SINGAPORE WANDER (MY DAY TO DAY SG TOUR DIARY)

SINGAPORE- or commonly called the "LION CITY" is situated south of Malaysia and north of Indonesia.  Singapore is the only Asian country which uses English as its first language so foreigners won't be having a hard time communicating with the locals there (but be always make sure you both understand the way they pronounce the word for all the times its a bit hard for them to understand if you'll slang the word and you both will end up in repeats or better pronounce them word by word and pay too much attention to what they are saying :D), in fact, 50% of the population in Singapore are foreigners, included here are the Chinese and Indians (more likely a lot of Filipinos were also working here and mostly Filipino Tourists were scattered so whenever you feel like you are lost don't hesitate to ask one of them though). Ironically, although Singapore is known as the "Lion City" there is actually no Lion in the country.  Singapore's History (SINGAPURA) says that what the people saw before might actually be a Tiger and not Lion in the sea (the reason why they built a structure of a MERLION-"mermaid-lion" in the middle of the city where the Lion was seen.

SINGAPORE's currency is Singapore Dollars. S$ 1.00 is roughly equivalent to Php31.00 (if you will buy them in their country) but here in the Philippines S$1.00  is equivalent to Php34.00.

Now, if you are Pinoy, then this 3 days and 2 Nights itinerary will definitely work for you, otherwise, then trying this itinerary won't hurt either, just disregard the budget part. Just be ready and prepare yourself to do a lot of walkings in this beautiful City. Read on and find out what SINGAPORE, the Garden City, Attractions Fulfillment, and a Whole County of Enchanting City of Asia, has to offer to both thrill seekers and shopaholics alike. :-))

GETTING THERE:

There are various airlines that will take you to SINGAPORE.  if you are on a tight budget, there's always Cebu Pacific and Tiger Airways.  However, if you are used to traveling with Philippine Airlines and Jet Star Airlines, you can opt to take these airlines instead.  Note though, that PAL and JSA's airfares to SG were too pricey and expensive than Tiger and Cebu Pac.

Website:  www.tigerairways.com

Office Tel. No. +63 2 884-1524 (8am to 10pm daily)

Tiger Airways offers less expensive and they are now operating in NAIA Terminal 1.

Website: www.cebupacificair.com ("its time everyone flies")

Hotline : 7020-888 (open 24/7)

Cebu Pacific departs at NAIA Terminal 3.

Note: Both airlines will land in CHANGI AIRPORT BUDGET TERMINAL, so that if someone will be picking or fetching you, he/she won't go to the main Changi Airport Terminal.  The main terminal and the budget terminal is just few meters away from each other but there's a shuttle to and form both terminals. JETSTAR land in the Main Terminal.

*** If you want to get the best deal for your Singapore trip, book ahead of time and always be on look out for  promo fares.  Cebu Pacific's Singapore flights can go as low as 50% off and be sure to grab one, of course, this excludes travel taxes and fuel surcharges.  Rates also varies on season.  But, I was fortunate enough to book our trip exactly for the Holy Week of 2011 via Tiger Airways, 3 months ahead of our target date..my husband and I were able to book on an 8k+++ per head for a round trip not bad for that very peaky season while some airlines offers 12k+++ to 16k+++...think of the great deal but of course expect a hassle much trip for time of departure and arrival on the chosen dates but what most important for a traveller is to go places and experience what has them to offer regardless of the time and efforts..;)***

SOME FRIENDLY AND IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

This is an international travel so it is only necessary for you to have a valid passport. You can secure one from the Department of Foreign Affairs (dfa.gov.ph) but make to sure to make an online appointment and take note that online appointment for securing Philippine Passport will take you maximum of two (2) months waiting.

But if you already have a passport, make sure it is still valid for 6 months from the time of your travel.  Meaning, if your passport will expire on  October 20, 2012, then you cans till travel and return back before April 20, 2012, any date beyond April 20, 2012, you'll no longer be allowed to leave the country.  If in doubt, you can always call Singapore Embassy in Manila, or Pilipinas teleserve (24-hour Passport Assistance ) 737-1000.

No need to apply for Visa when you'll only travel as a tourist in SG. from the time of entry to Singapore, you are allowed to stay there for a maximum of 30 days without visa or only as a tourist. Always brong your 2 valid IDs in case the immigration asks for it.  Always bring your passport with you wherever you go and wander in Singapore.  That's also and SOP when travelling to other countries.  LASTLY: everyone knows how clean Singapore is and how disciplined the people living here were...so beware of taking actions as to littering, smoking, spitting and always bring your GOOD ETHICS with you...

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Accommodation:  there are very good hotels to choose from in Singapore.  If you are looking into a major shopping spree best to book yourself near the Orchard Road, although you must bear in mind that hotels near Orchard Rd are very pricey (as to what orchard road offers their pricey stuff too)compared to others so it is still best to hunt for nice but affordable place around the city while you were still here in the Philippines better search and book online for a bunch of options.. (www.hotels.online.com.sg)

BUT THE BEST ACCOMMODATION you'll ever have is that if you got some close friend/s or relatives who were kind enough to spare their room for just a number of short stays, like me, feel lucky enough to have a very good friend who offers her pad for us to stay for free, that we were able to spent a lot fun during our stay and tour in SG costless for the hotels (that's why accommodation is not included in our budget)..and for that we offer our most thankful for her generosity..(you know who you are our queen friend.;)

Meal:  I must say that food is not that affordable in Singapore.  Surprisingly, even their bottled waters are expensive (prices varies triple or more the price in our own currency) so its not true that when you're in the other country, "avoid converting your money", likewise it is true that you wouldn't notice  your money was about to end because of the small value but when multiplied in our own money, you will be surprised of what a very booming price you purchased for just a single or more dollar value so please be always aware of how much the budget you got in order to experience everything, to note: SINGAPORE is a country of FULL ATTRACTIONS and to experience all those, you must have a budget for those every attractions...

Prawn purchased in Makasuntra Bay about SG$12 each and minimum of two orders near Esplanade

Grilled Beef with Fries + 2 extra rice and one canned soda all  costs SG$29.37 at Istanbul Grill and Cafe somewhere in Arab St. SG

Purcahsed at Food Republic in Vivo City approximately SG$15.00

At Olio Bites in Sentosa near Cable Car Plaza all for SG$17.80

and the most cheapest of our meal  was purchased in China Town for only SG$2.50

just tried their remarkable beer that cost SG$2.50

I just also tried this canned tea drink for experience which tasted like you don't wanna buy it again ;)) @ SG$1.50

A must try though, even it'll cost you a lot, is their Chili Crab. It costs about SG$40.00 or around Php1,280.00 for a kilo of crab. This 1 kilo is usually just one HUGE crab.  Also a must try is their Black Pepper Crab, same price with the Chili Crab, but unfortunate to take a taste because the same was sold so fast. Take this extravagant meal before you leave Singapore to experience the best taste they offer, a really must try i swear...all of these were offered in Makasuntra Bay near Esplanade and its good to know that the restaurants you may found therein don't sell the same variants, each store sell their unique foods for you to choose from..(that's the good thing about Singapore is their Food Business Selling Ethics)..a big BRAVO for these!!

Tour:  No tour guides required since it's very easy to move around Singapore as long as you know how to read, follow signs, and use gps in your smart phone.  Much better if you have a friend to keep you company while you memorize the public transportation in Singapore.  However, if you really want a professional tour guide you can ask for one as soon as you arrive at the airport or inquire in the hotels where you were checked-in.

One can also opt to ride in the Hop On Hop Off tour that offers a day tour in the major ethnic, cultural and historical places of Singapore like the China Town, Clarke Quay, Little India, religious monuments and more, The Hop On Hop Off or the Hippo Bus has an open top sight seeing that is just perfect for tourists who love taking photos.  But for like us who were thrill seekers, we opt to take a walk since its a very safe country and everything you will seen in SINGAPORE is considered a very nice spot..likewise, you will came to discover places and get used to it for a come back...

Transportation:  the major means of public transportation in singapore is the SMRT.  This train connects all the major cities in Singapore.  All stations are connected with malls so its very convenient for commuters to transfer from one station to another.  Aside from SMRT, one can also roam around the city using their public buses.  The buses are not crowded so riding the buses to go around the city is a major breeze.  Also a must try are their double-decker buses. Buses in Singapore does not have signage, rather you'll know if the bus will pass by your destination through their corresponding numbers.  There's a route map in every bus station/stop for more information.  One cool feature of the bus transportation in SG is the GPS system in every buses.  It allows commuters to find out more accurately the estimated time of arrival of the buses at the next bus stop.  However, your phone needs to be connected to the net to be able to access the website...whenever you feel like you are being lost, the safest way is to drop yourself at the bus terminal or the last stop, ask somebody for help and then make a ride again, just read the route map and their corresponding bus number.Anyway Singapore is a very small country, so being lost in here is not a big deal, for you can actually find your places whenever as long as you have your good English with you ;)

Riding the SMRT and Bus will be smoother if you have an EZ-Link Pass which can be bought at any SMRT station.  this costs SG$12.00 and that SG$7.00 of its card value can be use for all your rides considering that SG$5.00 is the cost of your card, however, each ride will automatically cost a minimum of 60cents if you already have the card but if you don't have make sure to have a SG$1.00 coin to be dropped as a token inside the bus..one great reminder is that: in riding a bus upon hopping in always make sure to hop at the first door near the bus driver and then hop off at the second door, and don't forget to swipe your card (if you already have one) before going down or it will charge you twice the next time you will use your card in your next ride.

you EZ Link Card is reloadable at the available machines inside the SMRT STATION.

Don't feel like having long walks? or you wanna make sure you will be dropped off at your target places? One can actually take cabs but be sure to take one not in the highways of Singapore for they will not do you a favor to stop that easy way, always look for a taxi stand or just wait somewhere you knew its not a highway (always remember that SINGAPORE has a CCTV so every move should be taken care of specially when you are crossing the streets, you have to push a certain post allocated at each crossing streets then wait until the green man flashes then its the time for you to cross the street.  Likewise cabs in Singapore has a flat rate of SG$3.00 and taxis there also have peak hours.  An additional 30%-35% metered fare applies during peak hours and the good news is that when its a holiday no additional fares will be added, you will just pay what reflects based on their meter...however, taking cabs there is really expensive for the Government of Singapore wants their people to get used to taking either a bus or an MRT since its more convenient and less expensive...(also a must remember: here in SINGAPORE all vehicles were right hand drive..so before riding in make sure to see a glance of the driver's position for you will end up opening the driver's seat as what we are used to here in the Philippines.)

IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED:

*Roaming Sim (most importantly is communications, if you will be travelling in a group, you cannot always say you were going attached to each other in all the time, there might be an incident that due to lots of tourists you will be detached from the strings so make sure you have your roaming sim turned on an hour before your departure here in the Philippines or if you will be meeting up with the one who will fetch you up in the airport upon arrival in SG or whenever you are lost);

*Sunblock (Singapore, like Philippines, has a tropical climate.  Their summer tends to be really scorching hot);

*Shades (protect your eyes);

*Umbrella (like here in the Philippines climate in Singapore is so unpredictable,you may experience a pour of rains and a somehow over heat of the sun and also remember that 7:00pm in SG feels like only 5pm because they got longer days than nights therein);

*Wander in Singapore in your most convenient and fresh suit (take note of the hot weather unless you have your own service vehicle during the whole tour but still heat will suck);

*Camera (of course capture memories and take a 360 degrees shot of Singapore when you go to the  highest level of structures provided for overlooking attractions such as Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, Cable Car Ride, Merlion Top etc....in Singapore most of their attractions is to go up to the top for a better view of whole Singapore..except when you ride tough rides at the Universal Studio- and of course take nothing but pictures);

*And of  course MONEY MONEY MONEY MOOLAH!

*Or Credit Card if you got.

BUDGET:

Better bring Peso or US Dollar, there is an available Money Changer wherein you can exchange you Peso or US Dollar with Singapore Dollar at the Airport upon arrival.  Exchange them as soon as you arrived at Changi Airport to avoid the hassle of looking for some during the tour time.


*For 2 persons already

Breaking down the costs for a trip to Singapore is highly complicated because it actually depends on the season.. I can't actually tell you how much the airfare would cost for the two of you for it really depends on season and if there's a promo.. but air fare usually costs more or less15k-20k for both of you for a round trip (ours costs Php16,400 to be exact via tiger airways)..sometimes Cebu Pac's roundtrip fare for two people can cost for as low as Php8,000.00 only.

How much pocket money to bring in SG? ours is of different case, since we had someone to take care of our board and lodging/accommodations during our three days of stay there so the budget for hotel is not included in our list of budget... I was able to raise Php30,000 for both of us.  This only includes our travel tax fee, terminal fee (in Philippines Only-note that travel tax costs Php1,620 each and terminal fee is Php750.00 each so an automatic Php5,000.00 less in our said budget), I was able to change my Php20,000.00 in SG$ all for SG$550, so I still got a peso value of Php5,000.00..well that Php20,000.00 includes our food, tour, attractions and shopping spree (memorabillas). To note that we already purchased our Universal Studio tour Tickets via online considering that we were advised that they were not selling tickets to walk-in patrons and it costs Php2,300 each.

Note: If you are smoking, try to bring at least one pack of cigarette for cigarettes cost  a booming Php300.00++ per pack in SG but make sure that before leaving Philippines at least 2 to 3 sticks has been lessened in your pack before entering Singapore.

This is already a very conservative price for two people and it depends how shopaholic you are. If you don't intend to shop till you drop, then definitely, you'll save a lot but if you plan to spend a whole day in Orchard Road, then bring extra, extra and extrah or your credit card...

DAILY ITINERARY:

April 19, 2011 (departs at 10:15pm)

Guidelines before your departure:

-Arrive two (2) hours earlier at the AIRPORT before your departure time, for it will take you time for some que-que (specially when you will be leaving on a peak season, expect long lines for check-in baggage counter and the likes).

Pay your travel tax first before going to the Check-in Baggage Counter. Travel Tax Fee is Php1,620.00 per person and only here in the Philippines some says that a Travel Tax has been collected.

check-in your baggage at your  respective airline baggage counter they will ask for your itinerary receipt and they will issue your boarding pass and checked in baggage sticker... and while waiting for your turn, filled up an immigration clearance that will be given at the kiosk before you enter the baggage check-in counter.

proceed to this counter to pay the terminal fee of Php750.00 each passenger they will ask for your boarding pass here.

After passing the immigration interview you can now wait for your airlines cue upon boarding or you can roam around the terminal while waiting, either have a coffee, a soup or a soda..;) take note that foods inside the terminal will also cost you a lot...

while waiting for your boarding, your passport and boarding pass will be checked again by the airline's crew.

Finally Boarding! :))

while inside the plane, a crew will be distributing an embarkation form.. be sure to grab for the two(2) of you then fill up those form  considering that your estimated time of arrival in Singapore will be three (3) hours and a half (1/2) so you got all the convenient time in filling these forms so you could be ready to present them at the immigration of Singapore.

You can take a sleep and rest and wait for your plane to land..or if you're feeling hungry, there were available foods to order inside the plane, just checked their menu..:)

Arrived at 1:30am (April 20, 2011)..Secure your baggage, and be sure to grab a map of SINGAPORE...... contact friend....be sure to take a sleep and enough rest for a great start of activities that will happen in SINGAPORE....

LET THE ADVENTURE BEGINS!

Day 1- April 20, 2011

GETTING FAMILIAR WITH PLACES- Go to VIVO CITY and purchased the EZ link card and ride the SMRT. (are you on for a long walk?)

CHINA TOWN via SMRT hop at this MRT stop, score for some goodies and cheap meals.

CLARKE QUAY- next stop in riding SMRT.

Clarke Quay offers a very nice place to rest, by-stand and killing time....;)

This boat-ride in Clarke Quay offers some set of meals while touring the riverside point view of Singapore, Chili Crab is also available here.. at night, you can come back here for some night capping, a lot of bars to choose from.

just took a photo of this cartoon-like view..:))

LITTLE INDIA

come and visit this temple for some meditation

BUGIS JUNCTION we were able to transfer wandering at Bugis Junction via Taxi since our feet gets too tiring of doing a lot of wanderings..:))
 we just took a glance here at the mall and if you will go straight ahead from this mall, you can find the Bugis St. where some goodies were also sold, unfortunately we weren't able to go there 'coz we are not on for a shop during that time..all we wanna do is to go places, took a glance, picture and transfer to another...;)



PARKVIEW SQUARE

PARKVIEW SQUARE- is a high rise structural building located at North Bridge Road,  Downtown Core, Singapore. I was just amazed by the color of this high rise building while walking along the road from Bugis Junction.

While we keep our un-tired feet from walking we were brought here in Arab St.,

Saw another temple worth to take a photo shoot and then we searched for a dine-in restaurant located along this street and that we were settled at Istanbul Grill and Cafe mentioned earlier.















Again after some stomach feeding, resting and unwinding our feet from walking, we took a cab somewhere near Arab St. to Marina Bay Sands (we weren't able to ride a Bus since we don't know which bus number to hop on).

The Marina Bay Sands

a view from the other side of the marina bay sands

the Helix Bridge

                                                                                      the Flyer

Our first day tour in SINGAPORE is an indeed a tour of the wondrous architectural designs of the said Country, we were ultimately amazed by the epic structures and no matter how tired we got from walking, our eyes were fulfilled and our minds were on a high, as high as the structures of their buildings...so as we so much want ourselves to reach home at my friend's pad and lie down ourselves to rest for another enchanting experience for the next day..I am keeping the memories of each and every details of places that we had for the day..*though we were on for another walk from marina bay sands to ESPLANADE, we never got the chance to take photos of the said another famous structure, but I was able to witnessed another greatness and pride of SINGAPORE...:o

DAY 2 (April 21, 2011)

* * * U N I V E R S A L  S T U D I O S  T O U R * * *

I must say everyone who plans going in SINGAPORE  should have include this tour in their itineraries for your SG TRAVEL will not be complete without experiencing  the enchanting rides and attractions of what UNIVERSAL STUDIOS may bring to each and every tourists...

How to get there: again from VIVO CITY ride a mon-trail to SENTOSA stop.The station is located at the top building of VIVO CITY beside Food Republic.

welcome to UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SG

Secure a Studio Guide Map so you would know what to do and where to go, I must say, start this tour early in the morning to be able to experience all the enchanting happiness of this place for flooding lines to each attraction may experience but always remember that patience is a virtue, no guts no glory, its open until 7pm during weekdays..

Studio Tour Guide Map

an introduction to far away!

SHREK (DREAMWORKS) ADVENTURE, don't missed this one out!!

SHREK ADVENTURE in 4D!

A live spectacular action movie comes to life! View and watch this live....

the live set up of Water World

The live cast of Water World

THE JURASSIC PARK ADVENTURE

for your wet protection, purchased this protective gear for SG$2.00

The JURASSIC PARK ADVENTURE, get wet and get wild!

Since we weren't able to catch the whole experience, we were forced to buy this memory for SG$15 for an additional SG$10 the same will be mounted in a Hollywood Action Frame

After the wet and wild experience, still inside the JURASSIC PARK ride in on this Canopy...









 The REVENGE OF THE MUMMY ADVENTURE (still on for another thrilling experience?!-come on!)

of course at the end of every adventure an irresistible picture is on for grabs again at SG$15.00

 The BATTLESTAR GALLACTICA, the final episode and the most mind, stomach and head turning vertically and up side down that's so  furious!!

for the last ride and another penny to spent we don't feel any regrets  in spending our money in buying all these worth it memorabillas..

WONDER HOW we managed to ride all those furious stuff without any hassles? as to our bags, things and the like that we can't leave? Oh well its because SINGAPORE is a whole lot of brightest technologies:

its because UNIVERSAL STUDIOS offers their high technology locker for free in a matter of 50 mins..leave your stuff in here for every ride then transfer so that you won't pay the succeeding minutes of overtime..(instructions given therein)..

***TIRED TIRED TIRED ***

bu full of 

***FUN FUN FUN***

Take some time to relax and shop at the nearby Chocolates, Candies, and some Goodies located inside the UNIVERSAL STUDIOS...:))

Of course, the fun and adventures is not complete without these good friends...each felt like going back to their childhood, nearly don't want to end the fun but we must leave the place where we experienced a lot of HOLLYWOOD adventures... UNIVERSAL STUDIOS thanks for the unforgettable fun and enjoyment you had brought to us!

ENDING up the day on a ride again to mono-trail back to VIVO CITY, searched food for dinner at China Town and settled for a very cheap meal mentioned earlier..

But the adventure didn't end here, we almost spend three (3) hours inside the SMRT Bus for we got lost in the City, we ride a bus, unsure of where to stop, but the great fact and experience here was, we were able to tour around the City, we were able to see Orchard St., and a glance of some landmarks...that we end up at the terminal for the last stop, ask a certain Singaporean assigned there and told that we were lost, gladly she taught us how to go back and VOILAH...we reached our home in SINGAPORE ...time to rest, sleep, and prepare again for our another last day of ADVENTURE with my hubby..:))



DAY 3 (April 22, 2011)

CABLE CAR EXPERIENCE TO SENTOSA

still working on ✍ ✍ ✍ ...