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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.

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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.

 

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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!

Not much space, but always enough for the motley gang…

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!

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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!

#2305 – Bottom Double Bed
Top bunk!
Panoramic View of the very snug 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!

All aboard mate!

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…

Temp Screening station!
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JJ at The Bicentennial Experience – From Singapore to Singaporean

JJ at The Bicentennial Experience – From Singapore to Singaporean

Mummy J signed us up some months back for the Bicentennial Experience. Good thing she did that.

When we first heard it however, we went like “What? Are we going to a new shopping mall?” and never thought back anything about it until last week when Mummy gets a reminder on her trusty iPhone calendar and off we go to the Fort Canning Centre (located at 5 Cox Terrace, Singapore 179620) [Park at F0022].

Note: what we’re attempting to describe below is based solely on our collective experience and will definitely not do justice to the amount of work the production team has put in over the past years – there has clearly been an incredible amount of effort and investment that has gone into making this show, experience, exhibit or whatever-you-call-it a reality.

This is ‘an-admission-by-ticket-only’ event and FREE tickets can be booked online here. Be sure thought to secure your tickets ASAP to immerse yourself in an educational experience that showcases defining events in Singapore’s 700-year history!

The following is an excerpt from the Bicentennial Experience guidebook which succinctly captures what the experience is all about:

The Bicentennial Experience commemorates the 200th anniversary of Raffles’ landing in Singapore. The Bicentennial Experience reflectively unfolds the story of our country’s evolution – stretching beyond the British arrival in 1819 to explore the preceding 500 years. As the centrepiece event of the Singapore Bicentennial, this multimedia sensory experience will take visitors back in time to witness key moments in Singapore’s transformation. The Bicentennial Experience has 2 main sections:

  1. The Time Traveller which takes place indoors, bringing visitors on an epic experiential journey through Singapore’s key historical moments.
  2. The Pathfinder which is an outdoor experience, with a series of pavilions designed for visitors to explore a diverse range of ideas and themes that show how Singapore’s connections with the rest of the world have spanned 700 years.

We thoroughly enjoyed the Time Traveller experience, comprising 5 different acts, preceded by the Atrium experience where we were taken thru a summary audio documentary of the rise and fall of civilisations and cities with a digital rotunda table of the visuals and map of the story, culminating with an awe-inspiring visual of the reverse-rain effect (rain drops rise from bottoms up)!

Act 1:  Beginnings – Live performers and a moving travelator add drama and dynamism to some of the most colourful exploits that unfolded in early Singapura. The synchronised performance of the actors with the music and audio recap were choreographed perfectly and added drama and suspense! This was our favourite part of the entire experience.

Act 2: Arrival – We board “The Indiana”, the ship that brought Raffles to Singapore in 1819. The digital screen and animation were simply astounding, and left us awe-struck. [JJ Tip] Sit at the back rows if you are prone to motion sickness!

Act 3: Connectivity – Still in the same room, the circular surround screens now move and seats rotate to provide an all-immersive show experience.  The JJ Tip of sitting at the back pews still apply since Mummy J had her eyes shut at some point to prevent her getting dizzy!

Act 4: Occupation – We disembark from the ‘vessel’ and are herded into a small darkened room to simulate refuge within an underground bomb shelter. The sirens and alarms blare signifying the Japanese occupation of Syonan during World War 2 (1942-1945). The audio broadcast of happenings around are vivid reminders of the very significant yet painful WW2 era in the history of Singapore. When we exit the room, we talk into a tunnel with supposed cracks in the wall through which we see glimpses of historical events during this time, culminating with an audio+visual account of a Sook Ching survivor (a Chinese term depicting the purging or cleansing or eliminating or individuals resisting the occupation).

Act 5: Destiny – Prior to entering the next room, we were handed brollies which we promptly opened before a gust of rain hovered across and started pouring cats and dogs.

Soon the weather fined up and we were ushered into a new dawn. A new era of Singapore, our Singapore today.

View our videos below in 2 parts [Caution on the 2nd video which may require parental guidance]

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JJ at V-Dining

JJ at V-Dining by V-Zug.

Turns out Mummy J lands us some dining vouchers, courtesy of our friends at Class 95 after winning them off the ‘I’m NOT stupid’ segment of Muttons in the Morning ! Daddy J is a closet fan of the Muttons, and some say thats why Jon’s nickname evolved to Mutton over time… (Jonathan->Tern Tern->Natern->Mutton).

FYI the crew with the Muttons at one of the previous Class95 roadshows at Nex!

So with our reservation in place, Daddy and Mummy J pack the kiddos and head out for lunch at V-Dining @ Scotts Square. It was a very quiet afternoon…

Very cozy ambience with an open kitchen concept and vantage views of Scotts Road.

Daddy and Mummy have the 5 course lunch set with wine, while Jo helps decide on our order of Salmon+Spinach as main course and Apple Cinnamon+Camomile ice-cream with home filtered water, and swiftly burrows her head in a Lego Ninjago book while the kind crew begins to whip up lunch.

Snacks and starters…

Tartar Lamb and fingerlime.

Laksa mousse with taupok (fried beancurd) cubes, laksa leaves.

Brown butter cabbage with langoustine.

 

Carrot soup with kohlrabi and leek.

Chicken with pumpkin and coconut curry for the grown-ups and salmon with spinach for the kids.

 

Desserts! Apple cinnamon with camomile and Yoghurt with berries and meringue…

Mummy was happy at the end… sipping Prosecco while kids worked on folding napkins to pay off their meal *burps*, and she can now confidently tell the Muttons – “I’M NOT STUPID!” 

Thank you Class 95! 🙂

  

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Toy Story 4!

It is the final week of our school holidays and Daddy J suggests we head out the to Gardens by the Bay coinciding with the Children’s Festival happening from 15th Jun – 30th Jun 2019! While we had previously been there on our kindy’s field trip, it would be our first visit as a family to the gardens! Yay!

The toys are back! Tucked amidst the lush foliage of the Supertree Grove area are pop-up carnival games stalls and special missions to be completed. We team up with our favourite characters Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Bo Peep to complete the tasks, meet new and old friends along the way while having a blast of a time!

With our trail book in hand and following the signs to the carnival!

 

Can someone please let us know what fruit tree this is? Sure looks like Daddy J’s favourite pomelo, right in the middle of the garden!

Greeted by Woody & Jessie at the Bullseye Games…

Woody’s Coaster Rescue, which was by far one of the most (if not THE most) popular stall of the day judging by the queue…

Jessie’s Ring Capture and Bulleye Rescue…

Flag off at the Buzz’s Star Adventurer! Jon seems a tad too big for the littl’ red swivel car by now…

Meeting Bo and her sheep (Billy, Goat and Gruff!) at Bo Peep’s adventure!

Mr Duke Caboom and our new friend Forky the Spork…

 

At the end of the day, we had a BLAST of a time!

Best part of it, says Daddy “It was FREE”…

Free stickers for completing at least 3 of the challenges, styro planes (we caught a red and blue each during the frenzy of the Ball Drop), the awesome lazer, lights and sound display (from 7pm), and LOTSA fun together with Daddy and Mummy J!

And what’s a visit to the Toy Story 4 Carnival without actually making it to the movies for the actual movie itself?

That very same week we hit the box office…

It was a very good story with a good mix of old and new toys. Of the new cast, we liked (what Daddy called ‘separated at birth) the twins… Ducky and Bunny (the yellow and blue guys) the most…

At the end Mummy stepped out teary eyed and said it was OK to cry… we think she sobbed buckets by the end of the movie, not sure if it was because it was funny, scary or sad. We guess it was a bit of it all 🙂

 

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JJ at Legoland Hotel JB

Well it happens JJ’s favourite aunt – Gugu J manages to book out The elusive Ninjago Lloyd (aka Green Ninja) room on a mid-week Wednesday, so what d’ya know we pack our bags and head to the Legoland Malaysia Resort! BIG HURRAY for the HUGE Ninjago fans JJ are.

We have had the annual passes for some years but never actually utilised the discounted rates on Legoland Hotel so this was an opportune time to leverage the 20% discount on rooms.

Turns out we would be coming straight from KL the day before so when we got to the Legoland Hotel we were just yearning to stay in and rest. Alas while we really did just hibernate in the room, rest was elusive as there was just so much fanfare and excitement – the oohs and aahs from JJ the moment we stepped into the room, admiring the tastefully done Ninjago-themed decor (what else would you expect!), Legoland toiletries and amenities (!) , to getting thru the treasure hunt and eventually unlocking to secret chest to uncover our treasure!

Legoland Resort Malaysia Johor Bahru undergoing a facade face-lift.

Lobby/check-in with Lego Knights Castle (akin to Daddy J’s Black Knights Castle) and Pirate’s Ship play area!

The usual disco lights and music play go on when the elevator doors close – “Everything is awesome, everything is cool when you’re part of a team (by Tegan and Sara)”… different elevators have different themes ranging from Adventure, Pirates, Kingdom…

*Elevator dings* we’re at Level 5 and greeted by none other than Master Wu. Ninjago rooms share the same level as Pirates-themed rooms, which is also the same floor as the hotel pool.

Getting into our Lloyd-themed room…

Treasure hunt instructions laid out on the bed.

[Spoiler alert] Click here for the answers to unlock the treasure chest!

Lego-styled toiletries! Literally everything is AWESOME!

The pool which was virtually empty when we got there in the morning after brekkie. But then again, who would need a pool when you have the Legoland Water Park right at your doorstep! *Splash!*

We did head out eventually to the Legoland Theme Park for our regular dose of Ninjago ride (note Jon beat his record of 204,750 with full bragging rights to it!), dragon roller-coaster (Jo) and for dinner at the Medini Mall (we walked past the newly-opened Sealife aquarium)

There are nightly activities at the Lobby, ranging from movie nights to kids playing in the lego pits and running through the pirates ship deck or knight’s castle. That night we were there though, we enjoyed a little Hari Raya magic show! Kids were all in their PJs, literally wayyy past their bedtime!

The next day we just took it easy – having extended breakfast at the Bricks Family Restaurant (sprawling with KIDS!), playing video games at the Games console room and watching tele in the room before checking out at noon (note the hotel’s official check-in and checkout timings are 4pm/11am respectively).

 

After checkout we were deliberating between going into Legoland again or checking out the latest attraction (Sealife) – given it was sweltering hot then with the noon day sun blazing, it really did make more sense to do a look-see at the air-conditioned Sealife.

Sealife Malaysia officially opened its doors in May 2019 after almost a year in making since groundbreaking in August 2018. Legoland regulars would remember the works-in-progress through this time, the dust and temporary walkways from the open air carpark to the park entrance… but alas, this is all now behind us! Owned and operated by the UK-based Merlin Entertainment Group, the fresh-faced Sealife Malaysia joins a network of >50 other such aquariums/oceanariums around the world (Merlin is also synonymous with Madam Tussauds, Sydney Wildlife Zoo, among others).

In all, we spend slightly more than an hour, zipping* through the various exhibits but spent disproportionately most time at the life-sized aquarium screen – similar to whats now super popular at kids’ play areas and entertainment centers, the one at Sealife Malaysia though has individual screens (not just paper you colour on and snapshot with the digital projector) where kids (and adults too!) design their own sea-life and spawn them into the vast underwater world…. Daddy J himself gets creative with his zebra inspired starfish.

Kids to Daddy: How do you tell the difference between a zebra-striped Daddy and Mummy star fish?

Daddy J: Daddy starfishes are black with white stripes, but Mummy starfishes are white with black stripes

JJ: 🙂

 

*Note: the layout is cleverly designed over 3 levels of exhibits intertwined and accessed by steps (there were lotsa climbing up and down steps to the different floors. Not to worry though as there are also elevators to make accessibility easier!