20110626

Singapore - Day 1 (City Tour)

June 12 - Sunday

Good Morning Singapore!

I woke up early to catch the mass at Saint Joseph's Church. After eating free breakfast(at the hostel), I head off to Lavender MRT station, walking distance from "Hostel Amigos". Saint Joseph's Church is located along Victoria Street, from Lavender station head off to Bugis station (green line) 1 stop. At Bugis, I asked a local there the exact location of Saint Joseph Church and it is just a short walk ^^ At the church someone even assist me on where to seat, very organize. I'm happy that I attended a mass here in Singapore, I prayed for my safe travel. ^^



National Library Building was located in front of Saint Joseph's Church.


I was suppose to ride a bus, but I couldn't find any bus stop so I keep on walking and ended up to a 7-11 store wherein load my EZ Link card of 20SGD with 50cents charge. Then I ask the cashier on how to go at Esplanade or Merlion Place, she's not sure buy she pointed a way, and so I left the store and go on walking until I reach "City Hall Station", which means I'm near to the places I'm looking. St. Andrew's Cathedral is also located near this station, it actually behind the station.

City Hall Station Interchange

St. Andrew's Cathedral

I saw Esplanade and MBS while taking pictures of the cathedral.

I didn't even know that I was already at Esplanade Park, "Glorious Dead" or "Singapore Cenotaph" it is a war memorial, is also located in this park.

Cenotaph


Esplanade is just a short walk from the park, a lot of people here taking pictures of the MBS, specially at the bridge area , wherein you can get a good shot of MBS. Of course I took some shots here, then went to One Fullerton for the Merlion, of course another crowded place. Don't forget to visit this when you go to Singapore, good for photo-ops! You will here the medium and small Merlion. ^^ The other one is located at Sentosa. :)
Esplanade

MBS

Merlion

Small Merlion


Don't forget to try the wafer ice cream for 1SGD ^^


The Flyer
I did not ride the flyer, I'm not really scared of heights but I don't want to ride there alone and it's kinda pricey too. So I just take some photos.





From Singapore Flyer I head to Helix Bridge, you can see Youth Olympic Park along the way. 


Youth Olympic Park

The Helix Bridge



Marina Bay Sands is located at the end of Helix bridge, I roam inside but did not ascend to the top, wherein you can see Singapore's Skyscraper. You can also see Art Science Museum outside of MBS.

Art Science Museum


After MBS , my next destination should be the "Fountain of Wealth" but I did not find it :P I got confused with the directions and I ended up at Chinatown, well I'm abit hungry and had my lunch at the hawkers area.



I went back to the hostel, I'm so exhausted and need to rest, I got a message from my FN friend "tonette" and we will meet that night. I told her that I miss "Fountain of Wealth" on my itinerary, she's so nice to accompany me there. We meet at Paya Lebar station and go to Promenade Station, then just a short walk to reach Suntec City mall. When we arrived there, the show at the Fountain of Wealth already began, just a few photo-ops and then we had dinner at Food Republic (thanks sis Tonette).
Fountain of Wealth



We miss a picture together, well there's always a next time ^^ I'll see you again or maybe we can be travel buddies ^^ Seoul or Taipei?? (next destination?)
I enjoyed my first day, even I'm so exhausted 'coz in Singapore you must be ready for a long walk to reach some tourist spots (liek MBS, Esplanade, One Fullerton, The Flyer)

Singapore - Malaysia Trip 2011 (solo traveler)

My second international travel and my first time travelling ALONE!!! Should I be happy? Surviving my trip, this would be a great challenge for me! Hurray for the female solo backpackers of the Philippines!

I shouldn't be alone on this travel, unfortunately my friend who was supposed to be my companion on this travel  undergo an operation and was advised not to travel. So there you go, I'll be traveling solo!Good thing that AirPhil refunded her tickets, she just present her medical certification. Even our hostel was already booked, we did cancel the reservation but failed to refund the 10% down payment.

 
My Ticket
I booked my trip last February via Airphil, a round trip tickets cost P 4,752.00.
Travel dates: 
June 11 Manila (Terminal 3) 4:50pm departure
            Singapore (Terminal 2) 8:20pm arrival

June 20 Singapore (Terminal 2) 8:50pm departure
             Manila (Terminal 3) 12:15am arrival (June 21)

Price is reasonably okay for me, the travel time is good too and I will be arriving at Changi Airport Terminal 2 which is also good ^^

 
Money Matters
I did change my money at Czarina Money Changer, I call for reservation and have it change at their Glorietta 5 branch. That time buying rate is 35.40php = 1sgd. For me exchanging my money here in Philippines is much better and less hassle.


Packing
I really want to pack light, I'll be out of the country for 9 days and this is a challenge for me because this is also my first longest travel, I've never been too far away from home, I must say that I've been a home buddy for so long. Singapore's weather is typically humid, just like in Philippines. Packing my clothes with a just light clothing such as shorts, blouses, a dress, a skirt, ^^ It was a success packing after all ^^

 
Hostel
I booked at "Hostel Amigos" through hostelworld.com, it was a shared all female bedroom for 9 nights. I made a 10% deposit online (US15.73), total amount due upon arrival: SG$145.80.

Itineraries

I have a lot of time making my iti, well I'm just wishing that I can follow my detailed itinerary! Again here's the link for my iti My SG Malaysia Itinerary

MY TRIP

June 11 - Departing Manila

After my shift I go home to get my things (from Bulacan), my flight is at 4:30pm no need to hurry. Arriving at NAIA 3, I go straight to AirPhil desk and check-in my baggage. Then paid my travel tax cost 1620php and 750php for the terminal fee. Now for my IO experience, with a lot of questions  "Mag-isa ka lang?", "Company ID mo?", "Saan ka mag stay dun?".... Shocks! He then handed me a paper to fill up and said to go at the Immigration Office at the side, we are already three female waiting to be interviewed by Immigration officer, the woman in front of me did not pass the IO interview because she says that she will live to her relatives, but failed to present an authenticated invitation from her relatives. She was already crying and even begs, but that's the rule. Then it's my turn, I'm really nervous after seeing that woman who failed. I just acted confidently, present my documents, and when I was asked what will I do there, I answered politely with a smile ^^ And there you go I pass the IO and ready to travel. Woah ~
AIRPHIL
This is my first time at Airphil and I''m impressed of their service, my flight is not delayed instead we are 20 minutes earlier of the arrival time. Good job AirPhil!

CHANGI AIRPORT - Terminal 2

As of 8pm June 11 we arrived at Singapore! Singapore's IO - NO QUESTIONS - STAMPED PASSPORT and GO! Changi Airport was huge! I wasn't able to roam around and just go straight at the MRT station, following my itinerary I bought 1 EZ Link card cost 12SGD and head off to Tenah Meral Station then to Lavender station wherein Amigos Hostel is located. Now finding my hostel, on my way there I encounter two Pinoys, I asked for the directions but I think they are not familiar ^^ then  I encounter a local there who almost accompanied me to the place, woah ~ nice Singaporean ^^ Arriving at Hostel Amigos and paid my remaining balance, the staff was very helpful to even carry my luggage to my room. I'm so dead tired and need to rest ^^ Need to prepare more power for my Singapore - Malaysia tour!



20110601

My 9 days SG-KL Itinerary

Yes it is a 9 days trip, a total of 8 days in Singapore and 1 whole day in Kuala Lumpur. After my research and reading forums, I'm done doing my proposed itinerary for my coming vacation trip. Hopefully I can follow my iti, it's kinda hard doing it :)

June 11 (Saturday)

NAIA Terminal 3
Departs at 4:50pm

Travel Tax      1620
Terminal        750

Terminal 2 in Singapore
Arrives at 8:20pm

From Changi Airport Station to East-West Line board the train towards Tenah Merah Station. Then, Tenah Merah Station to Lavender Station.


Directions to Hostel Amigos:
Stop at Lavender MRT station, exit at Lavender Street Exit. Turn left and walk towards the really high condominium buildings (Citilights).
Keep walking straight till you get to the traffic light, turn left and walk past the bus stop and towards Fragrance Hotel. We are beside Fragrance hotel and opposite the (FORMER) Shell Petrol Station.

Check in – Amigo Hostel (162 SGD)


June 12 – Day 1 (Sunday)

Wake up at 6am
Free breakfast at Hostel

Hostel to Lavender Station (about 5 minutes walk)
-          Head southeast on Lavender St towardJellicoe Rd
-          Turn right onto Kallang Rd

8am – MRT Lavender Station to Bugis Station (Subway towards To Joo Koon)
-          About 2 mins, 1 stop


            From Bugis Station walk to 143 Victoria St, Singapore (about 8 minutes)

            1. Head southwest on Victoria St toward Rochor Rd
            2. Turn right onto Middle Rd
            3. Turn left onto Queen St
            4. Turn left onto Victoria St          
            5. Turn left to stay on Victoria St

Saint Joseph’s Church
143 Victoria Street
Singapore 188020

Hostel Amigos to Saint Joseph’s Church



CITY TOUR

Merlion Park
From Saint Joseph’s Church
Walk to NTUC Income Ctr, about 6 minutes (450 m)
-          Head northwest on Victoria St, turn right to stay on Victoria St, turn left onto Queen St and turn left onto Bras Basah Rd

From NTUC Income Ctr, ride 167 Bus towards Bt Merah Int, about 4 minutes and 3 stops to Clifford Pier.
-          Head north on Collyer Quay, continue onto Fullerton Rd, continue onto Esplanade Dr.

From Saint Joseph’s Church to Merlion Park



Esplanade
From Merlion Park walk to 1 Esplanade Dr (about 5 minutes walk)

Merlion Park to Esplanade


The Flyer
8.30am to 10.30pm daily (last entry 10.15pm)
Adult Ticket S$29.50

From Esplanade Dr, head north then slight right to stay on Esplanade dr and continue onto Raffles Ave ( about 15 minutes walk)

Esplanade to The Flyer


Helix Bridge
It is located beside the Benjamin Sheares Bridge and is accompanied by a vehicular bridge, known as the Bayfront Bridge.
-          Head northeast on Raffles Ave toward Republic Blvd
-          Turn right onto Republic Blvd
-          About 6 minutes walks

From The Flyer to Helix Bridge

Fountain of Wealth in Suntec
It is located in one of Singapore's largest shopping malls, Suntec City.
-          Head south on Republic Blvd toward Raffles Blvd
-          Slight right onto Raffles Blvd
-          Turn right to stay on Raffles Blvd
-          Continue onto Temasek Ave
-          Turn left to stay on Temasek Ave
-          Turn right to stay on Temasek Ave
-          Enter the roundabout
-          About 11 minutes walk

From Helix Bridge to Fountain of Wealth in Suntec

Lunch at Suntec City Mall

Marina Bay Sands Sky Park
Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort fronting Marina Bay in Singapore.
-          From Fountain of Wealth walk to Suntec Convention Ctr (about 2 mins.)
-          Ride 502 Bus towards Opp Soon Lee Depot (5 minutes, 3 stops) Service runs every 17 mins. Penultimate stop: Opp The Ritz-Carlton
-          Travel time: about 7 minutes

From Fountain of Wealth to MBS



Dinner at Bugis

Bugis
From MBS SkyPark walk to Marina Bay (about 12 minutes)
-          Head southwest on Bayfront Ave toward Central Blvd
-          Slight left onto Central Blvd
-          Slight left onto Marina Way

From Marina Bay
-          NS Subway towards To Jurong East (2 mins, 1 stop)

From Raffles Place
-          EW Subway towards To Pasir Ris (4 mins, 2 stops)



From MBS SkyPark to Bugis

Back to Hostel Amigos
From Bugis Station
-          Subway toward To Pasir Ris (2 mins, 1 stop)
-          Lavender Station, then walk to Hostel Amigos (about 5 minutes)



From Bugis to Hostel Amigos


June 13 – Day 2 (Monday)

Free Breakfast at hostel

Money Changer
Lavender Station to Lucky Plaza



Singapore Botanic Gardens
Opening hours: 5am to 12 midnight
Admission fee: FREE

Inside the SBG – National Orchid Garden
Opening Hours: 8:30am to 7pm
Admission fee: $5




Lunch: Hawkers near SBG

Dinner: Chinatown

Chinatown MRT station has 2 exits, Exit A and CExit A will lead you to the more touristy area where you will visit places such as Chinatown Heritage Centre, and rows of tourist souvenir shops and restaurants serving Seafood and other local Chinese food. To try authentic local food, go to Jalan Besar Town Chinatown Complex which is a short 3 minutes walk from Exit A. Go to the second floor hawker centre. Exit C will lead you to the places where the locals go to. Besides hawker food stalls and retail shops, there are Chinese Medical Clinics. If you are looking for inexpensive Chinese Tailoring, go to People's Park Complex

Directions:
-          From Orchard MRT, subway towards to Marina Bay (3 mins, 2 stops)
-          Dhoby Ghaut, subway towards To HarbourFront (4 mins, 2 stops)
-          Chinatown
-          Travel time: 39 mins (from SBG to Chinatown)

SBG to Chinatown


Going back to Hostel: Travel time: 22 minutes
From Chinatown MRT
-          Subway towards To HarbourFront (2 mins, 1 stop)
-          Outram Park, subway towards To Pasir Ris (1o mins, 5 stops)
-          Lavender MRT, walk to Hostel Amigos (5 mins.)

From Chinatown MRT to Lavender


June 14 – Day 3 (Tuesday)

Free breakfast at Hostel

Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
Opening Hours
8.30am to 6.00pm daily
Adult S$20.00



Lavender to SG Zoo


SG Zoo to Orchard




Dinner: McDonalds in Lucky Plaza
-          From Orchard Mrt Station walk to Lucky Plaza, about 5minutes

Orchard MRT to Lucky Plaza (McDonalds)

Going back to Hostel Amigos (travel time 19 mins): From Orchard MRT Station rides the subway towards to Marina Bay (5 mins, 3 stops). From City Hall Station ride the subway towards to Pasir Ris (4 mins, 2 stops). Bound to Lavender Station, walk to hostel.

From Orchard MRT to Lavender MRT


June 15 – Day 4 (Wednesday)

Wake up 7am
Free Breakfast at Hostel

Sentosa/ Universal Studios (whole day)
66SGD

From Lavender Station
-          Subway towards To Joo Koon (9 mins, 5 stops)
-          From Outram Park, Subway towards to Harbour Front (3 mins, 1 stop)
-          From HarbourFront, proceed to the bus stop outside Vivo City (pay 2 SGD) “RWS 8”

Lavender Station to USS






Sentosa Resort
           - Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom, Cinemania, Dolphin Lagoon, Fort Siloso, Images of Singapore, The Merlion & Merlion Walk, Sentosa Golf Club, Sijori Wondergolf, Sky Tower, Underwater World, Musical Fountain, Nature, Animal & Bird Encounters, The Beach, Trapeze, VolcanoLand

Sky Luge

Song of the Sea (SGD 10)

lunch
dinner

Back to Hostel from USS

June 16 – Day 5 (Thursday)

Free Breakfast at Hostel

Jurong Bird Park
Opening Hours
8:30am to 6:00pm daily
Adult S$18.00


-          From Lavender, subway towards To Joo Koon (35 mins, 16 stops)
-          Boon Lay, Walk to Boon Lay Int (about 6 mins)
-          Boon Lay Int, ride 251 Bus towards Boon Lay Int (13 mins, 1 stop)
-          Jurong Bird Park, walk to 2 Jurong Hill (about 10 mins)

Lavender MRT to Jurong Bird Park

-          Jurong Bird Park
o       Spend your day at Jurong Bird Park, which can be reached by taking SBS Bus 194 or 251 from the Boon Lay MRT Station. The park’s hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays

Lunch at Jurong Bird Park

Dinner at Clarke Quay



From Jurong Bird Park
-          Walk to Opp Jin Pesawat (about 13 mins)
o       Head northeast on Jurong Hill
o       Turn right toward Bird Park Dr
o       Turn right onto Bird Park Dr
o       Turn right onto Jurong Pier Rd
-          Opp Jln Pesawat
o       249 Bus towards Boon Lay Int (9 mins, 6 stops)
-          Boon Lay Int
o       Walk to Boon Lay
-          Outram Park
o       Walk to Clarke Quay (about 7 mins)
o       Head northwest on Tew Chew St toward Boat Quay
o       Turn left onto Boat Quay
o       Boat Quay turns right and becomes Read St
o       Turn left onto River Valley Rd
o       Turn left onto Clarke Quay

Back to hostel from Clarke Quay


Clarke Quay to Lavender Station


After taking a rest, prepare for Malaysia Trip

Golden Mile Complex
From Lavender Station
-          Walk to before Crawford Bridge, Crawford Street (3 mins)
-          Ride BUS 
-          7, 32, 51, 61, 63, 80, 145, 175, 197, 961, 980
-          Board at Before Crawford Bridge, Crawford Street. Alight at Blk 8, North Bridge Road, 1 stop later (4 mins waiting time, 2 mins journey time)
-          Walk to Golden Mile Complex (5 mins)
-          Total time: 14 mins
-          Total Fare: $0.69


From Hostel to Golden Mile Complex


Starmart Express Bus
-          Should be here at 11pm
-          Ticket 25SGD



June 17 – Day 6 (Friday)

Malaysia

Batu Caves
HOHO

June 18 – Day 7 (Saturday)

Free Breakfast at Hostel


Nagore Durgha Shrine
140 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068604

Thian Hock Kemg Temple

Chinatown Heritage Centre

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple



Sri Mariaman Temple



Chinatown


June 19 – Day 8 (Sunday)

Free breakfast in Hostel

Saints Peter and Paul Church



From Lavender Mrt Station

Lavender Station to Saint Peter and Paul Church


Chinese and Japanese Garden
Open:
Main Garden : 6am - 11pm (daily)
Bonsai Garden & Garden of Abundance: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Admission: Admission to main garden free. Admission charges to Bonsai Garden & Garden of Abundance SGD 2 adults, SGD 1 children (3 - 12 years), SGD 1 senior citizens (55 years and above)
Approximate Touring Time: 1 hour





From Church of Saints Peter and Paul to Chinese Garden

Little India

Singapore Little India Highlights
  • Tekka Centre: sarees galore, antiques, wet market
  • Serangoon Road: the vibrant main road
  • Buffalo & Kerbau Roads: garlands, spices, artsy shops
  • Sri Veerama Kaliamman Temple: Hindu worship
  • Mustafa Centre: 24/7 mega-mall




From Chinese Garden to Little India
Lunch at Little India

Sultan Mosque
  • Saturday to Thursday: 9.00am - 12.45pm, 2.00pm - 4.00pm
  • Friday: 2.30pm - 4.00pm
  • You may want to call the Sultan Mosque office at (+65) 6293 4405 to find out when you can go on a guided tour or attend a talk meant for non-Muslims.





From Little India to Sultan Mosque

Dinner – Bugis


Back to Hostel

June 20 – Day 9 (Monday)


Orchard

Check out Hostel
5:30pm – Terminal 2