The SkyPark

Perched on the 57th floor of the Marina Bay Sands, the Sands SkyPark is a sight to behold. Majestic. That's probably the best way to describe it. It would cost SGD20 to get onto the Park, but it is free for those staying at the hotel. We certainly used the facility. Once to relax, the second to actually sample the pool. My boys actually enjoyed the dip on both occasion. They had a separate wading pool for children, and a main pool extending across the three tower.

The main pool was not that deep, but extend towards the end, elevated against the floor to give an illusion that one reaches the edge, hence the name Infiniti Pool. It was an experience with the Singapore skyscraper appearing over the edge. Sipping an ice tea by the pool really made the stay in Singapore worthwhile for that alone.

Looking towards the east of the island from the topTaking the lifts upYours truly having a dip as wellThe healthy option. Some iced tea.As with anywhere in Singapore, things were well organized and clean. The SkyPark was no exception. Apart from the pool, there is a few jacuzzi and sauna units. There were also a couple of bars, a nightclub as well as restaurants and a chocolate bar. However, some of the restaurant we only for those at the executive floors.

No diving. The water was not that deep in the main pool.Idlan looking at the sunsetThe view fromm the side of the infiniti pool. No, it was not dangerous!Singapore sunset ....For visitors, there is also a separate observation deck to enjoy a panoramic view of the island.

On the last evening we were there, we stayed in the pool until after sunset, enjoying the sun rays creeping between a couple of towers on the horizon. Bliss.

A Run at the Pool

The boys couldn't stop running around our empty apartment. It won't be empty for long as we would start to move stuffs by next weekend. I would also be sleeping there as I would be on call on Friday.

I installed the Internet and wifi, and took the boys to explore the facilities. The pool was really nice but it was too early to jump in. Before long, a group of twenty somethings started coming over with their barbecue bag, exploring the barbecue area. One of them brought a small dog. Before long, it started sniffing around Idlan and he was not happy. The bucks stopped when it started to give chase when Idlan ran.

He ran into the building but the dog still chased him, before finally he entered a door and I arrived. The owner was just walking towards the incident. I swore I would have killed the dog if not for him.

Time to lie back in the afternoon sunThe pool is actually bigger than I thoughtAt least I got my priorities right ....The guy took his dog, apologised while Idlan was screaming. He rejoined his group, but the dog was still loose. I got the security in as as far as I was concerned, dogs, leashed or otherwise were off limits at the pool area. The group left shortly after.

My worry was Idlan would be traumatised by the whole affair. He was still sobbing when we got to the apartment. I would definitely be writing in for explanation from the management after this. It should not happen again. Poor Idlan.

Sunday Homework

Before we headed out to our apartment to do a bit of planning a cleaning, we had to get the boys organised first. That meant it was homework time! Idlan got plenty to do, and it took him a good hour.

It seemed that everything these days resolved around their homework. The boys were tired by the time those were done. No time for play. I remembered when if was in school, homework were a doodle. Something I could just breeze through in 15 minutes or so.

How educations has changed. But, now that it was done, time to head out to the apartment. Maybe a bit of time by the swimming pool .........

Viva Home Center

It had been a long day, sorting put the flat. I spent the afternoon after work doing measurements of the hall and rooms.

Anita then asked me to take her to Viva Home Center at Loke Yew. The place was certainly much bigger than I thought. A new place, opened right next to a main artery from the center of town to Cheras. Even on a Saturday, the road was full. Luckily, the mall itself was rather quite.

We had the chance to look at some of the furniture shops and some of the outlets were surprisingly affordable. We were still browsing and decided against making any purchase, but at least we had a good idea in terms of budgeting and the design which we wanted.

Parking at the place was ample, and I didn't have to pay any parking fee. I was not sure either because it was free, or free in the first couple of hours.

The Viva Home Center was not all furniture though. Thy have a supermarket, chemist, video shops as well as a decent selection of eatery. The place was too big for us to enter all the shops in under a couple of hours. So, we may have to return next time. It seemed that Saturday evening was not a bad time to come at all.

The Universal Studios

Everyone has been asking me, was the trip to Universal Studios worth it? Of course! Most definitely. I initially had problem convincing my children to go. After all, there was a huge billboard along the MRR2 near my house in Gombak which said, "Sunway Lagoon, Asia's Best Attraction." And they swore by that!

Now, they kept telling me that Universal Studios couldn't be as good. After the trip, they changed their mind.

But, if you don't believe the boy's endorsement, you should go there yourself. It was electric. From the moment you enter the park, the excitement was palpable.

By the main entraceGift shops everywhereTime for a breatherMore photos ......We went there on a Monday. The crowd was apparently lighter, but still a bit more than a typical Monday since it was a public holiday in Malaysia. I could tell that the majority of the visitors - as well as the staffs - were from Malaysia. We got purr tickets beforehand via the internet, so all we had to do was start straight at the entrance queue. We reached there shortly after 10.30 am, and there was already a crowd. Despite that, everything was orderly. The next step was to pick up the park map. They were everywhere and easy to get hold off.

The park was basically devised into 7 areas, all with a unique theme. In the end we spent more time at the Lost World - a Jurassic Park-based attraction - and Far Far Away where Shrek lived. The main dining area was by Hollywood area. 

Rather than dwell on in one long entry, I might as well write on the individual area separately. So, watch this space …..