When we say it is Christmas time, we mean “family time”. Families tend to celebrate the most awaited season of the year in various ways. For this year, we opted to go to Baguio City to relax from the lowland heat and see how colorful and well-lighted the Summer Capital during this festive season.
the lovely petunias of Mount Costa, the newest attraction in the Summer Capital of the Philippines
It was my post-birthday celebration and we are about to spend it in Armada Beach Resort on the island of Magalawa in Palauig, Zambales but typhoon Odette abruptly changed our plan. We were on our way to Subic Bay when Grace, the owner of the resort called us not to go to the island because the beach had gone dirty with seaweeds and branches of trees swarming the shore. My hubby hastily decided to proceed to DFarm and Park in Masinloc, still in the province of Zambales to continue our family getaway.
the tranquil and beautiful Infinity Pool overlooking Oyon Bay
During our first visit to Singapore, we ran out of time to drop by at Palawan Beach because we spent one whole day frolicking on rides and attractions at Universal Studios. On my next visit to the country, I enjoyed my sojourn on the beach with Lyn, my sister-in-law. Together we immersed in its unique topical vibes amidst the scorching heat of the sun.
the panoramic view of Palawan Beach as seen from the wooden observation deck
Singapore may lack natural resources but with the government’s brilliant mind they developed and created man-made attractions such as the beaches of Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong. It attracted a massive influx of tourists every year. Each has different attractions, tones, and charm. Among the three, Siloso Beach is the liveliest as it offers various sports activities and is home to the coolest bars and restaurants. This is well-loved by fun-loving people because the beach is alive from day till night.
Lyn and her happy smile when we reached Siloso Beach
After an awesome nature getaway on a tiny island called Pulau Ubin, I boarded a bus going to Gardens by the Bay, a nature park spanning 101 hectares in a reclaimed area. I will explore the amazing Gardens again and for the first time, I will visit the two cooled conservatories, the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. I bought my ticket through Klook, a Hong Kong-based company that sells travel activities at lower prices.
the stunning Super Trees at night
Coming from an informative and exciting visit from Cloud Forest in Gardens by the Bay, I set off to the next cooled conservatory, the Flower Dome which will give me another dose of learning and feast of wonder to my eyes.
Chek Jawa Wetlands or Tanjung Chek Jawa is the most popular tourist destination in Pulau Ubin and the highlight of our trip. The 100-hectare cape is located on the eastern tip of the island and is about 3 kilometers away from the public jetty. What makes it unique is that it is home to several ecosystems found in one area-the sandy beach, mangroves, seagrass lagoon, rocky beach, coral rubble and coastal forest. Indeed Chek Jawa Wetlands is unusually rich in biodiversity.
these are my new found friends and fellow Pinoy I met inside the bus while I’m on my way to Changi Village-Pinky, Mavie and Rachel
Just off the northeastern shore of mainland Singapore lies the tiny island called Pulau Ubin. It was pretty amazing how a highly urbanized country retains a rustic getaway where one can reminisce the past and enjoy the charm and simplicity of the olden times. On my third day in the Lion Country, I braved myself visiting Pulau Ubin alone which I considered the most anticipated part of my second visit to Singapore.
Yours truly, sitting on Puaka Hill, the highest point in Pulau Ubin
I had a hard time leaving Pulau Ubin, one of the last areas in Singapore that has been reserved by the government from urban development. It took me until 3:00 pm to bid goodbye to this amazing little island and set off to Gardens by the Bay. Since it was already late in the afternoon, I have to catch up on a quick visit to its famed cooled conservatories Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. Yes, I was alone and again, I was so excited!
The Cloud Mountain and the 35-meter man-made waterfall
This is my second day in Singapore but since Malaysia is an hour away from this country, I opted to visit the famous Legoland Malaysia Resort. My brother and his wife Lyn who are both working in Singapore volunteered to accompany me. But since they spent a whole day of fun five months ago in this theme park with their kids, they will visit Johor Bahru and I will explore alone. This is another fun-filled adventure and I’m super excited!
The trip from Singapore to Malaysia
Things I brought for this trip: Passport, Valid IDs, SG Dollar, Malaysian Ringgit, cellphone, and my precious SLR.
We traveled by bus coming from Boonlay MRT Station on the East-West Line. It’s the best and cheaper way in getting to Johor Bahru. The journey was so comfortable and it took us fifteen minutes only. Later we headed to the immigration booth for entry to Malaysia. Service was fast and easy. From there we took two bus rides before we reach our destination.
Off to another fun-filled getaway for the day… with Choy and Lyn
Legoland Malaysia Resort has two separate theme parks with separate entrance fees; the main Legoland Theme Park and the Legoland Water Park. Since I have no plan to get wet I chose the former. I suggest if you want to enjoy yourself fully in each theme park, buy tickets separately on two different days.
Getting inside the theme park, I passed by the Legoland Hotel, a brightly colored hotel with big Lego statues in front of it.
R2D2 outside Star Wars Miniland
Let me now tour you inside Legoland with 8 themed areas.
INSIDE THE THEME PARK
The Beginning
This area is where all excitement and fun begin. You will get here the entry tickets and annual passes, the map, the Big Shop, and the Legoland employee who will be of service to your inquiries and request.
I paid for the entry ticket for RM195 and headed to the gate. I was stamped on my wrist and was told that there is no re-entry in the resort. Unlike in Universal Studios Singapore and Hong Kong Disneyland, guests could get in and out of the theme park without paying again for another ticket.
I grabbed a map and made a quick study of how I will explore the whole theme park. I started to the left side and set off initially to Lego Technic.
Lego Technic
Rides like the Technic Twister and Aquazone Wave Racers are designed for kids, but elders may also enjoy them here. Unfortunately, the roller coaster Project X was under maintenance.
Technic Twister
For activities inside fully air-conditioned and indoor rooms, there are the Lego Mindstorms and Lego Academy for the creative workshop for building awesome figures like robots, houses, buildings, and even cars.
I’m not a fan of Star Wars but the “Star Wars” Miniland impressed me much. Before anyone can tour inside, guests are initially invited to watch the five-minute show. Later the excitement begins upon entering the rooms with seven sections, seven episodes of the epic saga with lights, sounds, and moving objects. Amazing! I was fascinated!
C3PO is another “Star Wars” figure outside Star Wars Miniland
Kids were also fascinated that they want to get close to the moving legos and touch them. Hahaha! Outside were the Lego life-size figures of R2-D2, C3P0, and Luke Skywalker.
one of the amazing sections in Star Wars Miniland
Food stalls: Cool Hut and Asian Deli
Lego Kingdoms
Cross a drawbridge and enter a magnificent castle to see knights and dragons.
The Royal Joust is for the kids to enjoy
There are two roller coasters here, the big one, the Dragon and the Dragon’s Apprentice designed for the kids. Royal Joust is for toddlers.
Food stalls: Kings’s Grill, Waffle Haus, and Castle Fried Chicken
Amenities: Shops, restaurant, comfort room, food stall, and play area.
Imagination
This area is the most colorful and most attractive for the kids.
The Observation Tower
Skip the midday sun and watch exciting 4D movies in Lego Studios that will bring you into a new dimension every thirty minutes. Experience the elements like water, smoke, wind, and the special lighting effects that will take you on an awesome journey!
Food stall: Pizza Mania
Other Attractions: Lost Kingdom Adventure, journey into an Egyptian labyrinth, and blast Lego monsters with layers.
Yummy pizza at Pizza Mania
Lego Ninjago World
Exciting challenges in this area are the Lego Ninjago The Ride, an interactive ride that is good for the whole family, Nya’s Practice, Cole’s Rock Climb, Kai’s Spinners, and Zane’s Temple Build.
There are no food stalls here only Sensei’s Shop and Photo Booth.
The Sword inside Ninjago World
Land of Adventure
For an adventure seeker like me, this area was my favorite as I journey to the unforgotten worlds of Pharaohs and dinosaurs. The Dinosaurs world had the amazing Dino Island the exciting log boat ride that resembled the Mighty Mountain Flume Adventure in LeoFoo Village Theme Park in Taiwan.
Dino World
For the Egyptian theme, there are The Lost Kingdom Adventure, Beetle Bounce, and Pharao’s Revenge.
Food stall: Burger Junction
Amenities: Adventure’s Photo, Lost Kingdom photo, body dryer, restroom, and locker rental.
Lego City
Kids between 6 to 13 years old can drive a car and will learn about road safety, traffic lights signals, parking, and may own Driver’s License. But they should watch the video first before they will drive. There is also a large playground for toddlers below 8 years old.
Aside from the car, there is also a boat riding in the Boating School and another fun activity is the Lego Rescue Academy where kids will take the fire engine to put out a fire.
Another attraction is the train made of lego that will take you to the theme park every thirty minutes.
Food stalls: Fire Rescue Bistro, Snack Corner, and Market Restaurant
Amenities: Driving School Shop, Stage Shop, Driving School Photo, Photo Booth, First aid and Restroom
Miniland
My last stop is in Miniland where my jaws almost dropped with amazement as I saw the stunning miniatures of different landmarks in Asian countries. This is located at the very heart of Legoland. Said wonderful masterpiece was built with over 30 million lego bricks and more than three years in the making.
Being the host country, Miniland features Malaysia’s famous prime attractions and buildings like the KL Tower, the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, Bank Muamulat, and even the sections of Putrajaya. But of course, the highlight of them all was the Kuala Lumpur City Center with the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
Putrajaya, Malaysia’s federal administrative center, has some buildings and structures: Putra Bridge, Istana Darul Ehsan, Masjid Putra, and the Bangunan Perdana Putra. They highlighted Johor Bahru, the capital city of its host state as they showcased some of its interesting sites like the clock tower at Dataran Bandaraya, Johor Tourism Information Centre, the Catholic church in Johor Bahru, and some more buildings.
Singapore’s pride
I’ve noticed Singapore being a neighboring country of Malaysia had been given a special spot in Miniland because several iconic landmarks had been made for them like Merlion, the Skyline, Fullerton Hotel, Boat Quay, and the Singapore Flyer.
India’s Taj Mahal
Other amazing famous landmarks to see are the Taj Mahal of India, Angkor Wat of Cambodia, Patuxai of Lao, Sultan Oma Ali Saifuddin Mosque of Brunei, Karaweik Hall of Myanmar, and Bolinao of my very own Philippines.
I spent most of my time in this area admiring the feat behind the creation of these miniatures. Later I went back to The Beginning and strolled inside the Big Shop.
If you are a lego collector, this shop is for you. They offered the largest selection of Lego toy sets which includes the hard-to-find ones and the exclusive items. They also sell souvenir goodies like mugs, t-shirts, hats, and a lot more.
This is open at 10:00 am. So if you visit Legoland, be sure to have enough money to buy your desired Lego toys.
Verdict:
Most of the rides are kid-friendly so elders can also enjoy them. I had limited time to enjoy it myself since we will go back to Singapore to buy pasalubong for my loved ones at night. Anyway, a solo tour to the whole team park and be amazed by the wonderful creatures and places made out of millions and millions of Lego blocks was just fine. It’s so nice to get back with the whole family. Surely they will love it as much as I do.
Please visit their website for their rate.
Opens daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Any inquiries please email them at info@LEGOLAND.my
Other Legoland Resorts are located in United States, Denmark, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.
Notes:
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| Part 4: Hong Kong and Macau Trip: The Peak Experience | Loreland Farm Resort: Changed and Evolved | Part 8: Hong Kong and Macau Trip: My Solo Adventure in Disneyland | Singapore Family Trip-Part 4: Universal Studios Singapore | Ramen Night at Kimono Ken, Blue Bay Walk |
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