Monday, July 18, 2022

Singapore - To Do 17July22 Oasis Waterpark @ Nee Soon East

Singapore - To Stay
Singapore - To Eat

Singapore - To Do

Oasis Waterpark @ Nee Soon East
9 am to 7.30 pm daily. Admission is free
I think its a relatively new addition to the Yishun area which revitalizes the older estate in the area.  A positive step forward, similar to the improvements and enhancement including family friendly facilities like in Toa Payoh.

Fantastic features working for the area:
Pros
- Completed gated which ensures that children would not wonder beyond the play area.
- Full closed shower/locker facilities and hot/cold water dispenser.
- Water coolers are also available.
- Good range of water play facilities to accommodate all play ages with plenty of wading water-pools. 
- Shaded areas provided for with seating for families to picnic.
Cons
- The play area is mostly completely open so remember to sun-block up.
- Maintenance issue. Notice that some of the clothes hanging hooks have broken off and considering the relatively new water play area.

A great water play explorative space that would be great for family gatherings for picnic. Parking is plenty all around and easily accessible.

Friday, July 8, 2022

Manila - To Do (08July22) Paco Park, Paco Market

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Manila - To Do
Manila - To Eat

Manila - To Buy
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Paco Park
"Behind two layers of stone walls in the middle of bustling Manila is a quiet cemetery dating back to the days of Spanish rule. Built in 1807, Paco Park was originally designed to be a final resting place for the colonial elite; the inner walls of the circular garden still houses the marble crypt markers that bear their family names." www.atlasobscura.com

A beautiful quaint park that's located en-route to Paco Market. The place as was seen today is very popular for weddings and receptions. A nice break from the bustle of Manila and a juxtaposition where for some the beginning of a new journey and where others end.
You might be interested to explore Rizal Park, Saint Augustine Church, Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago

Paco Market
Current 2011 redesign

A bustling two story market with the first floor in operations at the moment. Lots of small stalls lining the side of the streets.
An assault on the senses and the meat section maybe a bit much for first timers and very reminiscent of the fish market in Dubai.
You might be interested in checking out local fish market at Dubai.

Monday, July 4, 2022

Singapore - To Eat 03July22 (The Line at Shangri-la)

Singapore - To Stay 
Singapore - To Eat

Singapore - To Do

The Line
(at Shangri-la)


A fall from grace. That's probably sums up the experience at The Line. For the premium price that one is going to pay, there are pretty much many options available out there for a gastronomy adventure.
*Staff could not keep up with the onslaught of hungry diners. Oysters and lobsters, the two main stars for the Sunday service only were constantly emptied out leaving diners waiting in long queues or moving to other stations.*
*A delectable spread of desserts.*
*Roast beef and salt baked salmon were average at best and didn't scream creativity or impressive execution especially representing Shangri-la.*
*The rest of the western food section seemed more like kiddy meal offerings*
*Oysters were nice but as shared they couldn't keep up with the ravenous demand.*
Food 3/5
*Probably the only standout was the mutton from the Indian section. The rest were pretty standard fair with the western offerings more like a kids party selection of pizzas and mash potatoes. A wasted opportunity. The shashimi scallops were nice but one needed to know that it was available and only upon request.*
Service 3/5
*The plate build up was pretty rapid and it did take quite a while for staff to clear them. The counter staff were a little abrasive on which cutlery to use when picking out meats and most were pretty much overwhelmed to just put out the food. Sliced shashimi salmon, in the rush, was half sliced and needed to be re-cut.
Ambience 3/5
Value 2/5

*Far better options for the gastronomical asking price of over 115.35sgd/pax for a brunch seating.* 
The overall experience with the family celebration was positive. Thankfully the children aged under five were free of charge else it'd be an even worse outcome.
The Line has fallen from what it was known to be many moons back. If not for in-house guests with complementary breakfast at The Line, won't be returning anytime soon.

Despite the fall from grace of the once legendary Line, the Shari-la playcation was still a positive one and worth a stay-cation. Click here for the full write up!