Tag: Trip to Asia

Escape plan to Thomas Town Johor October 2017

Escape plan to Thomas Town Johor October 2017

Posted on by ziyi

A brief summary on the itinerary

Escape Plan to Thomas Town Johor 2017:

Total duration 1D
There is no time difference between Singapore and Johor.

Day 1 Thomas Town, Hello Kitty Town and Puteri Harbour

This trip was planned as a weekend activity with our boy, an impulse to leave the country for a Saturday for some fun.

Budget – pretty affordable.

Since it was a really short day trip, we didn’t manage to spend the SGD $100 that we exchanged for the trip.

Complexity – Driving took only 15mins from Tuas Checkpoint

It was a pretty straightforward drive just like the one to Legoland. Even better with a preloaded Google map. The crappy experience was only the one where we got stuck for 2hrs on no-man’s land. The causeway one might be faster option.

Escape to Kuala Lumpur July 2017

Escape to Kuala Lumpur July 2017

Posted on by ziyi

A brief summary on the itinerary

Escape Plan to Kuala Lumpur 2017:

Total duration 5D4N
Kuala Lumpur is in the same timezone as Singapore. Flight time is 1hr on Silkair from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. Return is 1hr on Silkair from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore.

Flight from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur at 1015am, arriving at 1115am in Kuala Lumpur. Return flight from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore is at 510pm and touching down in Singapore at 610pm.

Day 1 – Arrival in Kuala Lumpur and Sunway Pyramid Mall
Day 2 – Sunway Lagoon theme park and the Parenthood
Day 3 – Sunway Pyramid and transfer to Kuala Lumpur downtown
Day 4 – Sungei Wang, Berjaya Times Square and Indoor Theme Park
Day 5 – Home Sweet Home

This trip was planned as a getaway birthday trip for mommy. We didn’t plan anything other than a visit to the Sunway Lagoon theme park. The rest of the trip was based on ad hoc shopping and just on impulse visits.

Budget – Quite affordable other than the accommodation.

Everything was quite affordable comparable to Singapore, especially with the currency of 1:3.1 now, effectively reducing the costs of living by a third. With free wifi at airports and hotels, Grab and its promos reduce the costs of transport as well. The accommodation was expensive but it was chosen for the purpose of comfort, and was worth it in my opinion.

Complexity – Easy with Grab

We didn’t go many places and for transfers, Grab was a good choice. For the visits around the area, walking was our choice and it was quite easy since everywhere was within 15mins walking distance.

Escape plan to Dubai January 2017

Escape plan to Dubai January 2017

Posted on by ziyi

A brief summary on the itinerary

Escape Plan to Dubai 2017:

Total duration 4D3N
Singapore is 4hrs ahead of Dubai.
Flight time is 7hrs 25mins on Emirates from Singapore to Dubai.
Return is 7hrs on Emirates from Dubai to Singapore.

Flight from Singapore to Dubai at 935am, arriving at 1pm in Dubai. Return flight from Dubai to Singapore is at 930pm and touching down in Singapore at 830am.

Day 1 Arrival in Dubai and check in Al Burj Arab hotel
Day 2 Al Burj Arab and Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Day 3 Creek Park, Dolphinarium and Dubai Fountain
Day 4 Al Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Home Sweet Home

This trip was planned to celebrate our 10th year marriage anniversary. I thought that it should be something of significance and suggested we stayed in the world’s most luxurious hotel (dubbed the only 7 star hotel in the world) for a night to celebrate that. At the same time, we were doing this over the long weekend offered by the Lunar New Year so as not to overspend on our precious leave.

Budget – Budget buster and rightfully so.

Dubai was known to be one of the most expensive cities to live in and therefore, holidaying in Dubai was expected to be expensive as well. Of course, the one night of indulgence in the Al Burq Arab costed as much as a pair of plane tickets to Europe made the costs even much higher.

Complexity – Easy with the taxis that ply the roads

Moving around Dubai were relatively easy for us since we took taxis from location to location. The taxis were not expensive, clean, safe and available mostly and thus a good choice for a couple with a toddler. Jams could be bad during the peak hours in downtown and that was the only downside I could think of.

Escape plan to Legoland Johor 2016 NYE

Escape plan to Legoland Johor 2016 NYE

Posted on by ziyi

A brief summary on the itinerary

Escape Plan to Legoland Johor 2016:

Total duration 2D1N
There is no time difference between Singapore and Johor.

Day 1 Arrival in Legoland, Waterpark and Fireworks
Day 2 Legoland theme park and Home Sweet Home

This trip was planned as a getaway to celebrate the New Year of 2017. We didn’t cater any trips and therefore a short escape to Legoland to spend the night was planned instead.

Budget – expensive in theme park.

As expected, theme parks were never cheap places to visit. The hotel stay itself costed SGD$500 already and things sold in the theme park were expensive. However, there were some discounts for purchase of the 2-day tickets, for about SGD$160, together with the hotel stay.

Complexity – Driving took only 15mins from Tuas Checkpoint

It was a pretty straightforward drive, with signboards showing directions to Legoland. We were surprised that it was even that close! However, I felt that the area around it was still a little undeveloped and thus secluded and personal transportation should be easier and offers more flexibility, though there should be available day trips and transportation options available.

Escape plan to Taiwan November 2016

Escape plan to Taiwan November 2016

Posted on by ziyi

A brief summary on the itinerary

Escape Plan to Taiwan 2016:

Total duration 9D9N
There is no time difference between Singapore and Taiwan.
Flight time is 5hrs 35mins on Scoot from Singapore to Taipei.
Return is almost 5hrs on Tigerair from Taipei to Singapore.

Flight from Singapore to Taipei at 1255am, arriving at 530am in Taipei. Return flight from Taipei to Singapore is at 155pm and touching down in Singapore at 650pm.

Day 1 Arrival in Taipei and some shopping
Day 2 Cat Village, Jiufen and Shifen
Day 3 To Hualien and Qi Xing Tan
Day 4 Tokoro Gorge
Day 5 Landslide on the way to Cingjing
Day 6 Arrival in Cingjing farm and Old England tea and Swiss Garden
Day 7 Cingjing farm visit and arrival in Flying cow ranch
Day 8 Flying cow ranch, Leofoo village and stay
Day 9 Home Sweet Home

This trip was planned to celebrate our boy’s 2nd birthday. Therefore, most of the destinations in the itinerary were more catered towards his interests ( but since he arrived, most of our trips were already like these).

Budget – affordable most of the journey until the visit to Leofoo village which was quite expensive.

Taiwan was a country known to be affordable if we want it to be. Taking public transport such as the trains and staying in Airbnb helps keep the costs down. However, travel in less developed areas required us to book a driver or self drive which was not too bad. The only big spendings we had was the Flying cow ranch farmstay in a private villa and safari hotel in Leofoo village which was expected to be expensive.

Complexity – High without car. Ours made easy due to car and Google maps on data plan.

The public transportation in Taipei city was easy to use and therefore getting around was straightforward. Out of the main city and into the mountains and farms then a car is a must or private car is a must as public transportation would require quite a bit of planning and a lot time. Road signs would require a little to get used to but it’s not too difficult if you know Chinese. When going through the mountains, we learnt to read road blockages due to landslide. Knowing where to get the most updated news is essential as most of the mountainous roads are single lane and only one way there and planning ahead helps to avoid a long detour. Sometimes there are no data signals on the mountainous area but it is not difficult since there is only one road to navigate.

Escape plan to Bali July 2016

Escape plan to Bali July 2016

Posted on by ziyi

A brief summary on the itinerary

Escape Plan to Bali 2016:

Total duration 5D4N
Singapore is in the same time zone as Bali.
Flight time is 2hrs 40 mins on SQ from Singapore to Bali. Return is just 2hrs 20mins from Bali to Singapore.

Morning flight on 13th July at 925am and arrival in Bali at 12:05pm.
Return flight is on the 18th July at 13:05pm and arrival in Singapore at 3:45pm.

Day 1 Arrival at Bali
Day 2 Stay in Villa, swim in pool
Day 3 Day trip to Ubud Monkey Forest, Ulun Danu Temple and Tanah Lot sunset
Day 4 Bali collection and Nusa Dua dinner
Day 5 Home Sweet Home

This escape plan was planned as a short escape to a beach resort to celebrate wifey’s birthday with a toddler in tow. It was planned as a relax holiday to just enjoy the luxurious villa and a bit of sightseeing.

Budget nature: For a luxurious and comfortable villa, it will not be cheap.

The resort accommodation was not cheap but we felt like royalty while staying at the resort (only maybe poorer after the trip). But seriously the staff was amazing with the services, especially when they tried to entertain my toddler as he got fussy. The butler was always there when you need attention. And 2 birthday cakes, thumbs up!

Complexity: Easy

We had airport transfer which was not cheap again. We also booked the driver direct from the resort albeit somewhat more expensive then what could be found outside.

Escape Plan to Mactan Island, Cebu May 2016

Escape Plan to Mactan Island, Cebu May 2016

Posted on by ziyi

A brief summary on the itinerary

Escape Plan to Mactan Island, Cebu 2016:

Total duration 4D3N
Singapore is in the same time zone as Cebu.
Flight time is 4.5hrs on Silkair from Singapore to Kalibo with 45mins technical stop before another 30mins flight to Cebu. Return is just 3.5hrs on Silkair direct from Cebu to Singapore.

Morning flight on 21st May at 10am and arrival in Mactan Island at 3:30pm.
Return flight is on the 24th May at 4:15pm and arrival in Singapore at 7:40pm.

Day 1 Arrival at Mactan Island
Day 2 JParks waterpark and beach
Day 3 JParks waterpark and night entertainment
Day 4 Home Sweet Home

This escape plan was planned as a short escape to a beach resort nearby with a toddler during the long weekend (Vesak Day on a Saturday). Though Cebu was more well known for the water activities such as diving and jet skiing, etc, we didn’t do all those. We spent the entire time just in the resort in the waterparks so that the toddler could enjoy the facilities within.

Budget nature: Relatively cheap.

The resort accommodation was not cheap but it wasn’t over the top like other 5 stars hotels. We didn’t spend a lot due to the fact that we weren’t doing a lot in the first place. Prices of food in the restaurant were within expectations, we brought SGD$400 and spent it all and probably overspent by SGD$70 with a spa included.

Complexity: Easy

Especially when the only travel we did was from the airport and back, using the airport transfer. There were other places to go to, such as in Cebu city and the natural attractions but we didn’t.

Escape Plan to Macau and Hong Kong January 2016

Escape Plan to Macau and Hong Kong January 2016

Posted on by ziyi

A brief summary on the itinerary

Escape Plan to Macau and Hong Kong 2016:

Total duration 6D5N
Singapore is in the same time zone as Hong Kong.
Flight time is 4hrs on Cathay Pacific from Singapore to Hong Kong.

Morning flight on 26th January at 10am and arrival in Hong Kong at 2pm.
Return flight is on the 31st January at 3:15pm and arrival in Singapore at 7pm.

Day 1 Arrival at Macau
Day 2 Ruins of St. Paul, Historical Town and Macau Tower
Day 3 Transfer to Hong Kong
Day 4 Wet weather program – Shopping
Day 5 Ocean Park
Day 6 Home Sweet Home

This escape plan was to get away from Singapore to celebrate our anniversary but at the same time, we chose a manageable place suited for a toddler. I haven’t visited the ever famous Ruins of St. Paul Cathedral in my last visit last year (for that matter, even way before) due to bad weather and would do it this time since we catered at least 2 days in Macau. It was during this time that a freak cold snap came down from China and froze the cities of Macau and Hong Kong. Weather man gave a rainy/cloudy report for the entire week we were there, which was just hell of a disappointment.

Budget nature: Slightly expensive due to costly hotels in both countries.

We had chosen to stay in more comfortable places and accessible and therefore it was slightly more expensive. Prices were increased as the dates were near the Lunar New Year. Plus my blunder with losing a ticket to Ocean Park, enough said.

Complexity: Easy to get around with the MTR and walkabout and buses in Macau.

The places we covered were very accessible as every tourist would probably go. Plus the fact that the hotels we chose was in an accessible place, it was easier comparatively. However, we tugged along a stroller that wasn’t really compact. That was a bit of a struggle.

Escape plan to Koh Samui November 2015

Escape plan to Koh Samui November 2015

Posted on by ziyi

A brief summary on the itinerary

Escape Plan to Koh Samui 2015:

Total duration 4D3N
Singapore is 1hr ahead of Koh Samui.
Flight time is 1.5hrs on Silkair codeshare from Singapore to Koh Samui and return flight on Bangkok Airways.

Morning flight on 26th November at 10.25am and arrival in Koh Samui at 11.05am.
Return flight is on the 29th November at 1.30pm and arrival in Singapore at 4:20pm.

Day 1 Arrival at Koh Samui
Day 2 Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo and Bophut Fisherman’s Village
Day 3 Big Buddha, Wat Plai Laem, Lamai Viewpoint and Grandparent’s rocks
Day 4 Home Sweet Home

This escape plan was to plan as a getaway to celebrate my baby boy’s first birthday. We chose a chill-at-the-resort holiday plan for this trip and one that gives my baby his first experience of swimming in a pool. Koh Samui was chosen because of its short flight time and unlike Phuket which could be a little rowdy, my impression of Koh Samui was that it was a little more high class and therefore, better for a baby. Plus it was off season so prices were lower and more affordable.

Budget nature: Could have been cheaper.

Although the flight tickets were initially cheaper than the usual astronomical rates, I had bought the tickets wrongly online, mistaking the only option as the one that I wanted. In the end the change of the tickets was about $150 additional per person.
Taxis were really expensive comparatively in Koh Samui and if we had gotten ourselves a rental car, that could have saved us some money.
Our total spendings was about 500SGD for the whole trip.

Complexity: Easy with taxis or own car.

The usual mode of travelling was either by taxi or by rented vehicles. Many rented motorcycles for its affordability and portability. We rented a car for a day and found it not too difficult to drive around, just that parking could be a challenge.

Escape plan to Langkawi April 2015

Escape plan to Langkawi April 2015

Posted on by ziyi

A brief summary on the itinerary

Escape Plan to Langkawi April 2015:

Total duration 3D2N
Singapore is on the same timezone as Langkawi.
Flight time is 1hrs 30mins on Air Asia from Singapore to Langkawi and return flight on Tigerair. This airline combination gave better timing options compared a single airline combination.

Morning flight on 3rd April at 11am and arrival in Langkawi at 1225pm.
Return flight is on the 5th April at 6pm and arrival in Singapore at 735pm.

Day 1 Arrival in Langkawi and Eagle Square
Day 2 Oriental Village and SkyCab 
Day 3 Underwater World then Home Sweet Home

This escape plan was planned as our 2nd trial trip with baby. As a follow up on a holiday trip 2 months before to Bintan, we were chose to visit Langkawi because we wanted to get a feel of how our baby would react on a plane and therefore find an overseas trip where a flight time was short. Langkawi is about an hour and a half away, which would be ideal and it was somewhere that we hadn’t visit before. It was a Good Friday long weekend and a great excuse to escape.

Budget nature: Affordable costs of living offsets fairly expensive plane tickets.

Langkawi has a low cost of living and therefore it was pretty cheap to travel in Langkawi. We got by for the 3 days with less than 300 SGD for all the food and car. Maybe it was low season?

Complexity: Easy with own transport.

As with all developing places, places of interests are not within walkable distances. Taxis might rack up the costs and might not be readily available. We chose the car rental route that enabled maximum flexibility, especially with an infant in tow.