Readme before you journey
Hello friends, this is the 6th travelogue of Number6.
Note: I have translated the sentence into simple and short English, maintaining a formal academic style. I have also avoided using personal pronouns and colloquialisms.
The author sets a personal goal of traveling abroad at least once a year, starting in 2015. Despite lacking writing and note-taking skills, the author utilizes photography to capture memories. The ultimate aim, however, is to travel with their mother and share these experiences.
In early 2018, I discussed with my mother about traveling abroad. During our conversation, she expressed her desire to experience international travel, stating, "If I have the opportunity, I would like to go once. I have never been on a plane or traveled abroad. I would like to try it at least once." She also requested that I take many pictures so she could keep them as memories, acknowledging the significant cost associated with international travel.
I pondered over these words and devised a plan to surprise and delight my mother. I secretly used my savings to book tickets and accommodation for both of us, without informing her. As the departure date approached,
I told my mother, "Come with me for four days and three nights. It'll be quick. I'll take you to get your passport. But I'm going as a backpacker, so we'll be walking, eating cheaply, and skipping souvenirs and unnecessary expenses."
The mother's response was, "Go, go. What do you need to prepare? How do you want to go?"
Just being able to take my mother to the place she wanted to go made me feel happy, just like when we were kids and she would take us wherever we wanted. If you have the time, don't forget to take your mother out so she knows that you haven't forgotten her, even though you work far from home.
In this review, I will share all the details of my trip and the places I visited, hoping to be as helpful as possible to my friends. If there are any mistakes, please forgive me and feel free to offer further suggestions.
Note: My English is limited. I can understand simple sentences and respond with keywords, but I cannot understand complex sentences or carry on a full conversation. My mother does not speak English at all.
Day 1 (September 19, 2018)
My mother and I traveled on our favorite budget airline, Air Asia, for a round-trip fare of 7600 baht.
This price includes 20 kg of checked baggage and in-flight meals for both the outbound and return flights.
After a short two-hour flight, we arrived in Singapore. Upon disembarking, we were met with a rather unexpected surprise: a mandatory baggage check before entering the airport. This was a first for me, as I had never encountered such a procedure in any other country. The stern and intimidating demeanor of the officials added to my initial shock. I was particularly concerned about my mother, as we had to stand in separate lanes for the inspection.
After passing through security and entering the walkway to immigration and baggage claim, there are water dispensers and Wi-Fi access points available. Wi-Fi access is free for 3 hours.
After receiving the WIFI code, we continued walking to the immigration checkpoint. Photography is not allowed at this point, so I was unable to capture it for you. To pass through immigration, I had my mother stand in front of me and I stood in the next line, so that if the immigration officer had any questions, I could step forward to answer them.
My technique is that I have printed the flight itinerary for both the inbound and outbound flights, the name and address of the hotel, and the tour schedule. I told my mother to submit it along with the passport. If they don't need it, they will return it.
Upon clearing immigration, we proceeded to the baggage claim area. After collecting our luggage, we searched for the Cheer booth to collect our pre-ordered SIM cards. I had booked two cards for myself and my mother at a cost of 600 Thai baht through Klook, which was approximately 200 Thai baht cheaper than purchasing them directly at the airport.
After receiving our SIM cards, it was time to head into the city. We had spent about an hour and thirty minutes at the airport after landing.
To reach the city, follow the signs for "Train to city" and continue walking. You will then see a sign for "Shuttle Bus T4 to T2". Wait for the shuttle bus to take you to Terminal 2, where the subway station is located.
Purchasing train tickets in Singapore is similar to the process in Thailand. Passengers can select their desired station from a touchscreen display, which will then show the fare and the number of tickets available.
Understanding the train lines is not difficult! However, it took me ten rounds of walking around before I figured it out. Haha!
Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system has two main lines that are frequently used: the blue line and the green line.
When using the MRT, you don't need to worry about which line to buy or which lines you can take. When you buy a ticket, simply select the station you want to go to. Then, choose the line that is closest to your destination and hop on! This logic applies to both single-trip tickets and the Singapore Tourist Pass.
Note: Other cables function similarly, but I haven't used them. Haha.
To continue, passengers can take the train from the airport or Changi Airport (CG2) to Tanah Merah (EW4) to change trains. They can then continue to Bugis (EW12). Alternatively, if passengers alight at Expo (CG1), they will need to take the blue line to Bigis (DT14).
Upon arriving at Bugis Station, we walked to the hotel. Nuve Hotel was just a 5-minute walk away.
After packing our belongings and with the night still young, we decided to walk to Mr. Merlion, the iconic lion-fish statue that symbolizes Singapore. I had downloaded an offline map using Google Maps, which I thought would be more reliable than our internet connection.
The long walk was tiring, and the destination seemed far away despite Google Maps indicating a 28-minute journey. Concerned about my mother's fatigue, I decided to return to the hotel and abandon the walk. Tomorrow, we will purchase Singapore Tourist Passes and utilize the train system to reach nearby attractions, prioritizing my mother's well-being to ensure an enjoyable experience.
Note: Before coming to Singapore, I calculated that the cost of the MRT with an Ez-link card would be cheaper than the Tourist Pass if we walked. However, I had to reconsider. The roads and paths in Singapore are difficult to walk on, with many traffic lights and hot weather, although not excessively so. Most importantly, water is expensive.
Our first meal in Singapore was at Heritage Street near our hotel. We ate and then checked into the hotel to rest.
Total damages today
- Train tickets from the airport for 2 people: 4.60 SGD
- Train ticket from City Hall back to Bugis (hotel) for 2 people, 3 SGD
- Rice at Heritage Food Street for 2 people costs 13 SGD.
- A 1 SGD 7-Eleven bread for coffee in the morning.
A total of 2 people spent 21.6 SGD. Note: Multiply this amount by 24.28 Thai Baht.
September 20, 2018
Hellooooooooooooo! Greetings from Singapore! This is already my second day here. I'm actually saying this out loud, haha!
Good morning! We woke up early today at 10 am, haha. But it's 10 am in Singapore, which is 9 am in our country.
After completing our personal errands, my mother and I set off on a trip. However, there was a catch.
Before embarking on our sightseeing adventure, I made a pit stop at Bugis MRT station to purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass. This strategic move aimed to minimize our transportation expenses, as individual MRT rides can be quite costly.
There are three types of train tickets, not just the two mentioned in other reviews.
1. Single/Trip: This refers to a one-way ticket, meaning you will only travel in one direction. The ticket costs 10 cents, which is non-refundable but can be used as a discount on your next purchase.
2. Ez-Link Card:
- Initial cost: 12 SGD
- Stored value: 5 SGD
- Card balance: 7 SGD
- Reloadable: Yes
- Accepted at:
- 7-Eleven stores
- Buses
- Other train lines (excluding the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT))
3. Singapore Tourist Pass: A Cost-Effective Option for Exploring the City
The Singapore Tourist Pass offers three price options and three days of unlimited travel. For an additional 10 SGD, you can opt for a refundable deposit, which is returned upon returning the card at a designated station within the stipulated timeframe. This pass is ideal for those who plan to make frequent use of public transportation, as it allows for unlimited rides, transfers, and changes without incurring additional charges. After careful consideration, I chose this pass as it offered the best value for money, ensuring that even if I got lost, I wouldn't have to worry about extra expenses.
No need to worry, the use of the MRT here is similar to ours back home. The difference is that when exiting, we have to return the card, but in Singapore, we can keep the card. No need to find a slot to return it. I was so confused, haha!
Continuing on, after purchasing my ticket, I continued my journey by taking the skytrain, specifically the green line. I'll refer to the skytrain lines as simply "lines" from now on, as I'm too lazy to type out their full names. Haha!
Note: Tourist Pass cards do not require any calculations or purchasing tickets at the automatic machines. You can simply tap the card to enter, or use a BTS monthly pass.
Take the Green Line for about 5 stations from Bugis to Fort Canning Park. The park is located behind the station. Here are some pictures of Fort Canning, including the popular tunnel. This will save you some time, as I got lost myself! Haha.
For those who want to go directly to the tunnel without spending too much time walking or who do not want to walk around.
Search for "Underground Crossing" on Google Maps. Alternatively, exit Fort Canning MRT station on the right side and walk along the road. You will reach the destination shortly after a slight bend.
Next, we will head to Garden by the Bay. I took my mother to eat at Chinatown Point, not a famous restaurant. I don't follow the reviews to find famous restaurants, but I try new restaurants that I find appealing.
Note: I forgot to take a picture because I was so hungry. Haha. Okay, let me make it up to you by going to Garden by the Bay.
To get there, simply take the train to Bayfront Station. Look for the signs leading to Gardens by the Bay, where you'll find a long, air-conditioned walkway with plenty of photo opportunities.
Follow the signs and you will find the entire Garden by the Bay. It is all very beautiful, with no dry spots. Every corner is stunning, and the weather is pleasant and not too hot. The only downside is that it started raining.
Following the path, we arrived at the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest Dome. Although both domes were close to each other, I opted to visit the Flower Dome first, anticipating fewer crowds and avoiding competition for viewing.
I almost forgot to mention that I booked my tickets through Klook for around 1,150 Thai baht. I simply showed the barcode from the email to the staff for scanning, and it granted me access to both domes. I will post pictures of both domes later.
Ahem, are you enjoying yourselves? The Note9 camera is really amazing, isn't it?
I apologize for the limited photos of the Cloud Forest Dome. The air was fresh, and the leisurely stroll was incredibly relaxing. It completely alleviated my fatigue and aches. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Let's head to Marina Barrage!
It's just a short walk from here, about 10 minutes. On the way, we can grab lunch at Satay by the Bay. They have delicious, but pricey, seafood dishes, mostly grilled and skewered.
The weather at Marina Barrage is pleasant. The view from the back overlooks the sea, while the front offers a cityscape. I plan to stay and watch the lights turn on at night, since I'm already waiting to see the Garden by the Bay light show featuring the Supertrees.
The rain poured down relentlessly as soon as I finished speaking, leaving us stranded for two hours. However, the wait was worth it, as I captured some stunning photographs.
And that's the last picture of the day. The heavy rain delayed the Super Tree light show, and it's still pouring. So I helped my mom back to the hotel, and we'll try again tomorrow. Hehe. I'll summarize the expenses and other details later.
- 2 Singapore Tourist Passes at SGD 30 each, totaling SGD 60.
- Rice at China town point 8 SGD (The food is cheap, but it doesn't look very appetizing. I don't recommend it.)
- Purchase snacks + water 3.25+4.8 = 8.05 SGD
- Satay by the bay offers rice for 19 SGD.
- Late-night snack: instant noodles with snacks, 4.25 SGD.
In total, there were 2 people and we spent 99.3 SGD. Note: This amount is multiplied by the Thai baht rate of 24.28.
Day 3 (September 21, 2018): The last day to enjoy sightseeing.
Day three of our mother-daughter trip to Singapore has been a blast! We've been enjoying the city's vibrant atmosphere and delicious food. The days have been flying by, and we've been making the most of our time together. We've been exploring the city's many attractions, including the Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay, and Marina Bay Sands. We've also been enjoying the city's many shopping and dining options. We're looking forward to spending more time together in Singapore and creating lasting memories.
Let's get down to business. Today, I will take you to greet Mr. Merlion, or Merlion Park itself. But first, let's find some food to eat. I'm soooo hungry!
I brought my mother to eat at the China Town Heritage Centre again. This time, we ate at Hong Lim Market & Food Centre. I was so hungry that I forgot to take pictures of the food. I only took a video and then finished the whole plate. Afterwards, I took my mother for a walk around the area before going to the Merlion.
1. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Sri Mariamman Temple
Note: I did not enter this temple as there was a sign indicating an entrance fee. Haha.
There are many other places, but I didn't take any pictures. I was so busy shooting videos that I forgot to press the still image button. Anyway, check out the video so you don't miss out on the many other places, such as:
Thian Hock Keng Temple
Singapore City Gallery
After a short walk, I took the train to Merlion, getting off at the station.
Green Line Raffles Place / Blue Line Downtown
I then walked and walked. Oh, I chose the green line so I could walk past the theater and the beautiful bridge. I'll post pictures later.
After exiting the train, look for the H sign. It's the only way out, and your only hope for escape. Just kidding!
We ambled to the other side and crossed the bridge to Marina Sands for a bite to eat in the late afternoon.
Please continue to view the images.
After finishing our meal, I accompanied my mother back to the hotel to collect our belongings, including cameras and large suitcases. We then embarked on a 15-minute walk from the hotel to Mutafa Centre, renowned for its abundance of affordable goods. Unsure of the photography policy, I opted not to risk taking pictures. The imposing security guards with stern expressions intimidated me, and I anticipated potential communication difficulties. However, I feel compelled to share the following observations:
- There are large bottles of water that are almost half the price of 7-Eleven.
- There are snacks, milk, butter, and instant noodles.
It is highly recommended to visit this place first. You will be amazed by how much money you will have left in your wallet afterwards!
After finishing my shopping, I walked back to the hotel and rested for a while, waiting for the show at Garden by the Bay. I wanted to watch it again because the heavy rain last night cut my viewing short. I also missed the show at Marina by the Sands.
My journey with my mother in Singapore has come to an end. During our four days and three nights, we learned a great deal about this fascinating country. In this post, I will share my mistakes so that you can avoid them. Let's get started!
1. Watching shows and performances.
- Garden by the Bay light show starts at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM, each show lasts 15-20 minutes.
Note: Don't think that sitting and watching at the Marina Barrage will be beautiful. The most beautiful view is actually under the trees, where you can also enjoy beautiful music.
- Marina Bay Sands or Merlion Park. Shows start at 8:00 PM, 9:30 PM, and 11:00 PM.
Note: I can view either side, but I don't know if it's beautiful because it rained heavily both nights when I went, and I missed the opportunity to see it. I waited for him, but he didn't show it to me. I'm so sad.
2. Double-check the venue's closure and renovation dates, as well as its opening and closing hours.
- Universal I didn't go because my mother doesn't play the rides anyway, so I thought I'd take her to take pictures with the entrance to the aquarium. It turned out that the cable car was closed for renovation on the day I went, so I didn't stop to take pictures because it wouldn't be worth it to just take the train to take pictures and come back. And the cost of the train.
3. Regarding train tickets, please double-check to avoid significant financial losses.
- The Singapore Tourist Pass is valid for 3 days from the date of purchase. Please note that the validity period starts from the date of purchase.
Remember to return the card. There are 10 SGD left on it. Don't forget!
4. A common mistake for mothers like mine is footwear. Shoes that don't provide enough support for extensive walking can lead to injuries, making the trip less enjoyable.
- Currency exchange for use in Singapore.
- Calculate carefully. Things there are not that expensive. If your friends are not brand-conscious and are truly backpacking, I exchanged 412 SGD and only used half of it. There will be a problem when you return to Thailand because the exchange rate is different. The loss and profit will immediately come to mind.
6. In addition to exchanging money, you need to set aside money for the hotel deposit. Yes, in my case, they held SGD 100 and returned it to me upon check-out, which was no longer useful as we were about to leave.
In the case of credit cards, they will note your card number or may swipe it without deducting money, but be careful. If the staff swipes the wrong mode, your money will be lost. Therefore, I do not take the risk.
Alright, I've given you a heads-up. I'll summarize the expenses for you now.
1. Air Asia FD for 2 people: 7,600 THB
2. Nuve Hotel Bugis street (5-minute walk from the BTS station) 6,050 THB
- 600 THB SIM card
4. Admission to Garden by the Bay: 1,150 THB
September 19, 2018
1 train ticket from the airport for 2 people: 4.60 SGD.
2 train tickets from City Hall back to Bugis (hotel) for 2 people, 3 SGD
3 dishes at Heritage Food Street for 2 people cost 13 SGD.
4 slices of 7-Eleven bread for morning coffee at 1 SGD
A total of 2 people spent 21.6 SGD. Note: This amount is equivalent to 24.28 Thai baht.
September 20, 2018
- 2 Singapore Tourist Passes at SGD 30 each, totaling SGD 60
- Rice at China Town point 8 SGD (The food is cheap, but it doesn't look very appetizing. I wouldn't recommend it.)
- Purchased snacks and drinks for a total of 3.25 + 4.8 = 8.05 SGD.
- Satay by the bay offers rice for 19 SGD.
- Late-night snack: instant noodles + snacks, 4.25 SGD
Total of 2 people. We spent 99.3 SGD. ***Note: Multiply this by 24.28 Thai baht.***
September 21, 2018
- Had lunch at Marina Bay Sands for 15.2 SGD.
- Had lunch at Heritage food street for 17 SGD.
Total of 2 people, we spent 32.2 SGD. ***Note: Multiply this by 24.28 Thai baht.***
August 22, 2018
- Hotel check-out refund of 100 SGD +
- Had lunch at Heritage food street for 7.4 SGD.
- Refund Singapore Tourist Pass at the airport 20 SDG +
- Taxas Chicken at the airport 9.9 SGD
Total of 2 people, we spent 17.3 SGD. ***Note: Multiply this by 24.28 Baht for Thai currency.***
We received a refund of 120 SGD.
In total, we spent 21.6 + 99.3 + 32.2 + 17.3 = 270.4 SGD over the four days. After subtracting the refund, our total expenses were 270.4 - 120 = 150.4 SGD.
Converting this to Thai Baht at a rate of 24.28, our total expenses were 150.4 x 24.28 = 3,651.7 THB.
Including our flights (7,600 THB), accommodation (6,050 THB), visa (600 THB), activities (1,150 THB), and other expenses (3,651.7 THB), our total trip cost was 7,600 + 6,050 + 600 + 1,150 + 3,651.7 = 19,051.7 THB. Splitting this cost between two people, the individual cost was 19,051.7 / 2 = 9,526 THB.
Please note that this cost does not include souvenirs, as I consider them separate from travel expenses.
Thank you for reading my travelogue. I may not be the best writer, but I tried my best to convey my experiences accurately. If you have any questions or would like a detailed itinerary, please leave a comment and I will respond.
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อาร์ม ทำมาก่อน [ARM TUMMAKORN]
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 9:04 PM
