Part2: Singapore Trip Day 1 / Day 2 - Suntec City, Makansutra Gluttons Bay, Little India, Orchard Road

It was past 7pm, when we went out and took a bus to Suntec City.  I asked the receptionist from our hostel if there's a bus going there.  From Little India, it costs 1.20SGD to Suntec City.  We used our EZ link card for our transportation.

TIP:  Unlike in HongKong, where you only need to tap the card once upon loading, in Singapore you need to tap it twice, one when loading, and another one upon exit or unloading the bus. If you fail to do so, the maximum fare of the bus route will be deducted to your card.

Suntec City

Suntec City is located in Marina Centre and used to be one of the largest shopping mall in Singapore.  It is connected with Suntec International Convention and Exhibit Hall where we dropped off.  Upon entering, we were curious why too many people going in and out.  We found out there's an IT sale!  We checked the convention hall and saw lot of gadgets worth buying.  Great discounts on camera and camera accessories, external drives, and a lot more.  I heard from a a good friend of mine who works here in Singapore that LCD/LED TV's are cheaper than in the Philippines, better have it shipped for the warranty.  The hall is too busy, we enjoyed looking around.  

Aside from shopping in the mall, one can also check out Suntec City's Fountain of Wealth.  It is a huge fountain being listed as the largest fountain in the world in 1998 by Guinness Book of Records.  Always check the Suntec City's website because it was closed for renovation and soon to open sometime mid-September 2013.

Nearest MRT Station: Esplanade

I think it's also good if you will be able to familiarize yourself with bus route, which I wasn't able to do so.

Dinner at Makansutra Gluttons Bay

One of the things I want to do in Singapore is to eat at Makansutra Gluttons Bay.  From Suntec, we walked all the way to Marina Square to Makansutra Gluttons Bay.  It is one famous food area in Singapore because it is located near Esplanade Drive with a good view of Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

Saw a band playing on the way to Makansutra Gluttons Bay

The night was full of continuous drizzle so it was hard for us to get a seat because of only few umbrellas covering the tables and chairs.

Makansutra Gluttons Bay

Shrimp Omelette for 8SGD

Rota Prata Set for 4SGD

then I saw this hawker stall, pinoy!

pork lechon for 12SGD

It was raining still I was not able to take photos of the beautiful architectures around.  Day 1 has ended but we still have few days to explore.

OUR ACCOMMODATION: 28 Dunlop Backpacker Hostel

Originally I booked an accommodation in Rucksack Inn near Clarke Quay MRT but because our trip was moved to an earlier date, the hostel was fully booked and cannot accommodate us anymore.  Nevertheless, I gave Rucksack Inn the credit for helping me during the booking and even in cancelling my booking. Great customer service!

Few hours before the flight I booked at 28 Dunlop Backpacker Hostel via Agoda.  It is a backpacker's hostel, we chose the mixed dorm type with 8 beds with two toilet/bathroom.   Because it is somehow far from MRT, we only have few room mates.  Nothing much in this hostel, besides most of the time we're out to explore the city.  What's important is we felt safe during our stay there.

28 Dunlop Backpacker Hostel
Dunlop St. Singapore (Little India)
Rate: 26SGD per pax per night
Pros: Clean and quiet, air-conditioned, with wi-fi, simple american breakfast included (cereals, bread, jam, coffee, milk, apples etc)
Cons: Long walk from Little India MRT Station

bunk beds in 28 Dunlop Backpacker Hostel

small pantry at the second floor

Little India 

If you want a taste of authentic Indian culture, Little India is the place to be.   At first I'm not used to the smell (spices et al).   But then, the colorful flowers and houses, the business minded people, the religious Tamil community, the Indian shopping experience,  I cannot imagine how this cannot be part of your Singapore trip.

On a Sunday, you'll see a HUGE crowd in the streets of Little India.  I'm telling you, the streets are fully occupied by Indian construction workers who gather almost everywhere.  Indians seem to feel like sitting in a pavement to talk with each other or have a drink.

Nearest MRT Station: Little India

colorful houses and the busy people in the morning

spotted!! my favorite Bollywood actors Aamhir Khan (Three Idiots) and Shah Rukh Khan (My Name is Khan), i just can't hide my excitement when I saw the magazine hahaha

flower arrangements for their Hindu temples

Orchard Road

Early morning on our second day, we went to Orchard Road.  What I like about Singapore? It seems like every MRT station has something interesting to visit.   Orchard Road is the home to upscale malls and luxurious shopping experience.

Nearest MRT Station:  Orchard (or Dhoby Ghaut at the other end of Orchard Road)

Ion Orchard Mall

photo ops

trip trip lang

We went here to visit Lucky Plaza and have our money exchange to Singapore Dollars.  I read before that Lucky Plaza Mall has numerous money changers with competitive rates.  We also bought a universal adapter in Lucky Plaza because they have different socket compared to what we're used to.  Lucky Plaza has many Filipino stores as well.

TIP: When exchanging money, make sure to ASK and COMPARE for the currency rate before exchanging your money to SGD.

Lucky Plaza

eh?

Next stop: Universal Studios!

MY SINGAPORE SERIES
Part1: Singapore Trip Day 1 - Transportation Guide To Singapore
Part2: Singapore Trip Day 1 / Day 2 - Suntec City, Makansutra Gluttons Bay, Little India, Orchard Road
Part3: Singapore Trip Day 2 - Resorts World Sentosa's Universal Studios Singapore
Part4: Singapore Trip Day 2 - SkyPark Observation Deck at Marina Bay Sands Singapore
Part5: Singapore Trip Day 3 - Exploring Bugis and Chinatown
Part6: Singapore Trip Day 3 / Day 4 - A Visit to Sentosa, Helix Bridge, Merlion Park Plus Some Foodtrip!
Singapore Travel Guide | 4 Days / 3 Nights Itinerary and Expenses