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Photo Featured – World’s Most Delicious Street Food by Travel + Leisure

Ronald Tan — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:00:35 +0000

Awesome! Another photo that I took in Ho Chi Minh City during my travels was used in an article – World’s Most Delicious Street Food by Travel + Leisure. The article also appeared as “Street Food 101: A Global Guide” in T+L Magazine May 2012 issue.

My photo was used at http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-most-delicious-street-foods/4. It’s a photo of Large Beef Pho from Pho 2000, which was visited by former United States President Bill Clinton in year 2000. Pho for the President!

Please do head over and have a look through the whole of World’s Most Delicious Street Food article. It was mentioned that it’s the survivor’s manual to eating the best (and safest) street food! So I’m sure you’ll learn something from it.

Photo Featured – The World’s Best Cities for Street Food by foodandwine.com

Ronald Tan — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:11:18 +0000

Recently, a photo that I took in Ben Thanh Market (in Ho Chi Minh City) was used in an article – The World’s Best Cities for Street Food by foodandwine.com. Please head over to http://www.foodandwine.com/slideshows/worlds-best-cities-for-street-food/10 for the photo that is being used. Look through the whole of the slideshow to see the rest of the best cities for street food!

Photo Shoot at Kuta Beach, Bali

Ronald Tan — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 10:07:27 +0000

Hello everyone! It’s been a while since I last posted on my blog so will start with something simple and nice – Photo Shoot at Kuta Beach, Bali.

Yeah, this time the location is overseas at Bali and I am helping my brother (Benny) again. We (including my mum) also took the opportunity to sightsee since we are already here. Will work on the blog post soon.

Introducing the team:

Styling: Winnie Loo
Hair & Makeup: Angel Gwee
Photographer: Benny Tan
Photography Assistant: Ronald Tan
Model: Carmen Solis/ Diva Models

Weather was rather erratic as we went in March 2011 and it was wet season between the months of October to April. Nevertheless, we got lucky and had sunny skies for the morning during the shoot!

Enjoy the photos!

Close up shot of Carmen Solis.

Beerfest Asia 2011

Ronald Tan — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 09:30:43 +0000

It’s that time of the year to be jolly over beers – Beerfest Asia 2011 from 16th to 19th June 2011!

Same as last year, I purchased the “1-Day OCBC Exclusive Pass” for 19th June 2011, which I paid with OCBC credit card for S$15 each. It seems that the prices went up from S$12 last year. For last year coverage, please go to “Beerfest Asia 2010“. The reason that I chose to come on the last day is because there is less crowd and lots of promotions such as 1-for-1, price slash, bulk pricing, etc. Found out that it’s better from Beerfest Asia 2010 experience.

Performance on stage: All Star Beatles Tribute! This gig got lots of people doing the boogie!

Storm Beer – one of our favorite beer! Brewed in Bali but I didn’t managed to drink it during my trip to Bali in 2010.

Food and snacks are available too! But this time round, we didn’t eat any as we had an early dinner before going to Beerfest Asia 2011.

As each ticket comes with 2 free beers, the first one I went to exchange for Kronenbourg 1664. You can’t exchange any beers you want as there are fixed stations where free beers can be redeem. I rather Beerfest Asia give us the choice to redeem whether we want or just shave off the free beers pricing and introduce entrance tickets only.

We hang out at the open area nearer to Marina Bay most of the time as inside the tent was pretty noisy (loud music) and warm!

You can also admire the scenery while having your beer!

Free beer exchange – Jaz Lychee Beer. It’s a new lychee flavored beer which was recently launched only. Seems to be great for beginners or ladies!

Free beer exchange – Archipelago Summer Ale. Wanted to have Archipelago Belgium Wit but was sold out.

Scouting around to redeem for our next free drink… Magner’s

Harry’s at Beerfest Asia 2011.

Free beer exchange – Magner’s Irish Cider.

Singapore Flyer from Beerfest Asia 2011.

Another area where we hang out most of the time, it’s near to the entrance and also not so crowded. Only standing tables available!

Storm Beer Golden Ale – How can we not have this when we’re here?

Schneider Weisse – I saw that it was a wheat beer and decided to have a try. Verdict – it’s definetly one of better wheat beers!

This year, I didn’t drink as much as I was suffering from serious gastric pain since a week ago from Beerfest Asia 2011. I didn’t want any relapse so took it easy on the beers but my impression is that Beerfest Asia 2011 beer makers are not as much as Beerfest Asia 2010. The selection is much lesser (so are the eye candies ) – I might be wrong as I wasn’t given a handbook probably due to my late arrival (7pm). Seating area in the tentage was also significantly reduced as a large part was taken up by some Singtel bar or whatever – it was sort of fenced up and seems to be just for their customers (which is not many!). There was also a noticeable stink in the tent area, think many people vomited over the last few days. Haha!

Maybe it’s my form (not good), even photos I took this year is not as good!

Anyway, let’s see forward to how Beerfest Asia 2012 will turn out. My attendance is still confirmed!

Sands SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands

Ronald Tan — Mon, 16 May 2011 16:38:21 +0000

Recently, my friends were staying at Marina Bay Sands and we were invited to visit Sands Skypark (340m-long and a 150m swimming pool, set on top of the world’s largest public cantilevered platform on 57th floor) since it will be free if we tag along with hotel guests. For members of public who wants to feast their eyes on the panorama view of Singapore, you can purchase tickets at Sands SkyPark ticketing counter located at Basement 1. Tickers holder will be only allowed to visit SkyPark Observation Deck as well as a portion swimming pool deck adjacent to the observation deck. The above photo was taken from the SkyPark Observation Deck.

SkyBar by Ku De Ta – Marina Bay Sands Skypark.

Poolside Terrace by Ku De Ta. The use of the swimming pool is only for hotel guests.

Such spectacular views of Singapore from Marina Bay Sands swimming pool.

You can swim and have fun while having a breathtaking experience at such high level. I should have brought along my swimming attire to swim…

The swimming pool is quite a long stretch – naturally, since it’s one of the largest cantilevers in the worlds. Wondering how’s the view is in the day?

Next, we took the lift down to level 55 to visit Banyan Tree Fitness Club Marina Bay Sands.

An area where you can rest after the workout and it is overlooking Gardens by The Bay, which is estimated to be completed by end of 2011.

Time to hit the gymnasium for some weights exercise.

Or you prefer cardio exercise while having great views of Singapore skyline?

To get back down to 1st level, we have to go back to level 57 first to take the lift down. This time we walk along the opposite stretch from the swimming pool.

Passing by one of the several jacuzzi pools, where you can order some drinks while relaxing in the pool and checking out the view. Although it’s a short time, it was an interesting experience and most importantly, it gives me a feeling wanting to come back again in the future to experience it further. Maybe I can come and stay at Marina Bay Sands during a special occasion? That’s a nice plan!

Sentosa Photo Shoot

Ronald Tan — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:40:55 +0000

Sometime in July 2010, I helped out my brother, Benny as a photography assistant. This time round the location is Sentosa and the sun is hot!

The team involved in the photo shoot:

Photography: Benny Tan
Styling: Nur Abdul Samad bin Harun
Hair & Makeup: Sha Shamsi
Photography Assistant: Ronald Tan
Model: Anna Albrekht / Ave

Laying on the sand… Someone I always focus on the bracelet she’s wearing….

Anna was very enthusiast with this shoot and she was the one who wants to spread sand on her face and lips! Thumbs up!

So how was the photos?

My Holiday in Cyprus

guest — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:23:10 +0000

The following is a guest post by Emma, a 24 year old traveller originally from Nantwich, Chesire. Emma enjoys cycling at weekends and adventuring abroad on a budget. Emma lives with her partner in London.

Cyprus is an enchanting island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Turkey and Syria. Ancient Greece and Great Britain both hold strong cultural influences over the island, making it a great place to absorb the local culture while enjoying some home comforts. I travelled to Cyprus in July 2010 to discover the local culture and traverse the fantastic landscape.

The island is split into two parts, with the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus under separate control. Northern Cyprus relies upon Turkey economically and politically following the independence of the island, with the Republic of Cyprus proving more popular with tourists. Cyprus is a very popular destination in the summer months, as I shared my trip with throngs of other visitors – all eager to enjoy the scorching temperatures.

I began my holiday in the Southern City of Larnaca which has its own airport. The airport is much more convenient for travelling to the city (its just 5km away) compared to the more popular Paphos which is over 100km! However, I did manage to find flights to Cyprus much cheaper when I selected Paphos as my destination city and so this is something to consider.

Larnaca has some fantastic cultural reference points including the ruins of anchient city: Kitium. The city is said to be the birthplace of the philosopher Zeno although unfortunately the remains of his household have since disappeared. The city also houses the remains of the Biblical figure St. Lazarus in the beautiful Byzantine Church.

From Larnaca I travelled inland, up to the Troodos Mountains to experience the panoramic vistas of the island. Although the mountain rage in popular in the winter months with skiers, the area still had plenty to offer summer travellers like myself and I embarked upon a trail along the Caledonia Falls. The walk included views of a fantastic waterfall and culminated in a trip up to the Kykkos monastery which, we were told, is the richest in Cyprus.

After the excitement of the mountains, I came back down to sea level to visit the coastal city of Paphos. Situated on the west coast, the city enjoys a cooling sea breeze making the temperatures much more mild – somewhat crucial given the peak summer months of my trip! Primarily famous as the supposed birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, her temple and other shrines can be found there, as well as Paphos Castle and the imaginatively named “Tomb of the Kings”.

The penultimate stop on my holiday was the capital Lefkosia (or Nicosia) which is shared by both halves of Cyprus. Surrounded by an impressive 5km Venetian wall, the historic part of the city is separate from the modern areas, offering two distinctly different experiences. The city is filled with fascinating artifacts from its decorated past, with the Leventis Municipal Museum proving a treasure trove of interesting information.

As my time in Cyprus drew to a close, there was only one place to visit to ensure my trip ended on a high… Travelling back to the Eastern side of the island, to catch my flight back home, I stopped over for a night in Aiya Napa the glamorous hub for nightlife on the island. Aiya Napa stands in stark contrast to all of the culture available across the rest of the island, a shining beacon for a stereotypical Mediterranean beach resort – bright lights, loud sounds and all night dancing!

Cyprus has something to offer everyone whether that’s nightlife, culture, history or fantastic scenery. I found Cheapflights to be a great resource for flights to the area and with deals from as low as £79pp the island is suitable for any budget.

Photo Credits: xposure-arad, loveisrocketscience, Son of Groucho and highsmith

A Wonderful Trip in Cyprus

Photoshoot for Harper’s BAZAAR and ION Photography Awards 2010

Ronald Tan — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:27:32 +0000

During February 2010, my elder brother, Benny, requested for my help as photography assistant for one of his photo-shoot and as I was available, I went ahead to join in the fun. This particular photoshoot for taking part in the Harper’s BAZAAR and ION Photography Awards 2010. This competition calls for a fusion of fashion, art and architecture. The criteria for the shoot is that the location will be at ION Orchard (outside or inside).

We reached pretty early around 7.30am to come for preparations as well as to conduct the shoot before any shopping crowd comes along. Well, there was another 2 teams shooting at the same day too!

Following are the team involved in the photo-shoot.

Photography: Benny Tan
Styling: Winnie Loo
Hair & Makeup: Sha Shamsi
Photography Assistant: Ronald Tan
Model: Nataliya Zapolina / Mannequin

So what do you think of the photos? I thought they look great but unfortunately, we didn’t win anything in the contest. Even though, it still it was good fun and a fruitful experience!

Hokkaido Shrine Photo Featured on In-flight Magazine

Ronald Tan — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 07:53:11 +0000

Several months ago, I was fortunate to be contacted by the editor of an in-flight magazine who is putting together an article on Sapporo and was asking whether I am keen to lease my photos that was taken in Sapporo during my Japan Trip in 2009.

After some clarifications (type, resolution, credits, etc) on how the images will be used, I sent over a total of 43MB worth of high-resolution photos for their selection. The package consists photos of Hokkaido Shrine, Sapporo Clock Tower and Sapporo Beer Garden.

Sometime later, I was glad to be informed that my Hokkaido Shrine photo (above) was used in the Sapporo feature in the December 2010 – January 2011 issue of Aspire, Hong Kong Airlines’ in-flight magazine. A soft copy of the magazine was also sent to me! Please see below.

Sapporo feature in the December 2010 – January 2011 issue of Aspire, Hong Kong Airlines’ in-flight magazine.

View more presentations from Ronald Tan.

3 Days 2 Nights Trip at Harris Resort Batam

Ronald Tan — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 06:56:36 +0000

This short trip to Batam was made on 10th Sept 2010 (during the long weekend of Hari Raya Puasa), together with the same gang of friends that went to Malaysia (See “A Day in Kuala Lumpur 2” and “A Day in Malacca“). Our package at Harris Resort Batam is as below. It’s slightly more expensive than usual due to the holiday peak period.

It Is Good Deal @ Harris Funky Room (Old Wing Room)
Adult twin sharing: $127.00 per person
Child without bed: $36.00
Infant: $18.00

Package price includes:
- 2 way ferry tickets
- 2 way land transfers
- 2 nights stay with daily breakfasts
- FREE one time lunch or dinner for paying adults and children.
- FREE one time 30mins bicycle ride for two per room per stay.
- FREE one game of bowling for two per room per stay
- FREE access to sauna, cold plunge pool at H Spa & fitness.
- FREE access to Wi-Fi internet within hotel premises.
- FREE one time two-way shuttle services to Nagoya Hill for all paxs.
*Depart hotel 1100hrs & 1400hrs (Batam Time)
*Depart Nagoya Hill timing 1430hrs & 1730hrs (Batam Time)
*FCFS basis, guests MUST register at bell counter soonest or at least 02hrs before departing time.

Package excludes:
- Singapore terminal tax $20.00 per person pay at Harbourfront Centre
- Batam terminal tax $7.00 per person pay at Waterfront City Batam Terminal

The ferry ride was rather fast and we reached Waterfront City Batam Terminal in less than an hour but getting through the immigration took some time due to the bulk of travelers. Above shows a shop selling variety of products, just as you walk out of the immigration. We bought tons of food, snacks, beer, etc here!

Land transfer from Harris Resort Batam. It was only a few minutes drive from the ferry terminal.

We were given twin rooms despite requesting for double bed rooms during our reservation. I think those who took the first ferry out from Singapore manage to get the limited double bed rooms as there were lots of travelers checking in. We checked-in to our rooms and then took a walk around Harris Resort Batam (mostly pool area). Then, we went to the restaurant to have a small bite as we missed lunch and it almost nearing dinner time (4pm).

The pizza looks great but we didn’t eat it as the portion is rather big and we were going to have dinner pretty soon. Our dinner will be using the “FREE one time lunch or dinner for paying adults and children” which is included in the package. The free dinner was ….

Harris Resort Batam – Old Wing (we are staying here).

Harris Resort Batam – This is the new wing and it will cost a tad more than the old wing. We had a sneak peek at one of the rooms (during housekeeping) on the ground floor and it seems smaller than the old wing rooms.

We went to the bowling centre to play the “FREE one game of bowling for two per room per stay” in our package. You have to rent the bowling shoes but it doesn’t comes with any socks!

Nice swimming pool at Harris Resort Batam.

If you are early, you can grab one of these sheltered seats. How nice it would be to relax here (with beers)!

Lobby area of Harris Resort Batam. The lifts that we used daily! Hehe…

Beach area near Harris Resort Batam.

Small yacht berthing at nearby dock near Harris Resort Batam.

We took the free one-time return shuttle services from Harris Resort to Nagoya Hill for shopping. We had made the reservation for the shuttle service one day earlier.

We wanted to try the original Ayam Penyet Ria but it was closed. By the way, there is a Ayam Penyet Ria in Lucky Plaza (Singapore)!

Food street at Nagoya Hill. Lots of food for you to choose!

77 Es Teler – We tried one of the desserts which is very much like Ice Kacang. There is also a Es Teler in Singapore too! It’s at Far East Plaza Singapore.

Our bedroom at Harris Resort Batam, we wasn’t able to get the double bed room so we improvised on our own. Haha!

The rest of the area in our bedroom at Harris Resort Batam.

Bathroom at Harris Resort Batam. It’s clean but the hot water is pretty inconsistent, sometimes it’s hot and most of the time it’s cold! Wahaha!

The sun is setting soon. Taken at a seafood restaurant near to the Waterfront City Batam Terminal.

Dinner at a kelong-style seafood restaurant near to the Waterfront City Batam Terminal. I can’t seem to remember the name…

Fried chicken and Sambal Kang Kong.

Chilli crabs.

Hot Plate Tofu.

Black pepper crabs.

Daily breakfast at Harris Resort Batam was rather lacking but not entirely not consumable.

A pet monkey at a restaurant beside Harris Resort Batam.

The restaurant beside Harris Resort Batam, where we had our lunch, before leaving for our ferry back to Singapore. We had actually requested for early ferry departure in the morning but it was already full so have to settle for the afternoon one.

Fried Chicken Rice Special.

One of the ferry at Waterfront City Batam Terminal where we were waiting to board our ferry back to Singapore. The trip went by without a lot of photo taking as there wasn’t really much to shoot! Also, we didn’t venture far away from Harris Resort Batam to engage in other activities as we were traveling with children. It’s really a “getaway”! Haha!