Singapore Travel Adventures 2011: Day 2 - Resorts World, Sentosa

     I've been to Singapore twice before this latest trip.  And both times, we went to Sentosa but the Resorts World was still undergoing construction.  And look at it now.  Wow!  What a huge difference it made to the entire island!

Sentosa pre-Resorts World.

Taken during our cable car ride back in October 2008.

On the photo below, you can see the on-going construction.

     In present times, Sentosa now boasts the Resorts World which houses the Universal Studios, a casino, retail shops, a variety of restaurants, a number of attractions, and lots of things to do; most of which you can find at the Festive Walk.

  

A laser-and-water lights show happen here every night at 9:30 p.m.

This is where the crane dance is held every night.  

Apparently, it is under maintenance as of posting time.

     Seriously, the Festive Walk is a feast for the eyes.  Literally, anything and everything will be cramming your vision and you'll definitely love every single one of those.  Especially the place where the lights-and-water-effects crane dance occurs.

     Imagine, we were searching for the way to the Sentosa Boardwalk, and coming down the stairs, we saw this wonderful piece of eye candy.  It was pretty late in the afternoon and the near-setting sun and the reflection on the water made the place glisten; shining, shimmering, splendid!  It was a sight to behold!  My friend and I were literally mesmerized.  I mean, those glittering things were dancing before our eyes!  Really! See it for yourself.

     For an amazing day of fun, fun, fun, go to the Universal Studios in Singapore.

     And, if you want to keep the kids happy, take them here at candylicious, but be sure to bring enough cash or your credit cards.  You'll be amazed at what kids can do if they really, really want to have those mouth-watering candies and chocolates.  Just don't feed the kids sugary sweets before bedtime lest you want to have them jumping up and down their beds with lots of excess energy to burn.  Better feed them sweets before or during your Universal Studios adventure so they won't tire easily.  I know, because I used to make my nieces and nephews my guinea pigs by giving them sweets every now and then so I could observe how sweets affect their behavior.  Teehee.

     If you don't have a sweet tooth, like me, this place is great for photo ops.  Anyway, if it makes it any better, or worse, there's also a Hershey's store near the Universal Studios entrance.

   

     As you might already know, you can reach the Resorts World Sentosa via the monorail, or the Sentosa Express at Vi vo City (Level 3), by bus, by car or taxi, by cable car or by walking through the Sentosa Boardwalk.  The last one is also the cheapest alternative at SGD 1.  Of course, you only need to pay when going in coming from Vivo City and its free when you're going back.

     If you have some time, like, 30 minutes, to spare, and you're not in a hurry and wouldn't mind walking under the heat, I suggest going by this route.  It's really scenic, and there are "travelators," or moving sidewalks placed under a canopy, so if the sun's too hot, you can take refuge under the shade.  If you want to have a jog, this is the place to do it, especially the seaside area.  It is literally a boardwalk after all.

From Resorts World, you'd pass by through this glass-roofed boardwalk.

See, there's a two-way travelator and a boardwalk.

Creative way to get natural light in.

          And the seaside boardwalk itself a beauty. The wooden planks seem to roll before my eyes.  Some are curved,  and they look like shifting sand.  It made me woozy looking at the stairs below.  And yes, there are restaurants here and some shops, too.  Not too far from the boardwalk, you can see, in its full splendor, a Star Cruises ship.

     A boardwalk and the Star Cruises at a near-distance with the setting sun: perfection.  I was dazzled by my own photo.  I mean, it wouldn't be as nice if it weren't for that magical glow from the setting sun and the architectural beauty of the Sentosa Boadwalk.

     And for the adults, there's the Resorts World Casino.  From the Festive Hotel, it is about a 5 to 10 minute walk, depending on your pace.  And you have to take a series of escalators going down the casino.  Funny.  Once you step into the escalators, you'll hear music in-sync with the lcd display all around the place. The lcd and the lights at the escalators intermittently change.  It is a little creepy.  Teehee.

     Anyway, going to the casino, I was amazed at the high ceilings.  It is as high as the topmost escalator if I'm not mistaken. The ceilings look very cathedral-like, or well, like Dracula's lair on the other hand.

 This is from inside the Resorts World premises from the Festive Hotel going to the Festive Walk.

My sister took this photo of me and my friend.  

Of course, I'm the one wearing the scandalous skirt which showed off my log-like legs.

I have no shame.

     We went inside the casino but we didn't play. I don't know how to squander money through playing at a casino.  If you want free bottled water, just go inside the casino and get some.  

     There's a roped entrance for non-Singaporeans and for Singaporeans to the casino, and a passport check is conducted before one is allowed inside.

     If you don't want to play, there's a couple of restaurants at the other side, including Breadtalk, Toastbox and Ruji.

   

Hong Kong Adventure - Last Day in Hong Kong Riding the Tram and the Star Ferry

  

     After our Shenzhen adventure, we went back to Hong Kong via train to Hung Hom and the MTR going to Nathan Road.  I didn't eat dinner anymore.  Well, I was so tired anyways. After resting for 30 minutes or so, I took a quick shower then I retired for the night; I don't sleep without taking a bath whenever I spend a whole day outdoors.

     The following day, we checked-out early, before 12 p.m., because we were planning to ride the tram around the city and do some last minute-shopping.  We knew that we would not be able to return to the hotel before our check-out time.  We left our luggage at the hotel considering that we have to return there for our bus pick-up going to the airport.

     We ate lunch at Kanamizu in TST, near the MTR exit.  I had their saba set meal, and I took a picture of the cute guy who was preparing the sushi at the conveyor.  Heehee.  After lunch, we headed to the Star Ferry terminal.

     We walked quite a distance to the Star Ferry from our hotel.  I like walking, and I rarely get tired from walking.  But see, the sun and the heat are not my friends; they can turn me from fab to wasted in a couple of minutes.  Well, when we finally reached the station, I was a mess.  Thank god for the huge ventilating fans at the waiting area!

     After a few minutes, the ferry arrived.  There weren't many people; after all, it was lunch time already.  The view, as always, was great. A little foggy, but still great.  We alighted at Central and set out the daunting task of finding the tram station.

     We found a tram station alright, somewhere in Central, but only after asking people where we could find it.  Again, please learn from my experience: research and preparation are really important.  Getting lost or walking too far a route will just waste your precious time.

     And so, we queued at the tram stop and we were able to ride a jam-packed tram.  You enter from the rear and you exit at the front.  For a fixed price of HKD 2.00, I stood on the second floor as there was no more room on the first deck.  The tram was so narrow. A couple of times, I almost lost my balance.  I was standing near the stairs so I was afraid that I might fall down.  It was an experience nonetheless.  I was able to get a seat two stops before alighting at Sogo, Causeway Bay. 

     Although it was a weekday, Sogo was teeming with people; shoppers everywhere!  It was such a busy place; so busy that we didn't stay for long.  Besides, it was almost time for our bus to pick us up.  This time, we returned to the hotel via the MTR.

     Back at the hotel, we scoured the nearby Sasa for treats and souvenirs for our family and co-workers.  By 5 o'clock, the bus going to the airport picked us up.  I was so happy because the driver had Totoro plushies and tissue holder on the bus.  Definitely a fan of My Neighbor Totoro, like me.  

     Finally, it was time to leave Hong Kong.  I was tired, but I was happy.

Hong Kong Adventure: Day 2 - Shopping at Tsim Sha Tsui; Victoria Harbor, Star Ferry, and Mongkok

     For Day 2, we almost did nothing; when I mean nothing, it means that we basically shopped during the late morning till late afternoon, and only did the touristy stuff as the night drew near.  I didn't know how it happened that we went shopping.  Time flew by really fast.  Honestly, it was a day spent wasted, really.  I took a mental note and told myself to only go shopping after seeing the sites.  I don't mind walking great distances; but I do mind walking for hours seeing nothing but shopping malls.     

     From our hotel, we passed by a building with giant various sweets and desserts on a platform.  It can't be eaten, though, it's just a display but it looked so good...yummy!  It's beside Holiday Inn Hotel, near East Tsim Sha Tsui exit.

      After that, we went to the shops in Tsim Sha Tsui and spent considerable time in there.  Again, no more shopping next time.  I only had 3 days in Taiwan but I was able to see a lot of sites.  I had 4 days in Hong Kong and I couldn't remember what I actually did.  Probably because we did not do and see much.

     So, night was nearing and the Symphony of Lights was about to start, and I learned, again, another valuable lesson.  Never assume that someone who goes to Hong Kong frequently, at least 4 to 5 times a year, knows the tourist sites.  Yeah.  So, be ready to get lost if you go to a foreign country unprepared.  Never rely on someone; do your own homework.  It's my second time in Hong Kong but it was as if it was only my first time there.

     We rode the Star Ferry after getting our free one-hour wi-fi access card from the tourist information center near the terminal.  We were hoping to catch the Symphony of Lights and see the splendor of Victoria Harbor while on board the ferry.  When we reached Central, we just took the next ferry back to Tsim Sha Tsui just because we could.  The night was clear; the clouds huge, and the harbor was just amazing with all the lights.  It's a treat to see the show on water, but it's difficult to get a clear shot while moving.  But hey, the fare's more or less HKD 2.00, and the view's fantastic, so I should be more than thankful. 

     The free wi-fi card looks a lot similar to this:

     After our return trip, we went to see the Clock Tower, and climbed onto the viewing deck.  We walked to the bus stop to catch a bus going to Mongkok.  We went to the Ladies' Market and bought some souvenirs.  We had late dinner at Kanimizu along Nathan Road, and since they were already closing, food was 60% off (or was it 40%? I was too hungry to remember).  The food was great and cheap (because of the discount) and service was superb.  They serve free water, with lots of ice, and of course, unlimited tea.

    By the time we arrived back at the hotel, it was almost 11:30 p.m.  We were all tired walking but we needed to wake up early for our city tour the following morning.

Hong Kong Adventure: Day 1 - Airport, Central and Stanley Market

 

     Finally, we landed at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), and just like the first time we were there, we walked quite a distance towards the train service going to the immigration counter.  I had with me my laptop so it made my long walk quite tedious.

     After passing through the immigration, we headed for our airport bus service at the arrival hall. We had to wait some 20 minutes or so before we had to depart, and the bus dropped off so many people in so many hotels within the Tsim Tsa Tsui area that when we finally reached ours, it was noon already.  

     Check-in was a breeze at our hotel in Kimberley Road.  After depositing our luggages at our room, we went out for lunch; the same place where we had lunch a year ago.  Then, we went to Central to see our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) make a park out of Central.  It was an experience, really.  The OFWs were sitting contentedly on the pavements, stairs, and even on the road itself, playing cards or bingo, or just chilling out, chatting and eating. It was like a huge picnic, and everybody seemed to be happy like one, big family.

     We boarded a double-decker bus going to Stanley Market, and was amazed, yet again, at the driving skills of bus drivers plying the narrow, mountain-side route. Forgetting my hatred of heights, I bravely took a seat near the edge to take pictures.  It was not terrifying as I thought it would be: if you want to get a shot, you sometimes become unmindful of mundane fears.

     I think the bus ride lasted for about 40 or so minutes, and I had a blast looking at the sea, the repulse bay, the outlying islands and the gorgeous homes we passed along.  The last stop took us to Stanley Market and we shopped for souvenirs and gifts to bring back home.  It was already 5:00 p.m. when we got there and the vibe was laid-back; moreso when we reached the small plaza with a breathtaking view of the sea and the setting sun.  There's a boardwalk, some restaurants and a mall where locals, caucasians and other tourists mix.  There were families but the crowd was much younger, with children and teens milling around the area.

Spotted: OFWs in  Central

These two boys who were staring out the sea were so cute.

Could not resist taking their pictures.

 

    

Tagaytay Adventures - Overnight Stay

I took this photo using my iPhone.  Guess having an iPhone is not so bad after all.

     Today, my family and I are in Tagaytay, and we're going to stay here overnight, the best accommodation I could find in Tagaytay, at a friend's vacation home!  Yipee!

     My cousins told me we're going to Calaruega church later.  So, I better prepare now. 

     Till then!

     EDT:

We passed by a number of cyclists going to Tagaytay.  We took the Cavite route, the one which passes by Gen. Trias and Amadeo, but I was not so happy about it.  I am more comfortable taking the usual route, SLEX to Tagaytay.  But when I saw those cyclists, I thanked the heavens and almost went down the road to kiss the ground.  I mean, those cyclists are all handsome, trim, tall and fit!  Well, save for a few who look like regular joes.  But the pretty ones are real eye candies; they look like celebrities.  There were some foreigners, too. Gosh.  I wish I was holding my camera then.  Oh well.    

Taiwan Adventure: Day 2 - Miramar Mall and Hwahsi Night Market

     I've been fast-tracking the posting of my Taiwan Adventures considering that I'll be working on my Hong Kong and Shenzhen Adventures soon.  See, I've recently returned from Hong Kong on a four-day trip, and I have to wrap up my Taiwan posts as soon as possible to make way for my new travel adventures.  And, I haven't started on my previous Thailand (March 2010 & 2008), Singapore (October 2008 & 2009), and Hong Kong and Macau (May 2009) Adventures yet.

     So, now, I'll talk about my Miramar Mall and Hwahsi Night Market visits.  Miramar Mall is an out-of-the-way mall located some 15 or so minutes away by cab from the Hello Kitty Sweets cafe.  It can be reached by public transportation, too, via the MRT on the brown line and the free shuttle of the mall.  The only reason why I wanted to go and see the mall, except for the huge ferris wheel on top of it, is my love for Taiwanese drama series.  The Miramar Mall has been featured in Why Why Love starring Rainie Yang and Mike He, both of whom I truly adore.  Though it was so out of the way, it was well worth it.  Heck, if I wasn't too apprehensive of the time (it was almost 9:00 in the evening), and too tired, I would have loved to watch a movie in their IMAX theater and hang out with the young crowd.  Well, let's just say that the mall was teeming with teens and college-aged kids.  I'm 31 already, but well, I think I best relate with people younger than I am and I really get along with them, like my nieces and nephews.  Perhaps because I failed to mature mentally that we're more or less on the same level. Heehee.

     While inside the mall, I saw a poster of the new Meitantei Conan movie and the people were giving me curious stares...what the hell is that woman doing taking pictures of a movie poster like crazy?  See, in the Philippines, anime and other Asian movies are not marketed to be shown on the big screen, save for the influx of horror films some five or so years ago like The Ring.  So, I was so excited to see that Detective Conan poster.

     After a while, I decided to head to the hotel and retire for the night.  Luckily, I saw a free shuttle going to Shilin Night Market.  I hopped on the bus and the ride to Shilin Market was tranquil: the tree-lined streets at night were a sight to behold, plus, it passed by somewhere we could see the Grand Hotel in all its blazing glory.  Really a sight to behold especially at night.

     Considering that the bus stopped at Shilin Night Market, I looked around for a while and after some thirty minutes, I rode the MRT going to Longshan Temple.  Since it was late already, I might as well visit the Hwahsi Night Market.  I know, I was supposed to head directly to the hotel but I might as well maximize my time in Taipei, right?

     From Shilin Night Market, or Jiantan Station, I rode the red line going to the Taipei Main Station, and changed to the blue line going to Longshan Station.  The shops at the underground market at the MRT station in Longshan were already closing and I hurried to the Hwahsi Night Market, which was just across the street from the Longshan Temple.  There were many people, and though it was already late, it was still humid.  I just took a couple of pictures and I hurried back to the station.  I didn't know what time it would close so I ditched my idea to go to Ximenting.  Instead, I went back to my  hotel.  This time, I really retired for the night.

The cast of Why Why Love.
Photographic evidence why I love Rainie Yang and Mike He.
They're too cute for words!

(Wrong spelling; should have been Miramar Mall.  Sorry for the faux pas)

The same background above in the pictures below:

...and here:

This is where some scenes from the series were shot:

I didn't ride the ferris wheel because I'm a wuss.
How many couples do you think were cuddling in there? Hmm...

Hwahsi Night Market