The Countdown 2015: Singapore, South Up
Last minute, but top on my list.
Granted the days off, i suggested to treat my family in the south and up for the new year having seen previous celebrations. Prices, of currency, accommodation and transportation, were high with the festivities in check and i couldn't do anything but be victim. So we drove instead of flying, first to Johor Bahru then into Singapore via the Woodsland Causeway. Oh yes, you will also notice my travel buddy in some of the photos.
This time around, Johor Bahru surprised me with its delicious food: clockwise tiramisu crepe, Peking duck, banana cake and queue, and dim sum.
We left KL early in the morning and arrived at our breakfast place, Restoran Yeen Lai in Kulaijaya. Famous for its dim sum, it was nothing spectacular. We had the fish ball noodle, which was said to be popular too, but the soup and noodles tasted bland. However, the same cannot be said for the ingredients- the fish ball and stuffed tau fu were yummy! Just order those. And for a satisfying breakfast there, have instead the Mee Jawa/Rebus- the table beside us ordered one each so we thought it must be good, and it was.
The next stop was Johor Premium Outlet. It was my second time there and still, i left disappointed. There were many branded shops but not many options of my cup of tea. A good 2 hours was spent window shopping, then we were off to check in at 11@Century Hotel in Johor Bahru. This 3-star hotel is strategically located around food stalls and restaurants, and next to KSL Mall (and night club). From the outside, the hotel looked unimpressive but upon the reception and into our rooms, it changed my perception. The room was neat and contemporary. However, there were a few spots on the wall where the wallpaper was torn.
On foot, we explored nearby and settled for Sing Li Restaurant for lunch/tea. Here, the Pan Mee, 'goreng pisang' fried banana and 'lekor' were commendable. For dinner, we had in Eastern Dragon Restaurant just outside the hotel. My dad tried this place many years ago so this visit brought back memories to him. For the rest of us, it was our first and we were delighted. Although on the expensive side on the bill, it was worth it.
We checked-out in the wee hours of the morning (just after 5 am actually) for Singapore to avoid the heavy traffic at the Causeway during the day (and to spend more time on the island). It was smooth journey all the way in, until we missed the turning to register the Autopass for the vehicle. It was troublesome but necessary, so we went to the LTA office which opens at 8am. Service was efficient and soon, we were ready to go.
We arrived Ibis Hotel Novena much early to the normal check-in time. The manager was kind enough to offer a room for us to put our stuffs and catch a quick rest. I was amazed at the hotel: modern-looking, inside and out, cozy room and commendable facilities- free parking which uses an elevator to get to the parking level and free shuttle service to the Novena MRT Station, which would otherwise take 10 minutes of walking a sloped road. Like the hotel in Johor Bahru, this hotel is located strategically at the Balestier Road and Irrawaddy Road junction with nearby eateries.
After settling down, we put on our shoes and explored Novena, particularly United Square. There, we had the famous Singapore laksa and curry chicken noodles from 328 Katong Laksa stand outside the mall. The laksa was milky and aromatic while the curry noodles was tasteful. So it was a split vote amongst us of which was better.
As Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice opened, customers flocked in. Said to be one of the best around, my brothers enjoyed the rice while i found it ordinary. What i liked about this eatery is the chicken- in all three styles: steamed, roast and soy sauce, and its accompanying sauces. The fatty layer just below the skin (talk about new year resolution) was juicy. The pork, on the other hand, wasn't memorable.
Granted the days off, i suggested to treat my family in the south and up for the new year having seen previous celebrations. Prices, of currency, accommodation and transportation, were high with the festivities in check and i couldn't do anything but be victim. So we drove instead of flying, first to Johor Bahru then into Singapore via the Woodsland Causeway. Oh yes, you will also notice my travel buddy in some of the photos.
30 December 2014
This time around, Johor Bahru surprised me with its delicious food: clockwise tiramisu crepe, Peking duck, banana cake and queue, and dim sum.
We left KL early in the morning and arrived at our breakfast place, Restoran Yeen Lai in Kulaijaya. Famous for its dim sum, it was nothing spectacular. We had the fish ball noodle, which was said to be popular too, but the soup and noodles tasted bland. However, the same cannot be said for the ingredients- the fish ball and stuffed tau fu were yummy! Just order those. And for a satisfying breakfast there, have instead the Mee Jawa/Rebus- the table beside us ordered one each so we thought it must be good, and it was.
The next stop was Johor Premium Outlet. It was my second time there and still, i left disappointed. There were many branded shops but not many options of my cup of tea. A good 2 hours was spent window shopping, then we were off to check in at 11@Century Hotel in Johor Bahru. This 3-star hotel is strategically located around food stalls and restaurants, and next to KSL Mall (and night club). From the outside, the hotel looked unimpressive but upon the reception and into our rooms, it changed my perception. The room was neat and contemporary. However, there were a few spots on the wall where the wallpaper was torn.
On foot, we explored nearby and settled for Sing Li Restaurant for lunch/tea. Here, the Pan Mee, 'goreng pisang' fried banana and 'lekor' were commendable. For dinner, we had in Eastern Dragon Restaurant just outside the hotel. My dad tried this place many years ago so this visit brought back memories to him. For the rest of us, it was our first and we were delighted. Although on the expensive side on the bill, it was worth it.
Guess what this is? Duck skin, cucumber, egg roll, cracker, sweet sauce. Sumptuous, tasty Peking duck it is. Self roll: dab a little sauce onto the egg roll, spread it, arrange the ingredients and roll- yumm... The duck meat was then cooked in ginger which wasn't really my favourite that night.
Mushroom party on the plate. The black mushrooms were well flavoured and fragrant at every bite.
This fish fillet dish was good too.
The tau fu beancurd was homemade and it was delicious. Served with fu pei and vegetables, dinner was complete.
31 December 2014
We checked-out in the wee hours of the morning (just after 5 am actually) for Singapore to avoid the heavy traffic at the Causeway during the day (and to spend more time on the island). It was smooth journey all the way in, until we missed the turning to register the Autopass for the vehicle. It was troublesome but necessary, so we went to the LTA office which opens at 8am. Service was efficient and soon, we were ready to go.
Singapore food: from top left satay mee hoon, hainan chicken rice, chili crab, frog and fish porridge, almond soy bean jelly, black pepper crab, and Singapore laksa.
We arrived Ibis Hotel Novena much early to the normal check-in time. The manager was kind enough to offer a room for us to put our stuffs and catch a quick rest. I was amazed at the hotel: modern-looking, inside and out, cozy room and commendable facilities- free parking which uses an elevator to get to the parking level and free shuttle service to the Novena MRT Station, which would otherwise take 10 minutes of walking a sloped road. Like the hotel in Johor Bahru, this hotel is located strategically at the Balestier Road and Irrawaddy Road junction with nearby eateries.
After settling down, we put on our shoes and explored Novena, particularly United Square. There, we had the famous Singapore laksa and curry chicken noodles from 328 Katong Laksa stand outside the mall. The laksa was milky and aromatic while the curry noodles was tasteful. So it was a split vote amongst us of which was better.
As Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice opened, customers flocked in. Said to be one of the best around, my brothers enjoyed the rice while i found it ordinary. What i liked about this eatery is the chicken- in all three styles: steamed, roast and soy sauce, and its accompanying sauces. The fatty layer just below the skin (talk about new year resolution) was juicy. The pork, on the other hand, wasn't memorable.
Seen here is the soy sauce chicken with the rice in the background.
We made our way to Chinatown via MRT and found ourselves a table by the Tiong Shan Porridge Center. The porridge was rather pricey but the combo of porridge and sauce of dried chili frog leg in claypot was truly delectable. It was like a party of sweetness, saltiness and spiciness dancing in my mouth. We explored quickly around Chinatown and had Almond Soy Bean Jelly in the food court before returning to the hotel, to prepare for the long night ahead.
By four, we were up on our feet and traveled to Marina Bay Sands via Bayfront MRT Station. I liked being around Marina Bay Sands- it gives a feel i can hardly put in words. We were lucky that the weather was cooperative- slightly overcast but no rain. After dinner at the food court, where i had my Satay Mee Hoon (and i will not order again anywhere else in Singapore), we found a spot outside, made camp and waited for the countdown.
Drummers performing.
Singapore will celebrate its 50th birthday this year.
The city nightlight.
As it grew darker, the heart beat faster in excitement.
Perfectly timed. Shot to the sky and exploded as the countdown struck zero. The crowd cheered, the sky bright with lights and the atmosphere festive! The 8-minutes didn't feel long as there was suspense in every display.
Happy New Year 2015
1 January 2015
After the fireworks, we made our way through the massive crowd to the MRT Station. Only a door opened, we squeezed in- that was the worst. Then it was all good. Hats off to the crowd marshals- they did a tremendously good job in controlling the people. Barricaded to allow flow in certain directions and timely control of people going to the station made the journey back easy and less worrying. After shower, we all went to bed.
We skipped breakfast and stayed in until check out time. Wanting to go to Geylang for the chili crab, we saw a restaurant just across the hotel which served chili crab and decided to go there instead; Shi Kou Seafood. The main restaurant was just about to open so we had the minced meat noodle while waiting for them to prepare.
The regular style we ordered: dry with flat noodles. Mix well and slurp!
Here comes the highlight of the trip: Singapore Chili Crab! Overflowing with its gravy and appetizing to the eyes. Best taken with fried 'man tou' bread to dip into the sauce. With eggy texture and sweet-and-spicy flavour, no wonder this dish is well-known worldwide and can be claimed to be the national dish.
But that's not just it. We had Black Pepper Crab which, personally, could fight the above dish. At first bite, it tasted unique because we don't usually have crab in black pepper flavour. As i indulged further, i thought it was just as finger-licking good.
I have not tried other Singapore Chili Crab or Black Pepper Crab but this set the bar exceptionally high. Both the crabs were fresh and succulent. Price was reasonable too: SGD 25 per crab and promo 2 crabs for SGD 35.
After the crab fiesta, we headed back to Johor and traffic was a breeze. We stopped by the old town first and queued for the famed Banana Cake at Hiap Joo Bakery. It was the best banana cake i ever tasted; out of the oven warm and delicious. Then we continued the 4-hour journey home.
Although i didn't accomplish all that i wanted to, this journey has been memorable. Celebrating the new year's eve and new year with loved ones; savouring priceless moments together, of each firework, for the food (truly grateful); and bade farewell to 2014 and welcoming the greater 2015.
And thank you, Singapore, for the countdown!
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