X'mas Decoration 2013 @ Suria KLCC

Suria KLCC adopts an English Christmas concept as its centre court is decorated with a traditional English home complete with its very own fire place.

 

The centre stage is surrounded by traditional Christmas features such as the Christmas trees, giant teddy bear and toys.

 

 

 

There are also smaller scale decoration at each of its entrances. Notice some of the previous year decoration items are reused at these entrances (which is not really a bad thing as it reduces wastage).

Xmas Decoration 2013 @ The Gardens Mall

The Gardens Mall came out with a rather unique decoration this year. The theme adopted this year is "The Christmas Spirit" and the management is incorporating those message into their decoration.

 

Basically, the management came out with a concept of the interior of a home which is prep for the celebration.

 

 

 

 

It consists of a mini bar, bedroom, living room, fire place and dining room. How I wish to have a place like that to celebrate X'mas.

It is definitely one of the more classy decoration at the Klang valley which without a doubt will bring out the Christmas spirit in us.

X'mas Decoration 2013 @ 1 Utama

It was a pleasant surprise to see what 1 Utama came out for their X'mas decoration this year. The decoration here deviate from the traditional decoration such as X'mas trees, ginger bread, Santa Claus, toys and etc.

 

Instead the main concourse is filled with replicas of hot air balloons. This kind of scene reminds me of the annual Putrajaya Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

 

 

 

With the floor covered with white background, it somehow setting the tone to celebrate Christmas.

It looks like a fresh idea as I do not notice any decoration items been recycled from the previous year.

Singapore X'mas Decoration 2013

X'mas decoration has began to be set up around Singapore as early as mid November and I am fortunate to experience it again for the second consecutive year.

  

Changi Airport also did their part with a giant Trojan horse and Spongebob characters at its Terminal 1 departure hall.

 

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore set up a X'mas tree which mainly made up of small teddy bears.

At VivoCity, a giant X'mas tree was erected near the Sentosa station. I reckon it will be a sight to behold at night.

My first time to Bugis also did not disappoint me with a few big structures been set up around Bugis Junction and its surrounding areas.

The highlight will definitely centred around Orchard Road. This is definitely the place to be to see the best X'mas decoration the country got to offer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I usually made my journey from Plaza Singapore and walk my way down the shopping district. This year, I made it as far as Wisma Atria.

I notice some familiar decoration concept such as the Ferrero Rocher tree and the giant X'mas Tree at Ngee Ann City. Overall, they are beautiful, more so at night with all the lighting on.

This would be a perfect time to do X'mas shopping with the many offers and discount at most outlets which also entitle foreigners to claim the GST back when bringing those purchases home.

Serenity Spanish Bar & Restaurant

Elevating the Spanish cuisine market in Singapore is Serenity, a steady brand name in the scene now. Located at prime shopping malls of VivoCity and Ngee Ann City, one can shop for the finest in the city and satisfy the hunger for the day.

I first come to know this brand name through the TimeOut magazine. Hence, I made my way to the VivoCity outlet. In keeping up with its Latin heritage, Serenity also features a live band with Spanish music.

Dining at the VivoCity outlet offer diner an unique experience of looking over the Sentosa Island while enjoying the Spanish food and its atmosphere.

 

The highlight dish here is definitely the Paella (Spanish rice dishes). My fist taste of a Paella was back in 1999 in Barcelona and I really like it. Ever since, I had not come across a restaurant which is specialize in this dish at this region until I came across Serenity.

The Seafood Paella which can feed 4 person (SGD 116) consists of Boomba, a unique short grain rice that absorbs flavours three times more than normal rice. Its Paella is cooked nicely with a range of ingredients such as fish, prawn, squids and mussels.

Another thing not to be missed is the Sangrias (Spanish wine cocktails). One can opt between the traditional red wine or white wine (SGD 16 each)

Fragrance Hotel Riverside

Fragrance Hotel Riverside is my latest choice of stay in my recent visit to Singapore this year. Its location is ideal as it is within working distance to Clarke Quay MRT station, famous Singapore River, Central Mall and Chinatown. It even has a 7 eleven outlet and a happening bar beside it.

Located at HongKong Street, just off New Bridge Road it is easy to locate if one is familiar with the area. It is recommended to exit at Hong Lim Park exit (A) at the Clarke Quay MRT station to get here. The lobby area is rather small if there was a huge crowd at a time.

The hotel does offer free wifi facilities but they change the password every day. Guest need to get the password on the daily basis if one wish to use the wifi every single day.

Information brochures on the attractions in Singapore are available at the concourse. Complimentary breakfast is provided for room guest at the adjacent bar from 7.30am - 10.30am. The breakfast is basic western size serving which manage to fill up the tummy before heading out to explore the island.

 

The standard room cost me about SGD150 (including all the taxes) per night. The room is pretty small but clean. There were a few mirrors hanging on the wall facing the bed which is kind of new to me.

I am rather satisfy with my stay here. With all the conveniences just a few minutes walk away, I will be sure to come back again in the future.