Camile AldrieneContributed by Reverie by Camile Aldriene
It has been my long-time dream to travel outside the Philippines. It’s my first backpacking trip and first out of the country trip! I wanted to make the most out of it so I researched through blogs and reading the Lonely Planet book.
I booked our flight to Singapore via Jetstar last October 2016. Each round trip ticket costs around ₱3,750 (US$ 75). Originally, it’s a 5 day 4 night trip but we wanted to make the most and explore Malaysia. So on our first and second day, we’ll be in Singapore. The third day we’ll head to Kuala Lumpur via bus. The fourth day from Kuala Lumpur, we’ll head to Penang via bus again. And from Penang, we’ll take a plane to Singapore before heading back to Manila.
Also read: Segway Your Way Around Singapore: A New & Exciting Way to Explore the Lion City
Getting around
As soon as you arrive at Changi Airport, you can take a bus or MRT going to the city. We took the MRT since it’s the cheapest, and according to reviews, you can get around easily by it. If you’re in Terminal 1, take the Sky Train to reach the nearest MRT station for free. As soon as you get to the ticket booth, purchase an MRT EZ-Link card for S$17 (₱612). The card alone costs S$5 and the minimum load amount is S$10. Each ride costs around S$0.070 (₱25) and depends on how far you’ll go. You can reload it just like a prepaid card and in case you won’t use it anymore, you can refund the store value!
You can also buy a Singapore Tourist Pass, a special EZ-Link stored-value card which will allow you unlimited travel for S$10 for a One-day Unlimited Pass plus S$10 for the refundable rental deposit. Download the Singapore MRT App so you know which station you’ll go. It provides info about the fastest route or fewer transfers. Since it’s an offline app, no need to worry if you don’t have any WiFi connection just be sure you know the station of the place you’re going to.
Where to stay
Hotels in Singapore are very expensive. You can get a lower rate somewhere in Geylang, Chinatown, and Little India. It’s best to choose a location which has an easy access to everywhere. We chose to stay in a Twin Bunk Room at Five Stones Hostel in Bugis, which is near the famous Haji Lane, Arab Street, and Bugis Street. It’s near Bugis MRT Station too.
Also read: More Affordable than Ever: Staycation Packages in Singapore that Won’t Break the Bank
Five Stones Hostel
285 Beach Road, Bugis, Singapore
8-Bed Mixed Dormitory
• S$18 (₱627) per night, free breakfast
Private Twin Bunk Bedroom
• S$60 (₱1,880) per night, free breakfast
Trip highlights
Day 1
Haji Lane
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis (East West Line from Changi Airport / Downtown Line)
This not so hidden lane is considered as a fashionista’s paradise, which houses colourful shop-houses and cafes. At night, you can have a good time here as it transforms into street bars, complete with live acoustic performances! We came here after we checked in and since it’s almost night time, streets are filled already. So we passed by here to reach the Bugis MRT the next day to take photos!
Arab Street
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis (East West Line / Downtown Line)
Just a few walks away from Haji Lane, you can take a stroll around Arab Street and take a look at the old style shops. You can also visit the beautiful Masjid Sultan Mosque.
Bugis Street
Nearest MRT Station: Bugis (East West Line / Downtown Line)
It’s the ultimate shopping destination in Singapore located a few walks away from the Bugis MRT. The covered walkway has everything that you need – from trendy streetwear to knick-knacks, fashion accessories, and souvenirs for your pasalubongs!
*We went there on our 5th day before heading back to Manila, and forgot to take photos!*
Marina Bay
Nearest MRT Station: Bayfront (Downtown Line from Bugis / Circle Line)
One of the best places to visit at night, Marina Bay is beautiful overlooking the view of Singapore’s city lights. You can also tickle your fancy by window-shopping at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. And of course, get to see the most spectacular 5-Star Hotel with its famous infinity pool, The Marina Bay Sands.
Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre
Nearest MRT Station: Telok Ayer (Downtown Line)
Hungry? In Singapore, they have these Hawker Centres, also known as food courts, where you can have good local food at reasonable prices. Lau Pa Sat is one of the best hawker centres where you can find a wide variety of local dishes such as Chili Crab, Laksa, and Fried Noodles. I got a Singapore Fried Noodles with Spicy Duck for S$4 (₱143) with matching Sugar Cane Juice for S$2 (₱71). We were so hungry we forgot to take a photo. 😛
Orchard Road
Nearest MRT Station: Orchard (North-South Line). From Telok Ayer (Downtown Line) transfer to Chinatown (North East Line) transfer to Dhoby Ghaut (North South Line)
One of the famous shopping streets in Singapore. Be amazed by their wonderfully structured shopping malls! There’s no way I’m not leaving Singapore without visiting Sephora at their flagship store in ION Orchard. If you have extra budget, you can also shop here at their flagship H&M store (really cheaper) or your other favourite international brands – name it, they have it!
Day 2
National Gallery Singapore
Nearest MRT Station: City Hall (East West Line)
Open from Sunday to Thursdays, 10 AM to 7 PM
Visit the newest stunning architecture of Singapore that houses Singaporean and Southeast Asian art. You can take a look inside for free but you need to purchase a ticket so you can enter the galleries for S$ 20 (₱717).
Side trips
Visit the Parliament House, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, Supreme Court, and the very famous colourful building – Old Hill Police Station.
Side Walk Hawker Centre
Nearest MRT Station: City Hall (East West Line)
It’s lunch time! Best place to eat is at another hawker centre. Side Walk Hawker is basic local food court near the Old Fire Station. We ordered Laksa for S$6 (₱215), Fried Dumplings for S$12 (₱430) and drinks for S$2 (₱71) each.
Chjmes
Nearest MRT Station: City Hall (East West Line)
Photo op time at this beautiful historic building complex in Singapore. They have restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops too!
Also read: 20 Instagram-Worthy Spots in Singapore
Merlion Park
Nearest MRT Station: Raffles (East West Line)
Singapore trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting the famous mythical Merlion while having an ice cream!
Gardens by the Bay
Nearest MRT Station: Bayfront (Downtown Line)
Open daily, 9am to 9pm
Best to visit in the afternoon for a cool break in Singapore’s humid weather! Gardens by the Bay is the best indoor attraction for me by far. It has two conservatories, the Cloud Forest conservatory which features a 35m-tall mountain covered in plants and dubbed world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Meanwhile, the Flower Dome is a cool-dry conservatory that houses plants from Mediterranean region.
Tickets are priced at S$28 (₱1,005) for the two conservatories. We booked ours for only S$22.29 (₱800) via Klook. No need to print the voucher, just take a screen shot and present at the queue.
Flower Dome
Cloud Forest
Also read: The Star Wars Festival Is Coming to Singapore in May – Mark Your Calendars!
Universal Studios / Sentosa
Nearest MRT Station: Harbour Front (North East Line) – Sentosa Express
Tip: Taking the Sentosa Express is pretty expensive for a short ride S$4 (₱143). Upon reaching Harbour Front at Vivo City Mall, you can take a free bus ride going to Sentosa.
Open daily, from 10am
Visit the most popular park in Singapore and explore Sentosa! Universal Studios Singapore tickets are priced at S$76 (₱2,728) but you can purchase via Klook for S$62 (₱2,217).
Smith Street Chinatown
Nearest MRT Station: Chinatown (North East Line from Harbour Front / Downtown Line)
Last dinner in Singapore! Smith Street is an open-air food street located in the centre of Chinatown where you can eat local traditional dishes. They have a full range of local dishes from chili crab, black pepper crab, BBQ chicken wings, satay, and bak kut teh. I ordered the 3 BBQ Chicken Wings for S$2 (₱71) each, Yellow Rice for S$2 (₱ 71), and Sugar Cane Juice S$1.8 (₱65).
Mustafa Centre
Nearest MRT Station: Farrer Park (North East Line)
Shop for pasalubongs! Mustafa Centre is a 24-hour shopping mall located in Little India. They have everything that you need at very low prices. Chocolates are very cheap, you can buy 5 big bars for S$12 (₱470) only!
Also read: A Three Day Singapore Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
That ends our short but very eventful 2-day DIY Singapore trip before we headed to Kuala Lumpur. We actually went back for a day before we headed back to Manila but I didn’t include it anymore. Hope you learned from this travel guide for a first-timer! If you have questions let me know if the comments area. 🙂
