Travel: Singapore Day 1: Pre-Flight; Katong

Where to go when you want to go overseas but very tight on funds? Well, for me, I have a few options... but my favourite would be either New Zealand or Singapore. I opted for the latter.
For a lot of people and even Singaporeans, the living expenses in this small country has become so much more expensive in the past decade. But nevertheless, if you know where to eat (hawkers), utilize discount privileges as tourists to visit various attractions on offer, and can forego on 5 star hotels in favor of short term holiday stays, you can still enjoy Singapore to the max without feeling like a total pauper.

On this occasion, I could redeem my points and mileages for a reward flight - a business class to boot! Arriving in Sydney airport in the early hour to catch our morning flight, we checked in and were directed to Air New Zealand's business lounge (the Singapore Kris lounge is under maintenance/renovation at Sydney airport).

Compared to Qantas lounge I experienced a few weeks ago, this lounge feels a bit outdated. Still very properly fitted for business use though - with free wi-fi, conference rooms, and adequate seating. The food for the morning were some yoghurt, bread, some fruits, and of course the usual very good selection of wine and spirits.

kids room

When boarding time came, we eagerly went to the gate. This would be our first time experiencing business class of Singapore Airlines.

In this SQ's Boeing 777 , the leather seats have better feel and support than the China Southern's (although China Southern business cabins that I experienced were definitely newer).

Food were very good and I have to say they are better than China Southern's. Breakfast was served around 1 hour into the flight, that comprised of some fruit salad, and different options for the main course. We opted for congee and egg frittata. The frittata was especially fragrant and tasted amazing. There were also yoghurt and cereals on offer, which we declined (full to the max).

For lunch on board, they served prawn salad as entree, and a few options for the main course. The sirloin steak (their current special dish created by Matt Moran - the owner of Aria Restaurant in Sydney) was beautifully done and tender. The snapper with noodles was also good, but our favourite would be the steak.

snapper with noodles

Rich chocolate mud cake for dessert

That's about it for the flight. Touching down in Changi International Airport, we obtained a data SIM card from Singtel, that could easily be purchased from even the foreign exchange counters on site. As for accommodation, to scrunch more on holiday expenses, we also have the luck to stay at one of our friend's place for a small price (while she is away on holiday) - a small unit located in Katong. It is a bit away from the hustle and bustle touristy spots in Orchard Rd, Clarke Quay, or Chinatown.

Turns out it is a very good area with lots of good eateries just within walking reach. We are also really close to I12 Katong Mall that conveniently also has Food Republic and a number of restaurants.

We tried a Hainan Chicken Rice from Wee Nam Kee stall in Food Republic there, just for the sake of wanting to compare it to TianTian Chicken Rice we would be having later on. Rice was nicely cooked and had fragrant chicken flavor. The hainanese poached chicken was also very well done.

Chicken Rice Set $4.50

Then we went to Tian Tian Chicken Rice, located at 443 Joo Chiat Road - a relatively famous and is considered one of if not the best chicken rices in Singapore for a lot of people. I don't get what the hype is. It was nice, but I fail to see how this would be superior from the one at Wee Nam Kee. I think they both are OK in their own way. Different flavors, both nice, both nothing to shout about.

Half Chicken - $14

If I was lukewarm about chicken rice, it was not the case with bak kut teh. I am quite obsessed with this dish, and I am very glad to have found a good hearty herby peppery (does that even make sense?) bak kut teh at Sin Heng Claypot Bak Kut Teh (439 Joo Chiat Road). This and TianTian are located only 2 doors apart, so it made sense for us to try them both straight one after another (in danger of bursting stomach....).

Claypot Bak Kut Teh - Medium $12