Nestled within the exclusive Sentosa Cove enclave, One Degree 15 Marina Club is part of the emerging hip, upscale luxury neighbourhood that is positioned to become one of the world’s most well-integrated waterfront lifestyle communities. Evoking the glamour and elegance of Monte Carlo, One Degree 15 Marina Club offers world-class marina facilities and is replete with a comprehensive range of luxurious private club amenities catering to both boaters and non-boaters alike.
There were a lot of reasons why we decided to have our wedding dinner banquet at One Degree 15 Marina Club and the reasons are:
• One Degree 15 Marina Club is a very unique, beautiful, and scenic place for weddings • The wedding banquet is priced competitively when compared to other wedding venues • The wedding banquet package is very attractive with quite a fair bit of goodies • There are a lot of positive reviews on the Internet • The kitchen and banquet operations is helmed by experienced chefs and service staffs • They have a Halal-certified kitchen that can cater to Muslim guests • The food served is of the right temperature and are of excellent quality
For an 8-course Chinese wedding set menu during the weekends, the price of SGD$1574.83 [after including the 7% goods and services tax and 10% service charge] is priced rather competitively when compared to upscale hotels like Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Pan Pacific Singapore, Mandarin Oriental Singapore and etc.
With a premium address, One Degree 15 Marina Club offers an exclusive and intimate wedding setting.
The Catering Sales Manager who saw to our every need was Mr Kurt Tan and he was very helpful in coordinating and advising us on the wedding banquet programme. Joyston and Ling Zhen, the Banquet Captains for our wedding banquet were also very professional and they took care of our every need; even till the next day when we were due to check out. We must say, the banquet operations team did a very fantastic job in managing our programme for the evening.
The chefs also prepared a very delightful dinner for all our guests and everyone gave very positive feedback and comments about the excellent quality of the food; including the Halal food.
Well, every wedding venue has its cons too and for One Degree 15 Marina Club, the cons are:
• One Degree 15 Marina Club is rather inconvenient and inaccessible for guests • The ballroom can only accommodate up to 360 guests • Full payment is required before the wedding event
To counteract the cons, we had shuttle buses to transport our guests to and fro Harbourfront MRT Station and One Degree 15 Marina Club; and just so you know, all of our guests had their admission fees to Sentosa waived off when they presented our wedding invitation card at the booth gantry. What makes it even a sweeter deal is that there are ample parking spaces for all our guests and parking is complimentary. As the number of guests whom were expected to attend our wedding amounted to less than 360, the maximum capacity of the ballroom definitely wasn’t an issue for us but if you have more than 360 guests, you may have to consider choosing another venue.
We’re not sure if the full payment policy applies to other venues but for One Degree 15 Marina Club, it definitely is and you need to be prepared to start saving up early. We highly suggest you use your credit card for the payment so that you can earn rebates and points at the same time but of course, don’t forget to pay your dues on time.
In case you are wondering, One Degree 15 Marina Club do have accommodations available and that makes it really convenient especially if you are arranging the accommodation for your guests who are coming from overseas. It is a pity that we didn’t have much time to spend in the room because the room is really so nice, cosy and had a fantastic view of the yachts that were docked at the club! We will definitely be back and book a staycation there for our 1st anniversary.
Overall, if you were to ask for our opinion, we would highly recommend One Degree 15 Marina Club as a choiced wedding venue in Singapore and really, we have no regrets having our wedding banquet there.
Mother’s Day is just round the corner and although I have to admit that this occasion by itself is quite commercialised, our mums definitely ought to have a well-deserved break on their special day.
If you have ultra-deep pockets, you may want to consider 3 atas [luxurious] ways to pampering your mum at Sofitel So Singapore.
The First Atas Way, A Luxury Hotel Staycation at Sofitel So Singapore
Book your mum a luxury hotel staycation at Sofitel So Singapore, Singapore’s newest luxury designer hotel that is housed within an iconic heritage building built in 1927 on Robinson Road. Every room at Sofitel So Singapore invites guests to dream with high ceilings and bespoke light boxes featuring images of palatial glass domes inspired by the traditional architecture of Europe and modern constructions in Singapore.
For a special rate of SGD$427++, your mum can indulge in a sumptuous breakfast served in the luxurious room, a bottle of Champagne on ice to be savoured any time during the stay, and a thoughtful gift of chocolate or flowers offered upon arrival. What’s more; your mum can also enjoy a late check-out at 4:00pm and the facilities that Sofitel So Singapore has to offer.
The Second Atas Way, A 5-Course Spa & Massage Indulgence at So SPA
Located at So SPA at The Singapore Resort & Spa Sentosa, treat your mum to a soothing day of pampering with the Oh-So Spoiled 5-course Spa indulgence which includes a 15-minute foot ritual, a 45-minute revitalising Neem Body Polish, a 60-minute So Relaxing Massage or a luxurious Neem Healing Facial, a healthy juice, and a full day of relaxation with access to the spa gardens, float pool, galaxy steam baths and mud pools!
At a special price of SGD$255++, So SPA will tempt your mum to come back for more with a complimentary SGD$50 return voucher for her next retreat.
For bookings and enquiries, you can drop an email to H9474-TH4@accor.com or call +65 6371 1288 for more information.
The Third Atas Way, A 4-Course French Epicurean Dining Experience at Xperience Restaurant & Bar
Crafted by the young but talented Resident Culinary Designer Chef Anne-Cécile Degenne, the 4-course Mother’s Day Menu at Xperience Restaurant & Bar at Sofitel So Singapore is a thoughtful French epicurean dining experience that mothers will surely love.
The tantalising starter made from Sri Lankan crabs, fresh pomelo pulp, and garnished with luxurious French caviar is served with coriander salad that gives it an earthy but refreshing twist.
The second starter, Seared Foie Gras and Truffle Emulsion with Mushroom Ravioli, is inspired by Chef AnneCécile’s beloved home town, the port city of Bordeaux in South-Western France. The buttery foie gras, combined with freshly imported white mushrooms and porcini wrapped in parcels of homemade dough will warm both palates and hearts.
Following the starters is the menu’s piece de resistance; the main course of Grilled Scallop and Lobster, Fennel, Orange and Basil. Meaty Hokkaido scallops grilled to light-brown perfection are paired with fresh, springy Boston lobster and cooked with fennel, rosemary, orange juice, and olive oil. This ensemble creates a juxtaposition of earthy, natural, yet delicate flavours that are soothing and gentle.
A satisfying meal can only conclude with an equally satisfying dessert. Here, Chef Anne-Cécile gives the diners a pleasant surprise; a deconstructed Black Forest. This re-imagining of a well-loved classic dessert offers a different experience with each bite. The taste of rich, dark orbs of Varlhona chocolate mousse is balanced with either sour cherry jelly or the Griotte cherries nestled in the mousse.
Each dish from the menu is carefully paired with a selection of wines to enhance the dining experience. Your mum will also receive a rose and one Shiseido beauty kit worth SGD$47, featuring choice picks from their Vital-Perfection White range, Makeup Lacquer Rouge and the highly-raved Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate. Complimentary valet parking is also available should you decide to drive her there.
The Delicate Mother’s Day Quartet Dinner Menu from Xperience Restaurant & Bar is priced at SGD$128++ per person, or SGD$168++ per person with wine pairing.
Below are the available dates and timings for the Delicate Mother’s Day Quartet Dinner Menu:
9 May 2015: 6.30pm – 10.00pm | 10 May 2015: 12.00pm – 3.00pm
With 3 atas ways to pamper your mum on Mother’s Day, you can even consider having a fourth atas way to pamper your mum by combining all the 3; but of course, this won’t come cheap and will probably cost you at least a thousand dollars for all 3.
If you are on a budget but would love to pamper your mum luxuriously, I would personally suggest treating your mum to a meal or a spa and massage package as the prices are pretty reasonable.
Anyhow, I hope this article has given you some Mother’s Day ideas to think about and if you have any ideas to share with me, do feel free to share with me by commenting below. 🙂
Coffee Nowhere [can also pronounce as Coffee Now Here] first started its operations in Malaysia and it is so popular that they expanded overseas and started its first flagship store in idyllic Rochester Park, Singapore. To accommodate more café goers, Coffee:Nowhere at Rochester Park shifted its entire Food & Beverage [F&B] operations to West Coast Plaza.
I had the privilege of dining there a few days ago and I had the honour of meeting Mr Welson Ang, the Chief Executive Officer [CEO] of Coffee:Nowhere. Just so you know, Mr Welson Ang is also the owner of multiple businesses such as ExpressPrint in Singapore and he is a very successful entrepreneur.
Our Personal Opinion/Review of Coffee:Nowhere
Coffee:Nowhere occupies a rather big space at West Coast Plaza and the ambience is very cosy and comfortable. Employing the self-service style like Starbucks and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, a major plus point of dining at Coffee:Nowhere is that all of its F&B prices indicated on the menu are nett-pricing.
Whether you are dining individually or with a big group of friends, Coffee:Nowhere can cater to everyone because like I mentioned, the dining area is huge.
Personally, I really like the cosy corner that Coffee:Nowhere has specially created for individuals to do some quiet reading. If Coffee:Nowhere has another outlet in the North-Eastern part of Singapore [hopefully in Punggol] and it offers such a cosy corner as well, you will definitely find me there every single day!
In terms of the F&B offered at Coffee:Nowhere, the menu is pretty extensive and it has a lot of variety to suit the most pickiest diners. I personally feel that the appetisers and main courses are palatable and pretty tasty. The portions were also reasonable and I really enjoyed the desserts that Coffee:Nowhere has to offer.
Apart from the rather delightful F&B offerings, what I am most impressed with, was the retail space that sells specialty coffee beans and coffee brewing devices!
As a former Barista, I really like the idea of grinding my own coffee beans and brewing my own coffee because only then will I really appreciate every single cup of coffee that I drink.
Occasionally, Coffee:Nowhere conducts coffee appreciation workshops at their Brew Bar and Mr Ian Consulta [as seen in the following photo] is Q Grader certified and is Coffee:Nowhere’s Executive Consultant.
When I was at Coffee:Nowhere, Mr Ian Consulta showed us three different methods of brewing coffee; in particular, Syphon, Aeropress, and Pour Over. Just so you know, all three different methods of brewing coffee produces a different taste even though all of them uses the same coffee bean.
Syphon
Pour Over
Aeropress
If you would like to brew your own coffee, Coffee:Nowhere has this Aerobie® AeroPress® Coffee & Espresso Maker and I highly recommend it because it is highly portable, durable, and brews a richer and smoother cup of coffee.
In case you are wondering, Coffee:Nowhere is selling the Aerobie® AeroPress® Coffee & Espresso Maker for only SGD$65 and that is way cheaper than getting an Espresso Coffee Machine that cost hundreds of dollars.
Should you be staying in the far west and you wish to check out Coffee:Nowhere, they are open from 10am to 10pm daily at West Coast Plaza.
Apart from being well known as a clean and green city, Singapore is also very famous for its local food. Last week, both Jacqueline and I were at Singapore’s Chinatown Food Street for a “makan” [eating] session with other bloggers and we had a very delightful time. Located on Smith Street in the heart of Chinatown, the revitalised Chinatown Food Street seeks to create the most authentic Singapore dining experience for locals and tourists alike. From a tantalising plate of Char Kway Teow, to sticks of mouthwatering Satay, Chinatown Food Street offers a diverse spread of local delights, with iconic food from local cultures all represented on one street.
Ngoh Hiang from Chong Chong Ngoh Hiang Prawn Fritter
A unique Hokkien and Teochew dish that is served in many of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore’s hawker centres and in Cebú in the Philippines. It place of origin is in eastern China. It is essentially a dish that is made up of various meats, vegetables and other ingredient such as cucumber, century egg, ginger, deep-fried beancurd, fishball and many others. It is usually served with chili sauce and sweet sauce. Many stalls in Singaporean food courts and hawker centres sell fried bee hoon [vermicelli] with Ngoh Hiang.
If you happen to be in Chinatown doing some late-night shopping for New Year goodies and you are feeling famished, Chinatown Food Street is certainly the perfect place for supper because from 30 January 2015 till 18 February 2015, the operating hours of Chinatown Food Street will be extended to 2am.
Kueh Pie Tee from Maxwell Road Soon Soon Popiah . Laksa
Kueh Pie Tee is a thin and crispy pastry tart shell that is filled with a spicy and sweet mixture of thinly sliced vegetables and prawns. It is a popular Peranakan dish. The shells are made of flour and though some stores will make them from scratch, they can usually be found ready-made in most supermarkets. Similar to popiah, the main filling is shredded Chinese turnips and carrots, and usually these two dishes are sold by the same stall in hawker centers.
However, do also note that Chinatown Food Street will be closed on 19 February 2015 [first day of the Lunar New Year] and will resume operations on 20 February 2015 with its original operating hours of 11am to 11pm.
In case you are wondering, the prices of the dishes from the 24 different street hawker stalls varies from SGD$2.50 to SGD$10, with the exception of Yu Sheng which cost SGD$28 for a small platter and SGD$38 for a large platter. Check out our guide to organising a Lo-Hei/Yu Sheng session at home or the office!
Furthermore, if you spend SGD$10 in a single receipt at Chinatown Food Street, you will get a 20% discount voucher off Trick Eye Museum admission tickets.
Roti Prata from Serangoon Raju Indian Cuisine
Roti Prata is a fried flour-based pancake that is cooked over a flat grill. It is usually served with a vegetable or meat based curry and is also commonly cooked with cheese, onion, banana, red bean, chocolate, mushroom or egg.
Chinatown Food Street is certainly the perfect place for night owls to tuck into a lip-smacking spread of local delights. From traditional dishes reminiscent of yesteryear to modern cuisines of present times, there is definitely something for everyone!
In need of a quick fix? Chinatown Food Street is definitely the place to go!
I was introduced to the world of croissants at a very young age and back then, no other croissants could beat the ones from Délifrance. Even after so many years, I still love Délifrance’s signature butter croissant and more recently, I got very hooked to Délifrance’s Heritage Croissant, the highly commended enriched version Délifrance’s signature butter croissant, which sells close to one million pieces annually in recent times.
Tastier, healthier, and crispier, the Heritage Croissant is Délifrance’s answer to other challengers in the croissant market and it is the only product in Singapore to receive three Golden Stars in a blind taste test in June 2013 by a panel of experts from the world-renowed International Taste & Quality Institute in Brussels.
During the evaluation, the Heritage Croissant was lauded for having high quality butter and a harmonious fully flavoured finish, coupled with a lovely presentation and good bite texture. The judges complimented its crisp texture and appetising interior, and also praised it for being a genuine top-quality croissant with a splendid taste, delicate with a nice tasty finish.
Techniques such as slow kneading and gentle rolling are used in the making of the Heritage Croissant and they are naturally inspired by artisanal French baking methods taught in Ecole de Boulangerie et de Patisserie.
The Heritage Croissant is made from top quality French ingredients such as finely milled premium wheat flour from Grands Moulins de Paris, which contains higher dietary fibre and several vitamins including folate, riboflavin, and Vitamins B1, B3, and B5.
Other ingredients include fresh butter from Brittany, a renowned butter-producing region in France and certified Label Rogue eggs which are laid by hens reared on 100% plant-based feed, minerals and vitamins including 50% minimum cereals with no artificial colouring.
These fine ingredients ensure that every Heritage Croissant packs a delicate flavour and fragrance that is quintessentially French.
Our Personal Opinion/Review of Délifrance’s Heritage Croissant
Jacqueline and I really love the Heritage Croissant. It is so buttery, flaky, and crispy that you can eat it on its own. As only authentic French ingredients are used, the result is a deliciously flaky croissant that literally melts in the mouth.
Available at all Délifrance outlets, the Heritage Croissant will retail at a special introductory price of SGD$2.50 a piece until 28 February and from 1 March onwards, it will be selling for SGD$2.90 a piece, or SGD$8.90 for a pack of four.
Having said that, the Heritage Croissant also comes in two savoury flavours [Turkey Bacon & Chicken Ham, and Almond Poulet] and two mouth-watering limited edition sweet flavours [Cream Cheese with Strawberry Toppings, and Hazelnut Chocolate with Almond Flakes].
Turkey Bacon & Chicken Ham Heritage Croissant, SGD$7.50 a piece
Almond Poulet Heritage Croissant, SGD$7.50 a piece
Having tried all four, we would highly recommend the Turkey Bacon & Chicken Ham Heritage Croissant and as well as both the sweet flavours [Cream Cheese with Strawberry Toppings, and Hazelnut Chocolate with Almond Flakes]. The savoury flavours will cost SGD$7.50 a piece and the sweet flavours will cost SGD$3.90 a piece and it is available at all Délifrance outlets except Délifrance Coronation Plaza.
Cream Cheese with Strawberry Toppings Heritage Croissant, SGD$3.90 a piece
Hazelnut Chocolate with Almond Flakes Heritage Croissant, SGD$3.90 a piece
Hurry down to the nearest Délifrance outlet near you and indulge your senses with the authentic taste of France. If there’s one croissant you have to eat, the award-winning Heritage Croissant is it!
Well, we are big fans of Korean food and we are delighted to share with you 5 “must-try” dishes at Insadong Korea Town @ Resorts World Sentosa, a one-of-its-kind food and beverage [F&B] concept in Singapore.
A replica of the famous Insa-dong Street in Seoul, Korea; Insadong Korea Town @ Resorts World Sentosa offers an assortment of over 200 types of authentic Korean, Korean-Chinese, Korean-Western, Korean-Japanese dishes and a variety of Korean street food!
Dining Ambience
Whether you are dining in big groups or dining solo, there are ample dining areas that won’t cause you to feel so claustrophobic. Some of the interior decoration are specially flown in from Korea and the wall murals are hand-painted by Korean artists; providing a very authentic and traditional Korean dining setting.
Employing an automated system that allows you to order and pay for your meals, dining at Insadong Korea Town is hassle-free and very convenient.
5 “Must-Try” Dishes at Insadong Korea Town [all prices listed are nett]
Ginseng Chicken Soup, SGD$28
The Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup [also known as Samgyetang in Korean] is a very popular but traditional dish that is believed to prevent illness. At Insadong Korea Town, the recipe for the Ginseng Chicken Soup has been slightly tweaked to suit the local taste buds and it is served alongside with a small dish of milk which you could choose whether to add into the soup or not.
What we really like about the Ginseng Chicken Soup is that the dish is very authentic. The chicken is served whole and it is stuffed with glutinous rice that is mixed with chestnuts. As with all Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup, the flavour is on the lighter side and the chicken meat is soft and tender.
Napa Wraps with Pork, SGD$15
The Napa Wraps with Pork [also known as Bossam in Korean] is a dish where the pork belly meat is boiled in spices, thinly sliced, and served with side dishes like garlic and kimchi; resulting in a very flavourful dish. To eat this dish, the pork belly meat and side dishes are wrapped in the crunchy Napa cabbage.
Authentically prepared and served the Korean way, the Napa Wraps with Pork will definitely whet one’s appetite.
Xiao Long Bao in Kimchi Soup, SGD$13
Whether Xiao Long Bao has its origins in China or Korea, it doesn’t matter because the Xiao Long Bao in Kimchi Soup is a sheer delight! Should you like to increase the spice level, the Xiao Long Bao in Kimchi Soup is served alongside with a small dish of chilli sauce that you can add to the Kimchi Soup. We guarantee you, a bite of the Xiao Long Bao will send you craving for more.
Carbonara Spaghetti, SGD$14
There are many variations of the ever-popular Carbonara Spaghetti and what is really unique about this dish at Insadong Korea Town is the rich and flavourful pumpkin cream sauce that complements the spaghetti. Although the portion of the Carbonara Spaghetti is sizeable enough to satisfy your hunger, having too much of it will make you feel so full that you can’t fill anything else in your stomach.
Watermelon Soju, SGD$30
The Watermelon Soju has got to be our most favourite dish [or should we say dessert/beverage] at Insadong Korea Town and it can serve up to 4 persons. With a bottle of Soju that has an alcohol content of 19.5% mixed into the freshly blended watermelon juice with some cold ice, this delightful dessert/beverage is a real refreshing treat to help you unwind after a day at work! One Watermelon Soju wasn’t enough for us and we definitely will recommend you to order this if you chanced by Insadong Korea Town.
To Go Or Not To Go?
Well, we say, “GO!”
With over 200 types of authentic Korean, Korean-Chinese, Korean-Western, Korean-Japanese dishes and a variety of Korean street food; Insadong Korea Town is definitely a haven for lovers of Korean food. As a matter of fact, we will be visiting Insadong Korea Town again and again to try out the many other dishes that they have!
After 40 years of rich history in serving only authentic Japanese cuisine, Restaurant Hoshigaoka launched a newly redesigned ala carte menu which is available at all of its four outlets.
The new menu features signature and popular dishes such as Black Pepper Gindara Teishoku, Goma Beef Houba Yaki, and Kurobuta Shabu Shabu. Designed with kids in mind, the menu also includes an all-new kid’s menu that highlights a selection of four different sets in kawaii tableware.
Served in kawaii tableware that resembles airplanes, high-speed trains or bento boxes, children can look forward to complete their dining experience with a jelly, yakult, and a snack.
The Yoko Airlines airplane set offers a variety of treats such as crispy prawn coated in breadcrumbs, cucumber rolls, mini udon and French fries.
One of the signature dishes in the menu is the Black Pepper Gindara Teishoku. It features a tender codfish drizzled with homemade black pepper sauce, served with asparagus, sliced onions and carrots. Well-seasoned and bursting with flavours, the set is also paired with fresh salmon sashimi, silky smooth chawanmushi, miso soup, and fruits amongst others.
For beef lovers, the Goma Beef Houba Yaki is a sheer delight for the palate. Served on a magnolia “Houba” leaf, the slices of the 30 days Aged New Zealand Rib Eye Beef are meltingly tender and flavourful. Abundantly marinated with sesame sauce and complemented with garlic to enhance the flavour, this dish is certainly a must-try.
If you would like to have some comfort food, the Kurobuta Shabu Shabu is definitely a dish to consider. The goodness of the soup broth, made with shoyu, mirin, sake, and fish stock, impeccably complements the light texture of the thinly sliced pork slices. The accompanying dipping sauce of spicy radish, ponzu, and spring onion slices promises a delightful feast for the taste buds with its distinct combination of mild spiciness and citrus notes.
Our Personal Opinion/Review of Restaurant Hoshigaoka
It was our first time dining at Restaurant Hoshigaoka and we really like the warm, homely, and comfortable ambience.
We had a variety of dishes ranging from appetisers to soups, main courses, and even desserts, and it was definitely a fulfilling and satisfying time!
One of our personal favourites is the Mentai Potato Salad and it comes with assorted vegetables, potato salad, and spicy cod roe mayonnaise with sesame dressing.
Another must-try iconic dish that has been around for more than 30 years is the Hoshigaoka Zen. It comes with an appetiser, salmon sashimi salad, tempura, gindara teriyaki, beef misoyaki, rice, miso soup, chawanmushi and matcha ice cream.
Personally, we found the Black Pepper Gindara Teishoku and Gindara Teriyaki a little too salty for our liking.
Other than that, the new menu does features a variety of food that are of fine quality and value-for-money.
Our Verdict?
Although Restaurant Hoshigaoka is a family Japanese restaurant with more than 40 years of rich history in serving only authentic Japanese cuisine, we are pretty sure there are other Japanese restaurants in Singapore that offers a similar fare. We honestly appreciate the warm ambience and the exceptional service rendered by the service staffs, but we felt that this wasn’t a strong pull for us to dine there in future as the menu offerings are pretty commonplace.
Editor’s Note: It has been awhile since we last blogged and for that, we do apologise for being away for too long. After all, we do deserve a break especially after the hectic year that we had!
With so many media events, food tastings, and things to do, the month of December has certainly been a very busy month for us. Thankfully, we managed to take some time off and embark on a 3 days 2 nights adventure in Batam, Indonesia.
I have to admit that when I first went to Batam, I was very apprehensive about going there as I didn’t have a positive impression of the place. Any information that I had about Batam were pretty negative but after my virgin trip there, I decided that Batam isn’t too bad a place for a good relaxing vacation and so, we decided to make a second trip.
Although prostitution in Batam is illegal, the island has always been a place that is associated with sex tourism; even till now. This would probably explain why people would occasionally give me a weird look when I tell them that I’m going to Batam for a holiday.
In this blog post, we will be mainly sharing about our virgin trip to Batam, the spas that we visited, the cafes that we dined at, the hotels that we stayed at, and the activities that we did.
Virgin Experience to Batam
When we first went to Batam, we booked for a half-day tour around the city and because we were newbies to Batam, we went to places where tour guides can earn commissions from us.
The hotel that we stayed at was Gideon Hotel Batam and the half-day tour included a lunch at Golden Prawn 933 Restaurant.
The Superior Room at Gideon Hotel Batam is really quite crammed and small. Location wise, it is near Nagoya Hill but a distance to Batam Center Ferry Terminal. The level of service met our expectations but if you were to ask whether we would stay at Gideon Hotel Batam for future visits, we would definitely not as there are way better properties than this!
City View from Gideon Hotel Batam
The food at Golden Prawn 933 Restaurant is nothing to shout about and so, if you are planning to dine there, save the trip and money for something else. Golden Prawn 933 Restaurant is way too touristy for our liking.
In our most honest opinions, our first virgin trip to Batam was such a waste of time and money because of visits to places that were unnecessary. As such, we highly recommend travellers to go free-and-easy if they choose to visit Batam. After all, information is readily available on the Internet and when we planned for our second trip to Batam; Tripadvisor, Agoda, and Blogs, were really our best tools.
For our second trip to Batam, all we wanted to do was eat good food, do some shopping, and unwind. It wasn’t so much of a cultural or sight-seeing trip although we might plan for that in future. Hence, we hereby present to your our comprehensive free-and-easy travel guide to Batam.
Currency Exchange
The rupiah [Rp] is the official currency of Indonesia and the current exchange rate [updated as of 12 December 2014] is approximately SGD$1 to 9216 Rp. There are talks that the existing rupiah would be phased out by the end of 2018 but during the transition period, the old and new currency notes will stay valid.
Ferry To Batam
There are a number of ferry operators available but the more popular ones are WaveMaster, Batam Fast, and Sindo Ferry. For our second trip to Batam, we took the WaveMaster and ticket prices for a return trip cost SGD$38 per person. There really isn’t much to compare between the three ferry operators as the level of service is decent enough to bring you from Singapore to Batam and vice-versa. However, the ticket prices will differ so do check out the three and choose the cheapest one.
Web check-in is available for WaveMaster, Batam Fast, and Sindo Ferry so you don’t have to go collect your boarding passes if you have booked your ferry tickets online. However, do ask your ferry operator for the disembarkation / embarkation card as we had to rush and collect ours at the Batam Center Ferry Terminal.
A typical journey from Singapore Harbourfront Centre to Batam Center Ferry Terminal will take about 45 minutes. We recommend visitors to travel to Batam during the weekdays instead of the weekends as it may get too crowded.
When returning back to Singapore during the weekends, make sure you arrive early at Batam Centre as the queue at the immigration counters can get quite long.
Batam Ferry Terminal
Upon arrival at the Ferry Terminal, do observe the rules and regulations. The immigration officers at the Ferry Terminal are especially strict and they expect visitors to be silent while waiting in line to get their passports chopped. We have observed instances where visitors were sent back to Singapore for not adhering to the rules and regulations.
Indonesia’s Prepaid SIM Card
After you have cleared immigrations, you would be at the arrival area and that is where you can purchase a prepaid SIM card to get you connected. We purchased the Indosat Mentari 3GB SIM Card and it comes with 3GB Internet and 25 minutes local talktime. All that for only 75000 Rp [equivalent to about SGD$9]. To be on the safe side, we purchased an additional top-up card that cost 50000 Rp and we still had some leftover balance upon returning to Singapore.
It was our first time staying at Harris Hotel Batam Center and we will definitely be considering to stay there for future visits to Batam.
Harris Hotel Batam Center is conveniently located beside Batam Center Ferry Terminal and it is very safe as checks are routinely done for every vehicle that enters the hotel’s compound. The level of guest service has over exceeded our expectations and we were very impressed with the facilities that are available at the hotel.
The Harris Hotel branding advocates a healthy and active lifestyle and we really like its Simple-Unique-Friendly concept. Upon checking-in, we were even served with welcome drinks. Hotel facilities such as the gym and swimming pool are also available for hotel guests to utilise.
There is only one room type at Harris Hotel Batam Center and the views from the hotel room are either city view or sea view. We opted for the room that offers sea view and when we entered our room, we were greeted by the pleasant aroma that was coming from the scented oil.
Sea View From The Harris Hotel Batam Center Room
City View From The Harris Hotel Batam Center Room
Breakfast at Harris Hotel Batam Center was also a hearty affair. Freshly squeezed fruit juices are available upon request at no charge and the sumptuous food fare left hotel guests spoilt for choices.
Address: Jl. Engku Putri, Batam Center, Kepulauan Riau 29641, IndonesiaPhone: +62 778 7498888
Our Preferred Mode of Transportation Around Batam- Silver Cab
Learning from our virgin trip to Batam, we decided that Silver Cab was going to be our only mode of transportation around Batam because they charge by the meter. The flag-down rate for Silver Cab is 7000 Rp and every 110 metres will see the fare jump by 500 Rp. From Batam Center Ferry Terminal to Nagoya Hill, the cab fare will cost around 50000 Rp [inclusive of parking fees that cost 2000 Rp]. Our most expensive cab fare was the trip from Harris Hotel Batam Center to Turi Beach Resort as it costs us about 130000 Rp [equivalent to about SGD$15].
Do note that there are a couple of Silver Cab lookalikes in Batam so instead of flagging down cabs as and when you like, always call and book. The cab will usually take about 20 minutes to arrive.
We are sure many of you might be puzzled as to why we didn’t rent a car with a personal driver but it is only because after calculating the approximate cab fares that we would be spending on, taking a cab is way cheaper than having a driver at our disposal.
To calculate approximate cab fares, what you can do is to measure the distance from one place to another using Google Maps and then for every 110 metres, add 500 Rp. After which, you add another 7000 Rp for the flag-down rate and top it up with 30,000 Rp for contingency planning. The flag-down rate of 7000 Rp is correct as of December 2014.
For example, to travel from Harris Hotel Batam Center to Turi Beach Resort, the distance calculated on Google Maps is about 21.2 KM.
Step 1: 21.2 KM X 1000 = 21200 Metres
Step 2: 21200 / 110 = 193 [rounded up]
Step 3: 193 X 500 Rp = 96500 Rp
Step 4: 96500 Rp + 7000 Rp + 30000 Rp = 133500 Rp
Silver Cab Booking Hotline: +62 778 461000
Shopping In Batam
There are a few malls where you can do some shopping in Batam. However, if you are shopping for the latest trendy and fashionable apparels, Batam is not the place for it. Most of the branded goods in Batam are either outdated or of poor quality. Some branded goods may even not be authentic so do be wary before purchasing any branded goods. However, grocery shopping is at the top of our priority list whenever we visit Batam because the prices are really affordable.
Nagoya Hill
Nagoya Hill is Batam’s largest shopping mall and there are many retail stores that sell branded goods. However, do be aware that some of the branded goods at Nagoya Hill are not authentic. If you are looking for places to dine at, Nagoya Hill would be the best place as they offer more dining options as compared to Mega Mall Batam Centre. Nagoya Hill also has a Cinema where you can catch some movies too. Personally, we feel that Nagoya Hill would be a better place for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Mega Mall Batam Centre
Located just opposite Batam Center Ferry Terminal, Mega Mall Batam Centre offers a couple of dining and shopping options. Though not as big as Nagoya Hill, Mega Mall Batam still has a fairly decent number of retailers for visitors to do some last minute shopping before departure. One of the places that we will always shop at Mega Mall Batam Centre is the Hypermart because that is where we could stock up on our daily amenities such as facial cleansers, shampoos, shower gels, and many more. If you have too much time to kill while waiting for your ferry, Mega Mall Batam Centre has a cinema where you can watch some movies.
Batam Factory Outlets
Most tours will include shopping at the various factory outlets and some of the brands include Polo Ralph, Burberry, Chanel, Gucci and etc. Personally, we are not a fan of branded goods and if you’re like us, you can give a visit to the factory outlets a miss. Furthermore, most of the designs are either outdated or not authentic.
Dining
In Batam, there are many places you can dine at. Whether it is Italian, Thai, Japanese, or Indonesian cuisines, Batam has them and you can be spoilt for choices as the prices can be very affordable. We generally don’t recommend visitors to patronise roadside food stores as hygiene may not be so ideal.
Bella Italia Pizzeria Ristorante Batam has been rated as the num
ber 1 restaurant in Batam on Tripadvisor and truly, it really is! We have always enjoyed dining there ever since we first came to Batam and the food there is top notch.
Our favourites at Bella Italia Pizzeria Ristorante Batam include the freshly shucked oysters, the piping hot wild mushroom soup, the Hawaiian pizza, the linguine marinara pasta, and the flaming chocolate lava cake with liqueur. The serving portions are also quite big!
Although Bella Italia Pizzeria Ristorante Batam is a fine dining restaurant, it is ok to dress down and be casual. If you call in advance to make a table reservation, the waiters will specially lay the table with table cloth and place a table centrepiece.
A dinner at Bella Italia Pizzeria Ristorante Batam with all of our favourite dishes will cost less than SGD$40. We know it sounds pretty pricey but for a high quality meal like this in Singapore, it will cost about SGD$100+.
Seafood restaurants in Batam is aplenty and so far, we have been to Golden Prawn 933 Seafood Restaurant and Wey Wey Live Seafood Restaurant. Rezeki Seafood Restaurant Batam is the third seafood restaurant that we have visited in Batam and so far, it is the best as compared to the other two that we have visited. Just a note, hygiene at Wey Wey Live Seafood Restaurant isn’t so ideal and coupled with the pungent smell of sulphur lingering in the air, dining at Wey Wey Live Seafood Restaurant is a total turn-off.
Although Rezeki Seafood Restaurant Batam is located a distance away from Batam Center, the quality of the seafood there is relatively good.
When we were dining there, there were many locals and not so much foreigners. The price is also rather reasonable. Although the prawns and crabs are quite small in size, they are extremely fresh!
Scenic View From Rezeki Seafood Restaurant
For a lunch which consist of 4 grilled scallops, 1 crab, prawns, sambal kang kong, seafood fried rice, hot plate tofu, and some beverages, it cost us less than SGD$50.
Address: Batu Besar, RT.01/RW.02, Nongsa, BatamPhone: +62 778 761 180 or +62 812 7023 942
Caffein Café is one of the cafes that we visited in Batam and there, we had their breaded chicken, fish & chips, a slice of red velvet cake, a slice of dark chocolate cakes, and some hot beverages.
The quality of food there is pretty decent and it is one of the better cafes in Batam that visitors could add to their café hopping adventure. In total, lunch at Caffein Café cost us less than SGD$25.
Address: Komp. Ruko Nagoya Hill blok R3-A3A, Batam, Riau, IndonesiaTelephone and Reservation No: +62 778 7493712
Black Canyon Coffee is a semi-café restaurant in Mega Mall Batam that serves Thai fusion food. We had their Thai mango salad, chicken wings, fried rice with salted fish, and the dinner in total cost less than SGD$18.
Visitors can consider dining at Black Canyon Coffee if they would like to have some Thai food.
Coffee Story Co. is located near Nagoya Hill and no offence but it is one of the worst cafes that we have visited in Batam. The quality of the food is really bad and the level of hygiene didn’t quite meet our expectations as we saw ants crawling around most of the tables on the second level.
We were quite disappointed with the food that we didn’t even finish half of it. To be fair, we have to comment that their hot beverages isn’t too bad.
Out of the 3 dishes that we ordered, the fries is the only palatable food.
The food was too much for us to take that we gave up eating altogether!
In total, we spend less than SGD$18 but it wouldn’t be a café that we would recommend to visitors.
Massage & Spa
Massage & Spa Parlours in Batam can be quite sleazy and if you are looking for a genuine and authentic massage & spa experience, you need to go to the right places. Just make sure you do your research before visiting any of the Massage & Spa Parlours in Batam to prevent yourself from being ripped off.
The Spa Secret Batam is one of the highest rated Massage & Spa Parlours in Batam with close to 190 reviews on Tripadvisor. The level of service and spa treatment is truly commendable and the place is extremely clean. The therapists are very professional and a variety of body spa treatments are available.
Jacqueline did The Coffee Body Spa Treatment which consist of a sea salt foot bath, body cleansing, relaxing body massage, coffee body lulur, body steam, body yogurt polish, soaking in bath foam Jacuzzi pool, and V-Ratus treatment while I did The Balinese Aromatic Body Spa Treatment which included a sea salt foot bath, body cleansing, aromatic body massage, aromatic body scrub, body steam, body yogurt polish, soaking in bath foam Jacuzzi pool, and a back & shoulder massage.
In total, we spent about SGD$160 for 2 persons and it was really worth the money. In Singapore, such body spa treatments can cost about SGD$400+!
Address: Komp. Nagoya Garden Phase I Blok D No. 1-2-3, Riau 29432, IndonesiaPhone: +62 778 423123
Spa Central Batam is also one of the highest rated Massage & Spa Parlours in Batam on Tripadvisor. There, we did the Vitamin-C Facial, a 1-hour Foot Reflexology for me, and a 1-hour Hair Cream Bath for Jacqueline.
The level of service and treatment exceeded our expectations and we were quite pleased with the experience. The place was also very clean and we had an enjoyable time over there.
In total, we spent about SGD$71 for all these treatments that we just mentioned and the prices are very reasonable because in Singapore, such treatments will cost two to three times more!
Address: 2nd Floor Clubhouse @ Central Sukajadi, The Central Sukajadi, Batam – 29444 Phone: +62 [778] 736 7512 or +62 821 69900341 (WhatsApp)
There used to be two location for water activities in Batam; one at Harris Resort Waterfront and the other at Turi Beach Resort. However, Harris Resort Waterfront no longer carry out any water activities and the only place that is available to do water activities in Batam would be Turi Beach Resort.
Turi Beach Resort is quite a distance away from Batam Center and the cab fare cost us about SGD$15. If you’re planning a visit to Turi Beach Resort, we recommend that you drop by Rezeki Restaurant as they are both located around the same vicinity.
Turi Beach Resort is a really nice place to relax and unwind, away from the urban civilisation.
Water activities such as Para Sailing, Jet Skiing, and Banana Boat are available at Turi Beach Resort and they can be pretty pricey. When I did the Para Sailing and Jet Skiing, it cost me about SGD$108 but I personally felt that it was worth the money for satisfying the adrenaline junkie me.
If you are planning to do the water activities at Turi Beach Resort, do call and make a reservation beforehand and also enquire on the weather status. If it is low tide or when there’s an impending storm, there will be no water activities carried out for guests’ safety. From the information that we have gathered from the staffs at Turi Beach Resort, the best time for Para Sailing or Jet Skiing would be in the morning before 12pm but it is subjected to weather conditions.
Address: Jalan Hang Lekiu, Nongsa, Kepulauan Riau 29465, Indonesia Phone: +62 778 761080
Batam Specialty Products
There are two Batam specialty products that visitors should get as souvenirs for family members and friends and they are the Kueh Lapis [Layer Cake] and Bika Ambon [Honeycomb Cake]. Although Singapore do have Kueh Lapis and Bika Ambon, the prices are almost twice of those in Batam.
Kueh Lapis / Layer Cake
Kueh Lapis also known as Layer Cakes are pretty popular with tourists visiting Batam. In Singapore, Kueh Lapis is extremely costly but in Batam, it is almost half the price. Hence, it is no surprise that visitors will horde boxes of Kueh Lapis to bring back to Singapore.
There are many retailers selling Kueh Lapis but we will always buy from Diana Layer Cake Batam as we personal
ly feel that their homemade layer cakes is the best in Batam. Diana Layer Cake Batam only offers two types of traditional layer cakes; original and prunes. A kilogram of the original layer cake will cost 250000 Rp [equivalent to about SGD$28] and a kilogram of the prunes layer cake will cost 300000 Rp [equivalent to about SGD$33].
If you would like to order layer cakes from Diana Layer Cake Batam, do give them a call at least one day in advance. As we were staying at Harris Hotel Batam Center, we had our layer cakes personally delivered to us at the hotel.
Address: Taman Seruni Indah Blok G No. 10, Batam Centre Telephone: +62 778 466906
Honeycomb Cake / Bika Ambon
The Honeycomb Cake also known as Bika Ambon is also another popular specialty product of Batam. My mum personally likes it a lot and she is pretty satisfied with the Honeycomb Cake that we purchased at Nagoya Hill. Prior to the purchase, we did a few comparisons and sample tastings and found that the retailer, The Master, offers the best Honeycomb Cake in our opinion.
The Honeycomb Cake cost 70000 Rp [equivalent to about SGD$8] for half a kilogram and 130000 Rp [equivalent to about SGD$15] for a kilogram.
Name of Retailer: The MasterAddress: Food Street Nagoya Hill [beside the Hypermart Escalator] The Master Telephone: +62 085271388585 or +62 085272099109
In Summary
Batam isn’t so bad a place for a good relaxing vacation. In our future trips to Batam, we will be looking to explore more on the cultural side of the city. Should you have any questions about our comprehensive guide to Batam, do not hesitate to drop us an email! We hope that this comprehensive guide by us has been helpful!
Kkongdon [pronounced as Kong-don and not K-kong-don] means ‘best price value’ in the Korean language and we daresay that Kkongdon Barbecue does indeed give diners the best value-for-money for its all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue menu.
Originating from Sinchon in Korea, Kkongdon Barbecue opened its first outlet in Singapore in 2012 and has a total of 4 outlets till date. With modern interiors, seating areas with K-pop enhancements, and warm lighting, Kkongdon Barbecue is a perfect dining place for gatherings over meals.
What We Think Of Kkongdon Barbecue?
It was our first time to Kkongdon Barbecue @ SAFRA Toa Payoh and it will not be the last because after having tried many different barbecue menus at various Japanese and Korean restaurants, Kkongdon Barbecue does offer the best value for money.
With a price of SGD$23.30 nett [Mondays to Thursdays] and SGD$29.30 nett [Fridays to Sundays] per adult, the all-you-can-eat menu features a new selection of barbecue favourites that include chicken, pork, beef, and the newly introduced premium 30 Days Aged New Zealand Sirloin cut; all of which are available in three different marinades.
At Kkongdon Barbecue, the well-marinated meats follow the authentic Korean formula and a selection of Ssamjang, Garlic Ssamjang, and Onion Sauce are specially imported from Korea and blended by the local chef. When paired with the well-marinated barbecued meat, the sauces enhance the aromas and flavours of the meat for a lip smacking experience.
The all-you-can-eat menu also includes flow of side dishes such as Kimchi, Gyoza, Deokbokki [Korean Rice Cakes] and sliced fruits. However, if your stomach is not fully satisfied, a-la-carte add on options are available where wallet-friendly prices are extended to an array of appetisers, soups, stews, and desserts.
When we were there, we had the Pork Belly Kimchi Stew [Kimchijjim Jeongol] and it is presented in Korean earthenware with pork belly slices, kimchi, tofu, enoki mushrooms, and a generous amount of yummy spicy soup!
As for appetisers, we had the Kkongdon’s Kimchi Pancake [Kimchi Buchimgae]. This firm-textured pancake presents itself with kimchi chunks, and a mild spicy sour flavour to whet an appetite for a feast.
To go or not to go?
Well, our overall dining experience at Kkongdon Barbecue is a pleasant and shiok one and we will definitely be back for more well-marinated barbecued meat! Between Seoul Garden [not to say anything bad but because they are almost similarly-priced] and Kkongdon Barbecue, we will definitely choose Kkongdon Barbecue because the meats are more premium and better-tasting; though we don’t deny the fact that Seoul Garden has more variety on their buffet menu.
Japanese food lovers are in for a real treat as Japan’s number one online shopping mall, Rakuten, is bringing its renowned food festival, Rakuten Japan Gourmet Festival, to Singapore for the first time. From 25 November 2014 to 4 December 2014, shoppers will be able to taste and experience Rakuten’s food offerings from all over Japan in an offline setting, at the newly-opened Japanese-themed WAttention Plaza at Jurong Point.
Since its inception in 2010, the largely popular food festival [known as Rakuten Umaimono Taikai in Japanese] has become one of the most anticipated food events in Japan.
The festival is Rakuten’s way of presenting the best of Rakuten’s online food merchants to shoppers in a retail environment, thus merging the offline world that customers live in and the online world that Rakuten operates in.
The 10-day festival will feature over 100 types of premium seafood, exquisite confectioneries, delicious desserts, and many other delectable delights from Hokkaido, Yokohama, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Shizuoka.
Food enthusiasts will be introduced to a variety of new-to-Singapore specialty products presented by 11 merchants from Rakuten Ichiba in Japan and many of them are award-winning and have received accolades; including Rakuten Japan’s ‘Shop of the Year’ award.
In this blog post, we will be shortlisting 3 merchants that you ought to check out at Rakuten Japan Gourmet Festival!
1. Tsukiji Ryotel Takewaka
Established for over 20 years, Tsukiji Ryotel Takewaka sources fresh and seasonal seafood from Tokyo’s renowned Tsukiji market for their products. Its chirashi bowls are intricately packaged by masterchefs in the style of parfaits, a visual treat that enhances the taste of freshness with every spoonful.
Also known as the Japanese Seafood Parfait, the chirashi is made with premium Japanese rice, topped with ikura [salmon roe], salmon, and tuna belly. With the colourful mix of seafood and vegetables, diners can even replace chopsticks with spoons to enjoy the savoury seafood parfait to the fullest.
2. Sasaya Syoen
Founded in 1918, Sasaya Syoen is deeply rooted in tradition with its handmade sweets. The sugar is expertly pulled by its confectioners to give a real and authentic taste. The warabi mocha is one of its most popular products, along with other seasonal pastries and sweets, which are all ideal as snacks and gifts.
Using the finest bracken powder produced domestically, each bracken rice cake is exquisitely handemade by a master Kyoto confectioner and it will melt in the mouth. We highly recommend that you dip the warabi mochi in some soybean powder and it will make a perfect treat.
3. Ginza Sembikiya Patisserie
Founded in 1894, Ginza Sembikiya was originally a fruit specialty store. In the 1960s, it began developing creative methods for people to enjoy tasting fruits while remaining loyal to the shop’s dedication to using only quality premium fruit products. The result is artisan fruit-infused confectioneries, which very quickly became a hit among locals, as well as tourists looking to bring back omiyage [souvenirs] for their friends and loved ones.
Using only Fuji apples produced in Japan, its attentive confectioners ensure that the tartness and sweetness of the apples are retained. The apples are simmered to perfection to a texture as smooth as silk. Flavoured with a hint of cinnamon, the apple filling is encased in Ginza Sembikiya’s interpretation of a baumkuchen, a layered cake originating from Germany.
Our Personal Opinion/Review of Rakuten Japan Gourmet Festival 2014
Though the Rakuten Japan Gourmet Festival is held at Jurong Point, this is truly one gourmet festival that foodies shouldn’t miss because there are many new-to-Singapore food and beverage product offerings. Our recommendation is that you bring at least SGD$50 as some of the food and beverage products can be priced on the higher side [after all, some of the food and beverage products are specially imported all the way from Japan]. Should you not have enough spare cash, some of the merchants do accept credit cards.
If you are looking for some specialty products from Japan, the Rakuten Japan Gourmet Festival is a must-go!
