Hotel Review: The Southbridge Hotel, Singapore

Since ever I revisited Singapore together with Boyfie back in year 2011, from there onwards I keep flying to Singapore at least once every year. Everytime I went Singapore, I prefer to stay in different hotels; whether it's budget or boutique for different experience and exposure. And for my recent trip to Singapore with my mom and two lil brothers, we decided to stay in The Southbridge Hotel, a boutique hotel located strategically right in the colourful Chinatown.

#1: Exterior of the Southbridge Hotel, Singapore

Because there were four of us, we opted for taxi from the airport directly to our hotel. And upon arrival, we were kinda confused where was the check-in counter but luckily enough, we were approached by a kind bartender who showed us the right way for us to check-in. Before we could possible view our expected rooms, a refundable security deposit of SG$200 is required.

#2: The hotel lift signboard

#3: Standard queen room without window, where my mom and I slept here

#4: Deluxe queen room with window, where two of my brothers prefer this room

Initially, we booked two same deluxe queen rooms but when we entered our room, we were shocked that we were given two totally different rooms. The room that my mom and I slept were exceptionally small and it seems to be pretty enough for the bed and nothing else. But because our rooms were next to each other, we didn't bother to request for the change.

The hotel consists more than 40 rooms beautifully appointed guest rooms, many of which include free internet access – wireless (complimentary), toiletries, hair dryer, television LCD/plasma screen, air conditioning and complimentary of drinking water. 

#5: Clean but small bathroom

#6: Basic toiletries but sufficient for our usage

If not taken into account of the size of the room, this hotel is an ideal place of stay for travellers seeking charm, comfort and convenience in Singapore.

Date Stayed: 20 August - 22 August 2014 (2 nights)

Rate We Paid :  RM307.95 per night for a deluxe queen room without breakfast (Booked via Agoda.com)

The Southbridge Hotel Singapore
210 South Bridge Road,
Chinatown / Tiong Bahru,
Singapore 058759.

Travel Tip
There are two directions to get to this hotel:

1) Exit A of MRT Chinatown station, walk straight until end of the street and turn left until you came across Mosque Street.

2) Exit F of MRT Chinatown station.

Disclaimer:
This review is truly based on my own personal experience and is my genuine and honest opinion of this hotel, and that I have no personal or business relationship with this establishment.

Follow me on Twitter | Instagram | Dayre | cause I am currently in Singapore again!

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Bhutan, The Land Of Happiness

Initially my plan to Nepal was just mainly for 8 days only but few months before the trip, one of my friends and I decided to extend our trip and changed our ticket date back to Malaysia. And why we do so? Cause we decided to go Bhutan, one of the country that restricted number of visitors to enter into their royal country. Honestly to say, it's the most expensive country I ever visited where visitor is required to pay minimum daily tariff (USD200-250 per person per night), but by the end of the trip I never regret with my last minute decision to visit this stunning and unique country, in both culturally and enviromentally. Absolutely one of the country should at least visit once in the life (because of this trip, I forgone of buying new compact camera).

#1: From Kathmandu, we flew with Drukair, the official airline of Bhutan to Paro International Airport which took 1 hour and 10 minutes.

In order to get into Bhutan, there are only limited choices; either from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Bangkok (Thailand) and Singapore. And because my friend and I are planning to go Nepal soon, hence we decided to continue and extended our journey to Bhutan. It's like killing two birds using one stone instead.

#2: The first thing I noticed when I reach Bhutan: Just like Thailand, the Drukpas love their king and queen so much. Such a handsome king and beautiful queen.

#3: Tashichho Dzong (Fortress), the administration headquarter of Thimpu.

#4: Buddha Dordenma Statue, world's largest buddha in Bhutan

#5: Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Its combination of goat's head and cow's body. Only can be found in Eastern Himalays.

#6: Last but not least, Tiger's Nest Monastery or known as Paro Taktsang is one of Bhutan's most sacred religious sites. A visit to Bhutan is incomplete without visiting this.

It's not easy to visit this monastery and one have to be reasonably fit. It took more than 5 hours of trekking (we consider quite fast cause initially, our tour guide thought we will take at least 7-8 hours) and I almost gave up on the halfway to this stunning site where it was completely a steep climb and in order to reach to the top, one is required to get through another addition of 700 steps. But then, when figured it out I already in Bhutan, no matter how hard and tough this climb, I shouldn't give up and must keep continue until I reach this monastery. It was really pain in the ass but it's the most rewarding journey and experience in my entire life.

#7: Us with Lotay, our tour organiser who arranged the whole tour perfectly for two of us. 

We were being told that my friend and I are the youngest visitors in Bhutan cause most of the visitors who visit Bhutan were mostly elderly.

That's another sneak peek of my 4D3N trip to The Land of Thunder Peaceful Dragon or locally also known as The Land of Happiness. How I wish I could stay more longer, if not cause of the minimum daily tariff charged. If you plan to go Bhutan, spend at least 4D3N to cover both Paro and Thimpu and if possible, the best to spend 6D5N would be sufficient enough to cover the main spot of Bhutan. And with this, Bhutan is the 30th country I visited so far. 

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Namaste Nepal

#1: Hello Nepal!

And that's means "Hello" in Nepali. Once again, I was away for almost two weeks for another yearly gathering trip with my fellow collegemates. Previously, we went Cambodia and Myanmar together and this time around, we chosen Nepal as another of our travel adventures. For your information, Nepal is the first South Asia country I ever visited, when mostly people started off by visiting India instead. And for the very first time, I assigned my friend to become the tour leader for this trip cause I was too busy with my full-time and freelance jobs. Plus, I was pretty busy with family commitment as well. That's explained why I didn't update my blog so frequently lately.

Here are the sneak peak of what my friends and I did and went in Nepal:


#2: Wandered around Thamel, tourists' mecca in Kathmandu. This is the best place to stay, dining and hunting for souvenirs.

#3: From Kathmandu, we went Chitwan National Park which situated in south central of Nepal. This is the first national park in Nepal and has been listed as World Heritage Site.

#4: Not one but we were lucky spotted two endangered Indian rhino after jungle trekking and elephant jungle ride for almost whole day. One of the experience in my life.

#5: Boating on Phewa Tal Lake of Pokhara

#6: Look ma! I'm paragliding in Nepal. Can't believe I did it

#7: Sightseeing in Kathmandu - Bhaktapur Durbar Square

#8: Last but not least, Boudhanath Stupa, the iconic and symbolic of Nepal

Unfortunately throughout the trip, we didn't manage to get a clear view of the well-known Annapurna and Himalaya mountain view. Guess that's a sign that my friends and I should revisit Nepal for second time, perhaps. But for me, the most important is we had great and fun time being together.

#9: The chicken thigh Nepal gang! We even have our own hashtag #xploreNepal2014 in Instagram

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Foodie Friday: Yoogane Chicken Galbi @ Singapore

I should continue my Siem Reap, Cambodia travelogue right after I back from Australia but I was procrastinating to the max. Oh dear! So many backlog travelogues. 

Date Visited: 20th August 2014

Since ever I came back from South Korea end of March this year, I keep craving for the Korea cuisines I had there, especially jjim dalk, budae jjigae and dak-galbi (Refer photo here). Not just me, but even my mom, sister and her boyfriend as well craving for the hot and scrumptious huge Korean cuisines we had there.

Yes, Kota Kinabalu has quite number of Korean restaurants but not all do served of those dishes I want. But so luckily few days before my mom and I flew off to Singapore, we came across that one of my favourite Korean cuisine restaurants have expanded their business and open new international branch right in Singapore. Now, we don't have to fly so far just to satisfy our craving.

#1: Newly opened Yoogane Singapore is located in Bugis Junction, Singapore 

More than 130 branches in South Korea, Yoogane is popular for their Galbi, a pan-grilled marinated meat with an unique sweet and spicy sauce as the main dish and serve with either Tteokbokki (Korean rice cake), sweet potatoes, fresh vegetables, noodles, rice, cheese and even together with seafood and stir-fried all together on the pan.

As it was newly opened few months ago in Singapore, hence we won't be surprised when we saw the long queue. Because our craving for this cuisine were very strong, we're willing to join the long queue and waited for almost 45 minutes. Like my sister said, "Orang Sabah Mesti Sabar!". In Malay translation, it means Sabahan people must be patient.

#2: Overview of Yoogane restaurant

After patiently waited, finally we're being served to a table for 6 people. Honestly to say, comparing to the outlets I went in Seoul, I don't feel comfortable with the seating arrangement here as they are using bench seats instead chair. For comfort purpose, a table can fit up to maximum of 4 people only. 6 of us need to squeeze in and there is no more room for us to move around. Luckily their air-conditioners are working well and services were pretty fast too.

#3: Korean Banana Milk - Taste so-so only

Browsing through their menu, each of the galbi dish must be served for minimum of two person. Means two person can only order one dish, instead of choosing two. Plus, the portion is quite huge for two person. Don't be silly to order two different of galbi dishes for two people cause trust me, you and your partner would definitely couldn't finish all. Since there were 6 of us, we ordered 3 different of galbi dishes.

#4: Yoogane Octopus & Chicken Galbi (S$18.90)

#5: Added with Ramyeon Noodles (Additional of S$3.90)

#6: My favourite: Marinated Chicken Galbi Fried Rice Topped with Cheese (S$14.90)

By the end of the day, we're pretty satisfied with the taste of the galbi served in Singapore and it almost the same as the one we had in Seoul. But somehow, few of my family members can't bear the level of spiciness and it is advisable to inform the staff to reduce the amount of the spicy sauce. 

There even have free flow salad bar serving kimchi, pickles and sliced cabbages and you can take as many as you want. Price wise, like what we expected it was indeed expensive and almost double the price than the one in South Korea. However, we were glad that our craving has finally well-satisfied and if someday I return back to Singapore, I don't mind going back for this once again, only if the queue won't be that long. 

Yoogane Singapore
200 Victoria Street,
Bugis Junction, #02-47/48

Opening Hours: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

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Siem Reap, Cambodia (2013) Day 2: Angkor Wat at Sunrise

Date Visited: 2nd March 2013

On the second day of our Siem Reap trip, we woke up as early as 4am, before the sun appeared. Luckily for us, Cambodia time is 1 hour behind our Malaysia time and technically we had to wake up and be ready before 6am Malaysia time. Our driver was ready earlier and picked us from the guest house for the main highlight of this trip, none other than the sunrise at Angkor Wat.

Tip Before Going To Angkor Wat

Despite how rush you are especially when you wake up late in such an early hour, make sure you bring along your Temple Pass before heading out or else, it will waste your time to go back to your lodging again and take your temple pass. Worst to worst, there would be possibility you might miss the sunrise.

Once we arrived the destination, it was really dark. Using our smartphone, we turned on the flashlight to lead us into Angkor Wat. Just when we thought we were the earliest one, we were so surprised there are almost hundred of tourists gathered before us. Almost all of them prepared and ready positioned their camera to get the best shot for the sunrise. Therefore, I would advise you to be there by 4.30am Cambodia time, at least.

Waited for more than an hour, here's the time that everybody waited for;

#1: Sunrise at the world heritage of Angkor Wat with the reflection of the entire temples

Honestly speaking, it's not easy to take the above shot cause beside being short, everyone was holding their camera so high up. Thanks to a friendly Caucasian who was eventually standing in front of me, he gave his best spot for me. 

#2: Group photo. Credit to Kming

#3: Local kid with selling postcard for US$1 only. So young but he can speak different kind of languages; English, Mandarin and even Japanese and Korean.

Right after we done with the sunrise shooting, we spent few hours ventured around Angkor Wat.

#4: Aspara and devata statues are characteristic of the Angkor Wat style

#5: 

#6: Part of Angkor Wat structures

#7: One director, two photographers and two actors. "Lights, Camera, Action!"


#8: Final glimpse of Angkor Wat before leaving 

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Siem Reap, Cambodia (2013) Day 1: First Day in Siem Reap

Date Visited: 1st March 2013

Since ever my collegemates and I graduated 6 years ago, we always wanna have a gathering trip but it's not easy anyway cause sometimes it's difficult for us to find the suitable date for us to gather for a trip. Finally, like finally we managed to arrange our hectic schedule for a gathering trip and for my part, I managed to secured airtickets to Siem Reap, Cambodia for 7 people, at least. Although not many of my collegemates able to join this, but at least I managed to gather few of us. And here we are to the "Kingdom of Wonders".

The flight to Siem Reap from Kuala Lumpur was as early at 6:50 am. As usual, I reached LCCT one night before the actual flight as I had to fly over from Kota Kinabalu. Two flights in a row was extremely tired and exhausted but I can't wait for our adventures around Siem Reap. The journey took almost 2 hours and finally we reached the destination we've been waiting for almost a year.

#1: Siem Reap International Airport, second largest airport in Cambodia and its modern architecture is based on the traditional Khmer style.

#2: Welcome to the Kingdom of Wonders signboard

Once we got out from the arrival hall, we were greeted by a friendly local driver which we hired directly from the guest house we reserved. His name is Sao Titan and we called him, Sao. He is very good in speaking English and he always told us many kind of jokes, including some dirty jokes as well. He dropped us in our guest house before starting our tour at 5pm of their local time. By the way, Cambodia time is 1 hour behind our Malaysia time.

#3: MotherHome Guesthouse

We booked 4 rooms and three rooms were ready by the time we reached. We even allowed to check-in earlier. More review of this guest house will be in the next upcoming post.

Once we done with everything, we went out for lunch hunting. Can't wait to explore more of Siem Reap city.

#4: Motordop which commonly known as tuk-tuk

#5: KFC? Perhaps next time

#6: We settled down in a small eatery which served most on local foods - especially Khmer dishes. 

[Clockwise from left: Fried Rice Loklak, Rice with Chicken, Coconut shake, Angkor Premium Beer (local beer) and Bread Omelet with Vegetables]

#7: From there, we took tuk-tuk to Old Market for another souvenirs hunting. So many things can be found here - fridge magnets, keychains, T-shirts, handicraft and silks which are incredibly cheap.

Right at 5pm of local time, Sao, our driver picked us up from guest house to purchase the 3 Days Temple Pass.

#8: For more info about the temple pass, refer above.

#9: Paid directly and on the spot, they will snap photo of you directly. Must keep this pass properly cause any time, they will do investigation or checking before entry to certain temples.

Done with passes, we went to Phnom Bakheng for sunset viewing.

#10: What a long queue before can go up to Phnom Bakheng

#11: Before back to the guest house, we requested Sao to drop us at Art Center Night Market which similar to Old Market but its only open during the night time.

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Hotel Review: The Everly Putrajaya Hotel

The reason why I didn't update my blog for almost two weeks is not because I was travelling or busy but I was too lazy and procrastination most of the time. Prefer spending my time with my family and Boyfie instead.

Date Stayed: 8th June - 12th June 2014

I was in Putrajaya last few months for Girl Guides National event and the event was held in The Everly Hotel Putrajaya. We even stayed in this hotel throughout the 5 days and 4 nights event. This hotel is quite well-known by the worldwide cause this is where the families and relatives of the passengers of the missing MH370 airplane gathered here.

#1: Situated in Precinct 1, The Everly Hotel Putrajaya is connected to the Alamanda Shopping Centre making this hotel absolutely an excellent and strategic location. 

Travelled alone by myself, I took taxi once I got off from Putrajaya & Cyberjaya KLIA Transit Station and when I thought that the travel distance would be less than 5 minutes, I was completely wrong. The journey took more than 10 minutes.

#2: Gracefully designed lobby with plenty of seats for the value guests

By looking at the lobby, I know that I can't wait to look at the hotel room. Funny thing about this hotel was there are two lifts, one directly to all the rooms whereas the other one to the function hall and most guests, including me got confused right after the check-in procedures. I guess, the hotel need to train their staffs properly on how to assist and give clear direction to the guests.

#3: Colourful and well-designed deluxe room twin sharing furnished with comfort carpet

This spacious and cozy room is equipped with Wireless Internet access, LCD television, coffee and tea maker, ironing facilities, mini refrigerator, hairdryer and in-room safe. The room given to us was directly facing the view of Alamanda Shopping Centre .

#4: Not just leisure, perfectly for the business group of people for them to keep track and do their work.

#5: I personally love the couch area with plenty of cushions. 

#6: Hand towels, bath towels and basic toiletries are available in the spacious and moderate clean bathroom.

#7: As our room comes with complimentary breakfast, this was where we had our hearty breakfast every morning in Fuze Restaurant which located on the ground floor.

Comparing to the rest of the hotels I stayed before, honestly to say the breakfast provided here was much more better which comes with plenty of selection from Asian to Western meals. For Asian, one morning with nasi lemak, fried noodles and so on and the other morning served roti canai. As for Western, they served sausages, ham, toast, red beans and more.

#8: Swimming pool with the Putrajaya lake view

Overall, I was indeed enjoyed my stay here and whenever there were break time between the event, I just spend my time staying in the room instead of going to the nearby shopping complex. So comfortable that I don't even feel like wanna go back home at that period of time.  

The Everly Putrajaya Hotel 

No. 1, Jalan Alamanda 2,

Precinct 1, Putrajaya, 

62000 Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia.

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