SINGAPORE TRIP | Day 1 - Meeting the MERLION and other sights ofSingapore

We only have two days to tour Singapore, so after we checked-in at Fragrance Hotel - Rose, located in Balestier Road we immediately started our Singapore Tour.

On top our "To-Do-List" is to have a "Selfie" with the Mascot of Singapore, the Merlion. Located at One Fullerton Road near Singapore Central Business District, the Merlion is a statue with the body of a fish and the head of a lion

Selfie with the Merlion

Not very far from the Merlion Park are other Singapore Tourist attraction such as The Esplanade, Singapore Flyer, Singapore Art Science Museum, Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay.

The Espalanade

The Esplanade- Theatres on the Bay

Singapore Flyer

Singapore Flyer, Art Science Museum and Marina Bay Sands

Gardens by the Bay

Super trees

The Merlion and Singapore Central Business District

Singapore sightseeing doesn't end as the sun sets, which by the way is late. As impressive as it is by day, Singapore literally shines at night. Most of the landmarks have a complete different look at night.

Singapore at Night, viewed from Gardens by the Bay

The Marina Bay Sands

Gardens by the Bay

Singapore Art Science Museum

We ended our first day in Singapore by watching a free light and sound water show in Marina Bay.

SINGAPORE TRIP | GETTING AROUND SINGAPORE WITH SINGAPORE TOURIST PASSPLUS+

With their very efficient public transport system, Singapore is probably one of the easiest cities in the world to get around even for the travelers who did not paid much attention to their Geography Class, in other words, those who has difficulty reading a map like myself. 

Their transport system also make public transportation cheap, perfect option for budget conscious traveler to this quite expensive city.

During my trip to Singapore, being a first time traveler on a budget, I purchased Singapore Tourist Pass Plus+. With this card, i do not have to worry about getting lost in the city  and having insufficient funds for my transport needs. I have unlimited travel on Singapore's basic bus services, MRT & LRT Train for 3 days. The card also comes in 1-day and 2-day pass.

The Pass that brings  you to Places of Interest  in Singapore

The pass may be purchased in various transit link ticket office, I get mine at Changi Airport Terminal 2. I paid $ 30.00 SGD for a 3-day Pass, 1day and 2-day Pass costs $20.00 SGD and $26.00 SGD respectively.

Since I purchased a plus+ card, it comes with a one-day FUNVEE Open Top Bus Tour and one-day Bubble Jet Ride for FREE. For more information about the card and Funvee and Bubble Jet Adventure, you may visit  their website www.thesingaporetouristpass.com.sg

The Merlion

The Marina Bay Sands Hotel

Singapore at Night

ILOCOS TOUR | ILOCOS NORTE, Part 2

It was almost lunch time when we arrived in Laoag after the First Part of our Ilocos Norte Tour.  We had lunch in Laoag first before continuing on our Ilocos Norte tour.

MALACAÑANG OF THE NORTH

Also known as Malacañang Ti Amianan. The two storey mansion is said to be a gift to the former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos from his wife Imelda on his 60th birthday. Locacated in Bario Suba, Paoay, Ilocos Norte overlooking the panoramic view of Paoay Lake, this mansion serves as official residence of the former President Ferdinand Marcos whenever he is in Ilocos. Today, it now serves as a museum with some of its rooms converted as a gallery of the former first family's memorabilla.

Malacañang of the North

Malacañang of the North overlooking Paoay Lake

The Grand Staircase, my favorite part of the house

PAOAY CHURCH

San Agustin Church commonly known as Paoay Church, located in the town of Paoay, Ilocos Norte  was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one best example of Baroque Churches in the Philippines in 1993.

The church is among the major tourist attraction in the province of Ilocos Norte because of its distinct architecture.

Paoay Church

4X4 ADVENTURE IN LA PAZ SAND DUNES

My left hand is holding tight on the steel bar at the back of 4X4 jeep while my right hand is taking a video of the ride using my phone until the jeep moves its way down the high ridge, I forgot about the phone and my attempt to take a video of the ride and just hold on tight ( I mean, hug the steel bar haha...) to keep me from flying out as our jeep descends. Did i mention, I let off a scream too?

After a quick landing, as we try to compose ourselves the jeep moves its way up the ridge, on the side of the ridge, moves down and so on. And I would say,  this is the best part of my Ilocos Trip.

We conquered La Paz Sand Dunes