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Singapore 2024
  • Siewch
October 2024

Singapore 2024

Family visit + my 14th and 15th Tokyo layovers. Read more
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  • Trip start
    October 12, 2024
    SiewchTravelerSingapore 2024
    The Blue Turtle at the gate in HNL.
    The Blue Turtle at the gate in HNL.The Blue Turtle at the gate in HNL.Inside the main deck cabin in the A380.My seat on NH183.My legroom at the emergency exit on NH183.A view of the massive wing from inside the cabin.Another view of the wing from further back in the cabin.Before the takeoff roll.Our very quiet and smooth takeoff from the reef runway.My view of Honolulu after takeoff.Safety card on the ANA A380.My surprisingly substantial main meal on NH183.Pre-arrival snack box on NH183.Contents of the snack box - tuna croissant, yoghurt, and cookie.The Blue Turtle at the gate in Narita.The Blue Turtle at the gate in Narita. The Orange Turtle is in the background.The flight path of NH183 as captured on FlightRadar24.FlightRadar24 information on JA381J.My boarding pass on NH183.My arrival stamp into NRT.

    Honolulu to Tokyo Narita

    October 12, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    All Nippon Airways NH183 | HNL/NRT
    Economy Class
    Airbus A380-800 | JA381J
    ATD/1125 | ATA/1413+1

    When I was planning this trip, I found a very reasonably priced Business Class fare on Malaysia Airlines from Narita to Singapore thanks to the weak yen. This in turn meant I needed to find my way to Narita to connect to and from the flights I had booked. Unfortunately, Japan Airlines, which is my go to carrier on this route, wasn't cheap for the days I needed to travel. So, I decided to book myself on ANA's A380 for the novelty factor.

    A little bit of background is in order here. ANA has a small (and I am sure suboptimal) fleet of only three A380s which they inherited from their acquisition of Skymark. They decided to dedicate these three jets to their Narita-Honolulu route and paint them in turtle liveries - one blue, one green, and one orange. I cannot imagine they are making a profit on these flights as the four engine A380 is expensive to operate and Tokyo-Honolulu is a leisure heavy route. Their utilization must also be poor as they have three aircraft dedicated to a twice daily service; I calculate their utilization per aircraft to be about 10 hours per day.

    Up until now, I had only flown once on the A380 (on Qantas) and I figured I should fly this A380 while I still could, as many airlines are retiring their A380 fleets prematurely due to poor operating economics.

    Arriving at HNL on Saturday, I spied my ride from a distance - I would be riding the blue turtle A380. The A380 is a very quiet and smooth ride, and I enjoyed my flight. I was pleasantly surprised to be served a very substantial meal with a main, an appetizer, salad, soba, fruit, ice cream, and a bread roll. In fact, I think this is the largest meal I have ever seen in Economy Class. Before arrival, we were served a snack box consisting of a tuna croissant, yoghurt, and a cookie.    Read more

  • SiewchTravelerSingapore 2024
    The Narita Omotesando.
    The Narita Omotesando.The Narita Omotesando.The Narita Omotesando.The Narita Omotesando.The Narita Omotesando.Kimono-clad lucky cat, Narita Omotesando.My first order of the day was to get myself a pocari sweat.My soft serve ice cream, Narita Omotesando.There were various zodiac figurines along the Narita Omotesando.There were various zodiac figurines along the Narita Omotesando.There were various zodiac figurines along the Narita Omotesando.A tanuki figurine along the Narita Omotesando.My sweet potato snack after I exited the temple complex.A shrine along the Narita Omotesando.A shrine along the Narita Omotesando.The Narita Omotesando.The Narita Omotesando.The Narita Omotesando as dusk began to set.My ramen meal before I returned to the airport.

    Narita Omotesando

    October 13, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    I had a seven hour layover before my flight to Kuala Lumpur that evening. I decided to spend my layover exploring Narita Town. In reality, though, I knew I only had about three hours of daylight to explore, so as soon as I cleared immigration, I headed to the Keisei station to take the local train to Narita.

    I arrived at Narita station just after 3pm. My plan was to make my way down the shopping street (also known as Omotesando), look at potential dinner venues en route, and make the most of the remaining daylight to explore the temple and the park next to it. As I walked down the hill, I made a mental note of the unagi restaurants as they are a specialty of the area. Along the way, I allowed myself a quick diversion to eat a soft serve ice cream.    Read more

  • SiewchTravelerSingapore 2024
    The largest pagoda at the Naritasan Shinsho-ji.
    The main entrance to the Naritasan Shinsho-ji.The courtyard at the entrance to the Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.A 360 view of one of the courtyards at the Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.

    Naritasan Shinsho-ji

    October 13, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    My main sightseeing goal was to visit the Naritasan Shinsho-ji. The complex is situated at the end of the Omotesando, and it is a grand complex of about a dozen historic buildings, some of which are over a thousand years old. I explored some of the temple grounds, then I wandered into the Naritasan Park (see next post) before wandering back into the temple complex because I realized I missed a substantial part of it. The temple complex was spectacular, but the collection of buildings did seem a little disparate.

    I exited the temple complex a little past 5pm. As I walked back up the Omotesando, I realized to my dismay that the unagi restaurants I wanted to check out were closing for the day. I felt a little discouraged when all I could procure was a sweet potato snack. But, as I approached the train station, I noticed more bright lights. I ducked into a very local ramen place and had a morale boosting bowl of noodles before heading back to the airport.    Read more

  • SiewchTravelerSingapore 2024
    MH71 at the gate in NRT.
    JAL First Class Lounge at Narita.My sushi snack at the JAL First Class Lounge at Narita.My shower at the JAL First Class Lounge at Narita.The Business Class cabin on MH71.My seat in the Business Class cabin on MH71.Welcome drink on MH71.Takeoff from Narita on MH71.Menu for MH71.Satay, MH71.First course for the Japanese meal, MH71.Second course for the Japanese meal, MH71. I was quite stuffed after this so I skipped dessert.Flight route of MH71 as captured on FlightRadar24.Information on MH71 as captured by FlightRadar24.My boarding pass for MH71.

    Tokyo Narita to Kuala Lumpur

    October 13, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Malaysia Airlines MH71 | NRT/KUL
    Business Class
    Airbus A330-300 | 9M-MTN
    ATD/2224 | ATA/0507+1
    Lounge: JAL First Class Lounge

    Returning to the airport after my ramen dinner, I made a beeline for the JAL First Class lounge where I took a shower. I then had a sushi snack before relaxing for a bit and then making my way to the gate.

    Once on board, Audrey and her team warmly welcomed me and they provided excellent service during the flight. I had a good sleep before arrival into a cloudy Kuala Lumpur.    Read more

  • SiewchTravelerSingapore 2024
    MH601 at the gate.
    Malaysia Airlines' Platinum Lounge at Kuala Lumpur Satellite Terminal.Malaysia Airlines' Platinum Lounge at Kuala Lumpur Satellite Terminal.Malaysia Airlines' Platinum Lounge at Kuala Lumpur Satellite Terminal.Malaysia Airlines' Platinum Lounge at Kuala Lumpur Satellite Terminal.Malaysia Airlines' Platinum Lounge at Kuala Lumpur Satellite Terminal.The dining room at Malaysia Airlines' Platinum Lounge at Kuala Lumpur Satellite Terminal.The dining room at Malaysia Airlines' Platinum Lounge at Kuala Lumpur Satellite Terminal.My nasi lemak breakfast at the Platinum Lounge.View from my seat while MH601 was still at its gate.MH601's takeoff roll from KUL.My chicken murtabak and potato curry snack on MH601.The Business Class cabin on MH601.After takeoff on MH601.The view over Johor on approach to Changi Airport.Approach over Pulau Tekong before landing at Changi Airport.Heavy rain at Changi upon landing.I don't understand this choice of carpeting at Changi Terminal 2.Flight routing of MH601 as captured on FlightRadar24.FlightRadar24 information on MH601.My boarding pass for MH601.

    Kuala Lumpur to Singapore

    October 14, 2024 in Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Malaysia Airlines | MH 601
    Business Class
    Boeing 737-800 | 9M-MXT
    ATD/0745 | ATA/0852
    Lounge: Platinum Lounge, Satellite Terminal

    Arriving into KUL a little past 5am, I made my way to the Platinum Lounge - Malaysia Airlines' lounge for OneWorld Emeralds - for my 2.5 hour layover.

    The Platinum Lounge is very quiet and it was a nice, relaxing space. However, there were two major design issues. The first was lack of universal power sockets and USB outlets. The second was there were only three toilet/shower stalls, and no additional toilets apart from the showers. There was a constant line of people waiting to use the toilets.

    I took a shower after a short wait. After my shower, I waited a few minutes for the dining room to open at 6am, at which time I had a nasi lemak and teh tarik. After eating, I relaxed for a bit before making my way to the gate.

    The flight to Singapore was quick and pleasant. We had a choice or murtabak or a tuna sandwich. I am always amazed that Malaysia Airlines manages to serve a hot snack on this short flight.    Read more

  • SiewchTravelerSingapore 2024
    Batik exhibit, Peranakan Museum.
    The exterior of the Peranakan Museum.Peranakan Museum.Batik exhibit, Peranakan Museum.Batik exhibit, Peranakan Museum.Batik exhibit, Peranakan Museum.Batik exhibit, Peranakan Museum.Batik exhibit, Peranakan Museum.Batik exhibit, Peranakan Museum.Batik exhibit, Peranakan Museum.Batik exhibit, Peranakan Museum. This textile had Dutch influences.Batik exhibit, Peranakan Museum.Batik exhibit, Peranakan Museum.My mother with her personalized batik.Manik kusut, or beaded slippers, Peranakan Museum.Manik kusut, or beaded slippers, Peranakan Museum.Manik kusut, or beaded slippers, Peranakan Museum.Bed, Peranakan Museum.Embroidery made of tiny beads, Peranakan Museum.Faces of various peranakans, Peranakan Museum.My souvenir bookmark with a batik design generated by my answers to questions on their website.

    Peranakan Museum

    October 16, 2024 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    I visited the Peranakan Museum with my mother and sister. There was a special exhibit at the museum featuring three women batik stylists from Indonesia. At the exhibit, we also had a chance to digitally generate a batik style based on our preferences, and we were each given a souvenir bookmark of our preferred batik.

    Apart from batik, we also admired the intricate arts and crafts on display, in particular ornate beadwork known as manik kusut, which my mother used to make when her eyesight was better.

    This was a very worthwhile excursion for me as I am half Peranakan. I really enjoyed learning a little bit more about my heritage.    Read more

  • SiewchTravelerSingapore 2024
    A troop of monkeys... and a shirtless jogger LOL.
    The view from the Coluga Deck at Rifle Range Nature Park.Rifle Range Nature Park.Rifle Range Nature Park.The Coluga Deck at Rifle Range Nature Park.Rifle Range Nature Park.Rifle Range Nature Park.Coluga Deck, Rifle Range Nature Park.Rifle Range Nature Park.Rifle Range Nature Park.Rifle Range Nature Park.Rifle Range Nature Park.Rifle Range Nature Park.Rifle Range Nature Park.Rifle Range Nature Park.

    Rifle Range Nature Park

    October 16, 2024 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    When I was young, I used to cycle to Rifle Range Road, lock the bike, and hike around the area. The area has since been turned into a nature park and is part of the island wide park connector network.

    I explored the area one afternoon. It was a pleasant walk, but a tad overly curated. The walk ended in a viewpoint at the top of a cliff that used to be part of a quarry. After that, I walked back to my mother’s condo on the rail corridor.    Read more

  • SiewchTravelerSingapore 2024
    A replica of the room where General Percival surrendered Singapore to General Yamashita.
    The exterior of the former Ford Factory.A vintage Ford poster from the 1940s.A map showing how the Japanese advanced from the north into Singapore.One of the exhibition rooms at the former Ford Factory.A replica of the room where the surrender took place.The Japanese view on their conquest of Asia.This exhibit captures the general feeling of how it felt to live in an occupied land.A summary of the deaths that took place.An exhibit on what people ate during the Japanese occupation.Former Ford Factory.The currency in use during the Japanese occupation. It is colloquially referred to as "banana money"Former Ford Factory.Ration cards were used as Singapore recovered from the occupation.Living conditions after the Japanese occupation.The Communist Party became more active after the Japanese occupation.One of the after effects of the Japanese occupation was a renewed call for independence.How the post-war years shaped Singapore.

    Former Ford Factory

    October 18, 2024 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    The former Ford Factory is a preserved art deco building located next to my mother's condo. It is the site where General Percival surrendered Singapore to General Yamashita in 1942, and it currently houses artifacts related to the Battle of Singapore and the subsequent occupation of Singapore by Japan.

    I had visited this museum previously and this time I took my mother there. I was a little nervous about whether this visit would bring up too many bad memories for her (she was a child during the Japanese occupation) but I also felt it might be healthy for her to view the exhibits and talk about her childhood. She recalled some unpleasant memories like her family's retreat from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore as the Japanese advanced down the Malay Peninsula, seeing Japanese troops stick bayonets into mattresses in case there were people hiding inside the mattresses, and seeing a man hanging from a tree. Food was also short and she recalled having to line up for hours for rations. But, interspersed with this were less negative memories such how she spent the last of her Japanese currency (they called it "banana money" because there were bananas on the notes) before the British returned. As it turned out, she ran to the nearest store and spent the last of her banana money on preserved plums.

    All in all, this was a good excursion and I think it was healthy for my mother to talk about her childhood during a traumatic time for Singapore.    Read more

  • SiewchTravelerSingapore 2024
    Bukit Timah Hill.
    Bukit Timah Hill.Bukit Timah Hill.Bukit Timah Hill.Bukit Timah Hill.Bukit Timah Hill.

    Bukit Timah Hill

    October 18, 2024 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    I went on one of my usual hikes up Singapore's tallest peak - all 163 meters of it. This time round, I stuck with the service road instead of taking the side trails because I figured the trails would be muddy or slippery with the recent heavy rain.Read more

  • SiewchTravelerSingapore 2024
    MH608 at the gate in Singapore.
    The waterfall and gardens at Changi Jewel.The waterfall and gardens at Changi Jewel.My mother at Jewel.The waterfall and gardens at Changi Jewel.The waterfall and gardens at Changi Jewel.The waterfall and gardens at Changi Jewel.The waterfall and gardens at Changi Jewel.The waterfall and gardens at Changi Jewel.The waterfall and gardens at Changi Jewel.My little bowl of laksa at the SATS Premier Lounge.Legroom on the Malaysia Airlines B737.Flight path of MH608 as captured on FlightRadar24.MH608 flight information as captured on FlightRadar24.

    Singapore to Kuala Lumpur

    October 18, 2024 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Malaysia Airlines MH608 | SIN/KUL
    Business Class
    Boeing 737-800 | 9M-MXW
    ATD/1830 | ATA/1935
    Lounge : SATS Premier Lounge

    My sister and mother accompanied me to the airport. We wandered around Jewel viewing the waterfall and indoor garden for a while, and then I made my way to Terminal 2 for my flight. I made a quick pitstop at the lounge for a small bowl of laksa before heading to the gate. I declined the inflight snack on this short flight.Read more

  • SiewchTravelerSingapore 2024
    My seat on MH88.
    The Platinum Lounge at KUL.The Platinum Lounge at KUL.My tandoori chicken dinner at the Platinum Lounge at KUL.MH's signature welcome drink is a hibiscus and lychee concoction.Entertainment screen on MH's A350s.Menu on MH88.My satay snack on MH88.Fruit and yoghurt starter for breakfast on MH88.MH's signature nasi lemak on MH88.The view over Japan before landing at Narita.The view over Japan before landing at Narita.Landing at Narita.MH88 on the ground after arrival at Narita.Flight path of MH88 as captured on FlightRadar24.MH88 information as captured on FlightRadar24.9M-MAC returning to KUL as MH89, as viewed from the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.9M-MAC returning to KUL as MH89, as viewed from the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.My entry stamp into Japan.

    Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo Narita

    October 19, 2024 in Malaysia ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Malaysia Airlines MH88 | KUL/NRT
    Business Class
    Airbus A350-900 | 9M-MAC
    ATD/2332 | ATA/0721+1
    Lounge: Malaysia Airlines Platinum Lounge

    Another great flight with Malaysia Airlines. My only complaint was that they woke us up for breakfast 2.5 hours before arrival, which is way too early. I even managed another 1.5 hours sleep after eating.

    Malaysia Airlines' Business Class hard product isn't industry leading, but it had the basics right. I cannot wait to experience them again after they retrofit their widebodies with new seats.    Read more

  • SiewchTravelerSingapore 2024
    Naritasan Shinsho-ji.
    My very first priority after landing in Japan is always the same - get some Pocari Sweat!Tanuki, Narita Omotesando.Narita Omotesando.Narita Omotesando.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.Naritasan Shinsho-ji.

    Narita Round II

    October 20, 2024 in Japan ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    My plan for this layover was to visit the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences and Sora No Yu onsen, both located just southeast of the airport. However, my flight arrived early, and I unexpectedly cleared immigration in no time, which left me in the arrivals hall with more than two hours to spare before the 10am opening time for both the museum and the onsen.

    I didn't want to wait in the arrivals hall for two hours, so I decided to hop onto the train to Narita - which is west of the airport - in the hope that the sweet potato street food stalls may be open. I snacked at one of them on my earlier layover and I was hooked.

    When I reached the omotesando in Narita, it was clear that the sweet potato stalls were not open. But, the sky was a brilliant blue and so I decided to revisit the temple to take some photos. They turned out very nicely.

    After about an hour, I headed back to the station to take the 9.40am bus to the aeronautical museum.    Read more

  • SiewchTravelerSingapore 2024
    A cross section of a B747. The last time I saw this was at the Bangkok Aircraft Graveyard!
    Wingtip of a B747 classic, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.JT9D engine, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.Display of how a jet engine works, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.Past and present airlines operating into Narita, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.Film set for Happy Flight, a Japanese aviation-themed film, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.The ridiculously large galley in the film set for Happy Flight, an aviation-themed Japanese film.B747-400 model, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.B747 nose, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.B747 nose, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.Control tower display, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.Radar station display, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.Cockpit of a zero fighter, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.Outdoor aircraft and helicopter display, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.Outdoor aircraft and helicopter display, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.Outdoor aircraft and helicopter display, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.Outdoor aircraft and helicopter display, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.Outdoor aircraft and helicopter display, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.Outdoor aircraft and helicopter display, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.Outdoor aircraft and helicopter display, Museum of Aeronautical Sciences.

    Museum of Aeronautical Sciences

    October 20, 2024 in Japan ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    I took the 9.40am bus from the JR train station bound for Narita Airport. The bus took a scenic drive along the western perimeter of the airport before depositing me at the museum just after their opening time.

    The museum turned out to be a fun little detour and a great way to spend two hours or so. The first exhibition hall displayed a B747 classic wingtip, a cross section of a B747 (the last time I saw something like this was at the Bangkok Aircraft Graveyard!), and a display on how a jet engine works. The second floor was dedicated to Narita Airport. The fourth floor featured a restaurant with runway views, and the top floor was set up to resemble a control tower, also with a view of the airport. There, I saw 9M-MAC, which had transported me to Narita as MH88, takeoff on its return journey to Kuala Lumpur as MH89.

    Outside the museum building is a small field with a number of aircraft and helicopters on display.    Read more

  • SiewchTravelerSingapore 2024
    Narita Peace Pagoda.
    Narita Peace Pagoda.Narita Peace Pagoda.Narita Peace Pagoda.Narita Peace Pagoda.Narita Peace Pagoda.Narita Peace Pagoda.Narita Peace Pagoda.Narita Peace Pagoda.Narita Peace Pagoda.Narita Peace Pagoda.Narita Peace Pagoda.Narita Peace Pagoda.

    Narita Peace Pagoda

    October 20, 2024 in Japan ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    While I was at the viewing platform of the Museum of Aeronautical Sciences, a white stupa on the next lot caught my eye. I popped in there while waiting for the bus to take me to the onsen. When I got to the stupa, my suspicions were confirmed: this stupa is built in the Sri Lankan style. I learned that it is called the Narita Peace Pagoda.Read more

  • SiewchTravelerSingapore 2024
    HA822 at the gate in Narita.
    HA822 at the gate in Narita.My seat on the flight, which came with bedding predressed.Legroom on Hawaiian's A330.The Japanese meal option on HA822. Unfortunately, it was dark and I could not get a good photo.Cheesecake dessert on HA822.Continental breakfast on HA822, served 90 minutes before arrival.HA822 at the gate after arriving in Honolulu.My boarding pass for HA822.Flight path of HA822, as recorded on FlightRadar24.Flight info for HA822 as recorded on FlightRadar24.

    Tokyo Narita to Honolulu

    October 20, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Hawaiian Airlines HA822 | NRT/HNL
    Business Class
    Airbus A330-200 | N388HA Nahiku
    ATD/1944 | ATA/0759
    Lounge: Sakura Lounge

    I used miles to book this flight. Unfortunately, I could not check in online.

    I returned to Narita Airport after a relaxing couple of hours at Sora No Yu onsen. Arriving at the check in counters, I saw a very long queue for check in. It looked as if no one could check in online. Thankfully, the Business Class counter did not have much of a queue and I got processed relatively quickly. As it turned out, I had to fill in a form by hand. If this was the reason why online check in was not allowed, then it is an easy fix which would avoid a lot of annoyance.

    The flight itself was fine. I appreciated the speed at which Hawaiian served the main meal; I was fast asleep a little over an hour after takeoff! They also served a small breakfast 90 minutes before arrival which I really appreciated. The hard product, though, is far from industry leading. I hope to have an opportunity to try their new B787 Business Class when they join the OneWorld alliance.    Read more

    Trip end
    October 20, 2024
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