Flying from Subang to Changi (via Batik Air) in 2026

It has been YEARS since I last flew out of Subang, especially to Changi. I have the usual hesitation everyone has when it comes to flying Batik Air (don't get me started), but I figured cos it's the only jet flight out of the day, it shouldn't be so bad.

On the one hand, I wouldn't have to be up so god damned early to make it to KLIA 3, 4 hours before my usual pick of mid-morning flight out. On the other hand, I still had to wake up at 5 something to be there before the check-in counter closes at 6.30 a.m. cos the flight is at 7.30 a.m.. 

So yeah, woke up 5-ish, put myself together pretty quickly, had a bit of breakfast, and left the house around or close to 6 a.m.. Cos it was still too damn early in the morning, made it to Subang airport in under 20 minutes. I just barely made it to the bag drop off (if they're gonna include 10 kg checked luggage in the ticket price, you bet your ass I'm gonna use it). They gave me another boarding pass despite having checked in online. As someone who saves the card stock boarding passes for the journal, I appreciated that. 

Before going in, I meandered around to see what's open at Subang Skypark at that hour, and it's the usual suspects: Starbucks, Coffee Bean, ZUS, MyNews, and erm, CU. Kinda sad that McDonald's also don't have liao. 

Spent a few minutes trying to understand and install the free eSIM I got from Pelago (2GB for 3 days, which is more than enough for me) before finally going over to the screening. We got stuck behind this group of people who seem to be unaware of the LAG rules or what, and I can see the fler keep pulling full bottles of liquid out of their bags... 

Wasn't waiting long before they commenced boarding. A bit the potong stim when the flight captain announced that it was gonna be a 50 minute flight, but fine by me cos I got the window seat, and I won't be the only pax catching Zzzs. 

All in all, the flight was okay, still alive. Made it to T4. 

The only snag is what to do with the extra time cos it was too early for anything...

Chick-fil-A, Bugis+, Singapore

One of the things I had to check off the list this time was going to the only Chick-fil-A in South East Asia. 

Dragged myself and the luggage (cos I got in early, and it was still too early to try to check in at the hotel just yet) to Bugis+, but have to walk through Bugis Junction (which is just off the Bugis MRT station) first to get to there.

Maybe cos it's been a couple of months since it opened, or cos it was a working Friday, or cos it was only 10-ish in the morning, there was no queue. Maybe the line happens later? 

Walked up to the counter, asked for recommendations for first timers. So I took the recommendation for once and ordered the deluxe chicken sandwich meal (the only difference between regular and deluxe is the additional fresh veg), so that I get to try the waffle fries and lemonade. I was also asked what sauces I wanted and apparently can choose up to three, so I went with the OG Chick-fil-A sauce, the Singapore exclusive Spicy Chilli sauce, and erm, honey mustard.

Sat at a table where I could slide my luggage under the table without obstructing the flow. I guess they were all too free (not that crowded, and they only just opened for the day), the service was ok. The uncle aunties working there also offered to help refill the drink (bottomless), but I guess that's cos the drink fountain wasn't publicly accessible, and don't want randos back there.

How was it? Okay, here's how I felt about it... Remember, this was my first proper meal of the day since 5-ish in the morning.

1. Chicken sandwich - Oklah.
2. Lemonade - Servicable
3. Waffle fries - Not crispy enough for my liking, which is probably just me. But it wasn't even piping hot, or even adequately seasoned leh. Sigh.  
4. Sauces -
1. Original Chick-fil-A sauce: Only ok if you like smoky flavour? Not for me personally. 
2. Spicy chilli sauce: It's basically like the garlic chilli sauce you'd get at a dim sum shop.
3. Honey mustard: TBD; still sealed, brought it home with me, in the fridge right now LOL

Wasn't sure what to do with the sauces besides using it as a dip for the fries, so I had some of it on bites of the chicken sandwich. 

Dunno if I'd go back again... Maybe?

Now You See Me Live - Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands

I can't remember the last time I've been to a magic show (still salty about missing out on David Blaine when he stopped by here years ago), or ever..? But as someone who's enjoyed the Now You See Me franchise (we all know it's a cashgrab opportunity), I'm all for this. But I dunno why they wait until the third movie to create a live show...?

I got a ticket months ago back when there was a UOB cardmembers' promo, but as it was getting closer, more promos showed up, which is great if I was local, but I still had other things to think of, so I didn't risk it. (You could get cheaper tickets on Klook, etc, but you might not be able to pick seats?) The issue was deciding when to go. After a lot of dithering, I went with a Saturday morning show (11.30 a.m.).

Based on Lionsgate’s worldwide blockbuster magic-heist film franchise that has captivated audiences across the globe, the Asia premiere of Now You See Me Live will bring the magic to life in Singapore with an explosive mix of high-tech illusions, solo stunts and jaw-dropping spectacles.

For the first time in Singapore, four world-class illusionists will unite as The Horsemen, transforming the magic of the films into a live stage spectacle with never-before-seen feats of wonder. Collectively, these illusionists have performed thousands of shows in hundreds of cities including sell-out residencies on Broadway and in Las Vegas leaving audiences spellbound and questioning the very limits of possibility.

From the creators behind Broadway’s record-breaking hit The Illusionists, this breathtaking blockbuster experience is an all-new live experience that will defy your senses.

Did not cross my mind that this would be considered family entertainment until I saw a lot of kids running around. I wonder if the kids have seen the movies, or they're just here for the magic show. 

If you've seen the movies, you'd know right away who was which Horseman. 

Walking in, I knew the isotonic drink (not 100Plus) I was carrying was gonna be an issue at the bag check - I either had to finish it (it was 90% full, we all know that it wasn't feasible for me to chug it), or check it at the cloakroom. It's kinda funny checking in a bottled drink, but I get it. I'm sure the cloakroom aunties get that a lot too. Did not get anything from the concession this time, but can't say I wasn't sorely tempted, only cos I know it'd be lunch time by the time it's over, so might as well just wait.

At least this time there was a big screen, and a cameraman getting his steps in every show tracking everyone, so that the rest of us could see the closeup magic on it, etc. They packed a lot in 2 hours (including the 15 minute intermission; I practically flew to the bathroom) - sleight of hand, teleportation, close up magic, quick change, crowd interaction (both kids and adults), even the infamous Chinese Water Torture Cell escape.. One of the funnier moments was when a 9 year old girl took too long to lie about her age so that she could go up on stage to be part of the act (kononnya had to be 10), but I say she was being too honest, cos it took the magician asking her age FIVE times for her to finally take the hint LOL

The crowd interaction was not bad - at one point, they had us tear up cards (which was on everyone's arm rest as they came in), do a lot of shuffling, etc, so we'd end up with pieces that matched up. I still have my pieces.

It was almost 1.30 p.m. by the time the show ended. Ended up getting a shit lunch at So Pho upstairs. 

Random thoughts:

• I wonder if they brought this show to Singapore cos it's year of the Horse...? 
• I hope these guys actually get to stay at MBS while they're here.

Franz Ferdinand - The Human Fear Tour; Fort Gate, Fort Canning Park, Singapore

This was kind of a last minute decision to go. Also probably last gig of the year for me.

This gig was announced months ago, but I only got a ticket to this when tickets were 10% off for Black Friday sale (sigh, any excuse for a Black Friday sale...), and after I had already gotten flights, hotel and the time off for it. Figured since it wasn't gonna be a seated gig, I could get this last LOL 

In all my years, I've never been to Fort Canning Park for anything, or any reason.

Instead of taking a nap, my dumb ass thought it was a good idea to spend the afternoon after checking into the hotel to check out the limited time exhibition of Impressionist art (from Museum of Fine Arts Boston) at the National Gallery, which was not TOO far from the hotel, but wasn't about to hoof it myself. Got the voucher to exchange for the ticket on Pelago (click for referral, only if you want to collect Krisflyer points, and got 20% off as a Scoot passenger). Literally only had time for that, and not much else. 

After an early dinner at one of the eateries at the Gallery, I reluctantly dragged myself over to Fort Canning Park (which wasn't that far, tbh) via Funan mall. It might be less annoying to walk there from the hotel.

Diu lei lou mou stairs after crossing the covered bridge from Funan

NGL, I was huffing and puffing as I climbed those god damn stairs, and the ones after that.

After practically hiking through Fort Canning Park, I finally made it to the Fort Gate part of the park. I was there so early (6.30 p.m.?). doors were also not open yet. But at least I wasn't the only one in line waiting to go in.. 

Of course there were bag checks right before the actual Fort Gate. I only managed to bring in my camera and erm, water because I had other/decoy stuff in my pockets when they asked me to empty them. I wasn't stupid enough like some people trying to bring their whole camera rig in.. (they already sent e-mails telling people what is and is not allowed in)

Not gonna be a peaceful night if you were staying at this hotel.. 
or can have loud raunchy s**?

FWIW, it was not the worst part of the park to be at for a concert... at least it wasn't in some event space in a mall that reminded me of big Giant (RIP). It's a place worthy of a Franz Ferdinand gig.

There were several food trucks on site, as well as a few drinks stalls. Got a Brothers cider (which they have to pour into huge paper cups straight out of the bottle, for reasons, I suppose) from one of the drinks stalls, and got a comped fan and a straw hat. As someone who looks weird in that sort of hat, it was awkward going between wearing and carrying it around, because I had a bandanna on already. (somehow packed the hat in the luggage, mostly cos I figured the old bean might like it)

There was only one merch stand in the whole place. T-shirts were like $60, tote bag was $40. Only got a tour t-shirt, and it was also pretty awkward to lug around the whole night with just a crossbody bag.

Surprised the weather held up, even for December. No insect bites. Clear full moon, all.

There were some seating options around the place - swings, and also a couple of recliners? I settled on one of the recliners, and was pretty much sat there the rest of the night cos I cannot already, and didn't really want to sit on the grass if I can help it. Too many tall people. Also, it was my third time seeing them. 

At this point, the lines for drinks were consistently long, so I was too lazy and tired to get another.

Mostly spent money on the t-shirt, and to staying (somewhat) hydrated (got bottled water for $5). I didn't even use the porta potty, that's how, erm, dehydrated I was?

Note to self: Maybe just take a damn nap before the concert, and not plan anything too vigorous before.

I rested enough during the show so that I could have the energy to walk back to the hotel. I started leaving during the last song. (Other people left after Take Me Out). It really wasn't that far, tbh. If only I wasn't so darned tired. 

Edit this setlist | More Franz Ferdinand setlists

Cirque Alice, Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands

Couple of firsts for me: first Cirque show (would've like to have seen Love, their Beatles take, but oh wells), and first time ever in Sands Theatre for a show until now. UOB had a cardmembers' promo, which was 15% or 20% off if you bought it early enough? Glad to know it doesn't matter where the UOB card is issued, so yay for me. Only decided to go on a Thursday night for the off peak price, with a shit ton of leave to use up, so I did a self-declared 5 day weekend. 

Anyway, already girl dinner-ed elsewhere before making my way to Marina Bay Sands (MBS), so to kill some time, I had dessert at the Starbucks downstairs. 

Starbucks Singapore got nicer food and drink la

Step into magical ‘Wonderland’ as Cirque Alice reimagines Lewis Carroll’s classic adventures with breathtaking twists and astonishing, gravity-defying feats.

Starring the greatest acrobatic performers from around the globe, this magnificent spectacle features stunning performances by mesmerising aerialists, mind-bending contortionists, exquisite puppetry, dancers and special guest musical and comedic artists – set against an enthralling soundtrack of newly arranged contemporary renditions of some of the world’s favourite classical hits.

A joyous acrobatic adventure filled with heart-stopping moments and unforgettable performances, Cirque Alice is a fantastical extravaganza for all ages!

There was security and bag checks going in. At least they let me bring in my own water, so can't complain... But I did indulge in a "glass" (not glass) of prosecco. FWIW, the Sands Theatre concession offerings are pretty fancy and tempting. Perhaps next time. 

The foyer was buzzing with people, a frame for people to take their obligatory "we were here" pics (the line was non-stop, even at the end of the night). The merch selection was kinda sparse: t-shirts, finger lights (which only made sense when you've seen the show), etc. They were busy pushing the physical programmes ($15), because I know how I get with those - you just read it once and put it away, never to be seen again. So I didn't. 

It was pretty packed for a Thursday night show, dunno if it's because of the off-peak prices, or what.

The seating area I was in was oklah, I guess (had to take a stab at where would be best bang for my sad RM buck, as well as asking ChatGPT about it, LOL); can see the stage, can see the aerial stuff from where I was. Cannot see the facial detail, but that's not the point of this show. Also, I forgot my glasses, so that was annoying. 

Yep, had an overpriced plastic thing of prosecco for the show,
cos not driving LOL.
At least they're not just selling BEER.

Show itself probably started maybe 5, 10 minutes after 8 p.m., which I'd say is not bad, but I think the 8 p.m. start time is so cos it's still a school night, or so people can still catch public transport home afters? Idk. But there's no way shows in Malaysia can start at 8; we barely start on time at 8.30 p.m., it's more like 8.45 p.m. (or as I'd like to call it, "Malaysian 8.30 p.m.") soonest. 

Yes, that's Alice floating who knows how high off the stage

As someone who only vaguely remembers the story, it's very loosely based on that, but with a shit ton of stunning acrobatics involved. Everyone was pretty good, from Alice (the singer, who sang a bunch of arias, etc) to the rest of the cast. There's a lot of classical music that any music student would recognise, so that was fun. The violin playing White Rabbit kinda reminds me of Vanessa Mae or Maksim ('member them?) with the trying to make violin sexy again vibe. The Mad Hatter was the magician who did crowd work, who I don't know why did not use a mic and instead opted to project his voice? 

Even with the 15 minute intermission, I had time to stretch my legs a little and use the bathroom before the second half. And no, I didn't get any food or drink during intermission. 

Show ended after Alice finished singing Ave Maria. It was only past 10 as people were leaving the mostly closed mall... 

I thought it was fun and cool. 

By the time you read this, the Singapore run is already over. 

The Art of Banksy: Without Limits

When I first heard about this, I didn't know how long it was gonna run for (when I checked, you can get tickets until early March), so I figured better sooner than later? Had to download and sign up for the Fever app (but not without finding some random referral code to get $7 off - that one's mine, in case anyone was wondering). Mind you, this exhibition is not sanctioned by Banksy. 

I guess like most people, we've all seen the headlines about Banksy, but I'm not enough of an art nerd lah. 

After a carb rich breakfast (pandan egg tart AND a maple bacon donut) washed down with tea, I checked out, left my bag at the hotel, and walked over in the heavy rain to the exhibition. Figured if I try my luck again to see if I could go in a little early.

NGL, the address was a little confusing, and the people working at the Royal Plaza on Scotts hotel knew it, because they knew to redirect people to the exhibition, which is located right next door. 

They should've put this out at the hotel entrance

Found it

I was there a little before my allocated entrance time. They just cincai anyhow let me in. I must've screengrabbed the ticket QR on the app (connectivity issues/don't want to pay any more for roaming), cos they just scanned me in and off I went. 

It wasn't terribly crowded - which could be because it was a working Friday, or the weather, I dunno. But I took my time looking at stuff, taking a shit ton of pictures. I was probably in there for about an hour, give or take. Don't want to spoil it for anyone by posting more pics here, but the one thing I never knew was that he was the one who did the cover art for Blur's Think Tank album. 

The gift shop items were kinda meh. I only got myself some postcards. 

After that, I walked back to the hotel, got my luggage, and went on the rest of the day.. 

Harry Potter: Visions of Magic

It's been years since I last went to a Harry Potter-related thing, and it's been ages since I last ventured out to Sentosa.

But had to go check out this Visions of Magic thing la. So finding out when was the best time (read: cheap/off-peak) to go was one of the first steps. 

I got a ticket on Ticketmaster (also available elsewhere) and didn't want to splurge another few bucks for a collectible lanyard. The snag is I had to pick a time slot and I dunno why I picked 5.30 p.m.. I guess to account for how long it'll take me to get myself sorted out and to get there, etc? Open time ticket would be great, but oh wells.

Then I realised that I have not gotten a ticket for the Sentosa Express, which I didn't know you could also get on Agoda these days in 2025, so okay.. so I did before leaving the hotel, making sure to screengrab the QR code before leaving the hotel in case of connectivity issues. You just scan the QR on the gantry for entry. 

By the time I got to Vivo it was 4.30 p.m., so I decided to go out there and see if I could go in earlier. Turns out, can. Also, it wasn't terribly crowded inside and it was a small group going in. Of course you get to take a picture with the fancy background and all, which you can choose to pay for on your way out at the gift shop. I was definitely not up for that, so I skipped, and waited at the line to enter the thing proper. 

As you walked in, you get a prop wand that lights up when you touch the groove on it... At the start of the thing, you get to watch a briefing video about what the wand does and what you do with it: point it at the swirly lights if you see them as you go around. 

It's like experiencing what it's like to be a wizard in the Potter-verse (and also the Fantastic Beasts movies), with the wand waving and what not. Of course you have to start the journey, you have to start with the Knight Bus...after which you go through 12 Grimmauld Place, the various Ministries of Magic, Hall of Prophecy, Chamber of Secrets, Newt's Menagerie, Knockturn Alley, Room of Requirement, The Trap Door, and The Pensieve. It's like IKEA in that you can't go back, but you can spend as much time as you like. I'm not gonna spoil it for anyone by posting more pics here.

The only nice thing about being there during off peak is being able to take as many (mo liew) pictures as you like. I took A LOT of pictures. 

All in all, it's a pretty cool experience if you're a Potter fan. 

NGL, I'm surprised I was there over an hour, including the time spent in the gift shop, dithering about what to get. Ended up getting a t-shirt (that all the kids working there were also wearing LOL), stickers and washi tape. I know. For some reason I could not Paywave there, so had to use PIN instead. Glad the card I used did not get blocked or declined. 

Before I left Sentosa, I decided to swing by the casino to see if my RWS card still boleh pakai or not. (Of course not, it had been about 8 years since I was last out there). But I had to get into the casino to change the card, so I had to go through the rigmarole of registering my tourist status so I don't have to pay for the entry levy. Show my passport and even the arrival "card" so that they can check my travel status. Went in and found the membership counter where I can change the card. The guy working there was nice enough to help this tired, dungu tourist change card by kiosk. Once I got the new card, I didn't stay long cos I got no money to gamble LOL. And I was getting hungry and would rather go back to Vivo to eat, so I caught the train back to find dinner. Finally got to try out Guzman Y Gomez. Only got a small burrito bowl, but wished I got the regular size instead. Oh wells. But not before stopping for Ben & Jerry's (only store left on the island), bought a scoop using Klook. Mango flavour was new, but also kinda ehh.

Was getting tired, so I bought a pandan tart from Tai Cheong and went back to the hotel - changing lines and also having to schlep back on foot... I should mention that I had been lugging a maple bacon donut (in a takeaway box) from Surrey Hills Grocer in ION the entire time, which I had only taken a couple bites out of. Ended up having both the donut and tart for breakfast the next day, both were delicious despite the lack of refrigeration. 

YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road

Went on a (kind of) spontaneous trip down south to check out a couple of things - Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, and The Art of Banksy: "Without Limits" Exhibition. I thought I could check out the Banksy thing the afternoon of my arrival, and then the Potter thing the morning of before leaving or something. But because I'm cheap, it was cheaper to go check out the Potter thing on a Thursday as it's considered off-peak period, so that's what I ended up doing. Don't worry, I did not exactly pay full price for the Banksy thing either, because I used some random referral code I googled for the Fever app and got $7 off, so I call that beh pai.

I think the only reason(s) I went with YOTEL this time was because..

• the Banksy thing was a short walk from there, like, round the corner, kinda. 
• I had also never stayed on Orchard Rd as a grown ass person. 
• It was about the same price (give or take) as the other hotels I would've gone with

Getting there: Changed lines at City Hall, then up the red line to Orchard station. Navigating the steps in the underpass (as well as figuring out the numerous exits because it's a busy station) to the hotel was something, and was kinda glad my luggage wasn't too heavy to lift up and down stairs.

Checking in: Of course I went the longest possible way to the hotel lobby (on the second floor?). Found out later that there was a lift in the International Building that also takes you up to the lobby without having to scale up the road... Anyway, I knew there were self check-in kiosks, but I think I made a beeline for some human interaction (not that there was a line or anything)..

Room: Cosy is the word I would use. But well thought out. The in-room safe and slippers were under the open air clothes rack.. Took both the plastic laundry bags - one to use, other just cos.

There's also 2 sets of blinds in the bathroom - the privacy blinds and blackout blinds. The blackout blinds worked a treat.

The scent of the in-house bathroom products are not my favourite, but ok la - after awhile you don't smell it on yourself any more.. 

Can lower the bed to convert it from couch to bed

Tiny desk and drinks making area. Also where most of the 
light switches and charge points are

Bottled water was pretty cool, and yes, there's a bottle cap opener too..

Dunno if someone brought home the second umbrella, or..

Both hair dryer and iron were in a drawer under the sink

Other facilities: If there was a 7E or equivalent convenience store, I didn't see it. But there's at least one open til late cafe the next building over downstairs. Also too tired to look, so.. 

Pool was more for laps, but by the time I managed to take a dip in the pool, it was almost 9 p.m. (pool closes at 10 p.m.), and the water was bracing cold. And there wasn't a lot of lights, not even from the in-house eatery. But definitely got view of the award winning Pan Pacific Orchard, from the pool. 

Sleep: Even with the tiny lights from the motion sensor detectors and what not... the blackout blinds still worked and I got some sleep.

If you're travelling alone or as a couple, still ok la. If got elderly family members and what not.. probably try someplace else. 

Thom Yorke - Everything Tour; The Star Theatre , Singapore

When it was announced that Thom Yorke was gonna be doing a solo tour, I figured that this is the closest to a Radiohead gig any of us in this part of the world is ever gonna get to... at the rate Radiohead themselves are always on the brink of breaking up over something or other.

Anyhow, friend got us tickets, so yay. The only good thing about the months-long lead up is being able to get flights and erm, accommodation and to pay it off before the day. I got the PTO and I don't hate midweek travel. But I also forgot that Dua Lipa is also in town for 2 nights of her tour. 

Except the ticket. Which I COD with friend when we meet day of. Which is fine. 

We met up super early for dinner (5 p.m. reservation near Bugis) to go try this Miffy-themed hot pot meal, which I was like ok, sure LOL It was pretty hearty for the price paid (in my case, anyway); might be too much for one tiny eater, but definitely NOT ENOUGH for two. Which kinda explains the weird condition the boss mentioned when we sat to order (which I already forgot), but since we were getting one each, didn't matter la. (They had tom yam, I had the boring chicken herbal soup base)

Anyhow, we walked to Bugis MRT station and sat the long ass ride out to the 'burbs, to Star Vista. Despite having seen what the merch looked like beforehand, but by the time we got to where it was sold, the line was so stupid long we were like, nope. So we got to our seats super early and were just chilling out for at least an hour while also watching everyone else finding their seats. 

Show started around 8.20 something and went on for about 90 minutes, give or take. Most of the place was seated and quiet when he played his later solo stuff, but dude smartly closed the show with a string of very familiar Radiohead hits and that's when everyone got on their feet. 

Can't complain; it's probably a once in a lifetime kinda thing for most of us in these here parts.

Edit this setlist | More Thom Yorke setlists

Frida Kahlo: The Life of an Icon + Goddess: Brave. Bold. Beautiful, ArtScience Museum

It has been years since I last went to ArtScience Museum; the last time I went was definitely in the before times. 

One of the things to do in my last trip down to Singapore back in June was to check these exhibitions out. So I went in the morning before the flight back in the evening. I figured that while I was already there, I might as well also check out the other exhibition happening at the same time - Goddess: Brave. Bold. Beautiful. With the Sands membership, the tickets for each was under S$20. Used the AMEX card for the 5% weekend cashback, haha. 

As it is with these things, there's also the hands on, interactive component. The only souvenir I took home with me were the colouring sheets at one of the stops. Was too lazy to take many photos. 

Once I was done with the Frida exhibition downstairs, I went upstairs (right where the fingers of the ArtScience Museum would be) to check out the Goddess exhibition, which was about trailblazing actresses and their impact on the cultural zeitgeist. It's one of those exhibits where you can't take photos inside, so I didn't. There's a lot of props and costumes inside, and it didn't just feature the Western/Hollywood actresses; it was pretty multicultural as they also had Asian actresses, especially their homegrown favourite Fann Wong (obviously) who was in Shanghai Knights. But she doesn't shine a light to Michelle Yeoh, obviously. 

At most, it probably took me a couple hours? It was okay. The Goddess one is already over when you read this, and the Frida one is ending next month. 

Jerry Seinfeld (Singapore Indoor Stadium)

As a kid growing up in the 1990s, the Seinfeld cold opens (when he's on stage doing standup) and the before the end of the episodes were my first taste of any form of standup comedy. 

So thanks to Ronny Chieng (I guess?), it was announced last December that Jerry Seinfeld would make his only Asian stop in Singapore, before he goes on his Australia and NZ tour. The chance to see him perform in person was hard to pass up. So I got a nosebleed ticket, yada yada yada.. made my way to Singapore Indoor Stadium on a Friday night of a long weekend on both sides of the Causeway. 

Because I was staying downtown, it didn't take me too long to get to the stadium. But I was still sat in my seat for quite some time, sweating it out before the show started properly at around 9.10 p.m. with the opening act Mario Joyner, who did 15 minutes. I enjoyed his set. 

Jerry tagged himself in right afterwards without the fanfare, and did at least an hour long set about almost everything: AI, streaming services, the smartphone obssession, even the Titan submersible... he closed the set with what he's learnt about marriage.. if you don't mind the whinging, it's kinda on brand for him. 

It was also nice to see that I wasn't the only sweaty one in there; he was also visibly sweaty on stage.  

Once the show ended, I shed my dignity and ran as fast I could to the train station (for no real reason, other than because it was almost 11 p.m. by then?)...

My only complaint was the late start time. But all in all, not bad. 

Hotel Mi Rochor

Now that I know that the same company owns a lot of the usual suspect hotel brands in Singapore, yeah, it totally makes sense.

Only went with this one because of the location (close enough to stadium) and because there was a 25% off opening promo which was a touch cheaper than other places on the usual OTA sites (because of the "six nights of Coldplay" factor)? 

Getting there: I thought I was gonna be in it for a long ass MRT ride, until I figured out that I just needed to ride the train to Bugis and change over to the DT line that way. It's not that far off one of the Rochor MRT station exits, but not exactly steps off like on Bencoolen St. I could still make my way around. 

ICYMI

Checking in: Because there were other people, it still took them a bit to notice me standing there, mostly curious to find out if I could check in a little earlier (I got there before 2 p.m.,; had a stupid early lunch at the airport before leaving because didn't want to be hangry). They only asked for passport and because it was direct booking, had to pay for it on the spot. 

Room: Can't complain, it's not too bad. Urban Skincare Co. shower gel and shampoo in huge bottles bolted to the walls, but everything else was up for grabs. Didn't grab the slippers this time. 

Yeah, the sink is seperate from the bathroom/toilet.
There is also a seperate tap for people to fill their water bottles/kettle

Pretty familiar if you've been to the other one

Bed was okay, might be a little too high off the ground for some people

To say this was cosy is an understatement

No idea all this was under the sink until I asked the cleaning crew in the hallway

View from the garden

In room safe was in a drawer - not large enough for a laptop,
I would think, but I did use it to stash the passport

Other facilities: Pool on the 5th floor was okay, if not for the guy who couldn't wait to clean it in the middle of the day. The jets were a nice touch. 

There was a couple of 7-Elevens nearby: one right downstairs, and other across the tiny road where the Ibis is. They're both tiny though, so wouldn't put hopes up. 

Sleep: Slept in blocks, basically. In spite of how tired I was at the end of the night, the light from the mirror glowed on and my dumb ass forgot to pack an sleep mask. Bed was comfy, if nothing else. 

Not sure if I would come back, it was just okay. 

89 Short Street, Singapore 188216 Singapore

Luke's Lobster, Jewel Changi

A bit the cerita lama (this was when I was in Singapore last August), but what the heck. 

After watching Thor: Love and Thunder at the Shaw Theatre in the vicinity, I realised that I hadn't had a solid bite to eat the entire morning, so after walking past Luke's Lobster a few times already, I was like, fuck it. 

And then I saw how much a lobster roll and lemonade was, which was A LOT. As in $40 a lot. I didn't even spring for a side or whatever. Probably one of the most expensive meals I've had in Singapore... Shake Shack pun kalah, I think. 

Until today I'm not sure if it's really, objectively sedap, or sedap cos it was my first solid meal of the day. At the time I thought it was not bad la, but dunno about doing it again. 

They also have a portable washing thing which functions as a handwashing sink cos they didn't have the plumbing for it? I dunno, but okay. Bit hard to eat lobster roll and not have a place to wash hands lah.

If nothing else, I can scan the receipt in the Capitastar app and collect the points to use back in Malaysia at some point, so yay? 

Hotel Mi, Bencoolen St (2022 edition)

I would've tried a different hotel but I needed the public transport access that this area has and it's a stone's throw from a MRT station exit. Don't want to rehash too much, so here's the previous stay review.

Getting there: Exit B, Bencoolen station. No one will be mad/judgy if you decided to take the lift because it's at 4 escalators up and down. The staff would encourage you to use the lift so that you and your luggage don't damage the escalator. 

Checking in: Got there around 1 something, and they let me check in earlier. Only had to give them my passport and not have to show the Expedia reservation (didn't want to have to pull out the phone to show them). 

Room: Another 3rd floor room, not far from the lifts. It also wasn't a street facing room (more of the next building), but the room layout is the same as the V Hotel equivalent, which brought on major déjà vu. Even the bathroom was a similar configuration; the same brand, white tea scented amenities didn't help LOL. I did ask myself if I wasn't in V Hotel or something. It was already kinda tight for one person to move around in, let alone two. 

To be fair, I wasn't in the room long enough to be mad about the size: was only in there long enough to shower, eat a quick dinner (and supper from the leftovers) and sleep. Noise level was not too bad (like I'm sure people next door can hear me use the bathroom, the TV...), mostly happened during the day. 

Sleep: Okay, but only because I took a sleep aid AND 1st gen antihistamine. But still woke up around 4 or 5 a.m. and could not go back to sleep until way later. 

By the time I actually woke up (which would be around my usual wake up time for work), I didn't give myself a lot of time to shower, get dressed, pack and down one of the 3-in-1 hot drinks (no solid food) before checking out pretty early (around 9 something) so I could go catch the first screening of Thor: Love and Thunder in Jewel.