last night before leaving for Manila.

Follow our Day 2 as we explore Marina Bay Sands,

Palm Beach Resort Laiya Batangas ~ Resort Review

I have been again dreaming of kicking of my high heels to doing some barefoot sand-walking~ I thought some vitamin SEA was timely!

So we hopped on the family car and found ourselves back to one of favorite relaxation scene ~ Laiya Batangas.  

We love that it is barely 3 hours away Manila and the beach stretch is clean and tranquil.

Our latest discovery is Palm Beach Resort. 

Palm Beach is a bit tucked away from the rest of the Laiya Beaches, which makes it perfect for real time peace and quiet.

Unfortunately the sand was quite coarse (so be sure to wear the right shoes), but water is clear and view is faultless.

We stayed at the ground floor of Casa Blanca.  We could not have chosen a more perfect room.  It is closest to the resort's infinity pool and the dining hall. 

The Casa Blanca is perfectly sized for our family of four.  It is fitted with 2 queen beds and a day bed.  

There is wifi and cable, but never really got to use them much as we were out soaking up the scenery. 

 We slept soundly with the billowing waves outside as background. 

We get to check out the infinity pool, 

which my youngest enjoyed a lot.

VERDICT

• As expected we had a wonderful family time at Palm Beach ~ it was really rejuvenating and just what our stressed out bodies ordered.  It was one of the most relaxing vacations we have had.
  
• The full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner with morning and afternoon snacks) that came with our package was simple yet delectable.  
• Staff were likewise amazing ~ cordial and cheerful.

Palm Beach Resort is located in Barangay Hugom Laiya, 

San Juan Batangas 

For inquiries and reservation please visit their webpage at 

www.palmbeachlaiya.com