26 - DIY Travel: SG & KL

So before I start all technical regarding this trip, let me share with you how this idea came about. Two years ago, Lea and I planned to go overseas together--- we're pursuing some serious friendship goals here. Traveling overseas with a bff is one of the many items in my life's bucketlist. We already booked our tickets, however we were not able to push through the trip because of my mom's passing resulting to me transferring to a new job. Anyway, all hope's not lost and finally on December 1st this year, we rode the plane to Singapura and it definitely is one of the best vacay trips I've ever had!

Here's how we prepared for it:

1) SEAT SALE. It is advantageous to have a bff who's on the lookout for Cebu Pacific's seat sales which sell like hotcakes. I have Lea to thank over and over again for being patient when booking despite the usual system and page errors. And of course, for being the abangers that she is. Yup, persistence is the key! We got our tickets for P10,404.80 which is inclusive of15 kilos baggage allowance from PH to SG; and from KL to PH.

Cost per person: P5,202.40

2) HOTEL BOOKING. There were only two things that we considered when we were looking for a hotel.

First, the location. After reading a few online articles and conversing with friends who have been to SG, we decided that Bugis is the place for us. It is a shopping district, plus it's near the train station.

Second, the cost. We were thinking about booking a hostel and be the backpackers that we aspire (but fail) to be; but had to reconsider because of the shared comfort room. Anyway, a fancy room is not something you need if you're out wandering around the city most of the time. We ended up booking a Family Room at V Hotel Bencoolen (by the time we booked, Lea's cousin - Kenneth - decided to join us - thus the family room). We got it for P13,866.84 for two nights.

Cost per person: P4,622.28 for two nights (i.e P2,311.14 per night)

3) FOREIGN EXCHANGE. The next thing to do is to convert your PHP to SGD. Now, how much will you be needing? This depends as to which destinations would you like to go to. I made our itinerary two days before the flight so we could budget how much we would be needing. Anyway, there's a summary at the bottom part of this entry for your reference. Moving forward, I exchanged my PHP in the airport for 300 SGD (exchange rate is P35.90) and 100 USD. Surprisingly, the rates in the airport are better than forex shops outside.

Now for the story:

SG is around 4hours away from MNL. Terminal Fee is P1,620.

DAY 1

6:00 PM - Arrival at Changi Airport. We took a cab going to the hotel due to the baggages (cost is SGD26). MRT is cheaper (roughly around 1-2 SGD per trip) but oh well. If you do not have train passes, you could get them in the airport.

Note that cab rates in SG vary depending on the date and time of service. Took a photo of the rates and surcharges fyr:

7:00 PM - Check-in at V-Hotel Bencoolen. We were planning to go to the Midnight Safari but decided against it since we were dead tired. We had dinner at the food avenue near the hotel and tried this legit hainanese chicken:

SGD 10.80 - rice, mixed of hainanese and grilled chicken, soup, lemonade and veggies

After dinner, since we do not want to waste away our first night here, we studied the railway system and visited the iconic merlion.

in awe of the railway system here in SG. Wish we could do the same in the Phil!

iconic

The nearest station in Bugis is Bras Basah. You can take the orange line to Dhoby Gaut, transfer to the red line going to Marina South Pier and alight at Raffles Place to visit the merlion and the marina bay view.

Singapura

After the mandatory picture-taking to these tourist spots, we went back to the hotel and roamed around Bugis to check out the street food. We tried kaya balls and tarts. Then we grabbed coffee at the nearest Starbucks store.

Starbucks Coffee is more expensive in SG vs in PH.
Tall Christmas Edition Frappe costs SGD 7.80 (around P280 PHP if converted)

DAY 2

Being kiddos at heart, we decided to spend the whole day at Universal Studios! The theme park opens at 10:00 AM. Be sure to be there before 9:00 AM if you want to have a solo picture taken in front of the globe.

A day isn't enough to fully experience everything the theme park has to offer, so if you're going to visit the place for just one day, here's  a list of the rides/shows that you shouldn't miss:

1. Transformers
2. Revenge of the Mummy
3. Lights, Camera, Action hosted by Steven Spielberg
4. Street Entertainment: The Rockafellas
5. Battle Star Galactica
6. Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure
7. Shrek 4D Adventure


This is how the day went:
We rode a taxi going here from the hotel (34SGD). But you may opt to get to the studio through train/bus. Also, only a few resto were open at 9:00. We chose Texas. Here's the menu:

If you're celebrating your birthday at USS (like meeee), you may drop by the customer care office near the entrance. They give freebies to birthday kiddos, you just have to show them your passport as proof of your birth date!

Free popcorn, stickers & minion keychain for the birthday girl!

and discount coupons too!

Here are a few photos:

The Mummy!

Food inside the park is kinda expensive, btw. Got this corndog + coke for 8SGD. Bottled water costs 6.50SGD (vs 2.40SGD at 7-11).

!Don't forget to bring with you slippers + extra clothes!

Then, we had my birthday dinner at RamenPlay:

Yum

The park was closing so we decided to go home. There's a bus at the basement of RWSentosa that gives free rides up to Vivo City. From Vivo City you may ride the train back to the hotel, or get a taxi.

We capped the day off in our hotel room with goodies from Breadtalk SG:

Cheers to 25 years of life.

xxx will post Day 3 & 4 soon xxx

25 - The "Bay" of Tranquility: Misibis

Looking for a serene, quiet place where you can bask under the sun, enjoy great food and doze off your birthday weekend at? This lovely paradise located in Albay, Bicol is the perfect place to be!

It was one April night when I was looking at Cebu Pacific's seat sale when Lea and I impulsively decided to book for Legazpi on her birthday weekend. We got our seats for around 2k each, roundtrip and with baggage allowance. While I was very excited about the city tour (Mayon, sili ice cream, foodtrip) Lea was persistent that we go to Misibis Bay instead. I didn't even have the slightest idea about Misibis Bay at all so I looked it up on the internet and man, the place screams luxury. It is a 5-star, private island resort that boasts world class facilities and offers exhilarating activities. We ended up booking a room through buying vouchers at Deal Grocer (which by the way, offers "slightly" cheaper deals). We got ours at P10k for two nights. (Before you squeal "mahaaaal!", continue reading on as to why I still think it was all worth it).

So this is how it went, when we arrived in Legazpi, we availed a city tour with the only Kuya (Kuya Dhoy) that has a booth at the airport offering vans and tours - I still have his contact number in case you're interested! Our first stop was the Cagsawa Church Ruins. The Mayon was a sight to behold! (despite it being covered with clouds most of the time). There were "photographers" there who would offer you their service. They will use your camera and instruct you on how to pose so the photos will look like these:

pursuing serious bff goals here

Our next stop was the pasalubong center where we bought bottled/preserved bicol express, chili paste, pili nuts etc. The products were a lot cheaper as compared to the limited array being sold at the airport.

Next is Daraga Church where Lea paid her respects and prayers since it's her 25th birthday the following day! The Mayon is breath-takingly beautiful from where we stood.

And the most essential part of the trip ---- foodie!!! Hello Bicol delicacies! <3 We had our lunch at Balay Cena Una:

We thought the resto was closed because the door's not open. But that's just how it really is.

Bicol Express!!!

Medyo dramatic pose

Really loved the food, and the interiors!

We also stopped by the 1st Colonial Grill to try the sili and pili ice cream! Yummm! <3

We skipped the part of the tour where we're supposed to go to this famous mall in Bicol whose name I've already forgotten. Really should've written this blog the soonest we got home! Anyway, we're now off to the paradise that is Misibis, which is an hour away from the city!

Tip: if you do not have cash then go withdraw from the atm before going to the resort. Also, buy chips/noodles whatever. Misibis is kinda secluded -- thus the peace.

What greeted us was the warm smiles from the staff, free drinks & a free picture - which we got when we checked out!

Can you believe that we dozed off after this? Haha! We were supposed to tour the resort grounds but we ended up sleeping until dinnertime. What we had for dinner was this Adobo sa Suka which I really loved, and their original style breaded chicken. The servings were actually good for 3-4pax. 

Misibis at night

Then morning came

This is how our second day went, first - we admired the beauty that is Misibis (please see photo above).

then we had our breakfast buffet which costs P750 per head. That's some serious bacon lovin' <3

Bae-con you my bae

 Then we changed into our swimming attire and basked under the sun:

This view. A good book. Iced-cold beer. And your best girl.

Gotta love the bean bags

Next, we availed of the water sports activities. There's a lot to choose from --- snorkeling, parasailing, kayaking, scuba diving! I opted for scuba diving which is around P1,900 for a 15-minute dive.

giant clam

holding Patrick while looking for Nemo... and Dory!

Things I've learned so far:

1) One is not allowed to dive if she has a flight during the next 12-24 hours.

2) It's mind over matter. The sea is a scary, beautiful place that holds many wonders. 

3) Adventure doesn't need to be expensive BUT there are experiences that would require you to shell out some $$$. So save save save and go on an adventure - even once in your life!

4) Happiness doubles when shared! Travel with your bff!

We had pizza for merienda at the hotel's resto, then went out for the eco-park tour for P150 each. Too bad the park activities were already closed since it's late in the PM so we only had our photo ops:

All the world's a stage

Next, we had our birthday buffet dinner back at the hotel! Lea ate a kilo (or two) of crabs! Lol 

The staff sang her a happy birthday and gave her a cake. Thank you Misibis for a wonderful surprise!

The next day, we had our breakfast and left for the airport. Overall, it was a fun and relaxing experience! We were never guilty about dozing off (and eating) most of the time. I know a lot of you would comment that it was an expensive trip (and I have to agree with you guys) but having experienced it all, I'd say it was all worth it. I haven't found a place that balances perfectly between calm and adventure. Leaving the following day, I can only wish that we could stay even for just one more day!

Here's the website fyr:

http://www.misibisbay.com/

A run-down of our expenses:

Airfare - est. P4k (for 2 pax with 15kg allowance from Legazpi to MNL)

City Tour - P2,500

Balay Cena Una lunch - est. P1,500 (includes 4 dishes and three rice -- Kuya ate with us)

Hotel accommodation - P10k for 2 nights (exc. of breakfast and airport transfer)

Breakfast Buffet at Misibis Bay - P750 per head

Dinner Buffet at Misibis Bay - P850 per head

Airport Transfer c/o Misibis Bay - P600 per head