Cafe, Changi Airport, Coffee, Diary of a Foodster, Food, Photography, Products, Review, Singapore, Singapore Airlines, Singapore Products, The Idea Box, Travel, Vacation

Changi Airport Terminal 1: You Should Visit This Secret Staff Canteen

We just can’t get tired of Changi Airport. Whether we are traveling or not, this place always gives us a refreshing atmosphere to chill out. Continue reading “Changi Airport Terminal 1: You Should Visit This Secret Staff Canteen”

Bintan, Cafe, Coffee, Diary of a Foodster, Food, Growing Up, Hotel, Hotel Review, Kids Activities, Photography, Playground, Products, Review, The Idea Box, Travel, Vacation

10 Reasons A Swiss-Belhotel Lagoi Bay Bintan Stay Will Completely Justify Your Relaxing Getaway

When it comes to plan for a fuss-free family getaway, Bintan is a popular destination and for good reason. We scouted for affordable family-friendly accommodation and were introduced to Swiss-Belhotel Lagoi Bay. This hotel fitted our requirements exactly and it has all what we wanted. What also makes Swiss-Belhotel Lagoi Bay so special is that the most memorable moments at the hotel come when we least expect them to. We are so motivated to share with everyone.

Here we bring you 10 compelling reasons to make Swiss-Belhotel your next Bintan holiday destination.

 1: Location

 All we wanted was a short getaway and preferably need not spend too much time travelling especially with kids around. Bintan is a perfect fit. Come 2017, an international airport will help to connect Bintan to international travellers. For now, ferry is the only option. We arrived at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal (Singapore), hopped onto the Bintan Resort Ferries’ €™ Economy Class, and viola, reached Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal (Bintan) in less than an hour, approx 45mins.

Cartoon shows are aired inside the ferry to keep your little ones and the young at heart occupied.

Before we know it, we arrived at Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal.

Getting to Swiss-Belhotel Lagoi Bay Bintan is a breeze. Complimentary shuttle service is provided from Bandar Bentan Telani Ferry Terminal to the hotel. *(Tips, readers shared with us that they booked their stay thru hotel directly, the ferry turn out to be cheaper. Plus hotel staffs will know the timing of your arrival and departure to arrange land transfer.)

Time taken to reach the hotel from ferry terminal? Less than 15 mins 🙂

The 195-rooms 4* Swiss-Belhotel Lagoi Bay Bintan is just opened in May 2015. Huge and contemporary lobby for guests.

2: Choices of Elegant Suites

Swiss-Belhotel Lagoi Bay features 195 guestrooms including Deluxe, Grand Deluxe and Executive Suite in a modern contemporary design. Complimentary Wi-Fi with strong signal is provided throughout.

37sqm elegantly designed Deluxe room with single or twin share beds with rates starting from

Sgd $160.

47sqm Grand Deluxe room comes with a bigger entrance space and upsize of 10 sqm larger than Deluxe room is designed for comfortable stay with rates starting from Sgd $190.

113sqm Luxury Executive Suite is set to give you the ultimate accommodation experience with a spacious bedroom, separate living and dining as well as a luxury bathroom with shower and bathtub with rates starting from Sgd $415.

We stayed at the Executive Suite. Check out our blog post here.

Searching to book Swiss-Belhotel Lagoi Bay, click here!

3: Infinity Pool

Everyone loves the idea of a refreshing dip in the rooftop swimming pool, 1.3m. When it comes to swimming especially in an infinity pool, it’s even more irresistible for Big and Small M. They would indulge themselves all-day long in the waters.

A good size baby pool for your little ones, 0.5m.

Not that we like to brag, Swiss-Belhotel spectacular infinity-edged pool offers a breath-taking views of the Lagoi Bay.

Hotel guests can also lounge by the pool with a refreshing mocktail and appetizing snacks.

4: Games and Entertainment Room

 This family-friendly amenity is a big-draw among the hotel guests. Opening from 10am to 10pm daily, it caters to all ages.

Get into the thrills and spills of table football.

Heart pounding. Thrilling. A rush. Enjoy the adrenaline rush and take your Wii games to a whole new level.

Challenge your partner into a game of pool.

If you just want to sit back and relax, try grabbing a jar of popcorns or candy floss(S$4) and hop onto the theatre to catch a movie.

It’s free-sittings for movie-goers.

5: Kids Club

Whether your little ones are too young to indulge in the Games & Entertainment Room or you have other adult activities planned, there’s a Kids Club to keep them entertained.

The Kids Club in Swiss-Belhotel is spacious and child-friendly.

Children can spend the afternoon manoeuvring around the Kids Club and be self-entertained.

A mini-trampoline for the jumpy ones.

Hours of active fun with ball pits for kids.

6: Authentic Indonesian Culinary Class

We know how much food can nourish our soul and tickle our tastebuds. Swiss-Belhotel also organizes activities to engage its guests. We enjoyed ourselves to bits participating in a hands-on cooking class during our stay.

The Hotel Chef teaching the participants the techniques behind making tasty Indonesian snack items.

Our Junior MasterChef in the making. We are mad about desserts. Imagine learning how to pull off that Onde Onde cupcakes, savoury Kueh Lemper and Bubur Terigu we are so fond of!

What better way to whet your appetite than to be taught by the local Chef?

This was our first and definitely not the last thing attending a culinary class.

7: Be a Fisherman

Hey, we went fishing at Lake Lagoi fishing farm! A booking at Swiss-Belhotel entitles you with a complimentary one hour fishing activities per room (1 rod + bait).

Enjoy the beauty of Lake Lagoi while waiting for the harvest.

What can we do with the catch? Swiss-Belhotel chefs can whip up a piping-hot meal in sambal, sweet and sour sauce or soya sauce for a mere SGD $10.

8: Swiss-Cafe

Waking up to a ready made breakfast is one of life’s pleasures. The Swiss-Cafe at Swiss-Belhotel offers a generous spread of International buffet breakfast with live cooking stations to start your day after a comfortable night’s sleep.

Do you love sunny side up?

Freshly-made coffee and fresh juices, together with fruit, sausage, bacon and scrambled eggs  and many more certainly keeps you coming back for more.

It’s all about making everything from scratch. Enjoy a wide assortment of breads and pastries produced in-house by the hotel.

Swiss-Cafe also serves authentic local food. Highly recommended for the food enthusiasts.

We were hosted by Ms. Sharon Foo, Marcom Director of Swiss-Belhotel, who provided us with superb hospitality throughout our stay. We were blessed beyond words!

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wZq4hhkEkJE/V15id4TK5EI/AAAAAAAA0OI/LYVcgsmIJvosendNp44HJIppvkGRvYG6wCL0B/w771-h579-no/P1340489.JPG

9: Chadis Roof Top Bar

When the sun sets, the Chadis Roof Top Bar becomes alive. We had an al-fresco dining experience at the rooftop where we were greeted by a medley of succulent grilled meats, barbequed seafood and piquant cocktails (and mock-tails).

Assortment of delectable pastries, breads, desserts, sauces and many more.

Meat lovers will certainly delight over freshly-grilled meats for them to feast on!

We enjoyed dining at the Chadis Rooftop Bar and felt it’s a perfect spot for hotel guests to dine and chill out, not forgetting to catch a game of Euro 2016 as well 🙂

Located at Swiss-Belhotel Lagoi Bay, Chadis Rooftop Bar opens daily from 4pm – 11pm.

10: Beach

Swiss-Belhotel is just a short stroll to the beachfront. Crystal clear waters, white powdery sand, shading trees, refreshing air and tranquility scenery are the themes in this beach.

We have heard about the white, fine and powdery sand over the beachfront. The doubting Thomas in us just need to see to believe. Big and Small M were obviously impressed and started to play with the sand and scouting for sea-shells!

Time for sea shells collection.

Hey, there’s something over here. Can you spot it?

Of course, our trip to Bintan wouldn’t be complete without a romantic sunset viewing at the beach.

Those mesmerising shades of colors had us transfixed until the last slither of sun sinks below the horizon.

Unbelievable Getaway Packages

Planning for a getaway? Swiss-Belhotel has two packages that are real valued-for-money. Check them out!

Family Fun Package, Child Stays FREE!
Fr S$130/person
This package is inclusive of:
  • 1 (one) night stay at Deluxe room in Swiss-Belhotel Lagoi Bay, Bintan
  • Daily breakfast for 2 (two) persons in Swiss Café
  • Crystal Lagoon Entrance Fees
  • Return ferry tickets from Singapore – Bintan – Singapore excluding taxes and levies of S$24nett per person
  • Complimentary access to Kids Club
  • Complimentary return land transfers from Ferry Terminal to hotel
  • Complimentary High Speed WIFI Internet Access throughout hotel including rooms (unlimited devices)
  • Complimentary One hour fishing activity per room at Lake Lagoi
  • Complimentary access to infinity rooftop swimming pool and gym
  • Complimentary use of entertainment centre with indoor games (Xbox ,Wii U, PS4)

What’s more enjoyable and fun than escaping with your bestie to an idyllic island getaway, bond over refreshing mock-tails, relaxing spa treatments and indulge in authentic Indonesian Inspired meals? Get ready and start packing up for an exciting BFF Getaway!
This package is inclusive of:
  • 1 (night) night stay in a Deluxe room at Swiss-belhotel Lagoi Bay, Bintan
  • Return Ferry Tickets from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal to BBT
  • 2 ways land transfer to and fro BBT to hotel
  • 1 x International buffet breakfast at Swiss-Cafe
  • 1 x Mocktail by the infinity pool
  • 1 x Head & Shoulder massage (45min)
  • 1 x Indonesian Dinner
  • 1 x Complimentary Donut Swim Float per room
  • Complimentary High Speed WIFI Internet access throughout hotel including rooms (unlimited devices)
  • Complimentary access to Games & Entertainment Centre
Weekday Price : S$165.00
Weekend Price : S$185.00
Above price excludes ferry taxes of $24 per person

Needless to say, we love every single moment and bits of our time in here. As we bade Swiss-Belhotel farewell, we realised this hotel has so much to offer and what we experienced was just the tip of the iceberg. We will be back for more!

Get connected to Swiss-Belhotel Facebook here.
Get connected to Swiss-Belhotel Website  here.
Subscribe to Swiss-Belhotel Newsletter here.
Book Swiss-Belhotel accommodation here.
GRAND LAGOI SWISS-BELHOTEL
Jl. Gurindam Duabelas, Plot 27-29
Lagoi 29155, Bintan – Indonesia
For details on inquiries/bookings, please contact Swiss-Belhotel from Monday to Friday (9am to 6pm) at:
Tel. (+65) 6274 9555
Email. ssecsblb@swiss-belhotel.com
If you enjoy reading our travelogue, do give a like on Katong Kids Inc Facebook Fan Page by clicking here.
Disclosure: All photos, information and opinions, unless otherwise stated, in this post belong to Katong Kids Inc. Reproducing or copying them for use on third party sites without our written permission are strictly prohibited. All rights reserved.
Car, Coffee, Diary of a Foodster, Food, Growing Up, Hotel, Hotel Review, Kids Activities, Malaysia, Photography, Products, Review, The Idea Box, Travel, Vacation

Food Discovery – Chua Kee Seafood Gelang Patah Johor 蔡記海鲜

Let’s talk about food. This topic can arouse the attention of happy food-goers who are willing to travel miles just to taste some of the best local food. We blogged on Star Chef Seafood Restaurant at Gelang Patah previously and after that dining experience, we were hungry for more.

Chua Kee Seafood Gelang Patah Johor 蔡記海鲜

Nestled at Jalan Nusaria 3, Taman Nusantara, 81550 Gelang Patah, Johor, Malaysia is where you can find popular Chua Kee Seafood Gelang Patah Johor 蔡記海鲜.

A quick google check shows the distance of Restoran Chua Kee to Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour is just 11km or 15 min drive.

We were there during lunch time and the sun was scorching hot. There are ceiling fans and we were just glad to find seats around that area.

As you can see, Chua Kee Seafood Gelang Patah Johor 蔡記海鲜 is a restoran selling the usual “zi-char” dishes. The setting is definitely not contemporary but there must be something about their dishes that draw crowds of customers.

What We Ordered

This was what we ordered.

Sin Chew Bee Hoon – RM $9

Fried Rice – RM $8

Mix Vegetables – RM $8

Handmade 3 Slices Assorted Vegetables – RM $12

Dry Fried Prawns – RM $30

Fo-Yong Egg – RM $6

Sambal Kangkong – RM $8

Claypot Porkbelly & Salted Fish – RM $12

A heart-warming 8 course lunch 🙂

Our total bill adds up to RM $101.55 (SGD $35). We thought the price was pretty decent and we had a hearty meal. Guessed we will revisit Gelang Patah again to go for more food discovery.

Durian for Thought

We were in for a treat as durian season is here again. Just across Chua Kee Seafood was a durian stall.

Are you a durian lover? It packed a different feel if you get the chance to try durians in Malaysia. The stall owner grew these durians by himself and called them as “kampung” durians.

3kg for RM $60

Small M, obviously is not a fan for durian …

Although it was not fantastic, these kampung durians come with many seeds and full of flesh 🙂

It was nice that Chua Kee allowed us to eat the durians here provided we cleared them after eating.

Restaurant name: Restoran Chua Kee 蔡記海鲜
Address:  No 1 Jalan Kacang Panjang, Gelang Patah 81550, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
GPS: 1.447108, 103.586133 / 1°26’49.6″N 103°35’10.1″E
Tel: +60 7 510 3198 | Mr Chua +60 12 761 0529 | Lily +60 12 762 8255
Hours: 11:30am to 11:00pm (closed on alternate Weds)

If you enjoy reading our travelogue, do give a like on Katong Kids Inc Facebook Fan Page by clicking here.
Disclosure: All photos, information and opinions, unless otherwise stated, in this post belong to Katong Kids Inc. Reproducing or copying them for use on third party sites without our written permission are strictly prohibited. All rights reserved.
Coffee, Diary of a Foodster, Malaysia, Ming Ang Confectionery Sdn. Bhd., Products

Shop for Pastries and CNY Goodies @ Ming Ang Confectionery Sdn. Bhd.

If you have a penchant for tasty pastries, there is this outlet by the name of Ming Ang Confectionery which you might want to check it out. But wait a moment, before you prepare to hop down, this confectionery is not located in Singapore. Continue reading “Shop for Pastries and CNY Goodies @ Ming Ang Confectionery Sdn. Bhd.”

Coffee, Review

Super – What a Smile Tastes Like

Sponsored Review

Our coffee lover is back! Yes, it’s me. This past month has been eventful because I have an amazing opportunity to experience different texture and flavours of coffee. Continue reading “Super – What a Smile Tastes Like”

Coffee, Review, Sponsored Review

Super Charcoal Roasted White Coffee

Sponsored Review

If there is one thing that could capture my heart, I have to admit it is none other than coffee. Yes, coffee. I am a big coffee addict.

The adventurous coffee lover in me would see myself popping by from café to café to try out different selection of freshly roasted coffee. In my journey I discovered one thing – we can also experience a taste of superb coffee without burning a big hole in our pockets. Continue reading “Super Charcoal Roasted White Coffee”