SINGAPORE: Explore and Relax Together


"Singapore" is a country at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It is a small territory that many people hope to visit someday, or it is one of the first countries for backpackers to venture out into the world, as it is close to Thailand. The country's small size makes it ideal for a first-time adventure.

After visiting Taiwan, Japan, Laos, and Indonesia, I had no interest in visiting Singapore. I thought it was a small country with nothing interesting to offer besides Universal Studios, Marina Bay, and Merlion. However, my opinion changed after seeing reviews of Singapore's hidden gems. I decided to explore this small island and see what it has to offer.

CHAPTER I Introduction

The Singapore trip was an impromptu one. I never expected to go there so soon, and it wasn't even on my list of "places I want to visit." However, I suddenly had the thought, "I should really visit all the ASEAN countries." Singapore was a good option since it's close to Thailand and wouldn't require many vacation days.

This trip to Singapore, I booked flights and accommodation through the well-known agent website EXPEDIA. The price was quite satisfactory at 12,894.40 baht (approximately 6447.20 baht per person). The cost breakdown is as follows:

1. Round-trip airfare (Tiger Air): 7,452 baht (3,726 baht per person)

2. Hotel KAI accommodation for 3 days and 2 nights: 5442.4 baht (2721.20 baht per person)

Although the price is not the cheapest, booking on such short notice is still acceptable.


This trip to Singapore was a great opportunity to fly Tigerair, which departs from Suvarnabhumi Airport. However, if you are flying to Taiwan (Taipei), you must depart from Don Mueang Airport. Don't get confused! At Suvarnabhumi, the Tigerair counter is located near Gate L. The departure time was also quite convenient, with the flight departing at 8:40 AM.


After checking in, we are ready to wait for our flight.


The starting point at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the pride of all Thai people (mentioned in every review).


This trip to Singapore was booked through Expedia, and the cheapest promotion price went to Tiger Airways. When I booked, I remember booking through Tiger Airways, and then Scoot sent me a confirmation email, so I was confused for a moment. I did some research and found out that Tiger Airways merged with Scoot in July 2017. Therefore, during my trip in late May, I was able to check my tickets on both Scoot and Tiger Airways websites. (Just telling you)

Eating and traveling are in the same story.

King Power Lounge is now available for King Power members and two accompanying guests. Previously, King Power Lounges were only located in Concourse A, while Tiger Airways gates were in Concourses E or F, requiring a long walk. However, King Power has opened a new lounge in Concourse E, making it more convenient for passengers regardless of their airline's location.


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This is a picture of the King Power Lounge at Concourse E in the early morning. It is relatively quiet and there are not many people around. (This was taken on May 31, 2017.)

CHAPTER II: On the Matter of Cards in Singapore

To facilitate convenient travel, shopping, or a worry-free single-card lifestyle in Singapore, I will introduce two familiar card options:

1. Singapore Tourist Pass


The SINGAPORE TOURIST PASS is a travel card primarily designed for use in Singapore. It can be used on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and public buses. The card is available in 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day options, priced at SGD 10, SGD 16, and SGD 20, respectively. **It is important to note that these prices do not include a SGD 10 deposit.** The deposit will be refunded upon returning the card within the specified timeframe. If the card is not returned within the timeframe, it will be converted to an EZ-link card.

(Note: This card cannot be used on Sentosa Island.)

Website: The Singapore Tourist Pass

2. Ez . link card


The next card is called the Ez-link card, similar to the Octopus card in Hong Kong. It can be used on the MRT, buses, and Sentosa Express. In addition to these functions, this card can also be used to make purchases at convenience stores. This card costs SGD 12 (SGD 5 for the card and SGD 7 for the stored value). The card deposit is non-refundable, but the remaining balance can be refunded.

Website: EZ link

Chapter III: Miscellaneous in Singapore Airport


Upon arriving at Singapore immigration, I was dressed in casual shorts. The immigration officer didn't ask any questions. While waiting for the officer to check my passport, I took out this item.

The lollipops at Singapore Immigration are delicious, so don't forget to grab one and enjoy!


CHAPTER IV: Tourist Attractions in Singapore, Both SEEN and Unseen

RED DOT DESIGN MUSEUM

A distinctive red-hued architectural landmark near the Maxwell Food Centre, this Red Dot is one of only three in the world, the others being located in Germany and Taipei (Taiwan).

Directions: Take the MRT to Tanjong Pagar Station (EW15) and exit via Exit B. Walk straight ahead and you will see the red building.

Maxwell Food Centre

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The next stop after the Red Dot Design Museum is the famous Maxwell Food Centre, where many Thai people come to try the Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice. I was one of them, eager to taste this renowned dish.

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, Maxwell Branch

The atmosphere at Maxwell Food Centre around 4 pm was eerily quiet. Many stalls were already closed. When I arrived at the Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall, there were only about 6-7 people in line. However, after we ordered our food and sat down to eat, I turned around and saw a long queue! (smiles triumphantly)


The long-awaited Singaporean chicken rice has finally arrived. To be honest, I prefer chicken with more moisture, but I do enjoy the dipping sauce with fermented soybeans.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

A short walk from Maxwell Food Centre, you will find the renowned Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a popular pilgrimage site for Thai people visiting Singapore.


Admission to Wat Phra Kaew is free of charge.


Chinatown

After exiting Wat Phra Kaew, everyone will enter Chinatown. Anyone who comes here can use the free Wi-Fi in this area. I tried it myself and it was decent. Many people also go to the Sea Wheel shop in this area to buy tickets for various attractions. (I recommend this as well, as you can get slightly cheaper prices.)


Travel Tips for Exploring China Town

Original Text:

ทริคการเดินทางละแวก China Town

There are two routes for traveling around Chinatown:

First Path

>> Take the MRT to China Town station. Then walk from China Town to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Maxwell Food Centre, and Red Dot Design Museum. Finally, take the MRT from Tanjong Pagar station.

Route 2

This route is the opposite of the first route. Take the MRT to Tanjong Pagar Station, then visit the Red Dot Design Museum, Maxwell Food Centre, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and Chinatown. You can then take the MRT from China Town Station.

For those heading to Sea Wheel, be aware that it's not located within the main Chinatown area. To find it, you'll need to walk a bit further. The exact location is available for your reference.

The following is a translation of the provided text from Thai to English:

Getting to Sea Wheel Travel

1. Take the MRT to Chinatown Station.

2. Walk to the intersection of Upper Cross Street and Eu Tong Sen Street.

3. Look for the People's Park Centre building, which is a cream and red building.

4. Take the escalator or elevator to the 3rd floor. Look for a shop with a green light and the words "SEA WHEEL TRAVEL PTE LTD". This mall has a layout similar to Pantip Pratunam, with a central atrium that goes all the way down to the ground floor. The shop is located inside the atrium. If you can't find it, try walking around for a few minutes. You should find it within 5 minutes.

The following is a translation of the provided text from Thai to English:

As the sun began to set over Chinatown, it was time to move on to explore other areas.

Bugis Street

From my accommodation near Bugis, on the second day I will travel to the Tree Tunnel, or Fort Canning Park, which is currently popular among Thai people.

Fort Canning Park, Singapore


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This public park is currently gaining popularity among Thais due to its resemblance to a tree tunnel, making it an ideal location for photography, especially for pre-wedding shoots by Singaporean couples.

Recommendations

- Fort Canning Park: If you want to avoid crowds, it's recommended to visit early in the morning when there are fewer people. When I went, I only saw about 3 groups of Thai people, each arriving on different airlines, including Tiger Air, AirAsia, and Lion Air.

Travel

- MRT Dhoby Ghaut (Red, Purple, Yellow Lines)


Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Subsequently, another popular destination for Thai tourists seeking trendy and relaxing photo opportunities or a glimpse of Singaporean students is Nanyang Technological University (NTU). This prestigious university consistently ranks among the world's best, placing 13th globally in 2017 (QS World University Rankings) and 2nd in Asia, behind only the National University of Singapore.

In 2018, the university was ranked 11th, moving up two places. This made it the top-ranked university in Asia. As a result, we made sure to visit the university.

ADM Building (School of Art, Design and Media))

A Glimpse into the ADM Building: A Heart of Art, Design, and Media

Many who have read reviews are curious about the building in question. The answer is the Faculty of Art, Design, and Media, or ADM for short. The building itself is made of glass, and when viewed directly, it vaguely resembles a heart shape. The walkways within the university are paved with blue asphalt, creating a unique aesthetic that is perfect for an evening run.

The Hive Building, or as it is known in Thai, the Dim Sum Building.

The building's exterior resembles stacked dim sum baskets, making it a popular tourist attraction for photography. It serves as both an educational center and an energy-focused facility.

Traveling to Nanyang Technological University

  • Take the MRT to Boon Lay Station (Green Line). The university is located outside the city.

- Upon arrival at Boon Lay Station, follow the signs for the Bus Terminal. Board bus route 179, which will take you directly to the university campus. The bus route enters the university grounds, as shown in the image below.

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Holland Drive Food Centre

After visiting the university, it was time to grab a bite to eat. While riding the train to Boon Lay station, we noticed a food court. We discussed trying it out, especially since we were using our Singapore Tourists card. So, after exploring the university, we decided to stop by and check it out.


168 ROAST SPECIALIST

Upon arriving at the Holland Food Centre, my senior and I decided to have duck rice (being fans of chicken rice and duck rice, the fat content goes without saying). After browsing the menu for a while, we decided to order roasted duck rice with crispy pork. As I started to order in English, I accidentally used the wrong pronunciation, which led me to exclaim in Thai. The uncle heard me and said, "Just speak Thai, I understand." I was surprised and ended up ordering in Thai. It was fun and I got the right order!


The order finally arrived: a generous portion of duck and crispy pork rice, accompanied by chicken feet soup. While the soup lacked the typical Thai seasoning and was rather bland, it was still enjoyable.

Directions to Holland Food Centre

  • Take the MRT to Buona Vista station (yellow and green lines)

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CHAPTER V: Tourist Attractions in Singapore: A SEEN Perspective

Having explored both Chinatown and a world-renowned university outside the city, it's now time to follow the itinerary of many travelers: the Marina district.

Marina Area Trip Program

After visiting a world-renowned university in Asia and grabbing a bite to eat at Holland Drive, it's time to explore the Marina Bay area. For this part of the trip, I've planned the following:

MRT Marina Bay Station >>> Marina Barrage >> Gardens by the Bay >> Marina Bay Sands >> Helix Bridge >> Fountain of Wealth >> End of Day 2

Marina Barrage

Travel

- Take the MRT to Marina Bay Station and follow the signs to Marina Barrage. Cross the road to Marina Financial Centre and wait for bus number 100. Take the bus to the final stop, Marina Barrage.

- Bus number 100 will also pass by Garden By the Bay.


The highlight of this reservoir is that, in addition to its primary functions of water storage and flood prevention, the top of the dam structure also serves as a public park for Singaporeans to relax and unwind. In the evenings, young Singaporeans gather to play, chat, and fly kites. Standing on the lawn, one can see a panorama of Singapore's landmarks, including Marina Bay Sands, Garden By The Bay, Forest Dome, and the Singapore Flyer. Therefore, this location is a must-visit.



Recommendations

- For Marina Barrage, it is recommended to visit in the late afternoon when the sun is about to set, as the sun will not be as strong. You can also walk to Gardens by the Bay from there.


GARDENS BY THE BAY

After purchasing tickets for the Flower Dome and Forest Dome at the Sea Wheel in Chinatown, I discovered that my tickets also included access to the OCBC SKYWALK. The ticket prices are as follows:

  • Admission to 2 domes: 18 SGD (Note: Regular price for 2 domes is 28 SGD)

- Admission to OCBC SKY WAY at Supertree Grove: SGD 6 (Note: Regular price for this section is SGD 8)

The first dome I visited was the CLOUD FOREST, which houses the world's tallest indoor waterfall. I won't dwell on this attraction, as it is a must-see on every review.

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The second dome, known as the FLOWER DOME, houses a diverse collection of cacti, succulents, and flowers. Throughout the year, the dome hosts various themed events. During my visit, the dome was adorned with a stunning display of blue flowers (if memory serves me correctly).


The atmosphere during my visit was adorned with blue and purple flower decorations. After viewing the exhibition, I exited the dome as the sun began to set. I took a short break to rest and then headed towards the Supertrees.

Supertree Grove (OCBC Skyway)

As dusk settled, we strolled leisurely from the Flower Dome, our steps echoing in the quiet. The Supertrees illuminated the night sky with their vibrant glow, while the iconic Marina Bay Sands building cast its shimmering reflection upon the water. The cityscape transformed into a breathtaking spectacle, showcasing the city's architectural marvels and vibrant nightlife.


The following is a translation of the provided text:

As we queued to go up to the OCBC SKYWAY, the trees began to put on a beautiful light and sound show. It was truly a sight to behold.


The breathtaking view from the OCBC SKYWAY, captured on a mobile phone, showcases the beauty of the Bolger. After admiring the Supertree Grove, a leisurely stroll along the DNA Bridge provided a picturesque setting.

A nighttime view of the bridge connecting the Supertree Grove to the iconic Marina Bay Sands building is just as stunning as the daytime view. However, it remains unclear whether the day trip involved walking all day.


After wandering aimlessly, I arrived at the Helix Bridge, where I was greeted by the stunning sight and iconic symbols of the nitrogenous bases A, C, G, and T. My mind was instantly flooded with biological knowledge. As I neared the end of the bridge, I came across a renowned Singaporean ice cream cart, a must-try for any visitor. My senior and I ordered a durian ice cream wafer, which cost SGD 1.20 per piece. The dessert was so satisfying that we were completely full.


The day's journey culminated at the well-known Fountain of Wealth, but be warned, it's quite a walk. In fact, some people prefer to walk all the way from the dam to the city center rather than use the card.

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Singapore's renowned Bak Kut Teh restaurant, SONG FA

When visiting Singapore, one of the must-try dishes besides chicken rice and ice cream is bak kut teh. Due to limited time, I visited a restaurant well-known among Thais, SONG FA BAK KUT TEH.

The branch I visited is located at 11 New Road, which is the first branch. However, another branch, number 17, is located just two buildings away on the same street. Branch 11 opens early at 9:00 AM, while branch 17 opens at 11:00 AM. The food is delicious.

Website: https://www.songfa.com.sg/

Travel:

- Take the MRT and get off at Clark Quay Station.


Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI)

A short walk from the Bak Kut Teh restaurant at 11 House Number will lead you to the Clan Key area. As you reach the intersection, you will encounter a building with colorful windows. This building houses the Singapore Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI), which has recently gained popularity among Thai tourists.

Apple Orchard Road

APPLE ORCHARD ROAD, ORCHARD ROAD

The first Apple Store in Southeast Asia, which officially opened on May 27, 2017, is located in the heart of the Orchard Road shopping district. Plans are underway to open a branch in Thailand in the near future. This branch has two floors:

  • Floor 1: Displays and sells Apple products.
  • Floor 2: Features a Castana stone staircase, a prominent architectural feature of Apple Orchard Road, and an activity area, learning space, and after-sales service.


Castana Stone Carved Staircase

Travel

  • Take the MRT Red Line and get off at Somerset Station, turn left. Alternatively, get off at Orchard Station and turn right. Walk along Orchard Road and you will find Apple Orchard Road.

Merlion


** **

Visiting the land of Lod Chong, apart from experiencing the architecture and food, one thing that will confirm that you have fully visited Singapore is visiting the Merlion. The main point where many people will visit this symbol is at Marina Bay.


The joyous journey has finally come to an end, marking the conclusion of my first trip to Singapore. This 3-day, 2-night adventure has left me with a desire to explore more of this vibrant city, both the well-known and the hidden gems. My future plans include visiting an island accessible by boat from Singapore to Indonesia, as well as another island near Malaysia. However, as this was my first visit to Singapore, I prioritized exploring the mainland. I invite you to follow my travel reviews of other countries as I continue to explore the vastness of our world.

"The world is vast, so let us travel."

#singapore 🇸🇬
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