Hotel Review: Hilton Petaling Jaya Executive Room

I love to travel but I adore staycations too. I particularly enjoy getting Club/Executive Rooms because of the privileges that come with it--priority check-in/check-out, all-day free beverages, free laundry/pressing, buffet breakfast, 2-hour free-flow cocktails at evenings, late check-in/check-out and many more!

Welcome to PJ Hilton!

For our anniversary, we recently stayed at Hilton Petaling Jaya in Malaysia where we got an Executive King Room. We had a Tex-Mex lunch first at Frontera Sol of Mexico before we checked in at the hotel front desk. I was actually expecting a staff to bring us up to the executive lounge for check-in like they do in other hotels for executive guests but I guess it's different in Hilton PJ.

They gave us a room at the 20th floor, view is nothing to rave about but it was still fine. Room size was bigger than our Club Room at Oasia Hotel. We had a King bed and I immediately called room service to request for additional feather pillows (sorry i'm not sorry!). There was a separate shower and bath, with amenities are from Peter Thomas Roth. We also had a big flat screen TV where we binge-watched The Walking Dead via HDMI. Anyway, I found it sort of weird that they offer Lipton tea bags in the rooms and even in the lounge. I love tea and I drink Lipton on a daily basis but I just assumed that since this is Hilton, they would have other brand preference for teas? Like how Dusit has TWG, Shangri-La with Dilmah, etc.

At 6pm, we went up the Hilton Executive Lounge at the 21st floor for some cocktails and canapes. Have to admit, this has always been my favorite club room perk. We had a sit by the window with a great view of the city and the sunset. The cocktail options were not much but the food spread was sufficient and filling enough to be considered as dinner. There were hot options, some sushi, cheese, sandwiches, and fruits. If you're not into alcohol, there are fruit juices, soft drinks, and sparkling water--all free flow. The staff were great as they know when to offer you another round of drinks.

Food options at the 6-8pm cocktails at the Executive Lounge

Cold beer while watching the sunset

We chose to have breakfast the next day at the lounge even though we also have an option to dine at Paya Serai downstairs where it will probably be crowded. The downside though was there were less food options at the lounge but they were good nonetheless with a mix of local and Western dishes. Would have been better though if there was pork bacon but since we stayed in Malaysia, I had to do with beef strips. Meh. Service was amazing yet again and we even met a Pinay staff named Beverly who assisted us with all our needs. There's also this cool guy named Youri that BB thought was the manager...turned out he was still a trainee!

Breakfast Spread at the Executive Lounge

Hot options during breakfast included congree, nasi lemak, and some Western options

We took a swim at the pool after breakfast then watched a couple more The Walking Dead episodes before we checked out--this time we went up the executive lounge to check out so it will be faster. It was a great staycation and we'd love to return again soon!

Seoul Much Fun: Travel Tips

Late update once again, but yeah, I went to Seoul. For 48 hours.

Flew via Scoot because I got tickets on sale. The first leg was fine, we departed on time and I got the ScootinSilence seat which was near the front of the aircraft and comes with extra leg room. The flight back was really sucky though! A red-eye flight that got delayed for 4 freaking hours. Landed back in Singapore at noon when the original ETA was 8am. Geez. Wish I could say I won't ever fly Scoot again but they will be rolling out their Dreamliner fleet soon so...ugh.

ScootinSilence Seats

Anyway, SEOUL IS AWESOME. And you have to visit it too. Here are some Seoul Travel tips if you intend to visit soon.

1. Get Wifi Access in Seoul

Pretty much all of the touristy spots (Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, etc) have free wifi so it won't be much of a problem. But you can also register for 24 hours unlimited wifi access via Olleh Wifi for 3,000 won. You can buy an Olleh Wifi ID online here and or just visit convenience stores and get one. I chose to buy online though! Connection is a bit spotty at times but it was very helpful when I was on transit or just walking around places with no free wifi access.

2. How to commute in Seoul

I only took trains when I was in Seoul and I had this very handy OFFLINE subway map called Jihachul which really helped me a lot in determining which station I should alight or go next. Download the app for free on your iOS device here and your Android device here.

3. How to Commute to Nami Island

On the subject of trains.

I'm not that really into tour groups and I my schedule was quite tight so I had to find my way around commuting to Nami Island instead of joining the daily bus shuttle that departs at 9am. I started my trip really early because I had to catch the 8:16am ITX train bound to Gapyeong station. My hotel was located near Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Center so I took the metro to Cheongnyangni, bought my ITX ticket (there's an option to buy tickets online too) at the station, and jumped on a train headed to Gapyeong. The ride was quite fast, probably around 40 minutes. So if you don't want to wait around for people from tour groups or take more than an hour of cheap metro train ride to Gapyeong station, I suggest you take the ITX train instead.

Here's the ITX ticket from Cheongnyangni to Gapyeong.
Don't lose this because the conductor will check this on-board!

From Gapyeong station, I took a taxi to Nami Island for about 3,000 won. The ride was short, took less than 10 minutes for me to reach Nami. Upon arrival, I got my tickets for 8,000 won because of tourist discount and waited for the ferry that will take us to the Island. Met a group of Pinoy travellers while waiting and they were all surprised when I told them that I was travelling alone. Not sure if they feel amazed that I'm visiting this beatiful city by myself or if they feel bad for me because they probably think I'm forever alone. Hngggggggnnggghhhh.

Arrived at Nami Island and I chanced upon the locker rental facilities near the entrance. I paid 1,000KRW so I can leave some of my stuff behind. Score!

Locker Facilities at Nami Island

The Ultimate Nami Selfie 

4. How to get Free Hanbok Experience in Seoul

I think the most popular place for a FREE Hanbok experience would be at the Seoul Global Culture and Tourism Centre at 5th floor of M Plaza, Myeongdong. Too bad though the slots were already full when I went there after a very very late brunch at Myeongdong Kyoja. And so on my second day, I made it a point to stake out at Deoksogung Palace so I can try a Hanbok for free! The Hanbok Experience at Deoksogung is only available during the Changing of the Royal Guards Ceremony on Tuesdays to Sundays at 11am, 2pm, or 3:30pm.

Finally, free Hanbok experience in Seoul!

Great experience overall! Would love to come back again and stay longer next time!

On Turning 28

First post for 2014, yey.

So I turned 28 (#auntie) and here's the year 2 of my travel video project:



Excited for my 2015 video since I just got my Korea and Schengen visa approved. Seoul! Amsterdam! Santorini! Paris!

Looking forward to a great year!

Tokyo Ramen War: Ippudo vs Ichiran

When in Tokyo (or anywhere in Japan), eat ramen. And be sure to visit Ippudo and Ichiran if you have this thing for yummy Tonkotsu ramen.

Ippudo
106-0032 Tokyo, Minato-ku, Roppongi 4-9-11 second Odagiri Building 1F
Opening hours: 11:00am to 4:00 next day, Friday / 11:00 to 5:00, Sundays / 11:00 to 1:00 next

This was the first Ramen I've tried in Tokyo and it was sooooo good that we ate there twice. There are several Ippudo branches in Japan but we went to the Roponggi Hills branch. Twice. Ippudo's prices range from JPY 800 - 1,100 each ramen bowl while sides are about JPY 150-300. If you're a bit on the budget, check out their lunch specials for JPY 800 which includes rice, ramen, and 6pcs of gyoza.

I got the Special Shiromaru Ramen (JPY 1,050) while BB ordered the Special Akamaru Ramen (JPY 1,100). Mine was better fo sho!

Ippudo Japan Menu for your translation please

 Various condiments and sauces are available, unlike in Ippudo Singapore

Ginger, Bean Sprouts, and other stuff to eat before your ramen arrives...also available for free

Free flow tea for free. Rhyming sucks.

Special Shiromaru Ramen - Tonkotsu ramen topped with special chasu, bean sprouts, scallions, egg, kikurage (tree mushrooms), and wanton.

Countdown

So I've been talking about Myanmar in my previous posts but it turns out, I won't be going anyway for various reasons.

Ditched my Burma flight tickets and bought a roundtrip ticket to Manila because it seems more...right. Everything's great here in Singapore but my heart will always be in the Philippines. It's been 2 years since I last stayed in Manila for more than 3 days so I'm not really sure how my upcoming homecoming schedule would be. Less hectic perhaps, but definitely a lot of drunken nights.

True and everlasting didn't last long

We're the lonesome, we're the lonesome, yeah

I'm Going to Korea!

...alone, for about 48 hours. Ha!

I struck a good deal on flights so I booked it because what the heck Winter Sonata. I also changed my original 4d4n itinerary to 2d2n because I don't think I could go straight from a long flight to my office without feeling like crap. And I also might get bored if I stay for too long which is exactly what happened to me in Barcelona.

Jennnyyyyy

My trip's on February so I assume it would be a butt-clenching weather but not as much snow as February in Hokkaido. Need to do some research on places to go and eat around Seoul so I could get the most of my short yet sweet trip. Would love suggestions from anyone so please hit the comments if you have one!

감사합니다!!!

Viva La 26, Hello 27

Here's my 3-minute video project shot across 13 countries I visited in 2012.

Locations: Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hongkong, Macau, Cambodia, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, and Spain.


Viva La 26 from Danissa on Vimeo.

Also, I turned 27 today. :D

Fifth Bangkok Trip, Third for 2012

Off to my favorite city (by far) on 28th July...this time with my best friend Kin!

Unlike my previous trips, I won't be staying at Khao San for my first night. Spotted Linkcorner Hostel at Agoda and it seemed nice based on the reviews so I'll give it a try. Heard it's just near Pratunam market and the airport link station so it shouldn't be so bad.

Oh, I'll be staying at Lebua at State Tower again! Haven't blogged yet about the place but it's awesome as hellz. The Sirocco (where scenes from Hangover 2 were filmed) is a must-visit! Beer's expensive though at around 400BHT.

I HAVE A LOT OF BACK LOGS. I HAVE A LOT OF BACKLOGS. Will make up for it soon!

Some Updates and off to Bangkok for the 4th Time

I haven't updated this site like I said I would because I've been away most weekends during the 1st quarter of the year. Which means I've got a lot of back logs on my recent trips to Bali, Bangkok, Penang, Hong Kong, Macau, and Jakarta. <3

I'm flying off to Bangkok tonight and I'm so excited because I'll be staying in Lebua At State Tower where some awesome scenes from "Hangover 2" was filmed (see screenshot below).

Sirocco Skybar, Bangkok

 It's going to be a great staycation and my flight's just a few hours away! ZOMGBBQ

2012 Resolutions

I haven't been posting as much as I used to because I'm lulz like that.

ANYWAY, 2012 YEY!!!

I know New Year Resolutions are crappy but I still intend to make the most out of this year so I resolve to do the following:

1. Blog more often.

This requires a new camera and I'm buying one this weekend, woot.

2009 Philippine Blog Awards

2. Don't be late for work.

I love my new job, VML Qais is the _best_ place to work so I'll wake up earlier than usual to eliminate the constant need of running for the bus. Also, SMRT, I love you from the bottom of my EZLink card. But please work on your 1st World Magic and not be delayed often, yeah? Mwah mwah.

3. Be healthy.

In Gelo's words, "Putok ka talaga ngayon eh" I don't intend to lose weight the fast way but I'll take it slow so I could still enjoy food (like I always do). I need Che and Maui's help for this!

Will it, it will be yours!

4. Save for the future.

I'm 26 this year and it's serious business. I'm greatly grateful to the Lord for the blessings I have received last year and I'm claiming all His graces this 2012!

5. Travel outside Singapore and Philippines

For 2011, I've been in eight (8!!!) flights between Singapore and Manila. The only other place I've been to was in Batam, Indonesia and it wasn't even _that_ fun. Thankfully, I won a contest in www.cheaptickets.sg and I'll be flying to different Asian destinations between January - March this year! Yey! Also, I have planned an epic Europe Trip with my bestfriend Charisma on October. <3 More travels before my passport expires!

Thank you Cheaptickets.sg!

What are your resolutions for 2012? :)

How to Change the Passport Details of your Tiger Airways Itinerary

I think 90% of Tiger Airways' customers are saying that this Australian airline is the worst ever. I've read A LOT of rants about how Tiger mercilessly rerouted/cancelled/delayed flights without prior notice AND refund. Recently, this huge PR mess happened and I'm pretty sure they need to hire a great corporate communications department if they could manage to get out of the situation alive. And the Tiger Airways Facebook Page? Wall Post disabled. Boom. Social Media Disaster 101.

I thought I would also join the Tiger Haters fun club because of their online flight booking procedures. It is important to note that you cannot book a flight if 1) you don't key in your passport number and expiry date and 2)if your passport is expiring in six (6) months.

Q: Excuse me Tiger Airways, what if you have this ridiculously awesome promo fare that I want to book but my passport is expiring in 6 months? Can I put mock passport details and have it changed after I get my new passport, hopefully for free?


A: Fuck off.

Seriously. If you search the interwebz for answers, you will just end up very confused. Other people even said that a certain fee would be charged for passport amendments (!!!!). Some said it's free of charge but you need to wait laboriously to get through the hotline. In Manila, the phone agent even told my friend that changing of passport details is subject to management approval. Corporate evil whores.

I'm based in Singapore so Kin suggested that I call the hotline here to check if there's another option. I dialed +65 68084437 and braised myself for a 45-minute telephone muzak. Amazingly, a phone booking agent picked up (in under two minutes yey!) and breezily helped me amend the passport details FREE OF CHARGE. You just need to provide your itinerary reference number, birthday, old passport number (the one you keyed in when you booked the flight, very important!), new passport number, and new passport expiry date. Afterwards, they will resend via email your "correct" itinerary as proof that there's still hope in this world.

Have a safe flight! :)

Air Asia New Zealand Seat Sale

Air Asia now flies to New Zealand!

To celebrate this new milestone, AA is giving an introductory promo sale for its Kuala Lumpur to Christchurch New Zealand flights! Book from December 3-5, 2010 for travel on April 1 to November 10, 2011.

ALL IN FARE FROM RM199!

Seat sale starts 7:00am on December 3 (Saturday). HOBBITS, YEY

Laneway Festival Singapore Tickets & Lineup

UPDATE:


I GOT MY TICKET ALREADY!!!!

yeeeey!!!

==
St.Jerome Laneway Festival will kick off in Singapore on January 29, 2011 with performances by Foals, The Temper Trap, Beach House, Deerhunter, Yeasayer, !!!(Chk Chk Chk), Holy F*** Ladyhawke, and Warpaint.

According to the official site, festival tickets are priced at $99.50 (Early Bird Rate) and $109.50 (Regular Rate), exclusive of $3 Sistic booking fee. Ticket selling starts on November 19, 2010.

This will be my birthday trip <3

Air Asia Zero Fare 2011

It's back! Air Asia will have a Zero Fare seat sale on November 9, 2010 at exactly 12:01am. Travel period: July 1 to November 10, 2011.

Air Asia Zero Fare for 2011 flights!

Note that fares are exclusive of taxes and other applicable fees for credit card/online transactions. Last year, I was able to book a roundtrip Clark to Kota Kinabalu flight for only Php500. I hope the taxes are still cheap for next week's promo flights!

Los Balcones Tali Beach Batangas

2 days. 20k worth of groceries/drinks. 20 alcohol/vacation thirsty individuals.

GRABE LANG.

Los Balcones

Thanks to Lee of Tropang Lefty (friends from UST College of Commerce, yiii) for organizing a Los Balcones weekend. Next time ulit, haha! :)

Lee with the ladies of Los Balcones

About Los Balcones

I recommend this place for families/friends/companies looking for a private getaway. It's very accessible, being 2-hours away from Manila (it's best to bring a private vehicle though). Best for groups of 20 pax, it has 5 rooms, a private pool, and ample parking space. You could bring your own food and drinks (corkage is included in the rental fee) and request assistance from the kitchen helpers when preparing meals. Also, FREE WIFI. Sold!!!!

Garden

 Pool - Night Shot

Pool - Day Shot 

Pool Side Seats

Common Area + Videoke

Main Lobby

Outdoor grill for bbq and burgers

Guide to Drinking in Singapore: Bars, Hawker, Duty Free

When in Singapore, EVERYTHING IS EXPENSIVE.

A packet of tissue is at S$0.30. A 500ml bottle of water is at S1.20. A 500ml can of beer is at $5.20. A liter of vodka is at S$89 (grocery) or S$200 (bars)

There's foam coming out of my mouth as I type this.

Budget travelers may ask, "So where do I buy drinks in Singapore?"

Beer + Fireworks

DEFINITELY NOT IN BARS

Bars and clubs have ridiculous beer and cocktail prices, even at Happy Hour. Beer prices also differs depending on the time of the day. Sold by half or full pint, beer in Singapore would set you back S$7 to S$25. You might also be interested to know that Singapore bars sell bottled water for S$6. LOL.

WTF! 7 cocktails for S$77+

Clinic Bar's cocktail prices

CORNERS / STREETS

For cheap(er) drinks, get them at convenience stores like 7-Eleven for S$4 to S$9. Hawker centres may also be a good place to find cheap beers in Singapore. I saw a stall at Makansutra Glutton Bay selling 330ml Tiger at S$5 a can. Some even have a 3 for S$18 promo.

My S$5.20 beer bought at 7-Eleven

FINALLY, HEAVEN!!!

Being budget travelers, we just buy our alcohol supply at the airport Duty Free where vodka, tequila, gin, rhum, brandy, whiskey, and even beer are sold at its normal price. To prove, we bought a liter of Smirnoff vodka at duty free for S$18. But when we checked 7-Eleven, they sell the exact thing for S$89. WHA..WHY..I DON'T...I CANNOT...UNDERSTAND :|

Our normal-priced stash

As a guide to all drunkards, below are some alcohol prices at the Singapore Duty Free Shop.

The Sojourn Singapore Review

Since Rucksack Inn was already fully booked, I scoured the interwebs for other Singapore hostels that 1) will fit our budget 2) has free wifi and 3) has a good location. I logged on to hostels.com and this new place called The Sojourn caught my interest. Judging from the photos, it seemed to be a decent place to stay. Not to mention, it's very near the train station and just a couple of blocks away from THE Orchard Road. Still, I want to make sure if the place is really nice (or if it's just the photos) so I googled it and found...nothing. Except for this post which was not even *that* helpful. Despite lacking proof that The Sojourn is worthy of our money, I went ahead and reserved 2 dorm beds for S$72.

We arrived in SG at 5pm, bought an obligatory vodka at duty free, and took the train towards Somerset Station where our inn was located.

A litre of vodka to go, pls

The Sojourn Singapore is located along the residential area (i think) of Devonshire Road. From Somerset train station, you'll have to take Exit A to get to Devonshire road then walk towards right until you see a row of white terrace houses. Note that The Sojourn doesn't have a signboard. Just look for Unit 131...it's the one with a hanging lamp at the entrance.

Devonshire Road (photo from Sojourn Facebook page)

No signboard, look for the hanging lamp! (photo from Sojourn Facebook page)

Me!!!

Upon arrival, we were greeted by their Pinay staff Ms.Josephine. After paying the room in full and depositing S$10 for the room keys, we were given a brief tour of the 2-storey property. The whole place is mostly in black and white--a minimalist yet classy design. It actually looked like a boutique hotel, rather than the usual backpacker's hostel/inn/b&b.

At the ground floor is the lounge area where guests could relax and mingle with each other. It's also a comfortable place to watch movies or read books.

Comfy couch

Books, DVDs, Cable TV

Free wifi is available all over the property. If you don't have a wireless wifi-enabled device, a computer station with 4 desktop computers are available for guests to use for free 24/7. The computer station, together with the dining area and kitchen, are also in the ground floor.

Great internet speed

Dining area. Notice the high ceilings!

On our way to our room, Ms.Josephine informed us that the inn is just a month old--thus the stinky smell of newly painted walls. Anyway, we found out that there are no room numbers here. Instead, rooms are named after herbs and spices: Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Ginger, Lemongrass, and Tumeric. How cute is that?

 2nd Floor

We were assigned in Tumeric, an 8-bed female dorm room with lockers. Ms.Josephine said we were lucky because it would only be Kin and I in the room. Yey for us!

Our room