From Manila to Singapore to Malaysia and back again - Itinerary, Budget, and Some Tips

This is by far our most challenging trip yet. But since we had a dry run last January with our Baguio trip, we knew that we can do this. With careful planning and enough knowledge we could muster, we stepped into the unknown with our version of a 6 days, 5 nights Singapore - Malaysia (Johor Bahru) – Singapore adventure, our first out-of-country trip as a family of four. I must admit that we're not luxurious travelers, but Ramir and I agree that some inconveniences are necessary so we can afford to let our children see a place entirely different from what they know. It is also a way to stretch them in terms of physical abilities since they need to be mobile most of the time.  It's also a test of their patience thresh hold since waiting for our turns and falling in lines have been operative instructions every single time. And for Ramir and I, it's a test of our teamwork, as a couple, as parents and as travel buddies. We need to juggle between fixing schedules, charting itineraries, taking care of the kids, navigating maps, carrying our baggage, taking pictures and everything else in between, and still have a good time.

I must give credit to amazing children, who have the endurance to wake up at 6 in the morning, ride a plane, go around Singapore until night time, still proceed to Johor and retire at 12 midnight and still up and running the next day at 8am. So how did our trip go? I must say, sulit na sulit.

Below is our detailed itinerary.

Day 1, Wednesday
Fragrance Hotel, Gardens by the Bay and Tune Hotel

MANILA
Cebu Pacific - Manila-Singapore-Manila (Airfare) for 4 - P26,029.24 
     - Travel Tax for 2 adults - P1620 x 2 = P3,240
     - Travel Tax for 2 kids - P810 x 2 = P1,620
     - Terminal Fee for 4 - P550 x 4 = P2,200
     - Time of Departure in Manila - 10:10am

SINGAPORE
1. Time of Arrival in Singapore - 1:35pm

2. Changed money to Singapore Dollars

3. Took a taxi from Changi Airport to Fragrance Hotel (Bugis) - S16.80

4. Deposited baggage to Fragrance Hotel
     - Tip: We're booked at Fragrance Hotel for two nights.  They allowed baggage deposits, free of charge. We deposited all our baggage for a hassle-free touring. 

5. Super late lunch at Kafei Dian - S16.20
     - Just around the corner of Fragrance Hotel
     - They serve good food at reasonable prices. They charge around S.20 for every glass of water.  They'll assume you need hot water so tell them ahead if you want it cold.

6. Went to Gardens by the Bay
     - Bay South Outdoor Gardens - Free
            - Opens 5:00am - 2:00am daily                                                                   
     - Cooled Conservatories (Flower Dome and Cloud Forest) - S71 for 2 adults and 1 kid
            - Opens 9:00am - 9:00pm daily
     - OCBC Garden Rhapsody at Supertree Grove at 7:45pm - Free
           
Directions going to Gardens by the Bay from Fragrance Hotel, Bugis
     - From Fragrance Hotel walk toVictoria St.
     - Take Bus 133 in front of Bras Basah Complex (Bus Stop B01019)
     - Get off at Bayfront Avenue, opposite Marina Bay Sands MICE (Bus Stop B03519)
     - Follow the sign to Gardens by the Bay
     - Bus ride for adults - S.73 x 2 = S1.46
     - Bus ride for kids - S.36 x 2 = S.72

Tulipmania at Gardens by the Bay

7. Dinner at KFC (opposite Bugis Junction) - S14.70
Directions going to Opposite Bugis Junction from Gardens by the Bay
     - Walk to the opposite side of the Garden through a bridgeway.
     - Take Bus 133 at Marina Bay Sands MICE (Bus Stop 03511)
     - Alight opposite Bugis Junction (Bus stop 01113)
     - KFC is right at the corner
     - Bus ride for adults - S.73 x 2 = S1.46
     - Bus ride for kids - S.36 x 2 = S.72

8. Retrieved packed-for-Malaysia baggage from Fragrance Hotel
     - Since we anticipated that we would be lugging too many baggage if we'll bring everything, we packed two sets of baggage, one for Malaysia and one for Singapore. We left our Singapore baggage at Fragrance Hotel since our check in was still on May 4.

Directions going to Fragrance Hotel from KFC
     - Walk two blocks from KFC to Middle Road
     - From Middle Road, walk another 2 blocks

9. Went to Singapore Johor Express Bus Terminal at Queens St.
Directions going to the bus terminal from Fragrance Hotel
     - Take a cab to Queen St. - S7.30
     - Alight at the Singapore Johor Express Bus Terminal

10. Took the Singapore Johor Express to Larkin Cental Bus Terminal in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
     - Paid the fare - S1.20 x 2 kids = S2.40; S2.40 x 2 adults = S4.80
     - Tip: There are other bus options (Bus 170 and Causeway Link 2) to Johor Bahru, but the Singapore Johore Express is a non-stop terminal to terminal bus line. You will just be required to get off the bus for immigration clearances twice, one at the Woodlands Checkpoint and the other at the Malaysian border.
     - Travel time is approximately one hour 
Some Notes:
     - At the Woodlands Checkpoint, get all your things and get off the bus.
     - Take the escalator, and have your passport stamped at the immigration.
     - Proceed to exit and go down the escalator.  Look for the Singapore Johor Express Bus.  There's a chance that the bus you've ridden going to Woodlands Checkpoint isn't the same bus you'll take after undergoing the immigration process.  Just show your ticket and the driver would take you in.
     - After about ten minutes, you'll arrive at the Malaysian Immigration. Again, get all your things and get off the bus.
     - Take the escalator, and have your passport stamped at the immigration.
     - Proceed to exit and go down the escalator.  Look for the Singapore Johor Express Bus.
     - After about 10 minutes, the bus would stop at the Larkin Bus Terminal in Johor Bahru.

JOHOR BAHRU, MALAYSIA
11. Upon arrival at the Larkin Bus Terminal, we took a cab going to Tune Hotel - Taxi fare - S10
     - Tips: There would be barkers who'll lure you to take a fixed rate taxi.  Decline them.  There are taxi bays where taxis are lined up.  Approach them and inquire if they can take you to Tune Hotel at Danga Bay.  Make sure that they'll use the meter. Also, make sure that you have Malaysian ringgit with you.  We forgot to change our money to ringgit.  Although the driver accepted our Singapore dollars, it would have been cheaper if we paid in ringgit.

12. Check in at Tune Hotel - RM476.40 (3 days, 3 nights)
  

Day 2, Thursday - Legoland

1. Purchased round trip coach tickets at Odyssey - RM45 for 3 persons (no child rate, child sitting on lap is free.)
     - The Odyssey office is right beside the hotel's side entrance.
     - Tip: Buy tickets as soon as you arrive at the hotel.  Since we arrived very late, the office was closed.  I was informed that the office would open at 7am.  I was able to get a slot for their 10:30am (Tune to Legoland) and 7:00pm (Legoland to Tune) coach arrangement.  Their 9:30am and 6:00 pm; and their 10:00am and 6:30pm slots were fully booked. And it was a weekday.

2. Breakfast at Saffron Cuisine (right beside the Odyssey office) - RM15

3. Went to Legoland.
     - We were picked up at exactly 10:30.
     - We were dropped off at Medini Mall.  At the opposite end is Legoland.  We were told that we will be picked up at the exact point where we were dropped off.
     - We had some of our dollars changed to Malaysian ringgit at the Point Convenience Store near Legoland's entrance.

At Tune Hotel lobby while waiting for our coach

4. Arrived at Legoland 
     - Ticket Price - RM280 (2 adults); RM110 (1 kid) 
     - Open from 10 am until 6 pm.
     - A weekday is a lean day.  We really had a lot of fun.  It wasn't crowded at all. But it's very hot and humid.
     - Tips: Bring some change of clothes, a fan and an umbrella.  You may also opt to try the 4-D Theater at high noon and have lunch in one of the airconditioned food stations.  This would give you time to recharge and be relieved from the heat. They accept Singapore dollars at Legoland.  Their rates are better than the Point Convenience Store.
     - Lunch at Pizzamania (inside Legoland) - RM48.70

Riding the roller coaster at Legoland

5. Went back to Tune Hotel
     - We were exactly picked up at 7pm.

6. Dinner at Sekinchan Ikan Bakar (Malaysian restaurant in front of Tune Hotel) - RM72.40
     - They have a Filipino server.  Her name is Farrah.  She made her recommendations and we took her word for it. We enjoyed the Malaysian version of tinapa rice and yangchow fried rice.  We also liked their broiled fish and squid because the condiments that went with it were tasty.

7.  Walked back to the hotel.

Day 3, Friday - Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park 
(Sanrio Hello Kitty Town and the Little Big Club)

1. Ate breakfast
     - We had leftovers from the night before. We were ready by 930am.  

2. Took a cab going to Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park - RM18

3. Arrived at Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park 5 minutes before opening time.
     - Ticket Price - RM330 (3 persons; no child rate)
     - Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday from 10am to 6:00pm; Closed on Tuesday except during school and public holidays
     - Notes: Puteri Harbor Family Theme Park is an indoor airconditioned facility which housed Sanrio Hello Kitty Town (2nd floor) and The Little Big Club (3rd and 4th floor). Sanrio Hello Kitty Town has Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel while The Little Big Club has Thomas and Friends, Barney, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina and Pingu. If you want to enter just one attraction (either Sanrio Hello Kitty Town or The Little Big Club), the ticket is cheaper at RM75.  But we felt its better to buy the 2 park pass at RM110 especially since we have a lot of time to go around, and the place isn't really that big.

Hello Kitty!

4.  Took a blue cab back to Tune Hotel - RM48.20
     - This was a costly mistake. We didn't know that this taxi charges twice because they're premium taxis. Moral of the story: never take the blue taxi.
     -  Tip: Get the number of your taxi driver who'll bring you to the theme park. Just call him for your pick up.

5.  Arrived at Tune Hotel

6. Dinner at 7 Spices (walking distance from the hotel) - RM 56.50
     - It's an Indian restaurant with good food.  But most in their menu are spicy.
     - Tip: If you opt for a non-spicy fare, ask the attendant.  And their less spicy food might be a little bit strong for the Filipino palate. And you may forego the plates. You may request to have your food to be served in banana leaves.

7. Retired early

Day 4, Saturday 
Tune Hotel, Fragrance Hotel, Universal Studios and 
S.E.A. Aquarium

1. Checked out at 7:30 am.

2. Got a taxi to Larkin Bus Terminal - RM16

3. Bought tickets from Singapore Johor Express ticket outlet
     - Bus fare RM3.30 x 2 adults = RM6.60, RM1.20 x 1 kid = RM1.20
     - The outlet is near platform number 14, the same platform where we would board our bus going back to Singapore.
      - The bus arrives every 15 minutes (at least this was what the ticket guy said).

4. Took the Singapore Johor Express to Queens Street in Singapore
     - We did the whole immigration process in reverse.
     - We got off the bus with all our stuff at the Malaysian Immigration, had our passports stamped. Then we boarded our bus again.
     - When we arrived at the Woodlands Checkpoint, we got off our bus again. This time, we had to fill out embarkation cards. Then we lined up for immigration clearance. Then we boarded our bus once more. We arrived at the bus station in Queens Street after more than an hour.
     - Note: Our travel time was longer because of traffic and longer queues at the immigration.

SINGAPORE
5.  Got off at Queens Street

6.  Hailed a taxi going to Fragrance Hotel in Bugis - S7.80

7. Deposited our baggage at Fragrance Hotel

8. Took a cab to Resorts World for Universal Studios - S13.20
     - Estimated travel time: 15-20 minutes

9. Arrived at Universal Studios 
     - We were able to get a deal over the internet, using my Mastercard - S206 for 2 Adult Dated One-day Pass to Universal Studios, 2 Adult Dated One-day Pass to S.E.A Aquarium, 1 Free Child Dated One-day Pass to Universal Studios and 1 Free Child Dated One-day Pass to S.E.A Aquarium.
     - Regular ticket price - One Day Pass - S74 (aged 13 to 59); S54 (aged 4-12)
     - Opening Hours: Saturday 10am to 8pm, other days 10am to 7pm
     - Since it was a Saturday, the lines on different attractions were longer.  We walked around and looked for attractions with short waiting times.
     - We had lunch at Discovery Food Center - S29.50
     - We decided to take a break from the heat by 2pm.
     - Note: Make sure that you get a stamp at the exit so you can get back in.

King Julien's Beach Party-Go-Round Carousel at Universal Studios

10.  We went to S.E.A Aquarium.
     - Regular ticket price - S29 (aged 13 to 59); S20 (aged 4-12)
     - Opening Hours - Everyday 10am to 7pm
     - There was a long line when we entered the Aquarium.  It took us around 30 minutes waiting time before we got in.  We roamed the whole aquarium for an hour and a half.  By 4:30, we got back to Universal Studios to catch the Hollywood Dream Parade.

Enjoying the fishes at S.E.A Aquarium

11. Went back to Universal Studios
     - Caught the Hollywood Dream Parade at 5pm.  This starts at Water World and ends at New York.
     - Note: At 5pm the sun was less harsh.  There where lesser people and shorter lines.  We really had a better time. We were able to roam around and take the rides we wanted.
     - We waited for the Lake Hollywood Spectacular (fireworks show)at 8pm.

With Puss at Universal Studios

12. Dinner at the Malaysian Food Street just outside Universal Studios - S19
     - This is like a food court where you can choose to get your food from the different stalls inside.
     - We got chicken rice, rice balls and other street food like fish balls, tau kua (tokwa) and fried chicken wings.

13. Watched Lake of Dreams - Free
     - A water and light show at the Festive Walk (near Universal Studios) - 9:45pm

14. Took a cab to Fragrance Hotel - S15.80

15. Checked in at Fragrance Hotel - S351 (3 days, 2 nights)

Day 5, Sunday
Science Center, Chinatown and Merlion Park

1. Heard mass at St. Joseph's Church at 8:30am.
Directions going to St. Joseph's Church from Fragrance Hotel, Bugis
     - From Fragrance Hotel, walk two blocks to Victoria Street.  It's the church near the traffic light.

2. Went to Singapore Science Center
Directions going to Singapore Science Center from St. Joseph's Church
     - From St. Joseph's Church, walk one block to North Bridge Road.
     - Board Bus 197 at Cosmic Insurance Building (Bus Stop 01029)
     - After about an hour, alight at Jurong East Central (Bus Stop 28439)
     - Walk to Singapore Science Center (about 3 minutes)
     - Bus ride for adults - S1.55 x 2 = S3.10
     - Bus ride for kids - S.77 x 2 = S1.54

3. Breakfast at McDonald's - S15.85

4. Explored the Singapore Science Center
     - Open daily from 10am to 6pm
     - Ticket Prices  for Science Center and Snow City - S72 (2 adults and 2 kids)
     - Experience the different exhibits and activities. Get a hold of the show and program schedules.  Plan your time around the schedules.
     - We saw the Tesla Coil at 12nn, the Climate Change Show at 1pm and the Fire Tornado Show at 3pm.

5. Walked to the Snow City at 3:30pm
     - We spent around 45 minutes here.  Our ticket entitles us for an hour of play inside the snow chamber.  You can do snow tubing as much as you like. 
     - Note: Jackets and boots are free.  You need to bring your socks or you would need to buy.  We rented snow paraphernalia: Waterproof pants - S13.20 (2 adults and 2 kids), Gloves - 7.40 (2 adults and 2 kids)
     - Tips: You can ask the photographers to take as much photo.  There is a dedicated photographer at the entrance and at the snow tubing area.  They'll give you a stub.  Outside the snow chamber are photo viewing kiosks.  Just input the number of your stub and you'll see your photos.  You can have your photos printed.  We had 4 wallet sized photos printed at S25.

6. Walked to WaterWorks
     - This is a water exhibit where kids will get wet.  They had a grand time here. We stayed here until 5:30pm.
     - Note:  Bring swimsuits, towels and change of clothes.

Enjoying the WaterWorks Exhibit at the Science Center

7. Went to Chinatown
Directions going to Chinatown from Singapore Science Center
     - From Singapore Science Center, walk to Jurong East Central (Bus Stop 28431)
     - Board bus 197 
     - Alight at People's Park Complex, Eu Tong Sen Street (Bus stop 05013)
     - Walk to Pagoda Street
     - Bus ride for adults - S1.47 x 2 = S2.94
     - Bus ride for kids - S.73 x 2 = S1.46

8. Dinner at Ba Dao Guan - S47

9. Pasalubong Shopping 

10. Went to Merlion Park
Directions going to Merlion Park from Chinatown
     - Walk to the Chinatown MTR
     - Buy a single journey ticket to Raffles Place Station at the ticketing machine.
     - Board the North East line towards Harbourfront Station
     - After one stop, alight at Outram Park Station 
     - Transfer to the East West line and board the train going to Pasir Ris Station.
     - After two stops, alight at the Raffles Place Station.
     - Take Exit H, walk towards One Fullerton, then cross the street for the Merlion Park.
     - Train ride: S.78 x 3 pax = S2.34

11. Take in the Merlion Park night scenery
     - This is where you can get an unobstructed view of the Esplanade, Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands.

12. Return to Fragrance Hotel
Directions going to Fragrance Hotel from Merlion Park
     - Walk to Victoria Concert Hall (Bus Stop 02011) at Fullerton Road.
     - Take Bus 100
     - Alight at the opposite of Shaw Towers, Beach Road (Bus Stop 1621).
     - Walk to Fragrance Hotel
     - Bus ride for adults - S.73 x 2 = S1.43
     - Bus ride for kids - S.36 x 2 = S1.46

Day 6, Monday
Singapore Zoo

1.  Checked out early.

2. Deposited our baggage.

3. Went to Singapore Zoo
Directions going to Singapore Zoo from Fragrance Hotel
     - Walk to after Beach Road, Middle Road (Bus Stop 01631)
     - Board bus 980
     - Alight before Seletar expressway, Upper Thomson Road (Bus Stop 56081)
     - Board bus 138
     - Alight at Singapore Zoo in Mandai Lake Road.

4. Explore Singapore Zoo
     - Since we have a very limited time, we bought tram tickets to ensure that we'll be able to tour the whole zoo.  We marveled at the animals for almost half a day.  We went down on stops where the animals interest us (e.g. lions, zebras, giraffes, hippos, elephants, mostly from Wild Africa).  Take note of the feeding times.  The animals are very active when being fed.
     - Tram ride: S5 x 2 adults = S10; S3 x 2 kids = S6 
     - Lunch at Ah Meng restaurant - S31.70
     - Watched the Rainforest Fights Back Show at the Shaw Foundation Amphitheater at 12:30pm.
     - We left the zoo at 2pm.

Riding the tram at the Singapore Zoo

5. Rode a taxi to Fragrance Hotel - S19.80
     - Taxi is the best way to go.  It cut our travel time of more than an hour in half.

6. Took our baggage

7. Rode a taxi to Changi Airport - S17.80

8. Waste time around the airport
     - You can do some art activity, or play video games, or watch some movies, or go to the sunflower garden. And there's free wifi too.

9. Boarded our plane at 5:40pm

MANILA
10. Arrived in Manila at 10:00pm

11. Took a coupon taxi at NAIA Terminal 2 - P790

12. Home Sweet Home

ADDED TIPS:
1.  Bring your own drinking bottles. You can refill at water stations in Singapore. Cheaper than to buying bottled water all the time. You can also buy 1.5 liters of bottled water in convenience stores to refill your water containers, cheaper than buying smaller sized bottled water.
2.  Always make sure that you have change of clothes, umbrella, extra towels, wipes, powder and cologne.  Singapore and Malaysia's weather is hot and humid.  Having these, will help you keep kids feel fresh and comfortable.
3.  Always have a food stash. Biscuits, sandwiches, hard candies.  Anything to eat.  Kids can't go hungry.
4.  Buy all your tickets online.  This way, you can bypass the lines.  When you have your tickets, you can go straight to the entrance.  Sometimes, you get discounts too.
5.  Book through Asiatravel if they offer a free one-way ride to your hotel. Just make sure you make the right reservations for your free transfer.  This will save you a few bucks.  I made a mistake with our reservation that's why we weren't able to avail of this freebie.
6. Plan your itinerary well.  We were able to cover as much ground because we had a planned day-to-day schedule.
7. Do your research.  There's a sea of information about Singapore and Malaysia.  gothere.sg was very helpful in planning our bus and train rides.  The websites of all the attractions we've been to were also very helpful.
8. Choose your battles.  Start from your must-see and must-do list in every attraction.  Once you're done with these, proceed with the rest.  This way, you don't get to feel bitin or sayang.
9. Try to take the public transport.  Singapore's very efficient.  Riding the bus felt like pasyal. And it's cheap too. They don't give change though.  So be sure you have smaller bills and coins with you. If it's available, get the bus itinerary leaflet near the bus entrance door.  This way you can anticipate the bus stop where you're suppose to alight.  And the drivers are nice.  You can ask them to prompt you for your stop.

We didn't really know our thresh hold until we took the plunge.  Gladly, our family endured. I guess, the best thing about traveling together is you're forced to stick it out with each other. No matter what. And somehow, you get to discover every family member's individuality on a foreign environment.  After this trip, I realized that I'm more grateful that I have a good travel partner for a husband.  I also feel very blessed that my kids adapt well and are suckers for pasyal, bus rides and train rides. Thanks for reading this far.