In January, we went to Singapore for a quick holiday. I was really looking forward to the trip as I haven’t been to Singapore for ages! We decided to drive down as we wanted to do some shopping and we needed the boot space.
Anyway, we started our journey as we do with all road trips; switched on Google Maps and let it lead the way. The journey was pleasant, smattering of rain but nothing too scary. We made a couple of stops to relieve ourselves and to stretch our legs.
My boys having a walk.
Liam was a gem! It always surprises me at how well he travels, so much so we don’t really have qualms bringing him anywhere. Anyway, back to our trip.
We started around 2pm and was expecting to reach Singapore by 7pm….but by nightfall, we found ourselves at some Ferry Terminal in Johor, a ferry terminal with all its lights switched off. What the hell?
Turned out husband forgot to untick “No ferry” and Google led us all the way to some god forsaken ferry terminal, which name I don’t even remember anymore, to take a ferry to our hotel which was located near the Singapore’s east coast. It’s technically the shortest route……if it wasn’t for the ferry that would only set sail 8am the next day (information conveyed to us by a night shift guard).
Seriously, has anyone taken a ferry to Singapore? Hahaha.
Oh man, I was hungry and Woodlands was 2 hours drive away. Gareth drove as though he’s Hamilton, hitting a pigeon dead on the way and we reached Johor Bahru in 1 hour 15 minutes. Not too bad? Bye bye birdy, rest in peace.
As soon as we were in JB, hubs drove straight to San Low where we had probably the best fried meehoon I’ve ever eaten. We also had wild boar curry (amazing) and fried baby octopuses (standard once you pop you can’t stop).
The meehoon from heaven – crispy and soft at the same time.
The best thing about San Low is that it’s only 5 minutes drive from Woodlands. It’s almost 10pm then so there wasn’t much traffic and we got into Singapore pretty quickly. From the border, it’s about 30 minute drive to our hotel – Village Hotel Changi. Checking-in was quick and pleasant and they even gave me vouchers for bowling and cycling!
I would have so used them if Liam were older. Cue hypothetical scenarios of baby being crushed by bowling ball and baby dropping off a bicycle lol.
We were just so chuffed to be finally in Singapore and in the comfort of our hotel room.
There’s even fresh fruits waiting for us. Loved it!
Chuffed Liam :)
After resting for a bit, we decided we needed more food. We walked out to the hawker centres that were only 5 minutes walk from our hotel. Another great plus point about Village Hotel Changi – FOOOD!
I had Singaporean Hokkien Mee.
And I have to say, it’s grown on me! I like the savoury shrimpiness of the broth and the ever so slightly alkaline taste of yellow noodles actually worked quite well with it. We went back to hotel happy and satiated. Had really good sleep on the king sized bed.
We all woke up happy and ready to take on the world. Just kidding, we planned on doing absolutely nothing lols.
Liam fooling around in bed. This would mean something entirely different when he is a teenager.
Having his first milk of the day before we had lunch.
Lunch was at the hotel at Saltwater Cafe as we decided to just have a day chilling at the hotel.
The spread was really good! Very varied and also delicious.
For carbo loading.
For health conscious.
For a taste of Land of Rising Sun.
Liam doing in a yaucharkway from the rojak section.
For people with sweet tooth.
Attention, meat lovers!
I was in love with all the Nyonya kuihs and French pastries.
After lunch it was swim time. The main reason we wanted to stay at this hotel is for the pool (besides proximity to beach and food)! What a beautiful, beautiful swimming pool!
I mean, just look at this! It overlooks the sea <3.
We had so much fun and we must have been in the water for hours.
My boys, my life :)
We spent another night at the hotel before checking-out. Really enjoyed our stay as it has more of a resort feel and is a great warm-up to our stay in the city.
Thanks for a wonderful stay Village Hotel Changi! Till we meet again soon!
From Changi, we moved nearer to the city and our hotel of choice was Village Hotel Katong!
Why?
Because of this. What a lovely room…I loved it so much!
The Peranakan influences are really beautiful and give the hotel such a character. Definitely not another bland, modern hotel.
I even loved the bathroom!!!
Right about then, Liam was at the peak of his telephone phase.
And Village Hotel Katong is located right above a shopping mall! And it’s basically about 10 minutes from everywhere…Orchard, Chinatown, Singapore Expo, Changi, Novena, Turf Club, Geylang etc. Ubers are in abundance here too!
Except for Orchard, we pretty much hit everywhere from our hotel in Katong.
Singapore is definitely one of my favourite places in the world to visit. There’s just so many activities you can do, so much interesting things to look at and the food! Singaporean food is simply mindblowing. If you want to learn more about visiting Singapore, I do recommend you use this amazing guide from Expedia.
Met some friends in Chinatown. Ate frog porridge in Geyland. Had a Japanese omakase in Novena. Had an afternoon feast at PasarBella in Turf Club. Had Ramen in Liang Court. Went to Baby Expo in Singapore Expo (I couldn’t resist when I found out a baby expo was going on, hehe).
My ginormous seehum in PasarBella, a London’s Borough Market style food court.
You should have seen the spread we had, we ate so much just the two of us and by the time we finished I noticed we forgot to take picture. We had steamed fresh seafood, 8 different cheeses, foie gras on toasts, truffle cheese sandwich, bacon and cheese sandwich, and pork done 3 ways.
Liam being nosey and eating a cracker from our massive cheese spread.
At the sushi bar called 510 Sake Bar in Novena.
The sushis were outstanding!
In Chinatown.
Having a craft beer at SmithStreet in Chinatown.
All in all a wonderful trip :) Can’t wait to be back, Singapore!
Directory:
Accommodation
Village Hotel Changi
1 Netheravon Road Singapore 508502 (Formerly known as Changi Village Hotel)
+65 6379 7111Village Hotel Katong
25 Marine Parade S449536
+65 6344 2200Food
San Low Seafood Restaurant
Jalan Merah 1, Taman Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, MalaysiaPasarBella
200 Turf Club Rd, Singapore 287994Lor 9 Frog Leg Porridge
Lor 9 Geylang, Singapore 388752501 Sake Bar
273 Thomson Rd, #01-06 Novena Gardens, Singapore 307644
I love the photo of Gareth and Liam walking side by side. :)
The way you took it from the back makes me think of all the inspirational/motivational posters and Hallmark cards. Sweet.
LOL! Yeah, good thing he’s still a while away from being a teenager.
That is the biggest siham I’ve ever seen. I didn’t know it grows to that size! That’s almost like an oyster and bigger than many scallops!
Insane! How was it cooked? Just steamed? I’ll love to eat such a big siham someday too.
Hotel looks decent too, I have a sister in Singapore so ever since she moved there I’ve never had to stay in a hotel but if I ever want to I’ll keep Village Hotel in mind.
Y hello ! I sometimes read your blog. Singapore is one of the richest nations of the world. For sea food, best is if the restaurant is next to the sea. It’s more genuine rather than cold storage ones. Sharp photos.
cutest boy ever – didn’t realise he’d grown up so fast!! Hope to see u guys around soon too.. it’s been too long! :D