Readme before you journey
"Singapore"
A popular destination for many travelers, Singapore is an accessible international destination with frequent flight promotions. "I would love to visit at least once," I thought to myself. After booking a flight at a great price, I began to gather comprehensive information. I will attach links to the information I have previously written for those who are planning a trip to Singapore.
Embark on a journey through "13 Unmissable Free Attractions in Singapore," a curated collection of captivating destinations we've personally experienced and highly recommend. Notably, each location offers free admission, making it an accessible and budget-friendly exploration. Let's delve into these hidden gems and discover their allure.
13 Places to Visit in Singapore
The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
After choosing your destination, let's move on to "35 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Singapore." We've compiled essential information and interesting facts for you. Before our trip, we spent a lot of time researching, but some information was unavailable elsewhere, so we decided to write it down ourselves.
If you enjoy light shows, here are 4 free locations in Singapore that you should not miss: "4 Free Light Shows in Singapore"
1. Wonder Full – A Dazzling Display of Light and Water
2. Sentosa Merlion Magic Lights Show at Merlion Plaza
- The crane dance.
4. Garden Rhapsody light and sound shows
Show information: http://gowithampth.com/free-light-and-sound-singapore/
Transportation Passes for Singapore
Singapore boasts a highly convenient transportation system, featuring an extensive network of interconnected MRT lines, a comprehensive bus network with frequent and punctual services, and readily available taxis offering comfort at a premium. Notably, many tourist attractions are within walking distance, further enhancing accessibility.
There are currently four types of cards used for boarding buses in Singapore:
1. EZ-Link Card: A versatile card for transportation and shopping, offering discounts and convenience. Accepted on trains, taxis, buses, and at convenience stores displaying the EZ-Link logo. Provides discounts with every use. Functions as a prepaid card with discounts, offering comprehensive usage. Available for purchase at all MRT stations' Passenger Service counters for SGD 12 (SGD 5 card value + SGD 7 stored value). Alternatively, purchase at 7-Eleven stores for SGD 10 (SGD 5 card value + SGD 5 stored value). Top-up options include minimum SGD 10 and maximum SGD 100 at MRT station kiosks or Passenger Service counters. The card has a 5-year validity period. After a trip, any remaining balance can be refunded at the Passenger Service counter (excluding the SGD 5 card value).
2. Standard Ticket: A single-trip ticket that can be purchased from automatic ticket vending machines. The system charges a 1 USD deposit for the ticket. The fare depends on the selected destination station. After the trip, the ticket can be exchanged for a refund at the ticket booth. The system will refund the deposit, but only within 1 month of purchase.
3. STP (Singapore Tourist Pass) The STP is a flat-rate card that allows unlimited travel on the MRT, LRT, and buses. It is available in 1-day (SGD 10), 2-day (SGD 16), and 3-day (SGD 20) options, with a SGD 10 deposit required. The deposit is refundable within 5 days of purchase, after which the card becomes an EZ-Link card with the remaining balance available for future use. The STP can be purchased at Ticket Offices.
4. iVenture Card Singapore is a comprehensive pass that grants access to a wide range of attractions, restaurants, and activities. With this card, you can explore popular destinations in Singapore, including Universal Studios, Singapore Night Safari, Singapore Flyer, Singapore Zoo, Sea Aquarium, Hard Rock Cafe, and many more. The card can be purchased online at https://www.iventurecard.com/sg/singapore/.
Follow Amp's next travel adventures at GowithAmp.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gowithamp
Website: http://gowithampth.com/
This trip began with a promotional airfare to Singapore. I had wanted to go for a while, but never seriously booked a ticket. This time, I managed to convince some friends to join me, so I booked the tickets immediately, fearing they would change their minds! I saw the promotion on Jetstar's website, but the good price was only for the outbound flight. So I checked Expedia and found a great round-trip fare on a good date.
Roundtrip flight: Jetstar 735 THB (one-way) / Scoot 1,269.05 THB (one-way) = 2,004.05 THB/person!
With affordable flight tickets secured, the next step was extensive research. This included exploring potential destinations, transportation options, and the cost of living. The exchange rate between the Singapore dollar (SGD) and the Thai baht (THB) was a key consideration, as was the minimum cost of meals. Every detail, from Google Maps to transportation routes, was meticulously examined.
We exchanged money at a rate of 24.60. We exchanged 200 SGD (4,920 baht) and our travel companion exchanged 180 SGD (4,428 baht). We exchanged more than we needed, so we had a lot left over to exchange back. We have 132 SGD left and our friend has 116 SGD left. (We will wait to see information about our accommodation, food, and attractions before deciding how much more money to bring. If you are a shopaholic, be sure to bring extra money, as we are not big shoppers and did not spend much.) This is what Singaporean dollar bills look like.
The information is ready. Then, prepare the travel plan as follows:
Day 1: Arrival in Singapore in the afternoon and a leisurely stroll around Marina Bay.
- Fountain of Wealth: A symbol of prosperity and abundance.
- Esplanade – Theatres: Theatres (750 meters from Fountain of Wealth)
- Merlion Park: From Esplanade - Theatres, walk across Jubilee Bridge.
- Cavenagh Bridge: The oldest bridge spanning the Singapore River.
- Clarke Quay: Explore the vibrant nightlife scene with waterfront restaurants, pubs, and bars.
- Return to accommodation: By bus
Day 2: Exploring Sentosa Island
- Vivo City mall before crossing to Sentosa (Daiso with prices around 2 SGD on L3 floor) / Harbourfront MRT
- Fort Siloso Skywalk
- Sentosa Nature Discovery
- nature walk
- Merlion Plaza
- Palawan beach
- Crane Dance (8:00 PM)
- Lake of Dreams (9:30 PM)
Day 3: Exploring Chinatown and the Garden by the Bay
- Chinatown: A shopping area for food and local products (Free Wi-Fi available in this area!)
- Garden by the Bay: A magnificent waterfront garden.
- Helix Bridge: A helical pedestrian bridge
Day 4: Explore the shopping streets, buy souvenirs, and return home.
- Orchard Rd.: Shopping district, department stores
- Lucky Plaza: Offers chocolates and souvenirs, similar in atmosphere to Pratunam.
Day 1: Arrive in Singapore in the afternoon and take a leisurely stroll around Marina Bay.
This trip has one more person joining, but we have to travel first because we are on different flights. Come to think of it, this is my first time flying Jetstar. Hello Jetstar... The low-cost airline has 3 seats on each side, with 3 seats per row. The flight time is about 2 hours.
After a short journey, an officer will approach you with an immigration form. Please fill out all the information carefully, as all fields are important. In particular, make sure to clearly state your accommodation details to avoid any issues with immigration officials.
The plane we were on landed at Singapore Changi Airport, Terminal 1. Upon arrival in Singapore, we found a place to sit and played on our phones while waiting. We chose to use SIM2Fly from One2call, which offers 8 days of unlimited internet with a maximum speed of 4 GB (more than enough for our needs).
If you need **free Wi-Fi at the airport**, you can walk to the machine to automatically request a username and password. Simply scan your passport and the information will be displayed on the screen.
After a while, I felt thirsty. Fortunately, there were water dispensers like this one everywhere in Singapore, which saved my life. These water dispensers are available at various locations throughout Singapore. The water is clean, and the people here are disciplined and have a good sense of civic duty. The laws are quite strict, and even these water dispensers are clean and ready to use.
After a long search, the group finally arrived at the airport. They had to walk for a while as their plane had parked at a different location. After clearing immigration, they headed towards Terminal 2 to catch a train to their accommodation in the city. Follow the signs for "Train to city" to reach the platform.
Each terminal offers free shuttle services to connect passengers between terminals.
Upon arrival at Terminal 2, descend the escalator.
We headed to the "Ticket Office" and opted for the EZ Link card, priced at 12 SGD. This includes a 5 SGD card fee and 7 SGD stored value, perfect for our budget-conscious exploration of free attractions and reliance on public transportation like trains, buses, and walking.
The EZ Link card will change colors and patterns continuously, making it very cute and adorable.
We then walked to wait for the train. There were a lot of people waiting. (Where are the people?)
From the airport, take the train to Tanah Merah station and transfer to another train on the adjacent platform. We have booked accommodation in advance in the "Geylang" district. From Tanah Merah station, take the green line to Joo Koon and get off at Kallang station, then take a short bus ride.
As I stepped off the bus and began to cross the street, a familiar scent wafted through the air. I looked up and saw, to my surprise, a durian stall!
Before entering the accommodation, we stopped by the supermarket to check the price of drinking water. The price in the supermarket is around this, which is not expensive.
Checking the price of bottled water, but my travel companions bought Pepsi. Sigh.
Gelang: A Surprisingly Safe and Affordable Neighborhood
Gelang, a neighborhood often perceived as unsafe due to its association with brothels, offers a surprisingly different experience. While legal and illegal brothels exist, they are confined to designated zones, away from public view. Unlike similar areas in other countries, there are no soliciting prostitutes or public displays of intoxication.
Gelang boasts affordable accommodation options, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers. The area also features a variety of restaurants and supermarkets, ensuring convenient access to food and supplies.
The Horn Bill Hotel, located in Gelang 10, offers comfortable accommodations at a reasonable price. Previously known as Happy Hotel, the establishment provides a clean and convenient base for exploring Singapore. Booking in advance can secure discounts, with the first two nights costing 1,625.37 SGD and the third night at 919.63 SGD (prices may vary depending on the date of stay).
Compared to other neighborhoods closer to tourist attractions, Gelang offers significant savings. While accommodation in central areas typically starts at 1,000 SGD per night, Gelang provides comparable comfort at a fraction of the cost. For even more budget-friendly options, consider hostels or shared rooms.
The electrical outlets will be like this. Don't forget to bring an adapter. One adapter and a power strip will allow you to charge multiple devices.
After packing our bags, it was time to continue our journey. But before we set off, we stopped for lunch at ABC BISTRO RESTAURANT PTE. LTD., an Indian restaurant conveniently located at the entrance of Lorong Gelang 10. (There are multiple branches of this restaurant.)
After reading and looking at the accompanying pictures, I was still confused. I ended up ordering a random fried rice dish.
The co-traveler ordered chicken fried rice, which was still edible.
We ordered the dried fish fried rice (which we weren't sure would turn out like this because it didn't really resemble the picture in the menu) with a spicy kick. Oh boy... the smell of Indian spices was overwhelming! It didn't look anything like the picture either, haha. But we were hungry at that time, so we ate it anyway.
The final price was inflated. The menu listed 5 coins, but the bill came to 5.5 and 6.5 coins. When questioned, the vendor seemed confused and looked to the other tour participants, who shrugged in resignation. "Just think of it as being cheated," one of them consoled, "don't waste time questioning it."
After a satisfying meal, it was time to continue our journey. Initially, we planned to travel by train, but there were numerous bus stops nearby, and they were closer to the train station. As a result, we opted for the bus, relying on Google Maps for guidance. The app provided reliable information, including bus routes, timings, and estimated travel times. Most buses arrived on time, with minimal deviations, reminiscent of Japan's punctuality. (For details on how to use the bus, please refer to sections 16-18 of this article: http://gowithampth.com/35-เรื่องเที่ยวสิงคโปร์).
Our first destination is the Fountain of Wealth, a popular tourist attraction in Singapore. To get there, you can take bus number 70 or 70M from Suntec City station. The journey takes approximately 300 meters.
And we'll finally meet! Yay!
To reach the lower level, enter the Suntec City building and follow the signs to the Fountain of Wealth.
Touching the Fountain:
1. Reach out and touch the fountain.
2. Make a silent or quiet wish.
3. Walk clockwise around the fountain three times.
We were strolling around the fountain and taking photos when an official approached and asked us to leave as a tour group was about to arrive. We had no choice but to depart the fountain area.
The Esplanade - Theatres, a prominent performing arts center in Singapore, is often referred to as the "Durian Building" by Thai tourists due to its resemblance to the spiky fruit. While the design may evoke the durian's thorny exterior, the architects intended it to represent two microphones placed side-by-side, which becomes more apparent from an aerial perspective.
No matter how you look at it, it's still the king of fruits, durian. ^^
The front of the building features numerous sculptures, a small fountain, and an abundance of trees, foliage, and flowers.
The entrance to the building features a spacious plaza with intermittent bursts of steam rising from the ground.
Watching the children play happily, I couldn't resist taking some pictures. Just as I was about to join them, the park closed. Oh well!
Upon entering the building, I noticed a live singing performance underway and decided to watch. The audience was quite large.
Exiting the theater, we were greeted by the darkening sky. We then made our way to the Jubilee Bridge, which connects Merlion Park and the Esplanade Theatres. From this bridge, we were able to take in the breathtaking panorama of the architectural marvels surrounding Marina Bay. The night view was particularly captivating, with the vibrant lights and sounds creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
The view from Marina Bay Sands is truly breathtaking.
Take a peek at the distant view of Merlion Park through a zoomed-in camera lens.
We spent a long time at this spot, setting up cameras to capture photos of our fellow travelers, ourselves, and the surrounding scenery. It was an incredibly enjoyable experience.
I attempted to capture a photo of myself drinking water from a Merlion statue, but I forgot that the camera was already on. The resulting image is blurry due to my nervousness.
Standing in the middle of the bridge, I waited to watch the light show on the Marina Bay Sands. From this angle, I could see the surrounding views and the laser lights shooting out from the ship-shaped hotel.
Approaching the "Merlion Park", we get a closer look at the Merlion.
As the boat approached, the wind whipped up, sending a spray of water directly onto the camera lens. Despite the risk of water damage, the resulting photos were stunning, with a soft, ethereal quality. The beauty of the scene outweighed the potential consequences.
Let's take a look at the little meerkats nearby. ^^
After a while, we started to feel thirsty, but we had already finished the water we had brought. The cafes near Merlion Park were quite expensive, so we decided to move on to our next destination.
Cross the road to "Anderson Bridge", a bridge built to replace the original Cavenagh Bridge, which could not accommodate the volume of traffic between the government administrative area on the north bank of the river and the commercial district on the south bank of the Singapore River.
Upon crossing this bridge, you will encounter the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, one of the oldest and most magnificent Victorian-style buildings in Singapore. It comprises two interconnected structures, including a clock tower that was added later and is now an integral part of the building.
Continuing a short distance further, you will encounter the **"Cavenagh Bridge"**, the oldest bridge spanning the Singapore River and the only suspension bridge in the country.
Located in front of the Fullerton Hotel
Accompanied by a statue of a child diving.
As dusk falls, the Cavenagh Bridge illuminates, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Currently, the bridge serves exclusively as a pedestrian crossing, connecting the northern cultural and recreational zone to the southern commercial, business, and office district of the Singapore River.
We arrived at the Asian Civilisations Museum and decided to take a break by the river. While we were resting, we took some photos of the opposite bank of the river, which is "Boat Quay." Boat Quay is another popular nightlife spot in Singapore, with many restaurants and bars lit up with colorful lights. One of our group members went into the museum's restaurant and came out a moment later with the same water bottle we had brought, but now filled with ice-cold water. It turned out there was a water dispenser in the restaurant, and our friend had cleverly filled our bottle without anyone noticing. "Just act natural," they whispered with a grin.
Stroll along the Singapore River, passing the white Elgin Bridge.
From here, you can already see the Clarke Quay district.
Following the underpass beneath the Coleman Bridge, you will see the New Bridge road sign. This path features murals along its entirety. Today, I encountered a street performer playing beautiful music.
As you ascend further, you will arrive at Clarke Quay, a renowned nightlife destination for revelers. Similar to Boat Quay, it offers a vibrant atmosphere, but with enhanced lighting, picturesque views, and a more sophisticated ambiance.
There is an ice cream shop here where the owner likes to tease customers. I watched his antics for a while, but I didn't buy anything because the prices were a bit high. I just enjoyed the show.
For those who want to take a boat ride, you can take a Bumboat from the pier in the Clarke Quay area and take a boat ride along the Singapore River to Marina Bay, which will pass Merlion Park.
We were thirsty and decided to take a walk to find some water. We had just finished a bottle of water, but we were still thirsty. We walked around for a while, but we couldn't find any water. We were starting to get desperate, when we finally found a vending machine! We bought a can of Coke for 1 dollar, or about 25 baht. It was so refreshing!
We originally planned to visit Fort Canning Park, which is located right behind Clarke Quay. However, it was already late, and my travel companions were not interested in going. Additionally, our schedule was fully booked for the remaining days of the trip. With a heavy heart, we had to abandon our plan. Before leaving, we took one last look at the view from the other side, where we could see the iconic boat-shaped building.
After making a decision, we walked to the bus stop in front of Clarke Quay Central or near the Clarke Quay MRT station on the side of the mall to return to the Gelang area. There were many buses to choose from. We chose bus number 100, which was the fastest.
Upon returning to the Gelang district, hunger pangs set in, prompting us to embark on a culinary exploration of the area.
We stumbled upon a corner with 3-4 restaurants clustered together, offering affordable options. We ordered yellow noodles and wide rice noodles, both priced at a mere 3.5 dollars per bowl.
In Singapore, "kway teow" refers to our wide rice noodles. The flavor of the noodle soup is fragrant and well-rounded, but the kway teow soup seems a bit bland. However, it's still acceptable.
After a satisfying meal, I felt a craving for dessert. Luckily, I spotted a supermarket across the street and immediately headed over. Most of the food items were quite expensive, especially snacks and dry goods. However, the water was significantly cheaper compared to convenience stores and other nearby shops. Fortunately, I stumbled upon a promotion offering two large bottles of water for just $1, so I grabbed two.
We stumbled upon an ice cream promotion: 3 bars for only $1.75! However, it was incredibly sweet. Ultimately, we had to discard the third bar we intended to share because it was too sweet and caused a burning sensation in our throats. To make matters worse, our room lacked a refrigerator. Haha!
Day 2: Exploring Sentosa Island
Today, we will spend the whole day at Sentosa Island. We will start by taking bus number 100 from Gelang (or bus number 80).
Let's go down to the front of Vivo City and walk inside.
Yesterday, my shoes broke beyond repair while I was walking. Today, I needed to find a shoe store. Then I remembered that there is a Daiso 2 baht store (approximately 50 baht, even cheaper than in my home country) on the L3 floor.
Let's grab a bite at Kopitiam on B2. They offer a wide variety of affordable dishes.
Today, we have a variety of delicious curries available at our rice-topping restaurant.
The price is good. My friend's is 3.8 dollars, mine is 3.6 dollars.
The high-tech trash cans in the VivoCity restrooms are truly impressive. Simply hovering your hand over the sensor opens the lid, providing a touchless and hygienic experience.
The sensor will detect your presence, and the wall will gradually slide open. It's so cool!
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It's time to head to Sentosa Island! We chose to walk across the sea path. If you don't want to walk, you can choose other methods, such as taking the Sentosa Express or the cable car, which have fees (information is in point 13 of this link: http://gowithampth.com/13-ที่เที่ยวสิงคโปร์).
If you take the cable car across, you will pass through that area...
As I strolled along the path, admiring the birds and trees, I caught sight of a tree with flowers that bore a striking resemblance to the Thai Tabebuia rosea or Indigofera tinctoria. However, its leaves had a reddish hue. Could this be the Singapore Tabebuia? ^^
Normally, there is an entrance fee of 1 USD per person to enter the island. However, during this period, entry is free until the end of the year. If you want to play the rides but don't have a card yet, you can buy one at the counter at the entrance.
Let's take a look at the map to see the route.
1) Merlion Plaza
2) Sentosa nature exploration
3) Nature walk
5) Palawan Beach
6) Crane dance (8:00 PM)
We continued walking, relying on the Sentosa map and Google Maps. The prices were already high, but the prices in Sentosa were even higher. We walked into the Korean zone and wanted to try the long ice cream that we had seen people eating. We also wanted to try bingsu, but the prices were too high. We couldn't bring ourselves to pay for it, so we decided not to eat it.
Stepping out just a little, we are greeted by the "Universal Studios logo." Although it's not our style, and we won't be going in, we had to capture a picture since we were already here.
We continued walking, and sculptures were visible all along the way.
The largest Merlion in Singapore is located at Merlion Plaza (The Merlion statue at Imbian Station in Sentosa).
You can go up to the top to enjoy the view. I saw someone popping in and out of Ms. Merlion's mouth over there.
Tickets can be purchased here. At night, there will also be the Sentosa Merlion Magic Lights Show. We will come back and watch it later.
From here, walk towards the back to find the Merlion Walk. Along the walkway, there are sculptures with strange shapes adorned with colorful mosaic tiles, with water flowing inside them.
Upon reaching "Sentosa Nature Discovery," you will embark on a nature trail where you might encounter small creatures residing within.
It also has "rang chuet" (a type of Thai herb), just like in Thailand.
I wanted to take a picture of the ants, but I couldn't set up the camera in time, and they all ran away. There were only a few left.
Continuing on the nature walk, we encountered no one except for ourselves. We only saw one staff member who passed us by, and the sound of people talking came faintly from the cable car passing by. There were also screams from people ziplining past.
The path was not so deserted that it made me wonder if it had been set up, haha. There were places to sit and rest at intervals. It wasn't long before I reached the main road.
Then, continue walking to the left until you reach the bus stop.
Crossing the road to the other side, this point above is the starting point for the cable car. I peeked up to take a look, but I didn't want to ride it. It would be a waste of money. Haha!
It's better to walk down to the 7-Eleven below. As mentioned earlier, prices on Sentosa Island are higher than on the mainland. However, we are very thirsty... let's get a Slurpee for $1.6 first.
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We continued walking towards the beach for a bit longer, but the sun was still strong and there were no places to sit and rest. So we crossed the street and went back to sit at the bus stop. We rested until we were no longer tired, then continued on our way.
The "Fort Siloso Skywalk", a towering structure resembling a high-rise, stands at an impressive height equivalent to an 11-story building, approximately 181 meters.
The entrance features a map with various points of interest. If you're up for it, I recommend visiting all of them. However, if you're not feeling up to it, you can always choose a few.
You can choose to go upstairs by either stairs or elevator.
Upon reaching the top, you will first encounter a glass walkway. Some people are hesitant to step onto this section, as it can be quite daunting. (There are videos online of Chinese uncles and aunties walking on a glass skywalk, some with trembling legs, some crawling, and some even crying.)
From here, you can see the beach below. The sun is gentle and the view is beautiful.
They continued walking after standing and playing for a short while.
They paused once more in the middle of the skywalk to take in the surrounding views.
Continuing along the Skywalk, you will reach an ancient cannon emplacement at the mountain's peak. This location served as a military observation post during World War II.
The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
The Siloso Fort houses exhibits showcasing historical photographs and film footage depicting the events of the war.
Exiting the exhibition hall, visitors will encounter a cannon base, a bomb shelter, and an observation tower. Additionally, wax figures recreating the scene of the war surrender treaty signing are on display.
We reached the end of the path and turned back towards the beach. As we walked, we saw people ziplining down, their screams of excitement and fear echoing through the air. "I want to try that too..."
As we walked towards the beach, we encountered a female peacock. The park ranger informed us that if we returned closer to dusk, we might witness the male peacocks strutting their plumage nearby.
Walking onto the beach, I saw many people enjoying various activities. However, the most thrilling one was undoubtedly the zip-lining. Oh my! I felt a rush of adrenaline just watching them!
We then boarded a small bus to "Palawan Beach," but the bus couldn't reach the beach, so we had to get off and walk the rest of the way.
Oh... I can't resist the adorable charm of these wildflowers. ><
We entered a vast open space with a sprawling lawn and a large white screen, resembling an outdoor movie screen.
And the signpost here has the answer for us. The movie screen and the wide open space over there are "Movie by the Beach" itself. Wow! This place shows movies almost every day at 7:30 pm or 19:30. The movies that will be shown are written like this.
Our doubts were dispelled, and we continued walking. Suddenly, bubbles floated everywhere. Oh... it was so bubbly and sparkling...
Entering the room, we found children playing happily. This is the children's zone. ^^
We walked through the water park and then out to the sandy beach. There were a few rides that looked like a lot of fun.
The desire to jump into the sea was tempting, but the murky, discolored water gave me pause. The local beaches are far more appealing. Despite this, many people were enjoying the water, including children whose tanned skin suggested they had been swimming for quite some time.
The southernmost point of the Asian continent, "Southernmost Point of Continental Asia," is within walking distance. You can walk across it (but it was very crowded at the time... so I didn't squeeze in. Now I'm secretly regretting it, haha.... ^^”).
Oh... the white sand beach is so beautiful..... @__@ Wait a minute!! That's not right!!
No, no, no. Don't secretly take pictures of other people (even though I really want to because she's so beautiful and white, haha ^^"). Come back and take a selfie instead. Hee hee...
It's time to play whatever we want, even play with the kids. Haha!
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We stayed until the water park's closing announcement, then changed clothes and walked back to Merlion Plaza to wait for the "Sentosa Merlion Magic Lights Show." The light and sound show was captivating, and people were walking around to watch and admire it. The show has multiple times: 7:45 PM, 8:15 PM, and 8:45 PM on weekdays, and on weekends, there are two additional shows at 9:45 PM and 10:45 PM.
The show ended, and everyone quickly dispersed. Some ran to catch the Sentosa Express, while others rushed to catch the "Crane Dance" at 8:00 PM. We took the express, and as soon as we got off, we ran immediately. We almost missed the beginning! Haha! It was a tiring but happy experience. The Crane Dance is a light and sound show featuring a 30-meter-tall, 30-ton robot with water movements that resemble the movements of two cranes in the sea near the City Vivo connection. The show was amazing and kept us entertained throughout. It ended after about 15 minutes, leaving a lasting impression.
We then took the Monorail back to VivoCity. It was free, but we had to wait in line for a while as it was already evening.
Upon arriving at VivoCity, it was time for our dinner. We decided to check out Food Republic, another food court located within the mall.
After browsing the shops, we decided to return to the Kopitiam on B2 as the prices were quite high. My travel companions opted for the Nasi Lemak. While it may appear ordinary, it was incredibly delicious! It consisted of fragrant rice, fried chicken, peanuts, small fried fish, and a chili paste that resembled our Thai nam prik ta-daeng. However, the taste was quite different, with a sweet note. The combination of flavors was truly remarkable, making it arguably the most delicious Singaporean dish I've had (although this is subjective). The price was also reasonable at only 3.8 SGD per plate.
After wandering around for two rounds, we couldn't decide which restaurant to choose. Finally, we settled on a sukiyaki restaurant, where you can select your own ingredients.
Once you have chosen your ingredients, hand them to the vendor. They will blanch everything for you and serve it in a bowl with soup.
Our responsibility is to scoop the dipping sauce and lift the tray to wait for the sukiyaki.
This menu costs 4.2 dollars. Choose any 6 items.
The taste is acceptable, but it lacks the authentic spicy and tangy flavors of Thai sukiyaki.
After a satisfying meal, it was time to head back. On the way, we stopped to top up our EZ Ling cards with 10 dollars each, as we only had about 3 dollars left. After topping up, we stood around chatting. As we talked, we decided to make a quick stop at Little India, since it wasn't too far away. Earlier in the morning, while riding the bus, we had discussed how Singapore appeared civilized and orderly, with no visible garbage. This is because plainclothes police officers are present throughout the city, and the laws are strictly enforced. Anyone caught littering could be apprehended by these officers. As a result, everything seemed well-organized, with no street vendors or hawker stalls like we have back home. The variety and availability of food were also limited compared to our home country. We even jokingly speculated that Singapore might be a staged city, with artificial trees and plants. Haha, we were really amused by our own thoughts! However, those thoughts gradually faded away when we arrived at Little India! The area was bustling with activity, filled with Indian people and tourists. In some places, there was the smell of urine, rats scurrying around, and even small cockroaches roaming freely. Wow, it felt just like being in Thailand! Hehe ^^" (Most Singaporeans don't visit or shop in this area. You can find out why for yourselves.) The aroma of spices wafted through the air at intervals as we walked.
I considered stopping by Mustafa Center, but I decided against it due to time constraints and concerns about my belongings. I was worried about the safety of my camera and the potential for overspending, given the vast array of tempting goods available.
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It's better to go back to rest. Stop by and buy a Sprite to quench your thirst on the way to your accommodation for 0.9 dollars.
Day 3: Exploring Chinatown and Garden by the Bay
We woke up late today, as usual. We won't push ourselves too hard today. Hehe... ^___^ Today, we took the bus to Chinatown.
From Gelang, take bus number 80 to reach the vicinity of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum.
Upon arrival, we briefly took in the temple's atmosphere.
The temple is known as Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) because the upper level houses the Buddha's tooth relic, a sacred object known as Phra Keaw. This relic is enshrined in a large stupa made of 320 kilograms of pure gold, donated by 234 kilograms of faithful believers. Located on the top floor of the temple, the Phra Keaw is accessible to tourists and the public only from a designated viewing area. Monks, however, are granted access to the inner chamber where the relic is housed.
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The temple grounds also house a Buddhist cultural museum, showcasing Buddha statues and other valuable Buddhist artifacts. Additionally, the Eminent Sangha Museum serves as a venue for cultural performances, seminars, and film screenings. Visitors can explore the temple and participate in free weekly guided tours led by volunteer docents who provide insightful commentary. Each tour lasts approximately two hours, making it an ideal activity for those with ample time.
Soon, hunger pangs set in, and my fellow travelers suggested we head to Maxwell Food Centre, conveniently located just across from the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
We crossed the street and entered from this side. This will be the back entrance.
The food court is quite hot as there is no air conditioning, only ceiling fans. The roof may also be a factor. However, there are many restaurants, and while the condition is not new, it is acceptable. We did not research dining options in this area as we assumed we could find something affordable.
My fellow travelers pointed out this Hainanese chicken rice shop, saying it was a famous place with a lot of buzz. Everyone wanted to try it, and the line was very long. Since I was already craving Hainanese chicken rice, I decided to join the queue and see what all the fuss was about.
The price tag indicates sizes S, M, and L. However, the price for size S is obscured by old paper with faint coin marks: 3 coins for S, 5 coins for M, and 7 coins for L.
We ordered a size S, and the cashier quickly said, "We don't have size S, only M," and returned the change to our hand with equal speed. We didn't even have time to say whether we wanted it or not...
The chicken rice arrived quickly. It looked similar to the Thai version, except for the dipping sauce. I had expected it to be served with the rice and chicken separate, as I had seen in pictures, but it came out like this. Maybe I need to order the L size to get it that way? I have to say, it wasn't delicious at all! For those who like Thai food and strong flavors like me, you might not like it as much as I did. But if you prefer food with a milder taste, you might enjoy it. It's a matter of personal preference, I guess. But I think it's because tourists keep recommending it to each other. Everyone wants to try this restaurant because it has so many reviews and even a Michelin star (according to Singapore's standards / More about Michelin Star: http://travel.sanook.com/1396025/). There are many other chicken rice stalls, and most people wouldn't buy from another stall to compare the taste after finishing their plate. I felt a little disappointed when I paid the bill, haha. In the end, I paid 5 dollars.
The duck rice for $3.50 from the trip participant looks even more delicious.
The craving for sweets followed, so I walked around looking at fruit stalls. The prices were quite expensive. Almost all fruit stalls in Singapore sell fruits in pre-cut pieces like this.
After browsing a few dessert shops, I decided to stop at this one.
I ordered a dish that looked like tau huay, but only realized there was shaved ice in it after I paid.
This dessert is barely sweet and comes with a small portion for 1.5 dollars. Living in Thailand is the best, especially when it comes to food. There's no shortage of options, and you can find any flavor you desire. Plus, the prices are much more affordable.
We then walked out the same way to cross back to the Wat Phra Kaew side and walked into the alley next to the temple.
There are many shops selling souvenirs, including colorful "Kai Oh" chickens.
This leads to the "ChainaTown Complex" located behind the Wat Phra Kaew temple.
This three-story building houses a fresh market on the ground floor, a variety of shops selling household goods on the first floor, and a food court on the top floor.
I highly recommend dining here. Not only are the prices generally lower, but there is also a wider variety of restaurants to choose from. The ambiance is more upscale, and the food looks delicious. Additionally, the restaurant has fans, so it's not stiflingly hot. If I wasn't already full, I would definitely try more dishes! Everything looks so tempting, even though I'm already quite satisfied. However, I can't eat anymore...
This candy store looks interesting. The prices seem reasonable and the selection is diverse.
This street leads to Chinatown Food Street.
This street has a dim sum restaurant that is not too expensive. At first, I was hesitant to go in because I was still full, but when I wanted to eat again, I could only find expensive restaurants. Therefore, if you want to eat dim sum, I recommend coming to this restaurant. As for the taste, I don't know, but I can tell you that the restaurant is always full.
Let's explore the culinary delights of Chinatown Food Street.
The area is quite crowded, with numerous restaurants of various sizes. However, the prices are not particularly affordable.
As I strolled along, I came across a zone selling a wide variety of fruits. Many of the fruits available in Singapore are similar to those found in Thailand, with few exotic offerings.
Strolling through the bustling streets of Chinatown, one can't help but be enveloped by the distinct atmosphere. The sights, sounds, and smells evoke a sense of cultural immersion, reminiscent of similar enclaves in Thailand or Yaowarat. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that Yaowarat exudes a more profound aura of Chinese community life.
Next, we stopped by to check out the sweet pork, a popular snack in this area. From what we saw, this shop was the cheapest. It's located near the entrance of the Chinatown MRT station.
We then entered Chinatown Station to continue our journey to our next destination.
Get off at Chinatown station and take the train to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, the luxurious shopping mall in front of the ship-shaped building or in front of Marina Bay Sands itself. Get off at Bay Front station and walk up into the mall.
The interior of this mall is very luxurious...
Let's continue our walk to the front of the shopping mall by the marina. This side also offers a wide view of the other side.
The dual microphones provide a clearer view of the theater stage.
Some people come to this square to ride their bikes.
Some couples come here for pre-wedding photoshoots.
After a short walk, one of our fellow travelers suddenly suggested, "There's a legal casino here. Want to check it out?" Honestly, I had no desire to go. It didn't interest me, and I genuinely dislike such establishments. I've never gambled, never bought a lottery ticket, and haven't even tried playing cards, which many people enjoy. So, the idea of entering a casino... Oh, my God! However, sometimes we find ourselves in situations where we don't want to go somewhere, but our companions do. So, I figured, why not take a quick look and see what it's all about?...
All belongings must be checked in at the baggage counter before entering. Only wallets, money, and passports are permitted inside.
You will then need to queue to enter the inner area. An officer will check at the first checkpoint whether you have deposited your belongings and are carrying your passport. You will then proceed to another checkpoint where an officer will check your passport and allow you to enter.
The casino was filled with a variety of gaming machines, some familiar and others completely new. Each machine had an attendant, some of whom were seated. Our fellow travelers informed us that these were the "dealers." We continued to observe others playing with grim expressions until we reached a particular machine. We stopped to watch others play for a while, and then our companions decided they wanted to try their luck. We figured, why not? It was just a matter of guessing colors and numbers. Initially, we were about to insert a bill into the machine, but thankfully, we only used coins. We ended up losing 7 coins, which amounted to 175 baht. That's enough for a decent meal! We stopped there and continued exploring. A staff member approached us offering drinks. We noticed a beverage station with soft drinks, bottled water, hot coffee, and hot cocoa. We decided to stay in that area and indulged in several drinks. We figured the money we lost earlier could be considered the cost of the beverages. Haha!
Let's continue our walk. On the lowest level, there is a canal where you can enjoy a boat ride with a boatman.
A waterfall cascades down from a half-circle sculpture suspended from the ceiling. From above the mall, the sculpture appears as a solid, opaque half-circle. However, when viewed from below, it becomes a transparent mirror, revealing the people above.
From here, we continue to Garden by the Bay. Garden by the Bay is a magnificent waterfront garden with various zones that are free to visit. Only some zones have an entrance fee. The highlight is the Supertree Grove, which consists of 18 trees, reaching a height of 25-50 meters, or about 16 floors. They are visible from afar and will be lit up in the evening with a light and sound show called Garden Rhapsody. (For more information, see point 1 in this link: http://gowithampth.com/13-ที่เที่ยวสิงคโปร์
Let's study the route before we start walking.
For those who prefer not to walk, a Garden Cruiser Trail tour is available. Adults are charged 5 dollars, while children under 12 years old are charged 3 dollars.
As I walked along the path, I couldn't help but admire the scenery. From this vantage point, I could see the Singapore Flyer, a giant Ferris wheel, in the distance.
There are also orange coconut trees.
Come and admire the beauty of the Supertrees during the day.
To access the upper level, an entrance fee is required.
Tickets can be purchased nearby.
And then walk to the entrance, right here.
We continued our leisurely stroll along the path, admiring the birds and the lush greenery.
Let's also stop to admire the view of Marina Bay Sands from behind.
Children are having fun playing in the water at the Children's Garden.
As I walked along, I came across a familiar-looking tree. Ah, it's a jujube tree! Seeing it made me crave jujubes.
Let's sit and wait for a while before it gets dark so we can go see the light show. My travel companion went to look at the drinks shop because they wanted a Coke, and then came back and said, "It's expensive, let's not drink it." Okay, okay, we're both thrifty, so we'll understand each other on this, haha.
With ample time to spare, we opted for a leisurely stroll instead of remaining idle. Hoping to encounter something novel and intriguing, we stumbled upon the Sala flower.
This is the fruit of the Shorea robusta tree. The fruit is round and large.
The sign beneath the tree reads "Cannonball Tree".
Looking around, I caught sight of something that resembled a giant sausage, or perhaps a giant tamarind. Or maybe it was something else entirely.
Reading the sign beneath the tree, I discovered its name: the "Sausage Tree"!
And the beautiful purple flowers hang down in clusters like this.
As I walked, I came across a giant white statue of a child lying on its back. It was enormous!
I came across a white ruellia flower. I usually only see blue ones, but this one is white.
As dusk approached, they continued their walk until they found themselves back at the same spot.
Checking the time, they realized the show wasn't about to start anytime soon. So they decided to sit down and relax. Suddenly, the sky grew dark and rain began to pour down...
As the rain began to subside but had not yet stopped, I decided to take another walk through the Supertree Grove to wait for the light and sound show. I enjoyed taking photos while using my raincoat to shield both the camera and my head from the remaining drizzle.
The show was scheduled to start at 7:45 PM, but it didn't. Three minutes passed, then five minutes, and the rain started to fall harder. Suddenly, an announcement came over the loudspeaker that no one wanted to hear: "Due to the rain, the show cannot be performed. Electronic equipment may be damaged." We were devastated! Were we going to miss the show we had been waiting for all day? What could we do? We had to leave with everyone else, as the rain showed no signs of stopping. Our cameras were soaked, and we were worried that they would get moldy. Oh, no!
As the rain began to subside again, we stopped to capture the surrounding scenery before waving goodbye. Until next time, Gardens by the Bay.
Capture the Singapore Flyer in your photos.
Turning back, I glanced at the Supertree one last time. A large, round moon was slowly rising above it, even more beautiful than any camera could capture.
Returning to The Shoppes, we captured another glimpse of the mall's interior at night.
Hunger pangs struck quickly, and finding an affordable restaurant proved challenging. The food court downstairs was prohibitively expensive, but after some searching, I stumbled upon another food court with more reasonable prices.
I ordered a set meal with chicken soup, plain rice, and fried dumplings, which was quite a lot for 9.2 dollars. I also ordered an extra plain rice for 1 dollar (which is a bit expensive, 25 baht). That was enough to fill me up.
Next, walk out to watch the light and sound show at the front courtyard.
Wonder Full – Light & Water Spectacular is Southeast Asia's grandest light, sound, and water show, featuring laser beams, white spotlights, 9 high-definition video projectors, a 2,000-square-meter water curtain, 250,000 LED lights, and a surround sound system.
This performance has been awarded the Best New Tourist Attraction by the ASEAN Tourism Forum. The performance consists of two parts:
1. A 3D water fountain show projecting images, text, and stories onto a water screen with accompanying music.
2. A dazzling light and sound show illuminates the Marina Bay Sands building, with lasers shooting from the rooftop shaped like a ship, accompanied by a musical score.
Standing on the Jubilee Bridge near Merlion Park, I witnessed a spectacular light show. From afar, I saw beams of light emanating from the water and lasers shooting out from the Marina Bay Sands' ship-shaped structure. The display was already impressive from a distance, but up close, it was truly breathtaking. Singapore is a city of dazzling lights and sounds. Despite the light drizzle, the show continued uninterrupted. The audience, captivated by the performance, remained seated or standing, with only a few individuals leaving. I had to turn off my camera and use my phone to record the mesmerizing spectacle.
Following the impressive performance, we head to the Helix Bridge, a pedestrian bridge connecting Marina Bay Sands to the Singapore Flyer. This bridge is another beautiful spot, with people constantly stopping by to capture its beauty. It's also a popular location for pre-wedding photoshoots.
Exhausted and unwilling to venture further, we decided to return to our accommodation. Taking the bus to the Gelang district, a craving for dessert struck, but nothing seemed appealing. I reminisced fondly about the sweet treats and shaved ice desserts back home. Haha! Wandering around, we ended up back at the Indian restaurant where we were overcharged on our first day. The allure of roti proved too strong to resist!
However, the roti here is different from the roti in Thailand. It does not have condensed milk and sugar sprinkled on it. We sat looking at the menu, wondering which menu item would be a dessert that could satisfy our sweet tooth. Suddenly, we saw that there was roti with chocolate sauce, so we ordered it. Before ordering, we double-checked the price to make sure it matched the price on the menu (we didn't want to be cheated again!). But when the roti was served, um... what is this black stuff? There was also curry with it... >< No wonder we saw a glimpse of something black being spread on the dough before it was fried. We didn't think it would be ours, haha! But!! When we tried it, oh... it was actually pretty good. Although it wasn't very sweet and was a bit dry, it helped to satisfy our sweet tooth a little.
Day 4: Explore the shopping streets, buy souvenirs, and head home.
No major plans for today. I checked out of the room around noon and walked to the end of the alley to catch a bus from the other side. I came across a restaurant at the mouth of Soi Kelang 12 (I forgot to take a picture of the front of the shop ><).
The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes. (Based on Google Street View, it appears to have previously been a Thai restaurant.) Ultimately, we decided to order the same dish we had enjoyed the previous day, the Nasi Lemak, which costs SGD 3.50 per serving. It was truly delicious! If you're visiting Singapore, be sure to try this dish. It's affordable and highly recommended.
After a satisfying meal, we took a bus to Orchard Road, a renowned shopping haven. The street was teeming with department stores, especially during the Great Singapore Sale 2017 (June 9th to August 13th, 2017). Every store displayed enticing discounts, making it a paradise for shopaholics. However, I remained indifferent, lacking the urge to indulge in excessive shopping. Therefore, I had no trouble controlling my spending during our outing.
Walking past Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (with several branches), the restaurant was packed. The prices weren't cheap either. I might as well go back and eat it in Thailand. After all, the taste of many dishes in Singapore doesn't really suit the Thai palate, especially for those who enjoy food with strong flavors. Personally, I'm not too concerned about famous food because everyone's taste buds are different, right? (I already fell for a famous chicken rice shop in Chinatown once, haha!)
We strolled around, occasionally stopping to admire the clothes in eye-catching stores, but didn't buy anything. Then we popped into a toy store, which had a vast selection of toys. We had a blast trying them out.
I planned to visit the ION Sky observation deck atop ION Orchard mall, but unfortunately, it's currently closed for renovations until October of this year. Oh well, it wasn't meant to be this time around. Haha!
We ventured outside and came across an ice cream cart with a crowd gathered around it. We decided to join the crowd and see what all the fuss was about.
This is an ice cream sandwich. You can choose to have it with soft or crispy bread. Each one costs 1.2 dollars.
Walking around caused unbearable calf pain, so we decided to stop by Lucky Plaza. This place is full of snacks and souvenirs. The Toblerone chocolate at the entrance is the cheapest we've found, and we ended up spending 9 dollars there. The interior of each floor feels like a mall for the lower to middle class, but I think it's worth a visit. There are a lot of snacks! Our travel companion also bought another Coke for 1 dollar.
After a long day of exploring, we headed back to the airport. On the way to the train, we saw a sign advertising special privileges for JCB cardholders. We remembered that we had one too! One of the most interesting offers was a free Japanese food set at TGM Restaurant in Terminal 2 of Incheon Airport and the JCB Lounge in Terminal 1. We completely forgot about it, otherwise we would have waited for our travel companions in the lounge on the way here. Oh well, missed opportunity! Haha! On the way back, we had to board our flight at Terminal 2 anyway, so we decided to go to the TGM Restaurant in Terminal 2 for convenience.
Upon arrival at the airport, we went to the EZ Link counter to request a refund of the remaining balance on the card. We got back 4.8 dollars each! Then we went through immigration and checked in.
Then find your way to TGM TGM Japanese Korean Cuisine, located at Departure Transit Lounge Level 3.
Upon arrival at the restaurant, present your JCB card and passport to the staff and inquire about available benefits.
The staff will present a menu, from which you can choose one set meal.
Please translate:
No need to order anything else. Just wait inside the restaurant for a short while, and everything will be served to your table, as if you were a regular customer.
"The food was delicious... I must say, it was a delicious and free dinner. The best part? My travel companions, who didn't have JCB cards, were waiting outside, enjoying McDonald's. ^^"
After enjoying a delicious meal, proceed inside to check in and wait for your return journey home.
Total expenses for this trip are as follows:
Thank you for reading. See you again on the next trip. Goodbye. ^^
GowithAmp
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 11:24 AM
