Showing posts with label A. Travel Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A. Travel Review. Show all posts

Thursday, 10 November 2022

Why Brisbane is a Great Solo Travel Destination for Singaporeans

If you're looking for an exciting and adventure-filled solo travel destination, Brisbane should be near the top of the list for any Singaporean. This vibrant Australian city has something for everyone, from lush parks and gardens to trendy restaurants and cafés. With its relaxed vibe and abundance of friendly locals, Brisbane is perfect for those who want to explore on their own.

So, if you're ready to discover everything this amazing city has to offer, read on for some of the top reasons why Brisbane should be your next solo travel destination!

Visit a Museum

The South Bank district is a great place for solo travellers to spend an afternoon. The Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art are both located in the area, making it easy to see a variety of artworks in one trip.

In addition, the South Bank is home to a number of unique outdoor murals. These murals can be found on buildings and sidewalks throughout the district, and they provide a beautiful backdrop for a leisurely walk or photo session. We recommend taking a picture in front of the Brisbane sign with the city skyline as the backdrop before it completely changes in the next 5 years. Whether you're interested in art, history, or just want to explore a new city, the South Bank district is a great destination for solo travellers.

Catch a Show

Brisbane is bustling with plenty of local events, festivals and endless entertainment perfect for solo travellers. You can't go wrong with catching a show at the Brisbane Powerhouse or Queensland Performing Arts Centre. The Powerhouse is one of Brisbane's most popular arts venues, offering a wide range of live music, theatre, and comedy shows. The Queensland Performing Arts Centre is another top-notch option, featuring world-renowned performers in its four main venues. Whether you're in the mood for a light-hearted evening of laughs or a more serious night of culture, you're sure to find a show to suit your taste at either of these great venues.

Shopping

Brisbane is a shopper's paradise, with something to suit every taste and budget. For those who enjoy a more traditional shopping experience, the Queen Street Mall is the perfect destination. This boulevard is approximately 500m from Edward St to George St, and contains as many as 700 retailers and over 40,000 square metres of retail space. There are in total 6 major shopping centres comprising department stores, high-street fashion retailers, and countless cafes and restaurants. James Street Precinct is another popular shopping district, known for its trendy boutiques and stylish homeware stores.

Whether you're looking for a new outfit or just browsing for inspiration, Brisbane's shopping centres are sure to impress.

Fun Places to Eat or Grab a Drink

Brisbane is a foodie haven, with markets for every taste and palette. For those who crave local flavours, the Brisbane City Market is a must-visit, with fresh produce from Queensland growers. For a truly international experience, head to the Brisbane Night Market, where you can sample dishes from all over the world.

For a taste of the best of Australian produce, Jan Powers Farmers Market is the place to be, with delicious fruits, vegetables and more on offer. Whatever your food preferences, Brisbane's markets have something for you, but please check the opening hours before visiting. In certain seasons, it might only be open on Saturdays from 6 am to 12 noon.

If you're a coffee lover, there's no better place to be than Brisbane. Edward Specialty Coffee and Frisky Goat Espresso are just two of the many great coffee shops in the city, and each has its own unique take on the perfect cup of joe.

If beer is more your thing, Brisbane's craft beer scene has something for everyone. Newstead Brewing Co and Felons Brewing Co are two of the city's best breweries.

Whether you're a coffee fanatic or a beer enthusiast, Brisbane has something to offer everyone.

Day Trips for Any Kind of Traveller

There are a number of great day trips that can be taken from Brisbane. For those who enjoy hiking, there are a number of options available, including Mt. Coot-tha and Kondalilla National Park. For those looking for a wildlife encounter, get up close and personal with koalas in Australia’s longest standing koala sanctuary - the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. They are apparently the sanctuary with the most number of protected koalas in all of Australia.

Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Image Credit: 
https://pixabay.com/photos/australia-brisbane-eucalyptus-koala-871002

Extremely Safe

Safety is always top of mind when travelling solo, and Brisbane is one of the safest cities in the world. You can walk around the city at night or ride the extensive transit networks with minimal worries. In addition, there are many well-lit streets and public areas, so you can feel secure even when walking alone at night.

The Best Beach Options

If you're looking for a beach destination that has it all, Brisbane is the place for you. The city has more than 30 beaches, which are popular for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and fishing. Each beach has its own unique character.

The most popular beaches near Brisbane include Surfers Paradise Beach, Coolangatta Beach, and Broadbeach. There are also several man-made beaches located in the city, such as South Bank Beach and Streets Beach.

One of Brisbane’s man-made beaches on the South Bank
Image Credit: 
https://pixabay.com/photos/beach-southbank-brisbane-swimmers-6013427/

No matter what your preferences are, there's a beach in Brisbane that's sure to please.

Visit Brisbane Today

Brisbane is a perfect place for Singaporeans to travel solo. The city has an amazing outdoor lifestyle, interesting wildlife, and delicious food options. Additionally, the vibe in Brisbane is really relaxed and welcoming, making it the perfect city to explore on your own. If you're looking for some inspiration for your next solo trip, be sure to add Brisbane to your list!


Friday, 15 May 2020

Hotel Review – DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok

King Superior Room

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok ★★★★ (4 Stars Hotel)
18 1 Sukhumvit 26 Alley
Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Krung Thep
Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand

T: +66 2 649 6666
IG: @Doubletreebkk

BTS Station: Phrom Phong.

Room Type: King Superior Room
Stayed: December 2019
Booking: Direct DoubleTree / Hilton Website

Lobby Centrepiece 
  
DoubleTree by Hilton in an upscale property at Hilton Group with more than 500 properties in more than 40 countries. LD and I previously stayed at DoubleTree by Hilton in Johor Bahru and Beijing. So far, the experience has been memorable, we have no qualms of choosing DoubleTree by Hilton (‘DTH’) whenever possible.

 
Concierge 

Location: 9/10
During our work trip to Bangkok, we decide on DTH as it is closer to our meeting place. Located at Sukhumvit SOI 26, which is very central and within a close walking distance to Phrom Phong BTS station. This is the stop for one most happening shopping centre in Bangkok now, EmQuartier which is filled with trendy stores and gastronomic offerings. You also can check out the Emporium mall for a classical shopping experience.

It is one stop away from Thong Lor station, known for its Top 5 Pad Thai in Bangkok and the super famous and delicious Thai Mango shop. Getting to Soi 26 by car is also a breeze, as the location is not as close to the busy street of Sukhumvit road and drivers can go through the small road.

Room: Overall (9/10)
Cleanliness (9/10). Space (9/10). Room Amenities (9/10)

Our initial booking is for King Deluxe Room. Once our booking is confirmed, we received an email that offers us room upgrade to King Superior Room for 255Bath per night. We took it without hesitation.

King Supeiror Room

The differences are:
- Bigger Room 37 sq.m for King Superior compare to 28 sq.m for King Deluxe
- Bath Tub (Yes, we get to soak) for King Superior but not for King Deluxe.
- Espresso Machine for King Superior but not for King Deluxe.

Bath Tub

Espresso Machine

As this is not a newly build property, we notice that there are signs of ageing in reception and the lift going up to our room. Surprisingly, the room looks new and feels young especially with the inclusion of open space wardrobe.

The Shower

The bed is firm with a touch of soft padding on the top. (Bed firmness rating 8/10) The pillows on the bed are huge and good for hugging and when you lay on it, it just cuddles your head nicely.

Bathroom amenities are very good. Toiletries range is selected from Crabtree & Evelyn. I am very picky on my towels. For a 4-star hotel, I expect it to have a standard face, hand and bath towels, just like on offer here.

Toiletries range by Crabtree & Evelyn

Room Entertainment & WIFI (9/10)

The flat-screen TV in the room is around 42 inches, a good size for the room. A JBL alarm clock and Bluetooth speaker is also available for your audio entertainment. WIFI in the room is high speed and cover every inch of the room nicely. I get my work done and even able to do some publishing on my blog without a hitch.

Working Table 

JBL Speaker and Alarm Clock


In Room Dining (8/10)

Offer a good selection of Thai Food, Asian and Western. The Pad Thai is very good, while the Fish Maw Soup is robust and the portion is sufficient for 2 pax.

In-Room Dining - Pad Thai

In-Room Dining - Fish Maw Soup

Breakfast (8/10)

I find the breakfast range is moderate. You get the usual American style breakfast such as eggs, sausages, bacon, bread, muesli, salad and fruits. There is a noodle station for a local dish, but not much to shout about. The chef made a very good effort to design the pancakes. I manage to get the “Garfield” character, this just brings a smile on your face.

Breakfast - Bread, Salad and Yoghurt Stations 

Animated Pancakes

I gave the breakfast rating extra point because DTH served Ice Cream for breakfast. I got to eat my bread and butter pudding with ice cream for breakfast. WOW. The second Hilton Property that I get to enjoy Ice Cream during breakfast.

 
Ice Cream for Breakfast

Bread and Butter Pudding with Cookies & Cream Ice Cream

Part of Dining Area


Facilities (8/10)

Walking through the lobby of DTH is like walking through someone personal antique collections. Antique items such as cash register, radios, bicycle and even photography equipment.

Antique Radios as Wall Decor

Antique Cash Register

The property is also equipped with a medium size swimming pool and gym. Too bad it does not offer in-house SPA or collaboration with an external provider.

Swimming Pool
Pool Bar

Since DTH is located back to back with Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok, you can dine in the restaurants in Hilton and get the charges billed to your room in DTH.

Part of the Gym

Service (9/10)

Overall, the service staff are very friendly and accommodating. They greet you in traditional Thai greetings, the concierge team are very helpful and even ensure our Grab driver took us to the right location.
 
Part of Waiting Area in Lobby 

Check-in and Check-out process are seamless. DTH also offer express check out. Not forgetting, the warm Signature DoubleTree Cookies are served when we check-in. One for each guest. These cookies are just addictive and taste consistent in every country.

DoubleTree by Hilton Signature Cookie

DoubleTree by Hilton Signature Cookie

Overall: Highly Recommend

DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok is a very good hotel to stay in. The strategic location and accompanies with Signature DoubleTree by Hilton hospitalities. I will surely return here to stay in the future. Till we meet again. Cheers!!



Friday, 8 September 2017

Hanoi - 4 Days 3 Night Adventure (Part 2)


Day 3. Ha Long Bay Trip

Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay is another must visit place if you are near Hanoi. A bay with more than 3,000 islands and inslet, which time, wind and waves have sculpted into fantastic shapes. This scenery is best to be enjoy by cruising through the bay with boat.

Our Cruise Boat

It is located 3 hours away from Hanoi by bus. We took the tour bus and the bumpy road along the way sure give our butt some unexpected massage. Along the way, you can see rice paddy field, one of the main produce that Vietnam is well known for.

Rice Paddy Field on the way to Ha Long Bay

Once we reach the cruise centre, you can see the outstanding scenery of Ha Long Bay. Seafood Lunch is served once we step on the boat and the cruise begin about 20 minutes after. We were fortunate the weather is sunny, though it was a bit hot. The view of the bay is pretty awesome.

Small Boat at the 1st stop to visit the grotto

Journey to visit the 1st grotto

Saturday, 12 August 2017

Hanoi - 4 Days 3 Night Adventure (Part 1)




This is an exciting experience as it is Chubby Botak Koala and Little Devil first visit to Vietnam. We picked Hanoi since it comes highly recommended from our Vietnamese friends. The city itself is more than 1,000 years old, so you can expect a vibrant and charming historical city.

Slik Air travel twice daily to and from Hanoi

Our first trip to Hanoi, we decided to travel with Silk Air @ S$250 per person. For a full-service airlines, the price is pretty good. Silk Air flight 2 times per day to Hanoi. Flight time Singapore to Hanoi is about 3 hours and 25 minutes.


Day 1. Arrival & Dinner.

We reach Hanoi around 6pm. Comparing to the other ASEAN countries, Noi Bai International Airport is very clean and modern , and the process through immigration was also breeze. As we booked our package through travel agent in Hanoi, recommended by a friend, which include Airport pick up and drop off.

You can purchase SIM Card in Noi Bai International Airport. We bought SIM VINA GCS for US$15.00. It has 8GB of data, 80 mins of local call, 80 local SMS, and 50 mins of IDD. The speed is very good and sufficient to cover the data for our stay in Hanoi and for 2 person to share. Please note that there is no special roaming package for Singapore SIM Card here.

Nhat Tan Bridge at night
 Image credit Phillips / ledsmagazine.com

Old Quarters. The heartbeat of the historical city of Hanoi. The area that is alive during day and night, without a doubt one of the best place to stay to have a good feel of the vibrant of Hanoi. Travel time from Noi Bai International Airport is about 30 minutes. We were fortunate to arrive in the evening, as we passed by the beautifully lighted Nhat Tan Bridge. 

Accomodation is L'Heritage Hotel. (39-41 Hang Ga Street, Hoan Kiem District HANOI)
This hotel seems to get one of the highest ratings in the hotel website and located within the vicinity of old quarters. We secure it for US$71 per night for Executive Double Room, with a city view. Nice Hotel with friendly price and it also came with a jacuzzi.

L'Heritage Hotel at Old Quarters Hanoi

Dinner, Cha Ca Thang Long. One of the signature dish in Hanoi and was named one of the dishes that you must eat before you die. Also known as the rite of passage if you ever visit Hanoi. It is a catfish dish, marinated with turmeric and cooked with spring onion and dill. The meat is fatty and flaky, absent of traces of mud due to the turmeric marination. This dish is to be eaten with rice noodle, fresh leaves of mint, basil and coriander, peanut and fish sauce. Absolutely delicious and a must try dish in Hanoi. There are other restaurants that sell this dish, but this one seems to be one of the best in Hanoi plus it is the most reasonably priced.

The Marinated Catfish

Spring Onion & Dill added, cooked on the table

The condiments to eat the dish with

Ready to Eat

Cha Ca Thang Long
19,21,31,2D Duong Thanh
Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
T: +844 3 8286007



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