Affordable Hotpot Buffet in Orchard? Happy Lamb Hotpot Is a Must-Try

ABBEY: After our eyes feasted on the spectacular production of Beauty and the Beast: The Musical, it was finally our tummies’ turn to be satisfied. We headed straight to Happy Lamb Hot Pot at Pacific Plaza, conveniently located near Orchard MRT, for a comforting and hearty post-show dinner.

True to its name, Happy Lamb takes its lamb seriously. We ordered two large plates of thinly sliced lamb, and they did not disappoint. The meat had just the right amount of gamey flavour, a subtle milky taste, and a tenderness that cooked perfectly in the pot. For the soup bases, we went with the original and spicy, a classic combination that brought out the best in every ingredient we dipped in.

One standout dish was the fried lamb leg, which immediately reminded me of the Filipino crispy pata. The difference is that Happy Lamb focuses purely on the meat, making it crispy on the outside and juicy inside. The smashed shrimp paste also went into the pot, adding another layer of flavour to the already rich broth.

Beyond lamb, the menu offers a wide variety of hot pot staples. There are leafy vegetables, tofu, dumplings, chicken, luncheon meat, lotus root, seaweed, and more. Among everything we tried, our personal favourites were the sweet corn and the New Zealand sirloin beef, both of which paired beautifully with the soup.

Do note that the condiment and sauce station comes with an additional charge, but it is worth it if you enjoy customising your dips. There are also cooked items available, such as chicken nuggets, fried chicken, fried rice, and braised pork, which are great for sharing or for those who want something alongside the hot pot. 

Service at Happy Lamb Hot Pot was commendable. Orders arrived promptly, and we never felt like we were waiting too long, even during dinner hours. Overall, it was a satisfying and comforting meal, making it a great spot for a casual dinner in Orchard, especially after a night at the theatre.

Looking for an affordable hotpot buffet in Orchard Road? Happy Lamb Hotpot offers unlimited meats, fresh ingredients, and great value under $30!

WILL: Looking for an affordable hotpot buffet in Orchard Road?  Happy Lamb Hotpot at Pacific Plaza might just become your new go-to spot! Known for its unlimited hotpot options, this popular restaurant offers great value without burning a hole in your wallet.

Right in the heart of Orchard Road, it’s super convenient whether you’re shopping or meeting friends. The restaurant is spacious, clean, and well-lit, with a comfortable ambiance that’s perfect for gatherings with family or friends.

One of the biggest highlights at Happy Lamb Hotpot is its tiered pricing, so you can choose a time slot that fits both your schedule and budget: Off-Peak Deal – $20.99++ / Peak Time – $31.99++

The star of the show is definitely the Lamb—fresh, tender, and not overly gamey. Many diners also rave about the beef slices, which cook beautifully in the broth. The grilled lamb ribs is our favorite and a must-try if you’re visiting for the first time.

You’ll also find popular items like prawn paste with crab roe, along with a wide selection of fresh vegetables and sides.

If you’re searching for an Orchard Road hotpot buffet under $30, Happy Lamb Hotpot delivers excellent value. With fresh ingredients, high-quality meats, and a wide variety, it’s easy to see why this spot is so popular.

Just keep in mind that dining time limits apply, and service can get busy during peak hours—so plan ahead!

Ready to dip into some delicious hotpot?

Happy Lamb Hotpot is calling your name! :) Yayyy!!!

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Happy Lamb Hot Pot

(W) https://www.happylambhotpot.sg/en/

(H) 1130 am to 11 pm

(A) 9 Scotts Road, #02-10 Pacific Plaza, Orchard, Singapore 228210

(T) +6590306897

ScreenX at SM Mall of Asia: Was the ₱700 Ticket Worth It?

ABBEY: I’m familiar with 3D and IMAX, but ScreenX was something new to me. It offers a 270-degree viewing experience, with additional screens on the left and right positioned almost at right angles from the main screen. Since ScreenX was newly launched in the Philippines, we took the chance to experience it by watching Wicked: For Good.

The movie highlights Elphaba’s side of the story and gives a fresh perspective on the much-loved Wizard of Oz tale. Watching it in a ScreenX theater adds another layer to the experience. The side screens extend your peripheral vision, making you feel more immersed in the movie.

That said, don’t expect the side projections to be as sharp as the main screen. ScreenX isn’t designed for detailed visuals on the sides, but more for atmosphere and immersion. I can imagine this format working really well for racing films, or visually rich movies like Jurassic Park and Avatar, where movement and scenery truly benefit from a wider field of view.

ScreenX cinema at SM Mall of Asia showing a 270-degree panoramic movie experience

WILL: We finally got to experience ScreenX at SM Mall of Asia (MOA)—the Philippines’ first 270-degree panoramic cinema, which officially opened in November 2025 at the 2nd Level of the Entertainment Mall in SM MOA, Pasay City.

Unlike a regular movie theater, ScreenX expands selected scenes beyond the main screen and projects them onto both side walls, creating a wraparound, immersive experience. Instead of simply watching the movie, it genuinely feels like you’re placed right in the middle of it—especially during visually intense moments.

ScreenX at SM Mall of Asia: Quick Facts

•Location: 2nd Level, Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay

•Ticket Price: ₱700 per seat

•Seating: Premium recliner seats

Tickets are priced at ₱700 per seat, and we booked ours through the SM Cinema app, which gave us a hard time to book. That is the main reason we queue for almost an hour and unfortunately just got the left side available seats. 

Our first ScreenX movie was Wicked: For Good, which premiered in the Philippines on November 19, 2025. 

Visually, ScreenX works best during the film’s bigger moments—Emerald City flyovers, wide aerial shots, and musical sequences that spill onto the side walls. The 270-degree effect adds scale and immersion but sometimes feeling gimmicky because the side screens only activate when the scene calls for it.

Is ScreenX Worth ₱700?

For the right movie, yes.

From our experience, ScreenX works best for:

-Action blockbusters

-Musicals

-Fantasy and sci-fi films

-Visually ambitious productions

If the film is mostly dialogue-driven or intimate, the premium price may be harder to justify. ScreenX shines when visuals are an essential part of the storytelling.

ScreenX Tips We’d Share Before You Book

1. Book center seats for the best 270-degree viewing experience

2. Arrive early so you don’t miss the ScreenX technology introduction

3. Choose visually driven films—action, musicals, and fantasy. 

4. Manage expectations: side screens activate only during select scenes

Would We Watch ScreenX Again?

Yes—but selectively and if have center seats. 

ScreenX at SM Mall of Asia is a genuinely unique cinema experience and something we’re glad we tried. At ₱700 per ticket, it’s not an every-movie option for us, but it’s definitely worth it for big, visually spectacular releases.

Bottom line:

✔ Worth trying at least once

✔ Best for blockbusters and special occasions

✔ Book early and sit center

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SM CINEMA COUNTRY’S FIRST SCREENX THEATER 

(W) https://www.smcinema.com

El Nido Tour C: Hidden Beaches, Secret Lagoons & Island Hopping Guide

ABBEY: I highly recommend Spider Travel and Tours for island hopping in El Nido. Despite a reservation mishap between them and our hotel, they did not disappoint. Our hotel booking did not go through, but Spider Travel quickly arranged a spot for us on Tour C. From the start, they assured us that we would still be exploring the islands that day, and they delivered.

For Php 1,800, the package included towels, lunch, and a dedicated captain with his jolly crew. Tour C covers some of El Nido’s most beautiful spots: Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Talisay Beach, Secret Beach, and Matinloc Shrine. Aqua shoes and snorkelling gear are not included, so it’s best to bring your own or rent. The tour runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, giving plenty of time to enjoy each stop.
We had lunch at Talisay Beach, where the spread included chicken and pork adobo, pansit, prawns, tofu, and fresh fruits. It was simple, filling, and perfect after a morning in the water.

The most challenging part of the tour was entering Secret Beach. You have to pass through a small opening in the rocks and push through the waves, but once you get through, the view on the other side makes the effort completely worth it.

There is a separate Php 200 entrance fee for Matinloc Shrine. From there, we were able to take photos on top of the jagged limestone cliffs overlooking the deep blue sea, easily one of the highlights of the day.

After the tour, Austria’s Guesthouse offers showers where you can freshen up for Php 50, which is a welcome option after hours of island hopping.

Island hopping is truly a must-do in El Nido. Great views, good food, and relaxed island vibes make it an experience worth remembering.

El Nido Tour C island hopping with hidden beaches and limestone cliffs in Bacuit Bay

WILL: El Nido’s dramatic limestone cliffs aren’t just scenic — they are around 250 million years old.

Tour C allows you to experience these ancient formations while island hopping through hidden beaches and secret lagoons in Bacuit Bay.

If you’re looking for fewer crowds, more adventure, and breathtaking scenery, El Nido Tour C is one of the best island-hopping experiences you can choose.

Tour C at a Glance

- Duration: ~7 hours (7:30 AM–4:00 PM)

- Best for: Hidden beaches, swimming, snorkeling

- Highlights: Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Helicopter Island

- Crowd level: Less busy than Tour A

- Price: ₱1,800 (eco-fee included)

What to Bring -- These items make a big difference, especially when swimming through rocky entrances and sharp limestone areas.

•Sunscreen

•Dry bag

•Aqua shoes (available for rent at ₱100 per pair)

•Towel (provided by the tour guide) and a change of clothes

•Waterproof phone pouch or camera (available for ₱100)

Is Tour C for You?

•Non-swimmers: Possible with life jackets (some swimming required)

•Families: Recommended for older children

•Mobility concerns: Ask operators about physical demands before booking

Why Choose Spider Travel and Tours

As I shared in our hotel/resort blog, our booking from Charlie’s El Nido was unfortunately not relayed to Spider Travel and Tours. Despite this, Spider still helped our group of seven find another tour operator that could accommodate us.

They guided us on:

-Where to rent aqua shoes/snorkelling gears

-Where to wait for our assigned tour guide

-Even lent us towels for the entire tour

Spider  connected us with a top-notch tour guide, Gerald, who didn’t just guide us — he swam with us through the entrances of Hidden Beach and Secret Beach, ensuring everyone’s safety. He’s also an excellent photographer, helping us capture amazing memories throughout the tour.

That level of service truly stood out.

The Five Stops on El Nido Tour C

1. Helicopter Island

Named for its helicopter-like shape, this stop features: - Time spent: 45–60 minutes

-Steep limestone cliffs, a wide sandy beach and excellent snorkelling spot

2. Hidden Beach

Completely hidden by limestone walls and inaccessible by boat, this peaceful cove is reached by swimming through shallow water into a calm, sheltered beach.

3. Talisay Beach (Lunch Stop)

-Buffet-style Filipino lunch 

-Time for swimming and relaxation

4. Secret Beach

The highlight of Tour C. You enter through a narrow limestone opening into an enclosed natural pool surrounded by towering rock walls. The water is calm and incredibly scenic.

Aqua shoes are highly recommended here — the rocks beneath the water are sharp and uneven.

5. Matinloc Shrine

An abandoned hilltop shrine offering

•Panoramic views of Bacuit Bay

•A short staircase hike with amazing photo spots

•A mix of history, mystery, and scenery

Best Time to Do Tour C

•Best weather: January–April

•Fewer crowds: Early May or late November 

•Rainy season: June–October (weather dependent)

El Nido Tour C perfectly blends hidden beaches, adventure, and ancient limestone scenery into one unforgettable day. Swimming through narrow rock entrances and floating beneath towering cliffs makes this tour feel both exciting and timeless.

Explore 250 million years of natural wonder — one hidden beach at a time.

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Spider Travel and Tours | El Nido

(F) https://www.facebook.com/SpiderTravelTour/

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