Before we went to #Singapore with my small family, I combed the internet reading blogs about everything I thought I needed to know about Singapore. I thought I have covered all aspects but there are certain things which I encountered which were not discussed in the blogs that I read.
1st: While it is true that Singapore public transport is very organized and their trains are so unlike in the Philippines in terms of the volume of passengers and efficiency, me and my family opted to take the taxi most of the time. For me, this is more convenient and time saving specially when there are around three or more of you in a group. While it is a little more expensive than taking the bus or the MRT or trains, since there are 3 or 4 of you in the group, the amount difference is not that big. Besides, for 1st timers,trains in SG is quite difficult to familiarize as there are a lot of routes that you have to contend with. There are blue, yellow, orange, etc lines which reflects different routes. In fact, we have to get off the train and ride again as we took the wrong route. Hassle.
Moreover, after a whole of walking in different attractions int he city, sore feet and all, we did not have the strenght anymore to walk longer just to get to the train station. It is easier to just hail a taxi and get to your next destination.
2nd: We took the bus once from Universal Studios to Lucky Plaza Mall supposedly to save money but in the process we lost a lot of time. From Sentosa, we took Bus 123 to get to Lucky Plaza in Orchard and then we get off somewhere, I forgot the place then took another Bus Number 14. Oh em gee, the whole travel time took us more than two (2) hours. Sayang the time. We could have used that to do other things. Had we took the taxi, perhaps the whole trip could have only been around 30 minutes.
3rd: If you want to eat Filipino food, Lucky Plaza Mall is the place. They have Bulalo, Menudo, etc and Jollibee too. And its not very costly. They also have stalls there where you could buy pasalubong. SG shirts costs 10 SG dollars for 5 pieces. They have keychains, 36 pieces for 10 SG dollars. We bought our pasalubong at the stalls at the same floor where Jollibee is. However, if you want cheaper pasalubongs specially chocolates, read on.
4th: Value Dollar Store in SG is the place to be. The chocolates there and other items are cheap. They have branded chocolates and SG chocolates which are very inexpensive. The price in Lucky Plaza can't even compare. There us a Value Dollar Store at Changi City Point which is the mall near the airport. They have in fact two stores there. You can just drop by there before taking your flight but make sure you have an extra bag for your shopping and also be mindful of your baggage allowance with the airlines.
5th: At the airport, you can get your tax refund for the purchases you made while in SG. However, and I was not informed about this so we were not able to get a refund. when you make a purchase, chocolates, shoes, clothes, bags, etc. show your passport to the cashier so that they could issue a different receipt. Keep that receipt and once you get to the airport, ask the Information Desk and they will tell you where in the airport, you can get your tax refund.
6th: Beware of photographers who says "free service" and then you pose and they take your pictures. once you get to the exit or at the cashier, your photos are already there and the price is usually 50 SG dollars. Of course, you have the option not to pay and not to take your photos.
Lastly, be prepared for a lot of walking as you tour the attractions in SG. Wear comfortable shoes and bring extra shirts because you will get all sweaty.
