april-2012

trip journal
SINGAPORE
SINGAPORE
COUNTRY CODE +65
CURRENCY S$1 = PHP33.98/US$0.80
TOUCHDOWN From the airport, take a taxi
downtown for about S$15 (PHP510), depending on
the time of day. Peak hours carry a S$3 (PHP102)
surcharge. Or take the MRT and you’ll be there in
about 25 minutes for S$2 (PHP68).
BY DAY The National Library, the Central Public
Library, The National Museum of Singapore, and
Library@Esplanade are quiet places to learn about
the local culture, relax with a good book, or enjoy
a cup of tea.
BY NIGHT Go to Señor Taco at Chijmes (30
Victoria St., #01-19) for Mexican street food, a great
selection of drinks and Latin music. Hit Ku de Ta at
Marina Bay Sands on Thursday nights — there’s no
cover charge and way fewer people.
SLEEP Check into Fairmont Singapore. Their
Willow Stream Spa has a big gym, Jacuzzi and
great spa services. Dine on rustic Italian at Prego.
www.fairmont.com/Singapore
Mirza Malik
associate editor,
Men’s Health
BEST BRUNCH Sunday Vintage
Champagne brunch at Greenhouse, Ritz
Carlton Millenia.
BEST SOUVENIRS Shops outside
the Sultan Mosque in Arab St. offer
antique jewelry, batik and baskets.
BEST DINNER Carousel’s nightly
buffet at Royal Plaza at Scotts has an
enormous international spread. It’s Halal
too, which will appeal to Muslims.
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MALAYSIA
KUALA LUMPUR
COUNTRY CODE +60 (3)
CURRENCY RM1 = PHP14.15/US$0.33
TOUCHDOWN A bus will take you to downtown
Kuala Lumpur from the airport for about RM10
(PHP142). On the other hand, the train will get
you there in half the time. Metered taxis are fast
and affordable.
BY DAY Have a photo-op at the Petronas Twin
Towers, then visit the Aquaria KLCC — the sharks
will be a hit with the kids. Shop at Suria KLCC and
catch a concert by the Malaysian Philharmonic
Orchestra at the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas.
BY NIGHT Bijan is a good Malay fi ne dining
restaurant. No Black Tie has awesome jazz
performances, while Zouk on Jalan Ampang has
rooms with genres ranging from techno to ‘80s and
‘90s music. Barsonic is tops with the indie crowd.
SLEEP The Grand Millenium hotel on Jalan
Bukit Bintang is conveniently located and within
walking distance of all the major hotspots. www.
millenniumhotels.com
Sammy
Sahuri
producer,
LiTV Malaysia
BEST SOUVENIR Handcrafted
wood veneer by Arch Collection featuring
Malaysian heritage sites at Central Market.
INSIDER TIP Beware of motorbikers
when walking on the sidewalks.
Snatchers have been known to strike.
BEST DINNER Go to hip Jalan
Telawi in Bangsar for dinner at Sri
Nirwana Maju Banana Leaf Rice. Try their
signature deep fried bitter gourd.