Postscript: Marina Bay Esplanade, Singapore

We visited Marina Bay on the second day of our Singapore getaway.  I purposely didn’t include this itinerary in my past entry simply because I thought I got too many shots to share.that would need exclusive posting.  Unfortunately though, my lappy crashed then I learned that the hard disk has to be replaced.  It goes to say that all the documents stored in it will be irretrievable including the tons of photos I had saved. Good thing I was able to upload some in the net before it crashed and few I  was able to snatched from the big kiddos albums.

Anyway, we scheduled our visit to Marina Bay late in the afternoon so as to catch sight of the place in both daytime and nighttime.  We first looked for the Merlion Park, where the popular icon is located.  We walked from end to end around the bay looking for the famous icon but we were haplessly disappointed to find that the Lion mermaid was enclosed by the makeshift Five Star Merlion Hotel. We were so disheartened to have made a visit on the wrong time! What we saw was just the tail of the famous statue underneath the hotel.  We had to content ourselves with the new small version of it raised on a nearby park.

Overall, Marina Bay is undeniably  breathtaking and mesmerizing!  Located around the vicinity were the Durian like Esplanade Auditorium,  numerous skyscrapers which include Fullerton Hotel and the most prominent of them all, the Marina Bay Sands and SkyPark.  So marvelous by daytime and utterly awesome by night. Striking lights and water show starts as soon as it gets dark.  Beam rays of dazzling colors hit the sky from the towering SkyPark to various directions.  It is spectacularly captivating as it blends with all the other colorful lights around the promenade. I can only wish we had more time to stay on such splendid place overnight!

We were supposed to try the Singapore Flyer located in a distance despite the price being a little expensive (which includes meal).. However I was surprised when daughter backed out and chose not to push through the acrophobic ride. I only learned the reason why when we reached Marina Bay Mall. She asked me to pay for her shopped items insinuating  that she helped me saved a lot from that expensive ride.  Ha ha.. wise decision in a way!


Vigorously walking,  looking for the Merlion Icon/Park.


Stopping by the Marina Bay Sands Shoppes and watched this unique fountain.


The Merlion Icon we were looking for but didn't see.. (photo not mine)

 
...Because the Lion mermaid is now enthroned inside the red painted
Marlion Hotel. (photo not mine.)


A closer look on the hotel encasing the famous landmark.


 
 The interior of the Merlion Hotel. (photo not mine)


Marina Bay Sands at the start of its lights show. Singapore Flyer on the left.


Blending of colorful lights and water.


Getting one last glimpse on the awesome Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Skypark.
(Photo taken from our taxi on the way to the airport.)

Finally, this ends my journal on our Singapore escapade.  Thanks for taking time to read!

Have a good start of the week everyone!

Singapore Day 4: Orchard Road, Suntec, Airport

It’s kind of melancholic to face the day knowing that it’s gonna be the last day to relish the wonderful place that is Singapore!  How quick 4days/3nights were!  We spent the few hours left strolling down the shopping area of Orchard Road and Suntec City.  The kiddos got themselves some shirts, caps and other personal stuff.  Guess what I picked for myself?  Guess!  Yes, a  Guess handbag it is! I found it in OG Orchard.  This department store show cases lots of high end brands of shoes and bags but I had to ignore  Otherwise,  I’ll resort to using my credit cards. Ha ha..! That’s what I’ve been proud of myself this time.  I didn’t use my cards even when I was very much tempted to.  Well, I may not have ransacked the shopping malls but I’m very glad that I won’t be expecting any credit card bills coming next billing month. What a relief for hubby! Lol!

Suntec City:  Our first destination for the day.

Daughter posing infront of the Singapore Visitor's Center

Along with other foreigners trekking Orchard Road.

For our lunch, we went back to the Hawker’s Centre near our hotel and I had my last taste of their superb Roast duck rice. 

 

My fave meal in Hwkers Centre near our hotel.

This black bird stayed  near our table for a long while.

After the satisfying meal, we had enough time to rest at our hotel's lounge before proceeding to the airport.

Daughter while waiting for our taxi that would bring us to the airport.

Singapore Airport's Budget Terminal (Ain't the name discriminating? Lol!)

Our McDonald's Snack at the Airport.

Checking-in our Luggage.

No boring 3 hour  flight  when you have these to munch.

 Thank you Singapore for the lovely memories!  

Singapore Getaway: Day 1

We left Centennial 3 Airport at 6:00am. It was a smooth 3 hour flight and reached Singapore Changi Airport by 9:00am. We were met by a friend of my son at the airport who is permanently based there. She led us to our hotel’s location and kind enough to have guided us to the nearby shopping centers in Orchard Road.  Our check-in time at the Supreme Hotel was yet at 2:00pm.  We thought we had to wait and rest at the lobby but luckily, the front desk clerk of the hotel is a Pinay and very accommodating.  She allowed us to proceed to our room.  Thus, we were able to take a rest before we had our first Singapore lunch.

Got so excited seeing this sign for the first time.

By noon, we freshened up ourselves and went out to look for a place to lunch.  Didn’t know that our hotel was that close to Orchard Road’s shopping area.  It was really nice to be a stone’s throw away from that famous place. As we waited for our turn to cross the street going to Orchard Central, I noticed the sidewalk  beams  with people of various nationalities, Chinese', Koreans, Westerners, Blacks, Indians, Pinoys and other Asians who somehow look similar to each other.  One good thing that I liked was that I didn’t feel any racial discrimination unlike in Hongkong wherein, I felt every Filipinas seen by the Hong Kong nationals are regarded as their housemaids.  Sigh!  (Now, I blame this to the Philippine Government. This is another topic to discuss though.)

Orchard Central Food Court

 

Son, his friend , yours truly, daughter and her friend.

 After lunch, we headed back to our hotel, took a rest then proceeded to explore Singapore on our own. With map on hand, we took the MRT from Dhoby Ghaut.  Getting our MRT tickets from a machine was a bit intriguing but the big kiddos got accustomed to it after a try or two.  They even helped other first timer foreigners on how to use the machine.  Great feeling for them I’m sure! Ha ha..

Daughter on our way to. MRT Station at the basement of this Shopping Mall, The Atrium.

At the MRT ticket machine.

Chinatown was the first place of interest we visited by MRT.  We arrived at the place at around 6pm but looks like it was only 4pm since the sun’s rays was still intense.  The place abounds with interesting low-priced goodies and souvenirs, likewise with restos and eateries that serve authentic Chinese dishes that I so loved.  As we walked around, we saw one Hindu temple that caught our attention with its intricate adornments and statues.  Foot wears were left by the temple’s doorway along the street with no one attending to them. Fascinating!  Shameful to admit though, you can’t do that here in the Philippines!! I’m sure you know why! Blush!

You'll never get lost with this big sign board.

The three big kiddos in Chinatown.

The Chinatown Food Street.

Seafood Rice.

Pork Sate.

Beef noodles.

Noodles with mongo sprouts.

The Hindu Temple.

We always passed by this big Mall every time we took the MRT.

 Going back to the hotel, the MRT station was like in rush hour here in Manila. Only, no pushing was happening.  We were back to our hotel by 10pm which was like it was only 8pm.

A full packed MRT car.

Our modest hotel room.

That's our exhilarating first day in Singapore. More coming up!
Thanks so much for your precious time. Have a great new week ahead!

Back from our Singapore trip

I missed my laptop and my blogger buddies!  I decided not to bring my lappy with me since my personal porter didn't come along. Lol!  I’m still taking a rest from our tiring short vacation.  It’s been an extremely enjoyable trip for the 3 big kiddos and me. Four days were too short for us.  I wished we had longer time of stay, unfortunately though, it’s just not possible for us.

Can’t help falling in love with SG!  Will share some photos soon.  

Thanks everyone for the visit.  Have a great day!