Top Commentators Giveaways for Year 2014

Another year, another giveaways for my blog readers who leave the most comments in my blog. As you can see that my blogposts are getting lesser and lesser as year goes by but I'm really thankful to all my blog readers for the continuous support and thoughtful comments throughout my blogging years.

Without waiting any longer, let me announce the top 3 Commentators for the Year 2014;

Oh wait! This year my blog has two readers with the same number of comments which I totally didn't expect of and they are:

•  Hong Chern Wern from World of Travels, Environment and Photography - with 40 comments 
• J-Mei from Interesting Corner of Me - with 40 comments 

For Hong Chern Wern from World of Travels, Environment and Photography

For J-Mei from Interesting Corner of Me - with 40 comments  

The prize consists of:

•  Shawl from China
• Luggage tag and drawstring pouch from Thailand
• Handphone ornament and hand cream South Korea
• Keychain from Australia
• Fridge magnet from Myanmar 
• Plus some mystery gifts 

And the winner for the year 2014 goes to:
Small Kucing & Mamarazzi from www.smallkucing.com - with 61 comments out from 69 blogposts. 
For your information, not just they are the Top 3 Commentators of my blog for three consecutive years but Small Kucing & Mamarazzi are also the last year winner.

• Shawl from Nepal
• M&M Tumbler from Shanghai, China
• Pencil box and hand cream from South Korea
• Beaded pouch from Myanmar
• Passport cover and luggage tag from Thailand
• Fridge magnet from Australia 

But hold on! This year giveaways not just mainly for the Top 3 only but I added another five giveaways for the remaining top commentators as a small token of appreciation.  

1. Jeff Chuah from Jeff's Travel - 38 comments
2. Time Traveller from Travel My Way - 26 comments
3. Shirley Tay from Luxury Haven - 22 comments
4. Cubie from The Cube - 22 comments
5. Ng Choi Yen from Mimi's Dining Room - 18 comments 

 The giveaways are randomly selected for the above 5 readers

So for the eight readers mentioned as above, kindly please comment below as acknowledgement. Plus, don't forget to leave your name, mailing address and contact number to my email: dianateodt@gmail.com within 14 days from the date of this blogpost. In case no response were given within the timeframe given, new winner will be selected.

[NOTE: Delivery is via normal airmail. I'll will not bear the responsible for any lost in transit.]

Once again, this is my final and last post of my blog for the year 2014 and I'm looking forward for more lovely comments and lovely notes as they mean so much to my blog. At the same, I'm really trying hard to complete my 2013 and 2014 travelogues which like never ending one. 

Before I wrap up everything, hereby I wish each and every of readers of mine 

[Source]

2014 X'Mas Holiday in China (Sneak Peek)

Although my family and I don't celebrate Christmas, but I do love the Christmas feelings and celebrate it abroad always part of my wishlist. In 2010, I celebrated Christmas in Taiwan, 2011 in Indonesia and 2012 in Singapore. As for this year, I tagged my mom along to China for the joyful Christmas holiday cum my year end trip as well. This is the fourth trip I sponsored my mom, after Indonesia, Japan and South Korea (from airfare, accommodation, transportation, foods, shopping & etc). Wondering, how many of you sponsored your parents a trip abroad actually?

We started our trip by flying in into Hangzhou first (we burnt our Shanghai tickets actually) and one of ultimate place to go in Hangzhou is none other than mesmerising and awe-inspiring freshwater lake, West Lake itself.

#1: Three Pools Mirroring The Moon, the largest island of the West Lake of Hangzhou.

#3: Ended our night by strolling in Hefang Ancient Street of Hangzhou before leaving to Suzhou

From Hangzhou, we proceeded to Suzhou where we booked 1 day Suzhou ground tour and out from the 24 tourists of this tour, only two of us are Malaysians whereas the rest are the Mainland Chinese.  

#4: Besides few pagodas and temples and not forgetting, we also visited The Lion Forest Garden, one of the four great gardens of Suzhou.

In one of the temples, we were requested to see the fortune teller. Normally I don't believe these but the first thing fortune teller said to me was, "You are the type that don't sit still at home one. Always travel around here & there." How's true is that?

#6: The ancient architectures along the canal in Tongli Water Town. 

Before we move to Shanghai, we managed to go Tongli Water Town, a thousand year ancient town with a long history and the typical style of water town located an hour away from Suzhou. 

#8: Meanwhile in Shanghai, the first place we went was Yu Garden, an extensive Chinese garden located in the heart of bustling Shanghai

#9: We tried the Nanxiang Steamed Bun but turned out to be so so only. Kinda disappointed

#10: Kill our time in Nanjing Road for window shopping. Seriously, just window shopping cause everything was so expensive there.


#11: Last but not least, a view of Pudong from The Bund is a must when visit Shanghai. Oh boy! Shanghai is so amazing and breathtaking especially at night. 

Frankly speaking, my trip to China with my mom is like roller coaster ride with lots of ups and downs. We started off with a pretty good start not until the day I woke up on the Christmas day itself, we were told by Malaysia Airlines of an unpleasant news when I unable to do web check-in. Kinda piss off with the T&C promotion fare. And the next day again, received another bad news stated our flight back to Kota Kinabalu from Shanghai will be delayed. From the original ETD of 1.30 am to 4am. Although we were compensated with food vouchers, but all I want is hotel vouchers instead. 

#12: First time in my life I have such an early flight

Hotel Review: The Southbridge Hotel, Singapore

Since ever I revisited Singapore together with Boyfie back in year 2011, from there onwards I keep flying to Singapore at least once every year. Everytime I went Singapore, I prefer to stay in different hotels; whether it's budget or boutique for different experience and exposure. And for my recent trip to Singapore with my mom and two lil brothers, we decided to stay in The Southbridge Hotel, a boutique hotel located strategically right in the colourful Chinatown.

#1: Exterior of the Southbridge Hotel, Singapore

Because there were four of us, we opted for taxi from the airport directly to our hotel. And upon arrival, we were kinda confused where was the check-in counter but luckily enough, we were approached by a kind bartender who showed us the right way for us to check-in. Before we could possible view our expected rooms, a refundable security deposit of SG$200 is required.

#2: The hotel lift signboard

#3: Standard queen room without window, where my mom and I slept here

#4: Deluxe queen room with window, where two of my brothers prefer this room

Initially, we booked two same deluxe queen rooms but when we entered our room, we were shocked that we were given two totally different rooms. The room that my mom and I slept were exceptionally small and it seems to be pretty enough for the bed and nothing else. But because our rooms were next to each other, we didn't bother to request for the change.

The hotel consists more than 40 rooms beautifully appointed guest rooms, many of which include free internet access – wireless (complimentary), toiletries, hair dryer, television LCD/plasma screen, air conditioning and complimentary of drinking water. 

#5: Clean but small bathroom

#6: Basic toiletries but sufficient for our usage

If not taken into account of the size of the room, this hotel is an ideal place of stay for travellers seeking charm, comfort and convenience in Singapore.

Date Stayed: 20 August - 22 August 2014 (2 nights)

Rate We Paid :  RM307.95 per night for a deluxe queen room without breakfast (Booked via Agoda.com)

The Southbridge Hotel Singapore
210 South Bridge Road,
Chinatown / Tiong Bahru,
Singapore 058759.

Travel Tip
There are two directions to get to this hotel:

1) Exit A of MRT Chinatown station, walk straight until end of the street and turn left until you came across Mosque Street.

2) Exit F of MRT Chinatown station.

Disclaimer:
This review is truly based on my own personal experience and is my genuine and honest opinion of this hotel, and that I have no personal or business relationship with this establishment.

Follow me on Twitter | Instagram | Dayre | cause I am currently in Singapore again!