Here’s to Rex – the jolly good fella!
15th Oct 2008 – 6th Oct 2021.
We love you boy – you will be sorely missed.
Here’s to happier days…
See ya Rex!
Forest Adventure (10th Oct 2021)
Following on our series of what to do in the midst of COVID where we were exploring the to-dos in Singapore – Zoo, River Safari, iFLY, Forest Adventure and Sentosa(!) we head Eastward to an otherwise unfamiliar part of Singapore for us – Bedok Reservoir Park.
Forest Adventure has apparently been around for some time, and one of a few places with a kids’ (and adults) obstacle course, complete with a Zip Line (other than the Mega Bound, Climb and Zip in Sentosa, and I think a more recent (Hoobii Spot?) course right in the Zoo at Mandai (right next to the Ah Meng Memorial Garden if we recall correctly, having seen it on the tram ride back to the entrance from the Rainforest Kidz World).
The course is a bit of a walk from the carpark but not hard to spot!
We had pre-booked this the week before with raincover insurance (enabling rebooking of slots in the event of inclement weather!).
Given this was still COVID era, we had to don our masks and keep a (1m?) distance (social distancing!) away from each other. Soon we get kitted up and sit (rather stand) through a basic induction session which included safety do’s and don’ts and how to clip our safety carabiners strapped one end of our harnesses to the safety line on the other. After walking the plank on the safety course we were really to embark on the higher levels!
Jie Jie and I do really well on the different levels!
The brave Js conquering Level 2 and proceeding to the 3rd Level!
Note we are avid fans of Ultimate Beastmaster which we binge-watched with Daddy the couch potato during circuit breaker!
Completing the course via a zip line to the finish line!
iFly Singapore (18th Sep 2021)
Smack right in the midst of COVID and we’re exploring the to-dos in Singapore – Zoo, River Safari, Forest Adventure and Sentosa(!) when we chance upon iFly!
So, after a hearty lunch, Daddy signs us up for our solo flight!
So here we go.
Our boarding call for the 3pm departures.
We scan our way cool wrist bands and make our way to the pre-departure briefing hall, away from Daddy and Mommy.
Jo was really brave, and so was Jon.
Super tired!
Our cool instructor Jordan was featured on Mothership a couple of days after.
https://mothership.sg/2021/09/ifly-flight-instructor-interview/
Eagle eyed Daddy thought he looked familiar 😊
Capri by Frasers Changi, Singapore 5th-7th Sep 21
So we finally made it to Capri by Frasers Changi for our 3D/2N redemption stay after having canned it twice in past months due to I-don’t-remember-what-phase-it-was-anymore when restrictions tightened back in May/Jun. While staycays were still allowed back then, it just made sense to raincheck it to later time given dining out was disallowed at that point.
[FYI they also have some house bikes by the racks in the foyer which you can use for free]
Still, a week prior to the date, Daddy wanted to move it a day later but we were told there was no availability on the tail end. So anyways we pack our bags and with the customary softies and besties in tow we head to our check in slot at 3pm* (yes 3 – its been some time since we actually made it to a 3pm check in since the past couple of stays we had done earlier check-ins).
*Watch out here is that you’ll need to get in quick on the pool slots (there is a QR code to scan and invoke Lola the digital concierge chatbot to book out slots for the pool, gym and request additional amenities) – given the restrictions, only 1 family of 4 allowed at the pool each hour. We managed to get ours only at noon on the 2nd day, for which reason we had our checkout timing extended to 2pm.
Check-in was definitely by far not the quickest. The queue didn’t seem long at all when we strolled up, there were 2 checkin counters with a handful of folks waiting in line but we finally got our keycards only after the half hour mark (Jo with Daddy after her photo rounds).
Here are some pix of a more peaceful looking lobby which we took retroactively after checkin.
Daddy says its ok since Jo and I were busying ourselves taking photos of the lobby. There’s even a nifty games corner where you can rent games for free – just return them once you’re done.
The concierge was really nice to let us park right at the door to offload our bags and complete our checkin but requested we move it after settling into our rooms (which goodie-two-shoes Daddy obviously complied with).
The corner room we were assigned to was really huge, enough for us kids to run amok around (already at it before getting to the room itself!).
They had apparently also given us an upgrade to the next category vs. the lead in room (Studio Deluxe) which featured a bath tub. The room also came equipped with a little kitchenette, coffee machine and filtered tap water.
(Note: Soft toys are BYO only. They are not included with the stay!)
FYI there was also a laundrette + games room (Spin & Play they call win, kinda synonymous with Spin & Win?) with foosball table on every floor, so we were told. The foosball table and other games were removed though due to COVID but you could always take out a game or two from the games corner tucked around the lobby!
We head out soon after for a bite and found to Daddy’s delight Dim Sum Place at the adjacent mall (Changi City Point).
Note, we did not know there was a direct walkway-link from the basement of the hotel directly to the mail – you will need to walk through the basement carpark but it beats having to walk around the ground level and avoids the elements in the event of a downpour.
Note also, again which we found on hind side the next day that though the roller shutters come down after 9pm, you can still access the hotel lift lobby with your keycard via the door/panel on the left. Unbeknown to us at that point – seeing the access shuttered, we backtracked into the mall, lugging our shopping all the way around to L1, across the atrium, foyer and eventually and back in the lobby elevators to access our room!
This was after spending an evening at Changi Beach. Daddy surprised us for sure with our scooters in the car boot. It was our first time at Changi Beach. Mommy decided to sit by the bench when were explored.
We saw some planes fly overhead, scooted to the swings, and thereafter sat by the breakwater to watch the sunset.
Aww. What an awesome and delightful JTwin pic for the record.
Soon it was time to go grab dinner. We decided to head back closer to the hotel (Changi City Point) to do takeway and do a TV-dinner night at the hotel room. So we picked-up dinner, some drinks and Ice-Cream from the NTUC at CCP and made our way back to the hotel. That’s when (by which time it was past 9!) we realized the entrance to the hotel from the basement carpark was shuttered off.
Given this was a free stay without breakkie, the nice looking check-in staff tried to upsell Daddy breakkie which was apparently cheaper if purchased upfront during check in. We took up the offer for 1 of 2 breakfasts during our stay – what was initially planned for the first morning which we rainchecked to the second since we were so beat from the night before and no one was able to get up before brunch timing! No prizes for guessing what time that was! ZZZzzz…
Before lights out the night before:
Truth be told, there was really nothing much to shout out about on the breakfast apart from the nice art pieces which we found weeks later were from Ode to Art Studio at Raffles City.
After some usual no-miss JTwins prep time in the morning, we decided to head to one of the quaint cafes around Changi Village for lunch. Without skipping a heartbeat Daddy recommended The Coastal Settlement which apparently he and Mommy had gone to previously, obviously without us kids then – hmmph!
Tucked at the corner of Netheravon Road, somewhere along the road where Old Changi Hospital was located (yikes Mommy told us some spooky stories about it as we drove past!) was a really nice space – somewhat inconspicuous save for a retro-looking Peppa Pig-styled campervan sitting out front.
Daddy and Mommy says they’ve made some changes to the façade since they last visited – must’ve been years back. Surprisingly for a Monday they were fully booked with all seats inside taken. Without much of a choice, we sat alfresco-style and had a little frolick around the sprawling gardens which had some swings as well.
After studying the menu intently, we had a swinging good time while waiting for lunch.
Lunch was Pizza, Fish & Chips and what else but Nasi Lemak for the adults (either that or Daddy would’ve taken us back daily for Dim Sum!).
Guess what, after that we made our way back to Bukit Timah for our Monday Writers @ Work class!
Yes Mommy says you don’t miss class even when you’re on vacation.
Some pix of the gym which we explored.
Day#2 we headed to out swim slot – and has a splashing good time with Daddy-O in the pool!
Capella Singapore 14th Mar 21
Capella Mar21 – To celebrate Mommy’s Birthday!
The experience started way before the scheduled stay. From exchanges between the Culturist the various activities were lined up prior to our stay. 24 hr prior to check in we received an email from the hotel according us of an early check in at 1030am which was great since the first activity we were going to was the Scavenger Hunt at 10am.
We rose bright and early and strolled up closer to 10.
Turning into The Knolls, Sentosa.
We take the elevator from the basement to Level 3 where the Lobby Lounge and Living Room are located.
The JTwins relax and sip on the Capella welcome drink while Daddy checks us in…
Hunt began fairly on time with the Culturist rolling out the treasure map rolled up nicely in a scroll.
[Spoiler alert] If you need a picture of the Scavenger hunt map, feel free to click here for the Capella Scavenger Hunt map!
After 6 questions and a mad rush around the sprawling grounds (Art Gallery, Grand Ballroom featuring Singapore’s 1st circular, pillarless ballroom with a famous ceiling glass tube centrepiece, multiple art installations and heritage flora throughout the vicinity, including the renown Johor fig!) we rendezvous’d back at the flag off point for our final clue which was to locate none other than the mascot, Paul the peacock (no not just any other peacock but a stuffed fluffy one snuck inconspicuously around the gardens by the front foyer. And very quickly post orders from our very competitive J Twin Mommy we split up, combed the area and soon enough found one tucked away at the bottom of the tree.
With the bird in hand (literally) we kids raced back to the porch and claimed the 1st prize, a box of Capella-baked choc-chip cookies (as consolidation for the runner-ups) and as if that weren’t sufficient a $50 dining voucher. A sweet victory. To which the kids quipped in unison. And of course we got to keep the (stuffed) blue birds.
“Best hotel ever!” quipped the JTwins. And even before seeing the room!
We wait out the next hour basking in the LivingRoom with all day snacks and drinks equipped with alfresco option on both side wings which doubles up as additional capacity.
The lounge dragon tells us there is the option to head to the beach and promptly issues us temp access card in case we didnt have our keycards on hand thereafter provides us directions to the private access to the beach. Note this is a private walkway access to the same publicly-accessible Palawan Beach. Access is by registration only which can be done online or in our case by the hotel-allocated wrist bands with slated timings. It was a little adventure trying to navigate our way thru the ‘secret garden’, past the famed 3-layered pool, and even having opportunity to spot Paul the peacock live in the feather!
Tier 1…
Tier 2…
And the 3rd which is more like a little private lap pool… we eventually spent most of our pool time at the 2nd which was more kid-friendly and had some inflatables, including our favourite Unicorn!
Peak-a-boo Paul the peacock…
Eventually we arrived at the secret gate and made our way down some flights of stairs!
We hung around only a bit trying to collect seashells, an activity which soon became apparent to us was almost non existent given the sheer magnitude of folks crowding around the shady spots like hugely scarce real estate.
Back to the room which was nicely situated on the 5th floor overlooking the south China Sea. This was an upgrade to the Sentosa Suite, from the lead in Premier Garden/Deluxe Ocean facing room (thanks to AMEX which Daddy kept quipping!). We were escorted to the room and given a nice 1st timers welcome orientation around the sprawling property (which we thankfully also got acquainted with thru our little scavenger hunt earlier in the morning).
Room was situated on the 5th Floor on the East Wing overlooking the oval.
Room was setup with a king bed with a separate living area.
Amenities were from the famed Aesop line up, equipped with 2 bathrooms and a nice tub by the window with a magnificent view of the sea.
Very well thought out amenities (care pack on Capella drawstring bag, separate beach kit with insect repellent to ward off those pesky sand flies and mozzies at dusk), and a fully stocked fridge bar which guest relations mentioned was complimentary (note the magic word) and could be restocked once per stay (not that we requested that anyway since there was already an abundance). Mommy was visibly excited by the Aesop amenities…
The room also has an accessible balcony with panoramic views – and electronically controlled curtains /blinds across full length windows. Perfect for a birds eye view of the canopy of the Pulai, Angsana and Johor fig trees, the fame 3 tiered pools and Palawan/Siloso beaches as well as the sea lined with vessels on layup at the anchorage.
There was also a long bench table across the bedroom which was a great setup for any Work from Home or in our case the customary Jtwins prep time…
Not to mention there was also the balcony literally with a bird’s eye view of the South China Sea.
One of the things Daddy’s a sucker for – our little thank you cards! 🙂
Once that was out of the way we headed back over to the Living Room.
Chilling over afternoon tea with (what else) but tea and butter scones and our usual favs AJ and OJ with less ice. AGAIN, SO MUCH to eat.
As there was still some time left before our Boba Making Session (Build Your Own Boba, BYOB), we headed back to our room and lo and behold were greeted with a surprise titbit platter (with muruku, bacon sandwich bites and More scones!). But the punchline was actually a birthday cake for Mummy and Sweet and Choc for Didi and I (customized and emblazoned with our own names in chocolate of course) – aww they actually remembered! How decadent! Did I mention they even had the ensemble decked out with a gift scented candle and fancy birthday card (yes nicer than the cheapo one daddy rewrote and regifted mummy from last year! Yay he thought we didn’t notice. (How sneaky!) though Daddy kept chiming about the relevance of the 2 oranges given its no longer Chinese New year. Anyway we could agree nonetheless the Capella folks were just so nice.
By 1 we were at Bob’s Bar getting seated for our BYOB session. Alas, that was the same Aunty (Jie Jie) who facilitated our Scavenger Hunt earlier in the morning who was now running the Boba session. She could really remember our names (plus points for that for sure!) and sat us down at one of the designated tables laid out with Boba and tea.
Next up was the Little Stars Cullinary Experience held at Chef’s Table, a little functional kitchenette + cosy dining setup across the alfresco terrace from Bob’s Bar. No drama on the mad rush akin to what we were probably spotted doing to clinch top spot in scavenger hunt and we were in good time so a short stroll across was now the order for the day. Guess who we would bump into again?
She offers us our chef’s hat (daddy says its called Toque Blanche in his rubbish French from Fancy Nancy!) and apron which Didi was initially hesitant to don but did after much cajoling and boy did he look like a cutesy pie.
I think Didi and I really enjoyed the session, that little maestro in the making…
Next up was Sustainable Art and Craft at the Sales Gallery, not the Art Gallery unbeknown to us!
Here’s where Mommy was really hands on – like in her own studio…
While walking there though we walk past the ballroom which was all setup for the afternoon movie matinee the next day (we were on the wait list for this screening of Jumanji 2 – The Next Level) which though didn’t come thru since everyone else ahead of us showed up on movie day, was still neat despite not having out own teepee since the nice chaperon still handed us hot popcorn and drinks, and to mention him apologising profusely for something he really wasn’t particularly responsible for. Note pix were taken the day before!
Back in our room chillaxing over our fav Disney+ after Art and Craft workshop (yes we dig this – way cooler than Netflix these days) when Ding Dong the bell rings. Daddy gets the door and after a couple of exchanges tell us it was a turn down service. Wow. Nothing short of a Wow there since despite Daddy turning down the turndown service he didn’t turn down rock candy and more waters (still water). Didi and I with our own tele despite watching the same Trolls movie!
Note customary Mummy Koa (Koala) and friends with their newly acquainted Capella natives Paul and Paul-ine the peacocks (or peahen?).
Breakfast at the Knolls was noting short of marvellous. Great service, servers attentive to details and definitely no cheapskate prefix on limitation(s) on order quantity.
We even noticed at one point a baby in the table adjacent to us crying inconsolably. Despite attempts by her parents to pacify her it seemed futile one of the female servers rushed over with what looked like 2 Paul-line the peacock(hen) plushies and as if it were magical the crying stop as abruptly as it started.
Cry or no cries we thoroughly enjoyed breakkie.
Only Downside was the breakfast with peacocks only happened with our plush given there was neither sight nor sound of our feathered friends (we were told they usually frolic around from 9-10ish) so perhaps today being Monday meant the cocks/hens sleeping in a bit more to beat the blues.
We did take a stroll around the lush gardens after that hefty meal…
Taking some pix around the Trump-Kim memorial plaque (Daddy says it was a really historic moment and this commemorates that meeting).
Lunch was ordered from Knolls which the server then carted over in a mobile food heater tucked beneath the push cart turned into table and plated nicely in non other than the Capella fashion (Daddy said they exceeded expectations again since he was expecting this either in a takeaway box or at best a food tray!).
On the way to the car after (extended) checkout we catch on a ride in a buggy and what do we spot? None other than a lonesome peacock probably looking for his gang. Well at least he was following the traffic direction!
All in stellar amenities, well thought out kids activities, marvellous surroundings and impeccable service makes Capella Singapore a win for fun-filled family staycation with the coveted JTwins’ seal of approval. We’ll be back!
Mandarin Orchard Singapore 29th Jan 21
Once in a while a really good deal comes along – one such one was (still running when Daddy last checked!) at the Mandarin Orchard. So good that Daddy booked it overnight and had us pack our stuff ready to hit the hotel right after school on Friday.
So here we were FriYay at the Mandarin Orchard, right from school – couldn’t even wait to change out into our home clothes that we were here…
By the looks of it was also something many others had gotten wind of, the front-liners staycay promotion (bed + brekkie)*. Quite a queue at the check line line. We speculated the promo would have been timed to get people back after the 13 COVID cases around residents serving their SHN there upon returning to Singpaore.
*Last Daddy checked, pretty much everyone qualified as one…
Process was rather straight forward, put in our reservation for the pool slot (which we ended up canceling since TV time had become more of a priority then!) and went thru the mandatory health declaration which was now the defacto standard – pool happens to be located next to the lobby.
(pix taken retroactively after crowds dispersed)
Retrieved our key cards and headed up to the 16th where our room was located. Great view overlooking the forward part of Orchard Road diagonally across from the flagship A&F store and across from Taka.
Room looked a little dated but more than made up for it with the slightly larger than current lead-in room categories.
Bathroom similarly was equipped with a standing rain-shower-head as well as a combination stand shower in a tub configuration across the bathroom with the sink + vanity smack in the middle.
While we didn’t feel the need to use the pool (though swim gear all were packed and all in tow) we did check out the gym which was located at the other tower separate from where the rooms were located. Note your key cards will not activate the the lift on this tower which also serves the parking on the first 4 levels (lobby on the 5th as with the restaurants – Melt and ChatterBox) – therefore you need first register at the Concierge and get a separate access card.
It was a bit of a scavenger hunt heading up to Level 36, thereafter taking 2 flights or stairs up some inconspicuous security door (reminded us of the pool at Hilton Singapore with a similar access).
Only a couple of gym rats when we peek-a-boo’d and made way with couple of bottles of drinking water.
I guess one of the major plusses of Mandarin Orchard is undoubtedly its super prime location, literally next door to some of our favourite malls. Given the proximity we took the opportunity to walk across to Takashimaya for dinner and lunch the next day.
On our stroll back to the hotel post dinner (despite lugging along some barang barang off our shopping at Cold Storage – Faddy’s [Fat Daddy] usual instant noodles and mandatory drinks), we just had to stop by the Iconic Orchard Uncle’s Traditional Ice Cream stall. Uncle apparently had been in that same spot since 1994 (Uncle Chieng told us he had been selling ice cream since 1965 though!).
Mummy had her customary Yam, Didi and I had Ripple Strawberry and Durian respectively. MUMMY lapped and slurped up her Yammy Ice Cream in double quick time while Faddy tried to restrain but relented ultimately to ‘help’ Didi and I on ours.
Breakkie in the morning was at Melt, after being whisked to our table we were given an order slip to put in our choices or either Wanton Noodle, Ham and Bacon or Nasi Goreng.
Overall it was a decent weekend but please don’t think of it as a Mandarin Oriental.
Apart from not being affiliated despite the Mandarin equity in its brand name it’s a totally different league altogether.
TheJTwins verdict in under 10 words:
Tired-looking room backed by unbeatable deal+breakkie in a prime location.
Nook @ 15 Stamford
Nook – 15 Stamford, Capitol Kempinski
To many hours spent hosting!
One for the record on 30th Dec 2020, the final day of operation…
We do miss thee little Nook,
Many hours with Daddy over a game of castle and rook,
While Jo and Mommy with a drink and a good book,
Now that you seem off the hook,
Oh Nook, where for thou art we still look.
Mandarin Oriental Singapore on Boxing Day 2020
Yotel Orchard Singapore (Aug 2020)
So we’re smack right in the midst of COVID and at the time of writing borders have been shut for 6 months.
With no where to go (Home Based Learning is inforce and only Daddy’s weekly grocery run – we stayed at home for a month straight!) and the risk of burning his travel credits, Daddy moots the idea of checking in for an overnight to Yotel Orchard. Yotel sounded pretty new-ish to us but Daddy said there would be a nice experience for the village to huddle together in a bunk bed ala ‘cabin’-style. By which time hotels which are not designated SHN (Stay Home Notice/Quarantine Hotels) are up for staycays for a change in environment.
We didn’t really setout to take many pictures since I-don’t-remember why, prob since the streets and malls were devoid of people altogether!
Really cool (retro like?) elevator with a really cool guy (guess who?)!
Robots which delivery amenities and bottled water to you (no need for any safe distancing there!)!
We take a walk right next door to Shaw Centre for dinner and Gelato (Gelatissimo to be exact!).
After that we walk across to Scotts Square where Jie Jie decide to treat us with her price money/voucher (where from?!) which was really generous of her!
Twas great to be able to head out after having been cooped up literally at home and with the world unsure for how long more this would continue for… gnite!
Yotel Orchard Singapore (Nov 2020)
So we loved Yotel so much we decided to head back barely 3 months after our 1st visit!
And this time we’re back for more pix!
Familiar facade.
Headed up to our room in the really hip elevator!
Bunk Bed and panoramic shot of the room!
Whats a trip to Yotel without making the acquaintance with Yoshi who brings bottled water up to our room!
On this trip, Daddy mucks around with the door security chain, and inadvertently locks us in since the latch gets stuck. We had to dial for help, and fortunately they dispatched (no neither Yoshi nor Yolanda) but a human technician who patiently hacks the lock out from outside, and rescues us from our predicament!
Soon we’re back to chilling in the room, watching TV and climbing up and down!
View from the top.
Dining area which served breakfast without the typical buffet setting (remember we’re still knee-deep in COVID era!). In the absence of the spread, we were given forms to select our options of mains, breads, juices and yoghurt (positive we’ll inevitably see the evolution of paper/physical forms transitioning to QR codes and touchless order and payment modes in months to come!).
Ice-Cream galore again!
Daddy says we will soon both no longer be able to fit up in the top bunk at the rate we chomp down our ice-creams!
Tucking in for the night, not before sneaking in another quick show to run down the sugar in our system *burpz*!
Breakkie the next morning…
