I know this has been long overdue but still I am writing a blog about this one. Hahaha! Nothing could ever stop me. I think I had posted one before on my blogspot but unfortunately I could not retrieve my account. Hi bots ! Hence, for this day I am going to share with you all what happened to me during my one week vacation in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
The reason why I traveled last 2014 with my dad overseas was to join on a Mission Summit of various missionaries that was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. My family were local church workers so we were interested to join. My dad decided for us to travel from Cebu then to Singapore since there was an airfare promo months before we decided to travel. We were actually only able to spend like Php20,000.00 for that trip including other expenses. Yehey!
The day before we travelled to Cebu via sea trip, my dad lost his wallet. All of our sea trip tickets went missing with his wallet too. He really argued with the company that he has a photo copy of our tickets. No original copy of the ticket, no ride rule sucks a lot. Luckily, he was able to book us another ticket asap. As I could remember, we travelled in evening then we were in Cebu in the morning the following day.
Oh Cebu! I so miss Cebu except for the traffic jams and the pollution. Who loves traffic jams and pollution anyway?
SINGAPORE! MALAYSIA! You know what I felt that time? I was really very excited. It would be my first time, to ride a plane for more than two hours and our trip would be in the evening! I know it would be a perfect time for me to see the city lights of Singapore!
We still have few hours left before our travel, so I got to meet a friend of mine who is working in Cebu at that time. He wanted to ask me on a date but due to that fact that I am time-constrained, I asked him to buy me few accessories at Forever21. Hi Nash! Hahaha! Do not worry, the items were on sale and I only asked him to buy me socks for the trip!
Johanna on board and her new friend
The four hour travel was pretty boring for me. Can you feel me? No wifi, no games! I was already thinking stuff such as, what if scenes of Snakes on the plane would occur? . I am not ready to die! Luckily, the person on my right seat was so friendly and there were no snakes on that plane!
During the trip, we shared a lot of things. I was so happy we have a lot of things in common. She told me she used to be working only in Singapore because she is a single mother and needs to provide the needs of her son. She then met a Belgian nationale and they fell in love with each other. Soulmates do exist! Except for her, he comes in a complete package with a set of blue eyes! The reason for her frequent trips now in Singapore was to meet her husband who has a company there.
She was so nice to me too. She even bought me dinner during the flight. I was pretty scared of buying food on the plane because my budget was pretty tight. I also find plane meals very expensive. Talking about having Php5,000.00 for my one week journey overseas! Hahaha!
I told you I was not kidding!
After hours of travel up-up-in-the-air, I was finally in Changi Airport! I swear it still look lovely even way back 2014. The place felt so secure that people can leave their phones charge while snoozing on the floor or on a chair. I saw many travellers doing that. I could really compare how poor the amenities and services of NAIA airport is.
I wanted to stay in Singapore for good!
What I like about Singapore is that you could book for cheap but comfy hostels. Unlike here they would crank you up on a dirty cheap inns with very poor customer services. I mean, ai am not generalizing, but I had bad experiences on those places I stayed during short trips for conventions. Alot of websites and applications are offering breakfast and beds (B&Bs) for those who are backpackers and want to save a lot from staying in expensive hotels.
Singapore has its downside too. I think it is sometime in December when there is smog that covers the entire land because of the tree burning or kaingin in Indonesia. I hope this problem has been solved already.
The one we stayed was just actually for 20SD per person. It was a three star hostel and has a very good reputation online. It was even awarded by an institution for good services and clean facilities. The wifi strength is nothing compared to Philippines. We know that right guys? I could actually download one movie for just a minute. Their subways are also great. The good thing also about the hostel we stayed is that they have a pantry and the breakfast is for free! I also like staying on the terrace because it was giving me a sense of being in Europe.
The following day, we decided to travel on some of the tourist spots in Singapore. I've got to see the famous Marina, the Merlion, and the Wardrobe ! Hahaha! Ate M was our tour guide. We used to go to the same church before she left for Singapore to work.
I wanted to meet Mickey, but there is no Disney!
We actually decided to go to Universal Studious first. I have lots of photos but I lost my memory card while to trying to change cards.
I also wanted to own the giant globe just for once but there are a lot of tourists even though it is still November!
Here are some of our photos when were at Universal Studios.
We rode a train to Sentosa before heading to another station that would lead us to Universal studios. Along the way, we found a temple. I like the concept of riding trains on subways because we really don't have that in our city. I also like swiping my card a lot.
I am that small girl in the photo by the way if you are wondering if I am on that photo.
I was not actually able to ride those roller coasters and other rides in Universal Studious because hell no! I would not! I was able to see the 20foot replica of the great Merlion. I really wonder if it would turn out to be like Mushu in Mulan! I am the great mighty warrior! Hahaha! The wax sculptures in Madame Tussads was also great at the same time it was freaking me out.
Good bye Transformers, hello Merlion!
I wanted to ride the gondola! I threw some of my coins on the madmade river . And I bought a 2SD mineral water. Yes! That was 60Php at the time I bought it. I also saw a Ferrari F1 displayed. I think something went wrong with this one, still it looks so pretty.
I applaud the one who designed this bridge. I actually like the idea of style + convenience.
I really love how disciplined the people are and how they embraced multi-culturalism. Maybe that is one of the reasons why they flourished despite of its size.
I really love the ice cream sandwich!
Aside from Ate M, we also got to meet Uncle Dennis. We were also churchmates and he worked in Singapore as Engineer. He was so nice too that he bought us presumptuous dinner. I could have brought the left overs with me!
Because we are not that familiar of the area, we actually got lost and we were so scared that we would be left by the bus that would take us to Malaysia by midnight. We wanted to access our online map but we cannot connect to their internet service! Luckily, locals found out that we were lost and told us the right direction back to our hostel.
Malaysia truly Asia!
Travelling to Malaysia by bus at night was okay. I just do not like the bus driver because he kept opening his window every time he blows his cigarette. We also had stops for checkpoints done by the immigration.
KUALA LUMPUR AND SUMMIT PROPER
The expected travel period was five hours but it only took us 3 hours when we reached our destination - Vivatel. We could have waited at the lobby because our checkin time was still 6am. Good thing is that they allowed us to stay in our room already.
Vivatel is a 4-star boutique hotel. It has 302 rooms and suites. It is strategically located next to Viva Home Shopping Mall. It has 1000-seater Ballroom, function rooms and many more. You know, I really like their service. Aside from the comfort they provided, they were also very welcoming.
Good food and gizmos, cheap prices
We were hungry so we went outside the mall and tried some Malaysian delicacies. I think Malaysians like spicy food a lot because their original chicken in KFC is spicy already. Their dishes is somewhat like what we have in the Philippines, except that you could already buy a full meal for just 3Ringgit (or 36PhP). I also observed that even skilled workers were owning expensive android phones.
What to do when bored?
During breaks, my father love to go to the gym and pool. Meanwhile, I spend my time sleeping, watching Filipino television shows, or window shopping at the nearby mall.
I remember one time, my dad left me some amount to buy something for my lunch. I ended up eating noodles while they were eating at Kenny Roger's. I was really mad at him.
During our stay in Kuala Lumpur, we also got to meet Pastor John's cousin. He also treated us to a fine restaurant which was constantly been a usual hangout for Filipinos.
Convention Proper
I was so amazed to meet different missionaries around the world. The theme for the summit was actually Critical Times. There were speakers from Middle East sharing their experiences as servants of God despite the fact that their lives were threatened by ISIS. Some missionaries from Iraq were also looking for volunteers to help them rehabilitate war torn areas and provide assistance to the displaced people . They needed people and not money. My heart was in pain seeing how hard it has been for them.
I met good friends from Japan although we were having language barrier. I also got to meet church leaders from Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and many more. I also got to lead the praise and worship. It felt like a home away from home.
Upon remembering those memories, I could not help but miss the people I have met and the fast internet service. Why would I not miss it? I really hope the next time I travel, it would be with my husband in the near future!
And these are the things I should remember:
- When you want to travel overseas, save enough for it so that Gail, you would not be bothered converting what you bought in pesos. Or bring a rich man with you. Hahaha!
- Install applications that wouls be useful for your journey such as maps and the like.
- Ask first the locals before going to an unfamiliar place because I might be using the subway card a lot!
- Never ever break their laws!
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