Commuting to Universal Studios

For a change, we decided to commute via the Singapore Mass Rail Transit (MRT) and Cable Car to Universal Studios instead of going there via taxi. In doing that we learned that the Singapore MRT system has more than a hundred stations and lines. But when you get the hang of it, its quite easy to understand.

We had a 15 - 20 minute walk from our hotel the Orchard Hotel Singapore. The weather was nice for walking and I had many stops because it was quite hard for me to walk for almost a kilometer going to the MRT Station. 

After walking endlessly, we finally found the Orchard Station of the MRT. Luckily they had a mall beneath the at the street complete with working escalators.

Had to wait for a while as my sister bought the tickets for us.

My sister buying the tickets through a kiosk. Note that it took her almost five minutes to get the tickets since there were no long cues in getting tickets.

This is a sight to behold, we never thought we can sit down considering that comparing this one to the MRT in Manila which is always full.

From the Orchard Station we took the North South line and went down at Dthe Dhoby Gaut station. Then we transferred to the North East line Dhoby Gaut station enroute to the Harbour Front Station. We walked again to the next building to ride a cable car to Sentosa.

After alighting at the Harbour Front Station, we walked once again to the city's most unique hilltop destination - Faber Peak Singapore. At the lobby of the building we bought our tickets at SG$29.

Eight people can fit inside a cable car. I think if we have something like this in the Philippines, most cable cars would carry 10 - 12 passengers with some sitting at the laps of the others. Just like what we say in the Philippines, "Punuan, Kalong Kalong, upong walong piso po!" 

After that ride, we changed cable cars as we went down the Mount Faber Line station to change cars.

The second set of cable cars at the Sentosa Station are colored and looks cool.

Upon alighting the Cable Car you will be greeted by the biggest Merlion in Singapore which is 37 meters tall.

Going to Universal Studios we walked around the Sentosa Island and passed by the Lake of Dreams

We passed by a lot of directional signs and walked and walked and walked 

Finally, the last sign going to Universal Studios. After turning right you can see the Universal Studios Globe. We must've walked at least 8,000 steps to reach our destination.

Carlton Hotel Singapore

I finally made it back to Singapore and one thing that I was so excited about was the hotel where I booked myself in for three nights - the Carlton Hotel. I like it when you can get in at 12 noon and not wait anymore for that 2:00 pm check in, they gesture to allow you to check-in early is a big check for me.

The room I got was a 30 sqm De Luxe room with city view.  First I love the King Sized bed with four big hard pillows that suits my taste together with the usual Business hotel amenities like complimentary hi-speed wifi and cables for my laptop. It also has a standard IP Television, Iron and Ironing Board, coffee and tea making facilities, robes, Mini-bar and ample space for a 3- 5 guests. 

What made this Hotel get my nod as the #besthotelever I have even been is their complimentary use of a cellphone complete with 4G connection which you can use in and out of the hotel. The phone also has apps that you can use to get around Singapore and point you to the best places that you want to go to. This for me is the best service that a Hotel has given me. 

Since I was on Vacation, a visit at their pool was necessary and I find their pool quite small for a big hotel like Carlton. I was just lucky that during the time I was on the pool there were just enough people there considering that the other side of the pool is around eight feet deep.

The usual bathroom amenities like the shampoo and  shower gel smells great. That was why I had to ask for an additional pair so that I can bathe away all day long and tuck some in as a souvenir.

The last thing I liked about Carlton Hotel is its location. Just in front of it is one of the best malls in the city - Raffles Mall. I liked that mall because  you can shop for great stuff, look for gadgets, have coffee and more importantly eat whatever food you are craving for because they have various fast food restaurants that can fit your budget. At the same time it is also near the MRT City Hall station so you can go anywhere you like. When in Singapore may it be Business or Pleasure, do consider the Carlton Hotel.

Cartlon Hotel Singapore

76 Bras Basah Road

Singapore, 189558

http://www.carltonhotel.sg

Christmas Staycation

I attended the Manila Dream Trip of the Travel Group that i joined. There were 110 people who joined while me and my companion were the only Filipinos. There were several Koreans, Indonesians, Indians and 80 percent of the group were Chinese. For me it was somewhat a staycation this Christmas season but had a side trip along the way.

This is the Church inside Villa Escudero which was turned into a museum. They were actually strict in having people take pictures inside since most of the artifacts inside are priceless and are centuries old. They have transformed the Church into a museum.

Of course I invited my partner in crime along Rothz de Lima to join me in this rare trip to Villa Escudero. Since Rothz is from Sta. Cruz Laguna, Villa Esccudero is just a stone's throw away from her home.

It was something worth remembering considering the fact that i met so many people in this trip and became the pseudo tour guide coz i am the man from Manila. As of this writing, I am already excited for my next trip.