a mum's diary

A backdated entry.

We had a staycation during the march holidays at Rasa Sentosa Shangrila Resort having heard so much reviews about it from friends and relatives. The resort truely lived up to its name having been refurbished for the past year. Everything was fresh and new. We booked the family room and it truly didn’t disappoint. The room was big enough to accomodate all 6 of us! But since mum was around we had to book 2 family rooms. adjoining of course. One with a king bed and the other twin bedded. The kids had so much fun going from one room to the next. Did I tell you that family rooms also come with an extra queen size sofa bed? So my mum’s room which was the twin bedded one actually had 3 beds! How cool!

Rasa Sentosa Shangrila view from down below

Meeting with my favourite people in our room. Love the space.

The swimming pool was the highlight of the resort. It even has its own man made beach complete with sand and all. The kids enjoyed the pool especially the kids area. And if you’re lucky like us, you might just run into friendly pea hens.

Shiny happy people at the pool

Lurking peahen with her baby. It actually will chase after you if you have food mind you which is a little bit scary cos I was the victim! Hahaha!

We also spent one of the days at Universal Studios since we were at Sentosa anyway. It had to rain the day we went but lucky for us it was just a slight drizzle which continued throughout the day. And because of the rain, I think people stayed away that was why the place was nearly empty and queues to the rides weren’t long. The transformers ride which was just opened and had a standard waiting time close to an hour was practically empty and we only had to wait for 15 minutes. The ride truly lived up to its name. It was awesome.

This was our second trip here and what we did not do or watch the last time, we made sure we did it this time. I think we covered everything in a span of 5 hours. The rain did not even dampen our spirits and I guess it was more enjoyable this time round maybe because it was quality time spent with family and the best friend.

Another fabulous weekend at The Fullerton Bay Hotel. The purpose of our stay was to hold a double birthday celebration for our younger girls. But that would be another entry altogether. Too lengthy and too many pictures to upload heh.

This entry is solely dedicated to having to live the life in the fab lane. How I wish it could be just every single day. With people at your beck and call every single time. Ah yes one can only dream.

How I wish that breakfast could be like this every single day…

And the pool could be within reach and at the rooftop…

With breathtaking views from the rooftop

Its now back to reality..no harm dreaming right?

Like many I love to take pictures of food. Love to see the colours emerge and I just simply love to ogle at them. Most of my pictures are not taken professionally of course. Just by using my good ol Iphone with the help of instagram of course.

Here are pics taken during potluck session with my favourite chum mummies. As per every potluck session we always try to come up with a theme so it was easier to sort out the menu but we always come back to the same ones. Italian or English. One because it was easy to prepare and Two because the kids loved them. Roasted potatoes, pizza bread and spaghetti. Favourite choices always. You can never go wrong with them.

The next weekend we had another potluck session. This time a more trickier or rather a more mashed up theme. Meditarranean plus Indian plus Indonesian. Fushion much?

Oh and did I say we went British too? Scones and jelly galore awaits!

The drive to Penang was I would say a rather LONG and TIRING one (yes even passengers feel the exhaustion) but one that opens one’s eyes to nature and its surroundings. There was no shortcut to Penang unless you take the plane that is. It was a neverending drive. After conquering tunnels and steep corners and turns, we finally saw the bridge. The beautiful bridge that seperates Penang from mainland Malaysia.

Main aim to Penang? To get to the legendary most talked about Hard Rock Hotel, fill our tummies and relax! No shopping too this leg of the trip. Well not too much shopping. Why I say so? Because during the duration of our stay we did not even venture out into the city. Just thinking about the infamous traffic jam makes me sick. So our stay throughout was just atop Batu Feringgi which I’ve since dubbed as the O.C slash Miami of Malaysia because of the tall and beautiful apartments facing the sea. All modern and chic apartments mind you. Names too were super canggih. There was Miami Green,Mar Vista,Island Resort just to name a few.

So Hard Rock Hotel did not disappoint. The facade itself was breathtaking. Staff? Excellent service from the bellboy right up to the managers. There was never a time you do not see a smile on their faces. Ok so back to the facade. Truly modern and a fantastic view of the sea. Even have their own private beach.

We were whisked to the  Kings Club Lounge for our check in as we booked a club room for 2 nights.

Service was prompt and within minutes we were ushered to our rooms. Like any other Hard Rock Hotel, every room comes with its own balcony. Ours overlooked the pool and the beach. I did not know why I did not take any pictures of the room! Too excited I guess. The only picture that I took was this. A cosy part of the room. My favourite part of the room. A so called lepak place.

We hit the pool soon after. The kids and the grown up men frolick in the water while me and mum just took in the sights.

I love the deco on our floor. Very chic and classy. Feels like home.

And there is also a photo kind of booth where you can take wacky pictures of yourself like these people did. Yes all on the floor’s landing.

Nasi Kandar was what we had for dinner. A must or so I’ve heard if you come to Penang. Although it wasn’t the place that friends have recommended but it was good nevertheless. Fingers and hands still smell of curry the day after. That is a sign of a well made curry right?

We then went to the Feringgi Night Market. Reminds me of Petaling Street in KL? Loads of fake goods and touristy souveniors. I am widely surprised that it’s sold freely here. The house of Vuitton and Chanel will die of a heart attack if they ever come here. Haha.

Breakfast was at the Starz Diner. It was named exactly like the one in Bali. Food wise? Bali has a more extensive range. It was also bigger. Quite a disappointment actually. Was hoping for more traditional Malaysian fare.

After breakfast we dropped the younger kids off at the Kids club and the older ones at Taboo (teen club) and off we went hunting for the perfect spa place. Pampered myself with a manicure,pedicure and a foot reflexology. My second time in my life doing the foot reflex and it sure ain’t the last. Too shiok! 

More swimfest then after before dinner plus pool activities with the friendly Hard Rock Hotel staff. Spot ili dancing?

We had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe on our last night courtesy of Mr Zahrin Ali our BFF. Food was heavenly and fantastic. Thank you so much Zahrin!

Pre dinner activity..Let’s colour!

And so this concludes the second leg of our holiday. Till we meet again Penang!