Singapore, S'pore Flyer, Gardens by the Bay and Universal Studios

At the last MATTA fair, we managed to purchase an attrative holiday promotion package to Singapore Resorts World Sentosa with 2 nights accomodation at Hotel Michael with buffet breakfast, passes to S.E.A Aquarium & Universal Studios Singapore and food vouchers worth S$20 each.

Later on, Tricia managed to purchase promotion tickets to Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the Bay through Groupon.

With such exciting itinenary in store, we were all eager and looking forward to the holiday. It had been 7 years since our last visit to Singapore. During our last trip, the Resort was only under construction.

I must say, it was an enjoyable and relaxing trip for the parents as Mandy volunteered to be the Tour Leader. She planned the itinenary and looked into all the transport arrangements. Sigh..she's taken charge of the family holidays from her old man. Anyways, for a change, I am worry free about the holiday. How my two little girls have grown up.

On the first day, we covered the Marina Bay area. We had a first hand look at the preparation of the F1 race track, went on the Singapore Flyer for a great view of the Lion City, the F1 track and Marina Sands, walked with awe through the air-conditioned conservatories housing the 'Cloud Forest' and 'Flower Dome'.

The 2nd and 3rd day was spent entirely at RWS, USS and SEA Aquarium. We even took a stroll through the Genting Casino looking at the actions of the punters at the tables. Thank God, none of us are into gambling. In the evening at 9 pm, there was even a water show at the waterfront.

Highlights of USS:
1. Waterworld show
2. Transformer Ride
3. Shrek show.

On the last day, we were all reluctant to leave the resort for our trip home. All in all, a fun and enjoyable trip.

Destination : Singapore
Date : 24 to 27 August 2013
Accomodation : Fragrance Hotel Oasis and Hotel Michael RWS
Dad's Rating : 7/10

At the S'pore Flyer

 

 

View from the top

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marina Bay Sands Skyline

 

My very own hotel

 

All tired out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They are the guardians of the Almighty Spark

Me Autobot

 

 

Poor version of 'Walk Like An Egyptian' LOL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Club Med, Cherating, Pahang

We bought a 'Buy One Free One' deal from Club Med at the recent MATTA'13 fair. The package is an all inclusive 3 nights 4 days at the 1st Club Med in Asia i.e. Cherating, Pahang.

The journey started from KL via the East West Karak Highway to Cherating. The journey through light traffic took about 3 1/2 hours. This was a reminiscent trip of sort because it was more than 20 years ago that we were on the beach at Club Med with the children (Mandy was about 4 and Alicia 2!) looking into the resort. Now we are here as hotel guests without the children.

The age shows in some parts of the resort especially the rooms. But then again, guests are expected to be out the whole day enjoying the facilities and activities available free of charge.

The facilities includes the gym, ping pong, tennis, badminton, football, two swimming pools, jacuzzi, spa,etc. Actvities available are sailing, kayaking, rock climbing, archery, fitness classes, jungle trekking and trapeze. There's certainly something for everyone young and old.

The highlights for us couch potatoes were the daily buffet meals and unlimited soft drinks, fruit juices, cocktails, beer and wines! There's even a Noodle House just in case of cravings between meals. Believe me, it was taxing devouring all the different types of food, salads, savourys, deserts available and feeling full the entire stay!

After dinner each night, the staff will come together to present different entertaining music and dance shows for all ages. The highlight was on the last night where we were entertained by a thrilling acrobatic show.

At the end of the day, we retire to the comforts of our room satiated and exhausted. Three full days of R&R. It had been a wonderful experience of what Club Med has to offer.

Our first meal at the resort

 

Mrs Robin Hood

Not bad for our 1st attempt at archery

Main pool

The Zen Pool. Adults only.

 

One of the many comfortable sofas available

Eating...

And more eating! :)

Accomodation wing

Sunrise on last day

 

Destination : Club Med, Cherating, Pahang

Date : 22 to 25 July 2013

Accomodation : 3 nights, 4 days at RM2,270 for two

Mum's Rating : 7/10

Travel Time : 3 1/2 hrs KL to Cherating

Ideal for couples with young kids as th kids have their own programme  

Koh Phangan, Thailand

Mandy managed to purchase a good Groupon deal for 3 nights 4 days stay at a deluxe room with daily breakfast at Panviman Resort, Koh Phangan, Thailand. It was a get to know the in-laws retreat as both couple's parents were invited!

Panviman Resort is located on the East Coast of Koh Phangan, an island just next to the famous and more commercial Koh Samui. The resort is accessible either direct by boat or road part dirt trail by van or 4WD. To get to this exotic island, we took a Bangkok Airways flight to Koh Samui. From the nearby Patcherat pier, it is about 45 mins ferry ride to Koh Phangan. It is then about an hour's ride by road to the  resort. Although the journey to the resort is long and requires frequent transport changes, rest assured it is worth it.

The resort is nestled in a jungle fringed hill slope overlooking two picturesque bays. Our bedroom balcony has an unobstructed view of one of the bays. The view is breathtaking, guaranteed to make you forget about work and stress. The deluxe room came with all the expected creature comforts and more.

Typical of Thais, the staff were polite and friendly and the service very good. The buffet breakfast was good. You get pork bacon and not beef bacon. Hotel food prices were reasonable with ala carte dishes averaging 200 baht. Cocktails were about 180 baht. All of us caved in to the pleasures of spa treatment and were pampered with body, heat and herbal massages. On the third night, the kids upgraded their room to a villa with its very own private pool and jacuzzi.

All in all, it was a very nice and relaxing stay. We even managed to spend a couple of hours over in Chaweng, Koh Samui and even had a final foot massage at 180 baht before leaving for KL. Our thanks to both Mandy and Eddie who planned the entire trip, ground arrangements and ensuring both parents had a wonderful and memorable holiday.

View from villa

View from Deluxe Room

The three fair ladies

Destination : Koh Phangan, Thailand.
Date :12 to 15 May 2013
Accomodation : Panvamin Resort, 4 Stars, Package RM720 for 2 pax wi b'fast.
Mum's Rating : 7/10
Bangkok Airways - about RM800 pp
Airport to Patcherat Pier - RM10 pp
Ferry to Koh Phangan - RM20 pp
Pier to Panviman Resort - RM30 pp