Thursday, January 31, 2013

CNY Decoration 2013 @ KLCC

A giant Chinese lantern occupied the main concourse of KLCC this year with lotus flowers surrounding it.

This is no longer a fresh idea as I saw something similar to this at Berjaya Times Square a few years back.

It should get the shopper in festive mood with some cultural show on the stage from time to time.

Monday, January 28, 2013

CNY Decoration 2013 @ Pavilion KL


The main theme for this year CNY in most shopping malls in the Klang Valley centred around Chinese lanterns and Pavilion KL did it in a grand scale this year.

 
 
 
I like the how all the 12 Chinese Zodiacs are lined up at the main entrance.They are really adorable.

 
 
 
Red lanterns are almost everywhere, from the main entrance all the way into the main concourse area.

 
I got a feeling that I seen an almost similar decoration before in Pavilion KL. They also had dozens of red lanterns hanging in such configuration few years back. Only this time around, some were replaced with orange lanterns.

 
Its CNY decoration is rather moderate this year compare to last year where the hanging giant dragon was definitely a crowd puller.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Brussels Beer Cafe @ Setia Walk


Brussels Beef Cafe recently opened up another branch at Setia Walk in Puchong. To be frank, I never dine in this outlet before.

I like its relaxing environment. Perfect place for me to unwind compare to other beer outlets around this area which are noisy and loud. The staffs here are courteous and efficient. I love their service and really looking to come back again.

This is one of a few outlets I know that serves Konig Ludwig Weissbier in draft (RM30, normal hour). It definitely tastes better than the bottle version.

 
Hoergaarden Rose (RM 28, normal hour) is the new beer in town and this is served here.  This beer pours a cloudy, pinkish orange colour with a decent head which fade away in a short while. The taste is rather sweet raspberry, strawberry and apple puree with a faint hint of wheat malt.

Brussels' Style Pork Knuckle (RM 65.80) is a pretty huge meal and easily feed 3 person. The skin is crispy and the meat is tender. Best eaten with the accompanied brown sauce. Definitely one of the must have meal here.

What else I can said. Good beers and food accompanied by friendly staffs, this will be my new hanging out place in the future.

Brussels Beer Cafe
I-01-G, Block 1, Setia Walk,
Persiaran Wawasan,
Pusat Bandar Puchong

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

CNY Decoration 2013 @ Jalan Bukit Bintang

Jalan Bukit Bintang is currently beautifuuly decorated with Chinese traditional lanterns in conjunction with the coming CNY.

This atmosphere kind of remind me of the decoration my hometown set up for the moon cake festival a couple of years back.

 
I reckon it would be more spectacular at night with all the lanterns light up.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

CNY Decoration 2013 @ Sunway Pyramid



After visiting a few places around the Klang Valley, I reckon Sunway Pyramid by far has come out with the best CNY decoration.

Aptly called "Winds of Fortune", a Chinese junk is currently on display at the main concourse which bring back memories of the bygone era.

The ship measures at 12m long and 5.5m high. It reaches 12m if the height of the masts is included.

 
 
The junk is based on Chinese ships from the Ming dynasty era, in the 1870s. It was a period when ships were the main mode of transportation to ship wine, clothing, herbs and spices to places  such as Straits of Malacca.

 
 
Also incorporated into the decoration is the jetty and gangway which provide a link to the ship.

A tender boat can be seen adjacent to the junk. This smaller boat is normally used to row to the jetty from the bigger vessel.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Changi Airport


Internationally recognised by tourists and airlines for service quality and efficiency, Singapore Changi Airport is without a doubt the world's most awarded airport. Since its inception in 1981, the airport now operates three terminals (with a fourth terminal coming in 2017) serving over 100 airlines.

The iconic Changi control tower sees a flight taking off or landing every 100 seconds, making it one of the seven busiest airports in the world.

 
Kinetic Rain at Terminal 1 is a high tech installation art that's undoubtedly the most mesmerising feature within the airport. It is a combination of 1,216 pieces of copper raindrops converging in perfect synchrony, in a graceful dance of geometry.

 
 
Terminal 1 had just completed its makeover in July 2012 where its interior design has been revamped to offer more convenience for passengers. Developed on the thematic concept of a "Tropical City", the upgraded Terminal 1 reflects Singapore's reputation as a garden city .

 
The toilets here are immaculately clean. The best part is that passengers can have a clear view of the aircrafts on the tarnac while easing themselves at the urinals.

 
At the Terminal 1 Departure Hall, there is a small cactus garden with a lounge for passengers to unwind and enjoy a pint of beer.

Terminal 2 is a one stop integrated media and entertainment centre. The entertainment deck offers state of the art gaming rooms, music arenas, MTV halls, a cinema and cafe that will make hours of transit time feel like mere minutes.

 
 
It is quite obvious from its appearance, this terminal has yet to received its makeover compare to the other two terminals.

 
Terminal 3 architecture is rather unique compare to the other two terminals. The roof has been designed to allow natural light to enter the building

 
 

 
It has a structure mainly made of glass with big transparent spaces inside the terminal.

A 5m "Green Wall" greets passengers when exiting the sky train with hanging creepers and waterfall to enhance the tropical feel. This wall helps to regulate internal temperature of the terminal with occasional misting.

While it's true that tourists can claim the tax rebates on purchases made outside the airport, tourists will still be charged a minimal administration fee. Inside the departure hall of the airport, tourists can enjoy the full 7% tax-rebate at the tax free shopping zone where products are already priced without tax.