Food Tour 64: Great Food Choices (CBD)

Not denying, I really love enjoying a good meal every now and then. Some of the great calories choices I have made recently.

1. Spicy Noodle

Initially, I thought my husband was exaggerating when he said they were good and he had them twice within a span of 1 week when he was in Taiwan. When they finally opened in Singapore, I decided to give it a try. And boy it was good. The noodles were nice and springy and the broth was thick and yummy. It is of my better find. And honestly, who cares about the price! I am definitely going there again!

2. Moon Moon Food

This was another recommendation from the husband and I think it taste way better than Du Xiao Yue (which also hails from Taiwan). I tried their signature spicy sesame noodle and it was not to be missed. It was so good I could finish one on my own. My other favourite was their braised platter. I have never tasted anything so good. I can safely say I will be back for more. 

Apart from that, we also had the soup and a fried rice for the kids. I also tried their grass jelly (combined with black fungus). I quite enjoy it but I don't think it is for all (thicker version of the grass jelly drink). In all, a place to check if you hadn't.

3. Yogurt Planet

Personally, I feel this is not for everyone. But it is my favourite meal/ dessert replacement because I feel it is healthy. Please tell if me if it isn't. You are charged based on the size of the bowl and you can fill it up as much as you want. Part of me always feel like I got a great deal cos I will fill up all the way to the brim. There are a few delicious yoghurt flavours to choose from and lots of toppings  variety, which include fruits. I use it to give my daily fruit intake. :) Some of the toppings are pretty exotic which makes it an interesting treat!

Trying to be Cultured: All about Impressionism

In a bid to be more cultured, we made our way to the National Gallery to catch the largest French Impressionist Exhibition in collaboration with Museum of Fine Arts Boston. To be frank, before going, I don't even know what is Impressionism. Seeing it for myself up close, I realised I am not much of a fan. I prefer a lot more details in my art as compared to vagueness. I do agree with some art critics that some pieces look so much more like sketches than complete pieces.  

In the past, I have only heard of Monet. But interestingly, after seeing his works, I am a bigger admirer of Daubigny and his sea/ ship/ port pieces. I absolutely hated Renoir's masterpiece. Haha. I just didn't like the fused, unrealistic portraits. Though the style was distinct, I felt some were borderline sloppy. And the "anime" eyes just didn't sit well with me. 

If there is one thing I learn about art, it is that beauty truly lies in the eyes of the beholder. Comments by other attendees sometimes amuse me. There was a lady who was gushing over a piece of art which I totally hated. Lol. Apart from Monet, you will get to explore some of the iconic works by other artists such as Manet, Degas etc. Although I am in no way trained in art, you can still kinda realise that some "water", "peaches' and "roses' etc. are better drawn than the rest. 

A guided tour (or bringing a friend who is into art) isn't a bad idea if you are not into self-exploration/ self-realisation. A blind following the crowd, some of the appreciation techniques I have learnt include seeing the art up close, from the side and afar to notice the paint strokes and layering to create different effects. It is also interesting to notice the colour palette use to create different effects (i.e. some artist would use pink instead of white for water/ clouds).

Overall, I would still recommend making a trip down because it is not everyday we get to experience such masterpieces conveniently. For once, you don't have to travel to Europe etc. just to get to see these. Also, it is priced so affordably to encourage local attendance. It will only be in town from 14 Nov 25 to 1 Mar 26. Catch it while it is here!

National Gallery: https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/1256-national-gallery-singapore/

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** Use the discount code "BABYNFAMKLOOK" when you book through Klook for a 5% Discount. Applicable to All Klook Activities with min. spend of SGD50. Discount capped at SGD15.

Starting the year at Pororo Park

It has been a while since we last visited Pororo Park (read the post here) and it is such a refreshing change. This is the safest indoor playground in Singapore and is extremely suitable for your toddlers. Our 6YO was borderline growing out of it. We got the 2 hours slot, but the shows and play areas could barely keep him busy. 

Our younger toddler on the other hand was having a great time, wanting to go for everything at least twice. Since our last visit, they have introduced new rides - Harry's Tractor Ride, Bubble Party at Tong Tong's Theatre, the bouncy area at Crong's Backyard.

For parents, this place is great because it has a nursing room within. Also, the kids here are around the same age group so there is barely any rough play. The kids will also entertain themselves - befriending and playing with the other kids.  Parents can take a breather and just rest as the kids play. Not going to deny it, but I kinda enjoy this. 

From a price perspective, it doesn't deviate too much from the established indoor playgrounds. However, if you are a family with kids that have a wide age gap, this may not be the best place to entertain your older kids. The train is definitely still a highlight but now that other indoor playgrounds are having their own, it is no longer something exclusive to Pororo Park. Nonetheless, still a great place to kickstart every child's indoor playground journey. *Winks*

Day out of Bintan Resort

Bintan have truly changed quite a bit since we have last visited. There is now more man-made sites to visit, making the place more interesting. Here's our itinerary should you be considering a trip out!

1. Dharma Shanti Temple

Do not be deceived by the photos, but this area is really quite small. It is at the the top of a small, modest temple. But this area is pretty impressive. I don't see anyone possibly spending more than 30 minutes here. It is quite a hidden gem. 

2. Blue Lake

This was the highlight for me. If you have a budget, you can just walk around to take photos. As the weather was good (and the kids really wanted to take the ATV), we decided to take it here. For info, most places are stricter and won't allow toddlers as pillion riders. It is market rate - around S$50 per pax, but the ride was really long and scenic. The guide would also help to take photos and videos. His photos are ok, but video skills can be improved LOL!

The weather was seemingly cloudy that day but we still ended up sunburnt. Remember your sunblock guys! No worries about insects cos it is pretty sterile. Strongly recommend this place as a pitstop. After this, we had lunch at a kelong recommended by the driver. I feel it is just a convenient tourist stop, nothing much to rave about. 

3. 500 Lohan Temple

I saw so many photos about it, I was pretty excited. This is quite far-flung and also actually a small area with humble temples around it. If you are not into buddhism, I think you can finish the place within 45 minutes max. As it is a man-made attraction, it is pretty curated. But kudos to Bintan tourism, for making the island more interesting. 

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Private Day Tour: https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/127779-bintan-private-car-charter-driver/

Our driver was pretty good. We could negotiate on the day on the actual itinerary and make minor changes here and there. He even gave us an hour extra. 

** Use the discount code "BABYNFAMKLOOK" when you book through Klook for a 5%  Discount. Applicable to All Klook Activities with min. spend of SGD50. Discount capped at SGD15.