Singapore. The Lion City
I had the chance to do a quick tour in Singapore as the ticket I booked for my Bali trip includes a 5.5 hours layover in the Lion City. So instead of just waiting in the airport for my next flight, I opted to roam around the busy streets of Singapore.
Merlion Park w/ my epic fail face |
It was my very first time to travel out of the country. I had a little "bobo moment" with the SG immigration. I didn't fill up the embarkation form as I was under the impression that I won't need to as it's just a quick layover. When it's already my turn to be interviewed by the officer, he had me go back to the line and fill the necessary information needed. As he stamped my passport he said "pasaway ka kuya." Haha.
Me, Ericson, and Jawo Marina Bay Sands |
I was lucky enough that I have friends working in Singapore. They have offered to tour me around the city. Ericson, fetched me at the Changi airport. He let me experienced riding SMRT and I was truly impressed. We boarded the East West Line and we've gotten off the Raffles Place station. I was only able to visit Marina Bay sands and the famous Merlion park due to time constraints. After having our lunch at Esplanade Mall, I decided to head back to the airport so I won't miss my flight to Bali, I anticipated the long lines in the immigration.
Back at the Changi Airport, I was able to do a quick tour to enjoy the amenities offered by the airport. They say that the best place to have a layover is Singapore. I couldn't agree more. If you're the type who prefers to just stay at the airport while waiting for the connecting flight, you still could enjoy a lot of things in Changi.
As I boarded Singapore Airlines, I stayed at Terminal 2. Here you can find the ORCHID GARDEN and SUNFLOWER GARDEN. Also, you may enjoy free movies and internet while waiting. Shop all you want with different stores inside the terminal. I also qualified for the $40 voucher under the Changi Transit Programme. I used it to shop "pasalubong."
Should you have more than 5 hours layover, I strongly suggest you take advantage of the Free Singapore Tour being offered by Changi Airport. If your flight is arriving in Singapore between 9am to 6 pm, you can join their Heritage tour which would take you to several spots such as The Singapore Flyer, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, The Esplanade,The Merlion Park, Colonial District, Chinatown, Little India, and The Central Business District. They also have the City Lights Tour which goes to Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, Marina Bay Financial Centre, Bugis Village, and Raffles Hotel. These tours are absolutely free. All you have to do is to register at the Free Singapore Tours (FST) Registration Booth.
I am really glad that Singapore was the first ever out-of-the-country destination I've ever been to. I'd definitely go back here soon.
Some of the authentic SG food I've tasted |
As I boarded Singapore Airlines, I stayed at Terminal 2. Here you can find the ORCHID GARDEN and SUNFLOWER GARDEN. Also, you may enjoy free movies and internet while waiting. Shop all you want with different stores inside the terminal. I also qualified for the $40 voucher under the Changi Transit Programme. I used it to shop "pasalubong."
Should you have more than 5 hours layover, I strongly suggest you take advantage of the Free Singapore Tour being offered by Changi Airport. If your flight is arriving in Singapore between 9am to 6 pm, you can join their Heritage tour which would take you to several spots such as The Singapore Flyer, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, The Esplanade,The Merlion Park, Colonial District, Chinatown, Little India, and The Central Business District. They also have the City Lights Tour which goes to Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, Marina Bay Financial Centre, Bugis Village, and Raffles Hotel. These tours are absolutely free. All you have to do is to register at the Free Singapore Tours (FST) Registration Booth.
I am really glad that Singapore was the first ever out-of-the-country destination I've ever been to. I'd definitely go back here soon.