The Island Explorer

One of the simplest yet best ways to see Singapore in the fastest way possible is via the Singapore River Night Cruise. Some of my colleagues arrived in SG, and only had that night to see what the Lion City looks like. So, I took them on a night cruise, that lasted for an hour. The docking station is located at famous night spot Clark Quay. I forgot how much the ride costs, but I think it is between SGD15 to 25. We took the last trip, so we were the only ones on board. The cruise took us to 3 main sites in SG, passing through the Riverside Point and City Hall area. The Fullerton Hotel was lit up in extravagant beauty. The trip I felt would be perfect for romantics. You go under bridges that are also lit up. Then you pass by the Esplanade, that durian shaped theater that is found in most SG postcards. You will also see the Merlion nearby. Perhaps the latest addition to this wonderful view is the new Marina Bay Sands Resort/Hotel that establishes its towering presence on the horizon. We

When I go to Singapore, it's usually for business. I've always branded Singapore as the most boring Asian city, so I didn't bother to do anything but to shop and eat when I'm there. I've been to Sentosa Island before, but I remember it being a typical theme park, except probably for the Sirens of the Sea lights show. I headed to Sentosa because of Resorts World, particularly Universal Studios. But when I wasn't able to buy tickets to the park, I decided to rediscover the island again. I was in for a big surprise. The last time I visited Sentosa was 2005. Again, I really wasn't compelled to go back. There was a lot of construction going on, so I thought I was just going to take a quick look around. There was still the mini merlion, but there were new things being put up. The new Merlion park will be open in the last quarter of 2010 as the signs say. Images of Singapore, a museum on Singapore's history and culture was still open. I didn't bother going

A recent business trip to Singapore opened my eyes to a city that I once thought was boring. This series on Singapore may just be in time for the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix (not attending though). So let's begin, with the most obvious new attraction - Universal Studios Singapore. Universal Studios is located in massive Resorts World in Sentosa Island. From Vivo City (take an MRT to Harbourfront), you can cross to Sentosa via its monorail. This is perhaps the most convenient and fastest way to visit Sentosa. The first stop on the monorail is Resorts World. I came on a Sunday, which means tickets are almost impossible to get, especially if you arrive 30 minutes after opening. I don't know if this is still the case, but during that time, I had to purchase my ticket for the next day. Thus, I wasn't able to get into Universal. Instead, I explored a new Sentosa. More of that on my next entries. So, moving on to the next day, I was finally able to get inside. The first thing yo

I've been declaring that the best resort in Mactan is Shangrila, and yet, I have never written about it. And I'm frustrated that after looking through all my pictures, I don't have much on Shangrila. This recent visit with my family was the only stuff I have. For some reason, when I'm in Shangrila Mactan, I forget about my camera. Goes to show that when I'm in Shang Mactan, I really get to have a vacation. There are several reasons why I love Shang Mactan. One is of course the setting. The resort is sprawling with gardens, coconut trees and even a forest. There are outdoor lounges everywhere, facing the gardens, facing the sea. I also love its beach. Though it is already "enhanced" and manicured, the beach feels very natural. This makes it the best beach in Mactan next to Maribago Blue Water. The beach get so many beachcombers though, all wanting to spend an entire day on its sands. It is also the best swimming beach in Mactan, as the waters are clear and

The Imperial Palace is a relatively new resort in Mactan, Cebu. Opened in 2008, it has been touted as a true Shangrila opponent. I've been here a couple of times already, so let me share to you what it looks like. Like Shangrila Mactan, the place is also sprawling. It looks brighter probably because it is still new. Imperial Palace is owned by the Koreans, and has other locations in Fukukoa in Japan and in Seoul, South Korea. Did Imperial Palace live up to their name? Does it look like a palace? With its marble floors and gigantic pillars, it does feel like one, but I find something off with the over-all design. It strives to have an outdoor feel, with a lot of open spaces and views from the lobby. And since it is owned by Koreans, the clientele is composed of Koreans, mostly on a honeymoon, who are dressed in matching attire. As you go out of the main building, you will feel the grandess of the resort. The pool is huge, and located at the heart of the resort. I think they lacked t