Singapore-Hong Kong-Taiwan

From Singapore to Hong Kong and Taiwan -- March 1, 2016

2016 HAL Volendam Asian Adventure, Debarkation

We did not have to leave the ship early because our flight was scheduled for 1:00PM. But I read that the taxi line could be a pain on debarkation day at the port, so I requested for the luggage tags for early debarkation, between 8:00~8:30, and that was what we got. After the self-debarking guests, we were called to go on shore. Going through immigration was quick and easy, our bags were waiting neatly at the custom area already. We followed the signage for the taxis and it was a little bit of a walk through the mall. Fortunately, there was no line yet at that hour but seeing that we had three big suitcases, the young man in charge of the taxis told us to wait for a bigger vehicle but was stopped by another young man who said we should be able to fit in. We had done that twice already in the regular taxis here and there was not a problem, so off we went to the airport, luggage and all!

A quick photo of Vivo City as we leave the port.

Changi International Airport, Terminal 1

We had another friendly driver who was very quiet at first but as soon as we struck up a conversation he was telling us a lot about his country and the countries he had visited. He could speak Chinese so MOR had no problem communicating with him. We arrived at the airport and paid our fare of something like $30 (don't remember the exact amount). I had considered taking the MRT from the port to the airport but it was much easier just taking the taxi. Inexpensive and less hassle.

Checking in was quick, and we were checked in all the way through Taipei with the boarding passes and lounge invites. We were early so we just leisurely walked to immigration and into airside of the airport. Wait! What about security check? There was no security check! Did we miss something, somewhere? We were a little puzzled but continued our walk to the lounge.

Air-side Terminal 1

Upstairs to the Dnata Lounge, which is right near the 24-hour food court.

Coffee machine

Liquor

drinks

Comfortable seats

ChC and I decided to take a walk around the airport since we had such a long wait.

Here is the Peach Garden across from the entrance to Dnata Lounge.

Looking down to the main atrium of the boarding area.

24-hour Food Gallery

Then we went downstairs and came to this area. That was where we came through two weeks ago.

Stairs and escalators to the Arrival Immigration.

Back to the lounge. By now there was a group of 5 or 6 ladies who were talking and laughing really loud causing other passengers to move away to other parts of the lounge. It didn't bother them at all though as they continued with their non-stop social interaction.

Breakfast food was served then they changed to lunch items. All good!

Coffee from the bar was much better than the machine. A nice cup of cappuccino. 

We noticed on the TV screen that our plane was delayed for close to 40 minutes which worried me a little. We only had a short transit time in Hong Kong for our flight to Taipei and now with the delay, I wondered if we could make it!

CX 690 Singapore to Hong Kong

We finally boarded our plane. Oh, there was security check near the boarding area too.

As we settled in our seats I was thankful that the ladies were not near us and they were all separated on this flight. I could hear them talking about not being able to get pre-selected seats on line, etc...

I could see the pilot in the cockpit at my seat 12A before taking off.

Pre-flight drink, Cathay Pacific's Signature Drink for March--Oriental Breeze.

Lunch was served. Prawn, cucumber rice paper rolls and ginger chilli sauce

Mixed garden salad with miso dressing.

Garlic Bread, heavenly!

My main, Steamed chicken, Chinese ham, pak choy, carrot, baby corn and chicken rice.

It was OK, again, the rice was crusty on the edges. I thought it would be like Hainanese Chicken Rice. Disappointed.

Dessert

CX 470 Hong Kong to Taipei

Our plane was delayed leaving Singapore, so when we arrived HKG, ground crew was already waiting for us at the gate. She gathered the six of us who would be boarding this flight to Taipei and then rushed us through transit check (cutting in line), to the boarding gate. Gate 2 again. Good thing both planes were just in the same vicinity as we barely made it on board. MOR asked the manager to see if she can check if our luggage make it on this flight. She took our boarding passes and luggage receipts but came back with an unsure answer. She told us to talk to the ground crew when we arrived at Taoyuan. Not only did we miss going to the lounge at HKIA, it was totally stressful making this connection. When we were checking in at Changi, they asked if we wanted to take an earlier flight, and we were going to do it. Then they found out that they only had one seat available on that flight, so we just kept our original bookings. I asked if the connecting time was cutting too close, the ground crew told me that according to CX, a 50-minute connection is doable and allowed. 

I suppose I was so stressed that this was the only food picture that I took on this short flight.

In a short hour, we arrived Taipei airport.

When we got to the carousel at baggage claim, we saw ChC's name was on the list posted on a big sign with the luggage going around and around. We checked with the CX desk near the carousel, they confirmed that not only ChC's bag, but all of our luggage did not make it on this flight. They had us filled out forms and told us that the bags would be delivered to our hotel before midnight. 

One good thing about that was when we took the airport bus to Taipei, we did not have to deal with our large luggage. To get us to the Grand Hyatt in Taipei, we took Bus 1960, which would drop us off right in front of the hotel.

Inside Bus 1960, quite comfortable. From hot and humid Singapore back to cold and wet Taipei.

Grand Hyatt, Taipei

Grand Hyatt, Taipei is right across from the iconic building, Taipei 101. Well, this international brand 5-star hotel is notorious for being the most haunted hotel in Taipei. Some people swear by their unusual experience but most people whom we know came back disappointed. We stayed here for three nights on this trip and we did not encounter anything strange. I did not even see the most talkabout taoist amulet that were suppose to be hung near the elevators. Being that this hotel was newly remodeled, there is really nothing spooky about the Grand Hyatt Taipei.

We stayed at the Grand Hyatt with the free-night certificates we had between MOR and I with the Hyatt Credit Cards for the first year. We used one of those for Grand Hyatt Singapore, and three nights here. As long as we keep the cards, we will continue getting one free-night each year on each card. Even with the annual fee, it's still worth it.

Our deluxe grand room was modern with a touch of Chinese.

The sofa turned into a big single bed. Fresh fruits and water provided on arrival.

Bathroom near the entry way.

I just love this bathroom.

Especially the rainshower and the glass door that slides open to the sides.

We stayed up until midnight waiting for the luggage, but nobody showed up. Fortunately, we had our basic essentials including our pajamas which were packed in our overnight bags as we were leaving the cruise that morning. They finally delivered our bags up to our room at 3AM that morning. What can I say, we were happy that at least we got them back safely and that we can have a change of clothes for the next few days. Thank you, Cathay!