March 2014 – Grey Nomads Travel and Cruise

140327 Parkroyal Penang Resort

For those who have ‘been to Bali”, done Fiji or tried Phuket, Penang is an interesting alternative. This is an island connected by a long bridge to mainland Malaysia. To travel to Penang, take a flight to the now famous Kuala Lumpur, with a short flight to Penang or, fly to Singapore and change aircraft for the one-hour flight to Penang International Airport.

Our transfer met us at the airport and made sure we were comfortable for the one-hour drive, the length of the island, to our hotel in the northern district of Batu Feringgi. One investment the Malaysian Government may like to take up, is a freeway from the airport to the holiday resorts in the north – it would be a great asset to have, especially for the fly-in tourists.

The traffic is busy but we are told that during the week, traffic is less chaotic than on weekends. Arriving anywhere during school holidays always means that many locals are on the road too.

We are staying at the Parkroyal Penang Resort situated on the edge of the bay. There are a number of other resorts close by, but the established surrounds of Parkroyal are more inviting. Palms offer plenty of shade beside the pools and the grounds are well kept. You can enjoy the tropical breezes near the shore while watching the water activities from your basket cacoon or lay back lounge.

The hotel was built in the early nineties with a furnishings upgrade in 2002. Hallway carpet was replaced in 2013. The rooms, although ample in size, need an upgrade of sorts, really. The bed is huge. It’s interesting to still see designated smoking areas around the hotel, but I am sure that will change. Breakfast is in the very busy Tamarind Brasserie (a notice at the exit from the lifts tell you how busy breakfast is – much like city link in Melbourne – and daytime snacks can be purchased from the Cool Bananas Cafe.

There is a bar between the adult pool and the beach and all the staff are friendly, efficient and helpful. The dedicated children’s pool, has a couple of water slides to keep the active ones away from the adult pool. The children’s day care, the koko-nut klub, is attended by carers with many activities available for the toddler age group.

Water activities are busy during the day especially the para-sailing option. You can water ski, or ride the biscuit behind a speed boat, or zoom away on the jet skis. We spend most of our days, just lazing on a deck chair soaking up the sun and watching the parasailers take off and return on an eventful, and often high, ‘look around the bay’ venture. There are “interruptions” to the day when the muslim temple broadcasts the regular prayers on the ‘efficient’ loud speaker system. The locals seem to not take any notice of them.

For evening meals, the Dinner by the Beach is a popular Barbecue. However, I found that the food was a bit down on quality. Very close to the hotel is a couple of good restaurants which visitors quickly get to know about; the Ferrenghi Garden, which has won The Cleanest and Most Pleasant Restaurant Award; and The Happy Place. Both of these eating places have very good and less expensive meals.

There are many day tours which can be taken from the hotel; Round Island Discovery, George Town City Explorer, Hill and Temple Sightseeing, Botanic Gardens and Butterfly Farm and Orang Utan and Mangrove Forest. Some of these are full day tours and include lunch along the way. We took an hour or so at the Butterfly Farm and were impressed with the amount of colourful species they have there.

Penang? Yes, we would return just to enjoy the foot massages on the beach or at the massage places close by. Yes, the food is enjoyable and there are some very quaint things to see. The people are kind, efficient and have a sense of humour too.

Well, back home on Sunday to the cooler climate of Melbourne – not good!

140323 Gardens by the Bay

I’ve often thought about my own garden as being in heaven. The lush green leaves and new growth just excites me during the spring and the yellow, orange, and red colors in the autumn tell me that ‘I’ve had a good summer.”

It was not until I entered the brilliant “Gardens by the Bay” today, that I realised Heaven has moved to Singapore. If you ever take a flight to Europe, and you’re the slightest bit interested in gardening, take a few days off in Singapore. We stayed at Hotel Fort Canning, which is a boutique hotel with 86 rooms just close to Orchard Road. You need to be prepared for some walking but the parkland around the hotel is great to enjoy that early morning walk before a day of retail therapy.

The first wonder of the modern gardening world, the “Gardens by the Bay” is what I just said – it is WONDERFUL! You can travel by train or taxi or by ‘leg’ from the city or your accommodation. A walking frame would make the journey quite arduous indeed, but for those fitted with a comfortable pair of sneakers, the walk through the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and shopping complex is well worth-while.

Someone in Singapore has a great imagination. Setting up gardens is one chore but the design of Gardens by the Bay is another. Featured are more than 500,000 plants from over 2,200 species. These plants are featured outside or inside in the very large ‘cooling’ houses. The Flower Dome features 9 different gardens from 6 different countries – an extensive array of Baobabs, cacti, plants from South Africa, South America, California, the Mediterranean region, and Australia – yes, kangaroo paw of many varieties. The changing Flower Field Display currently displays the War of the Roses. In the next couple of months, there will be many tulips shipped in especially from Holland.

The second ‘cooling’ house , is the Cloud Forest. You can explore the highlands amidst orchids, pitcher plants and ferns from the cool-mist Tropical Montane region. Featured is the World’s tallest indoor waterfall at 35 metres in height. In this cooling house are 7 ‘discovery’ zones; the Lost World, a Cloud Walk, a Treetop Walk, Crystal Mountain, Earth check, +5 Degrees and a Secret Garden. Each two hours, automatic misting comes on to water the gardens and you feel like you are in the highlands of a tropical rain-forest.

After taking the lift, you stroll along suspended pathways around the forest. The “hill” is covered with various kinds of orchids and other tropical plants. These plants expose some beautiful blooms of magnificent colour.

As you exit the dome, the gift shop is filled with souvenirs of top quantity surprises for friends and family, as well as to keep the memory of a great garden, vividly in your mind.

We took an Audio Tour through the extensive themed gardens outside – there can be lots of walking if you wish, as an alternative. You can stroll the 22-metre high OCBC Skyway. In the evening, there is a free light and sound show called the OCBC Garden Rhapsody using these large metal man-invented metal trees. These metal structures have plants growing up the entire ‘tree’.

This exhibition is a must see whenever you come to Singapore. In fact, Singapore used to be a ‘stopover’ point but today, it is a ‘destination’ in its own right.

In a fews days, I will have to return to my ‘summer burnt’ heaven in Australia. Now, thats not a good ‘gardeners’ thought at all.

140321 Hotel Fort Canning

Take a look at this magnificent location for a Hotel.

http://yarratraveljunction.com/trips-that-we-have-done/140321-hotel-fort-canning/

140321 Hotel Fort Canning

Whenever I come to Singapore, I notice the many parks and gardens. The boulevard from the airport to the busy business centre is well kept and attractive. Years ago, the government brought in a rule to have residents and visitors refrain from littering. This has helped to make Singapore one of the most popular hub cities in Asia, if not the world. The place always looks tidy and, you feel safe.

I had never really experienced the parks of the centre of Singapore until my wife decided to book our accommodation at the “Hotel Fort Canning” for three nights en route to Penang. This award winning boutique hotel has just 86 stylised rooms and suites. Ours is just a ‘basic’ room, but is well supplied with modern fixtures and fittings. Controlling the blinds and light from the TV remote, I enjoy a comfortable sleep to awaken to the idea of a hot bath. The bathroom is on what was the balcony in a previous version. Not many bathrooms have such great views to be enjoyed but, from the large tub-bath overlooking the surrounding parks and gardens, this one has that uniqueness.

The hotel was once used as a base for the British during World War II. For many years, it was known as the “The Forbidden Hill” as military reigned supreme. But today, the wise developers have turned the “hill” into a parkland. Walkways extend throughout the parkland of well established tropical vegetation. Atop the hill, is a water reservoir, which is used in the metro water system. One section of the garden is dedicated to ASEAN sculpture, with some interesting forms indeed; another section contains a large variety of spices. There is also a 9-pound gun, a battle box, a time ball and a lighthouse – all remnants from war days. There is an archeological dig exposition, and many rotundas where picnics can be enjoyed, away from the bustling streets of Orchard Road and the like. All these items and exhibits make the morning walk from the hotel that much more interesting. You can even try out the fitness station.

Within the parklands are some older style buildings. I was interested to see included in the marriage registry building, a Registry of Muslim Marriages. We noticed a Muslim couple having their photos taken and they were dressed in black. (I wonder what the black means if white stands for purity in a western wedding? Mmm.) In the ‘lowlands’ area is the Galleries Utama and Viridian Art House.

I’m glad Lyn chose this magnificent location to stay these few nights. We look out towards other hotels and ask “why would you stay in a matchbox full of tight rooms spilling out onto the busy pavements of Singapore?” I think whenever we return to Singapore, we will be back to the relaxed estate lifestyle of Fort Canning Park.

140321 Hotel Fort Canning

I had never really experienced the parks of the centre of Singapore so I decided to book my accommodation at the Hotel Fort Canning en route to Penang. This award winning boutique hotel has just 86 stylised rooms and suites. Mine is just a ‘basic’ room, but is well supplied with modern fixtures and fittings. Controlling the blinds and light from the TV remote, I enjoy a comfortable sleep to awaken to the idea of a hot bath. The bathroom is on what was the balcony in a previous version. Not many bathrooms have such great views to be enjoyed but, from the large tub-bath overlooking the surrounding parks and gardens, this one has that uniqueness.

The staff in The Glasshouse Restaurant were very helpful and encouraged me to enjoy both the delicious breakfast and the day ahead. The chef makes great omelettes, too.

The hotel was once used as a base for the British during World War II. For many years, while the military were in residence, the area was known as the “The Forbidden Hill”. But today, the wise developers have turned the “hill” into a parkland. Walkways extend throughout the parkland of well established tropical vegetation. Atop the hill, is a water reservoir, which is used in the metro water system. One section of the garden is dedicated to ASEAN sculpture, with some interesting forms indeed; another section contains a large variety of spices. On display are a 9-pound gun, a battle box, a time ball and a lighthouse – all remnants from war days. There is an archeological dig exposition, and many rotundas where picnics can be enjoyed, away from the bustling streets of Orchard Road and the like. All these items and exhibits make the morning walk from the hotel that much more interesting. You may want to use the fitness station.

Within the parklands are some older style buildings. I was interested to see included in the marriage registry building, a Registry of Muslim Marriages. There was a Muslim couple having their photos taken and they were dressed in black. (I wonder what the black means if white stands for purity in a western wedding? Mmm.) In the ‘lowlands’ area of the park is the Galleries Utama and Viridian Art House.

I’m glad I chose this magnificent location to stay these few nights. I can look out towards other hotels and ask “why would you stay in a matchbox full of tight rooms spilling out onto the busy pavements of Singapore?” I think whenever I return to Singapore, I will be considering to return to the relaxed estate lifestyle of Fort Canning Park.

140323 Gardens by the Bay

It was not until I entered the brilliant “Gardens by the Bay” today, that I realised Heaven has moved to Singapore. If you ever take a flight to Europe, and you’re the slightest bit interested in gardening, take a few days off in Singapore. I stayed at Hotel Fort Canning, which is a boutique hotel with 86 rooms just close to Orchard Road. You need to be prepared for some walking but the parkland around the hotel is great to enjoy that early morning walk before a day of retail therapy.

The first wonder of the modern gardening world, the “Gardens by the Bay” is what I just said – it is WONDERFUL! You can travel by train or taxi or by ‘leg’ from the city or from your accommodation. A walking frame would make the journey quite arduous indeed, but for those fitted with a comfortable pair of sneakers, the walk through the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and shopping complex is well worth-while.

Someone in Singapore has a great imagination. Setting up gardens is one chore but the design of Gardens by the Bay is another. Featured are more than 500,000 plants from over 2,200 species. These plants are featured outside and inside in the very large ‘cooling’ houses. The Flower Dome features 9 different gardens from 6 different countries – an extensive array of Baobabs, cacti, plants from South Africa, South America, California, the Mediterranean region, and Australia – yes, kangaroo paw of many varieties. The changing Flower Field Display currently displays the War of the Roses. In the next couple of months, there will be many tulips shipped in especially from Holland.

The second ‘cooling’ house , is the Cloud Forest. You can explore the highlands amidst orchids, pitcher plants and ferns from the cool-mist Tropical Montane region. Featured is the World’s tallest indoor waterfall at 35 metres in height. In this cooling house are 7 ‘discovery’ zones; the Lost World, a Cloud Walk, a Treetop Walk, Crystal Mountain, Earth check, +5 Degrees and a Secret Garden. Each two hours, automatic misting is turned on to water the gardens, and you feel like you are in the highlands of a tropical rain-forest.

After taking the lift, you stroll along suspended pathways around the forest. The vertical garden is covered with various kinds of orchids and other tropical plants. These plants expose some beautiful blooms of magnificent colour.

As you exit the dome, the gift shop is filled with souvenirs of top quality surprises for friends and family, as well as to keep the memory of a great garden vividly in your mind.

I took an Audio Tour through the extensive themed gardens outside – there can be lots of walking if you wish, as an alternative. You can stroll the 22-metre high OCBC Skyway. In the evening, there is a free light and sound show called the OCBC Garden Rhapsody using these large man-created metal trees. These structures have more vertical gardens growing up the entire ‘tree’.

This area is permanent and is a must see whenever you come to Singapore. In fact, Singapore used to be a ‘stopover’ point but today, it is a ‘destination’ in its own right.

In a fews days, I will have to return to my ‘summer burnt’ heaven in Australia. Now, thats not a good ‘gardeners’ thought at all.

140323 Gardens by the Bay

I have often thought about my own garden as being in heaven. The lush green leaves and new growth excites me during the spring and the yellow, orange, and red colours of autumn tell me that, I’ve had a good summer.

It was not until I entered the brilliant “Gardens by the Bay”, that I realized Eden has moved to Singapore. I had heard Singapore had created a different way of displaying exotic flowers and brilliant plants, so a visit was definitely warranted.

An even greater garden in Singapore is what I call the first wonder of the modern gardening world the “Gardens by the Bay”. Someone in Singapore has a great imagination; setting up gardens is some chore, but the design of “Gardens by the Bay” is very well thought out. The gardens have been designed and built on reclaimed land, just in front of the now famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Featured are more than 500,000 plants from over 2,200 species. They are contained both in two large glass-cooling houses, and sprawling grounds along the waterways of the Singapore foreshore.

The first cooling house, the Flower Dome, displays plants from around the world, including an extensive array of cacti, plants from South Africa, the Mediterranean region, and Australia – yes, kangaroo paw of many varieties. Exotic, colourful blooms are in abundance here in this magnificent garden. The smell of flowers is captivating. The quietness captivates the way flowers and plants grown, without the noise of the city or busy commercial enterprises. Within the Dome is a special display of interest or theme, which rotates during the year. At present, the War of the Roses is featured and soon, the Tulipmania will return.

The second glass dome, the Forest Cloud, is set around a tall structure, similar to a rainforest mountain. It is here you can feel like you are in a ‘different’ garden and you realise that it is predominately vertical. An imposing waterfall drops 35 meters from the top of the dome. I took the elevator to the top and wandered down the suspended walkway taking pictures of the exotic flowers and plants as I descended. Tender orchids showed their brilliance amongst the many varieties of ferns in their natural habitat. People gazed in awe at this magnificent vertical masterpiece as bright hardy anthuriums displayed their enticing colours.

As I descended, the automatic “misting” session created a sublime atmosphere of a tropical rainforest. I could smell the rain as it watered the plants.

On completing the descent of the Cloud Forest, and wandering through an exotic fernery and well-placed waterfall, I paid $2 to board a shuttle bus to enjoy the commentary on the “outside” gardens that are sprawled along the reclaimed land. The super tree grove is a must see, where 18 tall, metal structures are the forms where more vertical gardens are growing. You are able to wander along the 22-meter Skyway to view these ‘clinging’ plants close up. In the evening, these trees are centre-stage for the fascinating light show, another must-see in Singapore.

I have been taken to “heaven”. The reds and greens, the blues, the yellows, and the pink and mauves, make the effort of that elevator-ride all worthwhile. Never have I seen a garden presentation so intricate, tender, captivating and so brilliantly put together to enhance the plants available to display. Yes, this is “eden” re-created.

140321 Hotel Fort Canning

I’m glad Lyn chose this magnificent location to stay these few nights. We look out towards other hotels and ask “why would you stay in a matchbox full of tight rooms spilling out onto the busy pavements of Singapore?” I think whenever we come back to Singapore, we will be back to the relaxed estate lifestyle of Fort Canning Park.

140312 Celebrity Solstice Inspection

I ate my first ever salmon steak today!

The Celebrity Solstice is the newest cruise vessel to cruise Pacific waters this summer – just 5 years since it’s commissioning in Germany. She carries 1,500 crew to care for 2,850 passengers within her 122,000 tonnes. 90% of the stateroom cabins have a balcony from which you can enjoy the sea breeze in the early mornings and a private ‘before dinner drink’ in the evening.

With 8 restaurants to choose from, much of your time is taken up enjoying the tastes of the world. This cruise ship has some very unique hidden away places to dine in very elegant settings, like the “Murano” or the “Silk Harvest”. There are many bars and cafes, around the 15 decks, that can be experienced at most times of the day; there is even a specialised ice-cream servery.

The main entertainment theatre is situated on 2 levels and runs 2 shows of world class performances each evening. There is also a conference room theatre that enables a more intimate night club singer to enthral you into the wee hours of the night.

If you wish to have a company conference or product launch on board, there are 3 small conference rooms which combined, enable a group of 150 to attend. The ship staff care for all the bits and pieces that go into conferences and the attendees have all the facilities of the ship when conference is not in session.

A particular ‘hit’ with many cruise ‘tragics’ is the continuous art show on board. On most of the cruises, there are art auctions of the highest standard. One such painting on board was one by Picasso himself.

There is one half of an acre of lawn on the top deck. It is rare to have to ‘mow the lawn on the ship’ but Celebrity have managed to grow the lawn, and other plants around the ship, in volcanic soil, thus passing the stringent government quarantine departments of both Australia and New Zealand. Bocci can be played and picnics can be had on the lawns.

Celebrity Solstice has a “Blue Aqua Plan” which gives the serious cruiser a little edge on the normal passenger. The state rooms are no larger but have more elaborate fixtures and fittings. There are preferential boarding procedures and day tours are a lot easier to get to when your ship docks at a port.

Children are well catered for with parents often being called to collect their ‘forgotten’ extras. There are children’s games rooms, a teenage disco and ‘soft drink’ bar, and a half-court basketball area for the energetic. The children are ‘tagged’ according to age groupings so they can only enter their own age groups activity on the ship. Some kids even have a GPS provided so they can be identified quickly by security staff.

On a cruise, most passengers avail themselves of the gym and spa area. There are personal trainers on board for you to have assistance in perhaps, loosing that extra food that was ‘so delicious’ last night. The Aqua Spa uses Phyto products to help soothe that tired aching body of yours in delightful surroundings. There is a large outside pool area with 4 individual spas and a covered-in pool that has a retractable roof.

Night-life is well catered for on any ship and this ship is no exception, with many bars and nightclubs to spend the night after the show, waiting for the midnight supper that comes around. “Oh no, not more food.”

Celebrity Solstice? a great ship with super facilities for all kinds of persons willing to enjoy the lazy lifestyle of an experienced ‘cruiser’.

Oh, about that salmon. You probably wonder why I make this declaration. Ever since I can remember, I have disliked the smell of seafood – hence the dislike to even ‘try’ a morsel. Yes, I did enjoy the experience of eating salmon today, thanks to the chef of Celebrity Solstice adding some delicious salt-free sauce. And, I just ‘may’ repeat the experience in the future if the salmon does not repeat itself on me.