Friday, May 24, 2024

Singapore - To Do 22May24 (Kusu Island)

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

Kusu Island
Getting to Kusu Island
Basically there are two operators from what we saw. 

You may also be interested in The Maritime Museum (click to find out more) which is also located at Marina South Pier.
- Public Parking at the jetty itself is very limited. Better to park else where and train to Marina South Pier. The train station and Pier are located in the same area.
- Prices vary from online to buying at the vendor. SGD10-16 bucks ranging. (Seems there's even room for negotiation.)
- There doesn't seem to be a quota on tickets and the first boat went out at 9am. We purchased on a public holiday 20mins before first departure.
- 90% of the passengers get off at the much larger Saint John's island before hitting Kusu island.


*Enjoying the boat ride to Kusu*


*Great views of various ships along the way*
Kusu Island is special for its sacred sites, including a Chinese temple and Malay shrines, which attract pilgrims seeking blessings, making it a popular spot for both spiritual and leisure visits.
*Da Bogong Temple (The Merchant God)*
*Turtle Sanctuary*
*The Kusu Kramats - At the top of a small 152steps stand three
Kramats or holy Shrine of the Malay saints.*
Available on the island are a toilet and outdoor shower facilities. Pretty much, its a slice of island life, to space to enjoy the quiet, a little exploration and small time hiking. The island is very much smaller as compared to the Saint John.


*Easy to walk with large rock formations and iconic Singapore skyline in the background.*
Two hours was sufficient timing (pretty much when you get off till the next boat arrives) to just enjoy the island with a view of Singapore in the backdrop and beautiful waters. Loads of little sheltered huts were provided for perfect picnic enclaves and a much enjoyable and quaint experience.
Its the journey not the destination. Getting to see the huge ships around Singapore's coast. A great half day out experience. 9am boat out and 12.15pm boat back after a leisurely lunch. Will check out St John's some other time.
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Tuesday, May 14, 2024

New York - To Do (13May24 Governor's Island)

New York - To Do
New York - To Eat

NYC - To Do
 Governor's Island
Governors Island, originally established as a colonial militia base in 1755, evolved into a significant military hub for the U.S. Army and Coast Guard. It held this status for over two centuries, making it one of the nation's longest-operating military installations until it ceased operations in 1996. 

- Getting across takes 15mins.
- Boats comes every half hourly. Check the timings.
- Free on weekends and for military. A round trip charge is USD5 for Adults. Tickets are very easily purchased via Ticket Kiosks.
 
*Like half of the place is under renovation. Haha*

The place was featured on various platform as an off the beaten path attraction, known for its cycling and views of Manhattan. There was a steady flow of people coming in and out and after walking the grounds, its probably more of a family day out.

A place that's away from the hustle and bustle of city life, a great location for picnics, lots of open spaces with food trucks and dining establishments to have a meal away from the metropolis which is Manhattan island. A cool junkyard playground, perfect for the kids.
Its like going to Pulau Ubin with more fancy eats and large open spaces. The island itself isn't very well maintained with many of the empty buildings giving off, abandoned Changi Hospital vibes.

Probably check the place out for an alternate experience after the renovations. 

For a more interesting island hop, I'd recommend the Rooservelt Island over Governor's Island. Over at Rooservelt, you get to ride the iconic Cable car as well as views of the Pepsi Cola sign, the United Nations Building and Abandoned small pox turned cat sanctuary building.
*Taken from Governor's Island*
For also great views of Manhattan and a closer views of the statue of liberty, then the Staten Island Ferry is a free and iconic must.

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New York - To Eat 13May25 (Hole In The Wall, Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃 )

New York - To Do
New York - To Eat

NYC - To Eat
 Check out our Instagram #abbatravel @ABBATRAVELS
Hole in The Wall

Access isn't as indicated via google maps but on a street down via cliff street. The place seems very popular and pretty much filled up 30mins after opening at 8.30am.
Ordered On:
13May24

Pulled Pork Benedict USD22
*One of the most moist one enjoyed*
Apple Crumble Oatmeal USD15
*Unique Dish really. It was weird that they incorporated parsley into the dish.*
Wild Mushroom Toast USD19
*Simple good ingredients.*

Latte x 1 USD5.25 and Chai Tea x2 USD5.50
*Coffee and Tea could be served hotter and Chai Tea more strongly spiced.*
Food 3/5
Service 3/5
Ambience 3.5/5
Value 3/5
Total Fed 3  at USD31.48 after taxes and tip.
Only if in the area and wanting some nice cafe vibes with good ingredient usage. Good but not mind blowing great to make a special trip here.
Click here for ABBA location of Hole in The Wall. Entrance is Via Cliff Street.
 
 Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃
(Chain establishment)
(600m from 911 Memorial Pools)
Hitting the big time after being featured by the late Anthony Bourdain. Xi'an Famous Foods has popped up over various places and finally getting the chance to try this joint.
Click here for ABBA location of Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃
*Sitting is shared and pretty limited in this small joint*
Ordered On:
14May24
Ordered their iconic hand pulled noodles with Lamb and shared half a lamb bun.

Fed 2 USD18.25/each for noodles and shared bun to try.
Food 3.5/5
Service na
Ambience 3.5/5
*Nice, clean and sheltered from the elements.*
Value 4/5
I would summarize it as Mala light. The lamb cuts spice and cook are reminiscent of meat from kebab stalls. Three different spice levels with the basic spice level being enough to get you building up a decent sweat. The noodles are hands down fantastic but overall a little on the oily side. Would recommend the soup version instead. As for their iconic bun, it feels it lack seasoning and could use more sauce. A bun is pretty plain actually.

Will go if in the mood for some Mala light flavors. I can sense the strong appeal towards this popular chain! Medium is enough to get the sweat going and you can always add more with table side condiments.
Click here for ABBA location of Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃
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Friday, May 3, 2024

Singapore - To Do (31Mar24 Sentosa Sensroy Scape , 01May24 Sentosa Ola Beach Club)

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

Sentosa OLA Beach club

Our first time doing a Beach club. There is a minimum spend of SGD50/adult on weekends and public holidays.

The great thing about this place is the easy access to the beaches. Just a short hop over the ropes and you're there. (May not be with other Beach clubs)

With the entry bands, you have access to nice seated sheltered tables for pretty decent eats. The shower facilities are really nice, clean and the service was bang on. A great, positive experience for the whole family.
Ordered On 
01May24

Food 3/5
*Food was alright. The Carbonara needed some salt. The fish and chips and nuggets were pretty standard. The burgers too.*
Service 4/5
*Quick to clear the plates as well as deliver on requests.
Great staff working at Ola on that day.*
Ambience 4/5
*Sun, sand, shade and sea. Nice tables and utensils with a self service cold water dispenser. What more can you ask.*
Value 3.5/5
Given the nice atmosphere, fresh water pool as well as access to nice shower amenities and lockers, will return for another more fancy day at the beach. Visiting Ola's probably even better for evening visits as the interactive projections are located right in front of the beach club. FYI there's no swimming allowed in the beach beyond 7pm.
*Projection are when night falls*
Click here for ABBA Location of Ola Beach Club

You might be interested in these fun activities or alternative beaches in Sentosa.
Click below for more info on the various Free to see attractions Sentosa has to offer.
- Siloso beach and digital projection with cable car rides.
- Fort Siloso historical hiking trail and view.
- Check out Palawan Beach for their giant Troll sculptures by Danish artist, Thomas Dambo
- Pet Friendly Tanjong Beach for a different vibe.
- Mount Imbiah Nature Trail

Sentosa Sensory Scape
31Mar24
There are a few different pods. To get the full experience, download their App so that you can enjoy the augmented reality.
A fun maybe 30-60mins maybe exploration.
ABBATip
- Light-ups start about 7.45pm. There's fireworks from the Wing Of Time Water Show at about 8pm. If you time it right you get to view some free small time fireworks as well.
- Bring a change for the young ones. The mist area well get your clothes completely soaked when inside for prolonged periods of time. The kids really enjoyed it.
The whole Sensory is very walk-able from end to end and takes about 10mins. Try to check it out in the day and then the night to enjoy the space differently. Its significantly more engaging when the lights comes on. 
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