Back in Singapore - A week of fun with family

Singapore is one of those cities that I just keep on visiting and not get tired of it. My mom, sis, Mijo, my brothers and their families and I visited Singapore for a week of family bonding and fun.

I haven't even gotten far writing this blog and I already want to go back!

Our trip to Singapore took three years to happen because of many different reasons and one of them is the fact that it is awfully challenging to get the schedule of all 11 people in sync. The story ended well because it did happen and it looked like everyone had a wonderful time especially the kids in the family.

[read my Singapore blog, January 2012]

We flew out of Manila International's T3 airport via Singapore Airlines which is a terrific airline to fly with. There are also privileges and attraction discounts that come with a Singapore Airlines boarding pass. Check the airlines website for details.

 

During check-in, each of us was given this red sticker which I assume is a way for the airport staff to easily spot SG air passengers in case there is a delay getting through customs and immigration. I was secretly hoping for a minor incident during our departure just because I was curious what this sticker could actually do.

 The flight from Manila to Singapore is about 3 hours. We landed on a Thursday a little before noon at Changi Airport's terminal 2. On our way to the immigration we passed by the Orchid Garden. This garden showcases hundreds of orchids from several varieties and of  many colors. The garden is designed to have orchids of different colors to represent the elements of nature - Earth, air, fire and water.

We stayed at a hotel near the Farrer Park MRT station during our stay in the city. Since we arrived in Singapore on a midday it was already in the afternoon by the time we settled in to our hotel. The first thing in our list was lunch. We walked to the Hawker center in Little India for a quick late lunch.

  

Mijo opted for an Indian fare of chicken tikka massala and lamb biryani. I chose the Hainanese chicken with garlic bok choy. I didn't taste Mijo's food but mine was flavorful. I paired it with a cold milky drink with bobba and jellies. The rest of the family ordered Singaporean dishes.

Singapore can be brutally humid and hot that by merely walking for a minutes would make me sweat profusely. During breaks from our walks after lunch, I hydrated with this refreshing iced tea from Kopi and Tarts.

We decided to pay the Merlion Park a visit afterwards. While my family has been to the city before, only Mijo, my mom, sis and I have been to the Merlion Park years ago. That day, however, the giant statue of the Merlion, which is the entire point why people go to that park, was shrouded in scaffolding and it looked like renovation was going on.

  

   The view from Merlion Park, however, is stunning. We were there at dusk and the breeze in the area was relaxing so we decided to linger and watched the tourists come and go and soaked in the sceneries. The light at dusk also created flattering views of the skyline around the park. I was able to take these shots of the Opera house while resting.

Here's a shot of the Marina Bay Sands at night.

 

Fret not because on our last day in the city, the scaffolding covering the Merlion was removed for a perfect Merlion Park photo-op to the entire family's delight.

Since we were in the area late enough for dinner, we decided to cross the Esplanade Bridge and have a light bite at Makansutra Gluttons Bay. The place was lively and packed with office workers when we got there.
 

Mijo and I decided to share this order of chicken satay and paired it with a lime drink. The chicken satay was delicious and the extra spiced peanut sauce made sure there are additional flavors. It is interesting that it took us about 15 minutes to make a decision which dish to get from a variety of stalls. I guess I was more tired than hungry?

On our 2nd day, we decided to spend the entire Friday at Universal Studios hoping that that day was going to be less crowded compared to going there during the weekend. 

For breakfast, we decided to get a quick bite to eat at McDonald's. We know that the McDonald's brand is present worldwide and they add a local twist to the menu wherever they are. This is why we were curious to know what makes McDonald's in Singapore different from the rest of the world.

The first thing I noticed is this electronic kiosk for ordering food. There are four steps. Step 1: Place an order and take a table locator. Step 2: Key in the table locator. Step 3: Pay. Step 4: Take a seat and the servers will bring the order to your table.


I decided to go local and tried their red rice porridge which was very tasty and has layers and layers of flavors - mushroom, ginger, nutty, sweet and salty. It is actually a healthier alternative because it is multigrain and has a lower fat content than their usual Western breakfast. I wonder how popular is this item among locals and tourists?


After breakfast we took the MRT all the way to Harbourcourt station and planned to transfer to the Sentosa Express. By the way, if your credit card has the contactless icon, you may be able to use it as a ticket at the MRT. Just tap and go.


Everyone couldn't wait to get on the monorail for a fun filled day. The monorail is a different system and it is not part of the MRT so it requires a separate round trip ticket.


Photo-op with the iconic Universal Studios globe.


I had only been to a Universal Studios once many years ago in Southern California. Because of this, I didn't know what to expect in this trip back to a theme park. The first thing I noticed was the humidity and the hot weather. I was hoping that the lines to the rides were going to be short and the wait even shorter. 


Cool off eating this delicious snacks of flavored ice mixed with coconut jellies, sweetened beans, corn and milk. 


Watching Elmo's TV Time inside an air conditioned theater was a treat. My mom and I would have stayed there longer if only we had not been with our family. 


King Julien's Beach Party Go Around is another ride that I enjoyed. Aside from the short lines, there was breeze in this part of the park. 



There were pop up performances happening around the park. There may be a schedule of these performances and meet and greet. This one was a meet and greet slash dance performance of the cast of Madagascar.


Here's another pop up performance and photo-op with Marilyn Monroe and other Holywood stars. 


I thought we were going to be drenched in the Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chace ride. Thank God this water falls is just a teaser. The water stopped as soon as our car got near. I couldn't imagine my mom getting soaking wet in this ride and my sis and I getting blamed for it.
 

There were other rides that we enjoyed at the park but didn't or couldn't take a picture because of lighting constraints or too much shaking and movement like in the Transformers ride and Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure. There were rides like the Ancient Egypt Treasure Hunters jeep ride that maybe considered a meh by everyone but it was relaxing to me. 

All in all, we had a full day of fun and entertainment. I think my siblings, my sisters-in-law, my nephews and my niece would be better at telling you about their Universal Experience. I'll add a link here if they decide to write a blog about it.

There is a small hawker center near our hotel in Farrer Park. I had this fried fish, okra dish and rice with a side of fish sauce for dinner. It was simple yet it is packed with flavors!

After a restful 2nd night in Singapore, we set aside our 3rd day to see the Gardens By The Bay, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. Like the rest of my family, this was the first time I was going to see these attractions.

For breakfast, we wanted something quick that is why we went to the nearest KFC. Like McDonald's, KCF adds a local twist to the menu. This time I tried their Rice Porridge. I've had many rice porridge before so I can say that this one is not bad for a fast food version.


We took the MRT and got off at Bayfront station. That station has exits going to the mall, to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and going outside toward the Gardens. Just follow the signs.

Here's an art display at the Bayfront station by artist Lee Wen called When The Ship Comes In to commemorate Singapore's connection to the ships and sea. It would be interesting to know how many works of art such as wall art and sculptures are on display in the entire MRT system and then see them all. Maybe in the next trip?


This is one of the bridges leading to the Gardens.


Here is a picture to give you a bird's eye view how these attractions are situated by the bay. The two structures on the left side that look like shells are the Forest Cloud and the Flower Dome. These structures are massive upclose. The Gardens by Bay and the manmade Supertrees are on the right side of the photo. This view was taken from the Marina Bay Sands hotel.


The Gardens By The Bay is huge and there is no fee to go in. Since it is outdoors, you'll be subject to the elements. Remember, the weather is hot and humid not to mention it could rain at any moment. I recommend bringing a bottle of water and pacing yourself. There are carts like this one dotting the area selling refreshments for a fee.


There are also rest areas like this one where you can rest your tired feet and aching back while enjoying a relaxing breeze. There were some folks showing off their yoga skills while resting. I tried going in and got flat on my back to rest for a few minutes. Remember to take your shoes off.


These structures are called the Supertrees. These manmade 'trees' and the entire garden were designed with sustainability in mind and recycle energy, waste, water, soil and other resources. The trees can capture sunlight and convert it to electricity using photovoltaic cells placed on top of the structures.


Even though the supertrees are manmade, the maturing plants and creeping vines help balance the industrial feel with natural foliage and greeneries. I can't wait till the giant supertrees are covered entirely with vegetation.


Our next destinations were the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. We decided to get the combo tickets to save.


This was my first glimpse of the Flower Dome. There is air conditioning inside the dome. The refreshing scent of what seemed like a million flowers greeted us as soon as we stepped inside the indoor conservatory.


This place is massive! The first thing that came to mind was that it looks like a botanical garden that got enclosed in an irregularly shaped glass and steel facade. I learned that it is called a cooled conservatories. I saw nine gardens containing diverse plants and trees that are native of California, Southern Africa, Australia, South America and Southern Europe. California poppies, olive trees, baobabs, lavenders and herbs and succulents of different kinds are also planted there.


Channeling my Georgia O'Keefe wannabe alter ego.

In the Flower Field, they were having a new exhibit called Tulip Mania at the time we visited. These exhibits change every time.


Lovely yellow tulips!


Our next destination was The Forest Cloud. This is a separate building and it requires a separate ticket to go in. This 35 meter water fall was the first thing we saw when we got in the conservatory. The structures here are man-made, and like the Supertrees, the maturing plants made of orchids and ferns growing around made the place feel less industrial.


Our goal here was to head to the elevator which would take us all the way to the top of the falls and then work our way down by descending via the trails serpentined around the falls.


On our way to the elevator, we passed by an orchid garden having different floral scents. There are samples of orchids with varying scents and intensity of aromas that are placed in glass containers. I didn't know that orchids can be this fragrant.


There was a long line to the elavator but it went fast. This is the view of the water falls from the very top. I was very careful not to drop my phone. I could barely see the crowd down below.


And then we worked our way down via these mist-filled trails called the Cloud Walk. I love the smooth curvy lines created from the shape of the building. It seems to me that the shape of the building is like a sea shell.


This place is not just massive, it has height as well. It is truly impressive. How do you clean the glass of the facade if the building is this big and the shape is irregular? And how often is it cleaned?


This area through the walk is the Crystal Mountain, there is this exhibition on mineral formations. I think of this as 'the cave' in the forest.


Amazing place! I like the design of the facade where there are no sharp corners. I love its wavy organic shape. The trails below the Cloud Walk is called the Treetop Walk.


At this point, I didn't know where the rest of the family went.


This is the view from below. Before we exited, we passed by the Gallery, the Theatre, and a Secret Garden.


Just in case you're wondering, they stamp your hand with this so that you can step outside to go on a break, get snacks or drinks and then come back inside for more.


This is what the Gardens and the domes look like at night. The wider and shorter of the two domes is the Flower Dome. The narrower but taller is the Forest Cloud. This view can be seen from the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

Speaking of Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Mijo and I decided to stay here for one night since we were already in the area. We thought since the family was going to be at the Gardens the whole day, it would be a great idea if we have a place we could crash in case my mom or any of the family members get tired while site seeing.


This what the hotel lobby looks like from above. The hotel has three towers and connected by a common podium at the base of the buildings. The complex is huge.


There is a mall at the back of the hotel but the lobby also has stores inside.


Our room came with two double beds and a balcony. The room is spacious and has a feel of any modern hotel.


The bathroom is also spacious and has good toiletries provided for the guests.


This is the view from one of the windows at the hotel.


One of the hotel amenities available for guests is called The Skypark. It is a viewing deck and comes with stunning views of the Singapore skyline and the harbor.


Another amenity that Mijo and I enjoyed is the Skypool, also only available to hotel guests. The Skypool is an infinity pool located on top of a structure shaped like a boat connecting the tops of the three hotel buildings.


The interesting thing is that Mijo and I decided to check the pool out early in the morning with the thought the people might not be up that early. It would be great also to see the sunrise. It was packed by the time we got there at 7am.


The mall at the back of the hotel is called The Shoppes. At the middle of the food court is a big space called the Digital Light Canvas. Here's what is looks like from above.


This is what it looks like on the ground level.


There is a man made creek inside the Shoppes which is part of a paid attraction called The Sampan Ride.


At the end of the ride is this water fall called the Rain Oculus.


After we checked in at the hotel, we all went downstairs to the food court at The Shoppes to have an early dinner. Lots of food choices at the Rasapura Masters food court. I found a stall called Fishball Noodle and then decided to get the first one on the menu.


The entrees included egg noodles topped with thin slices of different kinds of fish cakes and fish balls. The order came with a side of crunchy fish skins and a side of soup. I wasn't sure whether to pour  the soup into the bowl of noodles so I ate them separately.


The next morning was a Sunday and we allotted that day to be a free day. This means that the family didn't have to travel together that day and anyone is free to do their own site seeing. Mijo and I decided to enjoy the amenities at the hotel and hung out by the Skypool. 

For Mijo and I, this was lazy sunday and just having morning coffee with a view.


We also enjoyed this light breakfast by the pool.



Later that day, we checked out and left the Marina Bay Sands hotel and we were back to earth. What a free day really means is that the family has decided to make this a shopping day. For lunch, Mijo and I went to the Food Republic at City Square Mall.


Mijo ordered this chicken with spicy green sauce with a side of hot clear soup. I had a sample of his lunch so I can vouch that this tastes really good.


I ordered this fish and spicy vegetable combo with a side of spiced fish sauce. This one is super light and super tasty.


For dessert, Mijo and I shared this delectable ripe mango with coconut sweet sticky rice.


 We went to this huge shopping complex called Mustafa Center. It is not only big, it is packed and crowded inside. It is like all Singaporeans decided to go to this place on a Sunday afternoon. I got several types of sweet and savory snacks for my office mates and to bring back home.


Later that day, we didn't some perking up so we went back to the City Square Mall for kopi and toast at the Toast Box.


We paired the coffee with these delicious local pastries called honey kuih bahulu from Mugiya.


And this Kaya Cheese Pancake from Mr. Bean.

The following day, the plan was to go to the places we haven't seen but are considered 'negotiables' which means we can miss them and we can go visit them when we have extra time. The rest of the family went to see and catch up with their friends who live in the city. For my mom, sis, Mijo and I we planned a leisurely walk around the city.

For breakfast, we went to this place called Coffee and Toast and had a Singaporean breakfast of kopi, toasts and chicken and beef rendang.


Since we were doing a leisurely walk, I was able to observe the signs and murals inside the Singapore MRT stations. Here are some of the interesting ones I've seen. For those who are uninitiated, the durian fruit is an acquired taste and it has this unique strong smell that is unappetizing to many.



They also have these feel good signs to brighten up one's day.

I also love how the MRT uses public spaces to showcase local arts and works of local artists. Upclose, these murals are mosaics and they are more grand in real life.


 Here's another public art at an MRT station that I enjoyed. This can be found at the Cityhall station.


Our leisurely walks took us to the Raffles Hotel.


The hotel is under major renovation so we couldn't go inside to take a peek of the hotel lobby. We just settled for the hotel's facade and opeb public spaces and the hotel's souvenir store. Maybe next time?


The St. Andrews Cathedral is only a couple of blocks away from the Raffles Hotel so we decided to go there to pay a visit. Unfortunately, renovations were ongoing that day and the next day.


I took a couple of pictures outside the cathedral since we couldn't go inside.


Our walks took us back to the Merlion Park. Like what I mentioned earlier in this blog, the cover was removed and we were able to see the Merlion statue.



 Since it was the middle of the day and it was so hot, we decided to go indoors and see the ArtScience Museum. Here's my failed attempt at taking a panoramic photo of the building housing the museum. The structure looks like a flower about to bloom.


Outside the building provides shade from the unforgiving sun. It was relaxing to sit next to the daffodils and enjoy the breeze coming from the harbor.


The architecture of the building is impressive creating these amazing lines everywhere you look.


There is a fee to go inside the ArtScience Museum. Thankfully, our Singapore Airlines boarding pass allowed us once again to get discount rates on tickets. One of the exhibits going on that time was Future World. The exhibition showcases immersive and interactive hitech artworks by teamLab.


Here are samples where art and technology intersect. 
This one is called Universe of Water Particles.


This one is called Sanctuary.


 I wasn't sure what this one is but it is part of a section called Nature.


This one as well is part of the Nature section.


This one is called Media Block chairs.


This mesmerizing one is called Crystal Universe. I could have lingered here the entire afternoon.


Here's what it looks like upclose. The colors change. The patterns also change.


It was challenging to take a photo while inside this section.


Another exhibition happening at the ArtScience Museum during our visit was called Wonderland. It is also an interactive exhibit where the participants need to follow instructions and collect clues to navigate through the maze of artifacts and collections based on the novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll.


 I suggest skipping this part if you're not familiar with the novel or get familiar with the novel first to get the most out of this exhibition.


Since we were in the area, we decided to get dinner at the food court of the The Shoppes at the Marina Bay Sands. Since I haven't had a laksa in this trip, I thought this would be the perfect time for it.


Later on that night since after everyone finished dinner, my nephews, my niece and my siblings decided to see a movie at the Golden Village Cinema. For us, going to the movies is a very local thing to do and there's something immersive about it.


The next day was the day we flew out of Singapore. Since our flight was not going to leave until later that evening and our hotel was gracious enough to let us leave our luggages at the hotel, the entire family decided to do another leisurely walk this time on Orchard Road. Walking on Orchard Rd. was touristy on its own and allowed us to kill time.


We started our leisurely walk from the Orchard Road station. We got off the station and saw this artsy facade of the Ion Mall. The mall was still closed since we got there very early in the morning.


Sculptures dot the outside of the mall. This one is a sculpture in painted bronze called Doggy John by Julien Marinetti.


This other one is also by the mall. This one is a bronze sculpture called Nutmeg and Mace by Kumari Nahappan.


This mirror glass and stained steel abstract sculpture is called Red Knot by Jean-Michel Othoniel.


A few blocks from the Ion Mall is the Paragon Mall. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the name of this sculpture. The shapes of the metal sculptures remind me of Keith Haring's art.


This street off Orchard Road is called Emerald Hill. It is hard to miss because its architecture is a total contrast to the modernity that surrounds it. I learned that this place is a conservation area and it is a former residence of wealthy Peranakan community.


Here's a sample of the area's architecture which is considered Chinese Baroque.


This area is part of what is called Civic District Tree trail and is dotted with rain trees.


This life sized sculpture is called Budak-Budak by Chong Fah Cheong.


This colored polyurethane resin is called Jelly Baby Family by Mauro Perucchetti.


After lunch, we all headed to the airport to give us enough time to explore the newest Changi airport attraction called The Jewel before our flight back to Manila.


This mesmerizing structure is called the Rain Vortex and it is the tallest indoor waterfall flowing forty meters to the basement.


This area is huge and the landscaping is awe inspiring.

Even though this was my 4th visit to the city state, it is always an enjoyable and exciting time to see Singapore

Until the next time, Singapore.

~rl