It is always inevitable to be feeling discouraged at work to the point that sometimes, all you want to do is quit. But you are lucky if you find an office core group with amazing people whom you can always ask help from; and those who you can always rant your heart out because why not? I did.
“Kayo na namang apat,” is normal to us. “Tara kain sa Yabu/ Ginza Bairin/ Crazy Katsu” that even Kwentong Bagnet became our favorite place to distress. We eat a lot together.
I am not complaining, though, but if someone asks me today or for the next months to bring them there, I would gladly give that offer to anyone. Unless it is an all-expenses paid trip. *winks*
The first time I went to Singapore was with my equally amazing friends turned support group who I was also with in Hongkong/China last August 2016. However, we missed Agla. Our hearts were broken but we still had to push through even though it was just the three of us. Anytime soon, we’ll be complete again, exploring other Asian countries.
We were so tourist-y that we went to places and attractions with lots of people. BUT it is Singapore, right?
So just like my blog post about Korea subway navigation, first thing’s first, buy an EZ-Link card. The card is for your unlimited travel access to Singapore’s public bus services, MRT and LRT trains. The deposit is also refundable and you can use the balance to buy your food on certain convenience stores, of course, 7/11!
We reserved a room in a hostel that, coincidentally, is managed by a Filipina.
Fernloft® is a hostel chain founded in 2004 located strategically in heritage areas.
That, being said, the hostel is located in Chinatown, Singapore and is near Chinatown MRT station. It is not really a very cozy hostel but it is good and very cheap if you are only there to take a bath, sleep, and leave your bags.
HOW TO GET THERE from the Airport:
Take MRT from Changi Airport to Chinatown (Green line from airport) until Bugis Station. Then transfer to Blue line going to Chinatown Station. It is very easy to navigate. Walk along Maxwell Road till you come to a cross junction. It just across the road; located at block 5 level 2 (#02-92).
For two days, we took the wrong exit so we had to walk longer, not knowing that there is a nearer subway exit from the hostel. This photo, though, Filipinos, need I say more?
What to do and where to go in Singapore: MRT Guide
Watch lights show at Marina Bay Sands from Merlion Park
(Duration: 15 minutes; Showtime schedule is 20:00, 21:30 and 23:00)
Watch lights show at Gardens by the bay
(Schedule: 19:45 and 20:45)
How to get to both: Take MRT from Chinatown (or anywhere you are in SG) to Bayfront Station. Take the Blue Line, use Exit B and follow the underground linkway. Exit and cross the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge into Gardens by the Bay. Both attractions are free of charge.
The exits for the two places are different, though, but it is in the same MRT station. Read the exit signs, okay? *winks* It will lead you to what place you want to go first.
Go to Universal Studios Singapore (So much fun in here especially the Transformers ride)
We bought our USS ticket in Klook (book your tickets here for discounted prices. Right now, they only offer attractions and packages for Asia) for only PhP 2,190 instead of the regular price of USD 76 = Php 3776.59.
How to get there: Take the MRT Station to Harbourfront (Take Violet Line). Walk to the other side of the Harbourfront. The Sentosa sign is so big, you won’t miss it.
Go to the famous Gardens by the Bay where you would find the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest
We bought our tickets for a discounted price (Php 790) again in Klook. You should also purchase one for OCBC Skyway [Skytrees!!!] (should also be in Klook but I can’t seem to find it now).
How to get there: Take the MRT from Chinatown to Bayfront Station. Take the Blue Line, use Exit B and follow the underground linkway. Exit and cross the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge into Gardens by the Bay.
Try the Faber Peak Singapore (Cable Cars)
We again bought our discounted tickets in Klook. It was PhP 790 or PhP 1,221 (if with lunch buffet). Of course, we availed of the buffet lunch. The food is good and the view in the restaurant is beautiful! It is managed by Spuds and Aprons.
How to get there: Take theMRT from Chinatown (or anywhere) to Harbourfront (Violet line), take Exit B at Harbourfront Centre, cross the link bridge and follow directions to Singapore Cable Car.
There are two cable car lines (Mount Faber Line and Sentosa Line). Each stop offers tourist attractions so be ready for a lot of walking marathon. The greatest news of all is that you can ride both lines. We alighted on all stops! Talk about dedication. HAHA!
I must warn you, though, for those who are in tight budget, the food there is quite expensive. However, the Potterhead feels do not dismay. You can order the Goblet of Fire ($15) to spice things up. Promise, you will be in for a magical moment, albeit momentarily.
The Goblet of Fire came as a big cup of Blue Curacao Liquer and lime juice. The staff then torched a spoonful of Bacardi 151 rum before pouring it into the blue mixture.
With cinnamon powder sprinkled for effect, the flames will catch onto the trails of flammable powder in the air, and you’ll get a flaming Goblet of Fire that any wizarding headmaster would be proud of.
The Goblet of Fire was quite a simple cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the curacao, slightly aromatic and balanced with the addition of sour lime juice. The accompanying theatrics is what really made this drink a winner.
Read more here.
Address: Platform 1094: 1094 Serangoon Road, Singapore 328192 | Opening Hours: (Tues to Fri) 11AM-10PM, (Sat and Sun) 10AM-10PM.
How to get there by MRT: Alight at Serangoon station and let the wonders of Waze of Google Map do the navigation for you.
Go on a side trip to Legoland Malaysia! (I’m saving another post for this because the second time I went to Singapore, I also went to Kuala Lumpur. Might as well write about the two separate trips to Malaysia there. *winks*
The second time I went to Singapore was exactly a month after the trip above. I was with my aunt and we practically went to the same places except Universal Studios and Platform 1094. I only have photos as proof, though. HAHA~
We were originally set to go to the Night Safari for our last night in SG but something unexpected came up. *coughs the traffic from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore is so bad and the Batu Caves was not what we were expecting of*
My aunt (who is just two years older than me, btw) already paid for the entrance fee but sometimes you just need to let some things go and be frustrated the night before leaving a place so beautiful like Singapore.
Also, everything I know about navigation, I’ve learned it from these two amazing people. Always my favorites!
Singapore offers superb architecture. I will definitely go back but please not this year again. *laughs*
Photos were taken using my GoPro Hero4 Silver and my friend’s iPhone 6s and GoPro Hero4 Silver.
It is every fan girl’s dream, they say, but for me, it was fulfilling that high school promise to bring myself to Korea when I get a [better] job. Well, perhaps it was my fan girl side, after all.
A flight was booked because of that “I think Korea is calling us” message from my super amazing friend. That night and most of the days thereafter, I never stopped thinking that finally, it is Korea.
We always knew where to go, but our itinerary was never finalized until an equally-amazing friend booked the same flight as ours.
We were so tourist-y that we went to places and attractions with lots of people. BUT it is Singapore, right?
How to get to both: Take MRT from Chinatown (or anywhere you are in SG) to Bayfront Station. Take the Blue Line, use Exit B and follow the underground linkway. Exit and cross the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge into Gardens by the Bay. Both attractions are free of charge.
Neyziellewanders 