Singapore - July 2025

Time for my quarterly Asia trip. Flew to Singapore on QF1 on Friday. It leaves at 1420 and I chose that flight as I like sitting upstairs in the A380. It was delayed by two hours.

I had lunch in the First Class Lounge with a Bloody Mary and matching wine (Shiraz).

I actually walked to the gate but then they sent us back to the lounge so I had another drink...

Finally boarded. Sitting upstairs...

Arrived about 2230 and easy through passport control as usual. Into a Tada and straight to the Westin.

Next morning I had a bit of a sleep in, then went to the breakfast buffet. I had an omelette...

I then headed to Sentosa for some beach time. Caught the MRT to Harbourfront and then the Mount Faber Cable Car to the island. It was $35 and not really worth it. I have done it before.

Then got the Sentosa cable car over the island...

Got off at one end and walked to the Tanjong Beach Club...

Then I had a swim at the beach. Looking out to sea is quite ugly as it's just heaps of ships but if you look the other way, it's quite pleasant...

Caught the cable car back to Harbourfront and then the MRT back to Shenton Way. Then went to 

Lau Pa Sat for an early dinner, as I hadn't eaten lunch.

The next day was nicer so I sat by the pool for a while and did some laps. 

Then I went for a walk to the harbour and up to Boat Quay.

I went into the Asian Civilisation Museum which had been recommentded. Only $15...

After that I kept walking along the river, crossed the bridge and walked by via Boat Quay. It is pretty hot and very quiet...

I walked past the Public House Bar where I always go with Ian. It's not open yet.

That night I had dinner at Lau Pa Sat, then headed to Lantern which is one of my favourite bars, for a drink...

It's a lovely night...

On Monday morning I got up and went to the gym. After I swam laps in this lovely pool...

Headed to breakfast and today I tried the laksa from the Noodle Station. It was okay but I always feel laksa is over-rated...

Went to the office and worked. This is the view from my office...

After work, I met a mate at LeVel 33 which is the highest microbrewery in the world, and in Tower 1 of MBFC (my office is in MBFC3, so very close)...

I couldn't book so we were 'walk-ins' and had a standing table outside. The IPA was good...

The view was nice - a different perspective...

Afterwards I walked to Gardens by the Bay and saw the light show which was very nice...

Then I headed to Tanjong Pagar and had Korean for dinner.

Tuesday I went to the gym again then to breakfast. Long day in the office then had dinner and then stumbled across a karaoke bar. Unfortunately all the songs were in Mandarin!

Wednesday was a nice clear day. This is the view from my office...

Wednesday night we had partner drinks downstairs at Liberty. Then I went back and went to bed early.

Thursday the Managing Partner took me to lunch at LeVel 33. In the afternoon there was a client seminar and drinks in the office. After that I went back to the hotel and had dinner at the restaurant/bar on 33/F and say outside on the terrace.

Friday I went to the pool for some laps and then caught a Tada to the airport. Had lunch in the lounge...

I don't drink champagne but nice to see it's all free here :-)

Easy flight to Hong Kong on Cathay (economy!)

Hong Kong - June 2025

I was asked at short notice to go to Dubai for a lateral partner interview. Qantas/Emirates flights were super expensive so I decided to fly Cathay via HK at about half the cost.

I flew on a Friday morning on the 1010 flight. Got a car at 0730 and arrived at the terminal about 0810. 

Easy transit through passport control and security and straight to the first class lounge. Had breakfast and did some emails. Boarded about 0940. This is my first time in the new business class Aria Suites which were very nice.

I skipped breakfast on the flight and slept for a few hours. Got some really good views coming into Hong Kong...

My favourite ride when I was living in HK was Tai Po to Tai Mai Tuk, past the Tsz Shan Monastery (the white temple)...

Landed on time and easy transition through passport control.

Caught the Airport Express to Central and walked up to Hotel Madera on Hollywood Road. This weekend is a personal trip so I'm paying for the hotel myself, and there's no need to be in Wan Chai. I loved the location.

Checked in and showered. Then met a mate for drinks in Soho.

Saturday I got up and went for a walk around Soho and had breakfast at one of my favourite cafes. 

Then had a late lunch - dim sum in Sheung Wan!

And ordered my favourite radish cake!

In the afternoon I headed to Shenzhen (see separate post).

On Sunday I slept in then checked out of the hotel. I had lunch at my old favourite Chinese restaurant, Monogamous Chinese...

Headed to the airport about 1500 and went to the lounge for a shower and some food.

Flew to Dubai (see separate post).

On Wednesday I arrived back in Hong Kong around lunchtime and checked into the Indigo Wan Chai. I couldn't get into my usual hotel, Harbourview Renaissance. It was actually really nice. Big room, nice pool and decent breakfast.

I headed to a chan chaan teng in Wan Chai for my favourite, rice noodles with beef, and a cold milk tea...

Then I caught a tram to Central and walked to the ferry pier...

It's a lovely day so I decided to take a ferry trip to Discovery Bay. Passed our old apartment building on the way...

Watched some beach volleyball and took a couple of calls...

Had a walk along the beach...

Had Vietnamese for dinner at Pho Bay, then headed back to Central.

Thursday morning I checked out of Hotel Indigo and went to a cafe I know which is on the way to the office, called Retro...

At lunch time I checked into the Renaissance for my remaining two nights. After work I met Olivia for a drink at The Globe then we had dinner at Indonesian Restaurant 1968. 

Friday I worked in the office and that night I went with some mates to Cardinal Point where I had been once before, for a drink.

After that, we went to another rooftop bar that I had not been to before, called TopTown in Stanley Street. Then we had dinner at Oolaa.

Back to the hotel not too late as I have an early start in the morning.

Saturday morning I got up and made my way to the airport for my 0910 flight.

Got to The Pier First Class Lounge which I have been before and it is very nice. I ordered Eggs Benedict and a Flat White which was very good...

I was going to skip breakfast on the plane...but I didn't :-) I got the Chinese breakfast which was quite good, other than the congee!

I then slept for most of the rest of the flight. Easy arrival and transit through passport control into an Uber,