Monday, October 26, 2020

Singapore - To Do 25Oct20 Keppel Marina East "The Other Marina Barrage"

Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant
(KMEDP) open 8am-9pm
The Other, more "exclusive" Marina Barrage
Free to Enter
The KMEDP is a beautiful open space similar to that of the Marina Barrage but due to its accessibility (about800-1km from nearest car park), it is often overlooked and less frequented. It however provides for a more intimate and tranquil picnic location with a nice view of the city-scape. 


Please note that no pets and no Kite-Flying as its along the flight path of Paya Lebar. There's a nice concrete section that's well lit. The rest of the areas gets pretty dark once night fall, so suggest to either come with portable lights or finish one's picnic earlier. No washroom facilities were sighted within the vicinity.
Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant 1 Marina East Drive, Singapore 029996
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Sunday, October 18, 2020

Singapore - To Do 17Oct20 (Atlas Bar at Parkview Square A.K.A Batman Building)

Atlas Bar at Parkview Square
A.K.A Batman Building
140m from Bugis MRT Station
Parkview Square, known by locals as the Batman Building apparently houses the largest gin collection in Asia. Primarily offices, the beautiful architecture at the lobby resonates the 60/70s Grand Gatsby look. 

 

"Apparently 5years back Atlas Bar used to have
a fairy 'fly' up to get your gin bottle."
The grounds have a mix collection of sculptures that don't necessarily go with each other or the theme. However the Atlas bar and its decor is absolutely captivating and worth to pop in just to take a sneak look at this uniquely built building.
Atlas reminded me of Zedel in London which was unassuming at ground level but hid a grand design on the inside.
Click here for Atlas Bar 600 North Bridge Rd, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778
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Singapore - To Do 16Oct20 (Singapore Flyer)

Singapore Flyer & F1 race track
16Oct20
650m from Promenade MRT Station
SGD32/Adult
Free for Kids under 3years old
Click here for latest details on Singapore Flyer Attractions
Singapore Flyer has a height of 165m and was the world tallest until taken over by another in Las Vegas. It's still the tallest in Asia. There are pretty comprehensive info-graphics to explain a little more of the flyer prior the ride.
 
Really enjoyable 30min ride with fantastic views of the city especially with the setting sun if you can time it just right.
The iconic F1 track is worth checking out after for nice pre/post ride pics and the scenic waterfront view. 

Overall, a really good experience that should be tried at least once. The exclusive cabin (Max 5) during this period, panoramic views and adding a walk on the F1 track by the promenade made for a nice late afternoon activity. There are dining options below the Flyer as well but due to Covid, many stalls were closed.

Night View on 24thApri23
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Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Singapore - To Do 11Oct20 (Labrador Park)

Labrador Park
11Oct20
450m from Labrador MRT Station
Labrador Park located to the southern most tip of Singapore and is known for its scenic coastal stretch as well as historical hiking trail with WW2 Relics. We only had the opportunity to do enjoy the stroller friendly coastal route for the view and breeze.
Free parking is available near the park grounds and be ready for mosquito patches and wild life sightings if doing the hike within this nature reserve. There's a wash room facility centrally located within the park grounds.
The jetty wasn't as picturesque as anticipated and in fact personally Lower Seletar Reservoir's piers were livelier with activity.

Nice coastal view with sand pit playgrounds at either end. Its like East Coast Park but on a more condensed scale. Spent a good 2hrs plus there at a leisurely pace with playgrounds and change in scenery to add some variety. Will try exploring the historical hike trail on another visit.
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Saturday, October 10, 2020

Singapore - To Stay - 5-7Oct20 (Oasia Hotel Downtown)

Oasia Hotel Downtown
5-7Oct20
SGD230/night++ (1King size bed, no charge for baby cot)

Oasia Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Tanjong Pagar Mrt which in itself has a myriad of countless eateries and night life activities to partake in.
*View from our room*
The facilities were adequate for our needs. The room was a little cozy but the roof top pool though not as impressive as that of Marina Bay Sands was pleasant.
Pros
- Chinatown, Maxwell Market, loads of high end and affordable local delight eats (Tong Ah Coffee Shop/ Tanjong Pagar Market) in and around the area are accesible within walking distance.
Maxwell foodmart
Tong Ah Eating House
*Tong Ah Eating House Known for their old school coffee shop serving home made kaya crispy toast. The best cuppa of coffe had for the trip that we ordered two!*
- Close Proximity to Tanjong Pagar MRT Station. 1Min walk.
- If you drive its Free parking and you're allowed multiple entries and exits which makes staycation very convienient. 

Cons
- Wifi isn't quick enough to stream youtube seemlessly on the television. Pauses intermittantly but still bearable. 
- Water temperature in the shower is inconsistant and doesn't hold set temperature.
- Long 1min round about drive to get to parking located on the 4th floor. 

Overall a great location to really get to explore things near and around the area. Though the room is a little tight, the local eateries and restaurants around the area make up for it and is sure to meet the array of pallets and wallets. The free parking is a huge help to have the hotel as a base to move from location to location. Staff were pleasant, friendly and helpful in making the stay enjoyable.
Click here for ABBAlocation of Oasia Hotel 100 Peck Seah St, Singapore 079333

Itenary for our visit.
Day1
- Marina Barrage (Click for full writeup)
- Lunch at Maxwell Market

- Afternoonswim
- Dinner at Oso Itallian located on top floor of Oasia Hotel

 (Excellent food and cheeseboard)
- View of Pinnacle @ Duxton (Click for full writeup)
Day2
- Morning walk about
- Breakfast at Old School Tong Ah Coffee Shop
- Walk about at Haji Street Area (Click for full writeup)

- Coffee at Famous Bhai Sarbat around
Haji Street area (Featured on Japan TV/Magazines)

- Second and probably last Afternoon Swim
- Dinner at Clark Quay and checking out the place

Day3
- Breakfast at Tanjong Pagar Market
- Failed attempt at seeing Bukit Timah Railway Track

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Singapore - To Do 5-7Oct20 Oasia Staycation visits (Marina Barrage, Pinacle@Duxton, Haji Lane)

Singapore - To Stay
Singapore - To Eat
Singapore - To Do

Singapore - To Do
Marina Barrage
Free to enter
The Marina Barrage is the country's 15th reservoir with a massive 10000 hectare (18687 football fields size) catchment area. 
*Getting that 'Insta-worthy' post*

*taken 09Jan22*
The place offers both recreational and some educational displays. Primarily the place has an impressive rooftop lawn, popular for kite flying, and views of the city, especially so when firework displays are on-going.
 
Pinnacle@Duxton
SGD$6/pax charge to get access to the
panoramic rooftop on the 50th floor
The vision of late Mr Lee. The Pinnacle@Duxton (1848Units total) holds the titles of world's tallest public housing development and longest (500m) sky gardens. The 50th story sky garden is accessible 9am-9pm daily at a $6 charge per pax.  
 *View of the old in the foreground and new at the back*
*View from older HDB on the 27th floor*
The view is spectacular and would love to see it during the day. Old vs New HDB(Housing Development Board) blocks. Pinnacle@Duxton is no doubt an iconic building from every angle, in and around the Tanjong Pagar area. 
 
Haji Lane

Free to roam around and view of the National Mosque

Excellent, free outdoor viewing gallery of beautifully decorated buildings, murals and street art. Haji lane has the greatest concentration of these art works, but that's not to say the rest of the area is void of other art works and great eats. 

Explore the various alley ways to get a sense of local street art and vibe. This place is still where many go to purchase Arab-Muslim foodstuff and merchandise.
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