Legoland Malaysia

Last October, I got a chance to visit this exciting amusement park. It is said to be the first in Asia and just opened last September so I'm guessing I'm one of the first million people to visit this theme park.

From Singapore, my cousin got a tour bus (back and forth) going to Legoland Malaysia. I haven't asked how it costs but based on my research it is around SGD19. Then for your one-day pass tickets, I suggest to purchase them online and more than a week in advance to get 25% discounts. Just go to their site for the more information.

you'll be walking around 10-15 minutes from the parking to the park entrance; not to mention under the heat of the sun

very long lines for people who doesn't have tickets yet

welcome arc

We departed at the vicinity of Lavender MRT Station in Singapore at around 8:30am and arrived Legoland Malaysia at around 10 in the morning. As they said, the travel time also depends on the immigration queue time and if ever someone from your bus got problems etc.

look for these signs if you need to go to the toilet

structures made of legos everywhere!

The park is very spacious and wide. I don't know if these are still spaces for future expansion or for the growth of trees and plants to lessen the heat in the park. Kids and kids-at-heart will truly appreciate the marvels and the effort on doing each of these masterpieces out of legos.

park's map

Oh by the way, right at the entrance you should get yourselves a map from the rack that welcomes you!

Market Restaurant

smoothies for RM10

Roasted Chicken meal for RM16

The first thing we did was to eat lunch (or more of a brunch) so as not to spend time queueing for long lines. We went to Market Restaurant, the first food station on the right track of the park. It opens at 11am and we were the first one inside; actually they just opened it for us at around 10:50am though we still can't order yet. I loved the most is their smoothie! Or I was just biased on this case as I always love smoothies. Well, the chicken was good and has this unique taste; same with the rice though my cousin didn't liked it.

Legoland Express Terminal

the train

BIG legos

Our first ride was the Legoland Express, since it was the closest to the restaurant. I observed that all rides have very long lines and for this ride we spent at least 35minutes waiting. It was a typical train ride for kids though. Next attraction we went to is their 4D theater but I didn't felt like it was 4D and actually I fell asleep during the show. We spent more than 40minutes wait time again for this attraction.

castle entrance

long queues

amazing portraits made of legos

flags and armor

life-size lego masterpiece

the ride

The ride I enjoyed most- The Dragon. This is a roller coaster ride but before which you will be entertained by a lego musuem inside the castle. Awesome idea, I should say. And while in the line for about 40minutes, you will also get to enjoy some paintings and structures again made from legos.

And finally the most-awaited part of the park of many - the Miniland! Here you can see the miniature landmarks of the different countries in Asia. Some are even taller than I am! Children can also play pushing buttons and be sure to be prepared to get wet. There are also moving vehicles in the sites! Everyone will surely be in awe seeing all these marvels. I think we spent an hour touring this wide area. Now, can you spot each of the sites above from which country are they?

Universal Studios Singapore

To date, this amusement park is my number one favorite! First because it has this awe factor and second due to the fact that it's not for the kids only.

I'll narrate the rides in order of how we toured the park. Upon entry, equip yourselves with a map!

entrance

map cover

map

Right there I felt I was transported to a new universe. Felt like I was in Hollywood! You can also notice that they roofed the main avenues so you won't feel the heat of the sun and if in case it rains, you can still enjoy the rides and the park. Great news for everyone, isn't it?

one of the many souvenir shops

We started our journey to the west side of the park and bumped with the ride Madagascar: A Crate Adventure; but first have a picture first on their booth! Well, it was like a kiddie ride telling the story of the Madagascar movie's characters. Enjoyable as well and good warm-up for your day.

Next stop is the Enchanted Airways! Finally a roller-coaster ride but a miniature one. Just enough to ignite your adventuresome senses. Oh, I lost my sunglasses here so be mindful about your loose things. After which we tried Shrek 4-D Adventure wherein you would be seated in a theater for an exhilarating 4-D show. Be prepared to get moistly wet! Last tip, on the reception area, place yourselves near the stage/monitors because the entrance to the theater is there enabling you to get your desired seats.

gates to the Kingdom Far Far Away

inside Ogre's Kingdom

We did surveyed the rides on The Lost World area but everything has long lines and since we have oldies with us, we tried to pick the rides for all of us. Unfortunately, we just passed by this area.

And then there is the fascinating Egyptian structures and monuments. Here we tried the Revenge of the Mummy indoor roller coaster where you will literally scream with fright! A must in this amusement park! 

majestic structures

Next is Sci-Fi City, home of the famous Transformers The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle. True enough, it is my most enjoyable ride of them all and the most connecting ride I ever had. Everyone is clapping before leaving our rides. Indeed, a one-of-a-kind experience! Another a must ride from this park and better be patient in waiting for the long queue though you'll definitely enjoy yourself with the museum-like atmosphere whilst on line.

moving bumble bee

museum-like feeling inside the Transformer The Ride

their penultimate roller coaster. I will be back for you!

Finally but not the least is New York! At a glance I thought this is nothing and we tried to check out Lights, Camera, Action! Hosted by Steven Spielberg with empty minded on what to expect inside; not to mention the very short waiting time. This attraction redeemed itself upon our exit as it boasts the behind-the-camera scenes and amazing effects. Oh, how would you wish to be located on the farthest and topmost area?! Try for yourselves to know why!

Of course, before leaving the park we did bought some souvenir items. Though a bit pricey, I give it a go. 

Here are my rankings for the rides we've been to:

1. Transformers The Ride
2. Revenge of the Mummy
3. Lights, Camera, Action!
4. Shrek 4-D Adventure
5. Enchanted Airways
6. Madagascar: A Crate Adventure

Definitely, I'll be back to this amusement park as there are still left unknown to my mind and body!

Hotel 81 Orchid

Stayed for 3 nights in this hotel just last October. Here are some of my insights:

• We arrived at around 4am and one of the two rooms we booked is still not available due to air-conditioning unit problems. We still waited in the other room for roughly 20 minutes to get the other room done.
• The room provided to us has like 28 degree Celsius maximum coolness plus it's an inner unit so we got no view of the outside.
• On our first morning, we did put a sign to tidy our room but when we arrived at night no one fixed it nor replenish the free things.
• You should get your complimentary WiFi passwords at the reception. I think it is one account per person per day. Their WiFi is fast enough and reaches even on the 8th floor.
• The rooms are bit small but I think it is just enough for its cheap rates.
• It is only about 5 minutes walk to the bus station and only 2-3 bus stops to Lavender MRT Station. In going back, you may alight Aljunied MRT Station then take a bus (about 3-4 bus stops only).
• Just be wary that this place is like a red light district at night.

Snapshots of the Double Standard Room (2 persons occupancy):

the entrance door

view from the entrance

the bed with huge mirror

toilet door and LCD TV

toilet

Snapshots of the Family Room (4 persons occupancy, 2 adjoined Standard Rooms):

tiolet

two single beds and one double bed

Other pictures of the place:

hotel facade

hotel entrance

it's hallway

DOST Scholar's Final Clearance

A brief guide on getting our freedom fellow scholars!

On  getting your Final Clearance from DOST (dated May 2012)...

• Have a copy of your Certificate of Employment from your employers. Your total years of working experience should be the same as with some long you enjoyed your scholarship.
• As for my case, I went to DOST NCR Regional Office in Taguig. I entered the first gate (I think it's Gate #4) along A. Bonifacio Ave. coming from Gen. Santos Ave. Then just ask the guard at the entrance gate on how to go to the DOST-SEI office.
• At the new SEI building, ask also the guard on the entrance on what room to submit your papers.
• At the forefront of the room is the receiving section, just ask the lady that you are to claim your final clearance. Just make sure you have your Certificate of Employment photocopied and bring along any proof of identification. After filling out a form, validating your records and submitting the requirements, you will then be asked to go back after 5 working days to claim your final clearance
• Follow-up first by calling their office before going back, just to make sure they are already there.
• They will be giving you three letter, one each for the following offices - Bureau of Immigration, Department of Foreign Affairs and National Bureau of Investigation.

Bureau of Immigration (dated September 2012)...

• There has been a memorandum released by DOJ last June 2012 stating to lift the ban on DOST Scholars from travelling abroad leisurely. You may call BOI through their hotline to verify if your name has been lifted from the watch list, just to double check; though I talked to someone on the hotline and asked me to go to their Intramuros office to verify since their system is not working perfectly.
• (update) I called up their hotline to finally ask for what to do to assure my flawless exit at the immigration and was advised to go to their main office in Intamuros, Manila... 
  Upon entering the main entrance turn right and go to Window #11 to submit your original clearance from DOST. They will be giving you a number then be seated while waiting for your number to be called. After waiting for about 30 minutes, my number was called at Window #10 and my clearance was returned with a stamp stating I have no derogatory records. The lady told me that it’s all okay now and just present the stamped clearance at the immigration.
  
  
  
  

Department of Foreign Affairs...

• When I renewed my passport last January 2012, I swiftly passed all the steps without being blocked or asked any letter from DOST.
• I also read some blogs that there is a special step wherein you need to present your clearance, perhaps this applies to new applications or maybe my name was not listed (?) or the verifying officer made some mistakes on the process.

National Bureau of Investigation (dated September 2012)...

• Go to the NBI Head Office along Taft Ave., Manila. Enter their main gate along Taft Ave then get a visitor's pass on the reception.
• Tell them you are to submit your final clearance from DOST. They should tell you on how to go to the GSD (General Services Division). It was on the 3rd floor of the main building in the middle of the compound.
• Don't forget to bring the original copy of your clearance and it's photocopy plus an ID.
• The GSD office is to your left when you reached 3rd floor either by elevator or stairs.
• Present the mentioned requirements at the receiving table right infront the office's doorsteps.
• Rest assured it has been processed right away. I haven't acquired yet for my NBI Clearance so can't confirm on how long will it take to clear my name.

Hope this helps! Feel free to comment if there are any changes.