Christmas @ Singapore.

Travel Period: 6D5N

Travel Mode, Time & Cost:

KL - SG
-Flight: Air Asia
-Time: 50 minutes - 1 hour (depending on aviation traffic)
-Cost from Malaysia: RM 300+/- for Christmas, booked in Nov'16

Singapore (You can get an EZ Linke for SGD 3/ Tourist Pass)
-Fares are relatively cheap, it usually never exceeds SGD 3/trip (except Sentosa train - SGD 4/trip)

Accommodation:

HDB Tampines (Free accommodation)

Furama Hotel
- My friend booked this hotel with flight through Air Asia Go for RM 1K+/- for 4D3N

Visa:

For Malaysians, visa-free.

General Remarks: 

-Food portion is similar to Malaysia, although dollar to dollar, Singapore's food is relatively cheap. (i.e one bowl of noodles/ one plate of rice is approximately SGD 3 or less)
-Check out Fair Price for one of the cheapest grocery shopping at Singapore
-It's good if you have data with you as Singapore is really easy to travel around with public transport and you can search all the MRT/bus routes using Google Map

Please note that all mode of transportation may changes from where you origin hence, the recommended Google Map.

P.S Cafe, Harding Lane
Website: http://www.pscafe.com/
Transport: MRT to City Hall, Bus to CSC Dempsey Clubhouse
Remarks: One of the best cafe I visited! If you love a classy cafe with greens and good food, this is a MUST VISIT!
Price: SGD 75-90/ 2 pax

 Truffle fries (SGD 15) & Portobello Brunch Souffle (SGD 27) (Forget about the iced Chocolate)

Double Chocolate Blackout (SGD 16)- So rich and sinful!

Sit outdoor to eat with the greens.

Vienna International Seafood & Teppanyaki Restaurant
Transport: Bus to United Square
Remarks: It has a mixture of all kinds of cuisines - Japanese, Chinese and Western. Do book in advance if you're going during peak season.
Price: SGD 50-60/ pax (All you can eat)

Image credit: Google Photos

Orchard Road
Transport: MRT to Orchard
Remarks: MUST VISIT during Christmas if you enjoy lively atmosphere(bear with human traffic) and pretty setup!
Price: FOC (unless you spend on the foam spray - SGD 10 for 3 bottles)

Hawker Chan, Chinatown

Transport: MRT to Chinatown

Remarks: The one and only Michelin starred chicken rice. Well, it's wasn't bad but there's nothing to shout about. The skin of the chicken is really smooth (if you are a skin person). Also, if you do not know, Chinatown has a market which opens to late night if you're visiting before CNY period. The market still runs without CNY but the atmosphere is totally different. There is also a centre court that sells all sort of food there, including dessert if you're hungry while shopping.

Price: SGD 35-40/ 4 pax

Singapore Flyer
Website: http://www.singaporeflyer.com/
Transport: Bus to Marina Ctr Ter
Remarks: Night view of Singapore at its best.
Price: SGD 33/pax (Do note their concession fares)

 Air-conditioned capsule (Shared with others, max of 10 pax)

The view from top.

Gardens by the Bay
Website: http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/plan-your-visit/hours-admission.html
Transport: Bus to Before Temasek Ave then walk
Remarks: There was a Christmas Wonderland (Christmas market) which requires online ticketing beforehand.
Price: SGD 8/pax

 Lighting-musical show and artificial snow available at certain hours. I got both :)

Ginger Beer with Wagyu Meatballs pasta on a wine barrel!

Adventure Cove Waterpark
Website: Buy your tickets online from Klook at a discounted rate
Transport: Train to Sentosa (SGD 4)
Remarks: We went during a holiday season and while some rides require about an hour queue, it's still much much better than Universal Studios. I will be back for my dolphin adventure!
Price: SGD 15-25/pax (depending on season)

 The best ride you shouldn't miss despite the long queue (or get yourself an express ticket for SGD 20) is Riptide Rocket, Southeast Asia's first hydro-magnetic coaster.

Other rides:

-Whirpool Washout & Spiral Washout

-Pipeline Plunge & Tidal Twister

-Dueling Racer

 4M pool jump & other mini above-water games (beside Rainbow Reefs)

Snorkelling at Rainbow Reef

Mon Bijou, Orchard Road
Website: http://monbijou.sg/aboutmonbijou/
Transport: Bus to Delfi Orchard
Remarks: Perfect for a simple and quiet romantic dinner date.
Price: SGD 15-25/pax (depending on menu)

 We ordered 2 set dinners and I can't finish my set.

 In-house salad.

 Borch soup.

 Wagyu Beef Cheese Burger.

MB Crabby Patty.

Bangkok Street Mookata, HDB Bedok
Transport: Bus to Bedok Intl
Remarks: A legit local-like dinner. Bedok HDB has one of the largest food court available surrounding its HDB although we strayed and ate Bangkok Street Mookata.
Price: +/-SGD 10/pax (depending on menu)

Soup and BBQ at one go.

If you feel like you're losing faith towards the world, close your eyes and hop on a plane to see the world from another perspective.

Malaysia: Melaka en route Seremban

It was a long weekend and we thought of having some family time beyond the city. Bad decision as Melaka was packed and the traffic going back to KL was terrible.

Still, a good family bonding.

As you could have expect, Melaka is all about food but when food becomes disappointing (especially after the long wait), it's just bad overall.

Hoe Kee Chicken Rice Ball, Jonker St
Location: Beside the famous Chung Wah Kopitiam
Remarks: Chicken was not tender, rice balls was soggy and wet, fish was small. We waited for 30 mins in line and another 30 mins to be serve hence, we anticipate only the good food (I been here before. It used to be good and without a queue). However, the peak season probably made everything bad.

Bibik House Cendol, Jonker St
Location: It is away from the central (Central is where all the chicken rice and souvenir shops are.)
Remarks: Fortunately, cendol was good. RM 5 for normal, RM 6 for durian.

Free-flow thick gula melaka syrup. (Image credit to Google Images)

Durian Soft Serve
Location: Right after this Jonker Walk signboard.
Remarks: I forgot the shop's name (Not Taste Better) but they sell everything durian and I think they are the only shop that sells durian soft serve (RM 3.50/each) which is great for the hot weather.

Baba Charlie Nyonya Cake
Location: 72, Lorong Tengkera Pantai 2C, Kampung Tengkera Pantai Dua (Old house, main kitchen, 10.30 AM - 3:00 PM) / Taman Siantan, Seksyen 2 (Cafe, nyonya food, 2:00 PM onwards)
Remarks: So sad that by the time I went to the main kitchen at 12 PM, all their kuih was sold out. If the main kitchen sold out the kuih in the morning, only nyonya food and other snacks will be available in their new shop.

Aunty Lee Nyonya Restaurant (Halal)
Location: On Google Map / Waze
Remarks: Don't bother, especially during peak season. Not only did they serve me frozen prawns, it was tasteless. My dad actually had to ask them to add in salt and they apologised stating that they were "too busy". No idea why did this place became so famous, seriously.

Klebang Coconut Shake (Halal)
Location: On Google Map / Waze
Remarks: It is so crowded that the drink didn't taste as good as it used to. I think they added water to the shake although the price still remains at RM 2.70/each for coconut shake + a scoop of ice cream.

We passed by Seremban on our way back to KL and we stopped by Empayar Siew Pau before heading home.

Empayar Seremban Siew Pow
Location: On Google Map / Waze (By the highway hence, it's a really good pit stop)
Remarks: For dinner and siew pow. Great for both.

That's our one day trip. I won't exactly say it was wasted but it wasn't great, at all. Still, cherish the family bonding with my parents!

Make every ticking second counts.

Australia : Sydney - Melbourne

Travel Period:

8D8N

• 4.5 days in Sydney
• 3.5 days in Melbourne

Travel Mode, Time & Cost:

KL - AUS

-Flight: Air Asia X

-Time: 8 hours 10 mins

-Cost: RM 1K return if you book in advance

Sydney (You can get an Opal card for free)

- AUD 2.50 for unlimited rides on train, light rail, ferries and bus (Sunday only)

- Capped at AUD 15/day

SYD  City - SYD Airport
-Train: Central - Airport
-Time: 15 mins
-Cost: AUD 16

SYD - MEL

-Flight : Tiger Air

-Time: 1 hour (although their boarding pass always states 1.5 hours, its always approximately 1 hour)

-Cost: AUD 60

Remarks: Be prepare to get your flight reschedule and ALWAYS check your booking email for rescheduled time.

MEL Airport - MEL City - MEL Airport
-Skybus: Airport - Southern Cross Station - Airport
-Time: 30 - 45 mins
-Cost: AUD 19/way
Remarks: Tickets can be purchase at airport upon exit or at Southern Cross station. Make sure you purchase your tickets in advance (valid for 6 months) if you are travelling at odd hours.

Melbourne (You can get a Myki card for AUD 6)

-Free tram zones available

-Capped at AUD 7.90/day

Accommodation:

Sydney

Eastwood (No expenses incurred as it is my friend's place)

Melbourne

Milano Suite, Franklin St (No expenses incurred as it is my friend's place). However, Milano Suite does serve as hotel at an approximately AUD 150/night). You will find an ALDI supermarket (equivalent to AEON Big) beside where you are staying.

Visa:

For Malaysians, all you need is to apply an ETA online for AUD 20.

You can apply your visa (valid for a year, 3 months per entry)  here: https://www.eta.immi.gov.au/ETAS3/etas

General Remarks: 

-Food portion in Australia is relatively large compared to Asian countries as you would have expect.

-Meals are always cheaper if you buy raw materials and cook by yourself as minimum wage in Australia is high. You can expect an average of AUD 10/meal for eating out(and that is for ordinary, not-so-fancy meals).

-Check online for Coles and Woolworths 50% deals weekly. Huge difference even for chocolates.

Total Expenses:

AUD 1000 (including shopping)

Sydney: Day 1

My flight touches down in Sydney Airport at 8.20 PM. Don't worry, free WiFi available to 'report' back home (if necessary).

You can grab a train to the city (AUD 16) one way but I was fortunate enough to have my cousin picked me up from the express pick up zone.

My first dinner at Australia was hilariously, Asian food but it was good. You can view their menu here: https://www.zomato.com/sydney/its-time-for-thai-kingsford/menu#tabtop

We ordered the following:

- Pad Thai with Tamarind sauce

- Tomyam Fried Rice

- Red Curry Duck with Rice

All recommended. Their dishes are very appetising especially for hungry souls.

Sydney: Day 2

I started my daily routine at 8am.

Sydney Fish Market

Transport: Train to Central, Light Rail to Fish Market
Remarks: Seafood, raw or ready-to-eat.

 If you would like to cook, you can buy fresh seafood here and cook it back home. It's also relatively cheaper.

 But as tourists, try everything and care less about your hard-earned money cause the cheesy scallops are SO GOOD. 

 Sashimi (get them to cut thicker slices for you), fresh prawns and cheesy scallops (3 for AUD 10) are must try!

 Don't bother trying the chewy, cold eel though.

Paddy's Market & Chinatown

Transport: Light Rail to Paddy Market

Remarks: Here is where you would like to grab your cheap souvenirs and fruits. Paddy Market consists of dry flea market(clothes, souvenirs, etc) and wet(still dry & clean) market (fruits & vegetables). At 2nd floor, you will find a mini outlet floor with Cotton On Body and various other local/foreign floors if you are not looking to visit Sydney's DFO. I was told Melbourne's DFO at South Wharf is the better option (rightfully). Moving to Chinatown, you will be able to find the famous nougats for AUD 28/kg. Also recommended is the Abalone Macadamia I bought in Melbourne's Chinatown merely by passing by for AUD 20.

Paddy's Market (Image credit to Google Images)

(Image credit to Google Images)

(Image credit to Google Images)

Queen Victoria Building

Transport: Walk from Paddy's Market and you'll pass by various significant architectures such as the Town Hall building.

Remarks: The classier version of Sydney. Find Zumbo (Famous for its macarons) and HAIG chocolate here. You can find Woolworths supermarket opposite QVB.

QVB.

 For the sweet-tooths. I tried the nutella one and it's actually quite good. #notTHAToverrated

St Mary Cathedral

Transport: Train to Kingston / Walk from city

Remarks: I did not visit the cathedral, it's merely a pass-by.

Introducing my bff of 11 years. (:

Sydney Botanical Garden
Transport: Walk from city

Remarks: If you've never had the opportunity to just chill by a piece of lustrous green land while munching away fresh cherries, just drop by here for a break from all the walks. (Bought from Paddy's Market at AUD 20/kg)

Bondi Beach
Transport:Bus to Bondi. (Route 88 or any other bus that states Bondi. You can grab the bus from St Mary Cathedral)
Remarks: The beach is just ordinary but another highlight of Bondi is the less-packed Hurricanes!

 Bondi Beach with my gor.

 A music festival was held when I was there.

Hurricanes, Bondi
Transport:Walk from Bondi Beach
Remarks: We had one full rack of ribs and scallops as appetizer. The ribs is to scream for! So good you have to try. It costs AUD 52/rack. It is also available in half rack if you are in a small group but it's so good that 3 of us finished one full rack.

Photo credit to Google Images. (I didn't save mine from Instagram Story. Tragic.)

Darling Harbour
Transport: Train to Town Hall and walk.
Remarks: Just merely for the night walk. Lots of classy restaurants and pubs here.

Oliver Brown, World Square
Transport: Walk from Darling Harbour.

Remarks: As compared to Lindt Cafe, I was recommended to this by my brother which did not disappoint in terms of hot chocolate. The brownies wasn't as great compared to the brownies I had in New Zealand. You can search up for my New Zealand post(s) if you are visiting the neighbouring country. You can also find Coles supermarket at World Square.

Coconut Dark Chocolate - A tinge of coconut with your chocolate. Good blend, I must say. Photo credit to Google Images.

Sydney: Day 3

Newtown
Transport: Train to Newtown

Remarks: Hipster town where you find brunch places and the infamous Blackstar cafe.

Brunch at Newton's Cuckoo Callay which is located just right outside Newtown station.

Highly recommended is the Bacon Mac Daddy.

Blackstar's Watermelon Cake - Well, it's not a bad cake. Personally, it's just overrated.

Blue Moutain
Transport: Train to Katoomba, Bus 686 to Lookout Point for Three Sisters

Remarks: This is where you go to witness the yet again, overrated Three Sisters rock. It was a good walk but it's not worthy of the 2 hours train ride ONE WAY if you are only visiting Sydney for a bit.

Pancake on The Rocks
Transport: Train to Wynyard

Remarks: I love the pancakes so much that I bought its pancake mix home. Just another recommendation if you are around The Rocks to try this scones place my friend recommended called The Tea Cosy. I didn't have the chance to try as I missed the operation hours then.

Sweet vs Savoury.

Filled tummy is happy to walk to Sydney Opera House and witness the Harbour Bridge.

Sydney: Day 4

La Renaissance, The Rocks

Transport: Train to Wynyard

Remarks: This patisserie/dessert place is not to be missed if you are ever at The Rocks.

Only the best pastries and desserts (not for coffee though)

Taronga Zoo
Transport: Train to Wynyard, Ferry to Taronga Zoo

Remarks: Ferry is not inclusive in your tickets and it is by Opal unless you take a tour package. Upon arrival, cable car is already inclusive in your zoo tickets. Do try your luck in using your international student card to be entitled for the concession fare.

I went there on a weekday and sadly, it is disappointing. Limited shows available. The only show I manage to catch was the sea lion show which was good. No touching and closer experience with koalas (It's a pay only service). The wallabies and kangaroos at the free range area were not only just far from the pathway, they are also weak and dirty. The only luck with getting close with the animals are the meerkats (still, no touching)

Aqua S, Regent Place
Transport: Walk from city

Remarks: NOT RECOMMENDED. I didn't even finish mine. Trust me, there are way better gelato / ice creams around.

Caffe Tiamo, Pitt Street
Transport: Walk from city

Remarks: Their various flavours of latte are really interesting and surprisingly, good. Do try their soy black sesame latte for a mild and less sweet flavour.

Quarrymans Hotel, Harris Street

Transport: Train to Town Hall and walk

Remarks: For an outdoor bar & rather reasonable price food. Check them out here: http://www.quarrymanshotel.com.au/

Melbourne: Day 1

Thanks to Tiger Air, I remained stuck at Sydney Airport for the first half of the day. I also had less time in Melbourne which is sad.

Papa Gino, Lygon St

Transport: Tram to Lygon St
Remarks: Everything Italian! (Pizza and pasta)

Pidapipo Gelateria, Lygon St
Transport: Tram to Lygon St
Remarks: This gelato is so good that I would go back for it anytime!

Pistachio and Chocolate. Also recommended by my friend is Hazelnut.

Max Brenner, Queen Victoria

Transport: Tram to Melbourne Central

Remarks: I ordered Suckao where you can make your own, thick hot chocolate! It's so darn good with choices of dark, milk or white chocolate.

Curtin House, Rooftop Bar

Transport: Tram to Melbourne Central

Remarks: Walk up the flight of stairs to 7 floor and enjoy your drink in a pleasant environment. Great for gatherings or simply for chilling.

Melbourne: Day 2

Great Ocean Road (Tour)

Transport: Go West tour for AUD 130/pax including morning tea and lunch

Remarks: While the lunch prepared was terrible, I must say this tour was worthy of the whole day. The whole journey only keeps getting better and it was amazing at the final & my personal favourite stop, Loch Ard Gorge. (Yes, 12 Apostles lost!) You may be able to get cheaper tours but according to my friend, other tours do not stop as much hence, if you are only here once, make the experience counts.

I was the first one on board hence, I get to pick the seat. Always pick the seats on the left for the best view(if you can).

Koala and native birds pit-stop. (We did see wild koalas but they are high up on the tree)

 12 Apostles.

 Loch Ard Gorge.

Loch Ard Gorge - Divided to several walkways. Explore.

Gami Chicken

Transport: Delivery to Milano Suite for AUD 5

Remarks: Dinner was hot and ready. The crisp of the chicken is so good. I ordered with garlic sauce but my friend recommended sweet chili as well. Pick your favourite!

Melbourne: Day 3 - As always, my finale is more often than not,food and shop till you drop! (cause you got everything else covered by then)

Hardware Societe, 120 Hardware St

Transport: Tram to Queen St/ La Trobe Street

Remarks: We were there as early as 8.30am and there was already a queue. Fortunately, it was just 2 of us and we got served almost immediately. (Lucky!) Even if you have to queue, you'll have to come because this place has such good food and finally, A GOOD MOCHA.

 Their infamous baked eggs.

 Pork belly was legit.

Espresso in one, hot choc in another. Blend so well. The best Mocha I had in Aussie.

Queen Victoria Market

Transport: Tram to Melbourne Central

Remarks: Recommended is the american doughnuts which I don't fancy cause I'm never a fan of jam.

Chemist Warehouse

Transport: Anywhere convenient for you

Remarks: Always, and I mean, ALWAYS check the stuffs you want from this place first (before proceeding to Priceline) as their price is always wayyyy lower. Stuffs they sell are pretty much what you would expect from Watsons or Guardians in Malaysia. Supplements and perfumes are really cheap here. Cosmetics though, are limited as compared to Priceline. I bought a set of Sukin products here (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, facial cleanser and make-up remover) for less than AUD 50.

Sephora, Melbourne Central

Transport: Tram to Melbourne Central

Remarks: Certain Sephora products are relatively cheaper as compared to Malaysia. Apparently, there is a long queue here so do come early. I bought a Christmas pack of Sephora nail polish (which is really good as expected) for AUD 31. That's a great buy!

Brighton Beach

Transport: Train to Brighton Beach from Flinders Street Railway Station

Remarks: The tourist spot you wouldn't want to miss. It's nothing spectacular, just a row of colourful houses by the not-so-magnificent beach. (Just being a tourist)

DFO, South Wharf

Transport: Tram to Melbourne Exhibition Centre / It's located right opposite Crown Casino / For more options and no reasons to NOT GO

Remarks: I spent like 4 hours here (alone) and wish I had more time. This place is huge and great for shopaholics (and I'm not even close).

 Image credit to Google Images.

My shopping spree.

Katie's Crab Shack, Ding Dong Lounge 

Transport: Tram to Bourke St / Swanston St

Remarks: Free music, paid-flow bar, good seafood, nice atmosphere. It is located on 2nd Floor so pay attention to the sign board once you're there.

And with that, it pretty much sums up my footsteps in this beautiful country. This place makes me want to go back; for a bigger, better purpose.

In process of making big dreams come true.