Runner's Tale: Singapore...Singapore...Singapore.

The last time I went to Singapore when I was only 6 yrs old (I think). What a major changes happened over the years when I went there for visit recently.

My perspective back then was different as I am now a designer with art perceptions in everything I observed. I love to find a fresh look of architecture as well as conservation act towards to an old building. Never to say I love a humble interior as well as unexpected idea in it. All this you can find in Singapore, our nearest neighbor.

Some buildings in Singapore Town.

Our trip was Backpackers Style. (you might want to refer my article about backpackers). Since this was a student trip with budget constraint, we decided to travel by train at night and bus to reach the immigration centre and into the Singapore town center.

KL Central -------> JB Central ---------> Woodlands --------> Little India

The currency at that time was SD2.475 for RM 1. That was in KL rate. But we found out that in Johor Bahru, you can get as lower as SD2.44. The trip was organised by our colleague and he booked a night train with bunk bed as so we can sleep the whole night during the journey to JB central. The ticket was 2 way ticket with the price of RM90.

at KL Central, in the train by KTM and at the JB Central..

Upon reaching Johor Bahru, we went for early breakfast before departure to Singapore via bus. It was so convenient with the buses will always available at any time with RM2 ticket bought on the spot. We were reminded to keep the bus ticket as it will be needed later.

Back at the JB Central, we were proceeding to the bus station at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar. Here we were checked by the police if we bring along our passport before entering the building. All we need is just to flash out our passport for them to see. Then, after walking (I think) the longest alley to the Malaysian Immigration, our passport will be checked & chopped upon exiting Malaysia. Just like any flight airport station procedure but only to depart by bus.

We know now why we had to keep the bus ticket. After like 10 mins journey by bus, we have to get off the bus at the Singapore border to check-in at the Singapore Immigration Center. All the people will rushed as they were late for work. And again our passport will be checked and chopped after filling the form. Then we have to depart again with the bus. That was the time the bus conductor will check whether we have the ticket. If not, you have to pay again for the ticket for SD2.50!

It was an interesting journey with all the hassle just to enter Singapore from Malaysia. But it was a worth experienced as these are the hassles that Malaysian (Johorean normally) has to face daily if they work in Singapore without own transport.

The journey continue with another 40 mins to our hostel located at Little India. Along the highway we encounter a lot of signages stated Woodlands here and there.

while waiting for the bus at Singapore border...

Then we arrived at the bus station located near the Little India town. With that name stated, you can see the area was full with Indian people, Indian stores, and also located nearby with the Arab Street. So food is not a major problem for us, muslim.

We checked in at the famous backpackers hostel name, Foot Print Hostel. It is really not a bad hostel with cheerful color and decoration they put on. Since the next day is a Halloween, and Singapore is a country who celebrate them, the hostel was full with foreigners from all over country. Luckily we have booked the hostel.

We didn't rest but continue with the plan, to visit most part of the Singapore within that area. It is the best location with convenient public transport (we mainly used the MRT - subway train) which providing a lot of stations.

Day 1
Get used to travel around the town using MRT. It was easy as we had experienced using LRT in Kuala Lumpur. Same method, same system, different route. The MRT however a bit different design than LRT. I mean it has light bulb blinking showed which door will open on the next stop. Some of the MRT's map has light bulb on each station which will light up for the next stop. It is fun to watch them as we never encounter as such before. hehehe...
The ticket system too is totally different. Beside the tickets were hard laminate card than paper ticket we used to have in KL, it is refundable, at least for SD1, if we give back the ticket for reused. Everything using machine, from buying to return the tickets. No buying at the counter.

line up to buy the MRT tickets at the machine

it's a touch screen method for the destination options.

the ticket..

hehehe... the entrance to the MRT...

scanned the ticket...then enter...quickly...

exiting the MRT, don't forget to redeemed back SD1 for returnable ticket..

just by slot in back the ticket...

After experiencing for the very first time the MRT, we went to a lot of places such as Singapore Art Museum (SAM), Raffles Square, the famous Red Dot Design Museum, The Merlion Park where the famous architecture of Marina Bay Sand Hotel and the mermaid + lion statue were held, Clark Quay where the famous restoration old buildings happened, strolling along the Little India street, and of course shopping at the biggest shopping street, Bugis Street for souvenirs. All these for day1 till day 3.