Punggol Ranch x Horse Riding

Celebrated my 2nd anniversary with my beloved Petrine at Punggol Ranch. It's a newly built horse-riding stables where you can basically mingle with horses, take horse-riding classes and even just feed them. On top of that, they have a chalet which is in the shape of little cabins on their compound. 

Inspired by the ancient chinese shows where the actors and actresses are always riding horses on the greens, I decided to give horse-riding a try. Booked a 2D1N stay from www.deal.com.sg coupled with 3 joyrides at Punggol Ranch. 

Being only officially open in April 2013, this place is relatively new and the cabins were really up to standard. 

Totally felt like a cowboy with Texas-themed room. The pictures are probably self-explanatory. 

I think we got a family room because the entire place was vacant and it did scare me a little bit to realise we were the only souls there in the middle of the night cause I don't suppose any staff stays there and their reception was not manned after 8pm. 

Some tips: Never go there on a Monday because every Monday is the horses' rest day and also their famous eatery, Bacon & Booze is closed as well. Nevertheless, I did enjoy a little peace and quietness. 

Horse riding in progress! The joyride lasted only about 5 mins max but it was thrilling enough. 

* Look! No Hands! *

Even though there was this horse guy leading the horse all the while, the initial part when you get on the horse was just plain scary. There isn't any seatbelts kind of thing and half the time I was just wondering if the horse will reject me and kick me off. 

I really wonder how the jockeys ride their horses so effortlessly. 

Had a really memorable experience at Punggol Ranch and I'll definitely be back to check out the other facilities that are coming soon like Combat Skirmish. I just hope the journey wasn't so far.

Staycation at Venue Hotel

Hello guys, I just had my staycation at Venue Hotel and it was the best staycation I've had. I wouldn't have expected such great satisfaction from a boutique hotel like this. I generally do not have great impressions about hotels that were built as shophouses initially but this one changed me totally. 

I took the premiere room which was really unique cause they have a bathtub right smack in front of your bed. Being a great fan of bathtubs I wouldn't let this chance slip out of my hands right? Where else can you find a hotel room in Singapore with a bathtub for only $150? Oh right, a night's stay in their premiere room only cost $150. Probably the most well spent $150 for a hotel room ever.

The first thing that impressed me was the lobby. Just look at the exquisite design of their lobby, looks nothing like a budget hotel at all. I didn't really believe the pictures I saw from their official website and agoda.com but the entire design just overwhelms me. To top it off, the front desk staff were really nice and always had a smile on their faces.

Here's a picture of the awesome bathtub I mentioned! I guess this hotel is meant for couples and not friends because there's isn't much privacy especially when you have to bathe in the bathtub right in front of the bed. But fret not, there's also a standing shower in the toilet.

One thing that puzzled me was the translucent sticker on the toilet's glass doors. It was in such a weird shape and it doesn't provide any privacy at all. I'd rather they put it completely or remove it. I was shitting on the toilet and I realised that you can actually look through the door pretty easily cause it isn't completely covered. I would rather they remove the sticker and let me watch tv while I shit.

This is how the toilet looks like from the outside. 

Toilet amenities are pretty decent and I was actually scared they didn't provide toothbrushes. I'm glad they did and I love their design so much. In fact I like anything that's black and white and simple. 

Not only is the hotel room awesome, the location is awesome as well. It's situated in Joo Chiat Road, somewhere I've never actually been to in my life. Had a great time exploring the neighborhood and uncovering the secret food places. Highly recommended for a staycation right in the heart of Singapore for poor chaps like me who can't afford to go overseas! 

Did I mention that Old Airport Road is just a few stops away? We stopped over for some brunch as well and the Lor Mee was just plain awesomeness. 

Can't wait for our next overseas trip together with my beloved Petrine! ♥