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”
Tag: coffee
Executive Suite of Swiss-Belhotel Lagoi Bay Bintan
Enjoy the luxury you deserve…
Bintan has become one of our favourite destinations to travel with kids. We were pleasantly surprised as this was the first time stepping our foot onto this island which is just less than an hour ferry ride from Singapore.
The four-star Swiss-Belhotel Lagoi Bay was opened in May 2015 offering 195-rooms that can certainly accommodate guests with all expectations. We could feel the lively and vibrant atmosphere the moment we arrived at the hotel. Continue reading “Executive Suite of Swiss-Belhotel Lagoi Bay Bintan”
Experience Thrills and Spills: iFly Singapore @ Sentosa
Have you ever feel the adrenaline rush to try skydiving or bungee jumping but yet fearful to attempt it? There’s is an alternative to experience ‘flying’ in a fun and safe way at iFly Singapore in Sentosa. Best part of all, it’s suitable for everyone starting from age of 7. Continue reading “Experience Thrills and Spills: iFly Singapore @ Sentosa”
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!
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!
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
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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.
KFC Again – My Experience with This Staff at KFC Outlet
You must have read the recent news on KFC after staff accidentally locked 5 customers inside outlet, causing a bad dining experience for the diners at Novena Square. We had another “experience” today while dining at Parkway Parade outlet.
I had a craving for KFC meal and made an impromptu trip to the outlet at Parkway Parade and queued up for a 2 piece meal. There was a queue and two staff were serving the customers.
One of the queue cleared and a male staff by the name of Reiner invited me over to take my order. I didn’t think much of it and made my order. While tending to me, Reiner kept addressing me as “lao ban” or “老板” in Chinese. I was just an ordinary customer, no difference from the rest and was obviously surprised by his gesture. I observed him and he delivered more than what any customer would expect within the space of 3 mins:
- Addressed me as “lao ban” or “老板” throughout the order (I don’t think I deserve it)
- I requested for chilli sauce and he provided me with chilli and tomato sauce (in case I need it)
- Reiner handed me a leaflet of KFC coupons for me to use in future orders (saving my pocket)
- Greeted me to enjoy my meal and have a nice day before I left (makes my day)
You think that’s all, folks.
We left the outlet satisfied by his exemplary customer service. Just when we were getting ready to eat, I noticed a pink post-in note on our KFC meal box.
“Thanks you for choosing KFC as your meal. Hope I have WOW your day!” From Reiner (KFC PWP) 🙂
OMG, it’s not easy to find a customer service staff who is just earning a simple living to exhibit such enthusiasm and positiveness in his job. He takes so much pride in being a KFC staff! We are so blessed to be served by him.
A lesson learned today – take pride in whatever we are tasked to do. Our little actions can go a long way to make someone’s day. Thank you Reiner!
If you think Reiner and KFC deserves to be compliment, do give a shoutout and share this blog post.
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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.
Discovering Katong: Staycation Review @ Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong
Katong has come a long way from its early days when it was filled with coconut plantations. While these plantations have since become a story of the past, Katong has continued to thrive as a vibrant neighbourhood filled with the charm of Peranakan culture. Pre-war shophouses, colonial bungalows, hip cafes, many culinary choices and exciting hotel accommodations are what you can expect to experience in this tourist attraction.
We had our staycation at newly-opened Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong and here’s our review:
Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong
Nestled in the heart of Katong and Joo Chiat district, this 451-room Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong is newly-opened! Built to cater to value-conscious travellers who want affordable accommodation, this hotel offers a perfect respite after a busy day of exploring city.
We arrived at the hotel lobby and were served by the friendly and hospitable staff.
Visitor Information booth.
Spacious indoor area for hotel guests to chill out.
More chill out spots at the outdoors too.
Hotel Rooms
There were 4 of us and our stay was made even more pleasant with the addition of connecting room.
While the rooms are relatively smaller, we were fine with it as each room was filled with the necessities to make our stay a pleasant one.
A great night’s sleep can’t be completed without a comfortable bed. We were pleased that Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong has catered to this need nicely. Our bed was comfortable and there were choices of soft and firm pillows.
Hey, a cute little corner at the side of the bed for you to chill out 🙂
Bathroom
The bathroom was certainly clean and well-maintained. Towels and soap were sufficiently supplied. Guessed our only gripe was that iron was not found in the room.
The shower gave good pressure as well.
A wind down spot – beverage making.
It was a lovely touch by the hotel to introduce Smart TV in the rooms. While the hotel may not have a swimming pool, we were well-entertained by their Smart TV and the attractions in the vicinity.
Amenities and Facilities
Hotel Inn Express Singapore Katong offers no-frills amenities and facilities for its hotel guests. They include a fitness centre, self-service business centre, a meeting room, a laundry room, free and fast Wi-Fi, Free Express Start Breakfast or a Grab & Go option.
If you have little cravings, the hotel also offers Grab & Go option.
Free Breakfast
Good morning, let’s head to the Great Room for our free Express Start breakfast. The selection of breakfast includes carrot cake, baked beans, sausages, scrambled egg, pastries as such.
We were particularly fascinated by this beverage machine. Very cute!
Nearby Attractions
Nothing beats staying in a hotel that offers strategic convenience for everyone. Let’s take a look at what’s in store in this great location:
Take a dip in the waters and explore East Coast Park. You can read our blog on 10 kids friendly activities at Big Splash here.
Embark on an adventure in Marine Parade with heritage trail. Read our blog on exploring the Joo Chiat / Katong famous architectural attractions here.
In mood for shopping? Do you know there are no lack of shopping centres in Katong. Read our blog on 12 shopping centres that shape Katong here.
Feeling hungry? Too many dining spots to recommend in Katong. Read our blog on a highly-recommended cafe by the name of Streets of London located at Katong Point which you might want to try out here.
Many Attractions, A Great Place to Stay
Styled with understated elegance, cosiness and affordability, Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong is here to offer you a totally fulfilling experience.
If we enjoyed our stay here, so will you!
Address: 88 East Coast Road, Katong, Singapore 423371
To book Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong, click here.
Get connected to InterContinental Hotels Group Facebook here.
Get connected to Holiday Inn Express Facebook here.
Get connected to Holiday Inn Express Instagram here.
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.
5 Reasons Why You Should Stay @ Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour
Strategic location in the theme park zone is definitely among the factors to let down your hair and fully enjoy the atmosphere of luxury accommodation at Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour, an upscale hotel which lends a touch of modern, minimalist settings. This is the first time for us having a staycation in this elegant hotel. We truly enjoyed every single moment here and here are the 5 reasons why Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour should be your preferred choice of stay:
Reason 1: Contemporary & Refreshing
Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour is formerly known as Traders Hotel Puteri Harbour.This re-branding is to cater to a new “Jeneration” of independently minded business and leisure travellers. We arrived at the hotel and went straight to check in. The process was seamless and hotel staff was all smiles and served us well. We received our room key but we wanted to explore the lobby first.
A nice touch by the hotel to offer complimentary fruit-infused waters. The kids were fascinated when colours and juices come together. They kept helping themselves to the complimentary juices.
The hotel understands the importance of staying connected. Hotel guests can expect to receive free WiFi everywhere and we are honest to say the signal is really strong! iMac desktop stations are placed at the lobby for guests to use.
It is a plus to find convenient mobile charging stations at various points such as the the lobby, harbour cafe, gym and the Sky Bar for guests to charge their mobiles.
Reason 2: Rooms Are Spacious and New
Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour has 283 guestrooms with a choice of eight room types ranging from a 33sqm Deluxe Room to the 96sqm Speciality Suite. We stayed in the 33 sqm Deluxe Room and were contented that it was spacious and everything looked new.
We were surprised that the hotel did not place any tissue box in the room for guests to use.
Nothing thrills the kids more than having a TV and indulged in Disney channel.
We were upgraded to a Deluxe room with harbour view and we loved it!
We received a pleasant surprised from the hotel.
The kids are very fond of bath tubs and they were disappointed not to find one in our room.
Reason 3: Infinity Pool & Sky Bar
One of the higlights of our stay is the infinity pool. The kids had heard about it and can’t wait to take the plunge into the pool.
Swimming pool will certainly strike a chord with hotel guests. What’s more when there is an infinity pool? We spent a whole 2 hours soaking in the waters.
Feeling hungry after swimming? Take a little bite with orders from the Sky Bar.
Reason 4: Sumptuous Breakfast
We had breakfast buffet spread at the Harbour Cafe.
The buffet spread was sumptuous. Our appetite was huge but too bad, we could only eat that much as we were really full by then.
Our favourite egg station.
Muffins, waffles, pancakes, breads, donuts and various types of pastries spread to choose from.
Nasi Lemak but no chicken wings.
Curry laksa.
Reason 5: Nearby Entertainment
Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour provides free shuttle service to and fro for hotel guests to Legoland Malaysia. You can read our previous blogs on Legoland Malaysia Water Park here and Theme Park here.
Sanrio Hello Kitty Town is just 1 min walk from Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour.
Restaurants around the vicinity.
If you are feeling adventurous, try exploring nearby Gelang Patah, well-known for its nice local food.
Read our blog on Star Chef Seafood Restaurant here.
And our blog on Chua Kee Seafood Gelang Patah Johor 蔡記海鲜 here.
Thinking of a hotel to stay? Come to Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour!
Phone: +60 7 560 8888
Email: hjph@hoteljen.com
Address: Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Puteri Harbour, 79000 Nusajaya, Johor Darul Takzim, 79000, Malaysia
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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.
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)
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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.
10D9N Taiwan Travelogue – (Part 9): Day 9 @ Kenting National Park 墾丁國家公園, Eluanbi Park 鵝鑾鼻公園, Longpan Park 龙磐公园, Kai Xuan Night Market 凯旋夜市 and Liu He Night Market 六合夜市
So, we visited Cijin Island 旗津島 in our last blog and thought that would be our only encounter to get near the seas. In this episode, we surprised ourselves with much more places to sight-seeing. But first, we had to check in to our new hotel.
Kindness Hotel
Kindness Hotel is a chain of hotels in the Kaohsiung city. Ideal for fun and relaxation, Kindness Hotel – Kaohsiung Station Chen Chien is located in the Sanmin District area of Kaohsiung. Before booking this hotel, we were looking for one with cheap rates and good review. Looking at a review of more than 9 in Agoda, it didn’t take us too long to consider booking and here we are.
Kindness hotel is not posh-looking and some parts may look dated. However, we think they made it up with their good customer service.
After a long day of shopping, the hotel’s cafe is where you would like to chill out. If you are the hotel guests, free supper (Taiwanese porridge and usual food items) is included every night.
There is this soya-bean ice cream machine at the lobby. It is all-day free flow for the guests.
This is how our room looks like. Decent and spacious in the most important part – our beds! How much we paid for it? S$158.81 for 1 day.
The beds are soft and fluffy. How can they resist chilling out over here?
The view from our hotel room.
Good morning, everyone! Let’s try out Kindness Hotel breakfast buffet. Earlier on, we mentioned of the good customer service. Yes, the hotel staff would walk around the tables to ask the guests how was the food quality and anything they can improve or assist. We thought it was a very nice touch by the hotel. Thumbs up for them 🙂
Look at the spread. It seemed more than a lunch buffet.
Nice coffee-making machine for the caffaine addicts.
We would call this as our brunch. The hotel is not stingy in the food servings. We were really full by the time we finished our breakfast and that would last us till the late afternoon.
Another plus of Kindness Hotel. One of the beautiful things of visiting Taiwan is the availability of bicycles for guests to rent and explore the city.
Our overall experience at Kindness Hotel was pleasant. The room could be better but what’s more could we ask for when the rate was just S$158? This is inclusive of breakfast and supper buffet as well. The hotel is clean and is the kind of no-frills stay many are looking for. This is Kindness Hotel address if you intend to book it.
Kenting National Park 墾丁國家公園
We booked a cab to bring us to the Kenting National Park 墾丁國家公園 in Pingtung. This trip took up to 4 hours travel on the road. This is so because Kenting is located at the extreme southern tip of Taiwan. It is famous for its beautiful beaches and lush vegetation, and plenty of differents corals. Along the way, we stopped at some rest points for toilet breaks.
Exhausted from the long road ride but the smell of fresh air and being near to sea waters brought great respite for us!
Kenting National Park is a tourist attraction and don’t be surprised to see flocks of visitors here. Low mountains and hilly terraces prevail over much of the land in the park, along with rugged high cliffs and sandy deserts. The swimming beaches with yellow sands and turquoise waters are wonderfully suited to recreation, and sightseeing on a scooter or bicycle is highly enjoyable.
Local shops lined up near the entrance. We had seen the best of Taiwan night markets so there was nothing much to shop here.
How good is this! Near to the sand, near to the beach. Head down to Kenting which boasts some of the most pleasant climate in the country. We don’t get such natural wonders back in Singapore. Treasured every bits of our trip.
The wind was so strong and chilly.
A further walk up will bring you to Maobitou Park. As a result of the movement of the waves on the limestone reef coast, the terrain of this area resembles a crouching cat looking out at the sea. The inshore fishermen of Taiwan used to refer to the prominent cape as a nose (“bi” in Chinese). Therefore, it was named “Mao(cat)-bi(nose)-tou (head)” (Maobitou), meaning “cat’s nose”!
Up next, we are going to get nearer to the waters.
Address: No.32, Ln. 125, Hengnan Rd., Hengchun Township, Kenting
Our driver drove us nearer to the coast.
Where we can get up close to the sea waters. Not a good idea to swim here as the currents were strong. It was winter season and definitely no go into cold water.
One trip but many memorable moments were captured.
Lunch at Kenting
On our way to Eluanbi Park, we stopped by at this restaurant for our lunch.
Ordered the local cuisines. A sumptuous spread of dishes right here.
Eluanbi Park 鵝鑾鼻公園
Eluanbi Park was created in 1982 to provide an appropriate venue for people coming to visit Taiwan’s southernmost point and one of the peninsula’s most notable landmarks, the Eluanbi Lighthouse, also called “The Light of East Asia”. It stands 21.4 meters high and is reputedly the brightest lighthouse in Asia.
The admission tickets cost NT$30 (adults) and NT$15 (children).
However, please note that the park will be closed during typhoons period.
This was the trip that we came to know Taiwanese love dogs so much. Many a times they would bring their furkids out together with them.
Take a stroll in Eluanbi Park. Honestly, it wasn’t that impressive when we entered. If we were to compare with Singapore’s Botanic Garden, it would be far fetch. But wait till we delved deeper into the park and find some really interesting spots.
One of the highlights of travelling overseas is to expect lots and lots of walking. When travelling with little ones, it would be wise to bring along your stroller.
Small M loves this shot very well. It looked so natural.
Visitors can choose to take a trail along the sea to enjoy the sea breeze and view or explore the Eluanbi Lighthouse.
The famous Eluanbi Lighthouse 鵝鑾鼻燈塔 right here. Another attraction checked from our list 🙂
The lighthouse was severely damaged on two occasions – during the First Sino-Japanese war in 1894 and allied bombing during the Aerial Battle of Taiwan-Okinawa in 1944.
An exhibition room at the park provides the history of Eluanbi Park.
Eluanbi Lighthouse gives a panoramic and unblocked view of the sea. This place is that serene and tranquil.
This is definitely a place to explore when you are in Kenting.
You should be here too 🙂
Eluanbi Park is open daily from 7 am to 5.30 pm. Hours of operation is extended from 6.30 am to 6.30 pm during the month of April to October.
Address: 946, Taiwan, Pingtung County, Hengchun Township, 鵝鑾里鵝鑾路301號
Longpan Park 龙磐公园
Situated in Pingtung County is Longpan Park. With a wide range of grassland, Longpan is lying between Jiae road and the Pacific Ocean, and is a spacious place for visitors to watch the sunrise, sunset, and the stars. As a coral limestone tableland, Longpan is rich in slumping cliffs, caves, and fissures eroded by rainwater.
It was beginning to rain when we arrived.
Small M’s hair was flying in the wind! These were our adventures in Kenting before making a long road journey back to Kaohsiung. We were supposed to go firefly watching but had to give it a miss as all the kiddos were totally knocked out in the car. We wanted the kids to experience this one of these days. You can also watch fireflies in other parts of Taiwan. Click here to find out more.
Catch a video on Longpan Park 龙磐公园 here:
Address：Jia-E highway, Hengchun, Pingdong County
Kai Xuan Night Market 凯旋夜市
If you are taking the MRT to Kai Xuan Night Market, take the subway Red Line to the R6 Stop.
Walk out of Exit 2. Cross the street heading south and turn left. You’ll be at the night markets within 5 minutes. If you don’t want to walk, there is a free shuttle to and from the station to the markets.
We read in the airline magazine that Kai Xuan Night Market is touted as the largest night market in Taiwan. So we were expecting the “Shilin” atmosphere when we reached here but alas, it was a big disappointment.
The place was big but the stalls were few. Not the kind of thriving night markets we visited previously.
We did a bit of shopping and eating and didn’t spend much time here.
We couldn’t resist these buttered grilled prawns.
The highlight of our Taiwan trip is about eating and eating.
Big and Small M favourite flour balls. Is there any of these in Singapore? We have a craving for them.
Liu He Night Market 六合夜市
The Liuhe Night Market is a must visit market if you are in Kaohsiung. It is located in the heart of Kaohsiung and is easy to get to by MRT. To come here, take the MRT Red Line and alight at the R10 stop or Orange Line O5 stop. It is the famous Formosan Blvd. station. Walk to Exit 11 which is the Liuhe Night Market Exit and you will be at the eastern end of the market.
Our eyes lit up when we arrived at Liu He Night Market. It was bustling with activities and visitors were thronging the streets. Do you know that the market open from 5pm to 6am!
We find the local Taiwanese are very appreciative of street arts and performances. They would slow down and be entertained by street buskers. Fancy singing “Country Road”?
The best thing to do here is to try the local cuisine.
Beef noodles stall.
We ate a lot and now we were craving for desserts.
Slurp down a bowl of warm beancurd in the cold weather. We also met a Singaporean couple visiting Kaohsiung and like us, stayed in the same hotel and travelled by the high speed rail.
This furkid was kind enough to allow us to snap a picture of him with Liu He Night Market in the backdrop.
Liu He Night Market has plenty of spaces for visitors to walk and overall it was a pleasant experience exploring it. If you visit Kaohsiung, never leave without visiting these night markets.
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Play, Eat, Fun @ Mint Museum of Toys {Giveaway Admission Tickets for 8!}
We paid a visit to Mint Museum of Toys recently and had one of our most surreal experiences ever. Imagine being teleported back to our childhood days, surrounded by an amazing array of more than 50,000 pieces of vintage toys and childhood memorabilia, 8,000 of which are on display at the museum. You will be amazed to know they came from more than 40 countries, including Singapore, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, the United States, and even Bulgaria.
Journey Back to Childhood
Sights and colors relating to cartoon characters greeted us when we stepped into the hallway of Mint Museum of Toys. The ambience exhibited an atmosphere of coziness and we knew we were in for a good treat. Literally.
We were hosted by a friendly staff who shared enthusiastically with us about Mint Museum of Toys and the toy exhibits that we could expect to discover here. Here we are, all ready to embark into our journey of discovery.
A Magical Story Behind Each Level
Hey, every level of the Mint Museum of Toys exhibits a different theme. We come to know they are called Collectables (Level 2), Childhood Favorites (Level 3), Characters (Level 4) and Outer Space (Level 5). We are sure you are going to love them! To know the story behind the toys of these levels, click here.
There is definitely room for a game of hopscotch 🙂
Every Toy Tells a Different Story
These vintage toys look so real. How we wish we can bring them back home! Looking at their manufactured dates and price tags, we realize the Mint Museum of Toys definitely has one of the finest private collections of toys.
Get ready for pictures galore here. Let’s go …
Mint Museum of Toys’ unique collection is valued at over S$5 million, and originates from more than 40 countries. These include Disneyana toys and memorabilia; Character toys such as Astroboy, Batman, and Popeye, Pre-war Japanese toys and Tintin collectables, amongst others. More than half of the collection was found in Singapore and can be regarded as part of Singapore’s heritage.
We come, we snap and collected back lots of memories. Finally, we get our chances to relive our childhood again.
The admission charges are affordable as well.
June Holiday Programme 2016
Mint Museum of Toys has organized a range of workshops during MINT Carnival (28 May to 26 June 2016) to keep your little ones occupied. This June Holidays, join in for one of the museum’s many hands-on workshops happening here at MINT Museum of toys. Learn a new skill and get to bring home your very own hand-made toy. From Robot Clay Art to Build A Kaleidoscope, there’s something for everyone!
So what are you waiting for, sign up for these workshops now!
For more information, please write to register@emint.com or call 63390660.
For advanced registration, fill up our online form
Mint Museum of Toys also has a gift shop at the entrance dedicated for our little ones. We bought some old school childhood games back home as well 🙂
Feeling hungry? Hop onto Mr Punch Public House to satisfy your hunger pangs.
Katong Kids Inc | Singapore Travel & Lifestyle Blog 