Bino

Not-So-Obvious Tips for First Time Visitors to Singapore – By a Local Resident

March 21, 2022 by Bino Leave a Comment

Singapore is smartly positioned as one of the most convenient places to visit in the world. With this kind of reputation, many travelers might be quick to dismiss by making little preparation or advance research before visiting the country.

As a resident here, I have noted of the nuances which I think might benefit first-time visitors if they knew these points beforehand.

So without further ado, here are things to consider when coming to Singapore, from hotels to the type of clothes to bring. I tried my best to highlight those things which are not so obvious to travelers, especially first-timers.

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Review: Chatterbox at Hilton Singapore Orchard – I Tried Everything on the Menu Including the Chicken Rice

March 13, 2022 by Bino Leave a Comment

Chatterbox reopens on the 14th of March 2022 at the spanking new Hilton Singapore Orchard. Along with the reopening comes a brand new look for this 50+ year old dining institution in Singapore famed for its Mandarin Chicken Rice.

The new look of Chatterbox is a far cry from the rather dated interiors that it sported prior to the refurbishment. Truth be told, it now looks more like a private lounge – the kind that would make for a nice spot for a tete-a-tete or for some casual meetings.

chatterbox bar area

There are also plenty of seating options at the new Chatterbox – from the bar area where diners can sample the inhouse Chatterbox Punch (S$17) before moving on to the meal proper to group dining spaces. In total, Chatterbox has 126 seats.

chatterbox dining space

My favorite area has got to be by the far end of the restaurant where a glass-enclosed balcony overlooks a manicured garden. Other than possessing plenty of natural light in the day time, it makes for a tranquil spot while enjoying some local fare.

chatterbox dining hall

I managed to drop by Chatterbox just one day before they officially opened to the public and managed to try everything on their menu. They now have just 8 items on the menu unlike in the past when they also offered salads and even sandwiches. The focus this time is on local fare.

Here is a rundown of their menu:

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Free Apple AirPods Gen 3 or S$250 Cash for NEW HSBC Credit Card Applications (March 2022)

March 9, 2022 by Bino Leave a Comment

There is currently a very enticing promotion with Singsaver this month where you can receive a brand new Apple AirPods Gen 3 (worth S$269) or S$250 cash via Paynow. This is stackable with HSBC’s current S$30 cashback given away for those who apply via MyInfo on SingPass. New HSBC credit cardholders (those who have not held an HSBC card in the past 12 months) who apply for a credit card and get approved can choose to receive one of the abovementioned gifts. Existing HSBC cardholders will get S$30. This promotion is valid if you sign up until 31st March 2022 11:59pm.

Annual fee is waived for the first year for all the cards listed below. HSBC usually waives the annual fee for succeeding years as long as you actively use the card but if not, you can always cancel to avoid paying the annual fee. You can even cancel the credit card after receiving the robot vacuum cleaner or cash reward if you wish.

hsbc airpods gen 3 promotion

Note that this offer is valid only if you apply via the below exclusive links (direct application with HSBC doesn’t count for the promotion). Why is that so? Singsaver actually acts as an aggregator and affiliate partner for HSBC cards and from time to time, Singsaver and HSBC may jointly fund the gift in order to split the marketing expense between them.

After clicking submit on your credit card application, make sure to take note of your Application Reference Number. You will have to fill out a redemption form (automatically sent to your email once you make a card application) in order to be registered.

Once your card is approved, remember to spend at least S$500 (can be in multiple transactions) within 30 days of receiving your card in order to receive the gift or cash reward. You will get an email within 60 to 90 days with instructions on how to claim your gift.

Here are the HSBC cards that qualify for the promotion:

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Boracay, Palawan or Cebu – Which Is the Best Island to Visit in the Philippines?

February 20, 2022 by Bino 12 Comments

The three islands of Palawan, Boracay and Cebu have been making the rounds in various travel publications as some of the best islands in the world to visit. Indeed, these three islands offer incomparable experiences ranging from turquoise waters, limestone rock formations as well as a thriving cultural scene. If you are visiting the Philippines and thinking where to spend the bulk of your time or if you have time to visit only 1 or 2 of these islands and are trying to decide which island to sacrifice, hopefully this article will help you make that choice.

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The Perfect Lahore Itinerary With Best Things to Do

February 17, 2022 by Bino 2 Comments

I was first introduced to the idea of visiting Pakistan five years ago while I was in Delhi in India. During a requisite visit to the Red Fort, I passed through a majestic entryway called Lahore Gate – named as such as because it led to the city of Lahore which is located in present-day Pakistan. A few nights of research later, I learned more about Lahore and what I found intrigued me. As a cultural center, the city stands out like one of the great capitals – Delhi, Beijing and Moscow – with gigantic monuments, wondrous heritage and a name that conjure the silk road and the age of exploration. I also read about Pakistan’s mindblowing Himalayan far-north – supposedly the inspiration for the mythical Shangri-la in James Hilton’s novel, “Lost Horizon.”

That being said, I never really took the idea of visiting Pakistan seriously due to the things I had seen in the news. It was only after an opportunity came about to visit Amritsar in India (where Pakistan is just across the border) that I seriously considered going. Even then, I almost came to the point of canceling my trip as the country faced its deadliest month in years with multiple suicide bombings in various cities the week prior to my visit, including two in Lahore where I was supposed to spend most of my time.

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First Look: Path Restaurant – Modern Asian Cuisine in MBFC Tower 3

February 16, 2022 by Bino Leave a Comment

Taking over the previous space occupied by Ola in MBFC Tower 3, Path Restaurant is a new concept from 1855 F&B (behind other venues like The Spot and Wakanui) helmed by Chef Marvas Ng. It is his inaugural restaurant, having had various stints in critically acclaimed French fine dining places in China and Hong Kong, and most recently in Resorts World Sentosa.

The name Path is perhaps a relevant one for any restaurateur. The cuisine of any restaurant, after all, reflects where one is at a particular stage in life or the “path” that one has chosen to take. In Path Restaurant, Chef Marvas strikes a balance between his background in French dining and an inclination in East Asian ingredients, sauces and condiments. It may not automatically register to first-timers due to the European-style presentation but the cuisine here is decidedly modern Asian, with a familiarity that only comes when the food actually enters the mouth.

The space is decidedly relaxed. The wall features consist of wavy patterns and a predominant shade of beige down to the color of the napkins. Path Restaurant has separate menus for lunch featuring sets while the dinner menu has mostly ala carte dishes.

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Hotel Staycation Review: The Vagabond Club Singapore, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

February 8, 2022 by Bino Leave a Comment

the vagabond club, a tribute portfolio hotel lobby

Despite being an unassuming small boutique hotel from the outside, The Vagabond Club, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is the type of property that you cannot help but pay attention to. While Singapore has no shortage of lodging options in this category, this property located at Syed Alwi Road is just… different. Perhaps it’s due to the gold elephant gracing the hotel lobby. Or the bar flanked by a brass monkey and banyan tree. Whatever it is, the images here create the impression of being in a far more glamorous time. Like a cross between Great Gatsby and a museum. When I first heard about this property, I told myself that I just had to check it out one day.

The hotel also a bar called Whiskey Library which is fully owned by the hotel. It’s notable for having a statue of a brass monkey as well as an atmospheric art installation of a banyan tree. The bar has over 1,000 different kinds of whiskey within its vaults and the hotel offers membership to whiskey lovers with preferential pricing for whiskey bottles, usage of the vaults for keeping the bottles as well as free nights in the hotel.

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