Quick getaway to Singapore

With just 2 days off duty and on a low budget, I went to Singapore for a quick weekend getaway.

Singapore is just a 3 hours away from the Philippines by air. It is very famous for shopping but I’m not going there to shop but to enjoy the sceneries, buildings and just rest from my stressful job. Right after, my SkyAdventure Experience in Cebu, that night is my flight to Singapore and my ticket is just priced at P400 round trip from Cebu Pacific during their Christmas promo last year. Isn’t that cool? I was supposed to go in Jakarta however due to time constraints,  I had to cancel that trip. The first time I was in Singapore was last 2003 with my mom and this time, I’m doing solo backpacking. 

Arrived in Singapore’s budget terminal about 12midnight and spend at least 40 minutes waiting in line for the immigration procedures to be completed. Warning to all travellers, its prohibited to take pictures in the terminal. An immigration officer bashed me infront of the people because I was documenting everything on the terminal. It was very rude. 

At the Budget terminal, you don’t have to worry if you don’t have Singapore dollar because Money Changer and ATM’s are available at the terminal. Once outside, wait for the FREE Shuttle Van service to Terminal 2/3. There you can take MRT for less than $2 compared riding a taxi coz taxi’s by now charge additional fee. You can be charged $20-30 by then but if your on a group, it would be just fine.

MRT operates from 5AM to 11PM only so you wont be able to catch it if your on Cebu Pacific flight like mine. To save, you can just explore the collosal airport terminals 2 and 3. You can eat at the 24hour restaurant and try this, you can sleep in the seats just what I did and after that. By the time you wake up, MRT is already operating. 

You can try my suggestions if you don’t have enough money to travel. lols. Its 5:30PM and MRT is now open for business. Since the ticket counter is not yet open, you can use the ticketing machine just like a vendo machine. Ask some locals if you don’t know how to use it. You will change trains to get to the city. Singapore businesses are opens at 10 in the morning. It would be very quiet on the streets if you go very early. Sunrise at 7AM.

MRT is a backpackers way of cheap transportation. In Singapore, you can buy MRT Tourist Pass, an Unlimited ride on MRT, LRT and buses for $8/day with a $10 deposit which is refundable after you return the card. They have a very modern MRT, unlike in Manila, they use the old ticket where you have to insert the card to the gate but in Singapore, you just have to flash it on the sensor. 

The Singapore Tourist Center along Orchard road is the one stop shop for travellers in Singapore, they have a very friendly staff to assist you from your accommodation, tour packages and more. 

A cheap way to travel around in Singapore also is the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Hop On Hop Off bus. They have an airconditioned coach that will take you to different parts in Singapore. There are so many options to choose from.

Singapore’s Symbol, the Merlion was hit the a lightning. Unfortunately, repairs are still ongoing and is expected to be finished on the 2nd week of April.

So after all the walking along the streets of Singapore. Its time to go back in Davao City, Philippines.