Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy’s latest National Day promotion would certainly strike a chord with food-lovers. The Wave Cafe is dishing out Singaporean delicacies at $5.10 per set as we celebrate Singapore’s 51st birthday.
That’s right, it’s just $5.10 and it’s limited from 5th to 9th August. Let’s take a look on the menu for each day. Customers may choose to top up additional $2.00 for a Popsicle and $1.50 for a canned Soft Drink or Coffee/Tea. All prices unless stated as nett are subject to service charge and prevailling government taxes. Continue reading “Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy: Wave Cafe $5.10 National Day Special!”→
Nestled between Beach Road and North Bridge Road is Purvis Street which is abuzz with an array of restaurants. The sight of conserved shophouses clustered near to towering modern skyscrapers, notably The South Beach, caught our attention.
There is plenty to eat at Purvis Street and we find ourselves exploring Adonis Hotel‘s in-house restaurant, Argo Restaurant. Adonis Hotel’s beautiful entrance, cozy seating and bistro appearance makes you feel just right at home. The tastefully designed hotel creates a sense of harmony between the new interior and the old building. Continue reading “Wallet Friendly, Quality Food: Argo Restaurant @ Adonis Hotel Singapore”→
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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 findconvenient 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!
Address: Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Puteri Harbour, 79000 Nusajaya, Johor Darul Takzim, 79000, Malaysia
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.
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”→
You would have heard your friends sharing how fun Taipei is when they are back from their travel. Now that you maybe considering whether to visit Kaohsiung and our answer is a big YES. Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s second largest metropolitan area and its second city. While it may not be as happening as Taipei city, there are definitely pockets of interesting attractions that promise to mesmerize you. Continue reading “10D9N Taiwan Travelogue – (Part 8): Day 8 @ Kaohsiung 高雄, Cijin Island 旗津島 and Ruifeng Night Market 瑞豐夜市”→
Rise and shine. Early in the morning we packed our belongings and all ready to leave Taipei for Tai Chung. For this trip, we decided to visit 清境農場 Cinging. The journey is going to take more than 5 hours on the road.
A Long Journey
We booked a mini bus to bring us to Cinging as we had many luggages to load. Along the way, there were no lack of beautiful sceneries.
Taiwan is soooo beautiful!
Chingjing New Paradise Bed and Breakfast
Located in Cingjing, Chingjing New Paradise Bed and Breakfast is a perfect starting point from which to explore Nantou. Every room has wifi but it is not that strong. It is the cheapest minsu we can find by far so we have to manage our expectations.
I guess everyone who come to Cingjing is to stay in minsu.
The view from our minsu. It’s high up the mountains and it’s going to get very cold at night.
Chingjing New Paradise Bed & Breakfast
Address: No.9-5, Bowang Ln., Ren?ai Township
Nantou, 54641
Phone Number: +886492801260
Lunch
The Small Swiss Garden is also known as “Taiwan’s Little Switzerland” and “Paradise in the Mist”. The Qingjing cloudy mists at dawn is like a perfect painting; looking at it from a distance, it is as if the clouds and mists were floating, slowly coming closer, becoming one with the clouds on top of the distant mountains. So we are here for lunch.
Enter and there is a food court.
We tried their local dishes.
Yummy…
Chicken chop rice.
Look at the panoramic view of Cingjing.
Sheep and sheep everywhere. Symbols of Cingjing.
小瑞士花園 Swiss Garden
Just next to the 7-Eleven is the Small Swiss Garden. Actually this is the more prominent attraction to visit. We were not “wow” by it but anyway, it seems this is the only place to go here.
Live band to keep you entertained.
Enter the Swiss Garden and enjoy the garden layout. We took many pictures but don’t really enjoy this place. Sand flies could be seen at some spots and they were irritating.
We fed the ducks.
A cafe here to get your cup of coffee.
Address: No.170 Renhe Road, Datong Village, Ren_ai Town, Nantou, Taiwan
Let’s play UNO before we sleep.
We will be visiting Cinging Farm tomorrow so stay tune for the next blog 🙂
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.
Back again to continue blogging our Taiwan travelogue. We have many “quiet” readers out there and some of them actually messaged us that they look forward to see us completing to blog our travelogue. Thank you so much.
Katong Kids Inc | Singapore Travel & Lifestyle Blog 