Amazing Singapura

Ask any traveler on what countries are on his bucket list, I'm sure that Singapore is one of them.  Who wouldn't want to travel in a tiny but developed country that has so much to offer?  Thanks to airline promo tickets, it's now possible to visit this country even with a meager budget.

SG is on my bucket list but not on my immediate travel plans.  Thanks to my Bes J, who is very eager to see it.  So exactly on Christmas Day of 2013, she checked CP's holiday offers.  She booked for herself and then asked persuaded me to join her.  Since, she'll handle the payment first, how can I say no?  Thus, we are booked for August and right there and then, my task has begun - preparing for the itinerary and learning how to go around SG.  Ang babait nila!

After months of preparation and blogs stalking, this is how our actual itinerary summary is:

Day 1 - August 24, 2014

Travel to SG, Orchard Road and City Hall

Hubby and I went to the airport early for our early morning flight.  Immigration check-in is a breeze.  Unfortunately, Bes J was left behind (more on that on my next post).

From Changi Airport, we just rode a cab going to our hotel.  It costs cheaper since the fare was shared by four passengers.

hassle free immigration check

We have checked-in in Fragrance Hotel Sapphire.  We just left our luggage then ate lunch after at the corner eatery with authentic Singaporean foods. 

Next stop is Orchard Road to go to Lucky Plaza to buy promo tour packages in Cebu Air and Travel.

Transportation:  Bus 21 - Kellang MRT - City Hall - Orchard Road - walk to Lucky Plaza (adjacent to Ion Mall).  We also bought some super affordable chocolates then returned to our hotel.

Transportation: Orchard MRT - Doby Ghaut MRT - Kellan MRT; then walk to the hotel (15 mins. walk).  We bought some fruits along the way.

We met with our other companions then we went to Funan Digital Mall for some gadgets checking.

Last stop is Marina Bay Sands via MRT again.  Going home, with barely energy left; we hailed a taxi in going back to the hotel.

Day 2 - Universal Studios, Vivo City Mall, Fullerton, Merlion, Funan Digital Mall and Karen's home in Tamparines

Geylang - Bus 21 to Vivo City - Monorail at level 3 (S$4.00) - Waterfront Station

the monorail station in Vivo Mall

Hubby and I just have a photo ops at the famous USS landmark while our companions entered inside.  We also checked all the sweets stores.  We then have a photo ops at the Merlion in Imbiah Station.  Then, last part of our USS tour is riding the nerve wrecking Sky Ride and enjoyable Luge.

at kinain kami ng usok

haist.. ang sarap magpataba

with my fave m&m

the pink monorail

We met my old time friend K at lunch.  She accompanied us to Funan Mall after.  The night ended at their home over dinner.

everything is yummy and fresh

the original Merlion

hubby is in heaven

K's pretty home

Day 3 - Legoland Malaysia, Sky Flyer and Helix Bridge

Kevin, our assigned driver, picked us up at 8:00AM, drive-thru at McDonald's then to Malaysia went to see Legoland. 

We went back to the hotel, then off to The Sky Flyer, then the X movie and dinner after.  We have enjoyed the Sky Flyer.  After dinner, we walked to the Helix Bridge and enjoyed the lights.

Gardens by the Bay Domes

Day 4 - Gardens By the Bay, Bugis shopping and River Cruise at Clark Quay

Transportation:  Bus 80, alight in Bugis - Bugis MRT Station - Promenade Station - walk to GBTB.

Walk to Promenade MRT Station - Clark Quay for the River Cruise.

Again, we marvelled at their genious engineering in Gardens by the Bay.  You'll just wonder why it can't be done in our beloved country where there are also a lot of talented and skilled people.

After overloading ourselves with greenery, we went to Clark Quay for the river cruise.  If you don't have the energy  and enough time to walk to see all the famous landmarks and tourist attractions in SG, this is the next best way to see them for S$22/person. 

effortless tour of the famous landmarks

Day 5 - Return to Manila

We arrived at the airport around 3 hours before our departure time.  We ate breakfast at Burger King.  They offer a different kind of burger here (with curry).

We have checked in our things, then went to GST to refund some taxes.  Since I've used a credit card, refund will be credited to my credit card.

We were almost left out by our plane since I didn't notice the time.  I was busy looking at Pandora charms and Sylvanian collections.  Hubby even got angry, but TG we boarded a few minutes before departure.  I left SG with a heavy heart.  I will definitely return here.

Some highly recommended tips for your SG trip:

1. Bring lots of tissues.  I don't understand why the small eateries don't give customers any of these (except for high end restaurants) for free.

2. Bring towel.  SG is a tropical country so expect to perspire more while touring around since no. 1 mode of transportation is by walking.

3. Always hydrate your body.  Since tap water is safe in this country, you do not need to spend on mineral and distilled waters.

4. Wear a comfy footwear.  This is a must as you will spend most of your time walking.

5.  Bring an extra change of clothes.  Since you are a tourist, you will need to squeeze your itinerary in a day.  Comes evening, you will already smell "not so nice".  It's best to change to fresh clothes before your evening events and don't need to return to your hotel room just to do this.

6. Buy promo tour packages.  This is where Cebu Air and Travels comes in.  This is not a paid advertisement.  I am recommending this agent since they are so courteous, helpful and with great packages.  The agents are Filipinos so it's a great advantage for us. 

7. It's still best to go around via the very efficient bus and MRT.  Taxis are so convenient but will cost you some money since their base fare is around S$3-5 (depending on the vehicle) plus you have to add S$10 more during peak hours and late nights.  Buy the EZ load card and you will save a lot on MRT since fare prices are discounted when using these cards.

8. Bring some food to munch on. Trail mixes are best recommended as they can fill your tummy at the same time gives you energy to complete the tour.

9.  Wear a hat to protect your face from sun burn most especially in Legoland.  It's super hot in Malaysia!

10. If you don't have enough time to go to Chinatown and Mustafa Center, just buy your souvenirs in Bugis.  They sell souvenir items at affordable prices.  You can also try their fresh fruit juices and shakes here starting from S$1.

11. In every purchase, please ask if they have a GST refund.  This is being offered to tourists.  You can refund all the taxes paid in the airport. Refunding is easy as a breeze.

12.  It's still best to know the prices locally before you check the prices in SG.  This way, you can compare the prices.  I find some of the goods still cost lower here in the Phils. like Pandora bracelets and charms, some watches, etc.

13. For your hotel accommodations, always check Agoda's offer.  They really give big discounted rates.

14. Always research and learn how to go around and the best places to go to.  This way, you'll save time and money during your vacation.

15. Don't be afraid to us the locals (though most Singaporeans are snobs) for directions and best places to eat and shop.

16.  Be aware that there are also rude and dishonest taxi drivers in SG.  We were victimized on our last night in SG.  Our usual taxi fare of S$16 has become S$32 because the driver has toured us around.  We just didn't want any argument so we just follow his lead.