Tuesday, December 12, 2017

The Marina Bay Sands Staycation

Marina Bay Sands staycation has finally came true!

MBS seems to have become one of the tourist attractions in Singapore. Yes indeed, the architectural design of the hotel is unique and that infinity pool provides the instagram-worthy background for phototaking. I had high expectations on the room and service as well. It is, after all, quite an expensive hotel!
 

There are 3 towers in MBS (which I am sure you would have noticed by its exterior design) and walking from 1 to 3 is quite a distance. As we were at tower 1, we saw that the check-in counter was so crowded with tourists. Thank goodness, the check-in process at tower 3 was smooth.


In no time, we were greeted by our awesome room on level 38. The first thing we hear is the sound of the automatic opening of the curtain. Not sure if ours was faulty, because it sounded loud and weird. We were given room 3802 which is facing the river and the buildings. The first impression of the room was of course how spacious it is. It is designed like a rectangle box, with the toilet in another rectangle box 😆 . There is a sliding door for the whole bathroom, which provides some privacy for non-couples. I kind of like those rooms with glass showers seen through from the bed area but this is a solid wall between the bed and the shower.








The bed is big and comfy. Okay, which hotel's bed isn't comfortable right? The sofa at the side was a good area for our little chill tea session. When not in use by us, our belongings will occupy it. There is also a work table which can be utilized for work purposes or planning of itinerary. It was raining while we both sat on the bed for a heart to heart talk. We watched the rain pour down and wonder when we can go up to the pool!



Eventually, the rain stopped and we went up to level 57. It was all dampy looking up there after the rain and the sky was greyish. From above, we can see the view of the Gardens by the Bay. Our Singapore garden is so beautiful looking from above as well. We entered the pool area by tapping through the gantry via our room cards. Don't try to sneak guests up okay. I think it is too troublesome. MBS infinity pool is really so popular and it is good that they took precaution measures from the start to cope with the the volume of visitors. The pool is quite a long stretch, and even though there were really quite a crowd, there was still adequate space in the pool.




We tapped out and went to the Sky Garden. 6 years ago, also in November, we came up here for a visit. I remember I was more afraid of the height then, but nothing much has changed. The gloomy day was not perfect for photo taking. We went back down to our room to change into our swimming suit and went back up again. First timers, remember to bring along your camera or phones. Best is if  you can have a small bag to store your belongings. Towels are provided for you there. You are lucky if you get the warm towels hmmmm.





We found our spot, right beside the lifeguard, and placed our stuff on the chair in front of the pool. The lifeguard can "help" us to take care of our belongings as well. At first, it feels unsafe to hold the phone in the water. However, you start to get used to it as everyone does that! The purpose of the infinity pool is for phototaking and video-ing! In fact, if you swim in this infinity pool, it will cause inconvenience to others. The pool gives a very serene feeling in the photo. What an awesome experience at the pool!

We headed for dinner at Ippudo at about 7.30pm after our soaking session. I would have said this before in my Japan post, but Ippudo in Japan is way way better. Don't waste your money here. Then we went back at about 8.30pm, wanting to catch the water light show. But then realised it starts at 9pm. As it starts, it just looks small from high above. The show was not spectacular from such a high level, but the view of all the lighted buildings were! I felt so blessed in that moment.



Anyway, we went for our second dip because for MBS pool, you definitely have to go more than once. You already paid so much for the whole package. And I was thinking of taking more photos. At night, there were more people! We managed to find an empty seat nearing the end. I was amazed by the lighting of the pool which resulted in pretty nice photos. At least my face still looks presentable. This shows how planning is really important. They had anticipated the crowd and created the tapping barrier to stop guests from sneaking people up. And they also planned such good lightings for people to take night photos hahaha.




Morning buffet breakfast is one of the things I look forward to in a staycation! We were told to expect the crowd at the restuarant "Rise" and so we woke up at 7am! We did not wait long before we got our seats but when we left at about 9am, the queue has formed!









Anyway, I think the service and all is fine. But the taste of the food is lacking. Their omelete can never beat the Pan Pacific one. That hashbrown as well. I miss them soooooooooo much! Tried a bit of  the vegetarian noodle, and it is really dry and tasteless. On the other hand, I like their selection of meiji yogurt and the availability of a greater variety of fruits. You don't always see longan, jambu and grapes in buffets. Their cranberry and orange juice combination is also fantasticly refreshing!

This is the end of my story 😂.

Monday, November 20, 2017

A Wedding Dinner at The Fullerton Hotel

 3 November 2017


As a lover of Jade restaurant, I was excited for this wedding dinner of Kevin & Daphne at The Fullerton Hotel. According to the newly-wed, they had their food tasting right at Jade, so I guess the chef might come from there. On their invitation card, it states that canepes will be served at 7pm.  Initially, I was expecting some western style decorative food. What came out were guo tie (fried dumpling), crispy shrimp wanton & mantou with chilli crab sauce. Those mini dishes were awesome! All were gone within minutes each time they served it out at the food corner. I was too busy eating that I took no photos!




The holding area was also large enough for guests to gather around. There were enough space for the food, the table for decoration, the photobooth and also the grand piano in the middle. I guess somebody can feel free to play the piano if they feel musically pumped up? I was feeling more of a gourmet then.



As I stepped into the grand wedding hall, I was awed by the beautifully decorated place! The backdrop was filled with flowers, in a pink & white romantic theme. As I looked up, I was mesmerized by the sparkly magnificent chandelier-style lights. This is the most enchanting wedding hall I have ever been (not that I have actually been to many though).




As we arrived at our table, there was a personal plate for each person. I also realised that there was no middle turning glass like the usual wedding banquets. A pretty flower vase middle piece stood in its place. As I guessed, the food were all distributed into individual portion before serving. What a personalized experience! Call me suaku la. Even the wedding favours are so sweet! Promegranate mints & chocolate hearts for us.

As the couple walked down the hall, I realised how the hall might not be so ideal after all. Firstly, the couple had to walk down the flight of stairs. Unless you really want to feel like Cinderella, I think it is risky to walk down steps in that long white gown. Another thing is that the couple walks down in a straight line and only the people directly at their side can see them upfront. We were sitting far away and never got close up with the couple until they came over for the table photo!

Nonetheless, the food were all delicious!








 And here's my favourite picture of the day. 😍