Singapore Day 4: Budget Terminal

Friday, October 22

Singapore Budget Terminal

To be honest, I was a bit disappointed when I found out that our terminal will be only at the budget terminal. I wanted to see how Changi airport looks like as is known as one of the best airports in the world. Also, when I heard the word “budget” I thought that the terminal would not look so good and will lack facilities. Boy, I was so wrong! Even though the budget terminal may be like one big square, it still has plenty to offer. ^_^

First, there are plenty of comfortable seats in the budget terminal and if one is bored, you can watch Discovery Channel shows on the huge TV. There are also free electric massage chairs around the area for your tired legs and feet! ;)

Second, if you have a laptop then you can prop yourself up on the internet zone area and surf all you want. Don’t fret if you do not have a laptop as there are also some computers there that you can use.

Third, there are plenty of shops in the area. You can buy some chocolates at the duty free store, toys at Kids World and even cameras and gadgets at the technology store. However, my favorite store is the gift shop where you can buy last minute souvenirs and items that are priced at 3 for 10SGD.

Fourth, if you are hungry, there are also plenty of stalls that sell food in the area. There is even a McDonalds near the entrance of the budget terminal. ;)

Overall, Budget terminal is still pretty good. The only con I have is that there is no tube so I had to climb the stairs to the airplane. Other than that, there are no issues and I would definitely not mind flying Cebu Pacific and going back again to the budget terminal. ^_^

SINGAPORE DAY 3: MERLION PARK, MARINA BAY SANDS AND FOUNTAIN OF WEALTH

Thursday, October 20

Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands and Fountain of Wealth

Our visit to Singapore would not be complete without taking a picture of the famous Merlion statue. Since it was already late afternoon, my mom just hailed a taxi to take us to Merlion Park. Our taxi driver was really nice and served as a tour guide as he pointed out places that we passed by.

When we arrived at the place, we were greeted with a wonderful view of the Esplanade Theater and Marina Bay Sands.

My mom and I were also able to have pictures together with the help of a fellow Filipina who offered to take our pictures. :)  

After that, we decided to walk to Marina Bay Sands. However, we only reached Esplanade mall when our feet began to complain. So choosing comfort over saving money, we just rode a cab to Marina Bay Sands. We first strolled around the mall. There was still ongoing construction at some parts and only a few shops are open. We also had dinner at the foodcourt before going to the Skypark.

The Skypark is definitely worth the 20SGD ticket! Located at the 55th floor of the hotel, the view was really awesome as we were on such high ground. There was also a thrill factor, unlike in Singapore Flyer, that even my mom was a bit nervous to stand near the railings, hehe.

I’m sorry for the not so good quality of the pics as it is nighttime and my camera does not really take good night pics. Tripods are also not allowed in the area. :(

Guests at Marina Bay Sands are pretty lucky since they can swim at this awesome infinity pool!

Guests can also take a dip in these Jacuzzis.

The next stop is the Fountain of Wealth. Fortunately, we managed to go there before closing time.

It is said that in order for our wish to be granted, we had to go on a circle three times while touching the water. There was also great background music. :D

Since it was our last night in Singapore, we had to sleep early to prepare for our flight the next day.

Singapore Day 3: Exploring Bugis and Orchard Road

Thursday, October 21

Exploring Bugis and Orchard Road

Since Lavender Station is only one stop from Bugis station, my mom and I decided to go to Bugis first. Bugis Junction is right next to the MRT so after having lunch, we decided to explore the mall.

As seen from the picture above, the mall has little stalls at the center selling cute trinkets and other stuff. It was at one of these stalls that I was able to buy this cute wallet:

We were also pretty lucky to buy a beautiful jumpsuit and a sweater from the Puremilk store at only 30SGD for both items! ^_^ The original price of the jumpsuit was 58SGD and the sweater was 43SGD so we got a really good deal!

After that, we went outside to go to Bugis street. It reminded me of Divisoria where there are different stalls clustered in an area. The clothes there were pretty cheap as some were priced at only 10 SGD! ;) On the way out, we saw these colorful stairs so I took a picture of it.

We also explored the different shops in Waterloo street. If you like bargain shopping, then I think that you would enjoy staying at South East Asia Hotel. Its location is very near to bargain stalls in Waterloo street and only a few minutes walk to Bugis street! No wonder it is highly recommended by some forum members as its location is really great! ;)

A few minutes walk from Waterloo is Manila! Presenting Manila street in Singapore:

From bargain shopping, we went window shopping in Orchard Road. If you are into high end and branded stuff then this place is for you! ;)

To be honest, I like Bugis more than Orchard Road as I like bargain shopping. Plus, I was also getting dizzy and confused since Orchard Road has so many malls, hehe. ^_^

Singapore Day 2: Songs of the Sea and Chinatown

Wednesday, October 20

Songs of the Sea and Chinatown

After going to Universal Studios Singapore, my mom and I headed to Beach Station to watch Songs of the Sea. The ticket is priced at 10SGD/person. There are only two show schedules: 7:40pm and 8:40 pm. To get a good seat, arrive early at the venue. ;)

I really enjoyed Songs of the Sea as it was my first time to watch a show like that. :D If you want to have an idea of how the show is like, below is a video of the ending portion. It does contain some spoiler though so if you don’t want to be spoiled, please don’t watch it. ^_^

After that, we strolled around Vivo City and had dinner in Kim Gary’s Restaurant.

Since Harbourfront MRT Station (where Vivo City is located) has a direct line to Chinatown MRT Station, we decided to drop by Chinatown Night Market. We had to hurry though as it was already 10:15pm.

It was a good thing that some shops were still open when we arrived in Chinatown. We were also lucky to meet an Indian shop owner who willingly exchanged his Singaporean Dollars for our US Dollars since we only had a few SGD left. ^_^

Since we had so many activities on our second day, my mom and I were really tired. But we still managed to walk from Farrer Park MRT to our hostel. I gotta say that is very safe to walk even at night! The streets are well lit like the picture above taken outside Farrer Park MRT near City Square Mall. :)

Overall, our second day in Singapore was fun. In fact, it is my favorite day out of the four days we spent in Singapore! ^_^

Singapore Day 2: Fun Time at Universal Studios Singapore

Wednesday, October 20,2010

Fun Time at Universal Studios Singapore

Our second day started pretty late as we had to move our things to the room next door because of the hostel booking problems I blogged about in my previous entry. We arrived in Vivo City at about 11:40 am.

Before boarding the Sentosa Express (3SGD/pax) to Universal Studios Singapore (USS), my mom and I decided to go inside the National Geographic Store first. Aside from nice items, there was a freezing chamber where you can test how long you will stand a cold environment. Too bad I did not get to try it as we were already behind schedule.

When we arrived in Waterfront station, we purchased tickets for the 7:40 pm Songs of the Sea show and then headed to the basement level 1 kiosks. It was there that we would get our USS tickets from the Asiatravel booth. A tip for Philippine residents: Don’t fret if you do not have a credit card! You can purchase USS tickets directly at the Asiatravel office located in G/F Edgardo Angara Wing, IBP Bldg Jade St. , Ortigas Center, Pasig City ;)


Before going inside USS, we also checked out the Hersheys Chocolate Store. I simply love that store! Pure chocolate overdose, hehe :D You can even purchase a personalized syrup bottle complete with your own picture in it!

As soon as we got inside USS, we claimed the food and souvenir vouchers ($5 each) at the guest services office located at the left side of the theme park. After that, we bumped into Frankenstein who was on the streets of Hollywood. He was really tall! As you can see, I only reached to above his waist! :D

We did not seem to have enough of monsters as we watched Monster Rock after our photo session with Frankenstein. It was a good thing that the show was about to start in a few minutes when we got inside the theater!

After watching the musical, my mom and I were both really hungry! It was already 1:00 pm and our stomachs were growling as we did not eat breakfast prior to going to USS. Luckily, Mel’s Drive-In is not far away so we quickly chowed on our lunch of chicken fingers, fries, hamburger and coke. The food voucher was pretty useful as my mom only had to pay 4SGD extra for our food.

We also ran into Woody Woodpecker.

In the kingdom of Far, Far Away, we watched the Shrek 4D Adventure. The effects were good but then the introduction was a bit long. After that was the Donkey’s Tale Theater. It reminded me of the Lilo and Stitch interactive attraction in HK Disneyland.

Next stop was supposed to be Waterworld but then the show was at 4:30 pm. With still 30 minutes to spare, my mom and I just went straight to the Lost World. The Canopy Flyer ride seemed exciting but I know it is too extreme for my mom. I am also too chicken to go by myself so we just settled for the harmless flying dinosaur ride, hehe.

We also had time for some picture taking in Egypt before the Waterworld show starts. I read some blogs before that the Revenge of the Mummy ride was like a scarier version of Space Mountain so I did not dare ride it. Plus, my cousin Arvi was not there to be the poor person whom I can clutch on to, hehe.

After that, we headed back to Waterworld. If you do not have plans on getting splashed then sit at the red section. Before the show started, some of the actors kept pulling pranks on the audience in the blue and green splash section by soaking them with water! :D Don’t miss the waterworld show as it is full of action and special effects. Last show is at 4:30 pm. ;)

It seems we also did not have enough of water as our next ride is in the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure which is like the Rio Grande Ride in Enchanted Kingdom. If you do not want your things to get wet, you can rent a locker for 4SGD. You can also buy a disposable raincoat for 2SGD. However, I would recommend that you bring some extra clothes with you as even though we had disposable raincoats we were pretty soaked at the end of the ride.

After that, we rode on the cart ride and explored Sci-Fi City. I think Battlestar Galactica is still not open yet.

In New York, we went to Lights, Camera Action where we were taken to a movie set and got to experience a typhoon right in front of our eyes. After that, we snapped some pictures around the area while we waited for the Rockafella Streetboys show to start.

If you are familiar with the dance group Streetboys, then you may recognize the Rockafella Streetboys as some of the members of this famous group! ^_^ The show was actually pretty good and there were even some people who sat on the floor of the streets just to watch. Afterwards, there was a picture taking with the group. Too bad our pic with the Rockafella Streetboys is blurry. :(

Before going to the USS main store, we passed by a shop that sells hats and different items. There were many people outside the shop trying on some hats so my mom and I also did the same.

To remember the fun time we had in USS, my mom and I bought USS t-shirts. The adult size was too big for me so I settled for a kid’s size 8 shirt which fits me perfectly. All in all, I can say that I really had a wonderful time at USS! ^_^ Between USS and HK Disneyland, I would pick USS because even though the theme park is small, it has much more to offer for adults.

Before I end my blog post, I would like to extend a warm hug and thanks to my father and sister, Larla, for making this USS experience possible. ^_^ I hope that next time they can go with us. I really miss their company as both of them are currently living overseas. :(