Singapore - Malaysia DIY Trip

Hi everyone! How have you been preparing for Christmas? I've been very busy and got so occupied with work but I don't want this month come to pass without sharing my first out of the country travel experience.

One afternoon in the office, my colleague had seen an airline promo to Hongkong but when she was about to book, the promo was no longer available. So after browsing, she found a promo to Singapore. Right there and then, us being impulsive, had booked ourselves a flight going to Singapore. Lost in thought, that the country is an expensive one to visit. We have also inquired thru travel agency about the tour package but still the quotation was expensive so we decided for a d-i-y tour.

Through inquiry from acquaintances who have been there already and research, I was able to prepare our itinerary. I booked our accommodation at Fragrance Hotel-Ruby located in Geylang. There are many cheap hotels there. We opted to visit Malaysia as well since it'll be just 6 hours travel via bus specifically in Kuala Lumpur.

Changi airport is quite attractive, there are cool spots to take pictures with plus the flooring is carpeted.

Photos from Changi Airport:

Orchid Garden

We arrived in Singapore at 12:00 midnight. At first, we rode a taxi from the airport going to the hotel. It was expensive plus there was night differential charge only to find out that there's a train to Changi Airport so during our departure we took the train which is more convenient and cheaper one.

At the airport we got the map & other flyers right away that will serve as our guide as it is vital for a commuter. We rode the bus & train only for it is the cheapest way. We do ask questions for the route if we are confused to which station we should go. At times, we went the wrong way but it was easy to come back for the trains are connecting.

First and foremost, if you're going to commute, purchase an EZ link card available at train stations. This is applicable to buses and mrt.

On our very first ride in a bus, we do not yet have this card so we paid in cash but they do not give a change for your bills. So better purchase and load a card immediately before heading on to tour.


There are strictly prohibited things in Singapore like throwing of trash anywhere, spitting out, etc. but you can find signage that reiterates the rules along the road so beware because of its high penalty.

On our first day, we just rambled around Sentosa and in the Mall. Remember, this was a budgeted trip so we only had a free tour. Haha!

On our Day 2, we went to Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands and Merlion Park.

On that same day, we went to StarMart bus terminal so we can book our tickets for our trip going to Kuala Lumpur. Because the next day is the celebration of Chinese New Year, many passengers are heading to Malaysia so we find it hard to book a ticket since most trips are fully booked and the fare will be based on the time, just like an airfare so the cheapest is at night . The customer service couldn't even believe that we're going to spend time in Malaysia for just one day as travel time is 5-6 hrs (one way) depending on the stop over so it'll be almost 12 hrs travel, hence, we'll be there for just a couple of hours.  We had second thought if we'll push through but we grabbed the opportunity to see the Petronas Tower in person at a  cheaper expense. After group discussion, we came back to the customer service and booked on a 8:00pm trip.

We had booked our tickets going to Kuala Lumpur so we assumed that the last bus stop will be in KL but sad to say we were very wrong. We've slept in the bus, upon checking it had been almost 8 hours of journey and yet to arrive in KL until the driver approached us asking our destination and oh, it was past the KL already and informed that we need to go to another bus terminal going back to KL. Also, the bus were unloading passengers to bus stations we do not know. No one even announced where station we are into so we were just waiting for the last bus stop. So,we reached the bus terminal in Ippo, Malaysia, there we purchased another tickets and waited to travel for another few hours again (I think 2-3 hours) going back to KL  (so please be careful if you have plans of crossing Malaysia from Singapore, reassure first the drop points). This had been a lesson and well, considered charged to experience.

Though it was a bus trip, you'll still pass by the immigration going to and leaving Malaysia. Always bring pertinent documents such as passport, plane tickets to Philippines, itinerary and even the small paper issued by the Singapore immigration for the officer might look for these things.

After a night and hours of travel, finally, we met the Petronas Tower.

Since we got lost, we run out of time to visit our other itinerary for we have to catch our departure time in the afternoon. It was a tiring trip and that quick stay is not really recommended. Haha.

On our Day 4, we went to Bugis to buy our pasalubong. There's a tiange where you can find cheap items.  We didn't pursue in China Town it was crowded at that time. We just hanged out in the mall before heading to the airport going back to Philippines.