24 hours in Yangon

Myanmar is the last frontier for tourists and business travelers alike, at least in this part of the region. However, there is limited information available (unlike cities such as Bangkok) and so, its quite 'mysterious' to many people. I was always asked 'what is there to do in Myanmar/ Yangon?' To me, its home. Its not somewhere I go to tour. So when I had to think on my feet about places to go and food to eat, my advice wouldn't have been very coherent or helpful.  After taking my time to think of recommendations, here is the packed itinerary if you just have 24 hours in Yangon!

Given the limited time and notorious traffic jam in Yangon, I tried to reduce travelling time by focusing on attractions which are located close together.  Downtown Yangon is made up of 6 townships (Latha, Lanmadaw, Pabedan, Kyauktada, Botahtaung, Pazundaung) and the road layout follows a grid pattern. So it should be quite easy to navigate your way around.

When it comes to choosing some places and rejecting others, I had to strike a balance between history, architecture, religious places, nature, shopping and of course, food! Being the former British colonial capital, Yangon has the most number of colonial buildings in Southeast Asia.  Since time has effectively stood still for so many decades, my colleague mentioned that he felt as if he had stepped through a time machine when he visited Myanmar. It is possible to walk the entire stretch of road without finding any modern day buildings. Instead, you would be inside the larger-than-life museum with rows of colonial era buildings. Sure, they are deteriorate and worn down. However, they are exhibits which you could never find elsewhere. So such sights would be the main highlights of my itinerary.  Based on your own preference, you may choose to spend more time in some places while forgoing other places. I hope you experience something new, something different!

Bon Voyage!

xoxo

Miss N

My Favorite List (food in Singapore) - Part I

Food is definitely an important feature of Singapore. We are all very spoiled with endless choices ranging from cheap hawker fares to expensive fine dining restaurants and from local cuisine all the way to exotic food like Mexican and Spanish.  Throw in the stressful & hectic lifestyle (hustle & bustle of city living, you know?).  Of course, eating out is so common here (I admit I'm generalizing and talking about majority). We love food. But we all have our favorites right? So here is mine:

Buffet

1) Jing Restaurant

Address: #01-02/03, 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213

Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (on the red line & green line)

Price: SGD 48 ++ per adult

Remark: Only available on weekend & public holidays, from 12:00 to 14:30

Why I love it: Whenever we go for buffet, we always always end up eating more than we should, just to make our money worthwhile.  But in the long run, its just bad for us, our waistline will hate us!  I have learnt it the hard way that we should value quality over quantity and this is the place to be if you love Asian food AND buffet. It's slightly on the pricey side BUT Peking Duck, Chilli Crab & Fragrance Rice with Shark Fin will make it worth your money.

http://jing.sg/downloads/JING_WeekendAlaCarteBrunchBuffet.pdf

Mr & Missy in Myanmar - Day 8 to 11 - 26 to 29 Dec 2013

Day 8

We reached Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal pretty early around 6+ am and took a cab home. Air-conditioned cab cost us around 8,000 Kyats? 

After we unpacked, showered and had breakfast at home, we decided to go for Thai full body massage to give our tired bodies a treat.  Remember to give them a call to make reservations though. Our appointment was for 11 am but my mom dropped us off early and so we decided to pass time by enjoying Patbingsu at Lotteria!!! Yes, there is Lotteria in Yangon! The effect of Hallyu / Korean wave huh? 

Patbingsu 팥빙수 - a popular Korean summer snack of shaved ice with red bean and other toppings

Nope, not a Korean star but my fav local celebrity - Sai Sai