Singapore Series: Why You Should Come to Changi Airport Early

It is always advisable to come at the airport two hours prior to departure time. This applies to all international flights. However, when you are boarding your flight via Singapore's Changi Airport, I strongly suggest that you come earlier than usual. Why? Let me show you a myriad of things you can do inside Changi Airport.

On our flight back to Manila, we chose to leave City Square Mall in Farrer Road (our last stop) earlier. Our flight is at 8:55 PM via Air Philippines, but we chose to start our journey to Changi at around 4:30 PM. We took Singapore's ever reliable MRT, for the last time.

 Changi Airport is one of the world's best airports. It serves more than 100 airlines that fly to various countries. Their customer service is also commendable.

1. Beautify!

Inside the pre-departure area, you will see a huge selection of shops that offers cosmetics, perfumes, liquors and a lot more. What's good is that the staff will also secure that the packaing of the stuff you buy here will enable you to bring it onboard, in your hand carry bags. Say for example, you buy a perfume that's about more than 100ml, they will be glad to package it according to aviation standards.

If you are a makeup addict, Changi Airport is a haven for you. It offers a variety of makeup brands, both drugstore and high-end.

There's MAC Wonder Woman Collection.

 

 

 

2. Shop 'til you drop!

If you are into fashion like bags,  shoes, etc., Changi Airport also has The Fashion Gallery for you. 

Don't fret, Changi Airport is equipped with travellators to ease you up on walking.

3. Watch a Movie or Surf the Net

Changi Airport also has an internet corner and a 3D station. These are all free of charge.

4. Bring Home Merlion

5. Have a Glimpse of Other Culture

During the time that we are there, Changi Airport featured Brazil as their latest destination offering. There were Guarana sodas  and Brazillian truffles served. There's also free WII for Capoeira.

So next time you are in Singapore, make sure you are in the airport early.

Tip:

Changi Airport staff are very strict when it comes to liquid items in your hand carry baggage. To avoid inconvenience, make sure you comply with their guidelines.

There are no restrooms inside the Departure area. All restrooms are in the Pre-Departure area. So make sure to relieve yourself before going inside. However, should you wish to go out of the Departure area, make sure you inform the Ground Attendant.

Bring a jacket. It is cold inside the Departure area especially at night.

There are no Terminal Fees in Changi Airport.

Can't wait to go back to Singapore again!

 

Singapore Series: Mustafa and Kopitiam

Mustafa is a 24-hour mall along Farrer Road. When taking the MRT, make sure you are in the Purple Line and alight at Farrer Road Station.

What to buy in Mustafa? There are cheap branded perfumes, gadgets, and more. I bought my favorite Cintan Curry Noodles and Mi Goreng here. I also grabbed some Old Town White Coffee. Pistachios are also cheap here. You can also buy Merlion chocolates and other stuff in this mall. It is open 24-hours so if you just came from an evening flight, you can go here straight away!

If you take the MRT, you will encounter City Square Mall first before crossing to Mustafa. After exploring Mustafa, we decided to have lunch at a hawker station beside it. We ordered breaded fish and tofu with plain rice at SGD 2 each. After that, we went back to City Square Mall and had some Siew Mai (siomai, pork dumplings) and Iced Milk Tea at Kopitiam. I forgot how they call it. All I remember is 'kopi' is coffee and 'teh' is tea.

I noticed that in Kopitiam, majority of the staff are seniors. Yes, in Singapore, there is no age limit when it comes to job opportunities, as long as you are still fit to work. I even saw some senior staff at McDonalds. And they all move faster than I expected.

I love all of these! Especially the dip, which I researched and found out that the chili sauce they use for Siew Mai is what we call Sriracha - a thai chili sauce. And I am so glad I found one in groceries here in the Philippines.

A few hours after, we're off to Changi Airport.

Singapore Series: Fosters, Holland Village and Orchard Road

Our friend Kate, who is also based in Singapore invited us for lunch at Fosters in Holland Village, where she works. We took a cab from Le Peranakan Hotel. But for those who opt to take the bus, just ride a No. 7 or 77 bus from Orchard.

Holland Village is comparable to Paseo de Magallanes in the Philippines. It is a small community cluster of shops and restos.

Fosters specialty are steaks. The ambience is very homey. It's like Tony Roma's.

My Akisha likes this so much - Pumpkin Soup

Oxtail Stew. Succulent and juicy oxtail braised in a delicious sauce. I think it tastes like Bizu's Osso Buco.

Grilled Salmon and Beef. I love the salmon! It was cooked the way I want it, juicy and tender.

The dessert is dragon fruit jelly with raspberry coulis.

After lunch, we boarded Bus no. 7 at the nearest bus stop and proceeded to Orchard.

We walked along Orchard Road and I was overwhelmed with the high-end stores I saw along the way.

 

This is ION Orchard, a mall that carries luxury products.

Look, there's Bobbi Brown!

 I died for a minute when I saw this - SEPHORA!!!

Singapore has an overwhelming number of malls. Be ready to walk, walk and walk. Wear comfy shoes and clothes.

Singapore Series: Sentosa Beach Station

The next and last stop of Sentosa Express is the Beach Station. Yes, you read it right. Amidst all these rides and activities, Sentosa has a stretch of beaches, too - Palawan, Siloso and Tanjong Beaches. There are free shuttle rides for you to get to and from the Sentosa Express, but we opted to walk from the station towards the white sandy beach. 

We went towards Siloso beach and saw these beach beds that the locals rent  out for SGD 15. If you opt not to rent a beach bed, you can just bring a sarong or mat and place it at the shoreline, and presto! Beach bumming on a budget!

The sand here is not as white as Boracay. It's more like the sand in Batangas. There are also hotels and inns around the area.

This is one of the famous spots in Siloso beach - the Wavehouse. It is a pool that generates waves where surfers can practice.

There's also the Sky Ride for those who are not afraid of heights. You can also view the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia from Palwan beach.

Of course, we made sure not to miss the Songs of the Sea. The first time I saw this laser and water show on a video, I was amazed and promised myself I'll take Akisha to watch this.

 

Tickets are at SGD 10. Children 2 years old and below are free of charge.

 

Videos of Songs of the Sea here. 

 There are also souvenir shops inside Sentosa where you can buy different stuff (Merlion shirst, stuffed toys, etc.)

And that ends our Sentosa Adventure.