A Quick Trip to S.E.A. Aquarium and DTF's Xiao Long Bao for Dinner!

We got out as early as 5:00pm from Universal Studios Singapore as the park closed early that day due to a private event to be held that night. 7 hours is just not enough for USS that day as it rained from time to time so some rides were closed for awhile while we’re in line. But at least, we were able to cover all the best rides in the park.

After USS, we headed to S.E.A. Aquarium. By the way, we already bought our tickets online days before through AsiaTravel. They have discounted tickets and bundled tickets that could help you save more. You just have to print the voucher as there are designated areas near the chosen attraction, for claiming of the actual ticket. As for USS and S.E.A. Aquarium, the AsiaTravel booth is located at the basement parking, just take the escalator near the globe.

S.E.A. Aquarium is also located in Sentosa Island, just across the USS globe. Before you get inside, you’ll get to pass an exhibit showcasing some cultural pieces from various countries. I can’t exactly remember what the exhibit is for as we only rushed pass through it.

S.E.A. Aquarium is said to be the biggest one in Asia which houses a large collection of sea creatures, from manta rays and sharks to the smallest colorful sea creatures you’ll love to bits. The whole area was very spacious which probably could accommodate busloads of tourists. But if you don’t like crowds, opt to go here around 5pm as there’s only a reasonable amount of visitors during our time of visit.

Basically, this is a place full of aquariums in various shapes and sizes. There are digital boards available that could give a bit of info regarding the species. I read that there’s also a dolphin show but I guess they have an early time schedule for that. Just check in advance if you’re expecting to see that. And as always, you could take pictures but camera flashes are not allowed.    

The open ocean habitat is, for me, the highlight of S.E.A. Aquarium. A large glass viewing panel is situated in an open space area where you could sit on the floor, perfect time to rest your tired feet.

Honestly, I still prefer Ocean Park in Hong Kong, maybe because of the fact that they have penguins there. Haha! We finished touring the place in 1.5 hours.

How cool is this jellyfish!

Jellyfish is now one of my favorites!

For dinner, we dined at Din Tai Fung which is also just nearby S.E.A. and USS. It was already 8pm and their waiting list is still on the roll. They gave us a number and we waited it to be flashed outside which took us about 30 mins before we got our table. They also have this paper with their menu where you just tick off what you would like to have. We handed this back to them while we are in line so we only waited for about 5 mins for the food to arrive as we got seated.

They also have pictures to help you in choosing.

Hot tea is immediately served once you're in the table just like in other Chinese restaurants. The tea is free but a glass of water is not, they charge SGD .50 for one.  It was a busy Saturday night so you have to put some effort in getting the server's attention when you need something as they are busy taking orders and serving meals. Also, be mindful of what you ordered as they might forget to serve one of it and still be charged after. We are already in the middle of the meal and our shrimp and pork dumpling was still not in our table, so we did a follow up and had it served in less than a minute. Just remind them when it already seems too long.

When in Din Tai Fung, never ever forget to try their famous Xiao Long Bao! If you're like me that can't stand anything hot, poke a small hole first to let some steam off. It was definitely a feast in your mouth, with the tasty soup and meat. Perfect!

Steamed Pork Dumplings

Fried Rice with Shrimp and Eggs - S$12.80

THE Xiao Long Bao (starts at S$8 for 8 pcs.)

Everything was definitely good as expected in a Michelin rated restaurant like Din Tai Fung. Each order arrived fresh and hot. There's also a kitchen window where you can see how they prepare and cook the food which is a perfect proof of freshness.

Crispy Golden Prawn Pancake - S$8

Fried Rice with Pork Chop - S$11.80

For a group of 4, we spent less than SGD 80 all in all for six dishes to share which is just enough to satisfy our hunger. Not bad. Prices are still subject to 10% service charge and 7% GST.

10 points to ponder while staying at Plaza Alemania in Iligan City

Just got back from Iligan and CDO. It was my first time being in Mindanao and it doesn't seem that bad as what the news portrays them to be. It was such a nice experience to see the other end side of the Philippines and its nature's glory. We stayed 4 days in CDO and moved afterwards to Iligan, also a part of our work.

Iligan City is a part of Lanao del Norte which is in the Northern part of Mindanao. From CDO it takes about 1 to 2 hours travel time depending if you're using a private car or public transportation. Bus from CDO to Iligan is available at Bulua Terminal (Super Five) with the earliest departure at 4am and the latest would be at 8:30pm.

Upon arriving at Iligan City, we first headed off to the place we would be staying for 4 days. Hello Plaza Alemania! As what I've noticed, proper hotels is not usual here in Iligan. I've only seen some dorms/bedspacer/hostel around so I think Plaza Alemania would be the only choice for a hotel kind of accomodation. Though there's one nearby that seems like a small hotel operated by the HRM department of a university according to my friend, though I forgot to ask if it's open for public.

Honestly, I wasn't supposed to write about my stay here because I might just sound like a whiner or a hater. Haha! But no I'm not, promise. I just decided to do one for the benefit of those who wants to know what the place looks like. So here's a rundown on how our stay was:

For the first day, I stayed at their Onyx room (photo above) with a rate of 1,700Php/night if you choose to have a plated breakfast (which I suggest you forgo). There was a mix up on reservation, which is completely not the hotel's fault, so I transferred again the next day to my original room. Coral room which is for one person only costs 850Php w/breakfast.

Coral Room

Onyx room (more spacious)

#1.  Front desk personnel was a bit disoriented. I don't know if she doesn't understand Tagalog that much but nonetheless, anyone who mans the frontdesk should know how to communicate effectively and try not to look like a lost one. Or ok, maybe she's just new, let's just her the benefit of the doubt. Though on the following day, talking to that same front desk girl on night shift had been easier. It's a good point that she remembered that I would change room so the transaction was a breeze. I just hope she'll improve herself in the long tun because it seems like it's not the right job for her.

#2. I was assigned at rm 516 the first day. The "5" in the room # doesn't correspond to the floor. If your room # starts at 5, you're on the 4th floor of this hotel. No biggie, just sharing :)

#3 No personal mini fridge in both room. Same goes for the Ruby room that my colleagues booked. Their website states that they have one, they should have been clear on what specific room type has it.

#4. BRING YOUR OWN TOILETRIES. Most often than not, I only bring my own toothbrush and toothpaste because I'm all good with the soap and shampoo that the hotel provides. See, I'm not choosy. Haha. But don't get me wrong, Plaza Alemania provides a guest kit but it just doesn't look right...

     

A soap which is a bit larger than a coin and a shampoo sachet that looks odd with chinese characters in it.

#5. They also provide you a mug, 3in1 coffee, glass, electronic kettle and a complimetary bottle of water (but there is no ref so yes, you drink that bottle of water in room temp.) in your room.

#6. Softness of bed is so-so. Blanket is just one piece of linen on top of the bed. No comforter or even just a thicker blanket.

#7. No remote for aircon, you just manually adjust it. It's not positioned that high but still you need some height to reach that knob.

#8. Cleanliness, people. CLEANLINESS. I happen to catch a glimpse of a small cockroach strolling above the desk in my first room. So better if you don't leave your food packs open in your room most especially on the desk. I left my box of Morcon inside the plastic bag above the desk and bam! when I returned, red ants were coming out of it. PEST CONTROL please???

#9. Room is equipped with cable TV that has 15 channels but most of the time, only 2-4 channels work. Grainy resolution. Most of the time, only the local channels work plus CNN. So I was atleast saved from the loneliness in the room.

#10. 1st day breakfast was a bit crazy. Got up in their rooftop restaurant before 7am and there were only 2 other customers and us 3. We took a seat first and waited to be handed a menu or at least be instructed on how the hotel breakfast works. But then, it doesn't work like that. We just went up to the counter as soon as we saw one guest approached the only server that time. It was already past 7am when more people started to arrive and there is still only one person in the counter listing the orders, poor guy. As far as I remember, we were advised upon check in that breakfast starts at 6:30am but we were then told by the guy who was already flooded with breakfast orders that the chef is just starting to cook the meals when almost all of the guests are already in there. So much for timeliness. They serve plated breakfast with 3 choices though they do accept crossovers (i.e. rice instead of toast for american breakfast) with a choice of 3in1 coffee or hot milo. On the 3rd day, we had our breakfast past 8am and only a few guests where there. I guess, they just opted to have it delivered to their room, which is a better choice. I asked my colleagues to order for me in advance so when I went up the food arrived just a few minutes after. This time, they were already able to manage it and redeem themselves. There's already a server who will ask for what you need and will refill your glass of water without asking. Each plated breakfast costs 195Php which is added to your room rate if you opted to have one. But honestly, it wasn't even near that worth. Avail the hotel breakfast if you have all the time in the world and doesn't have any plans for the morning, or else skip it.

So that's basically how everything turned out during our stay. Plaza Alemania is beside the main street so it's very easy to hail a jeep going around the city or you could also chance upon a taxi somewhere on the street at the back of the hotel. Shoppe24, a convenience store, is a 10min. walk from the hotel where you can buy your snacks or toiletries. There's also a bakery at the other side of the street, for a light snack. A lot of eateries are also just steps away like a barbeque house that looks like a favorite in the area. Gaisano mall is one jeep away but it's really not .

From what others said, Plaza Alemania is the most decent one around town if you're looking for a hotel. I guess they just need a revamp most especially their bathroom, please lang. 

What to do and where to go when in Bangkok!

It's been more than a year since my last trip abroad and you won't know how itchy my feet was to go places last year. 2013 had been a busy year for me, a lot of decisions to be made that I chose to just settle down for a while. A lot happened so atleast I was preoccupied for the rest of the year. And here comes 2014, I know it's already past half of the year and I almost lost track of the days due to work. But last July, we heard about the upcoming Travel Madness Expo to be held at SMX and good thing one of my college friend was game to go with me anywhere, being this would be her first trip abroad. And fast forward to the present, I got my 1st trip abroad for the year and 1st trip outside the country without my mom with me. We decided to choose BKK as I've always raved about how cheap shopping is over there. haha!

This would alreadybe my third time in BKK and honestly, I wouldn't get tired of it. I love this city, I love the nice people and i love how the shopaholic in me comes out whenever I'm here. Haha! This was a spontaneous trip with only one month of planning but nonetheless fun, because this was my first trip out of the country without my family. Next goal would be a solo trip abroad *fingers crossed*.

I was, as always, in charge of our trip itinerary and hotel bookings. Honestly, I'm already having thoughts on being a travel agent. Haha! I've always been the one who's in charge with all those past family trips and all the time they give positive feedbacks on how "sulit" our trip was and how I seem to be always ready wherever we go. So feel free to contact me for future bookings. I do give discounts. Kidding. Haha.

Hello Bangkok!

This trip consisted of 70% shopping and 30% sightseeing. And as always, we stayed in my favorite place which is the Pratunam area for more chances of shopping. Haha! Sightseeing part consisted mostly of the usual tourist spots as this is the first international trip of my friend and staying true to my duty as a good tour guide, we just had to take that tourist path but in a "local" way  :)

Here's a rundown of places we went to during our short 3day trip in BKK with some tips and tricks you could use:

1. Pratunam and Chatuchak Weekend Market

One day is not just enough to scour all the shopping streets centers in this area. A comfy shoes and large shopping bag is a must when you go here for ease in shopping. It will also help if you wear leggings so you can try on those shorts or pants before you buy because the measurements are hard to tell especially when they say its large but in reality it will only fit those small to medium frames. Tape measure will also be a good choice to bring as some of the vendors won't let you try on before buying.

We weren't able to go to Platinum Mall because as I've said, the streets of Pratunam market is more than enough for those bargain buyers out there. Yes, you don't usually read the Pratunam market on some travel blogs as they mostly suggest MBK or Platinum Mall or the famous Chatuchak market. I don't know why, but honestly if you're looking for bargain shopping, go straight to Pratunam street market. You'll be amazed. Shopaholics on a budget will go crazy. Trust me :)  But if you're in for some unique finds and it's you first time in BKK, you may go try the Chatuchak weekend market but make sure it's your last as you'll be bidding goodbye to your tired feet after.. Haha.

The Chatuchak Market last 2012

Chatuchak can really make you sweat buckets, and more. Don't forget to bring water and umbrella. A lot of refreshments and eateries are also available in the middle part of the market.

2. Grand Palace / Wat Pho

Ticket to enter the Grand Palace is 500baht and they are open from 8:30am to 3:30pm. It is highly recommended to bring umbrellas as this requires long walks for the area is so big, it would at least take you 2-3 hrs to see everything. The admission fee includes 3 attractions: Museum, Grand Palace and Vimanmek Mansion which we didn't able to go to because it's located in another area. Be sure also to follow the proper dress code. They strictly check it in the entrance, if you're not in the proper attire, they will let you rent a sarong/cloth with deposit fee of 200baht. Make sure you don't lose your receipt and present it with your rented garment when you get back to make sure you get your deposit fee back.

 

Proper dress code. Yes, even tight/skinny jeans and leggings are NOT ALLOWED.

After Grand Palace, Wat Pho is just a 15-20min walk from there. just walk along the white walls of the Grand Palace on the side facing the river and straight ahead you'll reach Wat Pho (it is located near Tha Tien (N8) boat station). Here in Wat Pho is where you can see the famous huge reclining buddha. Entrance fee costs 100Baht inclusive of free bottled water. Why not.

108 bronze bowls will be seen in the corridor indicating the 108 auspicious characters of Buddha. It is believed that it will bring you good fortune if you get to drop coins on each of these pots. In cae you don't have enough coins, you may have it changed in the counters outside. Nevertheless, this would also help the monks in maintaining the Wat.

How to go to Grand Palace/Wat Pho:

If you're coming from Pratunam and you are a group of 3-4, you may just take a taxi as it would be cheaper though taking the MRT and ferry is still an experience to have for first timers. 

From Ratchaprarop station we took the train going to Phaya Thai, from there we bought train tickets (42baht) going to Saphan Taksin. Take the train heading to Bearing and get off at Siam interchange station (second station) to take the train heading to Bang Wa, and the sixth station will be Saphan Taksin. When you reach Saphan Taksin station, most probably than not, you will see most of the people going to the direction of the boat station. Go downstairs and you will see the Chao Phraya River waiting for you. 

Fare is 15baht and you will pay on board so it helps if you would have the exact amount ready. Grand Palace is located at Tha Chang (N9) station. 

It's about 30mins from Saphan Taksin, just be mindful and get near the exit when your stop is already near as a lot of people boarding might block your way. If you wish to visit Wat Pho first, you may alight at Tha Tien (N8).

3. Discovery of Siam Museum
This museum is just 2 blocks away from Wat Po. After passing by a school, you will see the sign and the entrance gate of this museum on the next block. Security staff in Wat Po will also gladly help you on how to go there. We timed our visit at past 4pm so we could avail of the free entrance :) Regular ours would cost you 300Baht if you're a foreigner.

Siam museum is not just you're ordinary museum as it is packed with interactive learning resources for one to enjoy as you learn what Thailand is back then and how it developed to the present. You will even get to also try their native costume and also their native games and instruments.

4. Wat Arun

Wat Arun is located in the other side of the river so it's best if you finish all the spots you'll visit in the Grand Palace side before going here. It is also often recommended to go here just in time for the sunset as it looks more grand and scenic during those times. There's a fee if you intend to go up at the top of it. As we are already dead tired from all the walking we did, we just took pictures of it from the ground then took off already to have a rest.

Wat Arun from the other side of the river

Close look

The boat to get you back to the other side

5. Terminal 21

No, this is not in the airport and no, it's not some kind of a club or bar. Basically, this is a mall. Yes, I included this in one of our places to visit because besides the reason that we only have a short time in BKK, this is also a place you might want to visit most especially when you're just killing time before going to the airport. Anyway, if you already googled it, Terminal 21 is not just a mall but a shopping mall with a concept. Each floor represents a famous city from around the world (eg. Tokyo, SFO, London) and each level is also designed as to the city it represents which is perfect those who like taking pictures and stuff. Weird enough, one of the things you should do when you're here is visit each restroom in each floor which is all equipped with automatic toilets (the one you mostly see in Japan). I really appreciate the design and concept they did in each restroom (of course, including also the whole floor) and it's also just fun to see famous photo spots for each corresponding city on each floor.

All their toilets here have these buttons that reminds me of Japan. crazy.

And also, one thing you sure shouldn't miss is their foodcourt at the top floor. You have a lot to choose from and the price is very affordable, which I didn't expect as it is in a mall. They also implement the cash card here so you have to go first the top up counter to have your money credited in a card which you could refund in case you still have credits left. 

What I had for lunch. All of these for only less than 100Baht!

For the shopping part, the prices here is higer as excpected for a shopping mall. There are also some boutiques from local designers if you're interested on that kind. They also have H&M store inside but most shops here are in the high-end side in general. So basically, you may want to visit Terminal 21 for the photo ops and the foodcourt, just like what we did. haha!

Catholic and visting Bangkok on a Sunday?

For Sunday Mass, we always go to Holy Redeemer Church when in Bangkok. The earliest they have for English mass is 8:30 am and 9:45am. We took a taxi going there as it is located inside a vicinity. Some taxi drivers don't know this Church so better if you bring a map and point it to him. But from our experience, we're still transported to the wrong place even if we already gave him our map after pointing out the location of the Church. Good thing, I've already been there twice so he just asked for directions from other locals there and after some few minutes, we reached the Church though we're already late :( Holy Redeemer Church has white exteriors with a very high roof so you won't surely miss it if you're already near the area.)

This is what it looks like. (photo grabbed from google search)



And that it folks! Bye Bangkok! See you again, soon! :)

You could check out my next post for the place we stayed in. Thanks! :)