Tune Hotel Danga Bay, Johor Bahru

My Singapore trips are kinda like incomplete if I didn't involve Johor Bahru as part of the trip. Fly in Singapore and then fly out Johor Bahru or vice versa is always what I did for the past few years. After staying for a night in a cute and chic hostel with a reasonable price, A Beary Bear Hostel, my friends and I took public bus (CW2) from Queen Street Bus Terminal (Bugis MRT) to Woodlands. It's cheap but then, it wasn't convenient especially when you carry big luggage with you. 

This time around, we booked Tune Hotel in Danga Bay. It was actually suggested by my Johor friend as it was relatively near to her wedding venue.

#1: Overview of Tune Hotel - Danga Bay

#2: One of Lego's models displayed at the lobby - Please Do Not Touch Me!

I reserved a room with double bed whereas my other friends got themselves a room with two single beds. I can't clarify the differences, especially in terms of size of the rooms but my room was fairly cheaper than my friends. We even bought the Comfort Package consists 24 hours air-conditioning plus towels and toiletries kit. Similar to its sister airlines, this is a no frills hotel where no amenities is provided unless you purchase them. 

#3: My double bed room 

It's a simple and basic room with modern and minimalist designs. The room houses wall-mounted LCD television (need to pay one), portable table and safety box. One thing I love about the room is not just for its comfortable and fluffy bed but thank goodness, there's a window. The more I travel and stayed in numbers of hotels, somehow I would prefer a room with window. 

#4: Besides towel and toiletries kit, they gave us air-con remote control and TV too (I added TV right after I back from wedding dinner)

#5: Hangers corner

#5: Key access 

#6: Hot shower, hairdyer and toilet roll are provided without any additional charge

Other facilities can be found within the hotel are computer with internet connection, massage chairs and ample of free parking space provided for the in-house hotel guests. There are even AirAsia agency office, 7-Eleven and restaurant located right next to the hotel. 

My verdict? If you are looking for budget hotel just for the sake of rest and recharge, probably Tune Hotel Danga Bay would be your ideal option but in terms of location, honestly speaking I still prefer to stay nearby KSL Shopping Mall. There are nothing much you can linger around the vicinity - so quiet location I could say. One of the reasons I found out this hotel is packed with family is because there is a shuttle service directly to Legoland. 

On my way to the airport, I decided for a quick pitstop at Johor Premium Outlet. But then, it's hard to get any taxi outside the hotel until I tried to use MyTeksi apps, which recommended by another good friend of mine who is living in Johor Bahru. It's my first time of using this app but then, I quite enjoyed the ride - a friendly driver who non-stop chatting with me throughout the ride. 

Date Stayed: 7 December - 8 December 2014 (1 night)

Rate I Paid: RM77.68  per night for a double bed room including Comfort Package which consists of 24 hours air-conditioning plus towel and toiletries kit (Booked via TuneHotels.com)

Disclaimer:

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

A Beary Good Hostel, Singapore

I always booked budget hotels when visiting Singapore. Here are the list of the hotels I stayed before:

• V Lavender Hotel
• Hotel 81 Dickson 
• The Southbridge Hotel

But last year when I went Singapore alone, I decided to try out staying in dorm instead. Cheap, is my main consideration. Plus, there were two of my guy friends joining me, hence staying in mixed dorm would be the suitable option. And this is where I stumbled upon a cute and chic hostel at reasonable price - A Beary Good Hostel.

#1: A Beary Good Hotel

There are plenty of hostels around Singapore but why I choose this? Mainly because it's so close to the MRT station. The location is exactly tucked right in the center of lively and bustling Singapore's Chinatown - I'm absolutely lovin' it.

#2: Located on the first floor, we were greeted by a huge teddy bear. So fluffy I'm gonna die!

#3: As the name of the hostel, almost whole area is manicured with teddy bear

#4: The common area houses books, games and even Wii console

#5: Maps and guide books for the hostel guides

We paid 15% deposit in advanced and the balance only paid upon check-in. Once done with the check-in process, I was given a keycard to access to the room and hostel.

#6: 12 bed mixed dorm

We booked the 12 bed mixed dorm for only SGD27 per night. Stepped in the dorm, there was no inside and I believe they were outside marvelling around Singapore. I was assigned on the upper deck. The dorm was fully air-conditioned operated and each bed is equipped with individual reading light and personal powerpoint. There is large locker provided for the guest but lock is not given. Luckily I always brought extra locks whenever I travel. Now let's check the other area of this hostel.

#7: Shared restrooms with hot showers and included shower gel and hairdryer. Rest assured as the restrooms are utterly clean. 

#8: Pantry facilities with microwave, toaster and fridge

#9: Complimentary simple breakfast for the hostel guests

A cosy and relaxed atmosphere, convenient facilities, comfortable dorm rooms and an unbeatable value that fits every traveller’s budget in expensive Singapore - A Beary Good Hostel is indeed the original backpacker's haven.

Date Stayed: 6 December - 7 December 2014 (1 night)

Rate I Paid :  SGD27 per night for basic 12 bed mixed dorm (Booked via HostelWorld.com)

A Beary Good Hostel
66A & 66B Pagoda Street 
Singapore 059225.

Direction to Hostel
From Changi International Airport:
1) Take the airport MRT to Outram Park Station (EW16).
2) Switch to purple NE line and alight at the next stop - Chinatown MRT station (NE4).
3) Exit through Exit A and spot A Beary Good Hostel signboad on the left after 10 steps.
 

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

My Virgin Flight With SilkAir

I believe everyone love to try new things, right? So do I. Most of the times I prefer to stick with the airlines I'm comfortable with but then, it's not harm to venture new carrier once in a while.

In order to fly directly from Kota Kinabalu to Singapore, we only have two options; either with AirAsia or SilkAir. Flying with Malaysia Airlines would be time consuming cause it requires a transit in Kuala Lumpur before reach the desired destination. Sounds pretty funny right?

So last year, I decided to book my first ever virgin flight with SilkAir. SilkAir is a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines and serves the short-haul destinations around Southeast Asia, Australia, China and Indian Subcontinent. The fare including 20kg of baggage allowance and complimentary meal and beverage service- obviously, it's not a low-cost carrier.

#1: SilkAir Airbus A320 at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Terminal 1)

#2: My boarding pass with passport cover

#3: It's time for boarding!

This flight is divided into two distinctive classes of cabin - Business class and Economy class. When I stepped into the economy class, I was warm welcomed with its autumn colour scheme seats. 

#4: Economy class seat with 3-3 configuration

Initially, I purposely pre-assigned the front row but when during the process of check-in the counter, the staff asked whether do I mind to switch my seat with other passenger who like to sit together with the rest of his/her family members and because I was travelling alone, I don't mind with the switching seat arrangement. Guess what, I was given seat next to the emergency door.

 #5: Extra legroom space I got

Normal legroom for economy class seat is 12 inches but then sitting next to emergency door, can you imagine how long is the extra legroom I experienced? I can't even reach the in-flight magazine with my seat-belt fastened. I'm no kidding!

#6: Complimentary in-flight magazine

#7: City of Hanoi as the front cover

#7: Sumptuous in-flight meal - Sorry to say this but SilkAir one is much better than Malaysia Airlines, honestly speaking.

#8: Indeed a pleasant and comfortable flight with SilkAir

I don't mind to fly again with SilkAir provided the airfare is affordable and worth every dollar I spent. Not just the seat was comfortable but excellent and impeccable in-flight services from their helpful and friendly cabin crews.

#9: Singapore Changi International Airport after 2 hours and 10 minutes flight

 SilkAir is flying directly from Kota Kinabalu to Singapore daily. 

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

Snapshot Sunday: Gardens By The Bay, Singapore

Date Visited: 6th December 2014

When I stumbled upon photos of Gardens By The Bay from social media network two years ago, instantly I added this into the latest "must-visit" attraction for my next upcoming Singapore trip. I went Singapore twice last year; August with my family and December for my friend's wedding but I only managed to go there last month. 

#1: Gardens By The Bay Entrance

Right after I had dinner with my sister and her boyfriend in Chinatown area, we took cab directly to Gardens By The Bay instead of taking MRT as I need to rush to meet my friends who were waiting me there. We decided not to pay for the Entry to Flower Dome and Cloud Forest but spending our time freely roaming around the Supertree Grove as it's free of entrance.

#2: Supertree Grove

The best time to visit here would probably be after 6pm in order to enjoy the amazing sunset view by the bay and when the night takes over the day, these unique Supertrees will come alive with a dazzling and thrilling myriad of light displays bursting across the sky along with music and sounds played at night for 15 minutes exactly at 7.45pm and 8.45pm. You would totally be awe-inspired with Singapore's most beautiful masterpiece.

And now, let's the photos do the talk. Beware as I uploaded massive of photos for your viewing pleasure.

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Camera: Sony NEX-5N
No tripod was used for the shooting but took with HDR Painting effects

How To Get To Gardens By The Bay

From Bay Front MRT Station, it takes about 12 minutes walk to the domes. Visitors can take the overhead bridge connecting Marina Bay Sands Casino to the park.