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Singapore on a Budget

Published on October 9, 2013January 17, 2014 by iamjosemanuel1 Comment

From Melacca Central Bus Terminal , we took the 2PM bus to Singapore for 23 Ringgit ( around 300 pesos/ 7 USD). Several buses travel this route all day, with the last trip at around 7 pm . Our ride was a basic aircon bus with No TV. Super VIP buses are also available at 25-27 Ringgit (8 USD ). Travel time from Melacca to SG was around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic. We travelled on a Sunday afternoon, so it was a hassle free crossing. Unlike in other countries, immigration for both Malaysia and SG are under one building in Johor Bahru.

Budget Stay in Little India

The bus’ last drop off point was at their garage near Sim Lim Square; very favourable to us because it was just a short walk to Little India where we opt to stay. Contrary to the prior comments of others, staying in the cheerful and vibrant Little India district made my trip in Singapore more interesting. This area is dominated by Indian foodstrips, shops , incense and Bollywood music which was new to my senses. It was also a good exposure in preparation for my next backpacking trip 😉 We stayed at Inncrowd Backpackers inn at Dunlop St. for 20 SGD/night (dorm type) including light breakfast (Toasts,Jam,Egg) and unlimited coffee/tea the whole day. They have a good lounge for guests to watch TV or DVD. Desktop Computers and reference books and Maps are also available for everybody. ( http://www.the-inncrowd.com )

Photo of Inncrowd Backpackers where we stayed for 20 SGD /night with light breakfast. It looks better in actual. hehe

Masala Chicken Pizza — Masala Chicken bun ( 1.2 SGD )- I had a slice of this or 2 for 3 straight days ! Its spicy- pepperish , best paired with Coke =)

Chicken Biryani Meal at a Indian Cafeteria near Tekka Market. 5 SGD , good for 2 — Chicken Biryani Meal at an authentic Indian Cafeteria near Tekka Market. 5 SGD , good for 2

another Chicken Biryani meal I had from a nearby restaurant. hmm, too polished. The meals on the Cafe near the market are more interesting . =) — another Chicken Biryani meal I had from a nearby restaurant. hmm, too polished. Meals from the Cafe at Tekka Market are more interesting . =)

crispy and spicy Vegetarian Samosa — crispy and spicy Samosa from a Vegetarian bakery at the corner of Dunlop St.

Cheaper to buy Universal Studios Ticket Online

Singapore First timers would definitely include visiting Universal Studios in their itineraries. Walk in ticket prices are at 74 SGD for a day tour , but we were lucky enough to stumble on a discounted online promo with Asiatravel.com … We got our ticket for only 65 SGD , inclusive of 10 SGD consumable + P 5 SGD discount on shopping. Sweet!

Maximize Tourist Privileges

Train connection to Universal Studios is located at Vevo City Mall ,which also gives out a lot of perks for tourists. I just presented by passport at the information counter and got this privilege card to avail shopping discounts and free snacks. =)

Free Texas Chicken and Mcdonalds Coffee (and etc) at Vevo City for tourists.

Asia Travel Kiosk at the basement of Universal Studios where we exchanged our 65 SGD worth On line Vouchers to entrance Tickets . — Asia Travel Kiosk at the basement of Universal Studios where we exchanged our 65 SGD worth Online Vouchers to entrance Tickets .

Touring the City on your own

1. Mall Hopping at Orchard Road

2. Bay Area and the Gardens by the Bay in the Afternoon

No entrance fees at the outer Gardens , perfect for morning Jog if i had more time — No entrance fee at the outer Gardens , perfect for morning Jog if I had more time

Dinner at MakanSutra Food Stalls Just outside the Esplanade near the Bay Area

Marina Bay Sands Mall and Hotel

SAM_0438 — Awesome Drop Lanterns at Marina Bay Lobby

SAM_0408 — View of Singapore Cityscape as seen from Marina Bay Sands.

Clark Quay for some Chill and Cold beer.

SAM_0286 — interesting Lobby near Clark Quay with wall hung landscaping.

SAM_0307 — The Sling Ride ! around 80 SGD per ride , too expensive =(

Dine with the Hawkers

Hawkers are the equivalent of Filipino Karinderias , that offer ready made affordable meals. (around 3-5 SGD for 3 viand meals ) Meals are generally Chinese Style and veryTasty.

Melacca, Malaysia

Published on October 8, 2013October 9, 2013 by iamjosemanuelLeave a comment

When we were still planning our backpacking itinerary, I made sure to include visiting the Historic Melacca , even for just a day .

The inter City Bus Terminal . Catching the bus to Melacca , around 2 hours travel . VIP bus for just 9 ringgit ( around 110 pesos)

Melacca is rich in History and is a known international port since the dawn of Asian Trade between Malay, India and China. It was also said that in the 15th Century, the princess of China’s Ming Dynasty was married to the Sultan of Melacca , which signified strong ties between the 2 kingdoms. The Melaccan Monarchy was abolished during the 16th Century with the colonization of the Portuguese . and later on , captured by the Dutch. As such, European Architectural influence is much evident in this part of Malaysia .

Sample of an Old World Malay Architecture , with its prominent high pitched roof suitable for Malaysia’s tropical Climate

The Xavier Church on top of a Hill .

Jonker Street , Melacca. Malaysia did a good job in preserving the old streets of this town . Indeed you would feel like you’re in an old world Chinese town when you walk on this area.

Enjoyed Free tastes on this Chinese/Malay delicacy station =)

Yogurt ice cream shaped like an egg. 5 Ringgit . I tried the Passion Fruit Flavor .

Kuala Kumpur , Malaysia

Published on October 8, 2013October 9, 2013 by iamjosemanuelLeave a comment

It was my first time to visit Malaysia and I was among the few lucky ones to avail the lowest Cebu Pacific promo ever, which flew me from Manila to Kuala Lumpur for just around P 250.00 including fuel surcharges VAT and booking fee. I booked this flight around 13 months in Advance.

Cebu Pacific Landed on the KL Budget Terminal so I was not able to see the Main KL airport which was modern – eco friendly, as described by many . KL airport was more than an hour journey to Central Kuala Lumpur . The airport complex was surrounded by vast Palm Plantation ; No prominent Residential / Industrial developments in its surrounding, which was very ideal.

We arrived at KL Central Station around 7pm and transferred train to Imbi Station , walking distance to Jalan Alor , and the off streets which is one of the backpackers’ area in central KL.

Modile Beverage shop along Jalan Alor. — Mobile Beverage shop along Jalan Alor.

We stayed at i2inn Guesthouse along Jalan Tong Shin (the street after Jalan Alor) .

http://www.i2inn-guesthouse.com/location.html

Highlight : The 6 Ringgit ( P 13 x 6 ) Breakfast Buffet just along Jalan Alor . They say its Buffet, but really its a one round plate but you can put there all the food you can eat . I actually thought at first that it was a literal buffet , so I went back for more. I was Charged + 3 ringgit for the second round . Not Bad Still . Me Goreng noodles and the malaysian chicken curry was awesome ! didnt get hungry for hours . hahaha

KL Central Station . for Inter City / International Trains . Also has check in counters for KL Airport . KL has one of the most efficient transportation system I have experienced . and Cheap fares too!

My first stop was the Batu Caves at the northern tip of KL where the Hindu Shrine is situated . There is a large number of Hindu in Malaysia , Mostly Indian immigrants. The cave is pretty amazing . By far the biggest I’ve got in to ; fully developed into a temple , so the errryyy cave feel is not there anymore.

The rest of the day was just spent walking around Central KL.

The entrance to the Food court at the Basement of Isetann , along road 50 (near the pavillion mall) . Read in blogs that this was a good food court.

The 8pm fountain show at Petronas Complex.

Petronas looks more dramatic at night, and is by far the best looking building I’ve seen . More than just its towering form and dimensions , this building put Malaysia in the Map as one of the Most Aggressive nations in the world.

I have also visited Merdaka Square and nearby landmarks of Kuala Lumpur but didn’t get to take pictures because my Camera got wonky. =(

Ho Chi Minh City for a Day

Published on September 27, 2013May 5, 2014 by iamjosemanuel4 Comments

1. Vietnamese Pho for breakfast

I started my start my day in Vietnam with a bowl of Vietnamese Pho at Bun Bo Hue Restaurant, which was just beside the Backpackers’ place I Stayed in. They serve the best Pho in Bui Vien St., as per the blogs I read . 50,000 dong for a bowl. ( around $ 2.5 usd, 100 pesos ) I ate twice at this restaurant , was really good.

2. Down the memory Lane on foot – Vietnam War Museum , Notre Dame Cathedral , HMC Post Office , Opera House , Peoples’ Committee Hall

HMC Post office.; Built before the WW2, when Vietnam was still under French rule

HMC People's Committee Hall — HMC People’s Committee Hall

3. Vietnamese lunch Buffet

Read Blogs and found this awesome lunch buffet for just 8 USD ! Its on the 5th floor of Park inn Mall , very near the Peoples Committee Hall . Just ask the guard , you wont miss it.

4. Walk the streets

Ban Thanh Market may be the most noted place to buy souvenirs, but items here are quite pricey. I recommend shopping at Saigon Square which is just 3 blocks from Ben Thanh. around 10 mins walk . Small shops along the way are nice to check as well.

5. Highlands Coffee . Just to try, I showed them my highlands Philippines customer card hoping to get some perks. They said they cannot honor the card, but still , they were very kind to give me a promo coupon.. Got a Free drink !!!

6. Saigon Beer to cap the night

Travelling to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Published on September 27, 2013October 8, 2013 by iamjosemanuelLeave a comment

I was able to book Tigerair ticket for only P 1,500 pesos to Ho Chi Minh from SG ; A good promo deal! I spent 3 days around HMC with no set itinerary ; just walked around the City and checked some particular landmarks , the Market and indulged myself on local food choices . Pure Chillax lang !

Flying to HMC was around 1.5 hours travel from SG . Arrived there just before 9 am. Airport was OK. not much annoying taxi and tuktuk drivers like in other cities I’ve visited.

HMC airport was quite far from the city center, and trains are not yet available. The cheapest way to the city center is by Bus 152 , which is just outside the international airport, at the far right end of the building . Non aircon bus is only 5000 dong . (around $0.25 / 11 pesos ) Its almost an hour travel with a lot of turn arounds, but as soon as i found Ben Thanh Market, I knew I was at the city center already. I hop off at the stop opposite the market and used my google map to navigate my way to Bui Vien St.

Vietnam, as described by many, is a country of motorcycles . Even old ladies dressed with tight skirts dong bother riding the bike.

I stayed at the Cosman Rucksack Inn, along Bui Vien St. , around 15 mins. walk from Ben Thanh Market . (Google Mapping is adviced) 5 usd for a bed/night , Dorm type accommodation. Its clean and cheap, even better than the 15 usd inn I had in SG .

It is quite easy to roam around and get a hold of Ho Chi Minh vibe because almost all of the usually visited spots are at the city center . Getting an accommodation at Bui Vien St. / Pham Ngu Lao area is recommended.