Updated: 22 Sep 2012
Platinum Mall
It has expanded!!!! There's another five-storey building on the right side of Platinum Mall, with more clothes, bags and shoes! I noticed prices have increased though, quite a few of the pretty dresses I was eyeing ranged from B400 - B500, but my budget for clothes remained as B250 hahahaha.
Siam Paragon
- Go to the Gourmet Market on the ground floor, to buy yummy snacks that can't be found in Singapore. There's lots of samples to try before buying too!
Healthland Spa and Massage
- I went to the Sathorn branch and the foot massage was really good for B250 only! My friends said the aromatherapy massage was good too, but the Thai massage wasn't. The spa is really popular so you may want to make reservations. http://www.healthlandspa.com/home.html
Chang Massage at Chitlom + Yakiniku buffet
- It's at Lang Suan Road, near Chitlom bts. Good Thai massage for B300... I think the foot massage at Healthland was better though. Be sure to make a reservation at the super yummy yakiniku buffet next door, B450 for 2 hrs buffet. http://www.soidb.com/en/bangkok/relax/spa/chang_massage_langsuan.html
Boots
The best time to go to Bangkok is Sep! Because that's when Boots has its anniversary sale! So lots of stuff are on discount or one-for-one! *bliss*
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Spectacular Shanghai
Shanghai and Hangzhou were much nicer than I expected, primarily because of my terrible China trips when I was in my teens. Or maybe it was the very nice company this time round :D
Before you go:- If you have an iPhone, download this really awesome and free app called "Shanghai Wow! city guide"... it's really good ^^
Getting around:
- From airport: Take a cab from the airport to town for around Y200. Or you can figure out the Maglev train (I didn't bother with this as it didn't drop you off at a convenient spot in town)
- Around town: Buy a transport card (Jiao Tong Ca), which can be used on the metro and in taxis (Deposit of Y20, refunds available at East Nanjing Road metro station). The metro is super convenient, and single trips only cost around Y3.
Qipu Lu
Metro: Tiantong Road
The metro is in the basement of one of the wholesale shopping malls. Be sure to explore the four big buildings and streets that are packed with people. I LOVE WHOLESALE MALLS. I bought super pretty umbrellas for Y25, sweaters for Y25, dresses for Y40 (though it turned out to look really terrible on me heh)... got really high here hahaha.
Full of shops that sell everything at Y29/ Y39... clothes, shoes, accessories... everything a girl desires... ohhh, don't come on weekends or you'll suffocate amidst the scary crowds. One funny thing is that the higher the floor level, the more expensive the things. Apparently, it's because they're of higher quality... which I kinda doubt.
People’s square
Metro: People’s square
Attractions:
- People's square park
We saw lots of parents "advertising" for their kids ^^ There's also lots of pretty flowers and a pond all around the area.
- Shanghai museum (free admission): 9am – 5pm (Mon- Fri)
It's quite a nice museum to wander around and absorb some culture ^^
- Underground shopping plaza beneath the square (picked up some adorable stationary here... Shanghai has really pretty and cheap stationary... I bought a few notebooks and cards here ^^)
- Raffles City shopping center
Come here for a visit if you miss Singapore haha there's even Breadtalk
- Hongyi Plaza (Nice chain restaurants e.g. South Memory- 6th floor, Doulao Fang- 5th floor)
- Yang’s Fry dumplings (order at the left counter, then join the queue on the right to pick up your order)... it's really yummy! :D
Yuyuan gardens
Metro: Yuyuan gardens
Attractions:
- Yuyuan gardens - Y40 (8.30 -5.30pm)
Please do not visit on weekends unless you love being squashed amongst sweaty hordes... frankly, it's just a normal Chinese garden... I'm not that impressed.
There's lots of shops selling touristy stuff around Yuyuan gardens. Good place to pick up kitschy souvenirs like writing your name using metal calligraphy, or drawing caricatures etc.
- Nanxiang Steamed Bun restaurant ... The xiao long bao was quite disappointing but if you want to try it, just proceed up to the second floor for seats instead of queuing with the masses on the first floor.
- Dragon Gate Mall (noodle restaurants, food court in basement, Din Tai Fung on second floor)
- Shiliupu fabric market - if you're interested in tailoring clothes (Metro: Xiaonanmen, near Yuyuan)
Jing' an Temple
Metro: Jing' an Temple
A famous temple the bf wanted to visit... lots of shops around there too.
The Bund
Metro: East Nanjing Road
It's quite a nice walk, with gorgeous views on both sides. Do walk further along to escape the scary crowds and people photobombing your shots. Can make a stop at the famous Peace Hotel if you need a toilet break hahaa it has v nice posh toilets :D
French concession
Metro: Dapuqiao
The main street is Huaihai Road, but do venture off into the other streets, which are lined with pretty colonial buildings.
There are lots of boutiques (which are quite expensive) and some nice restaurants.
Pudong and century avenue
Metro: Lujiazui Road
Lined with skyscrapers, you may choose a building to ascend for your bird eye's view of Shanghai. I advise choosing either Shanghai World Financial Center (94th/97th/100th floor –Y100/110/150) or Jinmao Tower (Y100), as I feel it is nicer to take photos of Oriental Pearl TV Tower, than to be inside it. Do go around dusk, so that you can take photos of both Shanghai in the day and at night.
I went to Jinmao tower, which offered very pretty views, but also busloads of pushy Chinese tourists.
After taking photos, you may proceed to Superbrand mall, which has restaurants spread across 10 floors, a supermarket, an ice-skating rink and H&M.
Fake goods galore at Xinyang Fashion & gifts market
Metro: Science & technology Museum metro market
Lots of fake stuff here, ranging from bags to basketball jerseys to children's clothes to toys to camera tripods!
Before you go:- If you have an iPhone, download this really awesome and free app called "Shanghai Wow! city guide"... it's really good ^^
Getting around:
- From airport: Take a cab from the airport to town for around Y200. Or you can figure out the Maglev train (I didn't bother with this as it didn't drop you off at a convenient spot in town)
- Around town: Buy a transport card (Jiao Tong Ca), which can be used on the metro and in taxis (Deposit of Y20, refunds available at East Nanjing Road metro station). The metro is super convenient, and single trips only cost around Y3.
Qipu Lu
Metro: Tiantong Road
The metro is in the basement of one of the wholesale shopping malls. Be sure to explore the four big buildings and streets that are packed with people. I LOVE WHOLESALE MALLS. I bought super pretty umbrellas for Y25, sweaters for Y25, dresses for Y40 (though it turned out to look really terrible on me heh)... got really high here hahaha.
Full of shops that sell everything at Y29/ Y39... clothes, shoes, accessories... everything a girl desires... ohhh, don't come on weekends or you'll suffocate amidst the scary crowds. One funny thing is that the higher the floor level, the more expensive the things. Apparently, it's because they're of higher quality... which I kinda doubt.
People’s square
Metro: People’s square
Attractions:
- People's square park
We saw lots of parents "advertising" for their kids ^^ There's also lots of pretty flowers and a pond all around the area.
- Shanghai museum (free admission): 9am – 5pm (Mon- Fri)
It's quite a nice museum to wander around and absorb some culture ^^
- Underground shopping plaza beneath the square (picked up some adorable stationary here... Shanghai has really pretty and cheap stationary... I bought a few notebooks and cards here ^^)
- Raffles City shopping center
Come here for a visit if you miss Singapore haha there's even Breadtalk
- Hongyi Plaza (Nice chain restaurants e.g. South Memory- 6th floor, Doulao Fang- 5th floor)
- Yang’s Fry dumplings (order at the left counter, then join the queue on the right to pick up your order)... it's really yummy! :D
Yuyuan gardens
Metro: Yuyuan gardens
Attractions:
- Yuyuan gardens - Y40 (8.30 -5.30pm)
Please do not visit on weekends unless you love being squashed amongst sweaty hordes... frankly, it's just a normal Chinese garden... I'm not that impressed.
There's lots of shops selling touristy stuff around Yuyuan gardens. Good place to pick up kitschy souvenirs like writing your name using metal calligraphy, or drawing caricatures etc.
- Nanxiang Steamed Bun restaurant ... The xiao long bao was quite disappointing but if you want to try it, just proceed up to the second floor for seats instead of queuing with the masses on the first floor.
- Dragon Gate Mall (noodle restaurants, food court in basement, Din Tai Fung on second floor)
- Shiliupu fabric market - if you're interested in tailoring clothes (Metro: Xiaonanmen, near Yuyuan)
Jing' an Temple
Metro: Jing' an Temple
A famous temple the bf wanted to visit... lots of shops around there too.
The Bund
Metro: East Nanjing Road
It's quite a nice walk, with gorgeous views on both sides. Do walk further along to escape the scary crowds and people photobombing your shots. Can make a stop at the famous Peace Hotel if you need a toilet break hahaa it has v nice posh toilets :D
French concession
Metro: Dapuqiao
The main street is Huaihai Road, but do venture off into the other streets, which are lined with pretty colonial buildings.
There are lots of boutiques (which are quite expensive) and some nice restaurants.
Pudong and century avenue
Metro: Lujiazui Road
Lined with skyscrapers, you may choose a building to ascend for your bird eye's view of Shanghai. I advise choosing either Shanghai World Financial Center (94th/97th/100th floor –Y100/110/150) or Jinmao Tower (Y100), as I feel it is nicer to take photos of Oriental Pearl TV Tower, than to be inside it. Do go around dusk, so that you can take photos of both Shanghai in the day and at night.
I went to Jinmao tower, which offered very pretty views, but also busloads of pushy Chinese tourists.
After taking photos, you may proceed to Superbrand mall, which has restaurants spread across 10 floors, a supermarket, an ice-skating rink and H&M.
Fake goods galore at Xinyang Fashion & gifts market
Metro: Science & technology Museum metro market
Lots of fake stuff here, ranging from bags to basketball jerseys to children's clothes to toys to camera tripods!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Bandung: It's not just a drink
The first time I told someone I was going to Bandung, that someone asked "Isn't Bandung a drink?" Hahaha! It's actually the third largest city in Indonesia, and it's famous for its numerous factory outlets filled with rejected/ overrun clothes from Abercrombie, H&M, Guess, Bebe, Victoria Secret, Esprit, Aeropostale etc etc. However, I think the type of clothes you see will depend on your luck. I've heard of people buying really tons and tons of stuff, but I didn't manage to get that much nice stuff. But it's still quite a nice (and cheap) place to bring your family :)
Where to stay
Novotel
Incredibly cheap, for the Novotel branding. Around SGD50 a night only! They offer free airport transfer both ways (if they remember to pick you up that is). Don't go swimming in the morning, because the pool is right outside the restaurant, so all the people enjoying their buffet breakfasts will be gawking at you heh.
Transportation
Taxi
Blue Bird Taxi is recommended, but it's quite hard to get a cab sometimes.
Car Rental
Mulia Rental - I booked Mulia Rental for 2 days (Rp. 475.000/ day, inclusive of parking, petrol etc).
For the first day, we went factory outlet-hopping. Our driver, Surya, was super awesome! He would drive to the parking lot of each factory outlet and wait for us to finish our shopping. After stuffing our bags into the backseat, he would drive us to the next factory outlet. Felt very tai-tai :D
For the second day, we went sightseeing. There are two volcano craters in Bandung, Tangkuban Perahu (about 1.5 hrs away) and Kawah Putih (about 2 hrs away). I decided on Kawah Putih after reading better reviews, and indeed, it was more special than the normal crater in the ground.
The water is a pretty green, and there's mist rising from the water! Quite cold, so do bring your sweaters.
Our driver also brought us strawberry-picking, to another lake etc etc.
Where to shop
(1) Rumah Mode Jalan Setiabudi
This factory outlet is really pretty and self-contained, with restaurants and cafes on its premises as well. There's supposedly a foot reflexology place there too, but I didn't see it. It's a good place to start your shopping, as there's a good selection of both men and women clothing. It's the only standalone outlet, compared to the other two regions, which tend to have factory outlets all lined up in a row.
(2) Factory Outlet Shopping in Jalan Riau
Lots of outlets here... Secret, Heritage, Cascade, Terminal TAS, ForMen, Stamp, Summit, Oasis, Metropolitan etc etc. This is the place where a car really came in handy, as the outlets were not really next to each other.
(3) Bandung Factory Outlet Shopping in Dago
The outlets tend to be next to each other, so we shopped and shopped and then crossed the road to the opposite outlets and continued shopping :D
Outlets include Gossip, Grande Fashion Gallery, Episode Factory Outlet, Jetset Factory Outlet, Glamour Factory Outlet, Blossom Factory Outlet, Raffles City, Victoria Factory Outlet, Rich & Famous, Coconel, Uptown etc etc.
(4) Souvenirs: Kartika Sari
I recommend buying brownies and cakes from Kartika Sari as souvenirs! Apparently, Kartika Sari is only sold in Bandung and is very well known in Indonesia. It is supposed to be very upclass, but the cakes are actually quite cheap! I think brownies were around Rp. 30,000 per loaf... they also have tiramisu, pandan, cheese versions.... oooooh, I super recommend this kueh lapis/ marble cake mixture, super super nice...
Restaurants
Do have dinner at one of the restaurants on the hill of Dago Pakar! Super gorgeous night scene, with very, very reasonable prices.
Photo from my shaky phone camera hahaha. We went to both Sierra Cafe and the Valley. Sierra had better and cheaper food (around S$10 for steak), but the Valley was really very gorgeous, with lights strung up everywhere. Do bring your sweater along as the best views are outside (in the cold!).
Where to stay
Novotel
Incredibly cheap, for the Novotel branding. Around SGD50 a night only! They offer free airport transfer both ways (if they remember to pick you up that is). Don't go swimming in the morning, because the pool is right outside the restaurant, so all the people enjoying their buffet breakfasts will be gawking at you heh.
Transportation
Taxi
Blue Bird Taxi is recommended, but it's quite hard to get a cab sometimes.
Car Rental
Mulia Rental - I booked Mulia Rental for 2 days (Rp. 475.000/ day, inclusive of parking, petrol etc).
For the first day, we went factory outlet-hopping. Our driver, Surya, was super awesome! He would drive to the parking lot of each factory outlet and wait for us to finish our shopping. After stuffing our bags into the backseat, he would drive us to the next factory outlet. Felt very tai-tai :D
For the second day, we went sightseeing. There are two volcano craters in Bandung, Tangkuban Perahu (about 1.5 hrs away) and Kawah Putih (about 2 hrs away). I decided on Kawah Putih after reading better reviews, and indeed, it was more special than the normal crater in the ground.
The water is a pretty green, and there's mist rising from the water! Quite cold, so do bring your sweaters.
Our driver also brought us strawberry-picking, to another lake etc etc.
Where to shop
(1) Rumah Mode Jalan Setiabudi
This factory outlet is really pretty and self-contained, with restaurants and cafes on its premises as well. There's supposedly a foot reflexology place there too, but I didn't see it. It's a good place to start your shopping, as there's a good selection of both men and women clothing. It's the only standalone outlet, compared to the other two regions, which tend to have factory outlets all lined up in a row.
(2) Factory Outlet Shopping in Jalan Riau
Lots of outlets here... Secret, Heritage, Cascade, Terminal TAS, ForMen, Stamp, Summit, Oasis, Metropolitan etc etc. This is the place where a car really came in handy, as the outlets were not really next to each other.
(3) Bandung Factory Outlet Shopping in Dago
The outlets tend to be next to each other, so we shopped and shopped and then crossed the road to the opposite outlets and continued shopping :D
Outlets include Gossip, Grande Fashion Gallery, Episode Factory Outlet, Jetset Factory Outlet, Glamour Factory Outlet, Blossom Factory Outlet, Raffles City, Victoria Factory Outlet, Rich & Famous, Coconel, Uptown etc etc.
(4) Souvenirs: Kartika Sari
I recommend buying brownies and cakes from Kartika Sari as souvenirs! Apparently, Kartika Sari is only sold in Bandung and is very well known in Indonesia. It is supposed to be very upclass, but the cakes are actually quite cheap! I think brownies were around Rp. 30,000 per loaf... they also have tiramisu, pandan, cheese versions.... oooooh, I super recommend this kueh lapis/ marble cake mixture, super super nice...
Restaurants
Do have dinner at one of the restaurants on the hill of Dago Pakar! Super gorgeous night scene, with very, very reasonable prices.
Photo from my shaky phone camera hahaha. We went to both Sierra Cafe and the Valley. Sierra had better and cheaper food (around S$10 for steak), but the Valley was really very gorgeous, with lights strung up everywhere. Do bring your sweater along as the best views are outside (in the cold!).
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