It has been two weeks since I came back from the business trip in Singapore. I didn't expect that my first trip overseas post-Covid would be a business trip and to Singapore! My passport was expired and I had to renew it for this trip. Despite the busy work schedule, I managed to catch up with two of my long-time friends in Singapore and even explored some new places in Singapore. So it was quite worth-while in the end.
Getting in:
Since my last visit which was more than ten years ago, there are some new regulation to enter Singapore. All international travelers must now apply the SG Electronic Arrival Card, whether they travel with a visa or not. Malaysian can apply here: https://www.singaporevisa.com/requirements/malaysian-citizens
If you're flying with Air Asia, you'll be arriving in Terminal 4 of Changi Airport.
You can buy the Ezlink card at the arrival hall. The Ezlink card is useful if you'll be traveling by public transport such as bus, MRT and LRT in Singapore. You can buy the card for S$10 with S$5 stored-value for use. Singapore Tourist Passes are available in 1-day, 2-day and 3-day variation. But since I'll be staying for a week, I didn't consider these passes. Visit the official website for more infor: https://www.ezlink.com.sg/index.php
* Don't ever lost your Ezlink card or else the person who picks up your card can claim the refund of the balance amount in the card. This happened to me and there is no way to ask for a refund if you lost it.
** There must be a minimum balance of S$3 in your Ezlink card at all times. You'll be prompt to top up the card once the balance drops below the minimum amount.
If you want to buy a local SIM card, you can easily do so at any 7-Eleven store. The SIM card that I bought is M1 tourist SIM card. It only cost S$12 for a validity of 7 days, 100G local data, 500-min local calls, 100 local sms and 20-min international calls. However, you need to do self registration online at a place with Wi-Fi connection. Just follow the instruction to self register and the SIM card will be good to be used. Visit official website for more infor: https://www.m1.com.sg/mobile/prepaid-plans/tourist-sim
Getting Around:
The public transport in Singapore is efficient and well-connected (see MRT network map above). I also travelled by Grab car (eg. from airport to hotel).
Accommodation:
I've stayed in three hotels during my two-week business trips to Singapore.
1) Dorsett Singapore
Dorsett Singapore is by far the best hotel that I've stayed in Singapore during this trip. The hotel is conveniently located next to the Outram Park MRT station. It was a comfortable stay in the standard twin bed room. Amenities in the room was nice and plenty. The only minor flaw might be the wardrobe door doubled as the mirror for the bathroom cannot be fully closed, one can peek into the toilet through the gap.
Loved the camera styled room number plate and the view of the room over the heritage shophouses in the neighborhood. Overall, recommended.
2) Oxford Hotel
Oxford Hotel is the second hotel I stayed due to Dorsett Singapore was fully booked during the F1 race in Singapore. Photo above is the graffiti besides the hotel. The nearest MRT station to the hotel is Bras Basah. It is also within 5-minute walking distance to CHIJMES, a former convent and school which is now converted to restaurants and bars.
It is a three-star hotel. The room furnishing was dated and one of the air-conditioners was so loud that I had to switch it off before sleep. The hair dryer got over-heated quickly and you'll need to wait for it to cool down before you can use it again. Thankfully, the hot-water shower was working perfectly. It suffice for a two-night stay and I wouldn't complain about it much.
3) Furama Riverfront
Furama Riverfront is a four-star hotel with two-star service, which I will explain later why I said so. The hotel lobby was polished-looking and gave me a good first impression. Check-in and check-out are self-service.
Bottled drinking water is not provided as a sign in the bathroom says the tap water is safe for consumption. What surprised me most is that room service is only available after third night stay and towels will only be changed if you leave it the bath tub or on the floor. The bath gel bottle in the bathroom was empty. When I asked the front desk, the answer I got was to take whatever amenities I need including the bath gel, soap and shampoo from the self-service cabinet in the hotel lobby.
The television in the room was for decoration only, the screen was pitch black even though it was switched on. The flat pillows gave me a neck pain every day I woke up.
I stayed there for a week and the room service was done after the third night and randomly at any day they liked. A key card was left in my room after the room service which gave me a fright that someone else was occupying the room upon entering the room.
The hotel location is not exactly ideal as it was not near to any MRT station. There is a bus stop nearby in front of Hotel Miramar Singapore.
And I wouldn't advise to dine in the Thai Village restaurant next to the hotel. Service was slow and the food portion was small and overpriced. A plate of fried glass noodles cost S$20. The cheese-baked rice that my colleague ordered was served after 40 minutes and the portion was pathetic as it only fitted a soup bowl.
In short, Furama Riverside is not worth for the price you pay for a four-star hotel. As compared to Dorsett Singapore which is also a four-star hotel, the service was clearly subpar.
Sight-seeing:
I have visited Sentosa Island and Universal Studios theme park in Singapore during my past visits. Here are the new places I went during my free time in Singapore this time:
1) Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a park spanning 101 hectares which is adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. Since its opening in June 2012, it is now a popular tourist attraction. I only managed to go to the Supertree Grove due to time constraint. The nearest MRT station is Bayfront. Take exit B and follow the underground linkway. Although I must say the underground linkway was really quiet at night.
I went there mainly to see the light show of the Supertrees which starts at 7.45pm and 8.45pm. Entry is free to see the light show. However, you'll need to pay if you want to walk on the elevated walkway between the Supertrees. You can book your tickets online here.
2) Marina Bay Sands & The Shoppes
Since its opening in 2010, Marina Bay Sands is one of the most luxurious hotels in Singapore which is known for its world's largest rooftop infinity pool. There is a walkway which connects Gardens by the Bay to the hotel. Thanks to it, I got to have a peek at the interior of the hotel.
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands boasts to house South East Asia's largest selection of luxury fashion.
It is also connected to the casino of Marina Bay Sands.
3) Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay
Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay is affectionately known among locals as the "durians" due to its durian inspired exterior. It is an art centre which houses a 1,600 seat concert hall, a 2,00 seat theatre and other smaller performing art venues. The nearest MRT station is Esplanade or City Hall.
I went there mainly to see the waterfront view of Singapore skyline including the Merlion, ArtScience Museum and Marina Bay Sands.
4) ION Orchard
ION Orchard is a shopping mall which is located right next to Orchard MRT Station. It was a bonus that I managed to see House of Dreams, a Barbie-themed free exhibition at ION Art Gallery on level 4. The exhibition ran till 21 October 2022. It features over 600 Barbie dolls. All the dolls in the exhibition belongs to Jian Yang. It has a fun photo booth complete with accessories such as a hat, sunglasses and a handbag.
The exhibition includes Barbie from all walks of life, different skin tones, hairstyles, body types and careers.
The dolls of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince William and Princess Kate.
It was inspiring to see the inclusive dolls section which features Barbie on wheelchair, with prosthetic limb, hair loss and etc.
5) Jewel Changi Airport
Jewel Changi Airport was my last stop before boarding the plane at Changi Airport. It is linked to Terminal 1. There is a shuttle bus stop right in front of the mall entrance which provides free shuttle bus connection to Terminal 3 and 4. The venue is open 24 hours, however, most shops only open from 10am or later. Loved the dreamy fake cloud at the entrance.
Upon entering, you'll immediately notice its centerpiece - Rain Vortex (the world's tallest indoor waterfall at 40 meters) in front of you. Don't worry, there are plenty of good photo spots around the waterfall.
The Changi Airport Skytrain passes above ground near the waterfalls allowing passengers to see the Vortex and Jewel. You can also store your luggage at Level 1 for a fee of S$5 to S$18, depending on your luggage size.
Dining Experience:
Here are some memorable dining experiences I had while in Singapore.
1) CHIJMES
CHIJMES is located near to Oxford Hotel. The beautiful architecture and open space concept really attracts me. I had dinner twice here. The first café and bar I went to was Privé. I ordered the Ultimate Fish and Chips (S$27) while my friend ordered Singapore Seafood Laksa (S$18.50). The portion was big and the food tasted good. Price was quite reasonable too. It was no wonder that the café and bar was fully packed even on a weekday.
Website: https://www.theprivegroup.com.sg/prive-chijmes
The second café and bar I went to, Senor Taco, was less satisfying. It offers Mexican street food and drinks. I would say to avoid the Creamy Green Enchilada (S$30) at all cost. It was essentially three tiny 'popiah' soaked in some sour and salty green gravy. Its portion surely doesn't qualify to be a main dish as it was not filling at all. I ordered Chimichanga (S$30), a deep-fried burrito with some chicken breast. Both my colleague and I went back to the hotel with half-full stomach. For the price we paid, we were better off eating something else.
Website: https://www.senortaco.com/
2) Jumbo Restaurant at Clarke Quay
Jumbo Restaurant is famous for its award-winning signature dish, Chili Crab. Walk-in customers started to line up in front of the restaurant around 5pm at its Clarke Quay branch. Fortunately, my friend and I didn't need to wait too long to get a table.
The smallest crab was 800g and the biggest one can go up to 1.3kg. I ordered the 800g crab and it was filling enough for two of us. We also ordered some fried 'man tou' and a bowl of rice as sides and a dessert. The Chili Crab was absolutely delicious. Both my friend and I almost licked our plate clean. It was by far the most satisfying meal I had in Singapore. 1 kg crab was about S$100. The total bill came up to S$113 for two person. If you want to try Chili Crab, this is the place to be.
3) Old Chang Kee cafe
I like to have my breakfast in Old Chang Kee coffee house before heading to work. It is a multi-national chain coffee house. The breakfast set of Kaya and butter toast with soft boiled egg and coffee kick-starts my day in a good way. It opens as early as 8am.
4) Hot Tomato at Jewel Changi Airport
There are plenty of chic cafes and restaurants with view of the Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport. The restaurant I chose was Hot Tomato. It is a casual steak house offering grilled steaks, seafood, pasta and sides. With an addition of S$3.90, I got a drink and a soup of the day. Honestly, the tomato soup wasn't great. The steak with pasta (S$18.90) was nothing to shout about. But the view of Vortex more than compensated my dining experience there. If you want to get the seat with Vortex view, you'll have to enter once the restaurant opens at 11am.
Last but not least, the home-cooked dinner that my friend prepared for me is priceless.
Changi Airport Terminal 4
It is worth noting that although the departure hall of Terminal 4 is not big, it has nice interior design and a unique Heritage Zone. It gives you a glimpse of the Singapore's shophouse architecture in the past. If you're lucky, you can also watch the free 6-minute show of "Peranakan Love Story" on the LED walls at the Heritage Zone.
Do check out the bathroom in the Heritage Zone as well. Even the bathroom has a nice heritage design which is different from other bathrooms in the terminal.
Nearby the Heritage Zone there is slide and a giant playground equipment which are currently closed.
Behind the glamour of so-called 'workcation', I actually worked overtime almost every night during my two-week business trips in Singapore. Most meals I had was at a local food court nearby the office (see photos above). Talk about work hard and play harder, haha!
I hope you enjoyed reading this post. And if it helps you in planning a trip to Singapore, it is a bonus to me.
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