The last installment of Smokehouse

From what I gathered, the house was built at the beginning of the last century as a retreat for the colonial civil servants who were posted in the Old Malaya. I must say that they picked the right spot.

Fraser's Hill remained rather exclusive and secluded until this day. The town was quiet enough for a quick break, but remained connected enough that you could easily still get food when you were up there. The were a few resorts and hotels around there, but I still think Smokehouse remained the nest Fras's Hill had to offer. Yup! We would definitely be returning back ..... More on the Fraser's Hill stay here.

More photos of the Smokehouse

As you can see from the photos, the main hangout was the main lounge where it was nice and cosy. It was the place where we had our hot chocolate in the vending as well as watching a quick TV. The Wifi signal was also pretty strong there. I loved it the most when it was raining outside, with the windows opened.

This was actually the patio between the main house and the annexYou heard it ....The main lounge, but the fireplace was not on except in DecemberChatting with one of the staffsWhat's on the menu?The cosy dining areaOn our last visit, the fire was on, making the whole lounge nice and hot. They only put the fireplace up during December, around Christmas. Appropriate I thought. When it was warm, it was really hard to leave the lounge to head back to the rooms .....

By the barOn the fireplaceCosy lighting

More on the Fraser's Hill stay here.

Makan at Double Tree

As I share my birthday with my Dad-in-law, it was traditional that we have dinner together. This year, it was my brother's treat, and we had it at Makan, double Tree.

Unfortunately we reached there late as I was working the day, with an action clinic. Much of the food we already gone.

The restaurant was divided into three main areas. The main Malay style food court, a second Indian offering and a third Chinese restaurant style eatery. The patron were free to mingle around.

The satay was pretty nice, but I spent most of the time at the Indian buffet. The tandoori was unfortunately overcooked as it had been in the the stove all evening I was sure. The Chinese restaurant also had a small sushi bar if you fancy a bit of Japanese.

Anita and the kids had been there before for lunch buffet. She enjoys the food there, and the service according to her were very good.

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.

More Thoughts on Philea

After the trip to the pool, we went out - via a buggy pick-up to the reception - for a spot of dinner. We decided to try the buffet.

The one opened is called Carvo Carvo. A local and Western diner, which offer a buffet spread - take this, for RM 68 ++. And the spread was really disappointing. It was embarrassing to be honest, both in terms of quality and quantity. They really could do with a new chef. Even their local dessert - ironically sago gula Melaka, you can't get any more local than that - was bad!

I ended up eating my boys a la carte items, which was a lot better. So, don't make the mistake of paying for the expensive buffet. It was not worth it. Go for the a la carte order instead.

The place was nice and peaceful at night. We walked towards the children crèche to see what was on offer. Nothing much. It was meant for toddlers really. But a nice walk by the pool none the less.

At night, the pool and waterfall were lit by floodlights to different colours. There were also a 24 hours room service of you fancy that, as well as free wifi in the compound. Unfortunately, since our room was at the opposite end of the resort, no wifi for us. The Celcom coverage was also on an Edge network. No high speed Internet for us unfortunately.

Saturday night was football night. And football does not know holidays. The room does not have Astro Sports Channels believe it or not, although the bar does. No Internet. No football. I went to bed by 10 pm. And it was Saturday evening!