Singapore – Old & Lost

4 April 2018 – Travel Day – Singapore – Day 6 -to Kuta, Bali, Indonesia – Day 1

Published on April 4, 2021April 23, 2021 by Old&LostLeave a comment

Originally, we were supposed to go to Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Malang all also in Indonesia for a few days each, totaling 10 days after Singapore, but, we were finding that we were so exhausted from moving around constantly that we decided to cut out all those places, and go directly to Bali, Indonesia. That is one advantage of booking as you go. We had no cancellations to make.

Today was a travel day, but breakfast first. I decided to finally try one of these bun type ‘things’. Not too sure what I think about them, but won’t be having any more any time soon. There seemed to be some kind of BBQ’d meat inside.

Our flight wasn’t until 1650 hrs, so we packed up, checked out and stored our backpacks, while we headed back over to the shopping mall for something to do. We don’t really plan to do much on travel days, as it always stresses me out that we won’t make our flight in time. When we were in Tokyo in 2017 on our last day, we had headed out doing tourist things. When the time came to head back to our hotel to catch our flight home, we couldn’t figure out how to get back there. We had to take a specific subway and we just couldn’t find it. I was so close to panicking. Never again will I get into that situation.

The shopping mall was BUSY, especially the food court.

Checked out a few items in the pharmacy. Always find it amusing. They need to show a before picture as well as the after picture. Saw these things everywhere.

Must be laundry day in Singapore. Can’t quite figure out how they get their laundry out on these things. Also, kind of surprised that they are even allowed to hang their laundry outside here, considering all the rules / laws there are here.

Headed back to the hotel to get a taxi to the Singapore Changi Airport.

Arrived at the airport and got all checked in. OMG! We should have come here, first thing in the morning, as this is one amazing airport. So much to do!!! There is a movie theatre, a swimming pool, a Butterfly Garden, a Cactus Garden, and many more attractions in the many terminals of this airport. Thank you to the security lady who stopped to chat with us and told us all about the different things to do in this airport!

Of course I had to check out the washrooms. These were definitely nice washrooms.

The Cactus Garden was in the terminal we were in, so of course, I had to check it out. Doug wasn’t interested and watched TV while he waited for me.

We were on our way to Bali. I don’t think that I ever thought we would ever get to Bali, and here we are, on our way!

Of course we got fed, all the airlines over here seem to feed us on their flights, no matter how long, or short, the flight is. We both had the same meal, but Doug had red wine, while I had white wine. Included!

We were almost there!

We have arrived! No VISA required for Canadians, as we will be staying in Indonesia less than 30 days.

We have discovered a new fascination since traveling for washrooms, bathrooms, water closets or whatever name you call them.

Have to mention how HOT it was here! It was hotter than hot! And we have been in some hot places lately. And the sun had already gone down.

We had arranged with the hotel to have a driver pick us up from the airport. The cost was 100,000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR Rp), which was approximately Cdn $8.75. We find this is sometimes easier, since we don’t know where we are going, and have had issues getting taxis in some places. Plus the price was definitely right. Talk about a wild and crazy driving route this guy took.

When we got to the Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali, there are security gates to enter. The security guard checks under all vehicles with mirrors. Can’t say I have ever experienced this before, but I am all for safety precautions. We were greeted with leis and welcome drinks, along with warm, moist towels to clean up with. We also received a complimentary 90 minutes Balinese Massage for 2, which we totally forgot about and never did use.

All checked in and headed off to find our room. Our room was upgraded and it was HUGE. Room was huge and the bathroom was even bigger.

We found the restaurant and had a bite to eat, then walked up to the MiniMart to get some snacks. It was now getting late for us and we called it a night.

3 April 2018 – Singapore – Day 5 – Gardens by the Bay

Published on April 3, 2021 by Old&Lost1 Comment

Our plans for today were to walk back to Gardens by the Bay and tour the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. We are certainly getting our steps in, here in Singapore. This city is just so beautiful. Will definitely need to come back here one day. So much to see on the way. Some of the tunnels were painted with murals.

They had these informative signs around. Tourists can’t say “we didn’t know!”

Passed by lots of restaurants, but these guys caught my eye, even if I am not a big seafood fan. They were HUGE, I think.

We saw many statues all around Singapore, but I thought this one in particular was just so whimsical. I am sure that there was probably a sign around somewhere telling people NOT to jump in the river.

First Generation Sculpture at Boat Quay, outside of the Fullerton Hotel made in 2000 by the artist Chong Fat Cheong

The Bird by Fernando Botero, is located in Boat Quay, outside the United Overseas Bank (UOB) by the riverfront at Raffles Place, Singapore.

Never get tired of seeing this view.

A few more random pictures of buildings and artwork around. It was everywhere.

We cut through the same hotel as we had cut through last night and saw this. They think of everything over here. They are plastic umbrella bags to keep the water from dripping off your umbrellas on to the floors everywhere. Seemed to be free of charge.

We were heading to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel to check out the upper levels. The view from the observation deck, Level 57 on the roof was amazing.

Flower Dome and Cloud Forest buildings, Supertree Grove

Art Science Museum (top left), The Merlion (top right), The Float@Marina Bay (bottom right), Singapore Flyer (bottom right),

Since we had paid to go up were we allowed to go into the Cé La Vi bar for a drink. Not an inexpensive place, but had to do it at least once since we were in Singapore.

We were able to catch a glimpse of the roof top pool of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. I can’t imagine paying the prices for this place and having a pool this crowded.

We headed over to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest and bought our tickets. This place is absolutely breathtaking. If you ever get to Singapore and you like plants of any sort, this place is a must. I took hundreds of photos in here. Actually for the whole day I took 786 photos! In one day!

The cactus area of the gardens.

Here are just a few of the many, many art pieces in the gardens.

This was the walkway that I went up on and the view below was spectacular. If I recall correctly, it is the Lost World or maybe this is the Cloud Forest or maybe it is the Lost World in the Cloud Forest? I have no idea what it was called! But it was breathtaking.

The blossoms were phenomenal and plentiful. This is only a few of them.

The cherry blossoms were magnificent.

We caught the MRT from the hotel to a Fort Canning, which is the station nearest our hotel. We are pros at this now, now that we are leaving tomorrow. This will be hard to believe but we grabbed dinner at the hotel’s bake & cook takeaway café. Tonight however, we ate in the courtyard.

Time to pack up for our trip to Bali, Indonesia tomorrow.

2 April 2018 – Singapore – Day 4 – Universal Studios Singapore

Published on April 2, 2021April 23, 2021 by Old&LostLeave a comment

Our plans for today were to go to Universal Studios Singapore. We woke up and it looked a little overcast but not bad. We were going forward with our plans for Universal Studios. After breakfast we headed to Chinatown to catch the North East MRT to Harbourfront. This was a new line for us. We’re expanding our horizons. Living on the wild side….LOL. We only had to go 2 stops but it was a good distance. From the harbour front we should be able to walk over the bridge to Universal Studios. This would work if we had a good sense of direction, but we were totally lost. The security guy gave us direction, but neither of us really got them. There was the option of the tram (I thought he had said train), the bus or walking. We stumbled upon a bus stop that was going to Sentosa, but we had no idea where that was. We asked the bus driver if he went to Universal Studios. He had no idea what we were asking, therefore we didn’t know if he did or did not. OMG! He told us to go ask someone else and drove away. Doug finally asked a lady on the street and she told us that this bus did go to Universal Studios and we wanted the last stop. Thank you lady with the stroller! Next bus came along in a couple of minutes and we piled on. Paid our $1 each and took a seat. Two stops later we were in the garage of the casino on Sentosa Island. Now to find our way to Universal Studios. Lucky for us it’s a popular place and well signed. We were in line for tickets within minutes of getting off the bus. We decided to splurge and went for the Unlimited Express passes. This granted us Express Entry as many times as we wanted to any ride that had the Universal Express line. Pretty much like cutting in at the front of the line.

Once inside we had no plan so just followed the road to the right. First up was photos with Minions.

Came across Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase. Why not? There was an Express line and we were loaded onto the ride right away.

Up next was TRANSFORMERS the ride and went into the Universal Express Line. The regular line wait time was already at 60 minutes. Took us maybe 5 minutes to load onto the ride.

Most of the rides don’t allow photos or video of them. Universal and their copyrights! We or I did pretty much ever ride except a few of the younger kids rides. Doug didn’t do the roller coasters, but I did. I love roller coasters. In their Battlestar Galactica section, they had two good sized coasters, Cyclone and Human. I much preferred Cyclone as it had twists and turns and upside rolls.

Now we were headed into the Ancient Egypt section where they had Revenge of the Mummy. Love this ride. Love having the Express Pass even more.

Out of Ancient Egypt and into Jurassic Park, where they had the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, a river raft ride, so you know you’re going to get wet.

Something they had here, that we had never seen before were drying pods. Even though it is so hot here, people were using them.

Time to take a rest and take in a show. We caught the WaterWorld show in the Lost World area of the park. It was good, your typical Universal Studios show.

Did some other very exciting and not so exciting rides.

Came across Gloria’s Snack Shack. Gloria, is that your restaurant? Crispy Giant Squid Rice Combo? I think I will pass.

How about a turkey leg? Pass from us.

We found Starbucks and decided to have our lunch here. You can’t go wrong with Starbucks, right? Love these Iced Vanilla Lattes, even if they aren’t cheap.

We walked around the park and took in a few more rides and shows. Enough walking that I put 16,475 steps on my Fitbit today.

Did a little shopping. Can’t come all the way to Universal Studios Singapore and not buy a souvenir.

After leaving the park, we decided to look around. There are other attractions on Sentosa, but not today. We will just have to come back to Singapore some day.

Even stumbled upon some of Romero Britto’s art work. I love his stuff and have a few pieces including an iPhone case that I bought in Miami. His artwork seems to be worldwide for sure.

And saw a cruise ship off in the distance.

Of course the skies opened up and the rain came pouring down.

We caught the tram back to the mainland and did not have to bus it this time.

We caught the MRT to China Town and had to walk back to the hotel, in, you guessed it, the rain.

Our plans for the night included doing some hand washing. It had been 5 days since we had done laundry and since we only had backpacks, we had to be constantly doing hand washing to ensure drying time. We relaxed for a bit and enjoyed a couple of beers that we had bought last night from the 7Eleven. Love having a refrigerator in our room.

This will be hard to believe, but we had salad from the bake & cook takeaway cafe in the hotel! Can’t believe I didn’t take pictures of our dinner! Okay, it was the same thing I have had for the last few nights. Well not exactly the same. Only had salads tonight and no quiche. Told you all that I am not a very adventurous foodie. We weren’t really all the hungry, since we had had a big lunch at Starbucks in Universal, but we were tired.

16,475 Fitbit steps today = 12.09 km

1 April 2018 – Singapore – Day 3 – Singapore Botanic Gardens

Published on April 1, 2021 by Old&LostLeave a comment

Today was the day we were going to the Botanic Gardens. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and I was really looking forward to this, as I love to garden. Couldn’t wait to check out all the varieties of plants there would be. We were becoming pros at taking public transport now and headed off to get the MRT.

Admission was free, except for the National Orchid Garden. Of course, I had to see the orchid garden too.

When you first enter, you find yourself in the Trellis Garden. Shade is always welcomed to us in this hot climate.

The Bougainvilleas were just stunning. So many of them, all colours and all sizes. These are one of my favorite plants.

There was a Foliage Garden with so many varieties. Not sure about this foliage, but the ‘flowers’ sure were fabulous.

They had an Evolution Garden with some primo displays.

When I was 10, I had to get my tonsils out, and the ENT doctor called me “Bees Knees” for some reason. I have no idea why, but always remember that. Saw this sign and of course I thought of the ENT doctor. The random things I remember. We went in and had a non-alcoholic drink and a rest. I thought for sure that I had taken pictures, but once again can’t seem to find them. Maybe I am getting confused as we have been to so many places now. I definitely do remember the washrooms though as you had to walk up a staircase to get to them! Have to chuckle at their sign, Free Seating Cafe. Maybe I’m tired, but that makes me laugh.

You never know what you might see! This lady had curlers in her hair and was getting her makeup done. We have often seen photo shoots while over here in SE Asia.

We headed up to the Boardwalk through Rainforest.

That is one spikey tree that I wouldn’t want to climb!

The Orchid garden was stunning. So many varieties.

There was a special section inside, VIP Orchids

In memory of Diana, Princess of Wales.

I must have taken hundreds of photos today, so here are just a few more.

We were getting tired and decided to head back. We did not see the whole Botanic Gardens, but most of it.

We took the MRT back to hotel and wanted to make a pit stop at the 7 Eleven. We should have known better than to do this. It started to absolutely pour down. Seems to rain every day around 4:00 pm. Doesn’t rain for long, but can sometimes be inconvenient, if you are out and about! Here is a random sign from the MRT

Since it was pouring down, we decided to try out a ‘shortcut’ through underground garage to get to hotel. It was a little up and down, but we made it, and we didn’t get soaked.

Once again we decided to eat dinner in the hotel at the bake & cook. The lady was getting to know us by now and gave us a couple of free Hot Cross Buns. They were delicious! We ate in our room tonight as we were pretty exhausted from our day.

That is our room. The only one with a light on, as I guess everyone else is still out and about. We old folks turn in early. A goodnight wave from Doug.

31 March 2018 – Singapore – Day 2 – How Did We Do So Much in One Day?

Published on March 31, 2021 by Old&LostLeave a comment

We had a great sleep and enjoyed our breakfast that was included. They had a good selection of food I would eat, which is always a bonus, as you never know what the breakfast options are going to be. Coffee was okay also.

We were fed and out before 10:30 which was great as we wanted to do the river cruise.

Just down the street from our hotel was this temple. Not sure what they had lit, but they looked like giant firecrackers to me. Believe it or not, we did NOT stop to check it out.

We crossed over the river to book a river cruise.

Tickets in hand we went in search of washrooms before the cruise tour began. Always seem to be searching for washrooms. Our dollar is almost on par with the Singapore dollar, which makes it great for conversion in my mind.

Headed right back and boarding was just about to begin. We headed to the back of the boat to sit outside. Hoping we would get great views of everything. Thankfully today was a little overcast and we shouldn’t be fried, like we often are.

The River Cruise would take us from Clarkes Quay to the Marina Bay and back.

The sky was starting to clear and the sun was trying to come out

We got back to the dock and decided to wander around riverside area checking out menus of the cafes and pubs. We thought we might come back one evening. That never did happen, but if we ever go back, we will make it happen.

Doug’s favorite wine, Shiraz. YUCK!

By now it was afternoon, as in after 1200 hrs, and we were getting tired and thirsty. Only so much water a person can drink, right? So we looked at a few menus and found a place we could afford. This place looked nice and had cheap beer for Singapore.

We relaxed and enjoyed a couple of cold beers on the riverside.

Wandered up the side streets to see what was around.

Some streets were better than others. Came across this cool vending machine. Can’t say we have ever seen a Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice vending machine before.

We found a Starbucks, but not only was it a Starbucks, it was also where the Canadian Embassy is. Okay Paden, we have found the place for you to get a job so we can visit.

Here is a picture of the old with the new architecture.

We had ended up in Chinatown again and yes, there was a temple that was calling our names.

This was the Sri Mariamman Temple. A Hindu temple and looked very similar to the temple that we had visited in Kuala Lumpur a few days ago. After a while, all these temples start to look a like.

We headed back to the hotel and had an early dinner at the little cafe, the baker & cook, again. I had the same as last night, quiche and salad. Doug also had the same tonight. Did some laundry, as they had laundry facilities, which is always exciting, and chatted with an Aussie couple in the laundry room. It was some nice down time. Then back to the room to relax for a while, but not for long!!!

We were heading to the Gardens by the Bay for the night time light show that was in the Supertree Grove.

We were going to take the MRT there. Unfortunately, but fortunately, we got off at the wrong stop and felt totally lost. Fortunate thing was, apparently a lot of people got off at the wrong stop, so we just followed the crowds. We were on the wrong side of the river and had to cross over the Helix Bridge that is pictured above. As we were crossing over, the light show on the Art Science Museum started. It was awesome. I only got a few photos though as we were walking across the bridge and still a little ways away.

The music and light show was INCREDIBLE. Here are just a few photos that I took. The first one shows the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

You could pay to go up onto the walkway that you can see in the photo below. I would love to to do this some time, but Doug won’t do it. I really hope to get back here one day.

This is my most favorite photo of the night

We followed the crowds and found the correct MRT stop to get back to the hotel. Of course you had to cut through a shopping mall to get to the MRT, but talk about a cool shopping mall.

If it hadn’t of been for following the crowds, we still may be wandering around looking for the MRT stop. We managed to find the right train line and get off at the correct stop! We should be proud of ourselves, especially after a long day. 15,468 steps to be exact, but who has been counting? Here is what we saw walking back to the hotel from the MRT stop.

Once we got back to the hotel, we sat in outdoor lounging area, and Doug enjoyed a pint of very expensive draught beer. He said “it was worth it!” I must have been very tired, as I have no pictures of it or the bill! Called it a night!

30 March 2018 – Travel Day Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Singapore – Day 1

Published on March 30, 2021 by Old&LostLeave a comment

It was yet another travel day for us. We’re excited about seeing Singapore.

For our two flights from KL, Malaysia to Singapore on Air Asia, with luggage paid, the cost was Cdn $144.79 Sounds okay to me. We already know not to expect great things from Air Asia, but they get the job done for us.

I am guessing that these washrooms were not for our use.

We departed at 12:30 from Kuala Lumpur and would arrive in Singapore around 1340 hrs. Nice quick, easy flight. However, we didn’t arrive in Singapore until 1400 hrs, but still a good flight as we did make it.

They have fancy taxis in Singapore.

It was a beautiful drive to the hotel. The foliage around here is out of this world. Just like many of the places we have been so far. We got all checked into our hotel. We are staying at the Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay, 2 Magazine Road, Clarke Quay. Singapore is NOT CHEAP!! Thankfully we booked a room which includes breakfast.

Paden loves hippos and I love Romero Britto’s work. Great combo of both, were in the lobby of our hotel. #HolidayInnExpressCQ

Turns out for us, we have a great location. Away from the busy center of things, but close enough to walk to many places. Also, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is only a couple blocks away. Seems like you can get just about anywhere on their MRT.

We needed to get money. Before we left home, we got approximately Cdn $100 of each currency that we would need. Figured this would get us at least to the hotels and then we could find a bank machine locally. The front desk told us there were bank machines at the Chinese Central Market that was only a few blocks away. Saw some amazing buildings on the way. This is apparently a hotel. The Royal Park Hotel. I am guessing out of our price range, but still gorgeous from the outside.

Once we found the mall, we still had to ask a couple of times where the bank machines were. Nothing is ever easy. I always get nervous when trying new bank machines in new countries. You never know if they will work and actually give you money. Had a big issue with this at times in Vietnam. Money in hand, we were happy again. The money in Singapore is nice and colorful, like Canadian money.

Saw this amazing bakery and couldn’t resist making a purchase. At least, we would have a great dessert, if nothing else. Doug had the Crispy Chocolate cake and I had the White Zebra. There were so MANY layers to that cake.

Eggs anyone? They don’t keep their eggs refrigerated over here. Seems to be a Western thing to refrigerator the eggs.

On way back to hotel we stopped at the 7 Eleven and picked up some water, Cheetos and Shiraz for Doug. It was almost next door to this cafe, Central Perk, which reminded me of the show Friends.

When we were in Los Angeles a few years back, well many years back, we actually visited the set from the show Friends. That was pretty cool. Here are a few of the 2009 photos from the actual set.

We headed back to the hotel, as we would eat at the little cafe, baker & cook, they had. Doug had a meat pie with pasta salad and I had quiche with pasta salad. It was delicious. Dessert later in our room. Those cakes were also delicious!

1700 hours and we were both ready to crash back in our room.