1 SINGAPORE: MERLION PARK AND MARINA BAY SANDS' SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS

Heard the word Singapore? One thing enters my mind is Merlion. This creature is indeed a representation of the Lion City. It is an icon, an 8.5 meter tall statue with a body of a fish and a head of a lion. So that when visiting this state-country, make sure to pay a visit to the Merlion Park. 

Merlion Park is not really hard to find, Singapore is just a small country yet the most accessible when it comes to public transportation. That's why when going around the city, MRT would be your best friend. Merlion Park is situated in One Fullerton Hotel, near the Central Business District. 

We come from the Gardens by the Bay with Marina Bay Sands and Supertree Grove, that's why it only took us a couple of minutes to get to Merlion Park. It's already dark when we left the Gardens and we arrived at the park past 7 PM. But we were captivated by the lights surrounds it and the tallest skyscrapers on the background.

HOW TO GET HERE:

I'm sure there are a lot of ways to get to Merlion Park but at the moment please use the MRT as your reference. And for obvious reason, this is the only transportation I know and I'm sure I won't be lost. The nearest MRT station is Raffles Place (NS26 / EW14), then use the Exit H. Then right to the Fullerton Road and then right again to get to the Esplanade Road. You will have to cross the street to get to the park. 

Please refer to this link for your guide. 

http://www.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_20167/travel_site_1/get_here/ 

After crossing the street and walking for a couple of meters, we already saw a white figure spouting a huge amount of water. I'm sure it is the Merlion already plus the amount of people around the area is countless. Then we stepped down thru the stairs and saw this small cub. I don't know what this cub represents, but it looks like a small replica of Merlion or maybe the son. This cub though is shinier, but the Merlion overpowered the dark ambience of  the bay area out of it's pure and white character.

And look at that, isn't amazing, the Merlion standing proudly in front of those towering skyscrapers. I thought it would be admirable to visit the Merlion Park during the day so you can see the structures around it but I thought the night has a better look. 

Here are the failed attempts of taking pictures with the Merlion. It's really hard to get the chance because if it's not blurred then someone is blocking the view. Plus I don't have a background in photography - night photography and portrait. My apologies Jerome and Harty. :S

We decided to stay there and enjoyed the view. I am busy taking photos with the self-proclaimed perfect photo of Singapore's Bay area. I was fascinated by the lights of the skyscrapers plus the Marina Bay Sands and other Singapore's known structures that are seated across the park. I don't mind taking photos of myself, enough for me to have a perfect picture with the place.

And then we heard huge sounds that called everybody's attention. I don't know Singapore has the Symphony of Lights also likewise as Hong Kong. Then some were clapping as if they're expecting of an extravagant show. I have no idea. Then a green lights suddenly appear slowly from the top of Marina Bay Sands! That was perfect and amazing.

Please see below pictures of the Symphony..

Amazing and fantastic lights show. Thanks for the welcome though. Our restless body just relieved by the warm welcome. Then after two hours of stay, we decided to go back to the hostel to rest our dead and tired body. This show cap-off our first day in Singapore.

4 SINGAPORE: VISITING GARDENS BY THE BAY WITH SUPERTREE GROOVE AND MARINA BAY SANDS

Taking pictures at the Gardens by the Bay with the Marina Bay Sands on the background.

The Marina Bay Sands and Supertree Grove are now an icon of Singapore, these are just two of the newest attractions in the Lion City. This city-state continues to grow and leading in the most visited country in the region. That's why when I booked for Malaysia, I decided to have a quick tour here to experience the beauty of the modern city.

Upon arriving in Singapore, we jumped in here right after we bought pasalubong at Mustafa Center on that day. We only have limited time to explore this small country so the itinerary was so cramped to maximize our stay.

Marina Bay Sands is billed as the world's most expensive stand-alone casino property. When I was researching about it, it's complete with shopping malls, casino, hotel rooms and the Skypark where you can see the skyline of Singapore with the observation deck, plus the infinity pool.

Supertree Grove is at the Gardens By the Bay, it is a tree-like structure that dominates the whole garden with its height and the numbers. It is also the home of different types of real flora.

HOW TO GET HERE:

I always suggest to take the MRT and make sure to download the latest MRT map. This was my mistake, I had the outdated map of this rail line. You can check this link fo the updated map.

Getting here is very easy, make sure to follow the Circle Line (Golden Yellow line) and alight at the Bayfront Station (CE1). Then look for Exit B and just follow the underground linkway. When you exit  the linkway, you should be able to see the luxurious Marina Bay Sands tower. And you'll have to cross the Dragonfly bridge to get the Gardens by the Bay for the Supertree Grove.

While at the underground linkway, you can have pictures because the hallway is covered with mirrors adjacent to each other with pictures of different flowers. You already have the feeling of life in a garden.

This is the hallway covered with mirrors. Just follow the signage to get to the Gardens by the Bay.

Our Harty on her rainbow color.

Group pic, the mirror though.

And as I mentioned when you get to the exit point, the Marina Bay Sands is already standing in front of you. I'm sure you would want to have a picture of this beautiful landmark and one of the world's best architectural structure. The problem though is how would you get yourself and the Marina Bay in one whole frame. The solution is to bring a monopod. Otherwise, action-packed cameras would help.

In case you're wondering why we only have pictures outside of Marina Bay, well I can't afford and the observation deck has entrance fee as well. So I'm already good to have a picture with it.

The beautiful Marina Bay Sands.

Harty and Jerome with the Marina Bay Sands.

Yours truly and Jerome with the Marina Bay Sands.

The Gardens by the Bay is situated at the back of Marina Bay Sands. The towering Supertree Groove is already on your sight because of its height. And to get there, you need to cross the butterfly bridge. However, you might want to check the lagoon as well before crossing the bridge as it has attractions with different figures of huge dragonfly made of metals.

Welcome to the Gardens by the Bay.

Here's the lagoon, with dragonfly flying above the water and the Supertrees on the background.

Here's Harty trying to take the whole place in panorama.

Travel buddies; Jerome and Harty.

And we are now crossing the butterfly bridge to experience the enigmatic beauty of the Gardens. The entrance here is free but taking the bridge attached to the trees has a fee. However, I don't know for some reason it was closed as well as the flower dome. When we get there many tourists started going back and told us that most of the attractions are closed. So we got no choice but to stay and have a rest with the odd-looking plants and vines at the supertrees. We would like to stay longer and wait to get dark to witness its beauty with lights, but it started drizzling. That's why we didn't stay that long and started packing up.

This is the Butterfly bridge going to the Gardens.

It would be great if we step on that bridge but that time it was closed.

Up close wit one of the Supertrees.

It was an amazing experience and I suggest those people visiting Singapore should pay a visit to the Gardens. There's a lot to see and offer but sadly we did not have the luck as most of the attractions were closed. I was expecting we would be able to see the different kingdom of plants and flowers at the flower dome but also closed. Anyway, I still appreciate how they are made. Singapore is a small country yet the gave home to the indigenous plants.

The best time to go here is between 4 PM - 7PM to experience the beautiful sunset of the bay plus the colorful lights around the supertrees. There are spots at the Gardens with pay so please visit their site to know the prices. http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/home.html

Photo op again with Marina Bay at the Butterfly bridge.

You can see the Singapore Eye, Supertree Grove, and the Flower Dome taken at the Butterfly bridge.

We were lucky to see the lights of  the Supertrees before we left the area.

The Marina By Sands at night.

0 BUY PASALUBONG AT MUSTAFA CENTER IN SINGAPORE

I guess it is required for us Filipinos to buy "pasalubong" for our loved ones and dear friends back home. Whether going out of the country or out of town. Usually, I used to buy key chains and ref magnets when out of town, but for out of the country, usually delicacies like chocolates or something sweets.

When in Singapore, you have plenty of options; either in Chinatown, Little India, Clarke Quay, or in Mustafa Center. We decided to buy chocolates, and like what I said I usually buy sweets when visiting countries. Therefore, we decided to visit the Mustafa Center.

HOW TO GET TO MUSTAFA CENTER:

MRT is the most accessible mode of transportation in Singapore, just the place and they have it nearby station. Therefore, I'm gonna use MRT as a point of reference. 

Mustafa is in Farrer Park Station (NE8, North East Line), since we stayed in Kallang Station, we traveled all the way to Outram Park (EW16, East West Line), and then transfer to North East Line going to Farrer Park Station. 

When in Farrer Park please exit at Kitchener Road, Exit H (please see below photos). It will be a long walk at the underpass, but you won't get lost if you follow the signs.

WHAT TO BUY/SEE IN MUSTAFA:

We only aimed to buy chocolates. Chocolates are in the ground floor, I'm telling you the prices are little cheaper than in other pasalubong centers in Singapore. I don't recall how much I spent, I really prepared for this one, but I didn't realize the burden of having heavy packs plus worried to excess the baggage in the plane.

Anyway, if you are running out of SGD, you can find a money changer outside the Mustafa and in fact they have a really good rate. You can either exchange your USD or PHP.

What else you can see in Mustafa, at the ground floor, aside from Chocolates you can also find jewellery like watches, perfumes, and gold accessories. At the second floor where cheap clothes, bags, jackets, sweater, etc. And at the third floor are souvenir items. I bought a Singapore gold plate, that's my collection when visiting other countries as well as notes.

After our mini-grocery galore, the initial plan is to follow the itinerary which is going to Marina Bay Sands and The Supertrees. However, we have the heavy packs already so we decided to go back to the lodging house to put them all and we are free to go anywhere.

If we only have the luxury of time, we wish to visit the Chinatown and Clarke Quay, but sadly we don't. So stick with the plan. 

1 SINGAPORE: COZIEE LODGE BACKPACKERS HOSTEL, THE MOST AFFORDABLE AND COSY STAY AT THE LION CITY

In the recent surveys, the Republic of Singapore marked the most expensive country to visit with. Geographically, it is the smallest country in South East Asia yet the most successful in terms of economy. This small country has a lot of things to offer – from tourist attractions to modern architecture, best in transportation and rendezvous to the latest technology. No wonder despite the costly living, the Lion City is one of the most visited countries in the world.

When traveling abroad, lodging is on the top list to consider especially if you are in shoestring. That’s why when visiting Singapore it is important to look for the most affordable stay because here where you spent most of your money. You might want to check Coziee Lodge Backpackers Hostel. So far this is one of the most affordable stays I searched on the internet. 

Coziee Lodge front door along Geylang Road

We paid 5,746.40 PHP for four pax and price for 2 nights. So each will have to pay 1,436.60 PHP and I think this is already within the budget. Again this price is already good for two nights. Check-in time is 2 PM and check-out is 11 AM. 

We arrived past 10 AM after waiting for freaking hours at Kranji Station. We were welcomed by one of the care-taker at the information. I dunno if he is the owner or just an employee. Well I guess he is the owner. We showed our reservation from booking.com and waited for a couple of minutes as they have to prepare our bed. 

They have living room setup near the stairs so visitors can relax, read books or interact with other foreign visitors. They also have computer sets if you want to connect online also in the living room. This place is somehow spacious but the most important is high-speed wifi connection.

Here's the living room at the second floor.

They have computer sets, free of use also at the second floor.

This hostel has four rooms and each room houses up to 16 people. Yes, please don’t expect that you’ll get a private room unless you are willing to spend a couple of dollars. When the bed is ready, they brought us to the second floor so we can rest our dead body after a couple of hours ride from Malaysia. As expected there were already groups of backpackers sleeping and some were checking their phones.

I learned that each room has a unique theme. We were at V-Room (Victorian) which is mixed of male and female. They have also a special room (Old Nanyang) which is only for female guests. Every guest has personal lockers provided and that’s for free. So don’t worry of extra charge. It has also showers and toilets with heater and shower gels.

Unfortunately, I don’t have much time to explore the whole place. After I get to bed, I opened my phone for a while to note our family back home of where we were and then sleep.

This is one of the room with kinda like nautical theme.

This is the Victoria room, here where we slept.

Coziee Lodge is located in the central area of Kallang. About 3 minutes walk from Kallang MRT Station. So this place is really strategically situated to the most main attractions and districts in Singapore. It has also bus stops across the street with access to some areas of Singapore. The stretch of Geylang Road where this lodge is exactly situated has restaurants where you eat at affordable prices. 

Thumbs up with Kuya, darn forgot his name. He likes to talk and chat with visitors.

Jerome and Hart with Kuya, darn really forgot his name. :D

COZIEE LODGE PTE LTD.
77A & 79A Geylang Road, Singapore 389197
Tel: (65) 6846 4358
E-mail: enquiries@cozieelodge.com

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5 WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN, OUR FIRST DAY IN SINGAPORE

Arrived in Woodlands CIQ (Singapore-Malaysia border) around 5AM but we were stuck at the immigration line. Though there are about 20 counters open but each counter is serving two lines. I think we spent more than an hour there waiting for our turn. I can’t believe how many people crossing borders each day and can’t imagine how busy these immigration officers carefully checking all the travel documents. 

When everything all cleared, we went straight to ground level where bus terminals are located. I saw people falling in line, it’s really crowded. Just like MRT line during rush hour in Manila it’s really really long. While everyone in rushed, I am also hasty looking for money changer. I don’t have any SGD and even my travel buddies. Because I know and I’m sure that there will be money changer whenever you are entering borders.

And it turned out nothing! I'm all wrong. Woodlands does not have any money changer and the nearest is in MRT stations but you are required to ride bus to get to closest station.

I don’t know what to do anymore. We were thinking to look for Filipinos working in Singapore who can lend us money just to get to the nearest MRT station but I think it’s impossible. So I can’t think of any solution.

I have asked several people but they only have one response, that you can’t find any money changer here! And then I asked this guy wearing glasses if it’s possible to get to nearest MRT station by foot. He said no, better to ride bus. I told him the situation. I told him I have USD but no SGD.

I need miracle. Bus fare is 1 SGD so we need 3 SGD for the three of us. He asked me if I have at least 3 SGD and I said none, nothing at all!

After a couple of seconds, he grabbed his wallet from his pocket and told me that he is willing to lend me 3 SGD only. He has extra money but not enough. I feel so embarrassed. We have money but we can't use it!

When he is about to hand the three 1 SGD coins, I suddenly remembered that I have 5 SGD note in my wallet. I remember that my friend who is working in Singapore gave it to me about 2 years ago when he return home for Christmas vacation.

God is really good all the time! No doubt! The headline of this article should be "How 5SGD Saved our First Day in Singapore".

About 6:30 AM we arrived at Kranji Station, the nearest MRT station in Woodlands Checkpoint. We quickly look for money changer however it looks like we will be facing another dilemma.

Whew I really love Singapore; I love how the Lion City greets us. The only money changer in Kranji opens at 9 AM. Well I can smell that we will be waiting for more than two hours. I only have 2 SGD left and I don’t think it’s enough to buy breakfast. We’re all hungry but we have no choice. I have 300 Malaysian Ringgit but I doubt they will accept it or even USD.

We were patiently waiting for 9 AM and glad that they opened on time. I exchanged my 100 USD and after one hour travel time from Kranji to Kallang Station we finally arrived at Coziee Lodge at Geylang Road. I should be excited watching outside while riding the MRT to see how beautiful the Lion City is but I found myself sleeping quietly at the corner.

Here's our first glance of Singapore.