A week in SIN - Two hotels and a free flow Veuve Sunday Brunch

[amaroo]

Do they do delivery? :mrgreen:

I always loved variety in SIN.. with the exception.. Woke up one morning, after a huge night.. missed the breakfast.. Turned on the TV.. There it was.. Maccas delivered.. within 20 mins, but the IC in Bugis was not so impressed, I had to come to the entrance to collect it!
Fair deal.. I thought.
The Roti Prata is always my favoured choice in SIN, amongst too many delicacies.

ROFL.......must have been a first for the IC!

Seeing you don't usually drink, as I recall, that will be either nearly impossible... or very easy indeed!!

Sounds good.....nice and easy on the pocket

Loves the TR! Jotting down some things to do when we are there too

Thanks for the comment. Stay tuned - highlight of the trip is just around the corner......and of course, more great food.

 

[amaroo]

I will admit that when SWMBO suggested that we go & see Gardens by the Bay Gardens by the Bay - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia my shoulders dropped, the eyes rolled & the head went searching for the hands It was so far off my radar of things to do , I just wanted to scream Nooooooooo ........anyway, we went.

To my great surprise - I LOVED IT!

Amazing, spectacular, beautiful! Like a good bottle of wine....it's only going to get better with age. When the vines & plants completely cover the metal structures it will look just like Avatar's Pandora Singapore's Gardens by the Bay | Photos | Review

Located behind the MBS - it has great views of the bay & beyond. We arrived by taxi & approached the info deck & a lovely lady efficiently advised the best way to tackle this 250 acre monster.

Her advice in order of viewing:-

1. Buggy ride around the gardens to get a scope of the size
2. Flower Dome
3. Cloud Forest
4. Supertree Grove & Skyway

The buggy was a great idea as it allows you to get a good feel for the place. Next stop - Flower Dome

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Wiki start - The Flower Dome is the larger of the two, at 1.2 hectares (3.0 acres). It replicates a mild, dry climate and features plants found in the Mediterranean and other semi-arid tropical regions (e.g. parts of Australia, South America, South Africa). This includes some very notable trees from these regions such as the Monkey puzzle tree, very mature Olive trees, Canary Island Date Palm, Baobab trees, Chilean Wine Palm, Wollemi Pine and a few more.
A changing display field has also been incorporated to enable flower shows and displays to be held within the conservatory. Wiki end
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I could fill 10 pages with photos....

Here are some that I hope will allow you to get a feel for this amazing place.













They had some crazy looking things growing in this dome.

 

[jetlagger]

Gorgeous photos..

 

[amaroo]

Next.....Cloud Forest.

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Wiki start - The Cloud Forest is slightly smaller at 0.8 hectares (2.0 acres). It replicates the cool moist conditions found in tropical mountain regions between 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) and 3,000 metres (9,800 ft) above sea level, found in South-East Asia, Middle- and South America. It features a 42-metre (138 ft) "Cloud Mountain", accessible by an elevator, and visitors will be able to descend the mountain via a circular path where a 35-metre (115 ft) waterfall provides visitors with refreshing cool air. The entry level contains plants from the lower regions, foothills and includes numerous ferns, orchids, rare conifers, camelias. The sub level (named the "secret garden") contains plants from ravines and tree ferns from New Zealand. The "cloud mountain" itself is an intricate structure completely clad in epiphytes such as orchids, ferns, peacock ferns, spike- and clubmosses, bromeliads andanthuriums. At the top is found the "lost world" with pitcher plants, fly-traps and orchids as well as a single Keteleeria. Wiki End
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The fall is the first thing you see & hear when entering the dome......then the drop in temperature hits you. Catch a lift up to the top & it's a walk down to the bottom.

 

[amaroo]

On to the Supertrees and Skywalk.

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Wiki Start - Supertrees are tree-like structures that dominate the Gardens' landscape with heights that range between 25 metres (82 ft) and 50 metres (160 ft). They are vertical gardens that perform a multitude of functions, which include planting, shading and working as environmental engines for the gardens.
The Supertrees are home to enclaves of unique and exotic ferns, vines, orchids and also a vast collection of bromeliads such as Tillandsia, amongst other plants. They are fitted with environmental technologies that mimic the ecological function of trees – photovoltaic cells that harness solar energy which can be used for some of the functions of the Supertrees, such as lighting, just like how trees photosynthesize; and collection of rainwater for use in irrigation and fountain displays, exactly like how trees absorb rainwater for growth. The Supertrees also serve air intake and exhaust functions as part of the conservatories' cooling systems.
There is an elevated walkway, the OCBC Skyway, between two of the larger Supertrees for visitors to enjoy a breathtaking aerial view of the Gardens. A food and beverage outlet is planned atop the 50-metre (160 ft) Supertree. At night, the Supertrees come alive with a light and music show called the OCBC Garden Rhapsody. Wiki End
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The dome on the left is the Flower Dome & the one you can just make out on the right is Cloud Forest.




When the vines, etc have fully covered these structures - it's going to look really cool










The Skywalk......great views.





Really enjoyed GBTB & it will be fantastic to see how it changes over the years.

 

[Major]

The cloud forest was the part I enjoyed the most. Little orchids everywhere

 

[amaroo]

Gorgeous photos..

Cheers....some of those were taken on a Galaxy S3:shock:

The cloud forest was the part I enjoyed the most. Little orchids everywhere

Just brilliant. How long ago was your visit? Has the growth been noticeable?

EDIT - just realised how that read!

How about - have you noticed much growth in the foliage since your visit?

 

[amaroo]

Tonight we're eating Peranakan style at Blue Ginger The Blue Ginger Restaurant



Kueh Pie Tee - Shredded bamboo shoots & turnips garnished with shrimp in tee cups




Otak Otak - Fishcake with turmeric and lime leaves enriched with galangal, chilli, candlenuts & shrimp paste




Ngo Heong Rolls of minced pork and prawns seasoned with five-spice powder wrapped and fried to crispy golden brown



Beef Rendang - in rich coconut milk spiced with ginger, lemongrass, lime leaves and a dash of curry powder




Ayam Panggang "Blue Ginger" Grilled deboned chicken thigh and drum stick flavoured with coconut milk rich in exotic spices

 

[amaroo]

Udang Masak Assam Gulai- Tiger prawns simmered in spicy tamarind flavoured with lemon grass




Steamed Sea Bass in ginger & soy sauce





Fantastic meal - in a great setting

Back to the hotel for our last evening drinks in SIN .....for a little while anyway








Not too late for a hot tub....

 

[Kangarucci]

Thank you so much for the TR. I have been drooling over the food cough and have added Singapore to my "to visit" list.

 

[Inver]

A very enjoyable TR, thank you so much for sharing amaroo!

 

[Pollywaffle]

Thanks for taking the time to write your report. I've really enjoyed reading it.

Do your kids eat everything you do? At that age I can see myself refusing a lot of it. LOL

 

[Major]

Cheers....some of those were taken on a Galaxy S3:shock:




Just brilliant. How long ago was your visit? Has the growth been noticeable?

EDIT - just realised how that read!

How about - have you noticed much growth in the foliage since your visit?

I'm glad you clarified that....we were there in Nov and there doesn't appear to be much more growth, but it won't take much for the plants to really take off

 

[amaroo]

Thank you so much for the TR. I have been drooling over the food cough and have added Singapore to my "to visit" list.

Thanks. Yes, the food was yummy....one more food session to go! Will post tomorrow & finish this TR.

A very enjoyable TR, thank you so much for sharing amaroo!

Thank you for taking the time to post. Glad you like it

Thanks for taking the time to write your report. I've really enjoyed reading it.

Do your kids eat everything you do? At that age I can see myself refusing a lot of it. LOL

Cheers

Yes, the kids eat everything we do!

I have a few nieces, nephews & know other kids that are fussy eaters. I'm a firm believer in teaching the kids that food is much more than just a meal. The kids are well travelled & have seen first hand & understand that many people go without.

I really enjoy introducing new things to the kids, they are not always willing participants however, they will always give it a go......before lodging a complaint. I don't force anything down their throat, but make it clear we are having this for B'fast/lunch/dinner & it's their choice not to eat however, there is no alternative before the next meal. We're not total meanies - they get their fair share of kid food.

I have a few friends that talk about their family trips & complain that they had to eat at some global chain while traveling through places like Spain IMHO food makes up at least 50% of the enjoyment of travel.

Our kids have grown up with a range of different cuisines & happily ate everything presented to them on this trip.

I'm glad you clarified that....we were there in Nov and there doesn't appear to be much more growth, but it won't take much for the plants to really take off

hahaha, it did read funny:shock: Agreed, the plants will devour everything pretty quickly.......Day of the Triffids style.

 

[amaroo]

Last day in SIN....flying to SYD tonight on QF6 & like a few others that the new QF lounge opening date has been delayed......more on that later.

Another lovely breakfast under the belt we head for the National Museum of Singapore National Museum of Singapore the Singapore History Gallery is very informative & worth a visit......also liked Living Galleries - Food The museum is in a grand old building with modern influences.....very reasonable priced and worth a look.

Lunch! On the last day of every SIN trip we always have lunch at the same place - Lei Garden, Chijmes Chijmes Lei Garden Restaurant_LEI GARDEN RESTAURANT GROUP love this place - we have enjoyed many great meals over the past 10 odd years.


Roast pork belly




Crispy Shrimp Rolls



Pork in sweet & sour sauce




Spicy Dumplings - yummy




Irish razor (bamboo) Clam in garlic and shallot sauce

 

[amaroo]

Crispy skin duck




Soft shell crab....yummy




Special fried rice with scallop




For the fans of Deadliest Catch....one of their finest!




An outstanding meal!

Waddle over to Raffles City for some last minute purchases & it's back to FBH for a relaxing swim & one last beer in the pool Late check-out (4pm) fully utilised & we catch a maxi-cab out to SIN.....not bad value at SGD$50.

 

[Inver]

Incredible thanks for the foodgasm. I have never seen bamboo clams before. I'm happy you're instilling into your kids the appreciation in eating a great diversity of food and to at least try things once. Hopefully in the future I can do the same with my young son.

 

[wazza888]

Stop this immediately. I'm salivating just at the presentation. LOL

 

[markis10]

Great trip report, good to see what I may have missed as I was planning to be in Singapore over Easter before last minute changes, still Plent of the year left and I do have a conference in June to explore.

 

[amaroo]

Quick ride to the airport & we were being serviced by the premium desk in no time. Quick dash back outside for the tax refund paperwork & we were through immigration. Over to the second tax counter for some $$ that SIN doesn't really need from us!

Up the escalator where a QF agent was in position in an attempt to console passengers after informing them that the new QF lounge isn't opening anytime soon Sometime next week & a gentle shove over to the BA lounge was about it.

I queried about gaining access to the EK lounge & was flatly told - CL, WP1, F only. As the date was the 4th April I asked again.....no, was the feedback. As the family was giving me looks - we entered the BA lounge.

While the family was happily ensconced in the lounge.......I was perplexed that the EK lounge was off limits.....contrary to the QF website. Anyway, after much fun & some excellent assistance by the magic of live feed from AFF - in particular Sickeningthud & markis10 we were granted access to the EK lounge.....it's fair to say that the wife was livid with my lounge quest - it took awhile to get back in the good books:shock:

If you would like to see more - http://www.australianfrequentflyer....gram/singapore-qf-ba-lounge-new-46301-10.html starting from post 389

The EK lounge wasn't that impressive & I had to concede that staying in the BA was preferable....although, they do have a better view


Quite & caramel




Nice view




The lady taking us to SYD




QF6 SIN-SYD
Economy 38 D/E/G/F

I took a punt & selected bulkhead bassinet seats.....lucky for us it paid off. Plenty of legroom & not bad as whY seats go.





Interesting flight, witnessed a DYKWIA moment from a gentleman sitting behind me. Crew was handing out water bottles.....he asked for two....crew advised they would be happy to come back with any spares once they ensure everyone on board receives one. Not good enough for this tosser & he starts complaining about lack of service....FA explains very politely, again......bloke now wants a glass of water....FA replies yes, but after we finish the water run....tosser then goes off! Senior FA comes down & takes over. During the flight the CSM approaches the man, apologises for the crew behaviour & then gifts him two items from the duty free catalogue

During the middle of the flight a small medical scene from 38A.....CSM arrives & does a quick medical check and calms the person down. Upon arrival into SYD we are told to stay seated....soon a lone quarantine/customs? agent approaches 38A & asks a series of questions.....everything is deemed to be satisfactory & we are allowed to disembark.

All the action happens down the back:-|


One last food shot





Soon enough we are sitting in the J lounge waiting for QF510.

It was a great trip & hopefully the TR has been a benefit to some members.

Hope you have enjoyed the TR.

Cheers
Cameron