10 THINGS I LOVE AND MISS ABOUT THE LION CITY

It has been a month since I have had an ultra fabulous vacation in Singapore with my kin and I can’t help but remember the many happy and exciting moments I had with them. It was my first time to travel outside the country so it was like I cannot completely get over with it. The memories kept on flashing back every time I look at the pictures. My expectations were met and in some cases surpassed. Though we had a terrifying moment before departure, the whole trip was generally fulfilling and unforgettable. Speaking of being unforgettable, here are the 10 things I liked and miss about the trip and the Lion City:

10 - The city skyline

Much have been talked about Singapore (the city) than Singapore (the country). It is because of the major developments particularly to it's business districts occupied by towering buildings which could double in a couple of years. Although Singapore cannot compete in the highest buildings category (220 meters is the building code height limit) I still like the charm of the skyline which in my opinion, is best viewed at these places:

AT THE MARINA BAY AREA DURING THE NIGHT

AT THE SANDS SKYPOOL

AND OF COURSE, AT OUR HOTEL ROOM

9 - Changi International Airport

Efficient, huge and clean. We did not have trouble dealing with the immigration officer upon entering compared to what we experienced at the point of origin where some of us were held because of some pathetic reasons by some pathetic officers. Passing through Changi airport was a breeze. And the shuttle service was right there on time waiting for us --that's attention to detail.

THE VERY SPACIOUS ARRIVAL TERMINALS

THE SHUTTLE BUS TO THE HOTEL

8 - THE SHOPPES at Marina Bay Sands
Located just in front of the hotel, THE SHOPPES are a shopper's paradise--at least for those who have something to spend. It is infested with luxurious designer brand outlets, houses fine dining celebrity chef restaurants, a skating rink, specialty and convenience stores, theaters and so much more. Checked in at the hotel at 1pm, explored THE SHOPPES and it ate up the whole afternoon.

ONE OF THE MANY CELEBRITY CHEF OWNED RESTAURANTS.
THIS ONE IS CUT BY THE OSCAR AWARDS CATERER, WOLFGANG PUCK

AND THIS IS MOZZA OSTERIA AND PIZZERIA BY ITALIAN MARIO BATALI

THE SHOPPES HAS 800,000 SQUARE FEET OF RETAIL AND RESTAURANT SPACE
WHICH HOUSES ESTABLISHED AND EMERGING CLOTHING BRANDS

STROLLING AT THE EYE-CATCHING, CONTEMPORARY AND MODERN
SHOPPING MECCA OF THE LION CITY--THE SHOPPES

7 - The "Bread & Breakfast" at the Rise
The place is so alive with people having their morning rituals. And with 6 food stations to choose what to eat from, I had my stomach near to aching at the Rise restaurant. 

HOTEL GUESTS START THEIR DAY AT THE RISE

I HAD A VEGETABLE AND HAM OMELET, BACON, SAUSAGE
AND LOTS OF BREAD

TAKING TIME TO EAT. THOUGH I GOT MYSELF A BOWL OF MUESLI
AND A GLASS OF FRESH ORANGE JUICE AFTERWARDS

THE RISE IS TRULY A PLACE TO BE IN

6 - The $1 ice cream at Orchard Road

Good things come in small and simple packages as they say. And this was true when I saw an old man with a food cart selling an ice cream for one dollar. What's surprising is that the ice cream are in bars packed in a box, equally portioned for a single serving. The ice cream bar sliced, then wrapped in either bread or wafer and you'll be on your way enjoying a delightful dessert treat that's good on the budget!

THE Lesser Known AND THE $1 ICE CREAM

THIS COULD BE SINGAPORE'S VERSION OF THE PHILIPPINES' DIRTY ICE CREAM.
BUT PREPARED AND SOLD IN A MORE HYGIENIC WAY I GUESS

5 - The city's transport system

Singapore has one of the most efficient transport system in Asia. All train stations are connected or linked which means that tourists can roam around the city by just using trains. Do not worry because there are enough directions to show you where to go and they are written in English. The stations are clean, the trains arrive on time and surprisingly there is no person or official that drives it in front. 

NO PUSHING AND BUMPING (and groping) HERE

SINGAPOREANS RELY MOST ON THEIR TRAIN SYSTEM IN GOING
TO WORK AND ELSEWHERE. WHO WOULDN'T IF IT'S
VERY MUCH RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT.

EVEN BUSES ARE CLEAN AND ALSO USES THE SAME CARD
BEING USED IN TRAINS. YOU CAN PAY IN CASH ALSO.

4 - WONDER FULL (a lights and water spectacle)
It literally is wonderful and you get to experience it at no expense. Wonder Full is Marina Bay Sands Hotel's gift to Singapore. It is being shown every night at 8 and 9:30 pm and showcases an interplay of laser lights, LEDs, video projectors and huge water screens to create stunning visual effects. Awesome and WONDER FULL. I was speechless when I got to see it first.

ONE OF THE 3 WATER PROJECTORS AT WONDER FULL

DIFFERENT COLORS OF LIGHTS ARE USED TO ILLUMINATE THE FOUNTAINS.

WE HAD A BLAST

3 - The city's state of order
If there is something that I want my country to have is ORDER and being CLEAN. Singapore is so clean that even if you walk your feet for the whole day, it wouldn't get black contrary to what is likely to happen when you walk it in Manila. No pile of garbage, no traffic, no smoke belchers and nothing but ORDER.

GOOD JOB FOR THE STREET SWEEPERS

ROADS ARE WELL MAINTAINED AND ALWAYS CLEAN

2 - Universal Studios Singapore

Thanks to the money that I have collected from my aunt and my 2 uncles who won decent amount of dollars at the casino--I had extra money and won't have to shell out some which was alloted to buy some souvenirs...et voila I was on my way to the Universal Studios. It was the closest thing to Disneyland so I was really happy to have gone in. Though it was the most tiring day, it was also the most exciting and the most exhilarating. The park was tastefully designed and structured to present different themes and eras. I particularly like the New York Broadway theme and the Ancient Egypt where I rode a high speed indoor roller coaster that left me breathless and gasping for my breath. It was indeed a thrilling ride! Not to be forgotten was the purchase of theme park souvenirs and mementos. But most especially being happy to have spent the day with my cousins and relatives.

WITH THE GANG AT THE UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

The Lesser Known AT A BROADWAY THEATER REPLICA

WE HAD A THRILLING RIDE AT THE MUMMY

BEFORE LEAVING TO BUY SOME MERCHANDISE

GOOF SHOT

1 - The Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Casino

Yes, it was her! Just seeing her looks is magnificent.The thing that I have the most amazement with. Here's why:

THE HOSPITALITY

THE BREATHTAKING SKYPOOL AT THE SKYPARK

THE FOOD

THE CASINO OVERFLOWING WITH SLOT MACHINES, COFFEE, SODAS
AND HOT CHOCOLATE (though I did not win a single dollar at the casino)

THE ROOM....

WITH THE MOST SPECTACULAR VIEW

THE IMPECCABLE INSIDE

THE ALLURING OUTSIDE

Need I say more? 2,500 rooms, SG $8 billion, a one of a kind integrated resort. It's just magnificent, an architectural gem, a marvelous establishment for the most discriminating tourists. The hotel is living up to the expectation, the premier destination in the Lion City.

THIS PICTURE PRETTY MUCH SAYS IT

Till my next post...

The Lesser Known