Singapore |the Roaring City

Singapore is a small island located at the Southern tip of Malaysia. It is a leading global city-state  country in Southeast Asia. And compared to the other regions in S.E.A., the cost of living here is very expensive – let’s say a 1pc. chicken KFC meal here is equivalent to 200Php. 

Since our friend’s dad is based in Singapore, we stayed in his apartment at Bedok Reservoir. We didn’t really planned this  3-day trip – our main purpose here was to go to Universal Studios. We booked our plane tickets 2 months before the departure date, so we paid for the regular economy class flight. Plus, our pocket money was only 250 SGD.

Arrival walkway

Sushi conveyor belt. JK!

We arrived at Changi Airport past 1am. Changi is one of the finest airports in Asia – complete and clean facilities, fast immigration process, and modern interior design. We took a taxi going to Bedok Reservoir. There was no traffic, but there are taxes for different types of taxis (we got the Prime one) and late night additional charges. Our total bill reached 80 SGD.

Our friend is quite familiar with Singapore so we just followed him. We rode a bus going to the nearest MRT station to purchase EZ-link reloadable cards.

EZ Reloadable Card Price
12SGD = 7SGD stored value + 5SGD non-refundable cost of the purchased card

These top up cards are very easy to use and are very essential for your entire commute in Singapore. It can be used in all MRT lines and buses.

The trains here are different compared to our country. The lines are interconnected and follow a strict schedule. There are map navigators in each coach (above the doors) and the stations are announced on a timely manner.

We made it at Sentosa before 10am.

For the whole story, kindly visit my Universal Studios post.

Pepper chicken burger, corn on a cob, chargrilled burger with rice and onion rings, and rootbeer float

To save money, we searched for an affordable but appetizing restaurant outside the theme park. We found Aston’s Specialties (facing Adventure Cove Waterpark) which has 7SGD and below meals. They offer quality food at affordable prices.

Modern-day Hansel & Gretel setting. Just kidding! This is the famous strip of candy & chocolate stores in Sentosa. We bought some “pasalubong” and we were given discounts by Filipino employees.

I wished all chocolate bars were this big.

*whispers* I’ll eat you

After our exhausting Universal Studios adventure, we tried their version of halo-halo – the Ais Kacang. It is a dessert made out of shaved ice, fruits, beans and other ingredients which are not familiar to me. It is not that sweet and it has an after-taste (like menthol or some herbal medicine).

Before heading back to the apartment, we went to Raffles City and nearby malls. As we explored the city, We noticed the urbanization and diversity of people. The locals really follow their country’s regulations, that’s why Singapore is a rich and a clean country.

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And we’re back in Sentosa Island! We’ve been, again, fueled by chicken rice and Fanta.

The island is home to renowned golf courses, a yachting marina and luxurious residences, and is also a holiday destination for Singaporeans and tourists alike. Nature buffs, history fans, spa-goers, adventure junkies – there’s something for everyone.

“Why is it not gushing out water???” I really thought this was the famous Merlion fountain.

Sentosa Merlion is a 37 metre-tall mythical creature to be precise. The legendary Merlion is a half lion half fish guardian of prosperity which personifies Singapore’s history as a port city. The lion depicts the folklore of Prince Sang Nila Utama’s rediscovery of lion (singa) and City (pura) while the fish tail symbolises ancient fishing village of Temasek, meaning “sea” in Javanese. Today, the majestic Merlion is a Singapore icon attracting visitors from all around the world.

Luge is a fun-filled gravity thrill ride which is safe for all ages. With a unique braking and steering system, you can choose to take a leisurely cruise or race down the 688 metre Dragon trail or 628 metre Jungle trail – 1.4 kilometres of fun day and night. The experience is never complete without the Skyride. Board the Skyride for a scenic bird’s eye view of Sentosa Island, Singapore city Skyline and South China Sea.

Individual Deals:
1 Luge & 1 Skyride at S$17 / Person
3 Luge & 3 Skyrides at S$25 / Person
5 Luge & 5 Skyrides at S$38 / Person

Siloso Beach

Underpass BMX exhibition practice

Chinatown

This was taken at around 7pm. Long and brighter days here in Singapore as the sun sets at 7:30 pm

You can find the cheapest and unique Singapore souvenirs here in Chinatown – keychains, magnets, ballpens, procelains, brushes, bags, shirts, vintage collectors item, etc.

 

Afterwards, we went to Orchard Road and checked-out the malls and nearby gadget shops. The prices here are cheaper compared to the items sold in the Philippines

What’s a good way to end the night? Sleeping. But for this time, it’s drinking.

Clarke Quay is a historical riverside wharf in the country, but it is known today because of its restaurants, nighclubs and G-Max Reverse Bungee.

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Our lives here start at 10am and our default  breakfast fix is Chicken Rice.

We went to Singapore Expo and EastPoint Mall to find cheap retail merchandise and headed to Marina Bay area to see the famous landmarks of Singapore. 1 SGD ice cream sandwich – yes, a dollar-worth treat made me smile

Skyscrapers – Singapore’s concrete jungle

The Singapore flyerThe mandatory tourist photo pose. Luckily, there are no bees or flies here.

The lovely view of Marina Bay Sands

The Esplanade -a durian shaped building

Makansutra Gluttons Bay  is an area full of food stalls which offer different cuisines.

Finally! We didn’t had Chicken Rice or fast food for our last meal here in Singapore. The cereal prawns were great!

Our night ended early (9pm is early for us) as we need to prepare for our 6am flight to Cebu the following day.

Looking forward to visit Singapore again and to explore the unseen places, LAH!