River Explorer Singapore

ABBEY: We got the complimentary tickets for this River Cruise when we bought tickets for Gardens by the Bay on an online deal promotion. 

We boarded their terminal near Liang Court. The cruise is different from the cruise we had near the Singapore Flyer as it has video narration on each boat. The narration gives information on each landmark that you will pass on. It also gives some unique trivia on places. It is the only time that I saw the old place of Merlion and the cost of building merlion is lesses compared when it was moved. 

It gave me a different perspective of Singapore skyline. The route has different stops in which you can alight but you have to pay when you ride back. The cruise give more information regarding Singapore's humble past. 

WILL: Do you want to really know the history of Singapore? In depth? Start the exploration with the Singapore River, as this body of water is one of the witnesses how this small land struggled its way to success. 
      Abbey, Chat and I decided to alight at the Merlion Park, but once we boarded the Singapore River Explorer's boat, we come to the decision to finish the cruise. 
      As the boat is sailing, there's a video explaining the places above us. The most interesting for me is the old place of Merlion and in detail how Singapore moved the icon to its new place, which is now the Merlion Park. Next one caught my attention was the flying saucer building, Singapore's Supreme Court. 
      Here you can imagine the drastic transformation of the before "dead" river and now one of the most visited part of this island by the tourists. 
      This exploration costs $18 for adults but we got this when we bought at Groupon the voucher for Gardens by the Bay. :) 
      Nice way to spend time. You will be relaxed by the splashing tides and the story-telling video. ;) 

Planet Popcorn Singapore

ABBEY: I was skeptical at first what would be the taste and texture of popcorn that was freshly vacuum-sealed and put on the rack for sale. Normally it would stay there for a minimum of one day. So I was thinking that it would not that be fresh anymore. But I was wrong. Wilma told me that we got to redeem four pack of popcorn (priced at $6.90-$8.90) on Planet Popcorn. We collected them on their branch at City Square Mall. 

We picked caramel, original, cheese and chocolate flavors. They also have wasabi flavor :) 

When we got home, we opened a pack an tried it. Its as if the popcorn was just cooked hours before. They're still crunchy and crisp. Not too sweet or salty, just the right taste. 

No wonder it was a craze on other countries. Thanks Planet Popcorn.

WILL: Fret not if you are in Taiwan, Planet Popcorn docked on the shores of Singapore to serves us all. 
      We are the most lucky few to get a free samples of their mushroom like popcorns. Per participants will be getting 2 packs each, I chose Original and Cheese flavors, and for my husband with a sweet tooth, he picked Caramel and Chocolate. 
      This is vacuumed-seal pack and guaranteed ultimate freshness for every pack. When we open one pack, it is really crunchy and full of flavors. We ate the three packs and shared the chocolate flavor with the kids, I wonder what it tastes like, because the popcorn already finished in just a few minutes. Haha. 
      This is a craze in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Malaysia. Each pack have different prices, I will try their Wasabi flavor in near future. ;) 
      For bulk orders you can contact ivankhor@twplanetpop.com / 97300583.

UNESCO World Heritage : Historic Centre of Macao

ABBEY: This review is long due as our Macau staycation has been long gone. (February 2013) I can't remember all the names of the places that we've been but I'll try to recollect. It's a long walk but worth it. You'll be walking on brick roads (maybe you'll meet Dorothy on the way :)) 

Our first destination is Rua de Sau Paulo. It is only the facade of the structure but its very magnificent and intricate. Behind the facade is the Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt. In here was displayed crucifixes, religious statues as well as paintings. On the right side of St. Paul's facade is the Macau Museum. But you have to walk up to get there. It is closed when we got there as we are early. 

Next stop is the St. Anthony's church. Adjacent to it is a Protestant Chapel including an old cemetery and Casa Garden. We stopped by McDonalds for breakfast. Last destination is Senado Square. 

You would definitely know that you're there since the buildings are painted with striking colors. This is where we also bought our stamps for our collection. Be sure to condition yourself to walk long but its great.

WILL: Do you want to travel to west but only have budget for eastern countries? Well the most appropriate place to go is Macau. 
      In Macau you can give yourself a treat if you visited on December to February. You can see the beautiful architectures by Portuguese and feel also the climate of western countries. 18degrees Celsius will be enough to let you wander on this little country without a sweat! 
     We went here last 2013 Chinese New Year and of course the Macau Heritage Trail is a must to see. You will never be wrong to on this trail since there is so many street signs, very tourist-savvy. 
    We went first to the worldwide-known landmark of Macau, the Ruins of St. Paul. In here we saw a group of Portuguese handling some free Bible to Chinese tourists. Its basement showcased some arts and statues of patrons. 
    After roaming the Ruins, we go for a challenge when decided to walk up to the Monte Fortress. This is the highest part of Macao Heritage Trail. Here also located The Museum of Macau. 
    We went down as the rain starts to pour. If you are not so sure where the next stop you will go, just grab a free map, connect with their free wifi named WiFi GO to double check your iPhone's compass. 
    Next stop were the churches up north of the trail, after we ate our breakfast and the rain seemed lighten, we walked and saw the Old Protestant Cemetery. Then we say hello to the famous Senado Square. The place is too crowded and too many shops, we will never know that we are already there unless we saw the street sign behind us. 
    We ended our long-long walk after we bought our stamps for collection. 
    This is a great bonding for me and my husband. Both lost in an unknown place, you will know the deeper side of your partner in this kind of situation. How you will handle the pressure to know your whereabouts while pleasuring your eyes with great foreign scenes. 
    Thanks to Abbey he never frowned and he knew now how to stretch his patience. ;) 
    You must go here guys, spend half-day in here and test your walking skills. :)