Tampines 1

The anticipated mall that created some jobs amid this recession is going to open this week on 9 April!! Being a resident in Tampines, I am excited and can't believe that this neighbourhood has transformed to what it is today, creating so much value in such a short time. Three shopping malls surrounding the MRT station with so many office buildings sprouting out, there are still untapped space waiting for more change.

Fortunately or unfortunately, Tampines 1 is to be run by AsiaMalls. Looking at the existing malls managed by them (Century Square, Tiong Bahru Plaza, White Sands, the disaster goes on...), how is this going to mall leader? Will this be their saviour?

The delicious tenants line up seem to appeal to many. Myself included, I can't wait to visit Uniqlo, brought in from Japan, promising to deliver "cheap-chic" apparel. Japanese-themed food shops will feed teenagers who don't go home after school and make them more obese than before. My question is, will this last, and for how long? My guess is only till Ion Orchard opens.

And talking about ill-disciplined students studying in Tampines, they are becoming from bad to worse. So many fastfood restaurants around to stain bad influence on them, schools might consider holding their recess time in one of them as it does not make any difference at all.

Until the smell of paint fades in Tampines 1, we are in for more people visiting the second last stop in the East-West line. I will stay home during weekends and visit the malls when the kids are in school.

Genting Highlands

19 - 21 February 2009

We embarked on our first trip overseas together to Genting Highlands, Malaysia. Looked forward to lots of fun and great time spent together. Here we have a review for people who wish to go there in the near future. And of course, lots of pictures for your viewing.

Prior to the trip, we did our research and booking at Golden Mile tower at Beach Road (Lavender MRT). We decided to go with Grassland after comparing with Transtar as the counter service offered was much better. We chose the better bus (Royal VIP) for additional $20 (2-way) and a breakfast buffet at $8 each.

Though we can get the promotion of First World hotel for $80+, we decided to go for the better 4-star Resort Hotel. Total $181 for bus and hotel, additional $13 for insurance coverage done by myself through OAC (they offered me AIG which costs 2x for just slightly better coverage), as we are afraid of getting food poisoning and losing our baggage there.

Day 1

Had to wake up at 5.20am to reach Golden Mile by 7.00am. Went McDonalds to get breakfast. The bus came and left on schedule. Up on the bus, seats are comfortable but rather dirty as it is made of velvet cloth (traps dust). The driver was very friendly and chatted with us for a while. Took about 45 mins to reach 2nd link.

Stopped over at Yong Peng for early lunch at 11am. Food there suck. After that slept on the comfortable seat till we reached our destination at 2.30pm. We alighted at Genting Hotel and walked to Resort Hotel. Weather was really good at 20deg. Had to take queue number for check in. Not a bad system as it was so crowded down there.

Checked in, relaxed abit and had our first taste of overpriced food at First World Plaza around 4pm. Yum Yum Bak Kut Teh cost a bloodsucking RM27.20 for a person share of "classic bkt". Too salty, too expensive.

Shopped around, got some cheap DVDs and one clothing at RM30 each at FOS. Nothing really worth buying. Went into Starworld casino and won some money at the slots. The tables weren't attractive enough for us to place any bets. Got addicted to this machine called Eggcited.

Day ended at 11pm. I had a 2-piece chicken meal at Marrybrown. Decent. She went to Mac to buy a filet. On the way back we stopped by Bakery at Genting Hotel. Bought a cake (RM10) and hot Mocha (RM9). Quite good.

Day 2

Woke up at 9am, washed up and left for breakfast at 10. Walked over to Theme Park Hotel to check out potential restuarants. Ended up eating light breakfast at Marrybrown since it's already 11am. Explored the places and settled for lunch at Ming Ren at Genting Hotel. Though posh, food is good and price is reasonable (RM80).

Went to Genting casino in between and find the place better for table bets. People there seemed more willing to teach. Hooked onto a game called casino war. Easy to win and lose. As our luck is quite good, we won abit...

Went back hotel, relaxed abit and went to the outdoor theme park which cost RM36 each. Wanted to try the roller coaster but changed our mind after the Spinner spinned our heads off. Walked about, had some family rides, took some photos and off we went to Starworld again.

Went up to Hot Pot restuarant and got ripped off again. Everything is chicken in the menu. Food is decent but price is not. RM60. By the way, we ordered food slightly more than 1 person portion only. Went back to casino again and ended early.

Recced the bus terminal before going back to retire for the night.

Day 3

Woke up early to pack and eat the buffet breakfast at Resort Cafe. Finally got a cheap and good meal. Stopped over at Genting casino for some fun. Won a 1 to 8 bet, happy like bird. Checked out at 12noon. Went to First World's Vietnam House for lunch. Good food, good place and good price.

Had a bit of time before leaving the place. Went Starworld again. Placed our bags at a coin locker (RM3), hit the slots and finally left the place at 2.45pm.

Reached Yong Peng at around 7pm. Different place but food is as sucky. Bought some ma ti su and malaysian foodstuff. Reached Beach Road 9pm and marked the end of trip. Had 3 full days of fun. Left with alot of money.