The Singaporean Sisters - Number 1 Luxury Lifestyle Blog in SINGAPORE!: Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo

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Showing posts with label Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo. Show all posts

Wednesday 25 September 2019

Travel - Sara Shantelle Lim Travels to Sydney & Cairns Australia on Singapore Airlines Business Class - Bondi Beach, The Pacific Club Bondi Beach, Vogue Cafe, Crepe Cakes at Dulcet, Mama Mulan, Peppa Pig Play Date, Star Casino, Blue Mountains, Taronga Zoo, Yx Mini Hot Pot. (Part 1 - Sydney)

Travel - Sara Shantelle Lim Travels to Sydney & Cairns Australia 
on Singapore Airlines Business Class  
Bondi Beach, The Pacific Club Bondi Beach, Vogue Cafe, Crepe Cakes at Dulcet, 
Mama Mulan, Peppa Pig Play Date, Star Casino, 
Blue Mountains, Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo, Yx Mini Hot Pot
(Part 1 - Sydney) 


It is time to go to Australia to visit my dearest sister - Lora Christelle Lim again! I used to spend 4 out of 12 months in Australia just to spend some time with my darling sister, but now that I am officially married, I have to be a good wife and be more around for my husband. Hence this year, I have only been to Australia twice. Each time I fly to Australia, I spend approximately 3 to 4 weeks catching up with my sister and her cute family. She has 2 adorable little kids now! 


As usual, I take Singapore Airlines to Sydney! I love taking Singapore Airlines flight especially relaxing at the Singapore Airlines Krisflyer Lounge before boarding time. Tonight, we have something special. They had a mini Popiah Booth at the corner of their kitchen where they made Popiah fresh right infront of you and it tasted so delicious. 


I got my usual cup of Hot Chocolate, milk with cereal, and popiah!


I was really excited to board plane as I love watching what is available on the entertainment unit and started my usual movie marathon on the plane. 

Video of Sara Shantelle Lim on the New Singapore Airlines Business Class Plane


Sara Shantelle Lim on Singapore Airlines Business Class to Sydney

It was a midnight flight, hence it was a sleeper service, which means you get to choose to eat your meal before you sleep or after you wake up the next morning. I chose to have breakfast the next morning as I just had a hearty meal at the Singapore Airlines Business Class Krisflyer Lounge. 


Yes, I am like a little child as I love my pancakes as much as I love my Milk with Cereals. 
And Yes, I love Western cuisine or "Ang Mo" food more than Chinese or Asian meals. 


Singapore Airlines Business Class Flight Seats to Sydney Australia 2019



I feel that the new Business Class 300ER seats were smaller in size as compared to their older A380 aircraft. We used to be able to comfortably seat 2 passengers into 1 seat but with the new configuration, you can only fit 1 person. 


Everything else still looks sexy and sleek. 


There is still sufficient leg room for me. My height is around 168cm. I am comfortable stretching my legs forward.


Their menu is still the same in a blue booklet. But of course, they do have their different "Book the Cook" meals and also their special wines and champagne. 


I put on the usual airline slippers given for me to walk around on the plane.

I love Salvatore Ferragamo "Rufina" shoes. Yes, I have a hobby of collecting shoes, and yes, I probably have every single colour of their Rufina range as I like wearing sneakers flats. This particular Rufina range is perfect even for matching my girly dresses and outfits. They look like ballerina flats but even more comfortable because of their rubber sneakers flats at the bottom for a soft support.


Headphones, bottled water and socks were already placed by the side of the seats before we board.



Despite the slight change in the size of the seats, the overall flight is still comfortable. But I would still prefer the old BOX SEATS on the A380 aircrafts. It is much bigger in terms of the width of the chairs. Hence, if you want bigger Business Class Seats, you should choose their A380 business class flights instead of their Boeing 777-300 or 300ER planes. 




One cannot visit Sydney Australia without a visit to one of their beautiful beaches. One of their best and world famous beach is the Bondi Beach. It is really majestic and magnificent. We are lucky to enjoy a beautiful day with clear blue skies and big beautiful waves crashing against the shore. The best time to go there is obviously during summer, between Sept to December. But even during winter, during June and July, it is still sunny and beautiful in the afternoon when the sun is up.






Bondi Beach's famous sea pool. its a sea salt swimming pool that is right beside the sea. The water from the sea, will splash into this swimming pool. So if you want to swim but you are afraid of the waves, this might be the perfect safe pool for you.



Why Bondi Beach is so famous?
Bondi beach is unique because of the following reasons: It is one of the best beaches in the world. The parked sand, the rocks, the water and the warm temperature combine to make the experience at Bondi beach like no other. You can surf waves or lie down on a blanket on the beach.

Is Bondi Beach Safe?
The lifeguards are keepers of the beach and will keep you safe, as long as you follow the rules. Night swimming is not recommended, either. The beach is 1 kilometre long. There is a 50 metre swimming pool on the southern end, under the ownership of a club called the Bondi Icebergs.

What does Bondi mean?
Some Brief Bondi History. "Bondi" or "Boondi" is an aboriginal word meaning "water breaking over rocks" or "noise of water breaking over rocks." The Australian Museum records that Bondi means "place where a flight of nullas took place."

Is Bondi Beach free?
Bondi Beach is a fantastic place cool off in the summer. There are change rooms and showers in the pavilion, access is free.

Is Bondi safe at night?
Bondi Beach is generally safe at night as long as you don't go swimming after dark. It's a well lit area, but the sand isn't policed heavily and there's no beach rescue after dusk so it's best to stick to the streets at night.


What can you do in Bondi? Top things to do at Bondi Beach.

Watch the sun rise over Bondi Beach.
Breakfast at Porch and Parlour.
Explore Bondi's weekend markets.
Surf, swim or sun-bake at Bondi Beach.
Swim at one of Bondi's ocean pools.
Lunch at Icebergs Dining Room & Bar.
Do the Bondi to Bronte walk.
A spot for shopping.



Who named Bondi Beach?
In 1851, Edward Smith Hall and Francis O'Brien purchased 200 acres of the Bondi area that embraced almost the whole frontage of Bondi Beach, and it was named the "The Bondi Estate."

Is Bondi Beach Open year round?
Bondi and Bronte beaches are patrolled 365 days a year. Tamarama Beach is not patrolled in the winter time.

Is Bondi Beach family friendly?
Bondi Beach. It's the Big Daddy of beaches with something to offer the littlest sons and daughters of Sydney. Bondi is a surf beach, of course, and can be a bit wild for the faint-hearted, plus there's the hordes of tourists to contend with. Just remember to stay between the flags, though, and you will be safe.


The Pacific Club Bondi Beach
182 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia
https://www.thepacificclub.com.au/


I love the natural light coming into this cafe/restaurant. It is well designed, light and airy. I also love the fact that they have sofa seats by the windows, filled with lots of pillows and fluff! I love dining at places with lots of pillows as it feels so nice and comfortable. 



This is my cute nephew - Caspian, he is currently 2.5 years old!





The Vogue Cafe
109 Waterloo Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2113, Australia
https://www.facebook.com/TheVogueCafe/?rf=529998007050500



The VOGUE CAFE at Macquarie Centre Shopping Mall is a Homey-chic venue with hanging plants & bright decor, serving cafe fare & candy-topped shakes.
Probably 1 of the best places to get some cute and highly Instagram-able milk shakes!


We choose the strawberry and chocolate milk shakes! Classic but made with a twist! 
The kids loved them! Oh heck~ Okay, I loved them!





Opening our lollipops from our milk shakes!



Baby Calissa tag along with us this time! She is only 6 months old here.

Crepe Cake at Dulcet
Delicious 20 layers Durian and Matcha Crepe Cake
31 Belmore St, Burwood NSW 2134, Australia
http://www.dulcetcakessweets.com.au/


DULCET CAFE located in Burwood is an interesting cafe with lots of pretty little cakes. They are famous for their Crepe Cakes in Durian and Matcha flavoured ones. The place is decorated with lots of artistic huge cakes display where you can order some custom made cakes for special occasions from this place.








Mama Mulan
Library, The Concourse, Level 1 above Chatswood, Chatswood NSW 2067, Australia
https://www.mamamulan.com.au/



I hardly enjoy eating Chinese cuisine but this Mama Mulan restaurant serves really delicious ones which I surprisingly enjoyed very much. Definitely a modern and fusion version. Their food was absolutely delicious and were well-presented. I loved their cute Dim Sum that were shaped in different animals.


Just look at their Porcupine dish! It was so good! They served Cavier Dim Sum. Their Peking Duck and Stir Fried Beef is a must try! You will get to wrap your own duck, put any amount of sauce you want into your wrap. It is fun for the kids, and yes, fun for me too! I'm a big kid!

A Modern, Inspired Chinese Food Menu
Mama Mulan re-imagines modern Chinese food in the heart of Sydney's Chatswood. Mama's menu features crowd-pleasing favourites in a beautifully designed, accessible setting. Diners can choose from freshly prepared dumplings, decadent banquets or indulge in a selection from impressive live seafood tanks. Don't forget our exotic desserts and specialty cocktails to make your experience at Mama's truly memorable. 

YUM CHA DELIGHTS
A traditional Yum Cha brunch includes various types of dim sum: steamed buns, rice or wheat dumplings and rice noodle rolls, which contain a delectable variety of fillings. At Mama Mulan, we use classic Chinese flavour combinations as our foundation. From there, our chefs let fresh produce, local meats and exotic spices be our guide. This has led to an eclectic yet sophisticated Yum Cha menu where every dish is a delicious adventure! 


Mama Mulan Must Try Dishes

Truffle Pork & Prawn Shumai

Baked Hawthorne Roast Duck Bun

Fried Hedgehog Custard Bun

BBQ Pork Bun

Steamed Chicken Feet w/ Black Bean Pepper Sauce

Squid Ink, Prawn & Vegetable Steamed Dumpling

Crispy Wagyu Beef Rolls

Mama Mulan Menu
I'm surpised for this standard of food and decor, their prices are quite reasonable. 


The restaurant can be pretty difficult to find as it is only accessible by taking a lift up to the top floor. We enjoyed a short stroll in the lush gardens before reaching the entrance of this restaurant. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to all my friends who loves Chinese Food. It is located in the bustling Chatswood precinct. 


Peppa Pig Play Date at ICC Sydney
https://www.peppapigplaydate.com.au/



What is Peppa Pig? I only discovered this Peppa Pig craze because of my sister Lora and her kids.

It is a long-running children's series following the adventures, mishaps and friendships of Peppa Pig, her brother George, their parents, and the other animal families who make up their town. Each family is a different species of animal, and Peppa's friends include Rebecca Rabbit, Suzy Sheep and Candy Cat.

We all wore PINK to Peppa Pig Play Date!




It was a little cold. 



The kids loved it. They were singing, dancing and jumping to Peppa Pig's mini concert at the ICC Sydney convention hall.


Star Casino Sydney
80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont NSW 2009, Australia
https://www.star.com.au/sydney/casino


The Star Casino is a place that you can visit to enjoy good food at their restaurants even if you do not wish to gamble there. It is walking distance from Sydney bustling Darling Harbour. One of my favourite is Black Bar & Grill restaurant where they serve really good steaks!  You can watch different musicals performances there too. One of my favourite performances that I have watched at The Star Casino was Legally Blonde. It was a crazy hiliarious and entertaining musical filled with lots of laughter.


Sydney Darling Harbour
https://darlingharbour.com/


I love hanging out at the Sydney Darling Habour Area.
You can read many more of my Sydney Blog Posts here.

Top Things to do at Darling Harbour, Sydney, NSW

#1 Sydney Harbour Cruise.
#2 WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo.
#3 Darling Harbour Carousel.
#4 SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium.
#5 Madame Tussauds Sydney.
#6 Dine at Cockle Bay Wharf.
#7 Chinese Garden of Friendship.
#8 Australian National Maritime Museum.

Why is Darling Harbour called Darling Harbour?
Darling Harbour is named after Lieutenant-General Ralph Darling, who was Governor of New South Wales from 1825 to 1831. The area was originally known as Long Cove, but was generally referred to as Cockle Bay until 1826 when Governor Darling renamed it after himself.

What station do you get off to go to Darling Harbour?
Take the train to Town Hall Station and exit south into Bathurst Street. A short downhill walk on Bathurst Street will take you directly to Darling Quarter, Tumbalong Park and the Sydney Visitor Centre. Take the train to Central Station.

What time are the fireworks at Darling Harbour?
Watch the spectacular Darling Harbour Fireworks every Saturday night at 8.30pm from one of our waterfront restaurants or bars. Harbourside is an iconic food and entertainment centre, located on the western side of Darling Harbour in Sydney, the perfect location to view the Darling Harbour Fireworks.

What can kids do in Darling Harbour?

Darling Harbour Fireworks (FREE) 
Tumbalong Playground (FREE) 
Chinese Garden of Friendship. 
Monkey Baa Theatre Company. 
Sea Life Sydney Aquarium. 
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. 
Madame Tussauds.
Strike Bowling and Laser.

 - READ MORE ABOUT SYDNEY click here -

Greatest Mummy in the Whole World



Sydney Blue Mountains
Hydro Majestic Hotel

The Pavilion Cafe 




Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo
Address: Obley Road, Dubbo, NSW 2830


I must say my sister Lora and her husband Chris really love their children especially Caspian who is 2.5 years old. He is very intelligent, witty and advanced in his development. He loves animals so they always put in effort to take him to Taronga Zoo. For this trip, we drove 5-6 hours just to visit the Taronga Western Plains Zoo located in Dubbo. The animals were not kept in cages and were free roaming at this zoo. It is an immersive experience where visitors can see the open range exhibits and get really up close and personal with all the different animals. This Zoo is home to more than 700 animals including exotic and endangered animals.








Videos taken at Taronga Zoo





Yx Mini Hot Pot
Shop 1b/14 Glen St, Eastwood NSW 2122, Australia
https://www.zomato.com/sydney/yx-mini-hot-pot-eastwood




Did you know celebrity Jay Chou actually dined here when he visited Sydney Australia?




YX Mini Hotpot Restaurant in Eastwood is one of my sister Lora's favourite restaurant as it is a beautifully renovated restaurant and they serve very delicious hotpot. I like it when I have my own Hotpot as it is more hygienic than sharing with others.



It is such a wonderful Sydney trip. I will blog about my Cairns trip next so stay tune!

 - READ MORE ABOUT SYDNEY click here -




 - READ MORE ABOUT SYDNEY click here -

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Read more about Sara Shantelle Lim Travels around the World 
on Singapore Airlines First Class & Business Class



Read about my First Class Singapore Airlines Travel to New YorkCLICK HERE.
Read about my First Class Singapore Airlines Travel to San FranciscoCLICK HERE.
Read about my First Class Singapore Airlines Travel to Hong KongCLICK HERE.
Read about my First Class Singapore Airlines Travel to SydneyCLICK HERE.
Read about my Business Class Singapore Airlines Travel to BaliCLICK HERE.
Read about my Business Class Singapore Airlines Travel to SydneyCLICK HERE.
Read about my Business Class Singapore Airlines Travel to LondonCLICK HERE.
Read about my Business Class Singapore Airlines Travel to SpainCLICK HERE.
Read about my Business Class Singapore Airlines Travel to CebuCLICK HERE.

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