On our fourth day in Singapore, we transferred to another place located in the quiet side of Little India. We stayed here longer for around five days.
The posh hangout@mt.emily Singapore may not look like they've been around since 2004 (still very clean and well-maintained), but you'll just feel it in the good service and facilities of Cathay Organization's first property (they also have a branch in Malacca). Plus, everything looks new and contemporary. And can I just say it's one of the most safe-looking hostels I've been to, with tap-key door system for every common room and floor entry!
It was raining when we got there, road is a bit long and steep going to the hotel (from the subway) so I advice you take an Uber or Grab if you have a big luggage. Their welcoming lobby was sanctuary:
The dining area's granite and wood interior looks very Muji-home with an artistic twist! They serve the free contemporary breakfast for the guests here:
My favorite place in Hangout: The VegOut Lounge at the second floor! Whenever I reach the hotel earlier than my friends, I usually go here for the TV, unlimited coffee, and to prepare my favorite Maggi instant mashed potatoes (hehe). They also have computers with internet connection in this place, I saw groups comfortably working here one night. Super chill vibes!
They also have two outdoor areas: TimeOut Patio and LookOut Terrace. Wasn't able to maximize these areas because Singapore (like Manila) is so hot I stayed mostly inside with the aircon.
We were lucky to have stayed in two different rooms available in Hangout@Mt.Emily:
First is in their shared rooms, where we had two other European roomies (all girls). I like that it still looks like a hotel, but at a more affordable price. They created the space to look like your dream dorm:
Each guest, aside from their bed and pillow, will get this wall that will allow them a bit of privacy ... and to hold their personal cabinet with key, spacious desk, hanging area, safe box, lamp, and sockets. Ang galing ng pagkaka design nito!
Meanwhile, the private room was my favorite accommodation for this Singapore trip. It has its own bathroom, two main beds, AND of course my own single bed and corner near the vanity area. I can stay here forevs!
Pax and Tracy shared this bed:
The private bathroom:
Check out hangout@mt.emily's other facilities in their website.
I always enjoy heading out of the hotel, it's as if we have our own huge garden just outside. There are benches in the area where kids or solo travellers hangout. One time when I went out alone to explore other sides of Singapore, I chanced upon two very huge, safari-ish birds on the trees!
A little more walk outside Mt. Emily's compound, you'll spot a hawker place and a legit Indian cinema. 7Eleven is a longer walk and a bit out of the way from the train station, so I make sure to head there first before going back to the hotel.
And we're out! In Singapore, 2x lang ata ako na Uber and then just maximized their efficient train system with my EZ Link refillable card. I used this till I went back to the airport for Manila, so actually no need na talaga for taxi for me!
If you're heading to Singapore soon and looking for things to do, here are some places and activities you might be interested in! Enjoy building your itinerary! 😌
1) Cat Cafe
My second time in a cat cafe in Singapore, first one was around 2 years ago in Chinatown. My blog friend Yuki and I chanced upon a new one while heading to Haji Lane. Both animal lovers, we can't help but go in! Just buy a cup of coffee or tea (around 12.50 SGD) so you can play with these fur balls. 😻
Location: Meomi Cat Cafe 668 North Bridge Rd
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
2) Singapore Botanic Gardens
It was super hot when Tracy and I went there! Wear something comfortable, BRING PAYONG, and make sure to have a bottled water with you. Super intense! It's also super huge, so we weren't able to finish everything. It's nice a nice place for photo ops, plus they're already a UNESCO World Heritage Site! At ang importante sa lahat, entrance is free! Hehe!
Nearest MRT Station: Botanic Gardens Station
3) Library@Orchard
Went here around 2x during this trip! I love quiet places, plus they do not charge for entrance fees! Just get a book or magazine, choose your spot, and spend hours in your corner. My favorite is this wall of magazine drawers where you can immediately see the titles. Most impressive: Their Studio Ghibli DVD collection and Korean magazines! Gusto ko iuwi! Haha!
Location: Orchard Road
Nearest MRT Station: Somerset
4) Haji Lane
Aside from being a popular OOTD / Instagram spot, you'll love the street art and the independent shops and cafes in Haji Lane. I am always inspired to build my business every time I walk along this road.
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis
5) Holland Village
We weren't able to stay long here, but Holland Village is a popular shopping and dining destination for younger Singaporeans. It looks like a nice place to eat and hangout.
Nearest MRT Station: Holland Village Station
6) Clarke Quay
I've been to Clarke Quay several times already, but usually at nighttime for their restaurants, bars, and even the Reverse Bungee, but going there during day time was also a nice experience. Tracy and I aimlessly walked around the area and even further one afternoon, which turned into an instant photo walk session! We even discovered new neighborhoods, and entered a free museum!
Museum Location: STPI 41 Robertson Quay
Nearest MRT Station: Clarke Quay
7) Millenia Walk
While waiting for our 3pm hotel check-in, Tracy and I just hopped in the subway and went off a random station. It turned out to be an artsy mall in Promenade Station. Had lunch in a Japanese resto, and walked around their cool stores and cafes for a few hours, it's a nice stop before heading back to Little India.
Nearest MRT Station: Promenade Station
8) Maki-San DIY Sushi
Tracy, who recommended this place, said that "If you chose the whole thing, it's impossible for you to not like your sushi!". I actually ate here 3x during this trip! I love the concept of DIY sushi, you choose everything from the wrap, size, sauce, to your rice and toppings. I loved mine with cheese, tamago, and cucumber--but I went back just to try the other options. 😋 It also comes in cute printed box!!!
Location: The Cathay, Handy Road
Nearest MRT Station: Dhoby Ghaut
9) ArtScience Museum - Future World
Saw posters of this cool lights "Deegee Razon world" (hehe) while in Korea, but had no time to avail it. Luckily, Future World exhibit is a mainstay in Singapore's ArtScience Museum. A collaborative creation by Japanese artists TeamLab, experience a high tech world of art, science, and magic in this digital installation. Don't forget your camera and Boomerang app! 😃 Entrance is a bit steep at 17 SGD (students get discount) but worth it.
Location: ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands
Nearest MRT Station: Bayfront Station
10) Marina Bay Sands' Free Light Shows
First is the SuperTree Grove light show "Garden Rhapsody", which happens at 7:45pm and 8:45pm DAILY. They play Disney songs while the lights change, super kaiyak!
Meanwhile, by 8pm or 9:30pm from Sunday-Thursday (plus an extra 11pm show every Fridays and Saturdays), you can watch the "Wonder Full at Marina Bay Sands" in front of Marina Bay Sands near Louis Vuitton. This is said to be Singapore's most high tech light show--a play of water fountains, laser lights, and music. Super impressive for a free attraction! Iba ka, Singapore! Eto yung bansang "ginalingan masyado"! Haha! 😍
Location: Marina Bay Sands
Nearest MRT Station: Bayfront Station
That's all for this post, to be continued!! 😀
Special thanks to Aisa Ipac and Hangout Hotels for our accommodation.
And to FLYTPACK for my stable internet connection while in Singapore!
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