Backpacking Philippines: Backpacking Singapore Travel Tips/Cheap Package Tour

Backpacking Singapore Travel Tips/Cheap Package Tour

Tips for first time visitors and tourists in the Lion City or those thinking of living in Singapore

(The last of Tutubi's Surprising Singapore Series)

After narrating stories of the Singapore sojourn, herewith are accumulated travel wisdom, tips and non-sense for your information and travel planning to Singapura:

UPDATED: August 2013

Where to eat in Singapore:

Anywhere of course! The Lion City offers an exciting array of choices from pricey food to hawker stalls most locals eat in. In fact the hawker stalls has become tourist attractions themselves. Singapore can always lay claim to having the cleanest street food in the world tag!

Groceries from supermarkets can be ordered online and delivered to your place.

If arriving in July, get your complimentary chili crab voucher at the airport courtesy of the Singapore Tourism Board and claim at various restaurants listed on the voucher. Bring your passport with you in claiming.

Recommended food include chili crabs, hainanese chicken, roti prata, ba kuh teh (a local pork stew), chicken satay (skewers of Malay origin) with peanut sauce et al

Hainanese Chicken at a restaurant in Suntec

Where to stay in Singapore:

hmmm. this is hard for the Tutubi since his company paid for his hotel. Originally inquired at Raffles Convention Center but, due to late registration, the hotel was fully-booked since it's the venue of the conference. Got billeted instead at Marina Mandarin, IMHO, better hotel and location.

There are plenty of cheap hotels in Singapore, even low-price ones catering to backpackers which are available on the Internet

Most locals stay in high-rise apartments with cramped space, built by the government (sample picture shown below). Only guys with ample purchasing power can afford house and lots

Money Changers:

Money changers are a plenty in Singapore, the first ones in Changi Airport.

Tutubi always brings US dollars when travelling abroad since the Philippine peso is not always accepted (poor Philippines). You can, however bring pesos to be exchanged but usually bought at a lower price.

What Tutubi does always is to buy foreign currencies, Singapore dollar this time, at cost or less expensive than usual money changers in Manila due to his connections with bank employees with access to foreign currencies trading (this is legal, you just have to know the right person)

Moving around:

Singapore is a walkable city with interconnected underpasses, escalators, and passageways that cut through buildings offering a labyrinthine yet easily navigable route. Directions to various destinations are highly visible.

Imagine the Tutubi, on his first few steps outside Marina Mandarin, nearly crossed the street just to go to Suntec; stopped for a moment how to go there until a path was found on the side of the hotel that passed through an adjacent building and overpass. (this feature of Singapore is what's being mimicked by Makati)

Locals here use the highly efficient public transport system, unless they're filthy rich, since cars here come with astronomical price tags.

Taxis, quite expensive compared to the rest of South East Asia, can be hailed at all times. Be wary though of surcharges like a big jump in cost when taking a cab from 1130pm to 6am and various other add-on charges. (a similar system in use in Malaysia, IIRC)

Buses and trains (MRT) are so convenient and efficient. Recommend buying EZlink cards accepted by buses and trains if you intend to stay for a long time. More details on buying and topping up here.

Buses and MRT train fares can also be paid in cash, in case of MRT, single journey ticket.

A highly useful street directory of the city, with tips on how to get to your destination (commuting) is by juse getting those apps for your iOS (Apple iPhone/iPad) or Android smartphones and devices.

Touring Singapore and Singapore Guided Tours

Take the wacky duck: Singapore DUCKTours for a tour of the city both on the road and riverine one the way a mighty duck would :)

The duck will take you to the Singapore Heritage Trail: Supreme Court, City Hall, Victoria Theatre, Civilian War Memorial (a high obelisk with four pylons symbolizing the four races in Singapore: Chinese, Malays, Indians and other races. Structure is near the Esplanade and walking distance from Suntec and Marina Mandarin), Theatres on the Bay, Merlion et al.

The DUCK is actually an upgraded version of World War II era DUKW used with tremendous success during D-Day. Now called LARC (Light Amphibious Resupply Cargo) of Korean and Vietnam War vintage converted into a tourism vehicle.

Note that the route of the DUCKtour was already taken by Tutubi on his self-guided tour. Riding the DUCK would be a waste of his limited time and money :(

More information about DUCKtours here

Another recommended guided tour of Singapore are the Walking Tours, similar to Manila's Carlos Celdran and Ivan ManDy. Information here.

Popular tourist sites missed by Tutubi include Sentosa Island, Jurong Birdpark, Night Safari, and Underwater World.

Photography and taking pictures in public places:

Found this to be very lax i.e. no restrictions even for government buildings unlike other countries visited by Tutubi. The only time Tutubi was not allowed to take pictures was at a colorful fruit stand in Suntec that's so picture perfect but the shopkeeper saw Tutubi fluttering and warned early against taking picture of the kaleidoscopic shop.

Bring your tripod with with you. Singapore's such a great place for night photography . Don't be like Tutubi who didn't bother to bring his tripod due to indolence.

Buying Things like gadgets, gizmos, electronics, cameras and photography equipment:

It's usually cheaper to buy cameras and lenses here in Singapore than in Manila, unless you're on Hidalgo St. in Manila and in Hong Kong.

Warned you though of rude shopkeepers who'll come close to shoo you away if they sense you're not going to buy or simply asking. Sim Lim Square has lots of them taking advantage of tourists (tourist traps galore) aside from getting condescending look from people manning the stores. Funan Digitalife Mall has friendlier people than Sim Lim, Tutubi found out.

Tutubi wasn't able to buy the nifty-fifty, canon's super sharp yet cheap lens (canon EF 50mm f1.8 II), btw. It's around PhP3,900.00 in Manila. It's in Singapore where he bought his first digital camera, the Canon Ixus IIs, and later asked an officemate to buy him the 30GB iPod video with lots of freebies.

Internet Access In Singapore:

There's free Internet access at Changi Airport plus free wi-fi in almost all of Singapore (have to check for time when the "promo" is offered though). You can buy prepaid mobile SIM cards at Changi Airport (if you have an open line phone)

Don't try to use your neighbor's open wi-fi connection; it's in Singapore where the first freeloaders were jailed.

Other observations:

Singaporeans are highly cosmopolitan, always in a hurry, unlike in more laid back Manila, always on a lookout for shopping sprees (though it's really expensive there) where my Singaporean friends say is their favorite sport. (something in common with Filipinos, though it's much cheaper to buy things here in the Philippines than in Singapore except for electronic stuff)

Singapore has notorious laws, bordering on being draconian, that work. Chewing gums are not allowed and stiff penalties await those peddling those sticky chewables. Blogging there is very dangerous when it comes to certain issues particularly criticizing the government.

That's it for now. Tutubi will be back in Singapore for sure!

Related Posts on Singapore:

Changi Airport
Singapore DIY tour
The Merlion
Guided Tour of Singapore
Experience India in Singapore

Labels: Singapore

posted by GingGoy @ 11:56 PM,

60 Comments:

At Jul 23, 2007, 10:24:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I was supposed to be in Singapore last month with a couple of friends. One of them has sister who's living there with her family. The plan was we would be staying in this sister's place to save on hotel expenses. Plantsado na ang plano. Kaya lang I backed out - ubos budget sa enrolment ng mga bata. hehehe.

But I will take note of your tips here. Who knows - maybe by December. Thanks, Tutubi! :)
At Jul 24, 2007, 2:38:00 AM, Rochelle said...: It looks really cool there. Great travel tips! Maybe one day I can go here!
At Jul 24, 2007, 5:43:00 AM, carlotta1924 said...: gusto ko nang pumunta ng singapore. salamat sa tips =)
At Jul 24, 2007, 11:29:00 AM, Marco said...: cool tips pre! kapakipakinabang... hehe
At Jul 24, 2007, 1:51:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Thanks for the tips!

I was supposed to visit Singapore this summer but was so caught up with my sked that I could not but I'm happy enough to see your posts about the country itself.

;)
At Jul 24, 2007, 2:29:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Oh, we're also thinking of going to Singapore... actually deciding between Singapore and Bangkok... cheaper to fly to Bangkok though. Definitely, the food is the best in Singapore. Thanks for the tips!
At Jul 24, 2007, 6:20:00 PM, Felmar Castrodes Fiel said...: wow! nagutom ako bigla. its my first time to visit your blog. ang galing galing! i hope to visit this place also next time. God bless!
At Jul 25, 2007, 10:27:00 AM, Anonymous said...: planning to visit Sing very soon. Will read this post again just before I leave. Thanks!
At Jul 25, 2007, 6:03:00 PM, Anonymous said...: very good tips Tutubi. I agree, Sg has some of the best eatiries in asia. Nakakatuwa pa is that they give certain awards on which hawker or restaurant is best on a certain dish.

grabe, me nakukulung pala sa pag gamit ng internet ng kapit bahay. Di ko alam yun ah. haha.
At Jul 25, 2007, 11:55:00 PM, -= dave =- said...: an efficient public transport system and prohibitive fees to discourage private cars--this vehicle reduction scheme is what metro manila really needs to have relief from traffic jams and pollution. but of course no politician would pursue this in auto-elitist manila (maybe bayani f., but he hasn't arrived at this idea yet, not surprising though).

anyway, exploiting a neighbor's open wi-fi is punishable by jail in singapore???
At Jul 26, 2007, 1:20:00 PM, Anonymous said...: rhodora, first things first. that's life! :)

rochelle, your trips are what i prefer to do aactually

carlotta, punta ka na, then backpack din sa Malaysia and Indonesia, even other southeast asia

marco, salamat sa pagdalaw

kyels, singapore is just a train ride or bus from there if you can't afford airfare, right?

toe, honestly, I prefer Thai food than singaporean. I don't think there's really something to call Singaporean cuisine. They're really Malay, Chinese and Indian there.

I remember a friend who visited me remarked food I ordered for her were chinese; i said they're invented by Filipino-Chinese people here and not present in China

frater, thanks for the visit. do come back

jc, yes and please share your own tips next time

ferdz, safe nga food dun kaya walang thrill. mas masarap kasi food sa pinas sa mga dark and dingy places hehe

dave, Singaporeans envy Filipinos who own cars. They lamented they can't afford to buy cars hehe

using other's wifi, is like hacking since it's unauthorized. Here in pinas, there's still no law on that. Been waiting for the cybercrime law to be passed but it's being delayed until a new congress is now constituted. For now, back to square one. Our lawmakers are too busy on various non-sense, junkets and absenteeims
At Jul 27, 2007, 10:09:00 AM, Gypsy said...: Ay di ko alam na may na-jail na pala na wifi freeloaders..hehe..buti na lang nakalusot ako...have to take note of that next time..;) thanks!
At Aug 2, 2007, 3:03:00 PM, Anonymous said...: when i was in singapore, i accidentally brought a pack of chewing gum from sydney. i asked my local friend if i could chew a gum, she said it's ok.

it was fun doing it in singapore, when you know it is against the law. hehe.

for clubbers, visit MOS.
At Aug 11, 2007, 3:25:00 PM, febeth said...: The housing in SIngapore is ot really cramped compared to those in Hk.

I even find the size of govt housing units in Singapore more spacious than condos in manila
At Nov 25, 2007, 10:36:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Signaporeans are very arrogant and so full of themselves.. they constantly remind themselves that theyre the best.. when they find out that you're a filipino theyll give you that "are you maid kinda look?" been here for almost a year now, i just cant wait to go back to manila... shopping isnt that grreat here, you prolly find more unique things in manila.. their high rises arent that great compared to that of hongkong and shnaghai..
At Apr 29, 2008, 1:59:00 PM, Anonymous said...: hello tutubi just wanna ask this is TRINA of manila im curious my husbnd and i are planning to go to SG on MAY and he is american and working in u.s. but he wants to get a job in SG and so do i..so we can be together while waiting for the visa my petition,,going to u.s.(i was wondering if we can stay there for -how many days as tourist -?), i heard tht u r allowed to stay there for only 30days as tourist and if u want u can apply for extension,,through online,for 30 more days..while looking for a job... u think its easy? and u think they are not that strict?coz im planning to get an open ticket going back here in d philippines,but i think it cost too much if i get roundtrip...(will the ppol from d airport will ask for my roundtrip ticket?)there in SG? it will be risky i know but if its the only way to be with my husbnd while waiting for the visa goign to u.s. we wnat to look for a job there?pls anyone aside fr tutubi who is knowledgeable enufff to asnswer my questions? thanks i will really apprec8!!! -trina-ganda-
At Apr 29, 2008, 10:32:00 PM, GingGoy said...: Trina, as far as i know, you need to have a confirmed ticket onward to your destination and not an open-ended one. have no idea about the difficulty but you can apply for an extension. more information about tourist visa extension from singapore official site here.
At May 1, 2008, 7:58:00 AM, Anonymous said...: thank you so much for the response:) i feel better coz i ask many friends too,and u made it clear as far as i know my friends went there as tourist and they just look for a job there luckily with in a month they got a job;and they r sharing in a same place,i just wanna ask how much do you think it will cost me to stay there with in or for just like a month?food allowances and transpo?do u think in a month 300 sg dollars is enuff for food and transpo allowance? coz the house is like 650 sg dollars inclusive pub/utilities like elec. and all/,do u think 650?is fair enuf for the master bedroom and inclusive utility bills? i think and my friend think i can find a cheaper place but she said tht 650 is fair enufff for evrythng;so thats it i just wanna know HOW MUCH can or will i have to spend in a month to stay there just me coz my hubby will be back in u.s. after our vacation for two weeks just to have fun and go to sum beaches there;jus twanna ask the expenses thankyou so much again hope for ur response again:)
At Jun 3, 2008, 7:06:00 AM, Noy Al said...: I am a Singapore-based Pinoy who stays in one of those public housing flats. I can tell you that they aren't cramped at all at 1,100sq ft. Some flats go as big as 1,500 sq ft. I think Hong Kong is more cramped. Lots of Pinoy rent public housing flats here, and I am sure they are enjoying the experience of high-rise living.
At Jul 18, 2008, 1:22:00 PM, aim said...: hi thank for the nice tips. my husband and i is planning to visit singapore this dec with our 1yr old daughter. it is okey to spend there christmas say exactly dec 23-26?
At Jul 18, 2008, 11:01:00 PM, GingGoy said...: aim, i see no problem with that...what i only know is that may be peak season for more expensive flights and hard to book places. not sure though
At Sep 5, 2008, 3:55:00 PM, Anonymous said...: hi, my friend and family are planning to visit sg on oct 28 to nov 2,where can they get a place that is affordable and convenient to almost all the nice places to go to.
At Sep 5, 2008, 9:42:00 PM, GingGoy said...: cinderella, singapore is such a small place. public transportation is highly efficient so there's no problem on where to stay. if you have the kids, stay on Sentosa Island where mos attractions are.
At Sep 22, 2008, 10:42:00 AM, Anonymous said...: My cousin also there at Singapore, hope I can be there next year
At Sep 22, 2008, 8:01:00 PM, GingGoy said...: captvating capiz, this is not the correct way to optimize your keyword :P
At Jan 14, 2010, 2:09:00 AM, Anonymous said...: thanks for the tips tutubi, im IYA. my cousin and i are planning to go to Singapore this summer and will stay there for probably 1 to 2 weeks only, backpacker type lang. do we need tourist visa to go there? how much kaya money we need to bring lets say in US$? actually we'll be staying sa uncle namin so no need na for the hotel budget. totally zero idea kami eh. thanks
At Jan 14, 2010, 9:45:00 AM, GingGoy said...: anonymous, no need for tourist visa if youstaying 2 weeks only. Singapore is an ASEAN member, Visa on entry only. just buy a roundtrip ticket and you'll be fine. budget only for food and transpo about SG$40/day probably less if your uncle will chow you where to eat cheap food and not at expensive restaurants. Singapore though is a small place. I don't know if I can "survive" 2 weeks there without crossing the Indonesia of Malaysia by bus/ferry or train :P
At Feb 14, 2010, 2:43:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Hi, I'm Hussain. My son, my wife and I am planning to Visit Malay and Singapore on the first week of June for about 10 nights. Will be staying in Singapore for only about 3 nights. Is there any important thing which is not mentioned above? thanks
At Feb 15, 2010, 3:18:00 PM, GingGoy said...: Hussain, nothing much. travel from Singapore to Malaysia by bus or train is mostly covered by other sites.
At Feb 19, 2010, 10:20:00 PM, Yinnie the Pot said...: I visited Singapore for the first time last October and I was really surprised to find many Indian nationals. I was expecting to find only Chinese-looking people.
At Feb 21, 2010, 9:28:00 AM, GingGoy said...: Yinnie, Singapore, like Malaysia, has three main ethnic population groups: Malays, Chinese and Indians. The Chinese are the majority, Malays and Indians minority. In Malaysia, it's the Muslim Malays, then Chinese and Indian minority.
At Mar 14, 2010, 6:55:00 PM, Fransisca Milani said...: Thank you very much for your all information about singapore, maybe next time I will go there
At Mar 18, 2010, 8:09:00 PM, Jen said...: Hi Tutubi. I'm Jen. I'm planning to visit Singapore with my grandma and brother. Is it feasible to bring my grandma? She can walk short distances by cane but needs to be on a wheelchair for long distances. What are the best places to visit and dine in when in Singapore? Do they have accommodations for disabled people/elderly?
At Mar 18, 2010, 8:34:00 PM, GingGoy said...: jen, singapore is very disabled-friendly so going around in a wheelchair is not a big problem but also one challenge since i'm also planning to take my mom abroad with the same concerns. she doesn't need a cane but can't also walk long distances. I don't know if you can still get her travel insurance at her age but also try. Orchard road has lots of good eats, take the taxis so she can get around more without much walking. it's a small country about the size of quezon city
At Apr 21, 2010, 4:52:00 PM, Unknown said...: hi, me and my family is planning to go on a vacation to Singapore this May and I was wondering if you guys know any travel and tours agency that offers some great tour packages.
At May 5, 2010, 4:27:00 AM, Anonymous said...: hi, i plan to travel this coming june and I already tried to book a flight but the agent warned me that they sometimes become strict and look for invitations and stuff. Especially maybe because i will be traveling alone and if you know any agency that has cheap package for a single traveler. i really want to travel this june.
At May 7, 2010, 10:31:00 AM, GingGoy said...: anonymous, you don't need invitations from someone to visit singapore. Filipinos don't need Singapore Visa to go there, it's actually Visa on arrival (Both Philippines and Singapore are ASEAN members that's why) and valid for 21 days. beyond 21 days you're required to apply for a Visa extension or that's the time you need to apply for a visa with longer stay.
At Jul 8, 2010, 4:34:00 PM, Hussain said...: Just got back from Singapore. I was there just for 03 days with my wife and 8 yr old son. Beautiful place, people so kind and sweet specially the lady at the Nandos/near Bugis station. she so helpful guided us how to go to Sentosa and givin us what color train to take and to transfer. love to go there again
At Jan 13, 2011, 9:48:00 PM, Anonymous said...: hi Tutubi1€ Im kaye. Just wanna ask about the requirements for 5 day stay in singapore? Im planning to visit there this summer 2011. can you please explain further the visa on arrival? how much is the fee? its actually my first time to travel abroad. I'll be staying at my cousin's place. thanks!
At Jan 13, 2011, 10:34:00 PM, GingGoy said...: kaye, visa on arrival just means you'll be stamped the visa at the immigration counter at the airport. no visa fees...it's free. I think you can stay there for 21 days for free, you just need to show your return ticket. beyond that you'll need the visa extension which usually comes for a fee. check singapore visa for official word on this though. trust me on the free visa :P
At Apr 7, 2011, 8:05:00 PM, PAM said...: hi. i'm from davao. i called the bureau of immigration davao and asked for requirements, sabi nila i need a letter from Philippine Embassy in SG. I'm only 18 and will be traveling alone. It'll be my first time. Takot ako na ma-deny sa Immigration sa Manila. If ma-approve na ba ako dito sa Davao, Kailangan ko pa mgpa-approve ulit sa Manila? Please send me a message. Thank you so much. Strict raw kasi immigration ngaun. :(
At Apr 8, 2011, 2:38:00 PM, GingGoy said...: PAM, afaik, only minors 15 years old and below, traveling alone need permits from DSWD and the "unaccompanied minor" requirement. At 18, you're no longer a minor and of legal right to travel anywhere even in Singapore.
At Apr 12, 2011, 4:22:00 PM, Mike said...: Thanks for the post. It's informative. I want to travel Sg this year. :D
At Apr 13, 2011, 11:48:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Hi,I've just get back from SG, after a couple of weeks vacation there. How long will it take before I can go back there?

Thanks
At Apr 14, 2011, 9:26:00 AM, GingGoy said...: anonymous, immediately. others even make a u-turn after passing thru Malaysia immigration but that's for those working illegally in Singapore :(
At May 2, 2011, 7:53:00 PM, Anonymous said...: hello po. this friday na po flight ko going to singapore and it's my first time to travel outside the country. ano ano po kya mga possible questions ng immigration officers? i will be staying there for 2days and 1night , meron n din po ako hotel booking.
..at magkano po kya pwde ko dalhin na cash?in what currency? magtatanong pa po kaya ang immigration officer kung magkano budget ko para sa trip ko to SG?
pasensya na po kung maraming tanong ha..first time ko po kase to travel outside Pinas eh ..
thanks po...
Mel
At May 3, 2011, 5:03:00 PM, GingGoy said...: mel, usually wala tanong yan or just business or pleasure unless mukhang may iba ka pakay like illegally working there. all you need to show is the return ticket back home. bring SGD or USD, amount depends on your length of stay usually based on hotel costs, food and fare prices. US$100/day is more than enough for me but i don't know for you :P
At Aug 27, 2011, 2:38:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Hello Tutubi,
I will be in SG September 17 to 20,2011. I am planning to visit Kuala Lumpur on the 19th. Kaya ba day tour lng? kasi plan ko balik din pagka gabi ng 19 sa SG. Then possible then ba if day tour from SG to Indonesia. kasi on the 20th 5 pm pa balik ko ng pinas.hehehe
excited na me punta ng SG. kung ok ba xa compare sa Macau at HongKong kasi I've been there na weH.
At Aug 27, 2011, 6:32:00 PM, GingGoy said...: anonymous, singapore to KL day tour? it's too tight considering travel time between the two even if everything goes well. just plan separate trips. Indonesia is just a ferry away from Singapore, but is it worth it?
At Sep 21, 2011, 11:49:00 PM, Shiela said...: Hi im going to Sg on oct 13-17. and i read here that i can go to Malaysia by bus or train. how long is the travel and how many days do you think i shall alot for malaysia? is two days ok? Thank you.
At Sep 22, 2011, 10:14:00 AM, GingGoy said...: shiela, you only have 5D/4N, i don't recommend going to malaysia as KL is about 6 hours by train or bus travel time. just explore Singapore then plan another trip to KL, malaysia. You may, however, make a U-turn to nearby malaysian towns (that looks like quiapo) just to have another visa stamp on your passport.
At Sep 27, 2011, 7:34:00 AM, Anonymous said...: hello can i ask ? i was planning to be a backpacker on coming dec...iwas thingking f i need visa to apply for only 5 days?....and what would be my steps do be on singapore ?do i have any requirements or some bank account ?? do they will check any things from me in phil ang singapore airport?...what would only i will present only ticket? what wil i tell them?? only want to visit do i have requirements where would i will stay or its up to me where will i stay?tnx?
At Sep 27, 2011, 7:40:00 AM, Anonymous said...: hello po ask kulang po balak kupo mg tour me mga kilala po ako pwede tirhan just fot 5 days lang po s dec...ang ask ko anu po ba kailngan ko gawin bili lang pob ako ng round trip wala napo ba visa yun?..panu po sa immigration anu po sasabihin ko dun?...baka itanung po kais sakin yung hotel dikopo kasi baak mg hotel eh balak ko makitulog sa mga kilala kulang...at papakainin daw po nila ako kung sakali so medyu makakatipid ako..ang ask ko kailngan paba ng back account sa immigration po?...advice me po...salamat po di naman po kasi ako rich gs2 kulang po meet mga frends ko..salamat
At Sep 27, 2011, 4:32:00 PM, GingGoy said...: anonymous, five days is no problem. you only need to show your exit plane ticket to the immigration counter. they're not really strict, no need for show money for visa on arrival
At Oct 8, 2011, 6:46:00 PM, Anonymous said...: hi tutubi, im going to bali on december. i have a connecting flight from phils-singapore-bali then im planning to stay for 4 days in singapore before i return to the phils. is this allowed? im confused kasi about the social visit pass esp. this: 'Person who will not visit Singapore in 3 days time after their last departure from the country.' thanks!
At Oct 9, 2011, 1:59:00 PM, GingGoy said...: anonymous, the social visit pass is there to catch the u-turn immigration where you can't go back to singapore after less than 3 days. the u-turn visa is used by illegals by workers and sometimes prostitutes/hookers who leave singapore to malaysia when their visa lapses but immediately return to singapore to have a fresh visa stamp
At Nov 1, 2011, 12:21:00 AM, Travel Scammers said...: hello all just a friendly reminder beware of this agency: http://scams-empress-royale-travel.blogspot.com/
At Dec 3, 2011, 8:18:00 PM, Cheap hotels said...: Thank you for this blog. That's all I can say. You most definitely have made this blog into something thats eye opening and important.
At Jan 28, 2012, 11:57:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Hi... I long to go visit Singapore not on a business trip like I used to with my boss... which I have never fully enjoyed the stay since we are always on the rush...
How much it would cost me right now if I am going to visit Singapore for a week or two?
Got no friends or relatives there... i will go alone..
and I am a bit wary...

thanks...

lem

le_corp@yahoo.com
At Sep 25, 2012, 6:16:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Me and my hubby went there for 5days/4nights, here are some of the things we've learned. If you are the type who is willing to sleep in a dorm type accommodation, there are several hostel/dorms type hotel in SG usually in the Indian district. You can book online to get the best price, but you want private time and unshared toilet/bath then booking in small hotels would do. Book early to get discounts. In going around SG buy the EZlink ticket wich is easy to reload and be use for bus and train rides. When going around be ready to walk, plan your trip, it is best to go and see the harbor side during your 1st 2 days (includes SG flyer, universal studio and merlion). Do not bother going to Marina bay Sand's rooftop, all the things you'll see here can also be seen via SG flyer. Stay until night fall to see the beauty of the harbor and maybe be lucky like us and watch the free light show.Aside from that, try also to visit Marina Bay sand you can enter and roam around the lobby then to gardens by the bay and the 2 beehives. Also when going to Universal studio, make sure to just stay for a good couple of hours its very small compared to HK Disney, but go forward to the beach side of the Sentosa Island and Stay until around 8pm. On your 3rd day, Visit the different cultural streets like Indian, Chinese and Malay villages, stay for a while just take pictures and 1-2 souvineers. In the afternoon, head on to the Zoo or Jurong Bird Park, there relax and then head home before 10 pm since train services is only up until 11, but if you still have energy for tjis 3rd day visit Mustafa the only 24hr mall and shop. Its cheap but be firm mall attendants are a bit haughty. On your 4th day, Visit temples and churches there are a lot, in the afternoon if you can try and go to the Expo its near the airport, bargain stuff and buy things for yourself. At night since I'm assuming your feet are tired get a foot massage its heavenly, there are a lot, my personal fave is the one in Whampoa (there's a makan center here too!) On your last day, try and visit the city hall and other monuments. Bugis is a night market so before leaving have a blast on your last night. Good luck!

Backpacking Singapore Travel Tips/Cheap Package Tour

60 Comments:

Post a Comment