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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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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The Colourful Chinatown of Singapore

Date Visited: 18th December 2012

Been to Singapore quite few times but most of the times, I rather spent my time visited the amusement and theme parks, zoo, shopping streets and so on. Not until when I saw someone shared a photo of Chinatown of Singapore in Instagram, then I realised this is another spot not to be missed by anyone, especially when one had visited most Chinatown all over the world. Oh boy, why didn't I realise it earlier but then, it's not too late for me to visit right? 

#1: It's so convenient and easy to travel to Chinatown with Singapore's extensive and great public transport system

#2: Colourful restored and well-preserved shophouses

Just when I thought this old street will only be decorated with red lanterns during the Chinese New Year Celebration and guess what, I was lucky enough eventhough they weren't decorated as many during the happening celebration but they were few still around and almost completely enough for me for doing my photoshooting activities. I was there few days before the Christmas during my visit there.

#3: Even the windows are painted uniquely

Unlike most of the typical Chinatown I've been to like in London, Manchester, Melbourne, Bangkok and even the one in Kuala Lumpur, the atmosphere here is totally different from the rest and the best thing was it is the cleanest one and less crowded. It even has excellent free public WiFi covering the whole street of Chinatown. So now you know where to go if you want to stay connected with your beloved friends and family.

#4: The street of Chinatown

Besides rich in history, archicture and culture, this is an ideal place for those who are looking for eclectic, impressive and colourful photoshooting spot. If you see clearly the photo, the guy in green shirt was making a video of this bustle and vibrant street. The whole shophouses were painted in variety in different colours of which pastal is most dominant. Without noticing the time, I spent almost two hours here completely for phototaking only - no shopping, no eating and no toilet break at all.

#5: Each shophouse carries its own character and you won't spot any repetitive colour and style at all

#6: Another row of the shophouses

#7: Chinese prefers red cause it believes brings good luck and its auspicious colour.

#8: Chinatown view from the above

Chinatown is commonly known by tourists and travellers for its cheap shopping and one of the best place for  local foods, although there are lots of small alleys for you to discover and explore which one is the best. My family and I didn't have the time to find the local foods there cause most of them prefer to have McD instead. McD is has been part of our stampler foods whenever we travel, it's really hard for us to run away from that. But in case you don't know where to get the cheap souvenirs in Singapore especially the typical type such as fridge magnets, keychains, T-shirt and so on, here is the place to go. There are even few shops selling gold and jade jewellery, fine silks and antiques.  

#9: Good news for TinTin fans cause you can find your collection here

#10: Fridge magnets, mugs, shot glasses, T-shirts, postcards, luggage tags and more but no doubt, majority are made from China. Don't be surprised cause after all, you are in Chinatown 

#11: Yes, Singapore has really strict laws by the way

How To Get To Chinatown of Singapore
Exit A (Pagoda Street) of North-East MRT line's Chinatown station

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Hotel Review: Hotel 81 Dickson of Singapore

Because I travelled in a big group back in year 2012 for my family trip, it's not easy to find those lodging that suit our budget and preferences especially when travel to Singapore where most of the lodging could cost us a bomb. Hostel will definitely not in my list as I tagged along two middle aged ladies with me and I'm pretty sure, it will definitely not so convenient for them to stay. After searched high and low, my family and I agreed to book our stay in Hotel 81 Dickson.

#1: Hotel 81 Dickson located in heart of Little India street.

Hotel 81 is a chain of budgeted hotels and they have like more than 20 over hotels located in the city centre, Geylang, Joo Chiat, Lavender and more. For the one we pick, Hotel 81 Dickson is strategically situated right in the middle of Little India and it was just few minutes walk to the hustle and bustle of Bugis Street.

#2: The front desk staffs who were so friendly and helpful. No hassle upon check-in and it was fast and smooth.

#3: The huge and spacious lobby with the enchanted chandelier

#4: We booked two triple rooms

I always thought most of the budgeted hotels in Singapore were so small and limited in term of space but for this, it made me awed once I stepped into the room. It's not like the room was completely huge and spacious but at least we still could easily moved around eventhough we had plenty of luggage bags and shopping bags as well. My mom and aunt could even did catwalk with their newly bought clothes inside the room.


#5: Eventhough it was just a minimal decoration but it has all the basic necessities such as LCD Plasma TV, kettle, hair dryer and most importantly, free WiFi Connection. It's sufficient enough to satisfy me as long as I can keep in touch with my boyfie back in Malaysia.

#6: Another important part of the hotel room besides bed which is the clean bathroom. Everything is pretty fine but it would be best for them to have the shower curtain cause everytime we bathed, it makes the whole bathroom wet.

#7: Coffee and tea maker with complimentary bottle waters

Location wise, it's few minutes walk to Bugis Street and Sim Lim Square, the preferred shopping mall for electronics but for the nearest MRT, it takes about 10 minutes to walk from the hotel. In case you are travelling with older people, maybe it's a bit difficult for them to walk so far. Our room rate didn't include the breakfast but restaurants and shopping options aplenty.

Date Stayed: 17 December - 20 December 2012 (3 nights)

Rate We Paid :  RM460.50 per night for triple room (Booked via Agoda.com)

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. 

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4D3N Singapore Trip with Boyfie (2011)

Here is the compilation for all the post relating to my trip to Singapore last year for 4 days and 3 nights. 

Day 1 (26th September 2011)

- JetStar, Clarke Quay & The Fullerton Hotel








Day 2 (27th September 2011)

- Universal Studio Singapore

- Fruits Paradise Cafe in VivoCity Shopping Mall

Day 3 (28th September 2011

- Singapore Zoo

- MOS Burger in Ang Mo Kio Town Centre & Bugis Street

Day 4 (29th September 2011)
 

- Merlion Park, Orchard Road & Changi International Airport

Extra Features

• 2011 Singapore Trip (Sneak Peek)
• Accommodation: V Hotel Lavender 
• Travel Haul & Expenses 

So, this post concludes the final travelogue of my Singapore 2011 trip. Next, will be Jakarta & Bandung, Indonesia travelogue. Wait! Or maybe continue with my 2008 UK & Europe trip which I had been abandoned for quite some times. Too many travel, too much travelogue to blog about!

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My Travel Haul & Expenses of Singapore (2011)

Unlike the other previous trips of mine, you might came across where I tends to shop a lots especially in terms of souvenirs and foods. But for my Singapore trip, my aims was just to visit all those attractions which I missed out from my previous Singapore trip. Plus, I just shopped a lot from Seoul & Jeju Island, South Korea which I just back less than 3 weeks before flew off to Singapore.

Here is my travel haul from Singapore:

Left photo: Keychains and fridge magnets from Universal Studio Singapore and Singapore Zoo.
Right photo: T-shirt from Universal Studio Singapore.

And this is my sharing of the full details of my travel expenses that Boyfie and I had spend throughout the 4 days and 3 nights trip around Singapore. [All except the one I marked with * are the expenses incurred by two persons.]

(The rate as at the time I changed; RM2.47 : S$1)


NOTE:

1. For seats selection. Afraid from sitting too far away from Boyfie eventhough it was just an hour flight.
2. Stayed for 3 nights. For more information about this hotel, click HERE.
3. EZ Link Card costs $12 for the first time being which included $5 for non-refundable and the remaining value of $7 for own use. We topped up another $10 in case we might travel more than that.
4. The original admission fee is S$68 but because my sister's boyfriend is Singaporean, hence we bought for S$52.80 per pax only. 
5. We just took the package for Singapore Zoo itself only. You can even save on your admission ticket by taking the Park Hopper Special package.
6. Exactly what I spend as the photo above.
7. My sister and I bought and shared this birthday present specially for our mom. Definitely not for myself. 

Looks like I had overspend especially in terms of the accommodation but once in a while, I also like to pamper myself staying in the comfort boutique hotels as long as it still within my flexible budget. After all, I'm a flashpacker, not a backpacker.

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Singapore Day 4 - Merlion Park, Orchard Road & Changi Airport

Date of Visited: 29th September 2011

Finally, my Singapore short trip almost comes to its end. Spending 4 days at Singapore with Boyfie might seems pretty short but I think it would be relatively enough for me since I'd been to Singapore quite number of times. Perhaps, I might going there again, soon. *wink wink*

Talking on my final day to there last year, our flight had been delayed from 5 pm to 10 pm, therefore we had plenty of time before seriously bid goodbye to this Lion city. After done with all the check-out procedures in V Hotel Lavender and we were allowed to left our light luggage in their open storage, Boyfie and I went and visited those few famous landmarks of Singapore. 

#1: Merlion

Obviously one of the famous landmarks that shouldn't miss by every visitor when visiting Singapore would be none other than Merlion Park. I guess most of you who had been to Singapore must be familiar with this well-known of tourist icon that has the combination of mythical creature with the head of lion and the body of fish.

"How To Get To Merlion Park: Get off at Raffles Place MRT station on East West Line. Exit towards United Overseas Bank Plaza and from the middle of the plaza, you'll see the Fullerton Hotel. Merlion Park is just right behind it."

#2: Esplanade Theater and river taxi.

On the other side of Merlion Park which near to the mouth of Singapore River, we saw Esplanade Theater, a building that commonly known by the local as "the durians". It features a concert hall and a theatre. And if you want to experience in a different approach of sightseeing, you could opt for the river taxi.

#3: Art Science Museum (left) and Marina Bay Sands (right)

One of the latest grand building which can be seen from Merlion Park is the Marina Bay Sands. What I know about this building is the infinity edge swimming pool. Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort features thousands of luxury room hotel, casino, ice-skating rink, a museum, seven prominent of celebrity chef restaurants and more. One of my friend stayed at there before, after she won quite amount of money from betting in casino. How I wish I could stay here someday? (cross fingers). Boyfie and I didn't managed to visit Marina Bay Sands cause we plan to make a move to our next desired destination. 

"If you plan to visit and see Marina Bay Sands, heading to Marina Bay MRT station on North South Line and 4 minutes of walking from the station to the resort."

#4: The two-metre tall cub statue standing behind the original statue.

#5: Everytime I went Singapore, for sure I will buy this ice-cream that sandwich between two pieces of waffle biscuits and it still cost S$1.00, exactly the same amount I bought 6 years ago.

#6: The Fullerton Hotel

This is the second photo of Fullerton Hotel I took. For the first photo, I took it during at night time. Check out HERE. 

#7: Colourful sculpture in front of ION Orchard

Next, we're heading to Orchard Road via MRT. Once we came out from the high-end shopping mall by the name of ION Orchard, we spotted these group of colourful sculpture standing on the stairs of ION Orchard. This is the main reason why I wanna go to Orchard Road. Many people visit Orchard Road to fulfill their satisfaction towards their shopaholic addiction but for me, I went Orchard Road cause of these colourful statues. Sounds so wrong, right? Well, eventually I also wanna hunting for the newly opened H&M outlet at there but seems that luck is not on my side. I'm fine with that anyway cause I could save my wallet from blooding. We sat on the bench somewhere around Orchard Road to see the rich and famous passing by us.

"How To Go To Orchard Road: Orchard MRT station on North South MRT line"

 Boyfie suggested that we should depart to airport earlier to confirm the delayed of our flight. So, we went back to our hotel to claim back our light luggage, then heading directly to the airport via MRT. Getting around Singapore with the MRT is really making everything pretty convenient. That's why, I rather to stay in the hotel that might be costly but convenient for us to travel around the city. 

Both Boyfie and I were stranded in the Changi International Airport for more than 5 hours after confirmed that our flight indeed has delayed. Although I brought my notebook along but unfortunately, no free access of WiFi. Only the last few hours, I found there are computers that can use for free and comes with Internet too which were placed beside the KFC on the first floor of Terminal 1. #facepalm 

#8: Our dinner (Wanton noodle soup and Starbucks) before flying as there is no meals included in our airfare. Alike almost all the international airports, the foods in Changi International Airport is quite pricey. Well, no surprise for me cause I used to it.

#9: Discover Singapore - A Gift Shop

So, that's all for my travel adventures and journey on the last day in Singapore last year. Although four days trip were pretty fast and short, but travel with Boyfie is what I always looking forward. Boyfie is the type that doesn't like travelling but throughout this trip, he did a lot of walking which he never did before back in Kota Kinabalu. I guess he must be damn tiring and exhausted for walking a lot but he never complaint at all. Thanks a lot to Boyfie for the company throughout this short but sweet trip. 

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Singapore Day 3 - MOS Burger & Bugis Street

Date of Visited: 28th September 2011

Wandered around halfway of Singapore Zoo, I realised I lost sight of my sister and her boyfriend. I never expected that the zoo itself is incredibly huge. I did tried to call my sister but then no signal at all. Looks like we're really in the tropical rainforest instead. Since the day is getting dawn, I had no choice but to leave earlier cause the distance from the zoo back to my hotel is quite far away compare from where my sister is staying in Singapore. We were waiting for the bus services that we took earlier but it was totally full and had to wait for another half an hour. So, both Boyfie and I asked the staff whether is there any public bus that we can take to the nearest train station. Luckily there was this bus with the number 138 came right after we were being informed that it will take us to the nearest train station which is the Ang Mo Kio station.

The bus number 138 has numerous stopby before reach Ang Mo Kio Town Centre, which means the journey from the zoo took almost an hour. Ang Mo Kio Town Centre seems to be another bustling city of Singapore and there are many neighbourhood nearby. The town is well served by a multi-modal public transport system such as two MRT stations and bus terminal.

 #1: MOS Burger

Before we took MRT back to our hotel, I spotted MOS Burger in one of the shopping mall nearby and we had again our late lunch there. Tried MOS burger in Taiwan before and I'm craving for more since it is not available in Malaysia. Malaysia, why you don't MOS burger?

 #2: Bugis Station

From Ang Mo Kio, we went to Bugis Street since the day was still young. My sister did told me about Bugis Street before and suggested to take a look at there before leaving Singapore.

Bugis Street appeared to be the largest street shopping location in Singapore with an array of hundreds of small stores selling from assorted of foods to all kinds of clothes, accessories, shoes, handbags, souvenirs and more. In short, it's similar to "pasar malam" (night market). Like I did mentioned before in few of my posts, when comes to night market, it's where I couldn't help myself from ventured around.

#3: It's so crowded that I barely took out my camera and snap photos. So my photos of Bugis Street are quite limited.

#4: $10 for a long dress? Well, I still think quite expensive if we convert back to Malaysia.

 #5: Colourful souvenirs

But my eyes were sparkling when seeing souvenirs like keychains and fridge magnets. I'm not sure whether souvenirs are much more cheaper in Bugis Street or the Chinatown. If you been both of these places and know the price range of these souvenirs, please share with my by comment at below box. Thank you. 

 #6: Assorted of fridge magnets

I almost wanna grab all but Boyfie stopped me from doing so. But at the end, I didn't bought any of them cause my mom did bought few from our previous visit to Singapore.

#7: I ♥ Bugis Street

And because I am type of person who dislike going to pub, bar and clubbing during the night, hence I always love to check out some of the cities' night market. Bugis Street, one of the nightlife you shouldn't miss out if visiting Singapore. Next time if I'm going Bugis Street again, I will make sure go there with empty tummy to fill with all the "small eats" or finger foods.

That's conclude the third night of my short trip to Singapore. 

How To Get To Bugis Street

Bugis Station (EW12) on East West Line and follow the crowd when come out from the station.

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