Singapore: Maze-running around the “Little Red Dot”

Singapore may be among the smallest countries in the world yet its enormous progressiveness is truly a wonder. Once a simple fishing village, Singapore is now a bustling cosmopolitan city with high-rise buildings, landscape gardens, and man-made beaches. I got a chance to visit this island country just before the long Christmas holiday.

While it would be good to comprehensively explore the city in three days, I only had less than 24 hours to see the best Singapore has to offer.

I walked around Marina Bay to admire towering skyscrapers and see up close the iconic Merlion, a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish.

I proceeded to Sands Skypark Observation Deck to get a sweeping 360 degrees view of the Singapore skyline and the famous landmarks nearby such as the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Flyer, and Esplanade Theatres on the Bay.

I visited the Chinatown, and was surprised to find Sri Mariamman, a Hindu Temple. The entrance of the temple is intricately carved and the details are so amazing. Of course, there is also a Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, housing thousands of life-size and miniature Buddhas.

I get to try inexpensive Singaporean food at a hawker centre in Bugis.

I feasted on the sight of Doraemon at 100 Doraemon Secret Gadgets Expo pop-up store, Astro Boy at Mint Museum, and a sleek convertible just parked outside the National Museum.

From Vivo City, I took a train to Sentosa, an integrated resort for families offering key attractions including theme parks, hotels, casino, and beaches. I wish I had another day so I could enter the famed Universal Studios.

Marina Bay looks gorgeous at night. But no matter how alluring you are, goodbye for now.

I’m going home to Orchard Road, este Manila.

Alchemy Bistro Bar

Alchemy is the ancient practice of trying to turn ordinary metals into gold. I guess the Alchemy Bistro Bar wanted to practice this medieval science (changing something ordinary into something special) on their food and drinks, and the Makati night scene.

Alchemy smoothies

Smoked salmon salad

Tagliatelle

Steak tartare

Berry mousse

I love this day, just as I love the ambiance of this place. It reminds me so much of Quasimodo, Barney and Alchemy’s First Law of Equivalent Exchange - Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost.

Alchemy Bistro Bar

#4893 Durban St. cor. Polaris St.

Brgy. Poblacion, Makati City

Tel. No.: 500-7398

Hidden Valley Springs: Found at Last

The world is filled with hidden feelings.

It’s rewarding to find something hidden, especially if that something is beautiful and somewhat untouched. Somewhere in Calauan, Laguna tucked between the mystical mountains of Makiling and Banahaw, is the Hidden Valley Springs, a secluded, sprawling mountain spring resort which seems like an enchanted forest blessed with exquisite natural springs.

Reception area

 

The 300+ year old fallen amlang tree made into a walkway

A haven for nature lovers, Hidden Valley boasts of three distinct natural pools – Warm Pool, Soda Pool and Lovers Pool. The Warm Pool is heated by volcanic rocks since it is believed that the area used to be the crater of an extinct volcano. The Soda Pool has water characteristics similar to the Vicki and Fuji Waters of Japan. But it doesn’t taste like any regular soda. The more remote Lovers’ Pool is ideal for couples who want more privacy from prying eyes. But it’s not off limits to singles.

Warm pool

Soda pool for children

 

Soda pool

Lovers' pool

Mini Lovers' pool

The resort has wonderful casitas and cottages in a garden setting surrounded by tall coconut trees, for those who want to stay overnight.

For day trippers, a sumptuous Filipino buffet lunch and afternoon merienda await.

Fresh garden salad

Beef tapa and liempo

Chicken pastel and relyenong bangus

Biko

The journey to Hidden Valley ends right at the heart of a jungle, where one would pass by different fauna and flora, until one reaches the majestic Hidden Falls.

Hidden Falls

Just an hour and a half away from Metro Manila, the resort is a perfect place for people who take comfort in the sight of abundant greens and lush surroundings, who enjoy listening to the cacophony of nature, and who love to take a dip in refreshing cool or therapeutic warm natural waters coming straight from the mountains. 

And I like to believe there’s always a good reason why someone chooses to hide what they truly feel. Why even envy exists right at the very embryo.

Hidden Valley Springs

Brgy. Perez, Calauan, Laguna

Tel. No.: (049) 818-4034