downero's Singapore Travels

Singapore! An amazing country! Went there for a week thanks to this deal and here's how it went:

1. Though I know some people in Singapore (old classmates, work colleagues), I decided to not bother them and explore Singapore on my own. It's true that you'll learn a lot doing this, especially if you screw up once in a while.

2. The following are suggested MUST haves:

   a. If you still haven't (if you call yourself an OzBer I find this hard to believe) you better get a Citibank debit card. It's fee-free and I never got charged transaction fees when I used an HSBC ATM, though there are Citibank ATMs at some MRT stations (Bayfront is one).
   b. OzB's fave Xiaomi powerbank. Yes, it's allowed to be carried on (10,000mah).
   c. Universal wall socket adapter and a multi-usb port. Though some newly reno'd hotels will have wall outlets that are universal and have USB port, better to have them handy.
   d. Sunblock. I regret not buying the 100g Woolworths sunblock for $3 - in SG. it's $17 for a Banana Boat one. That's 4 Nasi Lemaks gone!!!
   e. Baseball cap or hat or sunnies. The sun does rise in SG.
   f. A couple of paracetamol as the humidity can get to you. I brought an unsealed box of homebrand paracetamol, no issues.

3. If you're not keen on buying airplane food, you can bring your own going to Singapore. Make sure you have water as well, if you mind paying $4 a bottle of H2O.

4. It was suggested to buy the Starhub SIM on board Jetstar. Don't. You have to register it anyway at a UOB kiosk (need passport). If staying for less than 5 days in SG, I believe it's better buying the $15 SIM. I was there for a week so I got the $32 SIM.

5. EZ Link? Buy it from Starbucks. $6.90 for a card with design and not like the lame black card I got which costed $7. Other designs cost $5 if you buy it off their website, if you can have it sent to you in some way.

6. Public transport is very efficient. Definitely better than the one here in Perth.

7. Going to Universal/Sentosa? It's cheaper by cab if there's more than 3 of you.

8. Backpackers is the way to go if you're in a budget, AS LONG AS you're not a germophobe. Had a room mate who was coughing for days. Common toilets take some getting used to. But the rent is cheap, you get some free breakfast and get to meet people from different countries.
   As cheap as $14 a night.

9. Geylang is not a bad place. The hotel I stayed in was old, but at least you get your own toilet and no one coughing. Close to bus stops, No Signboard seafood and Klang Bak Kut Teh.

10. Hawker food centres is the way to get cheap eats. Laksa for $2? Yes please! Hawker Chan is a must! Ate at Hawker Chan - Michelin-starred - and the queue was 20 people long. Tip: spend twice as much at an airconditioned Hawker Chan a few minutes away. No queue as well.

11. Someone suggested gothere sg. Helped a lot, but I coupled it with Google Maps so I know where to press that bus button.

12. Feel like going to the 2 domes? Do it in the morning as you want to avoid the heat walking around Gardens by the Bay. Photos will look better with some help from natural light.

13. Taxis will give you exact change. Don't refuse it.

14. Jurong bird park is 1 1/2 hours away. Plan your trip.

15. Zoo is for kids.

16. Don't waste your time trying to ride the Crate Adventure in USS. It is so boring, even kids hated that ride.

17. Have a rest day after a long trek. It's ok to chill in your hotel/backpackers room and just have a short walk to eat out.

18. You'll enjoy eating overpriced Maccas/ Burger King after your 20th Char Siu.

19. It's humid in SG this time of year. Very humid. It's cloudy and I was sweating.

20. Singaporeans are not rude, they are just trying to be efficient. Don't be offended if they don't reply back when you say "Hi" or "Thank you"