Friday, July 29, 2011

Lookout for Imbiah

I have been complaining to everyone around me that I have not watched a single 3D movie yet. I think even the auntie brewing my regular kopi-o is more updated than me (based on her bright red/orange hair). So you can imagine my excitement when Kless got invited to another blogger event.
Sentosa Imbiah Lookout – 4D Magix!

DSC_0004

I was quite apprehensive about watching any 3D or 4D movies because I think I will be giddy from all the close actions and motions. But it turned out all well, I can’t possibly be worst than 4 other children who were in the group right? 面子问题.

DSC_0001

First up was the 4D Pirates Show. Besides the 3D effects, we have water sprinkled on us, wind blown on our face, straw-like things sweeping on our legs. Opps! Did I revealed all the fun parts? You got to experience it to know it.

DSC_0003

Up next was the 3D Extreme Log Ride. A cheap thrill form of roller-coaster. But for me, that should be the closest I will ever experience on a roller-coaster ride. This has to be the best of all the 3 shows. At least I am still alive to write this blog.

Final show was the 3D Desperados Shoot-Out Game. Just look at the photo to see how a guy will play and how a girl will play. Serious and determined vs Bochap.

If you have not sat on the Flyer, forgot about it. Take the Tiger Sky Tower instead. Totally more worth it than Flyer. The scenery is so much better!

Admission
S$15 per adult
S$10 per child (3-12 years old)
Opening Hours
9am – 9pm daily

DSC_0022

DSC_0023

Rising up to 131 meters above sea level, the view is breath-taking. You can see our neighbours Malaysia and even Indonesia.

CSC_0039

DSC_0028

DSC_0029

DSC_0030

DSC_0032

Thank you Sentosa! I’ll be there again soon to suntan! =)

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Blog Citizens

Thanks to omy blog for organising a wonderful Singapore Blog Awards 2011. And a greater thanks to my dear wife for giving me the chance to join this event. Though I have been blogging for a few years but I have never been active in the blog sphere. Only in recently months, I have started to know a few more blogger friends and has been invited to more events.

DSC_0042

Held at Shanghai Dolly, this year’s award ceremony gathered about 300 over bloggers. It’s really a gathering of the virtual world citizens in a reality set. Do you recognise any of them on stage? The 10 best dressed bloggers.

DSC_0088

To be frank, I was really surprised when I saw that the Guest-of-Honor is Major-General (NS) Chan Chun Sing. He looks so much younger in person than on TV.

DSC_0055

My beautiful wife with Liang Po Po. Mint won the best dressed female blogger of the event.

DSC_0050

Met a few Daddy Bloggers and I think we are probably the older group in the hall. but we still look very young and handsome right? =D
(
Edmund, Andy, Me)

DSC_0096

Congrats to the “Family Category” Winner – Daphne

DSC_0078

It’s a pleasure to hang around with this group of blogsphere friends. I’m sure we will be seeing each other more often at future events.

DSC_0098

Introducing the best blogger for me! My inspiration!

DSC_0052

Pardon me for the quality of the photos, still trying to figure out the technique of taking good shots in a darker room.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Made For Children

Gardens are definitely made for children. The vast running space, the beautiful flowers, the fun playgrounds, and the numerous subjects for photography (maybe the last reason is for Daddy).

DSC_0325

DSC_0322 (2)

Since when did Joey leant to pose?

DSC_0331

To the pandas coming to Singapore in future, I found the perfect place for you.

DSC_0336

Where is Jayne?

DSC_0345

Where else?

DSC_0346

After a long walk…

DSC_0347

The girls can find some rest.

DSC_0365

Some of us may freak out if our kids touches anything on the floor or water, but I think within some measure of control, it’s good for them to explore and have a touch of nature.

DSC_0367

DSC_0370

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Jayne’s First Overseas Trip

Technically Jayne has been to Bintan twice and numerous times to JB. But these trips were either by boat or by car. No matter how we can argue about it, only a trip by flight feels like a real overseas trip.

At 2-year-old, Jayne is practically very curious about everything under the sun.

Why is the door so huge and red (rusty)?

DSC_0046

Can you carry me please? Thank God she only approaches females to carry her.

DSC_0108

What are you looking at jie jie? Monkey droppings or ants?

DSC_0191

It is because of her curiosity that makes her so adorable! I can take hundreds of her photos and don’t feel tired watching it.

DSC_0202

On this trip, it is moments like these that warms our heart as parents. Jayne following Joey.

DSC_0026

DSC_0251

DSC_0215

DSC_0216

Jayne relaxing by the pool.

Combi1

Jayne enjoying the sun.

Combi2

Jayne posing like a model.

Combi3

She was trying to play hide-and-seek with me. I was just waiting for her to lift up her head for a face shot.

DSC_0274

DSC_0273

The picture I like most is Jayne against this stone wall on Mount Batur. The wall portrays character.

DSC_0143

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

4D3N Bali Trip

With two kids age 2 and 5, a 4D3N trip is just about right. We managed to visit all the main tourist attractions in Bali with a budget of S$150 each day. Shopping is purely subjective, but personally I still think the best place to shop is Bangkok or Taipei. So just budget enough to buy some Balinese souvenirs if needed. As for food, nothing fanciful for us since we have 2 girls who are not really spice-trained. We stuck to the usual pizzas, grilled seafood and western meals. The biggest economy producer in Bali is Kuta so staying in Kuta cannot be wrong. Hotels ranges from S$27/night to S$631/night.
I’ll recommend Febri’s Hotel & Spa. It’s about S$120 per night. The room is spacious and clean. There is also a sofa bed for bigger group or family. Baby cot is available without extra charge.
DSC_0010
DSC_0234
What to do in Bali?
If this is your first trip like us, I would highly recommend the full day tour to Ubud. Most of the local drivers can speak English, so communication is not a big problem. This full day tour is about S$70 for 10 hours. The driver will drive you to various places on the way to the famous Kintamani Volcano area and back. The entire trip will be about 10 hours (830am-630pm). If you need any recommendation for driver, leave me a message, I’ll email to you the driver we engaged. He is very good and do not mind coming back late because we wanted to enjoy the sunset slightly longer.
Suggested itinerary for Ubud:
Balinese Traditional Legong DanceBalinese dances can divide in 2 kind the first one is the dance which is only for performance and has religious connection to traditional ceremonial day like in a temple, and the second one is the Wali Dance which is for entertainment performance.(no photos)
Gold & Silver WorkCeluk Village is the famous village in Bali as a tourist destination cause of the local residents is very proactive and full of innovation to the gold and silver crafting.(no photos)
Batik WorkshopBalinese batik is generally thought to be the original Indonesia textile. You get to witness how the locals make the batik, stroke by stroke. After that, you get a chance to purchase a few batik items.
DSC_0102
DSC_0105
DSC_0113
Wood Carving ArtworkMas Village is one of the villages in Bali fundamentally identified as an artistic countryside by focusing in artistic of wood carving. You can find some exquisite wooden carvings, but mostly too big for us to bring back.
DSC_0118
The girls didn’t know how to appreciate the art, but at least the swing was fun for them.
DSC_0126
Kintamani/Batur VolcanoBreath-taking view of an active volcano and lake. Mount Batur has erupted for 24 times since year 1800 and is still active up to now. Lake Batur is the largest lake in Bali. The best timing to visit Kintamani is during lunch, enjoy the sumptuous buffet and view all at the same time.
DSC_0129
DSC_0136
DSC_0147
Remember to bring a jacket as the temperature can go down to about 20 degree Celsius.
DSC_0131
DSC_0134
Coffee PlantationA must stop over place for coffee addicts like myself. You will get to taste more than 5 different types of coffee. Some are free but the more famous one (Lukwa Coffee), you need to pay for about S$7.
DSC_0178
Coffee flower and fruit
DSC_0165
DSC_0176
Lukwa Coffee (actually its prepared from the faeces of a cat)
DSC_0168
DSC_0180
Joey giving it a try to pound the coffee beans into powder. She cannot understand why Papa loves such a bitter tasting drink. Hahaaha..
DSC_0174
Monkey ForestThis is a small rain forest dwelt by about 200 monkeys.
DSC_0189
DSC_0194
DSC_0198
Jimbaran Sunset DinnerThe best place to see a beautiful sunset, coupled with having seafood dinner on the beach. It’s something you don’t get to do all the time. Reminder, don’t leave your camera behind!
DSC_0210
DSC_0217
DSC_0229
DSC_0211
What are you waiting for? Book your next flight to Bali…