Cafe, Coffee, Diary of a Foodster, East Coast Park, Food, Giveaway, Hotel, Katong, Kids Activities, Photography, Products, Review, Shopping, Singapore, Singapore Products, The Idea Box, Travel, Vacation

Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy: Feast@East Buffet Restaurant {Giveaway}

Food discovery is all about serendipitous moments – being in the right place at the right time. At Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy, the newly refurbished Feast@East Buffet Restaurant showcases a sumptuous Heritage Singapore Buffet that is winning new fans in the process. Continue reading “Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy: Feast@East Buffet Restaurant {Giveaway}”

Cafe, Coffee, Diary of a Foodster, Food, Growing Up, Hotel, Hotel Review, Kaohsiung, Kids Activities, Photography, Products, Review, Taipei, Taiwan, Travel, Vacation, Via Hotel

Taiwan Travelogue: 10 Street Foods You Must Try in Taiwan

Tempting foodies with its mixture of 台湾小吃, Taiwan’s night markets have won over fans. We have seen many Taiwanese franchise stores popping up in Singapore but we know very well nothing beats tasting the real deal in the home country. In this blog, we bring you the 10 street food you must check out in Taiwan! Continue reading “Taiwan Travelogue: 10 Street Foods You Must Try in Taiwan”

Cafe, Diary of a Foodster, Food, Katong, Kids Activities, Photography, Products, Review, Singapore, Singapore Products, The Idea Box, Travel

The Red House Katong: Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique

Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique doesn’t fail to impress. This newly-opened gelato boutique seems to draw a constant stream of customers in the little space of 20 mins we were there. Perhaps it is due to its strategic location (right under the overhead bridge linking between The Red House and Roxy Square). Curious onlookers would step into the boutique and ended up purchasing their favourite gelatos. Continue reading “The Red House Katong: Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique”

Diary of a Foodster, Food, Growing Up, Joo Chiat, Katong, Photography, Products, Review, Singapore, Singapore Products, Travel

East Coast Road: 227 Katong Durian

It’s the peak season for durian again. If you are not aware, the typical season for durian feasting occurs between June to August. The supply of durians this year seem to be better than last year. Over in social media, we saw Kampung durians selling for as cheap as $2 each over in Chong Pang market. How I wish there is such a sale over in Katong! Well, it doesn’t make any economic sense to travel from the far east to the north just to taste the $2 durians. We will make do over here at 227 Katong Durian located at East Coast Road. Continue reading “East Coast Road: 227 Katong Durian”

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

Bintan Travelogue: 10 Tips before Visiting Bintan

There is one thing that matters to us during our visit to Bintan and that is finding activities that are suitable for families. With so many family-friendly activities in store, we concluded this is the first and certainly not the last time Bintan will be seeing us. We compile everything you need to know about Bintan when planning your itinerary. Read on about 10 things to do in Bintan: Continue reading “Bintan Travelogue: 10 Tips before Visiting Bintan”

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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!

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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
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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.
Cafe, Coffee, Diary of a Foodster, Food, Growing Up, Hotel, Hotel Review, Kaohsiung, Kids Activities, Pets, Photography, Playground, Products, Review, Shopping, Taipei, Taiwan, The Icon Hotel Kaohsiung, The Idea Box, Travel, Vacation, Via Hotel

Itinerary Compilation: Taiwan Travelogue in a Nutshell

We were asked about our Taiwan itinerary by many parents. Well, school holidays are coming and there’s nothing better than for the whole family to explore the best of Taiwan. This is a compilation of our Taiwan travelogue in a glance. All you need to do is to click onto the individual blog title and it will direct you to the blog post. Happy sharing and reading 🙂 Continue reading “Itinerary Compilation: Taiwan Travelogue in a Nutshell”

Flea Markets, Food, Products, Review, Shopping, Singapore Products, Sponsored Review, The Idea Box

The Wicked Cream Co.: Love in a Mallow {Mother’s Day Giveaway!}

Katong Kids Inc has been supportive of young entrepreneurs in their new start-ups. What’s more when we are talking about local brands? Continue reading “The Wicked Cream Co.: Love in a Mallow {Mother’s Day Giveaway!}”

Diary of a Foodster, Education, Food, Growing Up, Kids Activities, Review, Shopping, Singapore, The Idea Box

Parents World Junior Chef 2016 @ I12 Katong

Parents World Junior Chef 2016

Friends who know me well, knows that I will always try to ‘Spice Up” my girls’ school holidays.. To kick start the March holidays we went for Breakfast Bonanza, playdate with friends at Kids Fiesta 2016, movie cum dinner date ‘Zootopia’, be Mini bosses at Sentosa KidZ Flea and on the very last day of holiday (Sunday, 20 Mar) we end it off with a Blast at Parents World Junior Chef 2016. WOOHOO.. Continue reading “Parents World Junior Chef 2016 @ I12 Katong”

Food, Giveaway, Kids Activities, Photography, Products, Review, Shopping, Sponsored Review

MomoBud: Bringing Only The Fresh Fruits to You (Seasonal/Exotic Fruits to Giveaway!)

We know the importance of consuming fruits and the host of benefits it brags – increasing our energy levels, improving our digestive system, prevention of chronic diseases and many more.

Walking along Telok Ayer Street, one would find one of the probably best-kept treasures in this CBD area – “MomoBud”, a fresh and high-quality premium fruit retail & online store. A family-run business since 2001, MomoBud serves nearby CBD office workers who want to adopt healthy culture in their daily lives. In 2015, it opened up its doors islandwide through online platform so that they can expand and reach out to the mass.

Continue reading “MomoBud: Bringing Only The Fresh Fruits to You (Seasonal/Exotic Fruits to Giveaway!)”