Last meal in Singapore: nasi lemak at the Ponggol Nasi Lemak Centre, originally uploaded by nina_theevilone.

Read about this place from Kenny Sia‘s and Carls Palma‘s blogs. Kovan was actually pretty near my brother’s place, so I figured I’ll try it out since I’ve been craving for nasi lemak.

This one is a make your own nasi lemak, where you can put as many or as little viands with your rice.

The rice is so good. You can really taste the coconut cream. If you don’t like spicy food, no need to worry because there’s plenty of non-spicy choices. Definitely worth the SG$6.50 price tag and 30 minute wait.

Sent from outer space*

* my mobile device.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

I honestly wasn’t looking forward to tallying up my expenses for my last trip, yet at the same time, I was eager to see just how much damage I did. And if I really spent enough to buy the 50mm f1.4 lens I wanted. I didn’t, but a couple more thousands and I could’ve bought the 35mm f1.8. I’m just consoling myself that at least I’ve finished my Christmas shopping in one go and bought some things I really wanted for myself.

Also, I realized how relatively cheap Malacca is for a daytrip from Singapore. The drive from the island to the heritage town is more than double the time it takes to drive down from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca, but it’s a better alternative to Johor Bahru, where most Filipinos go for a visa run. For about Php 2,000, you can do this day trip from Singapore. That already include the bus (public bus from Singapore to Johor Bahru, domestic bus from Larkin Terminal to Malacca), admission fees, meals and transport within Malacca. Melaka is compact enough that you can just walk to see the main attractions. I’m definitely heading back there when I go to Singapore.

Oh, I’ve omitted my personal shopping expenses from this travel budget. It’s certainly not for public consumption.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

I’m back at Changi, this time waiting for my ride back to Manila. Between the first Notes from Changi Airport and this post, there were only two posts, one I even had to force myself to finish.

This trip wasn’t like my previous ones, where it seemed that I had this pressure to write and update after the end of each day. This trip was a holiday, and I made sure to enjoy every minute, without having the need to report everything I did.

I answered a survey earlier. One of the question asked was how many times I’ve been to Singapore in the past 3 years. I answered 4, though I realize now that the correct answer should have been 8. Wow, eight trips to Singapore in 3 years. You’d think that after so many visits, I’ve already seen everything there is to see in this small city state, but as I rode the bus from Sengkang to Geylang, I realize there is still so much more that is left unexplored.

I suppose I can blame the shopping. For some reason, I can’t stop myself from shopping in Singapore. Not only are there more mangas available here and there are toys that I can’t easily buy in Manila, there are also great bargains to be had on clothes and household items (yay, Ikea!). Some gadgets and electronics are cheaper (some are cheaper at the airport), but I didn’t buy any. I was telling mself hat I couldn’t afford it, but after tallying my shopping expenses, it turns out I could’ve bought that lens I wanted AND a Gorillapod. *facepalm*

On the upside, at least I’ve finished my Christmas shopping. Only a fraction of my personal stuff made it to my luggage, most have been relagated to the balikbayan box that my sister-in-law would be sending within the week. Balikbayan boxes are the way to go if you want to avoid excess baggage. I barely got away with my handcarry that was more than the allowed 7 kilos.

This may be my last trip for 2009. I’ve nothing planned for the remainder of the year, but who knows? Trips do have their way of popping up at the last minute

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

Yes, I’m back. For the nth time. Don’t ask.

I’m killing time because my Philippine Airline flight from Manila landed early — too early. My brother is just leaving his office so I figured I’d kill time by hoarding the free internet terminal before going through immigration.

Notice that my post was after the flight, not before. The Centennial terminal’s wifi was wonky this afternoon, and the internet kiosks were pretty useless. Also, I’ve loaded my laptop with episodes of Queer as Folk, so I just watched an episode while waiting for my flight to be called instead of writing.

The airport was quite busy this afternoon. Actually, the whole metro seem to be outside, clogging EDSA. A trip that takes 40 minutes on a very good day took almost an hour, from QC to Paranaque. Still, I was early for check in, and there was only one group ahead of me in the queue.

I was able to use Gate N3 of the NAIA Terminal 2 for the first time today. It was actually just a stairs down to the ground level where there’s a bus waiting to take passengers to the plane. The plane today was one of PAL’s new Airbus A320-200, with the Recaro seats. The seats looks narrow at first glance, with bigger spaces in between. It’s actually wider though, and the controls for the entertainment system are on top, not on the side.

It was cloudy and rainy in Manila, probably brought on by the typhoon in the Visayas. The flight was turbulent after take off, but it was fairly uneventful afterwards. Not uneventful enough that I get bored and get some sleep though. I haven’t slept since work ended at 7am, and I still need to work at 10pm tonight. Crap.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

Finally, after several years, Jetstar Airways is adding additional flights from Manila to Singapore and Singapore to Manila. For the longest time, they only have one daily flight in and out of the Philippines, which was rather frustrating. Jetstar is my airline of choice when flying to Singapore, since I much prefer Terminal 1 of the Changi Airport than the Budget terminal (which doesn’t look budget, actually).

Jetstar Airways Airbus A320

Starting October 27, additional flights will be introduced to add to Jetstar’s current 3K561 flight out of Singapore and 3K562 flight out of Manila. Details are as follow:

Manila to Singapore
Flight 3K564
Departure: 00:30 (12:30 am)
Arrival: 04:00 (4:00 am)
Frequency: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Singapore to Manila
Flight 3K563
Departure: 20:20 (10:20 pm)
Arrival: 23:50 (11:50 pm)
Frequency: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

The flight schedule will change once again come December 18, 2009, as the flights will change times to the following:

Manila to Singapore
Flight 3K564
Departure: 04:15 (4:15 am)
Arrival: 07:15 (7:15 am)
Frequency: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Singapore to Manila
Flight 3K563
Departure: 00:05 (12:05 am)
Arrival: 03:35 (3:35 am)
Frequency: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

To add to this, Jetstar is offering lower rates for passengers who are bringing any check in baggage. Fares start at US$65 for JetSaver Light, for travelers who are only bringing hand carried items (maximum weight of 10kilos). For just an additional US$10, you get a 20 kilo allowance for check in baggage with the regular JetSaver fare.

If that’s not tempting enough, Jetstar sweetens the deal by opening a way for those without credit cards to avail of their cheap fares. Just make a reservation through phone, and you can deposit your payment to Jetstar’s BDO account.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

The Singapore Tourism Board is launching Pinoylah.com, an interactive website where Filipinos can get a preview of what awaits them in Singapore.

Visit the Pinoylah website at www.pinoylah.com

Pinoylah is meant to express Pinoy pride with a Singaporean slant. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Singaporean expression, the website combines Singapore’s fascinating culture with Filipino dynamism that gives its viewers a glimpse of Singapore through the Filipino perspective.

The Pinoylah website will be formally launched tomorrow, September 20 at the Podium Mall in Ortigas. It will be a whole day affair, and is open to the public. Headed to Singapore sometime soon? Visit the website to get some great travel tips or read stories about other Pinoy’s travels to Singapore.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

I’ll start this entry off by saying that this travel budget is rather inaccurate, since I pretty much stopped writing down my expenses when I got to comfortable in Singapore. So there were items that I missed, and items that probably shouldn’t be listed.

I’ve included the cheap airfare to and from Singapore in this budget, excluding the expenses incurred in the Philippines (airport & travel tax, taxi). It’s a fairly decent amount, except that it does not include any accommodation expense and no costs on souvenirs either. This budget is only for six days in Singapore: Day 1, and Days 25 to 30.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

Yes, I’m still alive. I enjoyed my one week reprieve from blogging. Towards the end, writing a daily account of my trip became too much of a chore. Even finishing up my last couple of days in Singapore to finish the 30 days weren’t enjoyable anymore.

I’m going to miss this view

The day after my last blog entry, I went out to the city, to have some Hokkien mee, check out some stores and basically just enjoy my last couple of hours before work starts. I went out, with just my phone in my pocket, along with my ez-link card and a couple of dollars. I love how there’s no more pressure to do things just so I’d have something to write about. I walked slowly down Orchard road, amused by the people rushing all around me, hurrying to catch a bus or see as many things as they can in their limited stay in the country.

Marche crepe: sweet crepe with mascarpone cheese, fresh strawberries and a drizzle of chocolate

It also helped that my Paypal problems are inching towards resolution. After one e-mail and two calls to the Paypal contact center, my account limitation has been lifted, and the payment I issued was cleared. As soon as the payment went through, I went to Geylang to pick up the dolls I ordered from Magma Heritage. If you’re into 1/6 scale dolls, a visit to Magma Heritage is a must, even if you’re not buying something. It’s a gallery and a store, and admission costs SG$5, which is refunded if you bought something from the store. Madison has a gorgeous collection of Pullips, Taeyangs, Dals, and even Barbie and other fashion dolls. The nondescript entrance leaves no clue as to what you will see inside, but once the doors open, you’ll be surprised at how beautifully the dolls are exhibited.

Hort Park

In the last couple of days, I was able to meet up with some friends. I met up with Mayti, a former co-worker from the travel magazine I used to work for, at Vivo City for dinner last Thursday. She introduced me to Marche, a restaurant that I’ve only heard about, but never tried. I’m kicking myself now for not trying it sooner.

Meet up with Singaporean Pullip colletors

On Saturday, I met up with some Singaporean Pullip collectors. I met Sharon through the Pinky Street forums, and she invited me to join the local get together at Hort Park. As with all dolls meets, it’s always a joy to see different dolls with personalities as varied as the clothes and wigs they wear. It was also great to hang out with people who share the same interest, because they don’t give you that judgmental look when you tell them how much you bought your doll’s outfit.

Sigrid modeling the devil horns and wings I bought in Bangkok

After taking several hundred photos in Hort Park, we went back to Harbourfront. They were going to Marche for dinner, while I had to rush back home for a Filipino dinner. It was a joint birthday celebration for my sister-in-law and her brother’s mother-in-law who’s also in Singapore visiting family. We feasted on inihaw na liempo (grilled pork belly), lechon manok (roast chicken), kare-kare (beef cooked in peanut sauce and eaten with shrimp paste), wonton mee, mee goreng, leche flan (crème caramel) and carrot cake. What a lovely dinner that was.

Kare-kare, liempo, wonton mee and lechon manok

Early the following morning, I was out of the house again to meet with Marvin and Babes for a trip to Pulau Ubin. The meeting place was at the Tanah Merah interchange. The easiest and cheapest way to go there from where I’m staying is to take the North-East line of the MRT, then change to the East-West line. However, that would mean changing trains three times, and over an hour’s travel. I took the easiest, though most expensive way: taxi. I like to think that was a SG$11.60 well spent. We were joined by his high school friend Diana and her Chinese classmate, Aran.

Yes, that is a potty.

Unlike the previous day’s weather where it was very hot and sunny, it was overcast that morning and the clouds threatened rain any moment. The weather managed to hold on until after lunch, when there was a sudden downpour. Still, we managed to walk through the Chek Jawa wetlands, taking plenty of pictures. Pulau Ubin is a place that you really wouldn’t think is still part of Singapore. There are no tall buildings and everywhere you turn, you see only trees or the sea. The best spot to relax in Chek Jawa would be the abandoned English cottage at the end of one trail. The house is empty, but there’s more than enough room outside facing the sea to sit and watch airplanes descending to land at Changi airport.

Chek Jawa Wetlands

The bumboat ride between the small island and the mainland takes only 12 minutes. It’s interesting how big a change that 12 minutes can bring. We hopped on a double decker bus for the long ride back to the city. I was exhausted; the changing of timezones in such a short span of time is taking its toll on me. Still, the day wasn’t over yet, and I met up with my brother and his family, as well as my other brother at the nearby mall for dinner. While waiting, I went crazy buying different kinds of Pocky. I wanted nothing more than to sleep when I got home, but ended up online (damn Internet addiction!). I managed to log off fairly early, but still had a bit of a problem falling asleep. I guess I’m just too excited about coming home today.

One of the five photos from the entire trip with me in it. With Aran, Marvin, Babes and Diana at Pulau Ubin.

I initially planned on going to the city this morning, but I decided to just rest and finish packing. It’s really ironic that while I managed to travel around Southeast Asia with only a 6.5kg backpack, I end up leaving a bagful of clothes because my suitcases are already bursting at the seams. I fail as a suitcaser.

Emo kitty

I’m leaving the flat in an hour, and leaving the country at 5pm. Singapore has always been a great country to explore, but I just can’t wait to be back in Manila again.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

Unofficially, the backpacking trip ended last June 25th, when I returned to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur. Still, I wanted to end it on the 30th, as I originally intended, since I’m still on holiday until today, even if I am suitcasing, rather than backpacking. Admittedly I have been taking it too easy when I got back. Work starts in less than 24 hours, and I wanted to get plenty of rest before I start staying up all night again.

I like my brats cooked

I woke up earlier than usual today, 7:30am, instead of 8:30am. There were several places I had in mind, including the Magma Heritage store in Geylang, to pick up some dolls. However, I got distracted at the supermarket, and ended up buying groceries and going back home for lunch. It was lucky that I did, because when I checked my mail, I got a notification from Paypal that they are suspecting that my account has been compromised and is being used by a third party to send money without my consent.

So the payment I sent last night has been reversed, and there’s a dispute that would probably take a couple of days to resolve. The thing is, that payment was made by me for Magma Heritage, which is why I’m going to their store today to pick up dolls! GAAAH! I understand Paypal’s stand on protecting my account, but damnitttt, it’s just so frustrating. It’s been troubling me the whole day, specially since I have to get those dolls before I fly back to the Philippines next week.

Still, I managed to peel myself away from the computer to spend some time outside. Today was the complete opposite of the day yesterday. The sun was shining brightly and the sky, though a bit washed out, was still a pretty blue. I ended up at the Esplanade, just so I can take a photo of Sayuri with the Merlion and the Singapore skyline in the background. Much time was spent staring at the river to try to clear my head, which worked for a bit.

Sayuri in Singapore

I promised my sister-in-law that I’d cook pasta for dinner, so I headed home, earlier than usual. On the bus ride home, I started thinking about the past 30 days. June 1 seemed to be so far away right now, and exploring Angkor Wat seemed like something from a distant memory. I was disappointed with myself when I went back to Singapore earlier than I initially planned. There were so many things to regret, so many plans that I wished I pursued. But what’s done is done, and there’s nothing I can do now except to live for the moment.

Things do happen for a reason, and despite my disappointment, I was happy to be back in Singapore. I might have missed out on a lot of things, but I do cherish the experiences that I was able to have.

I’ve stayed in places that I would not recommend to my enemies. I got annoyed and frustrated at taxi and tuktuk drivers who charge exorbitant amounts, and a couple of times, ended up just sighing and agreeing to the price. I got scammed into giving a “donation” for something I don’t believe in. I’ve endured several long bus rides, with one bus even ending up in a ditch.

Still, the good parts outweigh the negatives.Though the bad things that happened are easier to remember, it’s the positives that makes me want to do it all over again. It doesn’t matter if it rained on me, I was still able explored the temples of Angkor and enjoyed the laid back lifestyle of Luang Prabang. I’ve savored the best dishes Thailand and Malaysia has to offer.

My new favorite spot: Esplanade Park

Of course, I can’t forget the people I’ve met along the way. There was Soryan in Cambodia, whose love for his culture is evident in his work and Ming in Thailand who shared his love for Thai food. Then there was that cheeky girl in Luang Prabang, who was actually quite annoying because she was trying to sell me something, but you just can’t help but love her. In Vientiane, it was the staff at the guesthouse that made my brief stay bearable, and the other travelers headed to Khao San Road that made the last hours in Laos just a tad more interesting.

It was great to have met up with Mikoy in Bangkok, as well as meeting Ynna and Nat. Then there was that German guy who passed on his body wash, as he’s flying home and have no need for it anymore. To continue the chain, I pass on a packet of detergent I wasn’t able to use to one of the housekeepers at the hostel. Another memorable character was the elderly Italian gentleman who was sitting across me in the express train from Bangkok to Butterworth. I was finally able to meet Wei, a long time online friend in Penang, who so graciously took me — literally — around Penang island.

The staff of Watercolours Resort were all lovely, as is the service people I’ve encountered in Kuala Besut. At the scene of the bus accident, I am grateful to the people who helped me out and looked out for me, even if they had a hard time talking to me in English. The warm reception of the crew at Matahari Lodge was a huge relief after that ordeal. It was great to come home to family in Singapore, and getting to meet Marvin and Babes.

My favorite bus stop

In the three hours I’ve sat down to write this entry, I managed to remember events that I’ve practically forgotten about, and even things I’d rather forget. Still, they were all part of this amazing month long trip in Southeast Asia. I honestly didn’t expect anything from this trip. I just wanted to go out, to explore. I ended up with plenty stories to tell, a couple of gigs worth of pictures and a one in a lifetime experience that I’ll treasure forever.

[Edit] Just how sappy is that last line? Ew.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

I woke up at the usual 8am, bleary eyed yet fully awake. There’s something about this day though, that makes me just want to stay at home and curl up in bed with my book.

Matches my mood perfectly

But I reasoned it’s the day before my last day, and I should make the most of my holiday. So I forced myself to go out, having lunch at Compass Point, then riding the MRT all the way to Harbourfront. Vivo City is still pretty much the same as it was two years ago. It’s still huge, and the shops I’ve visited before were still there. My favorite spot in Vivo City is the open spaces fronting the water. Since it was a weekday, the place wasn’t as crowded. It would be the best time to just sit around, look out to the water and read a book, but I just wasn’t in the mood.

Bugis Street

Instead of riding the train back, I switched to the East-West line for Bugis. I wanted to check out the shops at Bugis street, then maybe the National Library, and the Museum of Toys. I only made it to Bugis street, and didn’t even bother checking out all the stores. I did walk away with a bag full of chocolates though. I walked down North Bridge Road, passing the library, but not stopping to check inside. I figured I can just do that for another day. The sky was turning dark and I wanted to be inside the bus before it rains.

Sinigang na baboy

I made it to the bus stop just in time for my express bus home. Dreary days are dreary indeed. I guess I just want to take it easy and rest before work starts on Wednesday. Today wasn’t totally depressing though. Waiting for me at home was a nice hot bowl of sinigang na baboy (pork in sour broth). Tender meat, lots of veggies and very sour soup, it was a nice end to an otherwise unremarkable day.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

I set out just before lunch to catch the bus to Orchard Road. I needed to change some money, and I’ve been told that Lucky Plaza is the place to go. Since I was already in the area, I thought I’d have some fried prawn noodle at Wistma Atria, and check out the Kinokuniya bookstore inside Takashimaya.

Hokkien mee!

From Orchard road, I rode the North-South MRT line to Raffles Place interchange. The thing I love most about Singapore’s MRT is that at each station, there’s a map of the area, so you get an idea where you are and how to go to where you want to go. My destination was the Starbucks under the bridge near the Fullerton hotel. I was able to find it without getting lost (whee).

Way to go, backpacker

I was there to meet Marvin, a reader who turns out to be Mikoy’s brother, who I met during the CS tour of Manila cemeteries and met up with in Bangkok two weeks ago. He’s currently working and living in Singapore with his girlfriend, and they’re taking advantage of the cheap travel options from the city state. Travel stories and plans were shared, and my god, they have four more trips lined up these coming months! Envy!

The Merlion and Singapore’s skyscrapers

After the brief meet, I walked over to the Merlion to take photos. As I was checking the angles around the boardwalk, I noticed the kiosk for the Singapore River cruise. In all my trips to the country, I’ve yet to try this tour. I walked over and ended up buying a ticket, since the boat was about to leave. It was a traditional bum boat, though modified to carry passengers, rather than cargo. The boat is also equipped with a recorded commentary on the sights along the Singapore River.

Singapore River Cruise

It was a pleasant ride upstream, and as always, looking and hearing the water relaxed me. Unfortunately, the only way to go up and down the river is through the organizes tours, and at SG$18 per person, it be pretty expensive if you want to do it often. Still, it’s a pleasant way to spend 45 minutes.

Steve McCurry exhibition

Back on dry land, I made my way to the Asian Civilization Museum. Marvin and Del told me that there’s an exhibit of Steve McCurry’s works in the museum, and that was motivation enough to go. It was spectacular. The pictures on display were beyond impressive. Each one evoke different kinds of emotion. Simply amazing. If you’re interested to view the photos, they will be on exhibit until July 19th. Admission to the museum is SG$8 for adults.

Machines have feelings too.

After looking at the other galleries, I make my way back to the street and to Raffles Hotel to catch my bus. I love how I can check the bus’ arrival on my phone (via mobile Internet), and time my own arrival at the bus stop so I wouldn’t have to wait too long. I had thirty minutes to spare, so I killed some time at the Marketplace at Raffles Place. There were a couple of interesting food kiosks, but the one that caught my fancy was this stall selling taiyaki, Japanese fish-shaped cake with filling. They sell the traditional red bean, with other sweet options like kaya, chocolate, and even durian. I bought one red bean and one kaya to take home (or take away).

Taiyaki!

I’ve been home for more than three hours already, and have spent most of that time trying to write this entry. Damn those picspams, such a distraction! I was supposed to research where to go tomorrow, but eh. I’ll just figure that out in the morning.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

I really did plan on resting on my first couple of days back in Singapore. But as you can see, just after the first day, I was bored out of my mind. I didn’t have plans today as well, so I thought I joined my brother and his family at their hotel for an afternoon at the pool.

Perfect activity for another sunny day in the tropics

It was great to get to spend time with my family. The pool’s not too shabby either. After swimming comes the highlight of the day. Before I left, I asked friends who’ve been to Singapore if they had Jollibee there, a Filipino fast food restaurant that is McDonald’s stiffest competition in the Philippines. Almost all of them replied that there is no Jollibee, but there is Jolly-V. I was really interested in trying out this stall, specially since everybody agrees that it does taste like the original Chicken Joy served in Jollibee.

Cooking lechon manok and liempo

We rode the train to the Raffles Place MRT station and walked for about 5 minutes to the Lau Pa Sat Festival Market. This is the loveliest eating venue in Singapore, with its high ceilings and beautiful architecture. The stalls in this market feature local favorites, as well as cuisines from all over the world, hence Happy-V (as Jolly-V is now branded), and Mang Kiko’s Lechon.

It’s as good and as crispy as it looks

Happy-V serves almost the same food as Jollibee, but of course, with a lot less variety. They had the chicken, the Pinoy-style spaghetti and even palabok. Mang Kiko’s Lechon has the same spit-style rotisserie grill commonly found in lechon manok (roast chicken) stores in the Philippines. You’ll see whole chicken and thick slabs of liempo (pork belly) turning round and round over hot charcoal. It was a sight to behold. They also serve lechon baboy (roasted pig) but it wasn’t cooked yet, so we settled for liempo and lechon manok.

It was so good eating those meat with rice. Of course, the ones back in the Philippines are still the best, but given the circumstances, these are a real treat. There are sauces available like sarsa/gravy, soy sauce and vinegar. From Happy-V, we sampled the fried chicken, and , it is like Jollibee! It was so so good. The entire dinner was bliss.

Walking around Chinatown

We walked off all that sinful liempo by walking around Chinatown, even checking out the shops at China Square Central. We boarded the MRT in Chinatown, got off at Clarke Quay to check out the new mall by the river. As we were walking around, I kept on seeing places that I’ve been to, and realizing just how small Singapore really is. But as small as the island is, I also realize that there are still plenty of places I’ve yet to visit. So for the last three days of my 30-day backpacking trip, that’s what I’m going to do.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

I wanted to wake up at 10am, but woke up two hours prior. I stumble out of my niece’s room, and the first thing I see is the CNN headline that Michael Jackson has died. Great way to start any morning.

Oh the irony.

There was breakfast and then there was lunch. I haven’t eaten so much in a such a short span of time. My sister-in-law and her kids are checking in at the hotel, and I walked them down to the taxi. It was rather surreal that this time, I’m the one outside the taxi waving at them.

Tina wearing the Takara Jenny clothing set I bought from Siam Paragon

I didn’t really have anything planned today, and that’s really how I wanted it. Most of the day was spent indoors — fangirling online and trying out the doll clothes I bought in Bangkok. I did went out today, but the farthest I got was the nearby shopping complex, where I bought a pack of multi-flavored Yakult.

Yakult!

It was dinner time when I got back, and I set off to prepare my dinner. While I was traveling, the fried rice I always find have vegetable and meat in them — a meal on its own. I loved it, but I was hankering for something that reminds me of home. And what can be more Filipino than a silog meal? Silog is short for sinangag (fried rice) and itlog (egg), and it’s usually paired of with some kind of fried meat. There’s no tapa (cured beef) in the freezer, but there was bacon, so bacon-silog it is.

Mmmm, bacon.

It felt good cooking again. One thing I really missed while backpacking is cooking. The only time I had a kitchen to work in was in HI Sukhumvit, but really, why trouble yourself cooking when there’s yummy and cheap Thai food just around the corner?

Dinner was glorious. Bacon was good, egg was cooked just right, and the fried rice? YUM! Unlike the fried rice I’ve had in te past three weeks, this one just had salt and lots of garlic. Nothing better than a having a great breakfast meal for dinner.

American Choppers in the TV, flickr in my computer

I plonk down before the TV, catching up on shows that I haven’t watched since Cambodia and trying to work in between commercials. I loved how slow this day was, but yeah, I’m itching to go out again tomorrow.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

I’m writing this entry from the dining table at my brother’s flat in Singapore. I was stamped back into the country at 8pm this evening, and for the first time in the three weeks I’ve been traveling, I’ll be staying in one country for more than six days. I’m sad that I had to cut the Malaysian leg of the trip short, but I can’t even begin to tell you how relieved I felt when I finally set foot inside the front door.

Something tells me I shouldn’t have hit that snooze button…

It was travel fatigue, Wei said. I was uninspired when I was in Kuala Lumpur. I hardly even took out my camera to take photos; not even my camera phone. I did try to do some touristy things. I went to the Petronas Towers early this morning to try to get a ticket for the morning tour. Even on a weekday, the place was packed. By the time I got to the ticket counter, they were all out of the morning tours, and the earliest they have was the 4:15pm. Instead, I just took photos of the dolls outside, with the twin towers in the background.

Sayuri and Yuiichiro with the Petronas Towers

I didn’t really feel like doing anything after that. I just went back to the hostel. packed up my things and checked out. I didn’t feel any regrets as I boarded the Aeroline bus to Singapore. I was actually kinda excited. Instead of dragging my feet, I found myself walking excitedly towards the trains in Harbourfront, and I was walking even faster walking to my brother’s apartment. I guess it really was time to go home.

Something I’ve been looking foward to in the past three weeks

Now I’m sitting here, wearing clothes that I haven’t worn in the past three weeks, and I’ve just finished a delicious home cooked dinner. This feels right.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!

Today is the first day of my backpacking trip, and I… overslept. I’ve actually been in Singapore since Saturday, and I’ve been going around the city reacquainting myself with old favorites (the Esplanade, China Square Central) and discovering new ones (the National Museum of Singapore). I had grand plans of going on several walking trails today, but after the weekend’s activities, I decided to just to it when I come back at the end of the month and just spend the day at home.

Selamat Datang

Like my previous trips here, I’m staying with my brother and his family. What’s different this time though, is their new place. My brother has lived in his previous flat for almost 10 years. It was just last year that they finally decided to get a place of their own and moved farther from their previous flat. Since this is Singapore, taking the public transportation is a breeze, and in no time, I’m going out on my own.

I’ll never tire of photographing this scene

Saturday night, we had dinner at the much touted Makansutra’s Glutton Bay. This is an open air dining place right beside the Esplanade and like most kopitiam, you can order any of Singapore’s signature dishes. We feasted on char kway teow, cereal prawns, yang chow fried rice and chicken and beef satay. YUM! Definitely a great way to start any trip. To burn off the calories, we took a walk along the river, and crossed over to the Merlion side, where there’s a performance right at the riverside.

Let’s go to the Pernakan Museum

Sunday I went off on my own to take advantage of the International Museum Day. In celebration of this day, museums in Singapore have free admission. Despite coming here for several times in the past, I’ve never been to ANY of Singapore’s museums, and was glad to have the opportunity to visit them for free. I went to the Peranakan Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Peranakans in Singapore, and to the National Museum, where the Verner Panton and the Christian Lacroix exhibit is on display. Admission to the National Museum costs $10 for adults, while admission to the Peranakan Museum costs $6. The SG$16 I saved though went to the toys I bought from China Square Central (CSC). *^*

Christian Lacroix the costumier

I was so exhausted when I came home Sunday evening. I walked a lot that afternoon, and it felt good to just lie down in bed and read my latest Peter Moore book (Swahili for the Broken Hearted — the last book missing from my collection). I enjoyed my rest a little too much, because the next thing I know, it was already 10am! Much lollygagging and Plurking was done until 3pm, when I decided to go out and check out the nearby mall. However, just as the bus pulled out of the bus stop, I receive a text from my brother asking me to buy him the iPod Touch being offered at a special price for the Great Singapore Sale. This is a promo limited to tourists at the Epicentre in Wheelock Place. Since I knew it was limited, I asked him to call the store to ask if they still have it in stock. I didn’t want to go all the way to Orchard for something that might not be available anymore! He said he couldn’t get through the phone, so I made my way to Orchard Road.

FAIL.

Construction never stops in Singapore. Everytime I visit, there’s always some road improvements going on or another skyscraper being built. There were some construction at the corner of Orchard and Cross street, which led to the closure of the underground passage from Orchard road station to Wistma Atria (which resulted to me taking the wrong exit the day before, ending up ACROSS Wistma Atria). The exit took me to the surface, right at the corner of the two streets, facing Tangs and the Marriot hotel. Wheelock Place was just across the road. I went inside the mall, not knowing where Epicentre was. Somehow, I made it there on the first try, but unfortunately, they were already out of the SG$194 8GB iPod Touch. Dejectedly, I wandered around the mall, wondering where Dollz Inc was. I was told of this dolls store inside Wheelock place, and I’m excited about it, since it’s so much easier to get to than CSC. It turns out that the store was in the same corridor that I passed through going to Epicentre, and I missed it because I was so engrossed in one of the stores (there was a t-shirt that says “I Roti Prata”!)

Another Bishan sunset

It was a store specializing in Blythe dolls and accessories, but there are plenty of other cute stuff you can buy for Pullips and Pinkies. Like Re-ment! Evil, evil super cute Re-ment miniature toys. I couldn’t resist, and ended up buying another box. I stopped myself from buying more stuff, so I went outside to head back home. I decided to take the long way home, since it was rush hour and the trains would probably be full. I took the bus from Scott road that passes through my brother’s old place. I felt nostalgic taking that bus, even though it’s a fairly new route. I got off at Junction 8, a mall that I frequented since it was so near my brother’s place. The mall is also where the Bishan MRT station was. During my last visit here in March 2007, they were constructing the Circle line of the Singapore MRT system. A portion of the line is already finished, and just last week, it has started operations. Bishan Station is now Bishan Interchange, serving both the North-South line and the new Circle Line. I took the Circle line to Serangoon, where I changed to the North East line to Seng Kang. From Seng Kang, it was another LRT ride to my brother’s apartment block. It was a pretty long ride — took me about an hour and a half.

Off to explore Southeast Asia. BRB.

Now, I’m packing yet again, because backpacking officially begins tomorrow. I’m leaving my comfort zone, and I feel rather unprepared. I can’t wait

Photos that didn’t make it to this entry can be viewd at my flickr.

Copyright 2006-2011 Nina Fuentes | Justwandering.org | Let’s build the Blogger House with Habitat for Humanity!