Down There, Across The Causeway I

It's an annual thingy with the Akurians. This time slightly brought forward to first week of the year, instead of doing it around New Year day to Singapore. Not the top choice at first but pushed for it since never really visited the island for ages.

Took an overnight KTM train on Thursday nite. Pretty comfortable & value for money ride. Slept soundly during da ride & the best part is u dun need to come down when embarking at Johor immigration. The immigration officers will come on board the coach & personally checked each passenger's passport. I, literally have my passport checked while lying on my bed..:)  We only need to come down when arrived at Woodlands station at 6.30am. Paid only MYR 46.00 for 2nd class seat, will definitely take it again for future trip. The gang rested a Nei's bro's house before proceeding for lunch & to Singapore Zoo.

Checking in on da bed

Singapore Zoo has to be the most informative zoo in the region, which caters for people of all ages. Hundreds of animal species lived here & each has information about them in the form of impressive signboards, videos & slideshows. All were placed according to their natural habitat areas such as Australia, Africa, South East Asia etc with the 2 Chinese pandas clearly the main attraction. If time permits, I would have prowled thru the whole area. Hardly even covers 1/2 of the place. Didnt take the Night Safari ride though but daytime visit with entrance passes of SGD 27.00 (additional of SGD 5.00 if ur to visit the pandas) is good enough. A must-visit place if ur in Singapore.

Meet Jia Jia, the panda

Thats Omar, the white Siberian tiger with his partner
 

Marine fish from prehistoric time

One of the many informative signs in da zoo

Maj & Clare stayed back for the Night Safari ride while Nei n myself went to check into our hotel, Orchid Lodge, located in Orchid Country Club in Yishun. I must say the room was impressively big & cosy with striking view overlooking the 36-holes golf course. Only setback is the accessibility whereby we need to take 10 minutes free shuttle bus to the nearest Yishun MRT station.

Spacious & comfy room, fit for 4 paxs

Our room balcony view. U can practically take ur golf bag & walk straight to the 19th hole for a putting practice

Took a taxi ride to Orchard Road for dinner with couz Zhiew who are working in Singapore. Ray & family joined us later at Food Opera food court at ION Mall Orchard, followed by chitty chat+drinks at a premium cafe nearby. Thanks for the treat, Zhiew !! Took da MRT ride back to hotel.

I picked up a babe at Orchard Road. Meet Hayley..:)

Group photo with couz Zhiew, Ray & SL

Waiting for MRT ride back to hotel

The next 2 days were spent solely in Resorts World Sentosa which I shall post later.

To be continued....