So we booked on a Scoot-tightarse fare and have plans to goto the zoo, and botanical gardens, but what else? Basically will be taking enough cash for food, and some small extras (the zoo). Window shopping will be another, any hidden secrets that would be cool to see? I'm 20 and she is 18, so no granny activities, thanks :D
Just worked out we have about $100SGD to play with, after allowing for food/zoo/transport/sim card
Any idea on the costs?
when you at the airport, there are pack available. you will find that if you buy multi tickets you will save a lot.
Buy universal studio tickets you wont regret it, specially the transformer ride - yet to come to US.
If not planning to buy multitickets, buy from the venue using you Go/GE mastercard, as they have considerable discounts.
Taxis are cheap there but their MRT is one of the best, buy preloaded smart card 10-16 dollars will be ok for 7 days
Also when buying USS tickets they usually have promotion with mastercard and give you free vouchers that can used for food or shopping in the complex
We spent a night in Singapore on Tuesday, and I can tell you that my children (15 and 18) were very disappointed with Sentosa. Because we didn't have a lot of time (6 hours) I bought them a $62 Unllimited 16 Ride Pass each, only to find out that the really cool rides (Skydiving, Bungee Trampoline / Flying Fox / Adventure Ride) were either not included in the ticket, or closed on the day.
They ended up seeing a couple of 3D movies, having a tobaggan ride and visiting the Butterfly House and climbmng the Merlion for the view. Not impressed for $100 AUD.
Oh, and the chairlift over to the Island was another $100 for 4 of us, but at least I got some decent photos.
Singapore is the most expensive Asian City I've been too - a lot of things are more expensive than back here, even factoring in the 20% discount on the exchange rate.
We were there just to stay for one night at Marina Bay Sands so we could swim in the pool and go to dinner at the Chocolate Bar, so I was prepared to shell out some $$, but at times I was biting my lip and thinking 'its the last night of the holiday, just suck it up'
Did you stay at Marina Bay Sands?
Couldn't really justify the cost of activities on Sentosa, and this just backs it up, thanks for that.
If you're keeping an eye on your spending head over to Johor Bahru. Singaporeans flood over there on the weekends for the food and everyday goods as it's much cheaper there. If you want to try the exotic local produce like durian JB is where you want to pay for it.
JB is a hole. It is also a Malaysian hole, making it even worse.
Don't bother going. The pittance you wish to spend (and fair enough) will be soaked up in getting over there.
If you haven't bought tickets for the zoo yet, there's a park hopper (zoo + night safari) starting from $42 per person.
http://eticketing.nightsafari.com.sg:82/SafariBooking.aspx?l…
As for universal studios, it starts from $68 per person (off-peak, not sure when that period is though). I haven't been to Singapore's universal studios, but I want to and have been to the one in the states (LA), and I quite enjoyed myself.
http://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/attractions/resorts-world-at-se…
If I were to buy that when I was over there (and total over $100) any idea if it would be eligible for the 7% tax rebate when exiting the country? I read something about selected retailers offering it, not sure how it works, any idea?
Thank you by the way.
I don't think it is because it may be considered a service.
From the IRAS site (http://www.iras.gov.sg/irasHome/page04.aspx?id=10834#Am_i_el…):
What goods are eligible for refund?
All goods on which GST is charged are eligible for refund except:
Goods wholly or partly consumed in Singapore
Goods exported for business or commercial purpose
Goods that will be exported by freight
Accommodation in a hotel, hostel, boarding house, or similar establishments
Services are not eligible for GST refund under the Tourist Refund Scheme.
How many days are you planning to stay?
$100 SGD is plenty yet it is not. Have you budgeted enough to eat well? I mean really well, try all the street foods, if you haven't. I suggest you should. The foods there and here are like heaven and hell.
Universal studios normal entry cost $68 SGD (I suggest that you go during weekdays when there is no school holidays or public holidays). If you want VIP entries for $135 SGD, you can enjoy it anytime you like, but I personally go when it is crowded and that look on people's face when they saw you walk pass them jumping the ques (when they have to ques for hours) …. priceless…..
If you enjoy buffet style dining, try Todai (I think around $72 SGD per person on the weekend) on the ground floor of Marina Bay Sands…. it shows you how a buffet style dining should be.
Take your camera with you, there are some amazing night view in Singapore. No, not the natural scenery, but the city can be quite amazing at night time, the busy street vendors, lights, etc.
I strongly suggest to allow yourself more than just $100 SGD extra, when you are there, you just cant help yourself…. if you can, that means you do not trully enjoy your vacation.
And No, I am not a Singaporean.
6 nights, 7 days, we arrive at about 7pm and leave at about 11pm a week later.
Thanks for that mate. I'm not too worried about eating lavishly, but do intend to try many of the street food stalls and as many flavours as I can find, but still need to be within my budget (~$420 SGD for food/entertainment) because that is all I can afford at this time due to saving for a car. I have a mate in SG who has said you can get decent meals as low as $2-$3 excluding a drink, so I have budgeted around $5 per meal, 3 meals a day, is 42 meals between us, coming to $210, roughly ofcorse. Leaving $210 budget for transport/Sim/Entertainment. I was thinking $20 put onto a travel card for each of us, from what I gather a $5 ezi link card will hold $10 of value, so for $30 we can get $20 cards each. Taking it to $240, leaving $180. A data sim seems to be 20 - 25, leaving 155.
Want to see the zoo atleast with the remaining budget.
1 week? only $100 SGD extra? I thought we are talking about 2-3 days. Sorry I frequent Singapore quite often, I do not normally suggest people to stay for more than 4 days in Singapore.
Hmhmhm, for 1 week, I suggest to carry some just in case money for around 300 AUD. Those damn street vendors… you think you have had enough, until the next one starts cooking……
Oh, food portion is very small.
My budget is pretty set, I can't really go outside of the $400-$420 SGD, but I know I have over budgeted in terms of the number of meals, so that should help.
You will have to depend on freebies and cheap food with that amount of budget.
This is some hot spots area for sightseeing/photo for consideration:
1. Mall hopping at Orchard Rd
2. Robertson Quay
3. Marina Bay area
4. Marina Barrage
5. National Parks (eg. Hort Park)
6. Museums etc
Just don't go on top of Marina Bay tower.. its a waste of money.
You could either blow the $100 on one particular entertainment place you really want to go. Or just keep it for extra in case you go over budget with your food and transport.. because taxi sometime is required to go to places where public transport are scarce.
Yes you can get a decent food for $3 but avoid the new and big shopping centre, they tend to be more expensive. And if you want to try the seafoods (awesome chilli crab), you will definitely go over your per meal budget.
I mainly spend my time in Singapore just walking around and eat at different places. You might get bored after your 4th or 5th day.. so just be prepared.
Or.. try your luck at the Casino :)
Thanks mate, won't be taxiing around, will just bus, walk, and MRT. Don't really plan to go over the food budget, as I have over budgeted, and will be staying in Littie India, any idea what the street food is like around there?
I was escorted around and around for an 1 hour. It cost the equivalent of $50 AUD
Man, that sucks.. I won't be using a taxi.
yupp, it does suck
Was that part of the $50 AUD? ;)
No no beany, that all depends on what district it occurred in!
To be honest, Singapore isn't the kinda place you can go and expect to spend not much money. Orchard road is probs the main place to be, however again not much to do without cash. Maybe go to the red light district or visit Changi Prison
For $800 we got return flights and 6 nights accom, it is more a trip to spend some time away together, and to see new things. Finding out attractions and expensive places to go that can wait for the next trip when the funds aren't so limited is also something that we will do. We want to see interesting, different things, such as museums and art, traditional Singaporean life, and the cheap food. I want to window shop at the techy malls and see the lavishness of Orchard, having been a glazier for 6 months, any kind of extraordinary glass work amazes me.
Is the prison an attraction or are you saying I should get arrested?!
Thanks for your input mate.
is that $800 each or for the both?
sorry if it's obivous. I dont travel at all really so no idea of prices.
I enjoyed a Singapore Sling in Raffles every day (would destroy your budget) but you can visit for free, and here are 9 other free things you can do:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i2769-10_Free_things…
Thanks man, I will print out some pages related to all of them, Little India is where we are staying, so tick that, and planning on going to the gardens. How is Raffles? Dad stayed at the hotel there when he went on business, 20 years ago, I assume it is lavish for the price.
Yes it is lavish (and expensive), very colonial, mixes the old with the new very well. They did a great job when they extended it. Very definitely worth a stroll through which won't cost you a cent. Some top shops there for window shopping too. I think it would be a mistake not to visit it - but don't buy anything :)
Mate, I am an OZB regular, I won't be buying any expensive items in SG, at all, unless they are atleast 75% off ;).
Sounds nice, will have to work out a rough itinerary over the next few days and let my SG mate know.
Hehe I bought a Singapore Sling in a metal bottle for $6 in the Supermarket - Alcohol AND a souvenir!
I hear they cut your hair in Singapore.
Who, exactly, are "they"…?
I'm not sure - you'd have to ask Glenn Shorrock.
Or you could Google "they cut your hair in Singapore".
Thanks mate, I will send him an email asap about these so-called haircuts!
Go cold turkey on chewing gum. :)
I've not been looking forward to that, especially with all the cheap chewing gum from Coles lately, but what must be done, must be done.
WHY???? do tell me as I am going to Singapore in AUG… Thanks for this info as it helps me plan my trip too…
WTF…… I need gum for when I fly to help with the eardrum…
Stick it under the counter (surreptitiously) as you wait for your passport to be stamped. :)
Me too, August, 3 days in Singapore then 9 nights Langkawi, then back to Singapore where we have a whole day before our Scoot flight back @ 2am! Me, hubby and our 8 yr old, we are staying @Sentosa as we are doing the tourist thing for our 8 yr olds benefit. Looking forward to the luge, USS, cable car, Raffles, the flyer, night safari, we are hoping to take in the Snow City or the Wave house, water wonderland, the free light shows, the Zoo, the bird park my problem is putting it all together taking into account travel distance. We have 3 full days and 4 nights. I am hoping to take advantage of the free tours and/or free shuttle to the city on our last day courtesy of the airport. Has anyone here been to Langkawi?
Wow, that is alot to do in 3 days… The zoo/bird park/night safari will take a day in themselves.
Where are you staying?
I know there is a Singapore Tourist Pass things that gives you unlimited bus/mrt/lrt travel for up to 3 days ($8/d/pp) could be worth looking into if you are travelling around alot.
yeah it is a lot…hence my trawling travel forums for ideas… I dont reckon we will be able to do all of it. We are staying on Sentosa island at the festive resort, got a 50% off deal and I know from staying at Hojos @ Disney its great to be able to stay close to where you are going to spend most of your time anyway…you can rest, have lunch in your room if you want, go to the pool, and basically freshen up for the rest of the day. I am thinking to do sentosa for 2 days and Singapore city for the last day. However checking travel times it can take an hour (from memory) to get to the zoo…so that travel time will cut in. I have a wish list and a actually will do list. Also must take into account my husband, he will be the driving force on our oddesy. No rest for the wicked they say or our family either lol. The last day will actually be in transit. We will arrive back from Langkawi, as we are in transit for more than 5 hours we will get the option of a free tour or free shuttle to the city. Unfortunately due to scoot only hey thats what I wanted to ask you…scoot told me 2 hours before flight checkin but you said 3…was it 2 or 3? I dont want to be stuck landside after what you posted.
We flew at 10:30 and checked in at 7:30, so 3 hours(I got told 3 hours by 1 person and 2 by another). There is enough to do for an hour or 2 max, the sky train and checking out the terminals, but any longer and it will drive you nuts.
Also remember to take enough food for 8 hours, will be hard for a child to sit through it without getting really hungry. Take fast food if you have to, I brought 4 maccas cheese burgers back with me on the plane as there wasn't enough time to run to the supermarket!
I have not yet looked at the trip advisor list, but you really should do the island loop on the MRT. Get off at 4 or 5 stops and wander around. You will get a much better idea of how singaporeans live. The shopping centres are all so different. I stopped off at 4 or 5 one day, just to walk around.
If you are staying in Little India, there is a food centre right there at the MRT station. It is fairly good. The hawker centres have a very high standard of food and are rated A, B or C by the givernment for cleanliness. Most are B. Some are C. Most of the A's are the fruit or drink stalls. I would eat at any, even the Cs, as long as they were the only ones selling that particular item.
Walking around the various markets and just looking is entertainment to me. You see all sorts of ingredients and the people are just lovely.
$5 per meal is ample. I do not think the portions are small.
There is a stall in the far corner, probably the furthest corner from Little India where they sell Carrot Cake. Carrot Cake is neither carrot nor cake. It is a savory. Yum, comes in white and black. I am sure you can get one serve of each for under $5.
When I was there last, I thought La Pa Sat was not very good. It used to be pretty fabulous. Chili crab was not good there. You may hear about the satay they serve at night, but you have to buy about $10 of them.
You can easily spend a day wandering Little India and Arab street. Some of the other areas could amuse you for a day or so. Chinatown, Bugis, etc.
If you can swing the transfers and hassle going by public transport, get yourself out to the east coast where there are beaches and playgrounds and food centres.
If you want alcohol and are really on that tight of a budget, the duty free grog at Singapore airport is the cheapest I have ever seen. $16Singapore for 1 litre of Smirnoff vodka. The cheapest beers will be at the food centres.
I guess if you get bored, you could go and spend a day at the airport. Not sure if they let you in when you are not flying that day. It is fabulous. Get there early on your way out. So much free stuff to do. Movies, massage chairs, butterfly gardens, etc.
If you are not a drinker, I think $15 per day per head is a bit generous for food. I think that the amount you have allowed for transport is too low. You will most likely need more than that. Perhaps double.
I think you better accept that you will end up spending more than you have planned. Not that much more if you are a real tightass, but you don't want to be miserable and not taking a public transport trip for $3 each just because it isn't in your budget.
It was raining when I left Singapore in April. I grabbed a cab from the Little India MRT and went to the hotel and then on to the airport. It was about $15, total. I bet the MRT trip would be $3 - 5. AS there are two of you, you need to keep in mind the differential between 2 MRT fares and cab fare. I went 1.5 years ago. Our group had 3 adults and 2 kids. The kids were charged as adults. The people I was with wanted to take public transport everywhere, even though it saved little or no money and involved having to navigate and walk to and from MRT stations. IT pissed me off because I was on holiday. Messing around for an extra 30 minutes all up times 5 people is 2.5 hours of wasted time. To save less than $2 overall. Stupid.
Malaysia is just across the bridge. The border town there, J.B. is a HOLE, like the rest of Malaysia. Don't bother.
Thanks heaps for that mate, I have since found a few extra $$s and added it to my budget and I have also decided to convert the AUD at Mustafa Forex for a much better rate. We do plan to spend most days just walking around different areas and seeing things, my mrs wants to be an architect/designer so will be photo mad and taking in all the sights.
I have a friend over there who is going to take us away from any touristy areas and to where the locals shop, as he described it, so I look forward to what is there. We have also decided to goto the zoo and night safari in a package, which is reasonable at $42.
As far as travel goes, my friend informed me about this website: http://gothere.sg/ Which gives a good indication of travel costs, I can see where having 5+ people in a group that a taxi would be much better value, but for 2, the difference is quite alot.
Beaches and the like don't really appeal as we do live on the Gold Coast, they are something we can see every day, but going to the airport early would be something we could look into, is there any way of finding out what is where/on when we would be there? Or just turn up?
Are the duty free limits when leaving the country what is allowed back into Aus or do they have laws for how much you can take with you?
There are a number of information booths at the airport, ready willing and happy to give you free wifi tickets and tell you what is available to do and see.
Regarding the east coast beaches, it is not the beaches per se, but the fact that it isn't really very touristy. It is a family outing place.
You can bring 2.25 litres of grog per person back to oz. Not sure about the other limits. Grog is all I care about in so far as shopping overseas. Even if you are not into spirits yourself, you might see if some of your friends want some cheap grog.
If they are still offering tastings of Absolut Elyx vodka at Singapore airport duty free, do try it. Even if you are not a vodka person. It is AMAZING.
Are you staying at Xenobia? If so, try to get a room that is not on the ground floor. Very very noisy.
There is an area east of the city where the north south roads are called Gelangs (or similar). Part of that is a red light district. It is completely safe. You should go check it out. I stayed in a cheap hotel across the street from a brothel and it was interesting that they had a whole offering thing out front, burning incense and leaving gifts. As a western female, on my own, I was left completely alone in that area and in Little India. I did not exist. Anywhere else in the world when you are out late at night and you are the only white woman amoungst a sea of all dark male faces, you would feel a bit unsafe. (By pointing out the dark, I am not being racist, just saying that I stick out like a sore thumb in these situations) In Singapore, it was just an interesting thing to note. Little India also has a red light district, and I have heard that it can get very rowdy a couple of times a week. I do not know what that means, just what I have heard.
I don't know if I mentioned this earlier, but beer is pretty cheap in the food centres/hawkers centres. A 750ml of Tiger is about $5 singapore.
Heavy drinkers who do not want to go to hawker centres (I don't know why anyone wouldn't), can stay at hotels with a club floor that has free drinks in the evening. Food as well.
My brother and his wife lived in Singapore and they would compare notes to see who had the cheapest meal in hawker centres. I think their meals were always withing the $2.50 - $3.50 range. I went with them to a shooping centre out near the science centre and my brother ordered pineapple chicken and it came in a hollowed half of a pineapple. It looked amazing.
If you are out and about and wanting to save money, there will often be a western style food court. That is not what you want. Invariably, there will be another food centre somewhere else in the complex and that is where the good stuff is.
At hawker centres, always always always agree on the price of any seafood dish you order before it is cooked. Some of the Hawker Centres are absolutely notorious for graft and strong arm tactics.
Do look for deals.sg
i think you're being a little harsh on malaysia. Sure, some parts of it are not that great but that doesn't mean the whole country is a slum. It's like going to alice springs and declaring the whole of australia as a desert wasteland.
Have you been to Langkawi? We are going there for 9 nights. I would be interested in any travellers opinions and tips.
Thats kind of you. I'm glad you had a nice trip to Singapore. Thank goodness for Scoot flights huh!
No problem.
Tell me about it, we payed $320 total for 2 people return, not the best flight in the world, but for that price well worth it.
The flight over was very full (was the 2nd flight from Gold Coast) but the flight back we had 3 seats to the two of us and it was much more comfortable, but like any flight, if you can grab a few extra seats after take off, be quick about it, you won't regret it.
The return flights for the 3 of us including baggage and food came to under $1000. We were originally were going with a travel agency which offered a 2 night singapore, 7 nights Langkawi package for $1300 per adult, a little less for child. I contacted the agent to book, he came back with 'the price is wrong, we can only do the agreed price if your child doesnt travel with you. (like thats going to happen) The new price is $4,270 and if you want those extra nights its over $5000. So thanks to Scoot and various booking sites we ended up with 3 nights in Singapore and 9 nights in Langkawi staying in 4 and 5 star resorts and coming in under the orignal estimate of $3,600. This leaves us some spending money too.
Nice, can't wait to have a budget like that for a trip (Ours was about $1000 for everything) but I hope it all goes well and everyone is safe!
I will ask my SG mate if he has been to Langkawi and see if he has any suggestions.
Yes we try to be tight arsed for the majority of the year so we can do something nice at least once a year. Going overseas is a good option for us as we have seen a lot of Australia already, and it's cheaper these days to go OS, plus you get a different experience.
It is much better value going overseas it seems, and with flights to Asia/US so cheap, why not?
Thanks to all you guys for posting info on Singapore and the OP for starting the thread…
Very useful info for me to analyse and plan my trip in August…
OP, if you are going before Aug, can you reply back on some sites that you recommend I go…
I am off tomorrow mate, I will keep you updated daily on what we do etc.
Have a fun & safe trip. Do keep us posted on how you go with your limited budget.
We will stop by Singapore for 4 nights, not sure what to do there.
Cheers, I will! We have a rough plan so will try to stick to that, and have increased our budget a little bit since the mrs wants to do some shopping in little india (Atleast not orchard!). So we will have to look at buying a suitcase over there and filling it up!
I'll get some photos for you guys.
Universal studios always fun. Mad rides like the Battlestar gallactica & mummy ride. Just take your own food in bag cos it can get pricey once in. Check review http://www.thethemeparkguy.com/park/universal-studios-singap…
Enjoy your trip Shaw :D
Thanks mate, we are looking to take in the local sights and flavours and to try and stay away from the traditional touristy attractions (the zoo being the exception) and planning quick visits to raffles and orchard, but we plan to take alot of photos and will try to find as many 'off the map' attractions as we can, which to me makes more of an adventure!
You do realize we now expect your blog from Singapore.. lols..
Enjoy!!!!
You should check out the "Daiso" shops, theres a few around the major shopping malls. Its a Japanese company that does the 100yen stores in Japan, but in Singapore its 2 Singaporean dollars instead. It can get pretty busy, they're massive and u can find lots of random cheap things to bring back to Australia.
Ended up buying one of these clothes hanger things: http://www.asia.ru/images/target/photo/51137245/Plastic_Clot…
They were a life saver for our 6 week trip in Africa
I was going to suggest Daiso, but his budget was stuff all.
I LOVE DAISO. Apparently they have one in Doncaster (?) and one coming to Sydney - I think Abbotsford. These are more expensive than the Singapore one. Their stuff may even be $2.99 AUD each.
They have all sorts of cheap Japanese cooking aids and other stuff. The shop I went to was at the shopping centre where the train terminates at Sentosa.
We have added a bit to the budget, pretty much tripled it, plan on buying a bag over there and purchasing a check in for the trip back.
Where do they have stores in SG?
I bought one of the american tourister 360wheeled hard shell bags for about $100/$110 AUD while there. Bought it at Mustafa. They will give you a tax receipt thing, but you hav to line up for it. I submitted my form at the airport on the way out and mustafa is supposed to refund the tax to my cc. I haven't seen it yet and it's been a couple of months.
Wrote a little blog update, using one that I had setup 6 months ago, hopefully it isn't too boring! Just sitting here waiting to board now!
http://trifter.com/asia-pacific/australia/singapore-trip-day…
http://www.triond.com/users/Tony+Shaw is the url of the blog.
Posted a new update, going to the buffet now, can't wait!!
http://socyberty.com/society/singapore-trip-day-two-morning/
Today's update includes a bit of everything, and alot of disappointment, IT is just not something you buy at bargain prices over here!
http://trifter.com/asia-pacific/singapore/singapore-trip-day…
LOL, if your gf won't touch the local food because of cleanliness concerns. How is she handling her stay in Little India? i always hear comments about the area being very dirty from singaporean friends.
Little India's somewhat close to Parkway Parade shopping centre which isn't touristy at all. If she struggling for food there's western grub there. The Katong suburb/area where it is is worth exploring.
Little India is dirty by SINGAPORE STANDARDS, it is not really dirty at all. It is nothing like I have been told, I really enjoy the busyness of it all, and the fact that everyday I walk down the road it is different. I have not really seen any litter other than cigarette packets at construction sites, and down open drains, which aren't really that common. Overall I find it is a really nice place to visit, and the low cost of food is fantastic!
I will look at going there tomorrow, we are planning on going to botanic gardens in the morning, and then to the thieves market (a flea market) in the late afternoon (We went today and got a Cannon 500 SLR for $10 with a lens and tripod, and it works, and batteries!) so will just check it out again, so much awesome stuff there!
Photo I took last night of Parkview Square, just me happy snapping!
Will edit or reply to this with others.
Parkview Square - Bugis - http://www.picable.com/Architecture/Buildings/Parkview-Squar…
Riverwalk Tandoor buffet naan - Little India - http://www.picable.com/Food/Naan-Bread.3694315
Cannon EOS500 - "Thieves Market" - Little India - http://www.picable.com/Objects/Electronics/Cannon-Eos500-SLR…
nice one
'The hottest cooling in town' - Little India - http://www.picable.com/Architecture/Structure/The-Hottest-Co…
Hey Tony,
I am glad to see that you tried the carrot cake. I assume you tried either the white or the black. Do try the one you haven't eaten yet.
I am disappointed that your GF isn't happy with the food. Have you pointed out the cleanliness ratings that are displayed at every hawker stall? The government does this. Juice and drink places generally have the A ratings. They also have these funky dessert stalls that put fruit and sauces on top of ice. The last few times I have been to Singapore, my daughter has not been with me so I had forgotten about them. They often have As as well. Most food stalls have Bs. Some have Cs. It is usually the Indiam and muslim ones with the Cs in my experience, so if you see an Indian or muslim one with a B, you might go out of your way to give them a try.
You and your GF are very very young. I hope she is able to get over her aversion to what she percieves to be poor sanitation. It will really and truly hamper her happiness in future travels. Singapore is marvelous and so very clean. If she can't be happy there, I fear she will never be happy on any travels. I know a woman in her 60s and she travels a bit and compains about everything. I have actually refused to go on a nearly free group trip to Mongolia because she was going to be along and I didn't need her ruining my groove.
Having said that, since you have identified her strong aversion to these sorts of things, then avoid Malaysia. It is a HOLE. A dirty filty HOLE. She will be unable to eat there. I am happy gobbling any street food from portable temporary food carts in Thailand. I am very unhappy to eat in Malaysia. It is truly dangerous the way they let food lay around collecting and growing microbes. Disgusting.
I never found Singapore to be a rich source of bargains for IT, but I am ignorant about most IT things and would be unable to recognise a bargain.
You are far better off buying here in OZ where you can get advice from your Ozb mates.
The Botanic Gardens, a bit of shopping and yummy carrot cake, in my latest blog update!
Your blog needs more OzB plugs.
Lol, I will write one about OZB when I get back.
Well, it is a day late, but I eventually wrote day 5!
http://scienceray.com/biology/zoology/singapore-trip-day-fiv…
Finally, day 6 and 7, a bit of a disappointing end to a great trip, but really enjoyed it overall. Will write a trip summary if I can muster the awakeness today, been going for 24 hours and now have to sort out all of the families bills.
Thanks alot for reading guys, been a bit difficult writing at the end of a few crazy days, but really enjoyed it.
http://trifter.com/practical-travel/singapore-trip-day-six-a…
Back home already? Glad u enjoyed the trip. Did you check out the "Marina Bay Sands" hotel/casino/Sky Park (?). I'll be there at the end of the year, still deciding what to do for 4 days when we're there.
Na, we didn't really do any of the grossly overpriced touristy things, except the zoo/night safari. The rest we discovered for ourselves as we went along, and took everyones advice into consideration aswell as what my local friend told me to fit the trip into our budget, which we did reasonably well overall.
What do you think about the zoo/night safari? As good as you expected?
BTW - Just read your blog, quite supprise about your -ve experience @ Changi Airport. Which terminal was you at? It is the best airport I've ever been to. It is one of the reasons why i prefer flying Sing air (and also the inflight service ofcourse!). There are 3 terminals you can explore, cinema, shops, plenty of power outlets, massage chairs/machines, butterfly garden, orchid, koi pond, rest areas…etc.
Really enjoyed the zoo/night safari, me and Liv went to the zoo alone and had a good time, and 2 Sing. mates joined us for the night safari which was just as good, just a bit hard to see. I have some videos that I will upload from the night safari.
Flying a proper airline, you get the early checkin, the problem with flying with scoot was that there was no checkin until 3 hours before the flight, so we had 10 hours at Changi with nothing to do, little money, and drained devices. Airside it was great, which it would have to be to be rated so highly, but landside was disgusting.
10hrs at Changi?
Why didn't you kill some time at Parkway Parade which is 10-15mins/$15 by taxi to Changi or one of the suburban shopping areas/centres at Bedok, Tampines, or Pasir Ris which are next to MRT stations close to Changi?
Because we had no money, didn't want to risk being stranded by not having $3+ left on the EZ Link cards, and were tired and didn't expect it to be such a shit hole.
Sorry to hear of your negative experience. I've flown to/through Changi a number of times on various airlines (full service as well as budget) and the choice of airline isn't a factor in my experience of Changi airport itself. I've always found plenty to do in Changi airport: (window) shop, watch movies, admire fish/gardens, play console games, free wifi are some free options. Paid ones include food/drinks, sleep (on a bed, in a room), shower, swim, massage etc. http://www.changiairport.com/at-changi gives you some info if you want to check it out for future reference. Even locals go to Changi to spend time there eating, shopping, studying and hanging out etc.
As for drained devices, there are power points dotted around the place, as well as dedicated areas (like library cubicles) where you have power and ethernet sockets. There are also some charging stations - like vending machines with little lockable compartments with charging cables for all sorts of different mobile phone/PDA devices. Looks like you never came across any of these but at least next time you'll know they exist :)
You are right about what is there, I won't dispute that, but the post fails to differentiate between landside and airside. Airside is fantastic, never better but landside is disgusting, as they have ripped out everything but the bare essentials (plastic seats, food shops etc) to try and keep the students from studying there, that is my view of it anyway, after reading a few articles.
Ah sorry missed the distinction.
Would there be (m)any airports that are set up to cater for travellers (who don't want to spend any money eg. to shop/eat) for extended periods prior to checking in?
Tony,
Thanks for keeping us updated.. I am staying in Little India so was wondering if you could give me a list of things I have to do/see whilst there..
Appreciate it
James
Sorry, just read your message mate, when are you going?
I found Mustafa to be amazing if you wanted.. anything!
What street are you staying on? What are your interests?
Have uploaded all of the videos (most private for now/ever depending on content lol)
2 here that I have titled/made public.
http://www.youtube.com/user/shaw2100/videos
Will have to figure out a way to make the photo album viewable by everyone (On Liv's Facebook page currently), will get back about that one.
What about the night safari? And a visit to Sentosa/universal studios?