Sunday, September 21, 2014

Singapore: Satisfying your Taste Buds

Satisfying your taste buds in Singapore

Hawker is the best option in satisfying your tummies when travelling in Singapore.  But since I’m doing a solo trip, I’d rather stay in less crowded areas to enjoy my meal. Below are the visited restaurants in my Singapore - August 2014 trip.

Toast box
Food: 8 out of 10
Value: Affordable
Atmosphere: 8 out of 10
Location: Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition  Centre, 1 Raffles Boulevard; Also available in many locations across S’pore and Philippines
Order: Kaya Toast

From the woody theme in 2012, they have revamped into clarifying white theme this time.  

Paris Baguette
Food: 9 out of 10
Value: Affordable
Atmosphere: 9 out of 10
Location: Arrival Hall Terminal 2, Changi Airport
Website: http://eng.paris.co.kr/global.html
Order: Nuts & Nuts $5.26 (185 php, 2014)

As a fan of Korean cafes, it is so cool to be welcomed by a Korean brand in another country.  Stepping out of the arrival gates and about to head to the subway station, I bumped into Paris Bagauette in Changi Airport Terminal 2.  It is already passed 5pm, so they have limited menu.  Thus, I chose only from the available pastries and have tasted nuts and nuts caramelized bread.

Moving along the other malls of Singapore, there are also other locations of P&B.


2014 August: Singapore: Bugis: The Pod @ Beach Road Boutique Capsule Hotel

Buying plane tickets two months before my travel date gave me few options on where I could stay.  In Singapore, I already experienced staying in a condominium, HDB and single-room in Clarke Quay.  With cost as a decision factor, also to feel the experience I decided not to try in Japan, I get to stay in a capsule hotel.  After searching several the same service in agoda.com, I chose the most decent from what I see in the pictures and read in the reviews – The Pod

Location: 289 Beach Road Level 3 Singapore 199552

Boutique capsule hotel catering to discerning travelers who desire fuss-free and convenient living.
With 83 cozy capsules inspired by modern and minimalistic living, you can look forward to convenience at your fingertips without compromising on comfort, quality or style.
At The POD, personalized concierge services are on hand to satisfy your every need so that you can focus on the things that truly matter. 
Enjoy complimentary laundry service, hot buffet breakfast and Nespresso coffee, high-speed Wi-Fi access and more. A complete set of amenities ensures effortless living right at the centre of Singapore.
Located at the fringe of the Singapore Central Business District, near the Haji Lane - rated as one of the top shopping places in Singapore. [Reference]

Price: Affordable (compared to other accommodations in SG) [PHP 5,663.88 (USD 129.66) for 3 nights]
If you have longer time before your travel date, you could have a chance in getting single room in decent hotels at the same price. 

Location: Good – 10 to 15 minutes walk from 2 different train stations (1) Bugis in EW12, DT14 and (2) Nicoll Highway in CC05. Close to Haji and Arab areas where you can have late drinks with friends.  Very close to shopping areas in Bugis Junction.  Upcoming mall at the grounds of Concourse Skyline will soon be promising. (But in Aug 2014, only Starbucks and small convenient store is open)




Check-in Experience: Read the instruction outside the building on how to open the secured door.  This will lead you to another door going to the elevator.  Aim for 3F which is the reception, you’ll be guided to your floor, room, then pod #.  Everything will be noted on your entry card as well.


Room: Unique experience – It is my first time to stay in a capsule hotel. (Single POD Side Entry - Female Only).   You should be mindful of the etiquette.  Be quiet at all times. Lights off by 11pm.  Each pod is with small desk, light, power socket, 2 pillows, blanket and hanger.  There is also strong wifi signal in the pod, but I’d rather take my Viber calls in the reception area.