LJ recently celebrated his 30th, and instead of having a party we packed our bags and decided to head back to Singapore and tour some parks! We are getting old, so we didn't fill our schedule to the brim like the last time, but I'll be posting suggested side trips as well just in case you guys are interested.
Tip: We got our tickets through the Asiatravel website, aside from it being cheaper, it also came with a $10 meal voucher, shopping coupon and transfers.
Day 1: Chill, Zoo, Chill
Well that was the plan, but then it became... got lost... Singapore Zoo.. aaand we got lost again, LOL!
We left Manila at around 5am. Fearing that he won't get to drop-by Duty Free when we get back, he went ahead and started his shopping even before we got on-board.
I came home late from the office the night before and had to finish packing so I got zero sleep. I spent the 4 hour flight snoozing while LJ tries to keep me from rolling to the floor.
We checked in at Value Hotel Thomson near the corner of Thomson Rd and Ballister. It's quite a long walk from the MRT and I wouldn't recommend this for tourists, especially if you have kids, unless you plan to take the taxi everywhere or you know how to take the bus since the bus stops are nearer. You can read my full review and the room photos here.
Tip: If you are planning to explore the city on your own, you could get the tourist pass card or a regular ez-link card. It's easier than having the need to prepare change. We have ours from two years ago, and just added credits once we got to Changi.
On our first day, we got acquainted with the bus system and we failed miserably. After a couple of attempts we got to the Singapore Zoo, finally!
Singapore Zoo Ticket: Discounted via Asiatravel website, around SG$ 19
Tip: Fool proof bus route will be to take the bus or MRT to Ang Mo Kio Bus Interchange, and take the bus 138.
Tip: If you have kids or the energy, you can buy the park hopper so you can enjoy the three parks in the compound -- Singapore Zoo, River Safari and the Night Safari. You can see more details here
Day 2: Universal Studios Sentosa
The ultimate reason why we are returning to Singapore. When we went to USS a couple of years back the Transformers ride was still under construction and we vowed to return. Maaaaan... that Transformers 3d ride was awesome!!! :D Three attractions that you should not miss --- 1. Transformers, 2. Jurassic Park:The Ride 3. Battlestar Galactica (red or blue, totally up to you!)
Universal Studios Ticket: discounted via Asiatravel, around SG$ 66
Tip: To get to Sentosa, ride a bus or train to Harbourfront. From there, you can take the scenic route by riding the cable car, or the Sentosa express (SG$ 4). Both can get crowded, so keep your cool :)
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| they turned off the lights for the fireworks, it was pitch black when I took this shot. We were too hungry and don't care much about the show, so we still continued to eat in the dark |
Tip: If you get to the park by 11am, you can pretty much try everything before 5pm giving you time to walk around and enjoy some of the other attractions near Resorts World Sentosa like S.E.A.
Tip: The queues can get crazy, Battlestar Galactica queue was more than an hour long! Good thing we just decided to come back, the line thinned out after the 5pm parade and we got on Battlestar and the Jurrasic Ride next with zero waiting time.
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| We got this tumbler from our visit two years ago and they still allowed us to use it. :) |
Day 3: Legoland
Our wonderful friend, Stitch gave us this great treat! We got on the 9am tour bus and crossed the border to Legoland Malaysia!
We were expecting it to be 'kiddie' park, but I think adults can get a lot of fun in here too. Well we had fun! :) There are interactive games and rides that will push you to be competitive. The 4d theater was also a different experience. It's not as addicting as Disneyland or Universal, but we were definitely happy we got the chance to visit.
Legoland Ticket Price: Free courtesy of Stitch! Wieee! She got a tour package, where in we have to be at the Singapore Flyer parking area by 9am in time for the tour group. The guides will give the next set instructions since you'll need to get off the bus a couple of times to get through immigrations.
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| Lego village of Bolinao |
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| fun but tiring, you need to pull yourself up! |
Day 4: Chill, Shopping, Mad Dash to the Airport
Spent the morning enjoying the breakfast, a longer nap, and then started to hunt for a good Charles and Keith store. The one along Novena was small and didn't have a lot of styles in stock so we decided to look for a better and more promising store. We found one in Bugis, yey!
We took the cab to get the MRT green line, and failed to calculate traffic. We got to the airport just in time and had zero minutes to stop and get food. End result, we boarded the plane super hungry and paid Cebu Pacific's 350 peso mini meal to survive the 4 hour flight.
I know some people who also went to Singapore for a weekend and managed to squeeze in everything from the Merlion to the Marina Bay, but we were happy with this schedule. For us, it was just the right amount of excitement and relaxation. The main objective was to get to the parks, and we were able to do that. We enjoyed the stroll around the zoo without the pressure to run and we actually had the time to stare at some of the animals and look for the shy ones. We got to sit by the sidewalks of USS and people watch. So far life is good. :)
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