View from our Space Zone room at Baiyoke Sky Hotel

We took the trains in Bangkok for the first time, and it sure did help speed up on transportation time; skipping the heavy traffic jams on the roads. If only they will soon figure out a way to have one standard ticket for tourists to use on all the different trains instead of having to buy tickets at every single interchange.

Single trip token for train ride in Bangkok

Highlight of this trip was to visit their newest shopping mall at Asok (right at the foot of the train station), Terminal 21. The shopping mall is HUGEEEE! The stalls at every level matches the country that level is themed after. There’s Rome, Paris, Tokyo, London, Istanbul, San Francisco and Hollywood all in one mall! Even the toilet (and its cleaners) were furnished and dressed as themed! Every corner you go to (yes toilets too) you’ll see shoppers taking photos and camwhoring. Great mall for photo opportunities if you’re heading there. Sharing some shots I took with iPhone 4s at Terminal 21.

Japan themed level - Fortune cat

Japan themed level

Terminal 21 at Bangkok

Istanbul themed level at Terminal 21

London themed level at Terminal 21

The mall though big and very pretty, the shops in there were almost like those found at Platinum Mall, just nicer and more pricey. There are couple of local designers stores which sells pretty interesting stuff. Don’t expect to find good bargains here. We spent almost half a day exploring every level and we walked out with only photos in our phones and our tummy filled with Mexican food. Still quite an experience.

If you are not the touchy touchy kind of folks, get into the store and pick up some real cards then slowly decide which design to use for your FRANK card. Pick from over 130 designs with designs from cute and cuddly, quirky to wild and bold. I had a tough time picking mine that day!

For FRANK Credit Card holders can choose to exchange their reward points for cash rebates or vouchers. They can also use the all-in-one VISA payment card to take a ride on trains and buses as well as withdraw cash and sign or tap for purchases.

For those who would rather not spend too much “future” money can opt for the FRANK debit card which comes with a FRANK account. One key feature that attracted me to this FRANK account is the savings goals sub accounts where we can apportion our savings for different purposes. I’ve yet tried this out at this point since I only just received my FRANK card and pin. Will update again when I’ve time to explore this further.

Go check out the cool designs for FRANK card at FRANK by OCBC website. Be warned! They are too hot to resists! *ahem!*

Oh and join them on Facebook too!

One of the Japanese restaurant at basement 1 of NEX, under the big umbrella of Shokutsu 10, a Japanese food street concept outlet by the people behind Kuriya and Shimbashi Soba, otherwise known as RE&S.

Kabe No Ana claims to be THE original Japanese spaghetti house established since 1953. With over 80 varieties in their menu, you ought to find something you would like to try in there.

Kabe No Ana - The Restaurant

The pasta is decent though some may say its a bit dry for their liking. Add S$5 to your pasta for their soup and bread set. The bread that comes with it is nice!

Corn Soup

Mentaiko Toast ~ Nice

Mentaiko Mayo Kinoko, S$15.90 (Cod Roe Flavored with Red Pepper Sauce and Mushroom Pasta)

Kabe No Ana
23 Serangoon Central
#B1-80 nex
Singapore 556083
Tel: 66348024
http://www.kabenoana.com.sg

Here’s our experience; anyone else shared the same experience before? Hope not.

It was on Sunday, 14 August 2011, when we visited the Marine Parade Central Standard Chartered Bank. Our intention was to open an account for savings with cheque book service and look at potential investment opportunities. After approximately 15 minutes of waiting, staff returned from their break and we were served by this young lady. After explaining our needs, she recommended us to take up a long term endowment plan (with Prudential) where we were eligible for a special short-term Time Deposits promotion where we get high interests return for a 3-month period. After calculating and discussions, we took up her proposal and signed up for the endowment plan, started two Time Deposits accounts and started an XtraSaver account.

As it was a Sunday, the bank were not able to deposit the cheque and all transactions had to wait till the next working day, which was the NEXT day. We asked when the ATM/Debit card, cheque book, Internet banking details and other documents will reach us, we were told the ATM/Debit card will be sent to us the NEXT working day and the rest of the documents and stuff will come in 7 working days. After all is signed and done, we left.

The first thing that arrived in our mailbox was the cheque book, followed by the bank transaction slip for our cheque deposit. A week passed and that were all we received. Then another week passed, still nothing was sent. We called the Relationship Manager who served us (whom also upgraded us to Preferred Banking status on 14 August 2011), she said she will check and the other documents should be on the way. After couple of days, still nothing received from Standard Chartered Bank. So I tweeted @stanchartbreeze hoping someone can help look into the matter. Private messages were exchanged and a phone call was made to clarify the situation. We were told they will send out the outstanding items the next working day, which was the day after Hari Raya. So by now, we should have received our ATM/Debit card, Pin for the card, Internet Banking information and documents for our endowment plan right? Sadly, only the card was received and it arrived on Friday! Without the pin number, the card is technically useless, except for purchasing it as a debit card; not what we needed.

From a verbal assurance that the card will reach us the NEXT working day, to a delay of more than 14 working days! This is NOT the kind of service standard we’re expecting from a bank, and for a preferred banking customer some more! Throughout this period of time, the only way we can access the money was to go to the branch and do our withdrawal over the counter. Much time would have been saved if the necessary stuff came in time, as mentioned by the Relationship Manager.

Several times we wanted to go straight to the branch to request for a card and the IB token, but was afraid the bank had already mailed out to us. So we waited. When we called the bank and when they called us after the tweet, neither of them suggested for us to have our problems solved at the branch. Wait was what we did.

If we had opened the account on a weekday, would all this have happened? If not, then is it a failure on the bank’s side to have weekend banking hours yet not able to deliver the standard that should have had for weekday banking? Is this considered a weekend banking fail?

We were looking forward to using the other banking services and products by Standard Chartered Bank before this happened, now we are seriously considering otherwise. If such simple transactional standards cannot be met, how can we trust that a long term property loan or even a CDA with Standard Chartered Bank is what we should take up? Hope something can be done about the bank’s service standard and SOPs. No point having a good range of products/services, great internet/mobile banking tools and nice website, but service standard isn’t satisfactory.

Let’s see how long more we’ve got to wait for the card pin, IB details and other documents pending to reach us. Haiz…

Simba-shi Soba is known for its handmade soba made from fresh buckwheat seeds. These seeds are milled into flour and skillfully shaped by hand into fine strands of noodles by their Japanese Soba Masters at the restaurant daily. If you’re there at the right time, you’ll witness the making of soba through the display glass at the outlet.

Shimbashi Soba

Yuzu Kosho Kamo Seiro, S$20.80

Chilled noodle with sliced seasoned duck meat, wild vegetables, mushrooms and egg in duck broth, served with citrus-flavored chili.

Chikara Soba, S$15.80

Warm soup noodle with rice cakes, chicken, mushrooms and spring onions.

Some people likes it and enjoyed the fresh soba, while some find it a little too salty and felt it wasn’t worth the price. What about you?

Simba-Shi Soba
#B1-02 NEX
23 Serangoon Central
Tel: 6634 4786
http://www.sobaworld.com.sg

It’s the first in the world and New Zealand Natural piloted their cafe concept here in Singapore! New Zealand Natural first entered Singapore in year 2000 by Delinatural, after 10 years we now have a cafe serving wholesome, healthy and value for money food.

The center of attraction at the cafe, a NZ tree - Pohutakawa

The cafe is decorated and infused with much taste of New Zealand and New Zealand Natural. A cosy cafe for shoppers and ice-cream lovers to sit, rest and chill. Serving yummy soups, wraps filled with goodness, mouthwatering sandwiches and more.

Classic Cream of Mushroom Soup, S$3.90/ S$6.90

What can possibly go wrong with a classic cream of mushroom? But this, as shared by Chef Roland, its even harder to go wrong as its a combination of many premium mushrooms! A must try for mushroom lovers out there. Get the bowl as the cup size just isn’t going to be enough. If you’re there with a friend, give the Fabulous Pumpkin Soup a try too! You won’t regret.

Chinese Duck Wrap, S$10.90

Chinese Duck Wrap, the oriental taste amongst the choices of wraps at New Zealand Natural Cafe. Diced duck meat mixed with plum sauce and wrapped with cucumbers and green onions. Just like how its described on the menu, utterly delicious and highly addictive.

Chef Roland, consultant for New Zealand Natural Cafe

Chef Roland is the Executive Chef at Shangri-la Singapore and at other renowned 5-star hotels. Friend of the boss of New Zealand Natural Cafe, he personally crafted, planned and designed the menu, bringing 5-star quality food at affordable price. Roland trains and supervises the chef and kitchen staff at New Zealand Natural Cafe to ensure the quality is delivered.

Ice-cream Sundae

While you’re at New Zealand Natural Cafe, of course you got to wrap up your meal with some ice-cream or sundaes!

Ending this with a short clip created by team at Rediscover Singapore for New Zealand Natural Cafe.

New Zealand Natural Cafe
NEX, #02-12
Join them on Facebook
http://www.nzn.com.sg

If you’ve been following my tweets or updates during my staycation and like what you see, quick book your slot with the form below. (If you’re having problem loading the form on this post, its also accessible here.) Book a Qool Weekend staycation for your love one and yourself.

Promotion updated with even Qooler activities and even a lucky draw! Find out more after the video!

Updates!

On top of Yoga and Cupcake classes, Quincy have introduced Happy Feet – Learn Foot Massage! Also, Friday and Sunday check-in guests are now welcomed to join us for some fun as Quincy have opened up more available time slots for you.

Here are the available activities:
Friday Check-ins
Happy Feet – Learn Foot Massage! (9pm-10.30pm)
Cupcake Baking class (2.30pm-4pm, Saturday Afternoon)
Saturday Check-ins
Cupcake Baking class (4.30pm-6pm)
Movie Nights by/in pool (9pm)
Sunday Check-ins
Happy Feet – Learn Foot Massage! (3.30pm-5pm)
Movie Nights Nights by/in pool (9pm)

Prior registration is required and activities are subject to availability/a minimum group size. Interested guests are encouraged to confirm the activities availability from the hotel at +65 6738 5888.

There’s even an Exclusive Lucky Draw for Qool Weekend Guests!! 1 night stay = 1 entry. Increase your chances of winning by booking more nights at Quincy!

Weekly Draw

• Win a 6″ Cold Stone Ice Cream Cake worth $44 with 5 flavors to choose from!
• 1 winner each week. Check out Quincy Facebook Page for the results! First draw starts on 18th November 2011.

Overal Draw (4 winners)

• Top Prize : OCHRE Dining Voucher worth $200 (1 Winner)
• Runner Up: Orchard Central Vouchers worth $100 (3 Winners)
• Results will be announced on 10 February 2012 at our Facebook Page

With so many goodies, what are you waiting for?

Let me share why I love Quincy Hotel! (Purely my personal opinions)

Love #1 – The chic room, comfy King size bed and in-room amenities

King Size Bed with very comfy mattress and comforter

Complimentary Mini Bar! Just stretch out your hand anytime to grab a drink. Love it!

Everything in here are complimentary too! Lays chips I like!

This was the first that caught my eyes when I entered the room. Next time I should bring PS3 or DVDs to watch! Ultimate pig-out staycation!

Don't remember seeing complimentary copies of magazine in a hotel room before. This is the first! Nice touch Quincy!

Lovely shampoo and shower amenities in the toilet! From Molten Brown

Love #2 – Full board staycation

Buffet Breakfast included

Set Lunch included too!

Set lunch and dinner comes with free-flow salad, soup, drinks, juices, coffee, tea and biscuits for nibbles.

Set dinner! All three meals included in the package! How cool is that!

Set dinner thats filling and satisfying. It tastes better than it looks!

Besides three meals, there’s also free-flow coffee or tea and a free fall zone aka Ice cream with strawberry or chocolate sauce for topping! Love this! I had like three cups during my stay that weekend! Great chilling off in this hot weather.

Complimentary cocktail is also served daily from 6pm to 8pm at the restaurant. Think free flow beer, wine, liquor, mixer and more! Drink drank drunk anyone?

Love #3 – Hotel facilities and things we get to do

Lovely pool on the 12th floor. Floats are for Saturday's movie night use! Don't miss this unique experience while you're at the hotel!

Popcorn anyone? This I heard will be served every Saturday night for movie goers. And the chiller next to it, filled with drinks are complimentary too! Grab some and chill out by the pool with your favorite book or your iPad! Ultimate relaxation can?

The hotel gym is very well equipped and its accessible 24-hrs! This is only one side of it. More muscle toning machines on the other end!

Sweat it out in the sauna room

Or get a steam bath! Great for clearing off the stress from a day's work

There's lockers too on the 12th floor. Great for pre/post check-in guests.

There's also complimentary classes for weekend stay guests! Choose from Yoga (8am on Sat) or Baking (3pm on Sat). Booking is required as there's limited slot per session. Lovely idea for weekend staycation isn't it?

More photos from my stay…

Last weekend we took a short break at the eastern part of Singapore at Changi Village Hotel.

Feels good to be away from the buzz and crowd in town. And with the hotel near the beach, it gives us a resort style feel to it, with sighting of planes landing towards Changi Airport, from the pool deck.

The rooftop, level 8

Chill out and relax by the pool watching planes landing is quite a nice way to waste time and rest

Take a dip in the pool at the rooftop or relax tiring muscles in the jacuzzi

We stayed on the Executive Club floor as the other rooms were fully booked. (Lesson learnt, don’t do last minute booking!) Good thing about paying premium for a room on the Executive Club floor is the unlimited access to the Club Lounge where you get free flow drinks, juices, coffee and tea; with place to chill beside the room.

The Room at 661, Executive Club Floor

Spacious room with King size bed

LCD TV in room

Well maintained toilet with rain shower which we love!

The rather sad looking mini fridge which is complimentary in Executive Club rooms

In-room coffee and tea choices

The Executive Club Lounge

Executive Club Lounge at Changi Village Hotel Singapore

iMac stations for guests at the Executive Club Lounge

Outdoor (Smoking) area at the Executive Club Lounge

Wide variety of coffee and tea

Drink all you want at the Executive Club Lounge or bring it back to your room to enjoy

Complimentary Cocktail Daily from 6pm to 8pm for Executive Club Guests

And this comes with free-flow alcohol – beer, liquor, wine, mixer and other drinks. There are finger food, desserts and cheese station too. Sadly we didn’t touch any of the alcohol. I think my dad and bro will enjoy this.

Desserts and finger food available for guests

Cheese, salad, ham and more

Buffet Breakfast at Saltwater Cafe

That day, we were the second couple to arrive at the cafe, food were all fresh out from the kitchen and everything look so appetizing! From 4.45am to 5.20am, we had the most fulfilling breakfast ever. Love the variety and quality of food.

Buffet Breakfast Spread at Saltwater Cafe is great!

Porridge station is my favorite

Bread station

Fruits, juices, cereals and yogurt

The stay at Changi Village Hotel was recharging and we love it. The only not good was the soft pillows provided. Hope they’ll provide other choices of pillows for their guests in the future.

Wish for more staycations! Perhaps once at Capella Sentosa. *wish harder*

A 3D2N staycation at Meritus Mandarin Singapore started on Friday, 10 June. When we were planning this, we did not check the event schedule and not sure if its good or bad, that’s the PC show weekend at Suntec! We had to battle with the crowd around the hotel. The stay could have been better if the shopping crowd wasn’t so crazy then.

One thing that got me quite upset was the room we were given. Upon check-in, we were upgraded to an executive deluxe room (we booked a deluxe room) and when we entered the room, stayed for awhile, we realized the air-conditioning wasn’t working. The room was warm even after like 20minutes of cooling. We called the reception and the technician came to check, he insisted that we didn’t turn-on the aircon hence its not cooling. Truth is, the first thing he did upon entering our room was to touch the aircon control next to the bed and HE turned it off! Not wanting to argue, we let the matter past and he said the aircon was working fine, left and we waited.

After 30 minutes, the room was still as warm, we requested for a change of room. Wasted more than an hour of our precious staycation trying to solve the aircon problem. This was the first time we encountered such problem. Quite a disappointment since Meritus Mandarin is an established hotel. Hope it’ll never happen again.

We spent both nights chilling in the mineral pool. First time we got into one and we love it! No chlorine smell! The pool is viewable from our hotel room and the view by the pool at night is pretty good too.

We didn’t have any meals at the hotel as our package didn’t come with breakfast; rather sleep in till late instead of waking up to catch the breakfast serving hours.

Overall the hotel stay was alright, the mineral pool was the main attraction for us; room and toilet were spacious and that’s about all I’ve to say about our experience at Meritus Mandarin hotel. Hope our next staycation will be a better one.

Where should we try next?

I was told the journals/papers are acid free too! Great for preserving memories. Bought some customizable journals as gifts from Ri Stationers. Hope the receivers will love it as much as I do.