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.

1 TRIP ITINERARY: HOW TO GET TO SINGAPORE FROM MALAYSIA AND VICE VERSA

Jerome and Hart with their free Malaysia Magazine at KLIA2.

Like what I mentioned from my previous post, backpackers nowadays are traveling in multiple countries. Example: Hongkong – Macau and Singapore – Malaysia or sometimes tri-country like Thailand – Cambodia – Vietnam.

And because crossing borders are becoming mainstream, I decided to include Singapore for our supposedly 4-day trip to Malaysia. Now the question is how to go to Singapore from Malaysia, or Malaysia from Singapore?!

You have three options – Air, Train, or Bus.

By Air

AirAsia and Tiger Airways have daily trips from Malaysia to Singapore and vice versa. Travel time is just 1 hour and 15 minutes. This would be the convenient way if you are saving time but expect it would cost you a lot of money depends if there are promos. That’s why if you are planning to visit these countries.

I have few tips for you to get low airfares.

• Make sure to check airline’s website more often, there’s no magic to buy the best airfare. Unlike with Cebu Pacific, whenever there’s Philippine holiday expect of piso-fare promo.
• Sign-up to subscribe email alerts. Like me, I am currently subscribe to  Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Air Asia so I know whenever the fares go down. It is one of the easiest ways to track airfares.
• Make sure to follow their official facebook or twitter pages so you will be informed quickly whenever there's promo.

By Train

They call it sleeper train, instead of checking in for a hotel stay, you will be sleeping at the train en route to Singapore from Malaysia or vice versa. Most of the people chose this mode of transportation instead taking by Air to save money. Travel time from Malaysia to Singapore is 6 – 7 hours overnight.

You can book you train ticket from KL Sentral to Woodlands in Singapore here: KTMB E-Ticket. When booking it is required to enter the passport numbers; however one of us is still running to get his passport delivered and we are almost out of time booking the tickets.

Woodlands, Immigration checkpoint to enter Singapore.

By Bus:

Out of these three options, we ended up taking Bus. No regrets, I thought it would lure us issues and problems but nope. Actually we arrived in Woodlands Singapore in 6 hours including lines at the immigration both exit and entrance. Not only that, we also have comfy seats like taking airplane’s business class.

Please refer to this site: http://www.busonlineticket.com/ so you can select your convenient time.

TBS Terminal Bersapadu Selatan, taken at the MRT Station.

Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) is I guess the major bus terminal in Malaysia. This is for provincial operation including Singapore and Johor Bahru. It’s not really hard to get to the place like what I thought before.

How to get here: Depending on your initial point but normally if you are coming from Kuala Lumpur International Airport your next destination is KL Sentral. Now let’s say KL Sentral is your starting point, you can take MRT (recommended) going to Seremban (end station) and then alight at Bandar Tasik Selatan station. However in our case, we headed first to KLCC Station to see the Petronas Towers and then afterwards we took MRT going to Masjid Jamek. Starting from Masjid Jamek, we took MRT again heading to Sri Petaling and then alight at Bandar Tasik Selatan.

Again, TBS is located at Bandar Tasik Selatan station. When you get here, you need to cross an overpass (bridge) to get to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. 

Inside Terminal Bersepadu Selatan. 

When you get inside the terminal make sure to go straight to your selected Bus company booth and show your bookings for confirmation and just wait for the arrival time of the coaster. Don’t worry; bus is scheduled to depart on time without delay (well in our  case).

Waiting for our Coach, after stamping of Passports.

After 6 hours of travel, we finally arrived in Singapore! It was my first time to be in three different countries in less than 24 hours. We left Manila at 2PM, arrived in KL at 6PM, and then arrived in Singapore at 6AM the next day! Whew..traveling is LOVE.

NOW HOW TO GET BACK FROM SINGAPORE TO MALAYSIA?

Whether you book your trip by air, train, or bus I’m sure you will have the return ticket unless you will stay there for good.

If by train, the end to end point is KL Sentral (Malaysia) and Woodlands CIQ (Singapore). So whether you are coming from Malaysia or Singapore you need to go on those end stations.

However since we booked via bus there will be pickup and drop-off locations. Our pickup location is in 5001, Beach Road #01-12, Golden Mile Complex, Singapore, just make sure to get to their booth so your tickets will be processed. And then our drop-off location is 135 Jalan Imbi 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

At Kranji MRT Station in Singapore. Then nearest MRT Station in Woodlands.

Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.

10 DO-IT-YOURSELF THAILAND: 4D/4N TRIP ITINERARY AND EXPENSES

Initially our plan is to do Thailand-Laos backpacking since I guess it is now becoming mainstream when going out of the country. As they say, hitting two birds in one stone.

However it ended up just Thailand and decided to visit the nearest province as replacement to Laos. We know Thailand is one of the most favorite places to visit in the world. Like the Philippines, people here are friendly and have the purest smile of happiness. And of course, the cost of living is affordable.

Here are the full details of travel itinerary and estimated expenses. I don’t feel like calling it as suggested itinerary but rather I’d like to call it sharing our trip itinerary and expense. It's up to you how you make your own but you can use this as reference for your do-it-yourself.

TRIP ITINERARY

DAY 1:

We arrived at Suvanabhumi Airport past 12MN and checked in at the hotel near Petchaburi Road around 2AM. After all the papers processed at the hotel lobby, we found ourselves deeply asleep while snoring. We were so drained flying from Manila for almost for hours.

I have set my alarm to 8AM to catch breakfast at the hotel. We need to have the full energy to start our first day in Thailand.

8:00 AM	Call time – Prepare for breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 AM	Depart to Grand Palace Take the BTS from Phayathai to Siam (Bearing End). Interchange to Sathorn/Saphan Taksin/Central Pier (Wong Wian Yai end). Take the boat with Orange or Green Flag and alight at Tha Chang (Pier N9).
12 Noon	Lunch
1:00 PM	Visit Wat Pho (right behind the Grand Palace)
3:00 PM	Visit Wat Arun (short walk towards Tha Tien Pier N8) by crossing the river.
4:00 PM	Head to Asiatique Riverfront. From Central Pier, take the free shuttle boat.
6:00 PM	Explore Silom Road/Pat Pong From Sathorn/Saphan Taksin/Central Pier, take the BTS to Sala  Daeng (National Stadium end).
9:00 PM	Head back to hotel.
EOD	Return to the hotel for a good night rest.

DAY 2:

Woke up early for another hotel breakfast and scheduled to depart at 9AM en route to Pattaya. This is one of the most famous beach roads in Thailand which is about 2 hours away from downtown City. After our cramped ride from Minibus, we arrived at the beach city past 12 NN. Since we do not have the hotel to stay yet, we decided to walk on the beach road searching for affordable inn. We were positive that we can find one because Pattaya is one of the most visited places in Thailand for some beach bumming and of course, life afterdark. XD

When everything was settled, we found ourselves sitting at the beachfront watching the sunset while drinking beer. Although we drink discreetly because it was holiday when we arrived and we don’t know about it that drinking or any kind of partying is not allowed. But it was still relaxing!

9:00 AM	Depart for Pattaya Take the cab/BTS from Phayathai to Victory Monument. After which, take  the van from Victory Monument to Pattaya.
12 Noon	Lunch – Arrival to Pattaya Look for accommodation.
1 PM	Free Time – Lounge at the beach, drink and party. Optional – Island hop to Koh Larn.

DAY 3:

Scheduled to depart in downtown Bangkok but we still have the morning time to go around Pattaya City. We actually decided to swim by the beach early morning but ‘twas low tide. That’s why we ended swimming at hotel pool located at the rooftop. Perfect point indeed with overview of the whole Pattaya City.

We left the beach City around 11AM.

After 2 hours of bus ride we arrived in Ekkamai terminal, near Ekkamai BTS Station. And instead of going back to hotel, we decided to go straight to Chatuchak, the biggest weekend market in Thailand to buy souvenirs and explore the place with the most affordable items.

After two hours of rambling at the market, bought some souvenir items for friends and loved ones back home, we decided to go back to hotel for a needed rest. We have things to do still at night.

By 6PM, with only two hours rest, we decided to explore Khao San Road. We needed to have a quick break with beer session plus food trip. There we found ourselves hanging out with other foreign visitors and intermingling with the locals. 

8:00 AM	Breakfast and prepare for departure to BKK
11:00 AM	Depart to BKK
1:30 PM	Arrival in BKK Lunch Time Hotel Check-in – Pratunam Pavilion Hotel
2:00 PM	Chatuchak Weekend Market Take BTS from Pratunam to Mo Chit Station (Sukhimvit Line)
4:00 PM	Head back to Hotel
6:00 PM	Depart for Khao San Road

DAY 4:

Our last day in Thailand! Whoa I hate to say goodbye but yes, my piglets are waiting for me back home. We woke up early to visit the famous Terminal 21 Mall in Bangkok. This mall is situated near Asok BTS Station, and what make this mall unique to others? It’s the world’s mall, not because this is the biggest but each floor has a unique theme with the famous cities in the world. Though the prices are not really affordable but yet you gonna feel arriving and departing around the globe at the same place.

Next, we headed to Platinum Fashion Mall.

This mall is situated near Petchaburi where we stayed. Platinum Fashion Mall has the variety of different items, from clothing, to shoes, men and women’s apparel. Any-thing! Prices are affordable; it’s within your budget so I guess I spent all my money left buying clothes and other items. The entire 6th floor as well occupies the food center, so if you wish to crave an authentic Thai cuisine, you can also find it here. 

8:00 AM	Hunt for Brekky
9:00 AM	Terminal 21 Mall to shop for Pasalubong
12 Noon	Lunch
1:00 PM	Platinum Fashion Mall/Pantip Plaza IT Mall Free shuttle from hotel.
3:00 PM	Head back to hotel and prepare for the flight back.
6:00 PM	Early Dinner (Pratunam Area)
7:00 PM	Depart to Airport
12:00 AM	Flight back to Manila

EXPENSES:

I hope my memory serves me right. Please see below figures for the expenses during our tour in Thailand. First figure is fixed price. Second figure is the estimated expenses for transportation, food, drinks, and souvenir items. During our tour, exchange rate was 1 PHP = 1.36 THB but I converted it to 1.50 THB so the excess will be mine an additional money for souvenirs.

ACTIVITY	THB	PHP
Airfare (Cebu Pacific promo fare roundtrip)		3,800.25
Taxi from Airport to Hotel (400THB/3 persons)	133.00	200.00
Hotel Bangkok 2nights	1,200.00	1,800.00
Minivan going to Pattaya	100.00	150.00
Hotel Pattaya 1 night	700.00	1,050.00
Bus from Pattaya back to Bangkok	124.00	186.00
Hotel Bangkok 1 night	600.00	900.00
Rabbit Card for BTS Transportation	300.00	450.00
Wat Pho Temple	100.00	150.00
TOTAL		8,686.25 PHP

ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE (ESTIMATED ONLY)	THB	PHP
Transportation	1,000	1,500
Food/Beer	1,000 – 1,500	1,500 - 2,250
Souvenir Items	1,600	2,400
TOTAL:		6,150.00 PHP
OVERALL TOTAL:		14,836.25 PHP

I hope by sharing our DIY would help you plan and execute your trip to Thailand. You have something to comment or suggest, appreciate if you would post it in the comment section.

2 MALAYSIA 2014: A NIGHT WITH THE MAJESTIC PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS

Close up view of Petronas Twin Towers.

After so many many years, I finally got to see myself and witness this spectacular infrastructure and an icon of Malaysia. Straight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2, we headed to the KL Sentral via Sky Bus then took LRT straight to the Petronas Twin Towers. Technically it is our first day in Malaysia and we will be heading to Singapore before midnight but will definitely go back here after two-day stay at the Lion City.

Since we will be arriving in KL by 6PM and our schedule trip to Singapore is 12MN, we got six hours to spend to go around downtown KL. Thus, I have decided to drop by at the Petronas Twin Towers. After all, no one visited Malaysia without having visiting the most popular icon of the City. It is also I guess lovelier to witness the majesty of the towers by night as the bright lights sparkling around the towers which attracts the eye of the people walking down the streets. Although no more chance to see the skyline of Malaysia by reaching on the view deck at the bridge connecting the two towers because the time we arrived it’s already close. 

The three of us are first timers in Malaysia so all of the directions are only based on my research. We had dinner first at the Suria KLCC Mall where the twin towers are standing. Afterwards we looked for the exit leading the fountain park where you can see the towers unwrapped.

Here's the fountain park, adjacent to the Peteronas towers is also a state of the art building in golden lights.

The two soaring towers of Petronas taken from the fountain park.

Bright lights surrounded at the towers.

Upon stepping out at the exit door, I know when I look up I would be able to see the magnificence of the Twin Towers. I know the muscles of excitement linger on my veins so I quickly grabbed my camera and take a photo while standing on the foot of the towers. The feeling is tremendous; the only word whispered on my ears was “W-O-W”. Truly is majesty.

I asked my buddies to walk straight all the way to the end of the fountain so we can get better photos in front of the towers. Like I said the feeling is indescribable so while walking I couldn’t help but to stare the towers – I was walking backward. Reaching at the end of the park, there were quite number of foreign and local tourists alike, and of course group of Filipinos. They were all busy taking their best shots and so we are. But let me remind you though that taking photos will really give you an extra effort. No need to explain why but I recommend to visit this place to experience and that would answer the question, why?

Okay so here's our obligatory post in front of your heir majesty. And yeah it is really necessary I guess, however in order for you to get this shot with Petronas tower in full body including the antennas then it would really need an extra effort.

Ang matikas na si Jerome..ang Robin Padilla naming kasama.

Yours truly..pawis na pawis ako niyan.

Ang kaisa-isang Gabriela Silang, si Hartgraves.

We spent about an hour already in front of the towers so I asked my buddies to leave as we still need to travel to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) to catch our schedule trip via Bus all the way to Singapore.

I would like to acknowledge also the person we met in KL Sentral who helped and guide us how to use the Token Machine and technically joined us the way to KLCC where the Petronas Towers standing. To Ryan and his friend, thank you for lending your time and for the assistance.

That is Sir Ryan the first local we met who helped and guide us going to KLCC.

Ryan and his friend, both shy in the camera.

Waiting for the train to arrive going to KLCC, if you are in KL Sentral make sure to stand at Platform 1.

HOW TO GET TO PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS:

If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA or KLIA2), take bus that would bring you to KL Sentral LRT Station, then from KL Sentral take GOMBAK via KELANA JAYA LINE then alight at the KLCC Station. Petronas Twin Tower is at KLCC Station!

Make sure first to have printed the LRT Transit Map, you can get it via Google Images or when you get to the Airport, make sure to grab free brochures about their Transit Maps.

Jerome and Hart in KLIA2 with their Malaysia Magazine.

Skybus that will bring you from KLIA2 to KL Sentral vice versa.

Dim Light inside the Skybus.

At the KL Sentral Station of the LRT Transit Lines.

SIGNPOST ABOUT THE PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS via WIKIPEDIA:

The Petronas Towers, also known as the Petronas Twin Towers are the twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), they were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 and remain the tallest twin towers in the world replacing the World Trade Center in New York. The buildings are a landmark of Kuala Lumpur, along with nearby Kuala Lumpur Tower.


Let me hear your thoughts, please comment below.