27 December 2012

Istana Singapore

Istana, implies "Palace" in Malay, is the Republic of Singapore's official President's residence.

Istana ground is only open to the public on certain dates of the year. For the Open House dates, you may visit here for more details.

Istana Website: http://www.istana.gov.sg

How to get there?
Address: Office of the President of the Republic of Singapore, Orchard Road, Singapore 238823

By Car - Park at the following carparks (within 15 minutes walk)
  • Plaza Singapura
  • Atrium at Orchard
  • The Cathay
  • Concorde Hotel
  • Orchard Plaza
  • Park Mall
For carpark rates, you may visit this SGCarMart website.
Under "Tools and Tips", click "On The Move" and "Carpark Rates".


By Bus - Alight at Bus Stop No. 08057 (Dhoby Ghaut Station)
  • SBS Buses - 1N, 2N, 3N, 4N, 5N, 6N, 7, 14, 14e, 16, 36, 36B, 111, 124, 124A, 128, 162, 162M, 174, 174e, 175, 502, 502A, 518, 518A
  • SMRT Buses - 77, 106, 167, 171, 190, 700, 700A, 971E, NR6, NR7

Nearest MRT Station: Dhoby Ghaut

Opening hours
8.30am to 6.00pm

Admission to Istana is free for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents. Other visitors are required to pay SGD1 per person for the entrance fee.

21 December 2012

St John's Island 圣约翰岛

Basking in the sun and enjoy the seabreeze on St John's Island! One of the southern islands of Singapore, mostly visit by those who want to take a break from the bustling city.

You may also consider to stay overnight at the bungalow on the island with a group of friends for some bonding session.

Alternatively, visit the nature and take some photos!

How to get there?
Address: 14 St John's Island Singapore 098599

By Ferry from Marina South Pier
Address: No. 31 Marina Coastal Drive #01-04 Marina South Pier Singapore 018988
Tel: 6534 9339

Ferry rates: S$15 (Adult) / S$12 (Child aged from 1 to 12 years old)

By Car -
  • Along ECP (Towards Changi), exit towards Marina Station Road, turn right to Ctrl Blvd and turn right again to Marina Stn Road
  • Turn left and drive straight towards Marina Coastal Drive, park at the Carpark at Marina South Pier

By Public Transport -
  • Nearest MRT Station - Marina Bay (Exit A, Take Bus No. 402)
  • Alight at Bus Stop No. 03419 (Marina South Pier Terminal)

Ferry Schedule
Check the ferry schedule to avoid time wasted on waiting.
Website: http://www.islandcruise.com.sg/ferry-schedule.html

The ferry undertakes to St John's Island before reaching Kusu Island. Take a stroll at St John's Island since you had already paid S$15 for the ticket. Keep your ticket and take back the ferry to Kusu Island after stopping by at St John's Island.

*During the annual Kusu Pilgrimage, the ferry will undertake to Kusu Island directly.

For more information on the transportation and booking of bungalow, visit these websites:

13 December 2012

Kusu Island 龟屿岛

One of the Singapore islands located nearby the southern part of Singapore. Due to its turtle-like shape, it is also known as "Tortoise/Turtle Island".

On the island consists of the well-known and popular temple - Da Bo Gong Temple / 大伯公庙. Many devotees undertake to this island to offer their prayings in the hope of good health, luck and wealth. This is especially so during the annual Kusu Pilgrimage which occurs on the ninth lunar month, between September and November.
For more information/history about the island, visit here.

How to get there?
By Ferry from Marina South Pier
Address: No. 31 Marina Coastal Drive #01-04 Marina South Pier Singapore 018988
Tel: 6534 9339

Ferry rates: S$15 (Adult) / S$12 (Child aged from 1 to 12 years old)

By Car -
  • Along ECP (Towards Changi), exit towards Marina Station Road, turn right to Ctrl Blvd and turn right again to Marina Stn Road
  • Turn left and drive straight towards Marina Coastal Drive, park at the Carpark at Marina South Pier

By Public Transport -
  • Nearest MRT Station - Marina Bay (Exit A, Take Bus No. 402)
  • Alight at Bus Stop No. 03419 (Marina South Pier Terminal)

Ferry Schedule
Check the ferry schedule to avoid time wasted on waiting.
Website: http://www.islandcruise.com.sg/ferry-schedule.html

Meanwhile, the ferry undertakes to St John's Island before reaching Kusu Island. You may want to take a stroll at St John's Island since you had already paid S$15 for the ticket. Keep your ticket and take back the ferry to Kusu Island after stopping by at St John's Island.

*During the annual Kusu Pilgrimage, the ferry will undertake to Kusu Island directly.

For more information on the transportation, visit these websites:

06 December 2012

Old School Delights (OSD)

Reminiscing the good old school days at this cafe, some of the food and small little items that we used to have in Primary school can be found here!
How to get there?
Address: 215M Upper Thomson Road Singapore 574349
Tel: 6458 4518
Website: www.oldschooldelights.com

By Car -
  • Along Upper Thomson Road (towards Sembawang road), turn left into Jln Pelatina and immediately turn right to park along the stretch of road
  • Alternatively, park at Sin Ming Plaza or Thomson Imperial Court (cross the road, within walking distance)

By Public Transport -
  • Alight at Bus Stop 53049 (Aft Thomson Road PO) / 53041 (Bef Thomson Ridge) - Bus No. 52, 132, 162, 163, 165, 166, 167, 410, 855, 980
  • Alight at Bus Stop 53039 (Thomson CC) - Bus No. 52, 130, 132, 162, 162M, 163, 165, 166, 167, 855, 980

Nearest MRT Station: Marymount (Take Bus No. 410)
Recommendations
  • Home-Style Curry Chicken (Chicken meat is tender)
  • Cakes! (Sticky Chewy Chocolate Fudge is good)
Budget
S$10 - S$20 per person