Singapore
As we took off and said our good-byes to Thailand we were headed to Singapore. Originally, we were going to take the train but ultimately decided on a flight. The first thing we noticed on our tickets was: Drug Smuggling Punishable by DEATH! Not like we would even consider doing anything like that but, we realized that they don't mess around! Don't Mess with Texas... Please!! Don't Mess with Singapore! Once, we landed in Singapore we needed to find Internet because we did not print out our hotel information. McDonald's is not good for your heart but it is good for free Internet at the airport. Now that we knew where we were suppose to be headed we waited outside for the Terminal Bus that would take us to the MRT (Mass Rapid Transport). Luckily, we had a tag along... this very friendly Malaysian man who had been to Singapore before. Unfortunately, he had never ridden the MRT before so, it was still an adventure finding it and figuring out the routes.
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| This was one LONG train! |
Tip #1 Have Singapore money with you for public transportation. We were able to exchange our Baht for Singapore dollars at the airport. Also, you have to put a deposit which is about $1 for the MRT card but, you can get it back at your final destination within 24 hours. Talk about being green! Tip #2 You can not eat or drink on the MRT. If you do there is a huge fine associated with it (around $500). The SMRT is very user friendly and pretty straightforward. We made it to our hotel and headed to a nearby restaurant to get some dinner. We ended up getting sushi. We had this snapper roll which blew my mind. Tip #3 When in Singapore try the sushi! Unless, you are allergic to fish.
Day 1- Singapore
We decided to do a little shopping while in Singapore. Tip #4 Bring a copy of your passport of Driver's license to get a discount at most stores within the shopping mall. We had no idea how much shopping can be done in such a small country. You can literally go from your hotel, take the MRT, and go to a shopping mall without even stepping outside. After, going to a few stores we both came to the conclusion that we needed to get some fresh air and find some culture. We headed to Little India.
Once, off the MRT we went to a small shopping complex which consisted of different booths that had Indian food, beautiful Saris, and other authentic Indian merchandise. We found a booth with a 10 year old girl who was offering henna tattoos. Both Molly and I sat and talked to this girl as she painted our hands. Once, we had a little bit of culture with proof of it on our hands we set out to explore the streets. We did a little bit of shopping and walking past booths. Next, we decided to head to China town.
Back to the MRT and off to what felt like another country. It was really interesting to see how the demographics of the MRT changed as we went from Little India to China town. Singapore is a very diverse city. It felt like a melting pot. We stopped by a shop which had amazing jade jewelry. Tip #5 Have cash on you when shopping in Little India and China town. This will allow you to barter. Also, Singapore was a bit rainy. Tip #6 Bring an umbrella depending on the season you go in. We decided to stop at a restaurant and get some culture via our taste buds. We were feeling a bit adventurous and ordered frog. After, sampling everything else we both grabbed our chop sticks and grabbed some frog.
With a little hesitation we both ate the frog. We didn't die and it was actually pretty good. Once, full and tired we headed back to our hotel. After, getting our fill of trashy American TV we decided that we needed to get out and see what Singapore at night had to offer. We originally were going to head to the Night Safari at the Singapore Zoo. After, stopping by one more shopping mall we were too tired to go to the zoo so, we walked to the area by Sentosa Island. We ate and then tried to catch the MRT. We ended up just missing the last MRT. Tip #7 Check the schedule for the last train. Our only other option was to take a taxi. The taxi driver informed us of all the strict rules and laws in Singapore. You pretty much can be fined for doing anything besides being a perfect citizen. Tip #8 Make sure you know the laws of the land. It won't matter if you are not Singaporean you will be fined.
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| Little India |
Once, off the MRT we went to a small shopping complex which consisted of different booths that had Indian food, beautiful Saris, and other authentic Indian merchandise. We found a booth with a 10 year old girl who was offering henna tattoos. Both Molly and I sat and talked to this girl as she painted our hands. Once, we had a little bit of culture with proof of it on our hands we set out to explore the streets. We did a little bit of shopping and walking past booths. Next, we decided to head to China town.
Back to the MRT and off to what felt like another country. It was really interesting to see how the demographics of the MRT changed as we went from Little India to China town. Singapore is a very diverse city. It felt like a melting pot. We stopped by a shop which had amazing jade jewelry. Tip #5 Have cash on you when shopping in Little India and China town. This will allow you to barter. Also, Singapore was a bit rainy. Tip #6 Bring an umbrella depending on the season you go in. We decided to stop at a restaurant and get some culture via our taste buds. We were feeling a bit adventurous and ordered frog. After, sampling everything else we both grabbed our chop sticks and grabbed some frog. 
With a little hesitation we both ate the frog. We didn't die and it was actually pretty good. Once, full and tired we headed back to our hotel. After, getting our fill of trashy American TV we decided that we needed to get out and see what Singapore at night had to offer. We originally were going to head to the Night Safari at the Singapore Zoo. After, stopping by one more shopping mall we were too tired to go to the zoo so, we walked to the area by Sentosa Island. We ate and then tried to catch the MRT. We ended up just missing the last MRT. Tip #7 Check the schedule for the last train. Our only other option was to take a taxi. The taxi driver informed us of all the strict rules and laws in Singapore. You pretty much can be fined for doing anything besides being a perfect citizen. Tip #8 Make sure you know the laws of the land. It won't matter if you are not Singaporean you will be fined.
Day 2- Departure Day
We woke up early and grabbed the MRT to the airport. Tip #9 The MRT is a great way to travel to and from the Changi airport.
Take away: Singapore was wonderful to see but, I don't think I would want to spend much more than 2 or 3 days there.
Useful Info: Exchange rate is roughly 1USD= 1.26 SGD
Next Blog post will be on the Long Beach Travel Expo.
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