Mandarin Oriental Singapore HAUS 65 Review: Is It Worth the Price?

ABBEY: For our 15th wedding anniversary, we celebrated with a 3D2N staycation at the iconic Mandarin Oriental Singapore, and it turned out to be one of the most relaxing and pampering hotel stays we’ve had.

The experience started seamlessly. There was no need to queue at the hotel lobby because our check-in was done directly at the club lounge. While the staff prepared our room keys, we were invited to enjoy breakfast and choose what we wanted from the menu. I immediately went for the Nasi Lemak. The chicken was crispy outside yet juicy inside, pairing perfectly with the fragrant and well-seasoned coconut rice.

Then came the champagne. They were serving Ruinart, and naturally I had a couple of glasses to start the morning. After all, it was a champagne breakfast. The best part? The free-flow champagne continued from 7AM all the way to 7PM.

Shortly after breakfast, our room was ready for early check-in and we were thrilled to be assigned a high-floor room. Waiting for us inside were anniversary treats including cakes, tea, and a thoughtful handwritten note that made the celebration feel even more special.

The room itself was elegant and incredibly comfortable. After requesting firmer pillows, our sleep quality became exceptional. We rested deeply each night and woke up refreshed every morning. One of our favorite parts of the room was the bathtub. It became our quiet space to relax, reflect on the 15 years we’ve shared together, and look forward to what’s ahead.

At 2PM, we headed back to the lounge for afternoon tea, where the champagne was still flowing freely. The spread included savory sandwiches and freshly baked scones, which we happily requested extra servings of.

Of course, we also explored the hotel facilities. We visited the gym and the swimming pool, eventually taking an evening dip to escape Singapore’s afternoon heat. The pool water temperature was just right, and the evening lighting added a sophisticated and calming atmosphere to the entire area.

From 5PM to 7PM, the lounge served evening cocktails and light bites, although “light” hardly describes the spread. There were noodles, sushi, cold cuts, freshly baked bread, and flavorful meat skewers. It honestly felt more like a complete dinner buffet than simple cocktail snacks.

Our stay also included breakfast at Embu, the hotel’s buffet restaurant. I enjoyed a satisfying combination of chicken curry with prata, noodles, bacon, and sausages. But apparently one breakfast wasn’t enough for us because we later returned to the lounge for another round of breakfast served directly to our table.

We also made good use of the gym during our stay. It was well-equipped with the machines needed for a proper workout, making it easy to stay active even during a relaxing staycation.

Overall, our anniversary staycation at Mandarin Oriental Singapore was nothing short of relaxing and memorable. From the attentive service and luxurious lounge experience to the comfortable room and thoughtful anniversary touches, every detail was carefully prepared to make guests feel celebrated, pampered, and genuinely cared for.

Mandarin Oriental Singapore HAUS 65 Review: Is It Worth the Price?

WILL: If you’ve been following us in our YouTube Channel and Blogger you might remember when Abbey and I celebrated our milestone 10th anniversary during the pandemic at The Ritz-Carlton. Fast forward 5 years, and here we are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary! This time, we checked into the newly refurbished Mandarin Oriental, Singapore to experience their ultra-exclusive club lounge, HAUS 65.

So, what is it about this lounge that had us putting it straight onto our travel bucket list? Let’s dive in!

For the premium price tag, you expect top-notch hospitality, but the team at Mandarin Oriental truly goes above and beyond to make you feel special. Abbey subtly noted that it was our anniversary, but behold—the team completely surprised me with a birthday cake too and a cute, tiny set of local kaya spread for my birthday! It’s these personalized gestures that make a stay unforgettable.

The Food Experience: Hits and Misses
If there’s one area for improvement, it’s the breakfast variety. The lounge menu stayed the same throughout our 3-day stay. Don’t get me wrong—the food is delicately prepared and tastes incredibly good! But if you love a massive variety, definitely head downstairs to Embu for their huge international buffet breakfast instead (which is also included!).

That being said, afternoon tea at HAUS 65 is an absolute dream. Imagine the rich aroma of freshly baked scones paired with velvety, creamy clotted cream. OMG! They delivered it straight to our table with love. Whew, pure bliss.

Do not underestimate the evening cocktail hour! The spread is so substantial it can easily double as dinner. They layout an incredible array of fresh sushi, grilled chicken, savory meats, and comforting noodle dishes. And yes, the free-flow champagne and premium cocktails were really flowing! Yayyy!

The hotel's location is incredibly strategic for roaming around Marina Bay. We spent our evening walking around Gardens by the Bay, marveling at the glittering skyscrapers that remind us how Singapore leads in tech and banking.
Pro-tip: MO has free bicycles available for you to borrow to cruise around the bay. Wink-wink!

Will We Come Back? Of course! Aside from the stellar service, Abbey and I absolutely love Ruinart Champagne—and this is one of the rare, elite hotels in the city that proudly serves it free-flow as their house pour. For the unlimited bubbles, the gorgeous new Peranakan-inspired design, and the VIP memories, HAUS 65 completely won us over!

***

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, SINGAPORE

(W) https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/singapore/marina-bay?search=singapore

(A) 5 Raffles Avenue, 039797, Singapore

(T) +65 6338 0066

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

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Finally! Chick-fil-A Singapore is HERE! (The Only One in Asia!)

ABBEY: We tried a couple of times to visit Chick-fil-A, but the long queues always made us hesitate. Eventually, we realized the line wasn’t going anywhere, so we went for it. Good thing we did, because the wait was much shorter when we finally visited.

We ordered the original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich and the Deluxe Sandwich. Both were impressively juicy and full of flavor in every bite, from the soft bun to the perfectly cooked chicken. The Deluxe Sandwich, topped with melted cheese, looked just as good as it tasted and was definitely photo-worthy.

On the side, we had their signature Waffle Potato Fries along with all six dipping sauces. Personal favorites? The Chick-fil-A sauce, Garden Herb Ranch, and Honey Mustard stood out.

To complete the meal, we treated ourselves to a rich, hand-spun chocolate milkshake. This is one of those moments where calorie counting takes a backseat, and honestly, it’s worth it.

Chick-fil-A Singapore Review

WILL: The legendary Chick-fil-A has landed at Bugis+ Singapore, and it’s bringing all the golden, crispy vibes you’ve been dreaming of!

If you’re a local foodie, a tourist on a mission, or just someone who lives for a good waffle fry, here is why this is the must-visit food spot in Singapore right now.

Why Everyone is Obsessed:

Their Original Chicken Sandwich is pressure-cooked in 100% peanut oil. It’s juicy, tender, and tucked into a buttery brioche bun. One bite and you’ll get the hype! 

Waffle Fry Heaven: Say goodbye to boring fries. These lattice-cut beauties are built to scoop up maximum Chick-fil-A Sauce.

The Famous "My Pleasure" Service: Experience that world-class hospitality right here in the heart of Bugis.

Since this is the only permanent outlet in Asia, it’s the ultimate "I was here" photo op for your feed! Do not forget to order their milkshakes. 

***

Chick-fil-A Singapore

(W) https://www.chick-fil-a.com.sg/

(H) Mondays to Saturdays: 10am to 10pm

(A) 201 Victoria St #01-19 Singapore 188067

Why Taiwan is a Foodie Paradise: Must-Visit Spots Every Tourist Needs to Try

ABBEY: 

7-Eleven

If there’s one place that defines convenience in Taiwan, it’s 7-Eleven. We found ourselves making multiple trips, whether for quick snacks or unique finds like the limited-edition mojito in a tetra pack.

One highlight was reuniting with a Coke Slurpee at a branch in Yilan. It felt nostalgic in the best way.

Whether you’re grabbing food to go or dining in, 7-Eleven offers a wide variety of options. The dine-in areas are clean and well-maintained, with tissues and wipes available so you can tidy up after eating. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference for the next customer.

Starbucks Reserve Dream Plaza Taipei

We visited the Starbucks Reserve Dream Plaza, and it’s easily one of the most impressive Starbucks branches we’ve seen.

The space is massive, with dedicated sections for coffee and tea. They even serve cocktails. Yes, I had an Espresso Martini at 9 AM, no regrets.

Seating is abundant, so it’s easy to find a cozy spot. It’s a great place to people-watch, unwind, or simply pass time with your favorite drink. We paired ours with a pork tenderloin frittata sandwich, and every bite was satisfying. The meat was tender and packed with flavor.

Taipei Night Markets

Choosing which night market to visit in Taipei can feel overwhelming, so we kept it simple and went to those near our location.

Our Jiufen–Shifen tour ended at Raohe Night Market. It was packed from the entrance, with long queues for the famous pork black pepper buns. Of course, we joined in. The buns were freshly made and worth the wait.

We also went hunting for XXL fried chicken and found one of Taiwan’s iconic oversized cutlets. Juicy, crispy, and incredibly satisfying. We ended up enjoying it back at the hotel since it was already late.

Next stop was Ximending. Here, we had one of the best beef noodle soups at Lao Shan Dong. The hot broth was perfect for the chilly weather. We also tried fried chicken from Shi Yun, along with fish cakes, string beans, and tofu.

And of course, the famous crispy milk donuts. Expect a queue, but they’re worth it. The area is vibrant, filled with neon lights, music, and a youthful energy that makes it fun to explore.

At Shilin Night Market, the crowd was more manageable. We tried barbecue chicken and the well-known Hot Star Large Fried Chicken, each with its own distinct flavor. The best part? We found crispy milk donuts with no queue.

Taipei’s night markets are a full sensory experience. Bright lights, loud sounds, and incredible food all come together to create something unforgettable.

Simple Kaffa Sola at Taipei 101

What’s it like dining at the top of Taipei 101? We found out at Simple Kaffa Sola, the highest café in Taiwan.

We walked in without a reservation and were seated within minutes. I tried their 10th Anniversary Coffee, and the staff recommended sipping from different sides of the cup to experience the varying flavor notes. It actually works, although the taste becomes more consistent as the coffee cools.

We paired it with Zhou Zhou, a honey castella cake that complemented the coffee perfectly.

Emperor Palace Hot Pot Buffet

For our final lunch before leaving Taiwan, we went all out at Emperor Palace Hot Pot.

The ambiance feels like a traditional Chinese palace, with dim lighting and wooden interiors. We chose spicy pork soup and chicken soup as our bases, then loaded up on Angus beef slices, dumplings, vegetables, and more.

The drink selection is extensive, ranging from soft drinks to alcoholic options, so there’s something for everyone. For dessert, I indulged in Swiss chocolate ice cream from Mövenpick and a refreshing fruit slushie served in a beautifully designed silver pitcher.

We definitely left full and satisfied.

Crispy Milk Donuts

No trip to Taipei is complete without trying crispy milk donuts. Yes, they’re indulgent, but absolutely worth it.

Each bite starts with a sweet, milky powder coating. The outside is crispy, while the inside is soft and almost melts in your mouth. Whether you eat them hot or cold, they’re delicious.

One piece is never enough. If the queue in Ximending is too long, check other branches around the city. You might get lucky like we did.

    

Why Taiwan is a Foodie Paradise: Must-Visit Spots Every Tourist Needs to Try

WILL: Taiwan is much more than just a quick stopover; it’s a vibrant intersection of Japanese precision and Chinese tradition. For Western travelers looking for high-quality "foodie" experiences without the gourmet price tag. Based on our recent trip, here are the four places that truly defined the "Taiwanese taste" for me.

1. Starbucks Dream Plaza: Coffee with a Twist
You might think you know Starbucks, but the Dream Plaza Reserve in Taipei is a different breed. While you can get your standard latte, this location specializes in:

• Exclusive Alcoholic Infusions: Coffee-based cocktails that are perfect for a sophisticated afternoon break.

• Elevated Dining: Their sandwiches are massive—far beyond the standard "grab-and-go" fare.

Travel Tip: Go here for the architecture and the exclusive "Reserve" menu you won't find back home.

2. Emperor Palace Hot Pot: The Luxury Buffet
Hot pot is a staple in Asia, but Emperor Palace takes it to a level of indulgence that Western tourists will love. Forget standard soft-serve; this is a full-scale luxury experience.

• The Highlights: Unlimited Häagen-Dazs and Mövenpick ice cream.

• The Game Changer: Unlike most buffets, they offer unlimited wine and cocktails.

3. Raohe Night Market: The Michelin-Level Street Food
While Shilin is famous, Raohe Night Market is where the locals (and savvy tourists) go for the best flavor-to-queue ratio.

• Pork Black Pepper Buns (Fuzhou Ancestor): Watch them bake these in traditional clay ovens. The smoky, peppery crunch is unforgettable.

• Stall 95 (XXL Chicken): A staple of Taiwanese street food.

Our Regret: I only bought one of each. Trust me—get two. You’ll crave them the moment you leave. 

4. Crispy Milk Donuts: Don’t Believe the "Fad" Hype
In a world of overhyped Instagram trends, the Crispy Milk Donut is the real deal. It’s not just a donut; it’s a texture experience—crunchy on the outside, airy and milky on the inside.

There is a long queue for a reason. It is the perfect walking snack while exploring the streets of Taipei.

Ultimately, Taiwan is a masterclass in culinary fusion. It honors its heritage while constantly pushing the boundaries of what 'street food' can be. 

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

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KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

GetYourGuide: Don't just visit your destination — experience it. Book your activities with GetYourGuide!

 

Panoramic view of Shifen Waterfall in Taiwan, the most impressive natural attraction in New Taipei City.

  

Yellow historic Bong Bong Train traveling through the misty mountain forests of Taipingshan National Forest.

   

Breathtaking 4 AM sunrise view from the Alishan National Scenic Area observation deck in winter.

 

Restored vintage trains and diesel-electric locomotives at the National Railway Museum Taiwan.