Costa Sands Resort ~ quick getaway from the busy mundane city life

1 Pasir Ris,

Downtown East

Singapore

That is Balong and I to the entrance of Costa Sands Resort, am supposed to have a full shot of the place but Balong interrupted me with the doughnut (ahahaha!)

Two days before we leave the beautiful country of Singapore, our friend Llowel who lived in Tampines invited us to have some fun at Costa Sands Resort. I did ask BFF Lemwuel if he wants to join us but he extend his excuse as he has an afternoon duty till midnight in the ward, thus we didn’t persuade him then. Just the three of us ended up being together (Balong, Llowel and myself), and we decided to meet before 4:oopm. Since we have nothing to do as we already visited most of the tourist spot here in Singapore, we informed Llowel to pick us up in Tampines MRT Station (EW 2). From our hotel near Kallang MRT Station (EW 10), we traveled less than 30 minutes and we arrived a bit early as we agreed. 

Just on our way out from Pasir Ris MRt Station.

While waiting for Llowel, we roam around the place first. Thanks God because Llowel let Balong borrowed one of his phone including the sim card during our stay here. We texted him that when he arrived in Tampines, he just give us a call then. We waited not any longer as after 20 minutes of waiting Llowel arrived and invited us to his apartment and took our siesta in there. What’s good is that most of the tenants in the flat are Filipinos so we enjoyed it bigtime communicating with them. It feels like we were in Philippines being here in Singapore. We stayed only for an hour and leave immediately as it is getting late.

The huge signage signaling that you are already in Downtown East!

There are so many ways to locate the Downtown East, you can take the train to Pasir Ris MRT Station or you can take the bus number 12, 17, 89 and 358. I don’t know how many buses do pass in here but those are the bus numbers I’ve seen along the area. If you want to take the car then better ask someone else as we haven’t tried it though (ahahaha! ~ sorry!). 

One of the many directions i found in the area.

But anyway, for us to reach the resort fast and easy, we took the MRT to Pasir Ris Station (EW1) from Tampines (EW2). Please don’t get confused with Pasir Panjang Station as this is located way far from here. At first, I thought both station are near to each other just to find out that they both have separate directions (ahahaha!). Llowel said that in the morning usually there is a free shuttle bus service from Pasir Ris MRT Station to Costa Sands Resorts which is available at 8:45am.

To keep fit and healthy, why not try renting a bicycle? I don't know how much per hour but it's effective to lose weight though.

There is a 7/11 store but there were lots of customer lining up, we then change the plan and visited the nearby White Sands Shopping Centre just a few walks away from the station. We bought some doughnuts as we haven’t brought any ‘chichiria’s with us.  The resort is not too far from the train station, it took us only less than 10 minutes of walking and voila we reach our destination. You’ll not get lost as many direction signage can be found in here.

Stairs to the swimming area.

One of the thing that interest me most wherever we go roaming around Singapore, lots and lots of ‘reminders’ can be found in each corner! ‘No bicycling, no pets allowed, no swimming, no etc etc etc’, no wonder for the past 7 days of staying here I haven’t seen anyone violating the rules. It’s a great ordinance though, as it makes the whole country in order. Please note that once you break the law  and caught like spitting or throwing cigarette butts then expect yourself to be in the hot seat because they imposed extensive amount of penalty for you to learn the hard way (BIGTIME! ~ ahahaha!) So better follow the rules than sorry, you know (ahahaha!).

Rules and Regulation to follow once you use the pool.

We arrived at Downtown East around 6:oopm and we didn’t waste any more time. First thing we did is roam around and makes me wonder because it is really huge! It’s like the same size as Clark Quay (ahahaha!). There are lots of shopping and dining outlets too that surrounds the place. The difference is, it is more like a family friendly environment unlike Clarke Quay which is much more on the hyper, nighlife mood.

View of the whole swimming pool.

Balong and Llowel can't take it anymore, they jump to the water right away.

To name the restaurants we’ve seen only few remains in my head (ahahaha!) like the KFC, subway, Magic Wok, Fatfish Steamboat, Old Chang Kee, Mr. Chicken Rice and Just Acia. With regards to shopping outlets we’ve seen Azro, Giordano, Just Lola and Cotton on. If you’re a fitness buff then a visit to Heath Matters and Celebrity Fitness is a try.

Am trying hard to submerged myself like what Balong does but i really can't, i keep on floating!!!! (ahahahaha!)

Ahahahaha..... That's Balong on the left while the one doing the jumping jack under the water is me (ammmmp!)

After roaming around the vicinity we headed straight to Costa Sands Resorts which is located in the southern part of Downtown East.  Our main purpose here really is to have a plunge in their swimming pool and have no plans to rent a chalet. We supposed to stay here for the rest of our stay here in Singapore because Llowel recommended this place; however, I already paid the one week hotel accommodation in Fragrance and am not eager to cancel it as I don’t to go on the process of cancelling then taking the refund procedure (ahahaha!).

The see through bottom of the swimming pool.

The admission fee here is only SGD 2 per person. There are so many free amenities to enjoy, you can bring your marinated chicken and beef as you can use their barbecue pits, they have a hot water dispenser, a 50 meter swimming pool including a smaller pool for children and what I fond the most is the free wi-fi access (ahahaha!).

free wi-fi access!!! Well, mostly in Singapore has that anyway.

We enjoyed our stay here and spent more than an hour. What’s interesting there is part of the swimming pool having a see through wall.  Balong and I even requested Llowel to take a photo of us in one of the viewing panel as it is visible in the entrance. I am not a swimmer and it’s quite hard to submerge. I did try several times with the help of Balong to go deeper but nah! I keep on floating (ahahaha!).

Wanna dive? hmmmmm don't try or else the life guard will come to you and throw you away (ahahaha ~ joke!)

The ambiance is perfect for quick getaway just to have a ‘me-time’ or ‘family-time’ moment away from the busy city life. I love the surroundings as the open space swimming pool is located in the 1^st floor of the building. There is a stairs in the corner that will lead you to the swimming area and there is a lifeguard on guard as always.

There are no cottages but lined up of inclining chair can be found everywhere.

There are so many inclining chair that surrounds the place and lined potted palm trees as well. Diving is not allowed as the depth is only around 5 feet. I did jump once and I’ve seen from the ‘eyes’ of the lifeguard saying ‘hey, stop that!’ (ahahaha!).

Again!!! No running, no diving!!!! gets?

Just beside the swimming pool is the ‘Wild Wild Wet’, Singapore’s largest water park. Unfortunately, it is closed when we get there. We’ve seen lots of slides around and seems full of excitement in there. We’ve seen a much wider pool and river like features with lots of inflatable balloon (whew!!!!). I checked the cost per person, it says SGD19 around PHP600 or USD15 per adult and SGD 14 around PHP 450 or USD10 per child.

wanna have some doughnuts?

The place is good if you brought your family and friends along, but personally there are much more swimming options in Singapore than coming in here. It’s way too far from the city center but very much accessible by MRT. I prefer going to Sentosa especially to Siloso and Palawan Beach as they have variety to offer. This is just a personal point of view, but thanks to Llowel for bringing us in here.

That's me and Balong.. hayssssssssss missing you baby... mwaaaaaaaa

Will I recommend the place to my friends? Hmmmm I guess so; but, if you stay in Singapore only for few days I guess better give it a pass. There are much more tourist spot to enjoy closer to the city center than to go here. What am saying is just what I perceived as to compare to all the attractions that we visited. The Wild Wild Wet is interesting but we haven’t tried it ourselves but am sure the whole family will enjoy such as we’ve seen lots of thrilling slides to it.

potted palm trees can be found everywhere.

So that’s it, don’t get me wrong about my conclusion, point is we enjoyed A LOT during the whole time we stayed here.

Ahahahahaha on our way to the dressing room.

Have a great day and night everyone. Coming up next our dinner in ‘Just Acia’

Cheerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrsss!!!!

 

Enan signing off.

 

SMILE :)

 

 

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The Southernmost Point of Continental Asia ~ a tiny islet that promises a unique setting

85A Palawan Beach Walk 
Sentosa Island

Singapore 098521

Balong and I at the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia.

No question Singapore is the perfect place to enjoy a remarkable vacation with an outstanding experience to cherish forever. It’s our first time to be here but we fall in love right away. There are so many beautiful a attractions that you will truly enjoy; starting from pristine islands, bustling markets, ultra modern building, heritage monuments, historical buildings, museums, cool restaurants, and a lot more are just few that you will indulge in.

View of the famous islet from the tram.

For almost 7 days of traveling around the corners of this thimble-sized nation, Sentosa Island is one of the best place that we’ve been too. It boasts plenty of touristy activities and entertainment and undoubtedly one of the finest and most visited places in Singapore. You can find almost everything in here especially the picturesque view of their pristinely maintained man made beaches. Yes, most of their beaches are artificial but it offers one of the most beautiful landscaped ever made.

The shaky suspension bridge the link the main island to the most southern point of Continental Asia.

Balong, will you please hurry up!!!!!!!! (hehehe!)

They have three beaches that stretch along the southern coast of the island. First is the Siloso Beach, the hippest and trendiest beach around for party goers, its known as the place for beach volleyball and other outdoor activities. Next is Palawan Beach that caters family outing that lies in the centre of the southern coast of Sentosa. And lastly Tanjong Beach, relatively located at the secluded part of the island which is dedicated for 'lovers' that usually caters special events or parties.

View of one of the observation deck.

There is no problem locating all these beaches because there is a ‘free’ tram rides that provides passengers to and fro from the Beach Monorail Station. There are many various restaurants located in different areas too just in case you wanted to have some light snacks or have some brunch with friends and families tag along. 

Read all these instruction or else face the consequences: Remember at the bottom: BY LAW!!!!

If you wanted to have cheap F&B then you’re not in the right place as the price is quite expensive and there are only few food and drinks stations around the beach. I recommend to bring something with you like chips, water or some sandwiches just in case you’re in a budget. However, if you have a ample amount of cash to spare then spoil yourself in many restaurants and bars that surrounds the place.

oooppsss I thought you can use it freely but you need to drop a coin in order for you to view the nearby islands.

Personally, I don’t care if all the beaches here are manmade and all of its sands, boulders, and plants are imported from around the world, one thing is for sure, it is one lovely picturesque panorama to enjoy and one of the ‘finest’ attraction to witness and worth to visit with. As long as the place is clean and safe for everybody then there is nothing more to ask for, ayt? Just don’t forget to bring your sunblock as sometimes the weather here is extremely ruthless, you know.

View of Palawan Island from the islet..

The islet is only less than a hectare in size but well landscaped.

One of the best thing you see once in the peaceful beach of Palawan is the self-proclaimed ‘Southernmost Point of Continental Asia’, that means it’s Asia’s closest point to the Equator. Supposed to be I want to include this in Palawan Beach entry but I change my mind because the islet has its own unique and distinct beauty that is worth to share with. 

Thanks BFF Lemwuel for these wonderful trip!!!

The bridge that link the two observation deck.

There is a suspension bridge to the islet that adds a nice touch of rustic feeling of the whole beach ‘thing’.  I may not yet be able to climb the highest peak of Himalayas or visit the coldest part of Antarctica, at least I can proudly say: ‘We’ve been to the most southern point of Continental Asia’ (ahahaha!). No need for you to ride a boat or take a plane what you just have to do is to cross the hanging bridge, that's it!

Balong trying to use the aperture of the camera and just don't know what the subject is: the merlion statue or himself (ahahaha!).

The islets features 2 Observation Towers interconnected to each other that offers a great view of the islands that encircles Singapore and endless view of South China Sea. It’s a two storey timber viewing deck with open space that creates the feeling like you’re climbing to a tree house without a tree (ahahaha!). Please make sure that you accompanied your kids coming here as there are some parts of the deck to look out for like the gap between stairs and walls.

There are so many islands surrounding the islet. The one from a far is already the islands of Batam in Indonesia.

I just don’t know if it is allowed to have some short picnic in the tower but I’ve seen some locals having mat in the corner. Please note that there are so many rules in here that you should be aware of. Since we don't know if its allowed to picnic in here we gave it a pass then even i have a large 'malong' with me. In order to avoid the fines better be vigilant you know (ahahaha!). I don’t know how much is the fines if ever get caught violating the rules but better be aware than sorry (ahahaha!).

The view of the suspension bridge and look how peaceful the shoreline is.

The setting is located, logically enough, on the water and offers gorgeous view of the port. There are so many cargo vessels docked in the middle of the sea and seems waiting for us to go along with them (ahahaha!).

Ahahahahaha, sayyy what!!!!!!!!!!

We've seen so many islands, I was just wondering, if this is the closest to the equator how about the islands nearby? Hmmmmmm i just don't know what is the name of the island but it's just less than a kilometer away from the tower. I just don't get it but we enjoyed it anyway that's all that matter's, ayt? (ahahaha!)

So, if you want to enjoy the refreshing breeze and the gorgeous scenery then a visit to this islet is a MUST. Again, it's free and all you have to do is bring a bottle of water and chips with you as there is no available store in here. I know that it’s not the only place to enjoy but if you have nothing to do come in here for you to experience what it feels like to be at the southernmost point of Continental Asia.

View of the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia from Palawan Shoreline.

By the way, it opens 24/7. That's it for now guys..

Cheerrrss!

Enan signing off.

SMILE!!!


:)

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Palawan Beach Sentosa ~ lies in the centre of the southern coast of Sentosa

85A Palawan Beach Walk

Sentosa Island

Singapore 098521

View of the Palawan Beach from the observation deck at the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia.

Singapore is a small island but most of the attractions from nature to human marvel can be found in here. Try going to Marina Bay, Sentosa Island, and Mount Faber and you’ll be amaze how human eagerness to reach the horizon collide with the beauty of nature. Singapore is known as a Garden City and no questions for that as everywhere you go lush greenery is almost everywhere as it engulfs the whole city. However, although naturally Singapore is a nation composed of several islands but because of rapid urbanization, the disappearance of natural beaches is so rampant. It was then replace with manmade structure or artificial beaches for the locals and international tourist cravings. 

The place is surrounded with beautiful landscape. The road that will lead you to beaches area feels like you're on your way to Camp John Hay in Baguio City.

Singapore is the best place to enjoy your vacation if you have enough money to spare. There are places that you need to spend more than a hundred bucks for a few hours but there are also some places that minimal amount of money is required. When I say minimal around SGD 10 and you’ll survive (ahahaha!), besides wherever you go in Singapore as long as you have filled EZ link card then you can travel corner to corner as most of its tourist destination is reachable by train, bus or taxi. However, I don’t recommend hiring a taxi because it is really expensive unlike using the train which only cost you a few bucks depending how far your destination of course.

The place is so pristinely maintained, it may look so artificial but way too picturesque.

Since our plan is to visit most of the beaches they have in here what we did, we ride a monorail express from Sentosa Station in Vivo City directly to Beach Station that cost us SGD 2 around PHP 66.00 or USD 1.50. It includes an entrance fee to the island. Yup, I said it right, there is an admission fee that cost us SGD 1 each. Well, Sentosa is a beautiful island to have fun and enjoy with, thus SGD 1 is just a penny (wink wink ~ ahahaha!).

There are so many cottages/shades along the way if you want to rest or wait for the tram to arrive.

When we arrived at the Beach Monorail Station there is a tram that awaits passengers right away. But before that, we checked all the information first and found out that Sentosa Island has a stretch of sheltered beach of more than 2 km (1.2 miles) on its southern coast. It is divided into three beaches named Siloso, Tanjong and Palawan Beach. I laugh when I read the word ‘Palawan’ as it feels like home.

Overlooking from afar is the view of Merlion Statue serves as the background of Palawan beach.

Well anyway, Balong, Lemwuel and I been to Siloso Beach already and quite admired the surrounding vicinity. I love how they arrange the palm trees and boulders as if its naturally real. You’ll not get bored as it’s considered as  the hippest and coolest beach ever as you can play volleyball, football or simply wanders around. What I fond the most is the huge art signs of letters S.I.L.O.S.O. in the corner just beside the round about where the last station of ‘FREE’ tram is located. Just visit this (link) that i posted before for you to be aware what I am talking about

After few minutes of wandering around Siloso Beach, we decided to check other beaches that lies here in Sentosa. Again, we ride the ‘free’ tram back to the Beach station because Palawan Beach is situated opposite to Siloso. Let’s say for example you’re in Beach Station and you’re facing the bay, on your right is the Siloso while Palawan is on your left along with Tanjong Beach.

The free tram ride the delivers tourist to and fro Palawan and Tanjong Beach.

When we arrived at the Beach station,  we hop- off the tram and transferred to another tram that will lead us to Palawan Beach. It took us only around 5 to 10 minutes before the tram leave. Traveling to the area is a wonderful experience, the beauty of the surroundings is impeccable. The area is clean and lush greenery is everywhere. Beautiful lined pines trees in both corners and lots of spring flowers covering the islands.

Bougainvillaea plants like the one above can be seen almost everywhere.

There are so many free tram services that runs to and fro the beach areas as well, but if you have more energy to spare why not try having a leisurely walk around as there are many covered pathway going in here. You’ll love the place because it’s like you’re going to Baguio City in the Philippines as fresh air encircling your way. You’ll not get lost because there are so many signage all along, besides you can even ask locals or even tourist where the place is as it is known to everybody.

Lined Pine trees on both side of the road.

We arrived the area in less than 10 minutes and first thing we’ve seen are dwarf coconut trees that covers the whole place. It’s so quite in here because we were the only people visiting so far. There are so many tourist on the tram that we ride on but I don’t know where they were going as we drop ourselves to Palawan Beach. With the limited beaches here in Singapore, this kind of spot is a treat as always. They may not have natural beaches, but this man-made delight is of great quality being pristinely clean and safe for tourist to dip in.

When we arrived at the area, lined coconut trees greeted us in.

For me, Palawan Beach is designated for family while Siloso is for party goers. It’s evident as the atmosphere that surrounds the area here are themed like pirates with various playgrounds and wet play areas. The main attraction here I would say is the Port of Lost Wonder (POLW), a pirates theme kids play area located just a few walks away from Beach Station.

Proof that you arrived in Palawan Beach, is when you see the signage above (ahahaha!).

Although not as trendy and hip as Siloso Beach yet I found the place refreshingly gorgeous and more relax as only few people where in there when we visit the area. There is a Beach Walk that offers great stroll across the sandy beach and heaps of trees lining up that provides adequate shades for the guest to enjoy. You can bring your picnic baskets in here and enjoy the scenery while enjoying your siesta.

We’ve seen two nearest restaurants in here too, the Bora-Bora Beach Bar and the Club Insider. Bora Bora which faces the ocean attracts clienteles at all time. They serve pizzas, burgers and finger foods or savour specialties such as seafood platter, and grilled chicken salad at this family friend venue. Should you like to try more adult friendly concoctions then try their Bora Mojitos, and the vodka based fruitables. You can take the food indoor or at the shades outside. Try their on deck chairs with great views of South China Sea or else, you can rent a hammocks and a pool table for SGD 2.

Personally, I think Palawan beach is even better than Siloso Beach. It’s secluded yet very tourist friendly. If you want to have a relaxation without thinking about someone disturbing you then this is a place to visit. You can bring your book with you to read while enjoying the enchanting view of the sea.

Our BFF Lemwuel having fun since no one is around (ahahaha!).

If you’re planning a visit to Palawan Beach do note that admission fees varied depending on the attractions you’re visiting. Also, allocate between 1 to 3 hours viewing and bring plenty of water as only few outlet can be seen in here. Part of the beach can be pretty crowded especially on week-ends but during our visit its barely empty. 

Look, who may say that these sands were imported from Malaysia and Indonesia, huh? It looks so REAL!!!!!

One last thing, who cares if the sand is imported and the beac is manmade. This is one beautiful beach to indulge in to have a lovely picturesque and palmfringed little beach for the families. This is one of the many attractions that you don’t need to spend a dime to dip in except the entrance fee to the island. The best thing is that you can see the southern most point of continental asia that I will feature next.

You can bring your family along. Have fun and enjoy the sunshine!.

I’ll park here now guys. Have a great and pleasant night/day to everyone.

Sunburn is the product of no sunblock! point is: W E WNJOYED IT BIGTIM!!!! (ahahahaha!)

Always have time to smile…

Cheerrssssss

Enan signing off..

:)

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