Arriving at A Famosa

We arrived at A Famosa an hour earlier then the usual check in time, but a call to the manager sorted it out as we left Nilai at around 2.30. We arrived at the resort just after 3, and proceeded to check in.

The last time we stayed here, Irfan was just about a year-old, learning to walk. We rented one of the bungalow, with swimming pool attached of course. This time around, the bungalow were no longer for rent. Instead, we decided to go for a three-bedroom villa. The unit is located right on the opposite end of the resort. It seemed that this part of A Famosa was rather new and appeared self-contained. It had its own check-in counter and management, as well as food service. There was a restaurant - a barbecue place - where we checked-in. The breakfast in the morning was also located at the Water Park, rather than the main hotel area where we had our buffet breakfast on our last stay.

The pool was nice and cosy. It was chest deep, too deep for Idlan I was afraid.There was this nice little feature at the middle of the villa, lightening up the whole house.Compared to the last bungalow, the current suite was much smaller. The space in-between the units were also smaller - we could hear the splashing from the pool next door. But the good thing was, the pool area was separated by a high wall, for privacy. I still much preferred the old bungalow though. Not to mention that the old place was located right next to the restaurants, the main entrance and other attractions.

A nice little table at the dining area, overlooking the poolThere was also a nice little kitchenette, but no stove or microwave though. The boys enjoying breakfast the next morningThe pool was really nice and well-maintained though. It could do with a bit less chlorine. Our eyes were red by the time we were done with the pool. Although one should expect a bit of sore eyes if you spent a couple of hours in such pool. But a couple of hours of fun it was. We even ordered from room service for an afternoon tea in the pool. Yes, I did say in the pool. The tea in the pool was nice. But the tea was not so. The food was not great.

So, after we were done with the pool and shower, everyone decided to stay in rather than go out for dinner. Even the attraction of the "Cowboy Town" did not convince the children from going. So, Puan Anita and I ended up going out to take-away some dinner, and we dined in. My Dad was asleep well before 9, but the boys and their cousins were still up awake even at this hour ......

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.

Pool in the Afternoon

Party hats on the readyThe weekend was topped up with a pool party celebrating one of Idlan's classmate's birthday. Unfortunately it was drizzling at the start, and everyone was worried if we would be able to spend any time in the pool at all. Things started off indoors anyway with food, music, games and of course the cakes.

lining up .... to no goodThen 'joget lambak'The birthday cake being devouredFinallay, in the poolAfter the party was over, the weather held and we had half an hour or so in the pool. Off the children went. By the time it was ready to head home, Idlan was already sneezing and developing a temperature. Poor boy!