Singapore In a Nutshell - My Singapore Diary

Recently We went to Singapore for my birthday celebrations. We indeed had one crazy time.

Our vacation is over and I need another ones to get over the hangover.

It's been a while and I haven't still shared my travel diary with you all. 

So here it goes. 

We went to Singapore for 7 nights and 8 days. Lots of people do Singapore in 4-5 days but I don't like to fast forward through destinations. I always like to travel and see a place at the best way I can in depth, knowing the soul of the place and not just the touristy spots.

We went there on our own and not through any travel company ( it's pretty darn easy) 

Booked our air tickets from Make my trip. 

Had lots of points on Goibibo so did our hotel booking from there. 

We did both these things well in advance, so scored brownie points. 

We booked attraction tickets online and sightseeing is quite easy to book over there. 

I will be writing more on this. 

For now some tips for visiting Singapore. 

No sooner than we touched down at the airport we were enthralled by the garden in the airport. 

Such a beautiful oasis in the middle of the airport, was a treat to tired eyes and sore body from all the travelling. It just energises you in a jiffy. There is a lot to do at Changi Airport. Pick up a brochure from the numerous kiosk located at the airport and explore it or simply log to their official site www.changiairport.com to know more.

That was just the beginning as we learnt a bit later, as Singapore a city of sky scrapers is also home of green foliage and gardens wherever your sight goes. It's like the concrete is being taken over by the jungle. They just blend together harmoniously. Wherever you look gardens are in abundance. The air is clean and you feel fresh looking at greenery everywhere even on sky high towers clinging their way down or engulfing the flyovers with their blooms.

Singapore is one of the countries which entertains children as well as adults alike. It has something for everyone. 

Singapore is one of the most expensive places if you consider south east Asia standards. 

The hotel rooms over here are quite small considering the restraint of space and expensive nevertheless. Book in advance to avail deals and offers. 

Book attraction tickets online to avoid long qeues and get a good package deal.

Transport is very easy and flexible in Singapore. The public transport is very feasible. The buses run regularly and the Mrt is most easy and cheapest mean to travel without any hassles and traffic. Quickest way. Taxis over here are not very expensive but they are a little difficult to avail in many places. 

I suggest buying an elink card which is a great offer for all your public transport - Mrt + bus. It can be returned and some of your purchase cost can be redeemed as well. 

Drinking water is very expensive in Singapore. However the water on the tap is potable and certified by WHO standards. However you can buy water from 7/11 stores which are located everywhere, it's much cheaper here considering other shops. 

Pick up all maps from airport, they are very handy and informative (free).

They are lot of helpful apps on Singapore, do download them for your convenience at to get any information at a tap in your hand. Refer Tripadvisor, http://www.yoursingapore.com/about-singapore/traveller-information/download-travel-guide.html

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/singapore-mrt-lrt-offline/id689701416?mt=8

http://www.singapore-guide.com/ and many more are there.

Singapore is very hot and humid. Pack light. There are very few places where you need to be wearing covered clothes. 

Otherwise shorts and summer dresses in light fabrics are way to go.

You need to walk a lot in Singapore so do carry comfortable footwear. 

Keep drinking fluids to stay hydrated ( Singapore has loads of juices and drinks to offer at roadside as well as 7/11s). 

Street food in Singapore is at its best and affordable. There are so many cuisines to try in Singapore and they all are amazing. 

Do visit the hawker markets and street food. 

The people and life in Singapore is fast paced. The people here are not very talkative and warm but always help when required. Most of the attractions have excellent help system and staff. 

Before visiting Singapore I always had a notion that Singapore is all about man made attractions and so on. It doesn't have a soul of its own. However I learnt that otherwise but for that you need to ditch the commercial spots and travel in the pockets like Arab street, Dempsey hill and so on. 

I will write about top things in Singapore, Singapore food , detailed articles about attractions and what all do in the coming posts. 

So stay tuned and watch this space. 

Singapore honestly was successful in keeping a piece of my heart. Stay glued to find out. 

Until then- stay cheerful and happy. 

xoxo

Bhakti 

Goa Romantic Places to eat in Baga / Candolim

Carrying on from the last post - Goa -Places to eat near Baga / Candolim Part 1

Romance and Goa go hand in hand,Shacks all over Goa are so pretty and naming a few places romantic, means these places are really special and create magic effortlessly. 

You decide for yourself. 

Tuscany Garden 

Main Rd, Near Kingfisher Villa, Sinquirim, Candolim, Goa 403515
0832 645 4026

www.tuscanygardens.in/

photo credit - Tuscany Gardens website

Bike ride to Mahabaleshwar

I love to travel is a known fact. I am a wanderer I feel. The best way to make me happy is to take me out for a trip, however small or big. That's exactly what hubby dear did, he told me to get ready early morning last Sunday, packed few things and announced that we are going for a small trip and that too on the bike.

How I was happy and excited, extremely curious though. I am one of those type of people who can't take in curiosity for a long time. Curiosity kills the cat symptoms and I started randomly guessing names for our destination which were close enough for a bike ride. 

To my extreme surprise I realized that we weren't going to any of those destinations but embarked our journey which was headed towards Mahabaleshwar. Mahabaleshwar is our favorite neighboring hill station. We have to have at least a couple of trips to Mahabaleshwar within a year. 

This was our first bike trip to Mahabaleshwar and I was really excited. 

We had a fabulous time and this was an awesome surprise, which I totally loved.
Days like this and moments they get along just make life so beautiful and spontaneous. 

Check out our trip in the snaps below with what we exactly did and how are trip turned out to be -

All prepared

First Pit stop

Breakfast

Misal and vada pav = best breakfast

Highway

Next stop

I love to be on the road

Reached Panchgani

1st stop

Chilled ice creams on a hot summer day is bliss.

Finally - Mahabaleshwar

Strolling in the market, buying Mahabaleshwar goodies.

Roaming around

Nothing can beat the local Nimbu soda at scenic points.

Posing for you all comfortable in my casual attire.

If this is where I relaxed everyday -- dreams

I just love Nature

Foodies Heaven - lunch

Dessert is not far behind

good bye snack

Returning back after a wonderful day. 

Some tips and facts by Hubby Dear :

Pune to Mahabaleshwar is 120 kms.

One can go there for a day trip and return comfortably by evening.

Plenty of accommodations for an over night stay available.

for your bike trip

Make sure your bike is in perfect condition, before embarking on the journey.

Travel Light.

Do carry your sun gear, cap, scarf, a jacket for the windy evening.

Do carry a bottle of water, candy, a napkin.

Make regular stops and keep yourself hydrated as well as stretch your legs and back a bit.

Stop at places which are frequented and crowded.

Do try and leave early morning from Pune and leave from Mahabaleshwar before dark.

Cross the Pasarni ghat in sunlight.

Do not travel on the bike after sunset.

One can enjoy Mahabaleshwar for its climate, nature, beauty, different points, markets, food (a complete post on the same here)

An awesome trip and some more memories to treasure.

xoxo

Bhakti

My favorite shopping in Bangkok

Bangkok is no doubt a shoppers paradise, shopping is a day- night activity and everyone who visits this place has their personal favorites. (Read more about Bangkok shopping)
I too have my personal favorite shopping places in this heaven for shopping.
Let me take you through my best and must shopping places to visit whenever in Bangkok.

Must:
Whenever shopping in markets or malls, do carry shopping trolleys, you will be thankful later on after having bought bags and bags of goodies.( it sure becomes difficult to carry all the bags around)
Shopping trolleys are easily available everywhere. One can get a good deal in the Pratunam market.
Most of these markets and malls have maps available free of charge for easy accessibility, do utilize them, It sure makes the experience comfortable.
Wear comfortable clothes and footwear, carry loads of change and stay hydrated.
HAGGLE - must

 

 

Pratunam  Market
Its a maze of small alleys criss crossed and jam packed with vendors selling different variety of goods, clothes, shoes, and fashion accessories at wholesale prices.  Prices are very cheap, and most shops offer retail prices for single pieces.

Pratunam city complex
AC version of Pratunam market, a respite from heat surely however do not expect same prices as that of the market out on the road. Plenty of fashionable clothing and shoes. There are a few jewelry and crafts shops, as well as cosmetic stores are located within.

Indra Square
you will get really good deals and a good variety. Only a few minutes walk from Pratunam Wholesale Market, the Indra Square consists of several floors with hundreds of small shops selling from children clothing, men and women fashion wear, to accessories.

Baiyoke Towers :
another good shopping mall in this area

Platinum Fashion Mall 
Platinum Fashion Mall - a AC version of the Chatuchak Weekend Market. I prefer this any day over Chatuchak market. really good quality products, the rates are higher than the markets but then you really get a very nice quality. However one does find a lot of sale deals and whole sale deals too. Do check the garments bought on sale for defects and holes.
Do visit both the buildings of Platinum mall.

 

 

All these shopping places are a walking distance from each other. (located very close by)
I prefer to shop at this one place rather than going to Chatuchak which is really far and I think over hyped. one does get some lucky deals at Chatuchak, but I find it expensive and more touristy and over priced. A must watch for first timers, being the biggest market and all. Other than that I would give it a miss.



MBK mall
A must visit for all the mobile and camera accessories, you do get lovely souveneirs, silk and some really good deals. Dvds, gadgets, accessories, food courts everything over here is really good. Also spas to relax the tired soul and it is connected to BTS directly.
It also houses Warehouse and Tokyo departmental store.

 

Warehouse:
Branded clothes at knock out prices. Do check for defects as many of them are factory rejects but you will surely get some good ones. Warehouse is there in most of the malls like MBK, Terminal 21, Big C etc.

Pink Pvssy
My one stop shop for all my accessories and likes. They have an amazing collection at really good prices. They have outlets all over Bangkok. Spotting Pink Pvssy wont be a difficult job at all. Must visit.



 just a small glimpse ;p

These are my favorite places to shop when in Bangkok.
What about yours?
Do share them with me, I would love to hear all about these shopping secrets of yours.

Happy shopping :)

xoxo
Bhakti









 

Travel smart and skyscanner

Summer is here and so is the craving for a nice summer vacation. What better time than to start planning for summer trips.

 

I have certainly started day dreaming about my vacation already and planning everything to the core.
There are so many destinations calling out to me (the temptation) however I have to plan my trip smartly and enjoy it to the fullest.

So many travel sites, travel companies, airlines, hotels are dishing out amazing deals for summer. However it becomes too difficult and time consuming to visit and compare each and every one of them , until I found a gem - skyscanner. Since then I cant stop raving about it.