Singapore Weekend Getaway: 2 Days, 2 Nights + Universal Studios Singapore (Photo-Heavy)

Q: Where are you going this weekend?

A: SINGAPORE.

The response left the questioner speechless, and it was interesting to see a different side to my colleagues at work.

Is it worth going for 2 days?

The advantages depend on your perspective. For me, the benefits include easy flight bookings, the ability to travel any week, consistently low ticket prices, and reduced accommodation costs. While traveling for multiple nights allows for extensive sightseeing, it also incurs significant expenses, particularly for lodging.

This trip's main goal is to visit Universal Studios Singapore. So, I started researching by booking tickets. I was aiming for a long weekend to maximize my time there, but the ticket prices were too high. After planning and adjusting, if I wanted both affordability and good timing, I was left with only 2 days. Well, in that case, I don't need to go during a long weekend, right? Now, I'm spoilt for choice, not knowing which week to go.

Things to Know About Singapore

1. The exchange rate is approximately 25 Thai baht to 1 Singapore dollar (SGD). Smaller denominations include the cent, with 100 cents equaling 1 SGD.

2. Public transportation is convenient (MRT-Bus-Taxi), but there is a lot of walking involved. Wear sneakers for comfort.

3. Electrical outlets differ from those in our country, so it is necessary to bring an adapter.

4. Drinking water: At the airport and USS, there are water dispensers. If you buy water, don't throw away the bottle. You can refill it because drinking water in Singapore is expensive, but some places offer it for free.

5. Raincoat or umbrella: As rain can fall at any time, it is a natural phenomenon in equatorial countries.

6. In a country with diverse ethnicities, languages, and religions, we see a wide variety of temples. However, the most commonly used languages are English and Chinese, based on my observations.

7. Offline map app: Maps.me for those who didn't buy a SIM card like me.

Travel

This trip's primary goal is to visit Universal Studio Singapore, as a full day is required to make the most of the ticket price.

The rough plan is as follows:

Day 0:

• Finished work and went to the airport.
• Slept at Changi Airport from 2:20 AM.
• Departed via MRT at 5:30 AM.

Day 1: Merlion - Universal Studios Singapore - Gardens by the Bay - Istay.inn Hostel.

Day 2: Chinatown - Buddha Tooth Relic Temple - Fort Canning Park Tunnel - Marina Bay Sands.

This passage describes the author's experience traveling abroad as a novice and encourages readers to do the same, regardless of their English proficiency. The author emphasizes that language barriers should not deter individuals from exploring new cultures and emphasizes the personal growth that can be gained from such experiences.

Here is a more formal translation:

This article delves into the author's personal experience traveling abroad as a novice, highlighting the transformative nature of such journeys. The author encourages readers, even those with limited English proficiency, to embrace the opportunity to explore new cultures and overcome language barriers. The article emphasizes that personal growth and self-discovery can be achieved through such immersive experiences, regardless of one's linguistic abilities.

Thai - Singapore

Located near Suvarnabhumi Airport, traveling to Don Mueang Airport can be quite hectic and requires careful consideration of traffic conditions. Traveling on a Friday, it is highly likely to encounter traffic congestion. I booked a Scoot flight departing at 22:45, which provided ample time to travel after work. However, I was still concerned about arriving on time, as it is recommended to arrive at the airport for check-in approximately 2 hours before departure. I opted for the free Suvarnabhumi Airport Shuttle Bus to Don Mueang Airport. Upon presenting my boarding pass, I received a stamp on my arm indicating that my ticket had been checked. The shuttle bus departed at 19:00, leaving me with some time to spare. I decided to exchange currency at Super Rich. While I was not overly concerned about the exchange rate, as the difference would likely be in the hundreds, I exchanged 410 SGD for 2 people.

The traffic was heavy, taking a full 2 hours to reach the airport. On a normal day, it would take about 1 hour. Upon arrival, we immediately checked in to avoid wasting time. We then waited at the gate. The boarding pass indicates the boarding time, which means we should be at the gate by then. Therefore, it's important to arrive early to clear immigration. There are separate lines for Thai and foreign nationals. Currently, the process is automated. Simply scan your passport, take a photo, and scan your fingerprints. Next, they will check power banks, liquids, electronic devices, watches, belts, and jackets. The same procedure applies upon departure, except they won't speak Thai.

On the plane, the staff will distribute immigration forms for you to fill out before arrival, in case you want to expedite your exit from the airport. If you have checked luggage, hurry up because your bags will be outside immigration. For those who are not in a hurry, there is a writing area with documents and examples provided at immigration.

Changi Airport SINGAPORE

The Suvarnabhumi Airport has four terminals, with an MRT station located centrally. Follow the "Train to City" signs to reach the station. During my visit, I arrived at Terminal 2 and easily walked to the station. The airport offers various transportation options, including MRT, buses, taxis, and, of course, walking. While navigating the airport is straightforward, it involves considerable walking. Therefore, wearing comfortable shoes, such as sneakers, is highly recommended for extended periods of walking.

The plane landed at 2:20 PM, which is one hour ahead of Thailand time. The first MRT train was scheduled to depart at 5:30 AM, but it actually started running at 5:20 AM because tickets were being sold before the official start time. After getting off the plane, I went to the bathroom in the hallway and then got some water at the gate.

The text describes the experience of arriving at Singapore's Changi Airport and going through immigration.

Key points:

• There are desks available to fill out arrival cards before going through immigration.
• Free maps are available.
• Immigration officers may ask questions.
• It is recommended to have printed copies of your return ticket and accommodation booking.
• The atmosphere at the airport is not lonely, as there are many other passengers arriving on the same flight.
• The author slept on a sofa near the baggage claim area after clearing immigration.

This is the immigration checkpoint. You can pick up a map at the Tourist Information Center.

The back is the Immigration (Immogation).

I see some people sleeping on chairs like this. They're amazing.

If you see this bridge, it means you have arrived at MRT Changi. You can take the escalator down on either side of the bridge.

Ez-Link Card

There are two ways to purchase MRT tickets: through automated machines (dispensing daily tickets) or at the counter (for Ez-Link cards). Ez-Link cards cost $12, with $7 pre-loaded for immediate travel. The card is valid for 5 years and can be refunded. Top-ups are available in $10 increments. This card can be used on both buses and the MRT. (See website: https://www.ezlink.com.sg/) The card must have a minimum balance of $3 to access the MRT, as the fare is deducted upon exit. It is recommended to purchase an Ez-Link card as it offers cheaper fares per trip compared to regular tickets and eliminates the need to queue for tickets, which can be lengthy at times.

This is an Ez-Link card with a Star Wars design. I forgot to take a picture when I bought it.

This is the Ez-Link card sales counter.

Merlion

The first stop today is the Merlion. It's best to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the perfect photo from any angle. Additionally, it's conveniently located on the way to Chinatown. To get there, take the MRT Changi line and transfer at Tanjong Pagar. Continue to Raffles Place station and exit through Gate H. Walk along the river or cross to the hotel side. I recommend using the offline map app Maps.me, especially if you haven't activated roaming. (The Merlion spouts water at 7:20 AM.)

Singapore Rail Map

Click on the link to view a clear image of the MRT map. You can also check the fare and travel time in advance. Exiting the station is very easy, with station maps showing all exits (A, B, C, and D). It's simple and straightforward.

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iStay.inn Hostel ( Chinatown )

After taking photos of the Merlion, I went to the hostel to drop off my belongings.

Hostel: A Budget-Friendly Accommodation Option in Singapore

Hostels offer a unique and affordable accommodation option in Singapore, particularly for larger groups. These shared living spaces typically feature dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. While hostels may not offer the same level of privacy as hotels, they provide a cost-effective alternative, especially for groups of 8-10 people who can book an entire room for themselves. However, for smaller groups of 3-4 individuals, hotels might be a more suitable choice due to the convenience of private bathrooms.

Today, I walked from the Merlion to Chinatown. For me, it wasn't a long walk, especially while taking pictures. I arrived at the hostel and was told that check-in wasn't until 3 pm. That was fine with me, as I wasn't in a hurry. I left my belongings and explored the area. The hostel entrance is a bit small, and the easiest way to find it is to look for the mosque across the street. Inside, there's a combined reception and guest lounge, with a kitchen and seating area next to it. The atmosphere is relaxed. After sorting out the things I needed for the day, I headed out. It was breakfast time, so I stopped to grab a bite to eat.

NANYANG OLD COFFEE Shop

A short walk from my accommodation, I stumbled upon a striking red shop. Without any particular preference, I decided to give it a try. I ordered a coffee and pastry set, and let me tell you, the pastry was absolutely delicious! It was so good, I couldn't resist recommending it. The shop is easy to find, as it's a must-pass on the way to the temple. Located in the heart of Chinatown, exploring the area's landmarks is a breeze. Just wander around for a bit, and you'll find it in no time.

Universal Studios Singapore (USS)

After finishing our meal, we continued our journey by taking the MRT from China Town to Harbour Front at Vivocity building. To reach Santosa Island, which houses USS Casino, beaches, and the giant Merlion statue, we had three options: bus, Sky train, or walking. Walking was free and covered a distance of approximately 1 kilometer, which most people opted for. On the way back, we could take the Sky train for free. The walk was convenient, with escalators available almost the entire way. Upon reaching Santosa, we walked along the beach until we reached the globe on the left-hand side.

The walkway has sections with escalators, some of which are operational. This is already helpful, and the distance is also indicated.

Sentosa Island

Please provide the map and show times.

There are several ways to book Universal tickets. Some people choose to buy them at Seawheel (according to what I've read), which is said to be the cheapest option. However, I purchased mine through the Klook website for around 1600 baht because I didn't want to walk around looking for tickets, thinking the price wouldn't be that much different. It would also make us walk more. Once booked, you can print the document with the barcode to use as your entry ticket.

Minion Shop

SESAME

The burger joint was very generous with the portions, so much so that I could barely finish it all. It cost 23 SGD.

Their acting is superb, truly captivating.

The unique feature of Universal's Express Pass is that when you enter the queue for popular rides like Transformer, you will encounter a room designed for an endless queue. Once you enter, there is no turning back, you have to keep walking, but you will never reach the end. Haha, it's like a song.

Locker Storage at Universal Studios Singapore (USS)

This passage discusses the availability and security of locker storage options at Universal Studios Singapore (USS), specifically mentioning lockers located near the entrance to USS and the Mummy ride.

Key Points:

• Lockers are available both before the entrance to USS and near the entrance to the Mummy ride.
• The author did not personally use the lockers near the USS entrance.
• The lockers near the Mummy ride utilize fingerprint scanning for security and are considered safe.
• Due to high visitor traffic, it is recommended to minimize the amount of belongings stored in the lockers.

Additional Considerations:

• The cost of locker rental is not mentioned.
• The size and availability of lockers may vary depending on the location and time of day.
• It is advisable to check the official USS website or park information for the most up-to-date details on locker availability and usage.

Overall, the passage provides a brief overview of locker storage options at USS, highlighting the security features and recommending minimal storage due to high visitor traffic.

To maximize your experience at Universal Studios Singapore, consider purchasing an Express Pass. Due to the significant wait times for popular attractions, which can reach up to an hour, the Express Pass allows you to bypass the queues and save valuable time.

USS Review Only <<<<<< 5 stars for easy, convenient, and good experience.

★★★★★ : Easy to very easy to get to.

★★★★ : Good value for money, but not the cheapest option.

★★★★★ : The bathroom was clean, but the free drinking water was right in front of the bathroom, so I didn't dare to drink it. Haha.

---

★★★ : Sesame - Just so-so, I'm too old for this. Haha

★★★ : Madagascar is just okay, but the lighting is great.

★★★★★ : The Transformer show is the best I've seen. It's worth the ticket price just to see this show.

★★★★ : Puss in boots giant, thrilling in bursts

The Singaporean chicken rice is delicious. This set comes with a side dish. When buying rice here, it is divided into S, M, and L sizes. The price is usually based on the starting price they write.

This is a chicken rice shop.

Today, I planned to watch the light and sound show at Garden by the Bay, so I had to leave USS a little early. I arrived just in time. The show times are summarized below. However, after watching the show for a while, I fell asleep. I was exhausted from walking around all day, but it was a new and memorable experience. I've even slept under a tree before, haha.

After watching the Garden by the Bay show, if you want to see the Spectra Water Show at Marina Bay, it is recommended to take a detour or leave early due to the large crowds. Please plan your route carefully.

This is another show at the front of Marinabay. I'm too tired to watch it today, but I saw the fireworks through the fence. It's beautiful in a different way. P.S. I'm getting lost, haha.

Taking a quick stroll through Chinatown on my way to iStay.inn, which is located 800 meters from the MRT station.

The first day was brutal. My legs and back are killing me, and I don't even have the energy to pick up the coins I dropped.

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Day 2

Today's plan is to take photos, eat dim sum, walk around the temple in Chinatown, visit Fort Canning, and then go wherever we feel like going. We'll take it easy and not plan too much. We don't want to rush anything. We'll walk and sit down as needed.

Let's explore our accommodation: iStay.inn Hostel (Chinatown)

This place may appear small with a narrow entrance, but once inside, it resembles a labyrinth with numerous rooms. Amenities are complete, including hot water, air conditioning, clothes drying racks, clean beds, and a simple breakfast (as advertised on Agoda). The price is 600 baht per person. Another aspect I enjoyed was the decor; the artwork is striking, and the view from the dining area is fantastic. It's a great place to relax, although sharing a room with others can be a bit awkward.

Breakfast bread is a light snack. Most hostels require guests to be self-sufficient, meaning they need to prepare and clean up after themselves.

The dining area has a great design, but the clothes rack is a bit of an eyesore. It would be much cooler without it, haha.

Toast with jam and coffee for a light breakfast before the journey.

The sky is incredibly clear, perfect for a walk.

"Today, let's just relax and take a leisurely stroll."

The day the guests came to take pictures, they did not enter, they just passed by.

Another place I really wanted to try was the dim sum. It was delicious, but the price was a bit steep. The restaurant is located in Chinatown. Once you sit down, you don't need to order anything, as they will bring a cart around with various dishes. You can, however, request specific items. The crispy pork was particularly delicious. However, be aware that they charge for tea, hand towels, and peanuts. In other words, even before you start eating, you're already charged 7.2 SGD (approximately $49.9 USD).

This is a great feature! The menu clearly indicates the ingredients of each dish, including whether it contains spice, vegetables, or nuts.

After finishing my meal, it started to rain unexpectedly. Luckily, I had brought my raincoat, which came in handy. Haha!

Walked in the rain for no more than 5 minutes, the rain stopped, the sky is clear.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple - Chinatown

From what I can see, this place seems to be a collection of famous monks and teachers from other places. It's easy to get to and find, so I recommend checking it out. The interior is beautiful, and there's a sculpture I particularly like.

One incense stick

How should I interpret this image?

This is truly beautiful. I love it.

Across the street is a food court with a famous chicken rice stall, but we didn't stop to eat there. We had already eaten it yesterday, so I guess it would be the same. I've eaten at two different stalls before, and they were both the same.

I planned to visit the gallery, but it was closed on Sundays, so I came to sit and play at Pier No instead. Do you ever feel this way? Of course not!

Walk around to the back of the food court.

Wandering through the alleyways presents a plethora of opportunities to capture stunning photographs. By exploring these hidden corners, you may stumble upon unique perspectives and picturesque scenes that would otherwise remain undiscovered.

I decided to return to Chinatown to shop for souvenirs, as I didn't want to walk too far. However, most of the items were similar to what we have back home.

Fort Canning Park Tunnel

The text describes a confusing experience in which the author attempts to find a specific location in Singapore. They mention taking the MRT from Chinatown to Fort Canning station and searching for a tunnel where people take photos. Despite their efforts, they are unable to locate the tunnel and note that it is not marked on their map. They suggest that Dhoby Ghaut MRT station may be closer to the desired location.

The Hindu temple near Fort Canning appears more vibrant than the temple in Chinatown.

The amulet is very powerful.

This image effectively conveys the essence of Singapore. The country has cleverly designed its landscape to incorporate both concrete and natural jungles. Due to its limited land area, Singapore has optimized its space utilization. The diverse religious practices are also commendable. However, upon closer inspection, the buildings exhibit distinct architectural styles.

The tunnel looks like this from above. While I was taking pictures, a foreigner came up to me and asked what I was photographing. It was funny, because everyone taking pictures was Thai. But it is beautiful. There is a walkway and the background is covered by large trees.

A wide lens would be great, but my current camera is sufficient for now. Haha.

After taking photos, I had some free time and didn't know where to go. So I decided to visit Garden by the Bay during the day. Another recommended place is Haji Lane, a street with lots of street art. If you're interested, feel free to check it out. However, I didn't go there this time.

This is a picture of the exit from the Bayfront MRT station.

Cross the bridge to reach Marina Bay.

After walking for a while, I didn't find anything interesting, but I started to feel a little hungry, so I decided to go to the airport first.

This is the MRT Changi station below. Please check your flight terminal before leaving.

Refund at the Ticket Office, which has two ways.

We stopped for lunch at SORA restaurant, located at the airport. There is one entrance and one exit. Upon entering, the staff will provide you with a circular card that you can use to purchase food. You can then pay for your meal with the card at the exit. The food prices range from 200 to 500 Thai baht, and the portions are generous and worth the price.

Check-in was completed through the kiosk. Scoot only offers self check-in at Singapore Airport. It's convenient and fast, but you need to use the kiosk at Scoot's counter. I made a mistake and used the kiosk for another airline. I thought it was strange that it wasn't working. Haha.

The next step is to exchange all your coins before returning to Thailand, as they will not be accepted there. FYI = For Your Information. Regarding baggage inspection before boarding, it will be conducted at the gate, not at immigration. Therefore, please arrive early.

Summary of itinerary and total travel expenses

DAY TIME Activity SGD Baht FRI 17:50 Taxi: To Suvarnabhumi 127 18:30 Exchange money at Super Rich 19:00 Shuttle bus: To Don Mueang 21:00 Check-in Scoot 2,995 21:30 Dinner: Airport 80 22:55 Board flight: Scoot SAT 2:20 Arrive at Changi, Singapore, Time+1 hour, Sleep at airport 5:20 Ez-Link card 24 600 5:30 MRT: Changi - Tanah Merah - Raffles Place 6:50 Merlion water release 7:20 7:40 Cavenagh Bridge 8:00 Luggage storage: Hostel istay.inn 1,078 8:40 Snack: Nanyang old coffee 5.7 143 9:10 MRT: Chinatown - Harbourfront 9:30 Walk to: Santosa - Universal Studio 10:10 Universal Studio rides 3,300 12:00 Lunch at USS 23 575 18:00 Tram: Santosa - Vivocity - Dinner 15.8 395 18:50 MRT: Harbourfront - Chinatown - Bayfront 19:40 Garden by the bay show 20:20 MRT: Bayfront - Chinatown 21:00 Shopping: Chinatown 4 100 21:20 Sleep: Check-in Hostel istay.inn SUN 8:30 Wake up, shower 9:00 Breakfast, iced coffee Check-out 10:40 Dim sum: Yum cha resterant 50 1,250 12:00 Buddha Tooth Relic Temple 8 200 13:00 Singapore City Gallery Closed on Sundays >< 1.6 40 13:50 Shopping: Chinatown 19 475 14:00 MRT: Chinatown - Fort Canning park 20 500 14:30 Walk: Take photos at Fort Canning park tunnel 16:00 MRT: Dhoby Ghaut - Promenade - Bayfront 16:30 Marina Bay Sands 18:20 MRT: Bayfront - Tanah Merah - Changi 19:30 Ez-Link refund -15 (375) 19:40 Check-in Scoot 3,749 20:20 Dinner: Sora resterant 60 1,500 22:20 Board flight: Scoot 23:45 Taxi: Back home Thailand time 470 Total Baht ( Rate 25 Baht = 1 SGD ) 17,202 Baht per person 8,601

Nearby attractions

Bugis - Interesting, worth exploring.

Little India - As the name suggests, this is likely an Indian zone.

Clarke Quay - A waterfront dining district with scenic riverside promenades at night.

Haji Lane - a street art district with cafes.

Gardens by the Bay - Flower Dome

Kallang - a dark district. I'll refrain from elaborating further.

Review <<<<<< 5 stars mean easy, convenient and good

★★★★ : [ Travel ] is very convenient with many options, but I walked until my back hurt, haha.

★★★★★ : [ Sleeping at the airport ] Surprisingly, it wasn't lonely or scary at all. There was even Wi-Fi to keep me entertained.

★★★★★ : [ Accommodation ] The hostel was better than expected. It was very chill and the atmosphere was more friendly than I thought.

★★★★★ : [ Universal ] Excellent, especially Transformer 4D

★★★★★ : [ Amazing ] Go see for yourself

★★ : [ Price ] The trip cost 8,600 baht, which is not cheap, but this includes the taxi fare to the airport.

Perhaps we can switch the activity dates. For example, we could go to USS on Day 2. My Day 2 is very relaxed, with no need to rush anywhere. I can go wherever I want. There is no internet, but that's not a problem. It makes the trip less rushed, but I can still visit many places. The real fun of travel starts when we sit down and plan. Have a great trip!

Official Link

Public Transportation:

MRT and other transportation options can be found on the TransitLink website: https://www.transitlink.com.sg

Show: Link to Gardens by the Bay website

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