Trip to the City of “Fines”

June 21, 2019

With my back still aching from my El Nido Adventures. I have yet to endure a long flight to Singapore. This time I’m with my aunt and my sister, Gelly.

As usual the queue to the NAIA Terminal 3 entrance was long —even in the wee hours of the day. It was a frustrating experience to wait again for another hour or so passingthrough immigration. Good thing my aunt is a senior citizen, so she and my sister queued at the express lane.

Fine #1:

Touchdown to Changi Airport

My jaw dropped as I set foot at this massive airport. Not exaggerating, but the place was other-worldly —much like a Wonderland to me. I’ve only been to the airports of Bali, Saigon, Hong Kong, & Macau, and so far Changi Terminal 4 stands out. Hands down!

Its floors were covered with carpets with intricately designed patterns of magenta, mauve, and brown hues. The subtle fragrance of flowers goes perfectly with its flora and fauna theme together with the ambient soft Zen music. It’s overall feel has a calming effect on one’s soul.

photocredits: staittimes.com

Day 1 – Free Day

We checked in at Fragrance Hotel Balestier. It’s a 3-minute walk to Whanpoa Market, one of SG’s famous Hawker Centres. We tried a famous Singaporean staple, Haianese Chicken, and Char Siew Pork.

Each order costs around 4 SGD or Php 160.00. (Relatively cheap compared to the prices at the food stalls located at the malls. I’ll discuss it in a bit.)

I wasn’t a big fan of the bland flavor of the chicken, since the Caviteno in me, seeks that strong distinct taste that defines a dish. I liked the Char Siew better because it (roasted pork) has that sweet and smoky BBQ flavor.

We had nothing to do after lunch, so we decided to head to the new attraction everyone’s been raving about – Jewel at Changi Airport.

Transportation from Balestier Rd. to Airport Terminal 1, where Jewel is located, costs around 25 SGD or roughly Php 1,000.00. It has other. garden attractions surrouding the waterfall that are “Instagram-worthy”.

This cascading waterfall placed amidst the busyness of the airport terminal mall is a beautiful paradox. It seems to convey a message of balance between technological advancement and the simplicity of nature’s beauty.

Very much like the life in Singapore – fast, yet provides for an opportunity to appreciate nature.

Life hacks: If you do not want to pay for the ticketed attractions to the Jewel(costs around 25 SGD), just be patient to wait for your turn to have the spot to yourself. Just like the picture below.

Fine #2: Salted Egg Chips

Your visit to Singapore will not be complete unless you’ve hoarded these Irvin’s Salted Egg. It is tagged as one of the most addicting potato chip brands in the planet – and rightfully so. The saltiness from the egg is just right, and the spunky kick of the fried curry leaves, bring the potato chip game into a whole new level! Warning: Dangerously Addictive!

Irvin’s Salted Egg stores are located at Jewel Changi Mall, Terminal 2, and other selected malls in SG.