Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Dorsett Changi City: Affordable Hotel Near Changi Airport?

ABBEY: If you’re looking for a comfortable and well-located hotel near Changi AirportDorsett Changi City Singapore is a fantastic option. Whether you’re in Singapore for a layover, business trip, or a quick getaway, this hotel offers a relaxing and convenient stay.


During our stay, we were provided with a clean and well-equipped room, complete with a kitchenette—a great feature for those who prefer some flexibility with their meals. The bathroom was spacious and modern, while the soft, pristine sheets and plush pillowsensured a restful night’s sleep.


Although we couldn’t take a dip in the outdoor pool due to the rain, we made the most of the sauna and steam room, which provided a relaxing retreat after a long day. These wellness amenities make Dorsett Changi City a great choice for travelers looking to unwind.


For dining options, guests can enjoy meals at the Cosmo Bar and Restaurant within the hotel. Alternatively, Changi City Point, a shopping mall with various restaurants and retail stores, is just a short walk away—perfect for those who want more choices.


One standout feature of Dorsett Changi City Singapore is its day-use option, ideal for travelers who need a short but comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy full access to the hotel’s amenities, making it a convenient choice for a quick rest or layover.


Dorsett Changi City Affordable Hotel Near Changi Airport?

Dorsett Changi City Affordable Hotel Near Changi Airport? - Elemis

Dorsett Changi City Affordable Hotel Near Changi Airport? - Kitchenette

Dorsett Changi City Affordable Hotel Near Changi Airport? - Twin Bed




WILL: Looking for a hotel near Changi Airport? Many travelers visiting Singapore need a hotel close to the airport, whether for business trips, layovers, or short-term stays. While Changi Airport is about 30 minutes from Singapore’s main attractions by train, some visitors prefer to stay nearby for convenience.


If Crowne Plaza is fully booked or not within your budget, another great option is Dorsett Changi City (formerly Capri by Fraser, Changi City), which is just one train stop away from Changi Airport.


Why Stay at Dorsett Changi City? Dorsett Changi City is strategically located in Changi Business Park, a key hub for IT professionals and international banks. Unlike Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD), this area is quieter, making it ideal for business travelers and short-term guests.


During our stay, we had a twin room with a kitchenette—a pleasant surprise! The room included a complete set of plates and utensils, which made our stay more convenient. If you enjoy having basic kitchen facilities in a hotel, this is a great option.

A bonus feature was the tap water access, making it easy to refill bottles. 

The bathroom was clean, and the Elemis toiletries were a pleasant bonus—I honestly didn’t expect that kind of quality here.


I was particularly excited about the sauna—one of the reasons I booked this hotel. Unfortunately, it was not as hot as expected, which was a letdown. If you’re hoping for a proper spa-like sauna experience, this might not be it.

Aside from that, the hotel offers a well-equipped gym, pool and a business area but quieter than the Central Business District (CBD) location. 


Who Should Stay at Dorsett Changi City?

✅ Business Travelers – Close to Changi Business Park and well-connected by MRT.
✅ Layover Passengers – Just one train stop from Changi Airport.
✅ Staycation Seekers – Comfortable rooms with great amenities.
✅ Day-Use Guests – A great option for short stays before a flight.


If you're looking for a hotel near Changi Airport that’s affordable, convenient, and comfortable, Dorsett Changi City is a fantastic choice.



Dorsett Hotels - Luxury Worldwide Hotel Chain

(W) https://www.dorsetthotels.com/




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Sunday, February 16, 2025

UK Visa Application: Hardest Parts, Biggest Mistakes & Sponsored Tourist Visa

ABBEY: The United Kingdom is officially on our travel list for 2025, and that means one thing: applying for a visa. If you’re planning the same, here’s a friendly guide based on our experience using the VFS Global application process.


First, make sure you have digital copies of all the necessary documents ready. These include:

Travel documents (like your passport)

Bank statements

Certificates of employment

Work permits

Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Having these on hand will save you time and hassle during the process.


The online form on the VFS Global website is straightforward, but remember to double-check all the details you input. If you’re not able to complete it in one go, you can save your progress and return later.


The most time-consuming part for us was listing all the countries we’ve visited over the past 10 years. This required going through our passport stamps and matching arrival and departure dates.

Fact: not all countries provide stamps due to automated immigration systems, but you’ll still need to include them.


After reconciling our travel history, we uploaded the required documents. If a document doesn’t fit into a specific upload category, there’s an “Others” section where you can include it.


The visa application fee was SGD 206 per person, and each application must be completed individually. If you’re traveling with your spouse, you’ll need to apply separately.


Once the application is submitted, you’ll need to schedule a biometrics appointment. No need to bring a photo – they’ll handle that during your appointment.


One great feature is that you can continue uploading documents even after submitting your application, right up until your biometrics appointment.


VFS Global offers a range of optional services for an additional fee, such as:

Document scanning and uploading

Passport delivery

Application status notifications

These can be helpful if you want added convenience during the process.


After completing our biometrics, we received our visas in about two weeks. The process was smoother than expected, and now we’re all set for our UK adventure!


UK Visa Application Hardest Parts, Biggest Mistakes & Sponsored Tourist Visa - Sponsor
UK Visa Application Hardest Parts, Biggest Mistakes & Sponsored Tourist Visa - Sponsor

UK Visa Application Hardest Parts, Biggest Mistakes & Sponsored Tourist Visa - Sponsored Visa
UK Visa Application Hardest Parts, Biggest Mistakes & Sponsored Tourist Visa - Sponsored Visa



WILL: For wives who are financially dependent on their husbands (like me!), I got you covered on how to apply for a UK Visitor Visa or Tourist Visa with a spouse as your sponsor.

Of course, this guide isn’t just for wives—if you have anyone sponsoring your trip, keep reading and so let me walk you through it—no stress, no confusion, just straight-up useful tips!


A sponsor is someone who covers your trip expenses, including: 

- Flights
- Accommodation

- Daily expenses while in the UK

If your husband is sponsoring you, he must prove he can financially support your trip.


Here’s something that caught us off guard: unlike other visa applications, the UK requires a 10-year international travel history! This wasn’t a simple task—we had to backtrack all our past trips, dig through old passport stamps, and make sure the information was accurate.


The application also asked how many times I had visited certain countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Switzerland, and the Schengen Zone. We’re guessing these places hold more weight in visa approvals, so if you’ve been to any of them, make sure you declare it correctly!


Unlike some other visa applications, we wasn’t required to submit a detailed itinerary for our stay in the UK. However, I still had to clearly state when I was arriving, how long I’d be staying, and where I’d be living during my trip. Whether you’re staying in a hotel make sure these details are consistent throughout your application.


Required Documents for a UK Visa Application (Spouse-Sponsored)

✅ The passport or travel document from Philippines – Passport
✅ Evidence of support and the sponsor will not breach any UK Immigration— This is Sponsor Letter (see below photo for sample) 

✅ Evidence of funds available and accessible by me - This is my Proof of Income and provided my 3-month bank statement.
✅ Evidence of the relationship with my sponsor - Our Marriage Certificate 

✅ Evidence of your right of residence (if you are not a citizen of the country from which you are making your application) - This is Singapore’s Foreign Identity Card or Singpass 


Your sponsor (your husband) must submit essential financial documents, including his employment certificate, bank statement, and a well-written sponsorship letter explaining his role in covering your expenses.


Why Some Applications Get Rejected

Even with a complete set of documents, there are still reasons why a UK visa might be refused. Based on what I’ve read in UK visa discussion groups, here are the most common red flags:

  1. Insufficient Funds – If your husband’s financial documents don’t show stability, the immigration officer might question whether he can truly afford to sponsor you.
  2. Weak Ties to Your Home Country – If you don’t provide strong reasons to return home (like a job, kids, or responsibilities), they might suspect you’ll overstay.
  3. Inconsistent Information – If any detail in your documents contradicts another, it raises suspicion.
  4. Poor Travel History – If you’ve never traveled before or have a history of overstaying in other countries, it could work against you.
  5. Fake or Incomplete Documents – Always, always be honest. Any misleading information can get you banned from applying again in the future.


Applying for a UK Visitor Visa when your husband is sponsoring you may seem intimidating, but with the right documents, your chances of approval are high.


My advice? Be transparent, double-check all your documents, and show that you have every reason to return home after your trip. And most importantly—don’t stress! The process may take time, but once you get that approval, it’ll all be worth it.


Good luck, and I hope you get to enjoy your UK adventure soon! 🇬🇧 For the latest official visa requirements, visit UK Government Visa Application Portal.



***
Switzerland Visa Application Center - Singapore 
(W) https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/tourist-short-stay-visas
(H) 9:00am to 1:30pm 
(A) 135 Cecil Street 08-01 Philippine Airlines Building, 069536 
(T) +6531051693


Sponsorship Letter for UK Visa Application
Sponsorship Letter for UK Visa Application



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Oh, and speaking of dreams, let's talk OOTD (Outfit of the Day) goals. Head over to Zalora for some jaw-dropping fashion finds. Click [here] to explore and snag those Instagram-worthy outfits for your trip. A fashionable adventure awaits!

Saturday, February 8, 2025

Hyundai Discovery Centre Singapore: Free Tour of EVs, Robot Farming & Smart Factory

ABBEY: When it comes to innovation, the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS) truly lives up to its name. Located on Bulim Avenue, this cutting-edge facility showcases some of the most exciting advancements in technology, sustainability, and manufacturing.

One of the highlights of the tour was their state-of-the-art hydroponics farm. Spanning multiple floors within the building, this smart farm uses advanced robotics to grow kale, lettuce, and mustard greens. We were walked through the entire farming process—from seed germination to harvest—and it was nothing short of fascinating.


The best part? We got to enjoy a tasting session, omakase-style, featuring fresh produce from the farm. The flavors were vibrant, and the freshness was unparalleled. And as a bonus, we even got to take home some of the freshly harvested greens!


HMGICS doesn’t stop at agriculture; their car manufacturing processes are equally impressive. The tour included an immersive experience in their virtual factory, where VR technology transported us into a world of futuristic automation.


We explored the workings of robodogs and intelligent “conveyors,” which seamlessly move materials between stations in the fully automated facility. After the VR tour, the curtains lifted to reveal the actual factory, giving us a real-life view of this technological marvel.


Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, so we missed the chance to test-drive their electric vehicles on the track. But even without that, the tour was packed with awe-inspiring moments.


This tour is a must for anyone curious about how technology is shaping the future. From sustainable farming to groundbreaking manufacturing, HMGICS offers a firsthand look at how innovation can solve real-world challenges.


Book your tour now and see it all for yourself!



Hyundai Discovery Centre Singapore: Free Tour of EVs, Robot Farming & Smart Factory
Hyundai Discovery Centre Singapore: Free Tour of EVs, Robot Farming & Smart Factory

Hyundai Discovery Centre Singapore: Free Tour of EVs, Robot Farming & Smart Factory
Hyundai Discovery Centre Singapore: Free Tour of EVs, Robot Farming & Smart Factory

Hyundai Discovery Centre Singapore: Free Tour of EVs, Robot Farming & Smart Factory
Hyundai Discovery Centre Singapore: Free Tour of EVs, Robot Farming & Smart Factory



WILL: I was looking for a place to learn about hydroponics, but many had closed due to lack of support. Just when I was about to give up, I came across a post about the Hyundai Discovery Centre—a place where robots handle both car manufacturing and hydroponic farming. I booked a free tour right away!


The tour started with a showcase of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, both assembled in Singapore. These electric cars are so advanced that they’re already being tested as self-driving police cars in the USA. Next, we moved to the fully automated indoor hydroponics section. Here, robots carefully plant mustard seeds one by one—a fascinating process to watch!

On the second floor, we saw a larger hydroponic farm filled with leafy greens, ready for harvest. We even got to taste the fresh produce and compare the flavors There’s also a farm-to-table restaurant inside the building—an exciting way to enjoy food grown with high-tech farming methods.

We entered a VR room that showed how Hyundai’s machines assemble cars step by step. Then, the projection screen lifted, revealing the real factory behind it! It was spotless, unlike the greasy factories I had imagined.


This 2-hour tour is perfect if you:

- Love tech and robotics

- Want to see automated hydroponics in action

- Are curious about electric cars

And the best part? It’s FREE!

🚀 Slots fill up fast, so book ASAP!


***

Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS)

(W): https://www.hyundai.com/sg/experience/tour/discovery


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