Coming from an informative and exciting visit from Cloud Forest in Gardens by the Bay, I set off to the next cooled conservatory, the Flower Dome which will give me another dose of learning and feast of wonder to my eyes.
I’ve been to five countries in Asia and so far, the best among them is Singapore when it comes to cleanliness, safety, efficient transport system, environment (pleasant and smoke-free) and language (English as a common language). It simply amazed me how a small country, a once hinterland and lacking natural resources had progressed rapidly. Their jaw-dropping man-made attractions, grand buildings and luxury shopping malls attracted an influx of tourists from around the world. With that, I’m so excited in getting back to the “Lion Country”.
the towering Supertrees in vivid and colorful lights at night
This is my second time traveling solo outside the country. As much as I wanted my family to travel with me, they simply can’t. My hubby was so busy with various projects in his company and my children did not want to be absent from school. Since Singapore is so safe for female solo travelers, I braved this trip and made sure that this is another record-breaking adventure like I did in Hong Kong and Macau!
I’m so excited about getting back to Lion Country with more adventures this time
Singapore is surging with great places to explore. This time, I wanted to see and visit places I had never been to. I will be staying for five days in my brother’s flat which is few distances away from the MRT Station. This saves a lot in my budget. Hotels are quite expensive in Singapore but if you are on a budget there are homestays, apartments, and rooms ranging from P1,500 to P5,000 depending upon your choice of accommodation.
Stored Value Card
Since I was solo, I’m the boss of my itinerary. I made a keen study of the transportation which I found it now easy as 123. My brother gave me a stored-value card, the NETS Flashpay card loaded with cash that I will be using in MRT, LRT, buses, and grocery stores. EZ-Link is the other card but with limited retail stores to purchase.
I will be using this NETS Flashpay card in public transportation and grocery stores
Promo Fare
Plane fare going to Singapore is quite expensive but I booked in advance a two-way fare via Jetstar Asia for only P6,000. This is another savings for me. Though it was a low-cost airline from Australia I never get scared during series of strong turbulence. Captain announced ahead of time the expected turbulence. Coming from a good experience I won’t hesitate to fly with them again in my future travels. And one good thing is, the seat width in the restroom is wider so the comfort level is better.
approaching Singapore
Changi Airport Singapore
It was so amazing to set foot again in Changi Airport which is in its 5th year as World’s Best Airport according to Skytrax World Airport Survey. The airport continues to innovate and expands its facilities for customers thus making the travel experience relaxing and memorable.
the lush green in Changi Airport
Like what I described in my first visit to Singapore, Changi Airport is by itself a wonderful universe to explore. I suggest this should be included in the itinerary to have a better view of the exciting attractions inside the airport. But since I was running out of time, I decided to explore the airport on my last day. For now, I will savor its beauty and elegance beginning from walking at the impressive carpet down to the walkway at Terminal 1.
Changi Airport has breathtaking interiors. And despite the state-of-the-art architecture, the airport has a surreal tropical setting that will bring you closer to nature.
What I enjoyed much this time is watching the moving sculpture, the Kinetic Rain which I did not pay much attention to before. The copper-plated aluminum raindrops weighing 180 grams are suspended by a thin wire where computer-controlled motors are attached.
The Kinetic Rain is one of the exciting attractions to watch in Terminal 1
I was mesmerized watching the glossy raindrops as they floated and moved slowly up and down. I felt the world had stopped from moving. It took me several minutes standing there amazed by this beautiful sight.
Another attraction I passed by at Terminal 1 was the Social Tree towering at almost nine meters tall. One can share and save their photos and videos to any of the eight touchscreen photo booths. If you want to be part of Changi Airport history, go share your photos there. You may retrieve it in your future visits.
Social Tree is an interactive technology allowing travelers to save and share their photos and retrieve them on their next visit
Internet Connection
Free WiFi service is available both in public and transit areas in the airport. For a hassle and fast service in getting the password of free WiFi service, I headed to the information counter and presented my passport. In an instant, I was given a print-out password. I now had an internet connection which is consumable for three hours. I immediately informed my brother upon my arrival because he will fetch me as he had promised.
printed password upon presenting the passport to Information Counter
Aside from the counters, some chose to obtain the password from the WiFi kiosks located across the terminals and gate-hold rooms with three-hour access to the internet. In Changi Airport it is so easy to stay connected as there are more than 400 internet stations available to enjoy the free WiFi service. This is another thing I like here.
On my way to immigration, I passed by several stores and boutiques offering luxury goods and necessities. But I was not into shopping, I just let enjoyed my eyes feasting on beautiful bags and shoes.
Then I proceeded to the immigration after filing up the embarkation form. I grabbed a map and headed to the arrival area. I was already famished so I took a seat and ate my packed lunch. My brother arrived at 4:00 pm. I was so happy seeing him again and felt so proud because he has a very good job in this country. He is a manager in a Business Consulting and IT Solutions company.
It was my brother’s off from his work today. Since this is his free time and his wife Lyn is at work, he volunteered to stroll around with me.
As per my itinerary, I will visit Flower Dome and Cloud Forest in Gardens by the Bay on my first day. But it was almost 5:00 pm and I do not want to indulge in a rush visit so I decided to move it to Sunday. Instead, I will visit temples and mosques in Telok Ayer and Chinatown.
I can’t hide my excitement as we set off to the MRT station. My mind was thinking of the authentic food, places that I should explore alone, and the thrill of visiting Pulau Ubin, Singapore’s last frontier. Can’t wait for another unforgettable trip!
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The advantage of soaking in a natural mineral spring is the absence of harmful chemical treatment or filtration. Swimmers can freely open their eyes under the water because there is no chlorine or peroxide that will cause irritation. This is the reason why we went back in a laid-back natural spring resort in Indang, Cavite to celebrate my daughter’s 11th birthday. We chose Villa Filomena Natural Spring Resort as suggested by my son who had a wonderful experience there with his classmates.
One of the favorites and famous hiking destinations near Metro Manila is Mt. Maculot situated at the heart of Cuenca in Batangas. It has three focal destinations: the Grotto (510 MASL), the Rockies (706 MASL), and the Summit (930 MASL). For the venturesome trekkers, they choose the traverse trail which will start at the Rockies to Summit and ends at Grotto (4/9 difficulty). Some choose the Rockies only (3/9 difficulty).
Standing near Buwis-buhay spot of The Rockies
Considering the distance and its charm, we chose Laiya Coco Grove Resort in Laiya, Batangas for the Finance Team outing this year. A lovely sunny day and glistening waters are what we need after a busy month of filing Income Tax Returns (ITRs). It’s time now to rejuvenate our bodies and freshen up our minds from tons of paper works. And so, off we go for another fulfilling summer getaway!
the creamy white sand of Laiya Coco Grove
Visiting my humble home town Albay this summer of 2017 is not all about exploring new places but we will indulge in fine cuisine. For our fourth night, we want to satisfy our cravings for ramen. After visiting Sumlang Lake and Lignon Hills, we set off to Ishi Aya’s Garden Bistro in Tabaco City, a Japanese-Filipino-infused restaurant owned by former sexy actress turned entrepreneur Aya Medel. It serves Japanese food and local favorites.
With Aya Medel, now a check and hands-on Manager of Ishi Aya’s Garden Bistro
Standing at 156-meter high, the Ligñon Hill offers a 360-degree view of the entire city, the Albay Gulf to the east and the majestic Mayon Volcano to the northwest. Aside from the view, the spectacular sunrise, the sunset, and various activities will give fun and excitement to all the members of the family. Coming from a refreshing visit from Sumlang Lake in Camalig, we now set out to Ligñon Hill Nature Park in Legazpi City, another top tourist destination in my hometown in Albay.
The best time to visit Lignon Hill is early morning to stay away from the scorching heat of the sun and in the afternoon where it is cold and with the spectacular sunset
Sumlang Lake is one of the newest attractions in Camalig, Albay that promises a lovely feel of serenity and tranquility. I was glad this is part of our visit to my home town this summer of 2017 with Lignon Hills in Legazpi City as our final leg.
It was in May 2006 when I took my first memorable airplane ride bound for Albay, my humble hometown. There was a tinge of fear when the plane took off but then excitement ruled the day. When the captain announced the landing I was mesmerized glimpsing the majestic Mayon Volcano and when I stooped down, I saw the mass of mounds that resembled Bohol’s Chocolate Hills. An overwhelming curiosity had taken hold of me. This is a unique natural wonder but why it hasn’t been discovered yet so it will be added to Albay’s roster of famous tourist attractions.
the view from the second summit, the hills and Mayon Volcano
I was happy to go back to Philceramics (Philippine Ceramics Arts and Crafts Center) in Barangay Putsan in Tiwi, Albay to which was known for the century-old pottery industry. With my hubby and my mother, we were excited to see their new clay products and buy another set of elegant vases and ceramic jars.
clay pots ready now for glazing touch
