Find me in Asia, a quick getaway.

[Flywithd]

Hey Guys, I've decided to put together a TR on our recent getaway to Asia for our anniversary trip!
Check out my blog for more pics! Fly With Dinh

We decided on Singapore as being our first stopover on our 4th year anniversary trip as flying to Singapore is very convenient as well as it's one of my favourite cities to shop and eat in. We decided to book a flexi fare with Singapore Air as I'm a Velocity Frequent Flyer and it entitles to earn full status credits and point's by flying on one of Virgin Australia's stake hold partner's (it was cheaper to book directly on SIA than VA!)






Our lovely lady who's flying us to Singapore.




We decided to catch a taxi to the airport and arrived at 08:10 and made our way to the SIA check in area. Virgin Australia elites are entitled to use the Business class lane to check in and after 3 minutes of waiting we were ushered to the First class checkin desk.




Cathy who was checking us in greeted us and was delighted that we were travelling in.... economy, Cathy ensured our bag's were checked in and travelling to SIN as well as made sure she attached the Star Alliance priority baggage tag with our luggage. Cathy told us that their system couldn't see what tier we were but the staff did know of the benefits and alliance between the two carriers, along with that she handed us 2 express path cards as well as invited us to use the lounge once inside the terminal.









The SilverKris Lounge!




After a walk and browse around MEL's duty free and boutique shop's we found the the SilverKris lounge and was directed to the Business side of the lounge to the right. The lounge was cosy and started to fill up as the time got closer to boarding call. Breakfast selection was available as well as a fully stocked bar containing beer and spirits. A shower is also available for those who wish to feel human while transiting or for those who just want to be and smell fresh.



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Self serve drinks.









A selection of morning nibbles.












Having a champagne and coughtail at 08:55




After a couple of glasses of champagne later it was time for boarding, we made our way to gate 5 and saw that boarding was about to commence, we lined up in the business lane and in less than 1 minute we were onboard the 773.




The economy seats I selected for us happened to be 34 D&E, I'm a aisle person and decided on the middle row of seat's so the pax seated in F wouldn't need to bother either of us and there wouldn't be any climbing over us as well as overhead compartments on both sides of the aisle which means more room for our luggage and bags to keep the feet space clear.









Our home for the next 8 hours.




A little trick if you have *G status is to input that when you are booking and select seats closer to the front of the cabin as Velocity Frequent Flyer doesn't get access to seating on SQ. Once you've got your boarding pass you can use the SQ mobile site to change the frequent flyer number back to VA to credit all points and status credit to VA.



With doors armed and crossed checked a on time pushback and short taxi to the runway saw us gliding majestically down the runway with the triumphant roar of the Rolls Royce Trent which penetrated the clear blue skies for Singapore. Once the seat belt sign was extinguished the Singapore Girls sprung into work mode, hot hand towels were handed out and collected, menu's, nut's and earpieces were distributed very efficiently. Meal's were distributed and those who had their seat's reclined were asked very professionally to have their seat back in the upright position as a courtesy to the passenger behind them.












A delicious serving of beef rendang.










A inflight ice cream is always welcome.




After meal trays were cleared I decided to check out the Kris World entertainment system which was loaded with a decent range of movies, games and travel information. There wasn't any movies that caught my attention so I decided to watch some movies I preloaded on my I pad as well as have a quick doze to kill time. I felt a gentle nudge on my shoulder and awakened to a smiling Singapore Girl informing me it was time for a snack before descent.









Chicken fried rice to settle the inflight hunger.




With the Singapore girls lapsing the cabin for a final round of rubbish collection and ensured every seat was in the upright position, every window shade was up as well as every passenger had a seatbelt on it was time for touchdown in the land of the Merlion. I don't know why but whenever we are on holidays it means eating, excess calorie consumption and sleeping... oh well holidays were mean for relaxing and with that thought running through my mind our 777 touched down onto Singaporean tarmac with a slight bump, the sun was out and with thoughts of food and shopping running through my mind it was indeed a fantastic flight and definitely a great beginning to out holiday.


Check out my blog for more pics! Fly With Dinh




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[pmdg7444]

great TR.......btw how do you upload more than 5 pics in a single post?

 

[mono88]

Nice pics and report. The food, especially the beef rending looked very appetising for Y.
Look forward to remaining updates.

 

[bass_ke]

Great start to the trip Dinh!

Looking forward to reading your further experiences, planning a trip next year with SQ although first time with VA status.

 

[Simo]

Great TR,

I just hate seeing VB Beer in a any fridge but that s the Qlder coming out in me.

 

[Flywithd]

great TR.......btw how do you upload more than 5 pics in a single post?

I'm a gold member on AFF so that may have something to do it it!?

Nice pics and report. The food, especially the beef rending looked very appetising for Y.
Look forward to remaining updates.

Thanks Mono88, the beef rendang was very delicious for Y catering! SQ haven't failed to impress in the catering department so far!

Great start to the trip Dinh!
Looking forward to reading your further experiences, planning a trip next year with SQ although first time with VA status.

Thank you Nate, you won't regret booking and flying SQ, they're precise, friendly and look after you, great for lounge access, baggage and boarding!

Great TR,
I just hate seeing VB Beer in a any fridge but that s the Qlder coming out in me.

Thank you Simo, I'm not a fan of beer in general but it's great to see a variety of beer on offer especially when overseas!

I shall have the 2nd part up by tomorrow

 

[JessicaTam]

Great TR so far. Looking forward to the next installment.

 

[amaroo]

I'm a gold member on AFF so that may have something to do it it!?

I'm gold - buggered if I can work out how to do more than 5 at a time. drron is another that has the gift.....he can post dozens at a time

Enjoying the TR! Photos are excellent quality.

 

[Flywithd]

Great TR so far. Looking forward to the next installment.

Thank you JessicaTam! I still need to call you about AUH

I'm gold - buggered if I can work out how to do more than 5 at a time. drron is another that has the gift.....he can post dozens at a time

Enjoying the TR! Photos are excellent quality.

Thanks Amaroo, I switched to the Sony RX100 1 day before our trip so was playing around with the camera the whole time!

 

[Flywithd]

As I continue into each part, pictures are escalating so please feel free to view them on my blog!
Fly With Dinh


There are countless choices for accommodation in Asia with hotels offering room's suitable for the budget traveller as well as catering for the high demanding traveller who would prefer the 5 star treatment.

I had 2 choices running through my mind when sitting down and deciding on hotels,
1. To hell with everything, heres my credit card and splurge.
2. Keep calm and go for a decent hotel so we can use the cash for something else.

I wanted to go with the first option.... but when partnered, priorities change and my mind (with the guidance from my accountant...errr partner) decided to settle for something along the lines of 4 star accommodation which brings in the Park Royale on Beach road.

On a side note, has anyone often gotten into conversation (or argument) about why we shouldn't splurge on accommodation because all we're doing is sleeping? I find that it's much more than that.

1. I always need a clean bathroom.
2. I need space for our luggage and shopping
3. A reputable brand hotel with always try to please their elites.
4. I have status, we will get extra benefits on top of the hotel room like lounge access where you can easily fill up your stomach on food and coughtails... Early and late checkout which is convenient for early arrivals and late departures... free wifi and a range of other bonuses.

Back to the Park Royale on Beach Road. After clearing Immigration and customs we found our way to the taxi queue at Changi airport which took around 15 minutes for a taxi. We asked to be taken to the the PR on Beach road (Make sure you specify which PR, there are 3 in Singapore) and 30 minutes later we were inside the beautifully scented lobby.



Park Royale Beach Road, Singapore
7500A Beach Rd, Singapore, 199591


Check in time 2:00AM
Check out time 11:00AM
Room booked Deluxe Room
Room received Orchid Club Premier
Room Amenities St Gregory's


I booked a Deluxe Room as currency rates were very good equalling to $90AUD per night and with a Platinum status which I obtained for free at the beginning of the year I was guaranteed a room upgrade as well as other platinum benefits which can be found here.
(Keep your eyes out as GHA tend to give away Platinum status for free a couple of times a year)


3 Singaporean Icons in one pic.

After filling out relevant information as well as handing our passports to the agent we were handed keys to a Orchid Club Premier room, a double room category upgrade which was location on the 6th level which happened to be the same floor as the Orchid lounge. A member of staff escorted us to the elevator and proceeded to show us how the card tapping mechanism worked in order to access our rooms and 15 seconds later we were greeted by Mike who was waiting for us outside the elevator.


The lounge is strategically placed in the centre of the 6th floor with direct access as guest's exit the elevator... perfect for a coughtail after a day in Singapore. We made our way to room 621 and was warmly greeted inside by our luggage neatly stacked against the wall. With the heat of Singapore getting to us I was impressed the PR featured a close to silent air conditioner, adequate power points around the room and one of my all time favourites... plenty of lighting in the room. I hate a dark and gloomy hotel room. (Hilton Parmelia Perth rings a bell)



After I'd taken some shots of our bed as well as room my partner was free to touch and jump on the clean crisp king bed in all his glory... I checked out the bathroom and the amenities were supplied by St Gregory's. One of the things I love are bathrooms with glass dividers, I've always had the thought of being a erotic dancer and what better way than showering and putting on a show for your partner on the other side of the glass wall.


I see you.

My Partner wanted to shower so I decided to head off to the lounge for a refreshing drink or two. It was 5:30pm when I reached the lounge and evening canapés were due to start in the next 30 minutes but that didn't stop Mike from offering me a coughtail as well as suggesting I pop the canapé buffet virginity for that evening. I'm not the one to decline an offer especially if it involves coughtails so 3 minutes later I was sipping on a delicious Singapore Sling and enjoying a small serving of deep fried chicken.... yes holiday's were meant to be about indulging.


Not bad for $90AUD a night hey!

I head back to our room and call my partner out to the lounge for a drink as we had made plans for dinner at Ku Dé Ta so a little coughtail or five before hand won't hurt. Needless to say my partner's eyes were as large as a giant gobstopper (jawbreaker) when he saw the variety of food as well as the delicious and generous pile of deep fried chicken on the buffet which really hit his soft spot.


Im on holiday's, I don't need a work desk.

Mike ran out 2 more coughtails and cleared out table so we could pile up more plates with ever so delicious deep fried chicken (you guys must be thinking that we're deprived of chicken but it was soooo good.) sashimi and one of my recent discoveries, Port Salut cheese with doritos. 23 coughtails later it was 8:30pm... no way in hell were we going to fit in any other items of food and as fate would have it, food coma kicked in, we waltzed back to our room and the next thing I know it was 6am.

I was confused and questioning where I was and why was I awake at 6am, I saw the erotic bath with glass paneling and then it struck me like Miley Cyrus on a wrecking ball that we're in Singapore. I was still accustomed to my wake up time in Australia so I nudged my partner and decided to head down to the fitness facility to work off the countless fried chicken we had last night and then go for a nice dip in the recently refurbished pool.


Nighttime pool view.

After soaking ourselves and splashing around we were feeling hungry and headed back to the lounge for breakfast. The buffet was oozing with a variety of food from cold cut's, cheese, breads and cereal to a omelet station prepared to our liking by a onsite chef.



Breakfast selections.



We had planned our day and decided to cancel everything and go shopping... the magical words to my ears that came out of my partners mouth. We agreed to go to Fitness First in the afternoon for some classes as we didn't want to lose track of what we would normally do back at home but besides that I had to reconfirm the decision again and I broke it to him gently that the reason for that was because it was hot, humid and he wanted air conditioning.... and food.

We love to disagree but that choice got my tick of approval instantly which resulted in a gigantic smile on his face as well as mine and with that we found ourselves at City Square Mall, I have no idea what prompted us to travel down to this little shopping complex but hey, there's no such thing as a time limit on holidays, we were "exploring" and the first thing we saw was Mc Donald's.


Are you thinking what I'm thinking?




Well... all things green tea this certainly went down without hesitation.




Mc Flurry's done and dusted we walked around until something caught our eyes, small deep fried skewers containing flavour, preservatives and some kind of orange liquid which tasted like cheese.... I'll have 4 of those, 6 of the chicken ones and 10 of the prawn ones.


They're dangerous yet delicious.


We've eaten 3 meals since we got up and it's not even noon yet.. this holiday would be quite "filling" from the way we're going. Before we knew it, our 20 skewer's were lifeless on the table and with the fear of food coma hitting us it was time to get off our butt's and slowly move around the complex. In the corner of my eye I saw it in all it's glory, those roller shutter doors were slowly opening to reveal a treasure chest of colourful clothing items which was like a pot of gold to my eyes. I grabbed my partners hand and we ran towards the shining bright fluorescent lights of Uniqlo.

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[johnincal1]

Great pic's dzink. I've always wanted to visit Singapore...now I'm drooling ............ and making plans

 

[jetlagger]

What an enjoyable experience..

 

[Major]

Love SIN...great food...keep the pic's coming. Enjoying the TR

 

[Dino84]

Nice report. Never seem to stay in Singapore long enough to truly experience it, will have to plan on a longer stay one day.

Scott.

 

[Flywithd]

Thanks for the comments so far guys! Here's the next part of our journey at the Hilton Singapore.



We decided to extend our stay in Singapore for an extra day and without hesitation the Hilton was the decision as it's situated in a fantastic position for work and pleasure and was perfectly suitable for my shopping needs and desire.



Upon entering the hotel check in was a breeze and we were instantly recognised as a Diamond member, with a room upgrade to an executive room as well as a complimentary 5pm check out we were whisked up the elevators and shown to our room by Linda where our luggage was neatly lined up.







Linda came back with a generous welcome gift.




Large comfortable bed, after snapping some photos of our room I decided to head down to ION for a getaway with the brands I love while my partner would test the bed and ensure it was in perfect conditions for sleep that night.


The executive lounge was still under renovations and was set to open on the day we checked out so I didn't get to visit the lounge which was a shame but the temporary lounge tucked away in one of the conference room's was nothing to mention about.




The standard Peter Thomas Roth amenities across all Hilton Hotels.




Shower bath combination, one of my pet hates in hotel rooms (a first world problem).


A full buffet breakfast was offered in Checkers Brasserie as a complimentary to Gold and Diamond member's which featured a wide variety of food choices from the full american breakfast featuring bacon to the oriental choices such as dumplings, congee as well as a nice selection of freshly squeezed juices.




Shot of the day couch which was great addition to relax and read a book after a long day in the humid weather.



The working desk with ample power outlets and decent space for 2 mac books.


We didn't make use of the pool or gym as our time was spent on eating, sleeping and shopping but the facilities were kept spotless and very tidy. This would be our last stay in a hotel for a week as our next destination would be Saigon and staying with family was expected and booking a hotel was a no go zone.
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[Flywithd]

More detailed pictures can be found on my blog!

http://www.flywithdinh.com


Thanks for the comments and reading so far guys! Here the next instalment of one of the best flight experiences on TK!


With plenty of room to stretch, Turkish Airline's business class seat is one of the best, it's even better when I paid $79AUD for this privilege.


When searching for a simple SGN to BKK flight I was faced with a nice array of carrier's to chose from, the standard carriers such as Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways and Air Asia came up but I was intrigued when a unique option to fly Turkish Airlines came up. Turkish airlines currently don't fly to Australia so after some research on the carrier as well as finding out the equipment that would operate my flight would be a 777 - 300 a rush of adrenalin went through my body and in five minutes I was eagerly reading through my itinerary. For a flight that was 1 hour in length I had paid $79AUD for a joyride in a internationally configured 777 which doubled up as a fantastic chance to put my Turkish Airlines Mile and Smiles Gold status to good use.



Plenty of legroom.


My partner and mother would be accompanying me on this trip so I put my Gold status to good use and snagged the best economy seats on offer to us which would be seats 26 ABC, these are bulkhead seats located behind Business class, meaning no one would recline into us, that there would be plenty of legroom to stretch and that these seat's were located in a mini economy cabin of only 5 rows.



The mini economy cabin.




Getting back to the pre flight, we arrived at Tan Son Nhat airport 3 hours before our flight was due to depart at 20:30. With countless times of visiting my second home I planned our journey from district one strategically to beat the clustered and frustrating traffic of Saigon. To our luck, our taxi driver knew the fastest route to the airport and within 30 minutes I was embracing the humid weather of Saigon for the last time before heading inside the airport towards the check in counters.


We arrived as the check in counters opened and I could see there was a small line forming in the economy line which deterred us towards the Business line which was fantastically policed by a charming attendant dressed in the Turkish uniform directing us back into the economy lane before I flashed my Gold card which sparked excitement in her as she said it's first time she's seen the Turkish loyalty card and baggage tag.


Check in for the flight was a smooth process and we were handed a lounge invitation card to the Daisy lounge which is used by a variety of airlines in the terminal. We proceeded to customs and by coincidence saw a friend who worked in the airport as a Vietnam Airlines check in supervisor who escorted us past the lines of customers at the regular customs line towards a private line used by airport staff and crew.


After clearing customs and immigration Samuel walked us to the Daisy lounge which was at the point of exploding due to overcrowding because of a small delay on a couple of flights arriving and departing. Samuel jumped on his two way radio and within a couple of seconds we got the okay to head to another lounge which was right next to our departing gate.



Samuel was right about the lounge, perfect location to do some aircraft spotting.


Here's a couple of shots of the lounge food offerings which I've been told is the same standard across all lounges in the terminal.

Instant noodles and pho.



Selection of deep fried spring rolls and stir fried noodles.



Help yourself snacks which always find's its way into my bags incase of mid flight munchies.



Fuselage and GE90 shot.



More detailed pictures can be found on my blog!

http://www.flywithdinh.com​

 

[JessicaTam]

Did you just sneak a photo of the J seat, or was one of you in J with the rest in Y?

Nice to see that sometimes it is not the card you flash but the people you know that helps smooth out a trip. Good on Samuel. If ever I visit SGN, I will ask for an introduction! Haha.

 

[Flywithd]

Did you just sneak a photo of the J seat, or was one of you in J with the rest in Y?



Nice to see that sometimes it is not the card you flash but the people you know that helps smooth out a trip. Good on Samuel. If ever I visit SGN, I will ask for an introduction! Haha.

After the snack service Rochelle upgraded us to J for the remaining duration of the flight!
It was definitely a smooth process bypassing the general lines and queues so we were glad for that! Whenever you're there let me know and I'lll introduce you to him

 

[Flywithd]

After a glass of wine and something to dine on, a friendly attendant approached us and advised it was nearly time to board, I checked the time and saw there was an hour until takeoff and thanked him before we left. As we approached the gate I saw that the agents were about to open the gates and we approached the priority lane.


A final passport and boarding pass crosscheck was mandatory before we were given the green light to proceed towards inside the aero bridge caused a bit of excitement in me as I was eagerly proceeding towards the aircraft door. Boarding was done via the 2L door and I was greeted by a Rochelle who was very relaxed and bubbly who directed us to our seats.



Seat 26A






In flight touch screen which was very responsive.



We were on one of four 777-300 three class configuration's operated by Turkish Airlines which was rare to come by and I was immediately impressed by the cabin cleanliness and after settling down into our seats, I made my way to the galley located behind our mini cabin and sparked a nice conversation with Rochelle. The flight supervisor welcomed us in Turkish and English over the PA and asked the flight attendant's to secured the plane for takeoff.

With a seat right next to the engine I was in a perfect spot to hear the mighty roar as we rushed down the runway and slowly disappeared into the night towards Bangkok.
The seatbelt sign was extinguished and the flight attendants sprang into efficient mode as they prepared for a snack service on our flight of 93 passengers. I asked what was on offer and got shown a chicken and cheese sandwich and a slice of cake which was tossed at me by one of the flight crew followed by a smile who also handed me a glass of coke. Efficiently and cold she wasn't one to be messed with and moved onto the next row and proceeded in the same way of service.


The snack service on the flight.




The flight attendants did the rubbish run and ensured the cabin was spotless all in 30 minutes. I was impressed and decided to go for a wander around the cabin. It was a very empty flight as I saw guest's getting comfortable spreading out over the 3 seats which converted into a makeshift bed.



If only all flights were like this.



A nice touch in the rear lavatory.

As I walked past the galley Rochelle emerged and surprised me in which she then handed me a bottle of water and told me to follow her with a cheeky smirk on her face. We walked passed our seat Rochelle asked me to sit and wait for her to return. Rochelle poked her face through the curtain split and asked me to follow her into the Business cabin which caused my heart to beat in excitement. Rochelle said seat 16A was mine and told me I was free to sit and explore the seat and for the remaining duration of the flight which I eagerly accepted.


Stretching my legs.

Rochelle told me she saw running down the aero bridge towards the aircraft with excitement and a massive smile on my face which was a highlight and one of the reason's why she loved her job which bought a massive smile towards my face. I thanked Rochelle for her generosity as well as her tips and suggestions for Bangkok and decided to relax in my new seat while she swiftly disappeared through the curtain back into economy in which she proceeded to escort my partner and mother and directed them into 16 D & E.


My new comfier seat.


Air vent and seat control.




Massive In Flight Entertainment Screen.



Nice and neat set up.



I asked Rochelle for her contact details and was happy to cross path's with a new friend on my journey. The captain made an announcement that we were starting descent into Bangkok as Rochelle and the crew finalised the cabin for landing. I thanked Rochelle once again for her generosity and couldn't be more happier with Turkish Airlines and astounding crew.

After a smooth touchdown and taxi towards the gate an announcement came over asking all passengers who were continuing their journey towards Istanbul to remain on the aircraft while passengers who completed their journey to Bangkok to exit the aircraft with boarding pass ready to be crossed off a manifest once on the aero bridge. Rochelle proceeded towards us after the announcement from the First cabin and escorted us towards door 1L and bid farewell and thanked us for flying with Turkish Airlines which definitely indented this memorable flight into my mind. ​