TravelCommentator

Author: Carlo Irlitti

* Review / Shopping

Plaza Singapura, Singapore

Moderately Priced Shopping Mall One of my favourite malls in Singapore. Plaza Singapura is located at the eastern end of Orchard Road, Singapore’s famous shopping strip. Easily reached by bus and MRT, the mall sits atop of Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Escalators from the platforms take you to the basement floor of the mall, but if you’ve never been before make sure to read the signs carefully as Dhoby Ghaut is a major interchange for three MRT lines, North South Line (red), North East Line (purple) and Circle Line (yellow). I usually come from Bras Basah on the Circle Line, a one station hop to the terminus and a short escalator ride to the entrance of the food court on the basement floor. Still...

* Review / Eatery

Pizza Express Kornhill Plaza, Hong Kong

Great Pizza: Price, Quality and Service Happened to come across this place while I was enjoying a ride on the Hong Kong tramway. Had seen it on my way to Shau Kei Wan and then on the way back I thought I should give this pizzeria restaurant a try. It was already about 3pm, a late lunch. I managed to get their midday special, an entrée and a main. I originally only wanted a pizza and a drink, however the waitress pointed out that if I wanted, it came together with an entrée. So on her kind advice I decided on the minestrone and a giardiniera pizza. To drink a pot of hot tea with lemon. As I make my own pizzas at home...

* Review / Transport

Hong Kong Tramways (Ding Ding)

Iconic Tram Experience Probably the best way to see the bustling city of Hong Kong on the cheap. The flat fares per ride are: adult $HKD2.30, children (3 to 12 years) $HKD1.20 and Seniors (65 years and over) $1.10. Boarding of trams is always done at the rear, leaving and paying done at the front. If paying by cash leave the correct fare in the coin box. The driver does not carry change. Otherwise scan an Octopus Card (reloadable transport card). Two staircases, one behind the driver and the other at the back get you to the enclosed top level. Seats are in wood with no cushioning. They can be hard on the bottom if you do the whole trip from one end to...

* Review / Eatery

Food Republic, Bras Basah Road, Singapore

Good Moderately Priced Food for the Occasional Visit This particular Food Republic is not overly large and can get crowded at meal times, especially during lunch when many locals and students pop in. It’s also not the cheapest as you can get similar food at hawker centres and other less flashy food courts for several (Singapore) dollars less and even at half price. But if you find yourself on Bras Basah Road and don’t feel like walking too far, Food Republic is still a fine place to eat. It is clean and the service is relatively quick. There’s a good selection of cuisines: Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and the food caters to most eaters: vegetarian, duck, pork, beef, seafood, rice, noodles, dumplings, soups, fruit juices,...

* Review / Places

Hong Kong Heritage Museum

Chinese Culture & Art. Worth a Visit! Anyone who loves culture, art, design, etc., should give this place a visit, whether the exhibitions are permanent or temporary, free or paid. I visited during March 2017 and was fortunate enough to catch the Bruce Lee special exhibition: Bruce Lee: Kung Fu-Art-Life. Been a fan of his work as a martial artist, actor and person. A real insight into his life seeing the exhibits and the documentary “The Brilliant Life of Bruce Lee” screened in the theatre. Also the other exhibitions of Chinese, Cantonese and Hong Kong culture, history, art, design and fashion. Here below are several images from the exhibition on paintings adapted from Jin Yong’s Novels. Time wise, give yourself at least 3 to...

* Review / Accommodation

Hotel Grand Pacific Singapore

Good Choice Mid-range Hotel My third stay at this well located hotel in the heart of Bugis. This time for one night only. Like in my previous visits the staff were attentive and courteous, at check-in, check-out and when I had any questions that needed answered. The room 617, a Deluxe Twin, at the rear of the building faces the Royal at Queens Hotel. These rooms a reasonably spacious, like all the rooms in the Grand Pacific. Bed mattress was firm and comfortable. Sheets looked clean. Bathroom on the aged side, door, grout, fixtures, etc., but in general clean. The chunky furniture, as in my previous visit, is dated, but as I’m used to them now they don’t worry me. On level 5 there...

* Review / Accommodation

Ibis Hong Kong Central & Sheung Wan

Good Hotel Let Down by Laundry Overall had a good experience. The location of the hotel is easy to get to thanks to the free Airport Express Hotel Shuttles from Hong Kong Central. Other forms of transport all close by, tramway, buses and MTR at Sheung Wan. Everything is not far, including places to eat and drink, etc., like Soho nearby. So no dramas getting to places either walking or using public transport. The reception is on the fifth floor. Check-in and check-out was done very efficiently. Polite and attentive staff at reception and at the bar and restaurant on the sixth floor. Only had one meal there and it was good, as was the ample buffet breakfast every morning. One improvement perhaps, the...

* Review / Places

Hong Kong Island Skyline

Asia’s World City Lights Up The skyline can be viewed from many angles at different times of day. Perfect on a beautiful sunny day, better still at sunrise or sunset, but the best time to view the Hong Kong Island skyline is in the evening when the Symphony of Lights show comes on. The show starts every evening at 8pm. Vantage points can get very crowded so best to get in early. The laser light show and led lights, accompanied by music, can be seen and heard from the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and viewed from the Avenue of Stars and the great vantage point of the indoor observation deck of the International Commerce Centre (ICC) in Kowloon. If lucky enough when there’s low...

* Review / Transport

Airport Express Hong Kong

Unbeatable Transport Option HKIA The number one transport option in and out of HKIA. The Airport Express is part of Hong Kong’s superb MTR network, arguably one of the best mass transport systems anywhere. From HKIA trains operate every 10 minutes between 05:54 and 23:28 and 12 minutes thereafter until 00:48. Running on separate tracks to the rest of the network the service is direct and fast, taking 14 minutes to Tsing Yi (New Territories), 22 minutes to Kowloon and 24 minutes to Central on Hong Kong Island. The ride in modern, fully air conditioned carriages is comfortable. Complimentary WiFi and two ample luggage racks in the middle portion of carriages round off the amenities. At Kowloon and Central stations MTR runs free shuttle...

* Review / Trains / Transport

Hong Kong MTR

Quick, Efficient World Class Mass Rapid Transport The quickest, most reliable and efficient mode of transport in Hong Kong. The MTR is arguably one the best mass rapid transport systems in the world. Covering Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, you’ll travel in a safe environment and in clean air conditioned carriages. Popular with tourists and the local commuters, the MTR is best avoided in the peak hour rushes. Plan your sightseeing, dining and other activities with this in mind. Another piece of advice if you are not practical with the stations and their exits, which are marked alphabetically, download the location and station layouts from the MTR website. Or, check the Hong Kong Street Directory and Google Maps. Best of all,...

* Review / Accommodation

Ambassador Transit Hotel Terminal 3 Changi Airport

Pricey but Quiet, Comfortable and Well Located My second stay at the Ambassador Transit Hotel Terminal 3 (Changi Airport, Singapore). Previously, several years ago, stayed for a six-hour stint in a single room (double bed) with no windows. This time booked a single with the request of a view onto the tarmac, but was given a twin close to Gates B1-B4. With the second bed the room seemed a little more spacious. It looked clean but on closer inspection one of the bed covers had a small dry stain that didn’t wash out. There was also a woman’s hair. This could have belonged to the housekeeper. Hard to know. The sheets and cushion covers seemed clean so I didn’t make a fuss. The bathrooms...

Air Travel / Opinion

Bare Feet Etiquette On Planes

Shoes off…socks off…and where do bare feet end up? Armrests, backs off seats, tray tables, bulkheads, toilet floors… A practice that can be disgusting and a nuisance. In Business and First Class you are fine. You are your own boss there. In Economy it may be a whole lot different if you’re sharing seats with others. If you believe your feet are clean, that’s good. Then keeping them under the seat in front should be the sensible thing to do. If you are lucky enough to have three or four seats to yourself, perfect. You lie down and cover them up with a blanket, offending others will disappear. Armrests also protected. If socks are worn, even better. People will like you a lot more...

* Review / Trains / Transport

Leonardo Express

Best Transport Option To/From Rome Airport The easiest and safest way to and from the city centre and Fiumicino Airport. The cost is not the cheapest at Euro 14 or the service the most direct to your destination, as it will only take you to Roma Termini (Rome’s railway terminus) and not to any other station in between. Buses to Termini cost less, but there’s always the concern about being caught in traffic. There are other trains from Fiumicino which will do all stations in between except depart and arrive at Roma Termini. They are the Regionale trains and are best used if you’re staying close to the Trastevere, Ostiense, Tuscolana and Tiburtina stations or if you aren’t in a hurry and don’t mind...

* Review / Transport

Singapore Airlines SQ365/SQ366

Good Consistent Service on Older Metal Singapore Airlines is my go to airline for travel to Rome FCO. I fly there with SIA once or twice a year and they have never let me down. Their cabin service in Economy has always been top notch and consistent. On this route: Singapore, Rome and vice versa they fly the Boeing 777-200ER. One of the older planes in their fleet. The B777 holds up reasonably well considering the seats and in-flight entertainment system (IFE) have seen better days. The seats are on the hard side (but compensated by using the cushion supplied) but are roomy in regards to width, pitch and configuration, which is the classic 3-3-3. SIA and a handful of other airlines still use...

* Review / Places

Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica

An Almost Forgotten Roman Gem It’s a pity if one misses the opportunity to visit Ostia Antica. It’s very different from the Roman Forum, Palatine and the other ancient sites in central Rome. Here among the old ruins of the port of imperial Rome one can sense the way people lived and how they worked and traded the commodities that kept Rome alive. The site requires at least a whole afternoon, about 4 to 6 hours. Best piece of advice is to wear good comfortable walking or hiking shoes as a lot of the terrain is hard and rough. Getting there is easy. From central Rome go by Metro to Piramide station and then change to the Roma-Lido train at Porta San Paolo station....

* Review / Places / Shopping

Orchard Road Singapore

Shopaholic’s Paradise & More When I’m in Singapore, three or four times a year (latest October and November 2016), I cannot miss a visit to Orchard Road, the shopping mecca of the city state. My personal favourites are Plaza Singapura, ION Orchard and Takashimaya. Been to others too, like the high-end Paragon and the seemingly rundown low-end Lucky Plaza. Every time I visit I find time to discover something new. Three words of advice for first timers. One, try to score a map of some of the bigger centres like ION Orchard. If you don’t, you’ll lose your bearings. These places are like labyrinths (or worse still rabbit warrens). Two, you won’t see everything in one day. You’ll need to come back at some...

* Review / Trains / Transport

Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT)

Best Way to Travel in Singers What can you add to the many superlative reviews of one of the best (if not the best) mass rapid transport system in the world. The only complaints you may hear will come from the locals who want less crowded, better aircon and better carriages, etc. Which would be the normal reaction from locals anywhere. I visit Singapore regularly and yes there may be times when it is overcrowded (peak hours) and the aircon struggles with packed people, but I think many would agree it is the best way to get around Singapore. Most if not all the main attractions, hotels and shopping malls are in close reach of a MRT station. So are Changi Airport and the...

* Review / Accommodation

Kennedy Hotel Rome

Mixed Bag: Good Location, Bad Room A well positioned hotel close to Termini Railway Station. My reason for staying here was so that I was close to the station arriving from Tuscany on the Frecciarossa and leaving on the Leonardo Express to Fiumicino Airport. I have mixed feelings about this place. It’s position, price, breakfast and staff are all fine. It was the location of my room that didn’t satisfy me. Mind you I booked when the hotel was basically full so had no option, still I have to be frank. I was given room number 10. It’s on the first floor next to the stairs and lift. It is also probably the closest to the downstairs lobby. That in itself isn’t the problem....

* Review / Accommodation

Hotel Royal at Newton Singapore

Older Hotel Better Than Expected A hotel with an undeserved negative reputation. One of Singapore’s oldest at 45 years old. I was transiting Singapore and was allocated this hotel as part of my package with Singapore Airlines. Stayed mid November 2016 between 7am and 8:30pm and can only comment on my room and the service from the staff. I did not have breakfast as that was not part of my stay. The room was on the fifteenth floor, 1512. A nice large room. I was truly impressed considering I was only transiting. The bed was Queen size and very comfortable. The bathroom clean. Hot water was instantaneous. There was coffee and tea making facilities, large flat screen TV and a small fridge. I was...

* Review / Accommodation

Hotel Grand Pacific Singapore

Old, Tired but a Winner for Price, Staff, Food and Location Located on Victoria Street in the Bras Basah district and just south of Bugis between the MRT Stations of Bras Basah and Bugis, the hotel is in walking distance of food outlets, shopping malls and cultural centres. In Victoria, Albert and Queen Streets, restaurants, eateries and hawker centres. Shopping in Bugis Village, and malls Bugis Plus, Bugis Junction and Raffles City. For arts, heritage and culture, the Singapore Art Museum, National Museum of Singapore and the National Library. Also at one block away the iconic Raffles Hotel and Long Bar, famous for the original Singapore Sling cocktail. This was my second stay at the Grand Pacific. Previously visiting in mid-June 2015 while in...

* Review / Accommodation

Hotel Corona Rome

Still a Good Hotel After Third Time My third time at Hotel Corona, staying eight nights at the end of October and early November 2016. I booked direct and was given room 512 and had WiFi included. The room is on the fifth floor and faces the internal courtyard. It’s the same size as the single in my previous visits but with a larger bed. The only real drawback I found was the location of the bedside powerpoint. It wasn’t above one of the bedside cabinets like in the Single room but above the bed mattress on the side where the built-in wardrobe was positioned. This meant smartphones and tablets had to sit on the mattress when recharging. A bit awkward. WiFi worked well...

* Review / Eatery

Pizzeria Mediterranea Rome

Great Sliced Takeway Pizza! Had takeaway pizza here three or four times while staying at Hotel Corona in Via Napoli. Some of the best in Rome and well priced. Recommended not just by me but also by the stall holders from the street market in Via Cesare Balbo, round the corner. The pizzeria is located at Via Agostino Depretis, 76. Not far from Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s four major basilicas and just down from the Viminale. Update: been here again and again. Well at least once every time I’m in Rome either staying round the corner at Hotel Corona or if I’m passing through. My family has also had pizza here and no complaints. Drinks are also well priced. In fact they...

Air Travel / Opinion / Tips & Advice

Items Stolen From Checked Luggage?

Well, when and where can thieves get to your luggage? Most logically when it is unattended and out of sight. I suppose after check-in before ending up in the cargo hold and as they come off the plane before they arrive at the luggage carousel. Basically anywhere while in transit. Where you aren’t around and can’t see them. Should luggage get ripped, broken open or damaged so the contents becomes exposed there’s always the chance someone will see what you have and may be tempted to appropriate your belongings. Obviously grabbing anything of value first. Of course this stuff shouldn’t be in checked-in lugagge in the first place. Checked-in luggage I always advise buying hard-shell framed luggage that have no zips. The ones made...

Air Travel / Airlines / Opinion

A Baby Named Jet Star

Baby born on plane named after the airline…could mean free flights for life or close to it. Timing the birth of babies can be most unexpected. An expectant mother delivered hers on a Jetstar Asia flight travelling from Singapore to Yangon, Myanmar. She went into labour moments after take-off and lucky for her, would you believe, there were three doctors from the one family on the flight. They helped the woman while the crew called for further medical assistance. Passengers on board clapped with joy welcoming the 2.9kg baby boy as the doctors assisted in the delivery. The mother overjoyed by the care she received from the airline then named her son “Saw Jet Star”. The airline has offered the family $AUD1000 worth of...