Merry Singmast 2018

If you are like me, who love to see beautiful lights and feel that Christmassy atmosphere with carols all around, minus the cold weather, then go no further than Singapore. This tiny country that's already been famous before Crazy Rich Asians, clearly is not only for the rich. In fact, many things in Singapore can be enjoyed sans the heavy price tag.

You'll be surprised at how a tropical country like this can offer the most magical time of the year. But before you see and feel the magic, don't forget to prepare for the essentials: passport, visa (for those who are required), emergency medical kits, and credit cards (for the shopaholics)! 

Here's how the magic starts....

Where to Stay?

Christmas season tends to increase prices. But, some hotels offer pretty reasonable price. One of them is Farrer Park Hotel located in Little India area. I stayed here with my husband and his family and really enjoy the service. The best thing of this hotel is the MRT station (underground or subway) is just below the establishment. It makes going anywhere in the city very practical especially when traveling with parents (or parents -in-law in my case).

Christmas Eve and Dinner at Chijmes

Don't miss out on Christmas Eve. It's not only a reminder for us Christians of how blessed we are from the birth of Jesus Christ, but it really is a mood booster to be all merry and merciful. Especially for me, I am a big sucker for Christmas carols. When someone wear me out, I just listen to any of the songs of Christmas carols, then I'll be just fine. 

There are plenty of churches from a wide range of Christian denominations all around the city. As we are from Indonesia, we opted in to attend a Christmas eve mass delivered in Bahasa Indonesia at Presbyterian Church Orchard Road. 

Shortly after the mass ended, we headed off to Chijmes, one of the spot scene in Crazy Rich Asians. You may already know which one I am talking about if you have seen the movie. *wink*

Chijmes is a church but not an ordinary church. It's an old church built in colonial era converted into some place for entertainment and eating. There are plenty of restaurants inside offering eastern and western cuisines. Apart from eating, you'll also be serenaded by beautiful carol songs with romantic atmosphere where beautiful lights adorning your surroundings.

my cutey

We opted in for Indo-Chine, a restaurant offering dishes from mainly south-east asian countries such as Vietnamese, Malaysian, Thai, etc. The food is good but not extraordinary good. But, since the price is still reasonable, in a scale from 1 - 5, I give it a 3.


Haji Lane & Arab Street

Being on a holiday usually elevates our eating desire. I know it's so hard to resist the temptation of tasting that scrumptious Indian Prata bread with lamb curry and several other cuisines. Yum. But, if you are a calorie conscious traveler, fret-not, drop a visit by Haji Lane area and find Limaa.

Limaa is a small independent healthy-living joint that offers delicious yet low calorie intake foods and drinks. Suitable for those who are still on a diet whilst on holiday (like me, oops!).  I opted in for their grilled chicken salad with watermelon as my lunch meal completed with pomegranate lemon drink. It was not just delicious and refreshing but also rejuvenating especially with all those vitamins. Perfect lunch!

Unlike the surrounding neighbourhood, you will not find any skyscrapers in Haji Lane and Arab street. In fact these two areas are unique and of rich historical value. They are filled with quintessential buildings completed with cute murals on the surrounding walls that are so instagram-able. In addition to that, Haji Lane offers plenty of non-chain, one-off, small coffee shops, foods joints, as well as boutique fashion and art shops.

the mosque

mural mural on the wall

with people from the US

my not-so-ready pose

If you are a big fan of middle-eastern cuisine, then it's a good time to hit one of the Turkish restaurants in Arab Street and try that cracking Shaksukka.

Gardens By The Bay

Christmas time is the best time to visit Gardens By the Bay. It's a complex of gardens filled by a wide range of green vegetation and adorned by beautiful Christmas lights. But before you enter Gardens By the Bay, don't forget to take a good pic with the Marina Bay Sands building as your background.

Orchard Road

Visiting Singapore won't be complete without a stroll in Orchard Road or better yet shop at one of Orchard Road's most iconic shop: ION Orchard. At Christmas time, Orchard Road is beautifully transformed into a magical road full of entertainments and eye-candy street lights. From magician to solo singer, you'll enjoy local talents showing off their skills and make your heart sings. For the shopaholic, it is a good time to shop at a bargain too. Many department stores offer discounts for selected fashion lines (I've got 10% off from 2xu, not bad huh!). 

And if you are lucky enuf you'll bump into one famous person, in my husband's case, the Indonesian Minister of Maritime, Susi Pudjiastuti! *wink*

Visiting Friend

Christmas is the right time to spend with people who are dear and near to you. That may be your family and/or friends. Hence, at this opportunity I took the time to spend dinner with my university friend and his family sharing things from life in general, children's education, legal work and challenges, and what not. Most importantly, having a good time!