Singapore isn’t just skyscrapers and shopping—hidden streets, hawker delights, and colorful neighborhoods make it a city full of surprises. Ready to explore?

Disclaimer: All views expressed on this blog are my own based on my own experiences and do not represent of any entity with which I have been, are now or will be affiliated.

June 12, 2025
Batangas, Philippines

Date of Trip: May 20-22 and May 28

Singapore has firmly established itself as a hotspot for world-class performances, and honestly, that’s probably why I’ll be finding myself there quite often. This particular trip was sparked by two irresistible events: the iconic Lady Gaga concert and the timeless Phantom of the Opera musical.

Yet, beyond the dazzling lights and world-class performances, Singapore holds something far more personal for me. It’s a place where my heart naturally gravitates — back to the friends I’ve longed for, the ones who’ve stood by me through laughter, madness, and everything in between. Every street, every familiar spot, brings back flashes of our wild youth — the spontaneous adventures, the late-night conversations over drinks, and moments that stitched us closer together — not just in the good times, but also through life’s tougher chapters.

I’ll always keep coming back to Singapore, not just for the entertainment, but for that nostalgic rush — that familiar feeling of being surrounded by people who know you, who’ve grown with you. This city is my time capsule, filled with all the wild, beautiful, and unforgettable pieces of my story.

Visa Requirements

Philippine passport holders could stay up to 30 days “visa free” in Singapore. But before traveling to Singapore, make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months.

I booked my return ticket with Malaysia Airlines for USD 215.70 (around PHP 12,041), which includes a connecting flight through Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Honestly, I just wanted to try flying with Malaysia Airlines — hence the choice, haha! The seating is arranged in a cozy 3×3 layout, and the ticket includes an in-flight meal, without video streaming available, a checked baggage allowance of 23kg (but be sure to double-check baggage policies with the airline), and a 7kg carry-on allowance. My layover is just 1.5 hours, giving me enough time to comfortably get to the next gate. Since both the departure and arrival gates are in the same terminal, there’s no need to go through immigration again. Plus, because it’s the same airline, your checked baggage will be automatically transferred to the connecting flight.

Travel Tax – When departing from the Philippines, you’re required to pay a travel tax of PHP 1,620. This is a mandatory fee for international travelers. However, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and foreigner tourists are exempt from paying this tax.

In Flight Meal – Most airline meal options were pretty decent—I honestly couldn’t tell much difference since being up in the air tends to dull your taste buds. I was happy with the banana bread, chicken and spaghetti, and even the shrimp sambal they served. I also appreciated that some airlines include their own local dishes on the menu. As for me, I mostly enjoyed the drinks, especially the soda—haha!

Tip:
1. Always keep an eye on the departure gate and flight information screens throughout the terminal, as gates can change due to delays. My flight from Singapore to the Philippines was delayed by 2 to 3 hours, so staying updated really helped.

Travel Insurance – I never travel without insurance, and I believe it’s essential — especially for trips longer than a week (which most of mine are!). I always get mine through the GCash app from Standard Insurance Co., Inc. for PHP 903. It covers trip cancellations and delayed departures of over six hours, which gives me real peace of mind. If you’re planning a trip, I highly recommend checking it out directly through the GCash app for full details.

Things to Note:
1. All visitors entering or leaving the Philippines must register at the eTravel website at least 72 hours before their departure or arrival time. When it’s done, guests will get a QR code that they need to either scan or take a picture of and show when they get to or out of the country.
2. Upon arrival to Singapore, fill out the Singapore Arrival Card  up to three (3) days before arrival and save a printed and digital copy of the email acknowledgement.
3. The moment you arrive at Changi Airport, you’ll experience just how streamlined the process has become. All it takes is a quick passport scan — no more immigration officers or passport stamps. Instead, you’ll receive an email from Singapore Immigration confirming your permitted length of stay. When it’s time to depart, facial recognition technology handles the exit process effortlessly. If you’re checking in baggage, make sure to locate your airline’s designated baggage drop counter, as most check-ins are now self-service.

Currency – The current exchange rate is 1SGD = 44 PHP. The Bruneian dollar is also accepted in Singapore.

Accessing Cash Abroad – When I travel internationally, I always use my GCash Debit Card to withdraw money from local ATMs. It’s a convenient and reliable option. Just keep in mind that withdrawal fees depend on the bank you’re using. For example, at OCBC in Singapore, the fee is around 8 SGD (about 300 PHP) per withdrawal. The good thing is that GCash itself doesn’t add any extra charges — you’ll only pay the ATM fee charged by the international bank, not by GCash or your home bank.

Power Socket – Plug G 220V. It is better to really bring travel adapters, they have been really useful to me in Singapore.

Weather – tropical and has two distinct seasons: dry season usually last from March to August, while wet season lasts from September to February. It was 35 degrees Celsius when I arrived in Singapore, and it felt even more humid than in the Philippines.

Time zone – +8GMT

Internet Connection – I bought an eSIM via Klook for PHP 1,338, which gave me unlimited data across four Southeast Asian countries for 9 days, including Singapore. I really enjoy using eSIMs because all you have to do is scan a QR code before your flight, and you’re instantly connected once you land. Super convenient!

That said, the only tricky part is needing to scan the QR code from another device — like a laptop or a second phone. I once had to ask a stranger to take a photo of the code just so I could scan it with my own phone! I do wish there was a true plug-and-play option that didn’t require an external device. If you’ve got any tips or clever workarounds for this, I’d love to hear them!

Transportation – Singapore is home to some truly remarkable train line (SMRT). If I want to use the public transportation system in Singapore, including the trains and buses, I can just tap any debit or credit card instead of using the stored value card that I normally purchase while traveling anywhere in Asia. You can also use Comfort Del Gro Taxi or Grab app to hail a cab. Just a reminder, the train only runs from 5am to 12mn. The usual cab rate is 30SGD or PHP1,230 when you use it in peak hours and beyond 12mn.

Accommodation – During my whole stay in Singapore, I was graciously allowed to reside at the place my former boss, so I did not pay anything haha

Things to Keep in Mind:

Go Cashless – Most shops, restaurants, and even small vendors accept cashless payments, so having a digital wallet or card handy will make things easier.

Unpredictable Weather – Singapore’s weather can switch from sunny to rainy in a heartbeat. It’s a good idea to carry a compact umbrella and apply sunscreen when it’s bright out.

Comfort is Key – Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as exploring most of Singapore’s top attractions involves a fair amount of walking.

Day 1
May 20, 2025 (Tuesday)
NAIA Terminal 1

As usual, early mornings at the airport are pretty hectic. I barely got any sleep because I had to wake up around 2 a.m. to get ready for my 6 a.m. flight. In the Philippines, things can get really busy during immigration and airline check-in, so I always recommend arriving at least 3 hours before your flight. It’s a habit I stick to even when traveling abroad — better to be early than rushed, right?

I also noticed that the queue for paying the travel tax was really long, so next time I’ll pay it in advance and just cover the convenience fee to save time and avoid delays. Malaysia Airlines only opens their check-in counter two hours before the flight, but I was lucky to arrive early and be first in line.

While waiting, I met someone who only had an e-boarding pass on his phone and no checked baggage, but he still had to join the queue. When I asked why, he wasn’t sure because immigration officers wouldn’t let him through the gate. At first, I thought it was because he hadn’t paid the travel tax yet. However, during a later trip to Saigon, I learned that many immigration officers don’t accept e-boarding passes shown on phones—probably for airline or security reasons. It’s definitely inconvenient for travelers trying to save time by skipping lines at the ticketing counter. I think it varies depending on the airport and country. I had a similar experience in Saigon, which I’ll talk more about in an upcoming blog post.

My flight wasn’t delayed, but there was some turbulence on the way to Malaysia and Singapore. It’s part of flying, so no big deal. I landed in Singapore just in time for lunch and headed straight to Jewel for a meal.

LeNu Chef Wai’s Noodle Bar
Located in Jewel
Price range: SGD 20–30 (approximately PHP 850 to 1,300)

At LeNu Chef Wai’s Noodle Bar in Jewel, I savored an incredibly appetizing dried Wagyu beef noodle dish that was simply unforgettable. Priced at SGD 20 (around PHP 850), it came with silky silken tofu and a refreshing Coke — the perfect combo. The Wagyu beef was unbelievably tender, practically melting in my mouth, while the noodles were perfectly cooked and soaked up the rich, flavorful sauce in every bite. Each mouthful was a harmonious blend of textures and tastes — truly heavenly! If you find yourself in Singapore, this dish is an absolute must-try for any food lover.

After lunch, I went to Aljunied to settle first and met Ate Tru’s family and relax a bit before meeting my friends in Newton.

Newton Food Center
2SGD to 50SGD(87PHP to 2kPHP)

I met up with three friends at Newton Food Centre, where we enjoyed a variety of classic Singaporean dishes—satay, fried oyster, Hokkien mee, mantau buns, stingray, and my favorite drink, water chestnut juice. I arrived around 7 p.m., and the food centre is just a short walk from Newton MRT station. It’s huge, bustling with numerous hawker stalls offering an incredible range of dishes.

One interesting thing to note: some tables have people handing out menus, but you don’t have to order from them. You’re free to explore different stalls and mix and match your orders to share with friends, which makes for a fun and diverse meal.

That said, I was a bit disappointed among all we ordered with the Hokkien mee this time. I was expecting the rich, flavorful taste I remembered, but it felt overcooked and lacked the punch I anticipated. Also, the mantou buns came without the condensed milk served separately as a dipping sauce, which was a letdown—I distinctly remember it being that way before. Maybe it was just a busy evening.

My friends and I also talked about how much the hawkers, bars, and restaurants have changed since the pandemic. What used to be bustling and full of energy now feels quite different. Maybe we’re just getting older—or perhaps many people have returned to their home countries, and life has settled into a new pace. It could also be that the nightlife excitement has shifted to other spots around the city.

Gelatissimo
Shaw Lido Orchard
SGD10 to SGD 20 (435PHP to PHP870PHP)

We then made our way to Orchard and stopped at the Gelatissimo ice cream kiosk. We ordered their bestseller—I can’t quite remember the name—but sadly, it was a total letdown. Still, what truly mattered was being with my friends and reminiscing about the good times at Shaw Lido. I used to watch movies there often, and while I’ve moved on, my friends continue to enjoy films there regularly.

Day 2
May 21, 2025 (Wednesday)
Singapore

Sergeant Hainese Chicken Rice
Tai Seng Food Republic
7SGD – 20 SGD (300PHP to 870PHP)

The day of Lady Gaga’s concert had finally arrived, and I was beyond excited. But first, I had to stop by my favorite chicken rice shop near Tai Seng, where I used to work in Singapore. I always seem to forget to order the set meal—instead, I ended up ordering a large chicken portion with vegetables and egg. Next time, I’ll definitely go for the set meal—I’m not sure why no one told me about it! Either way, the meal was just as delicious as I remembered—full of flavor and, of course, paired perfectly with my favorite refreshing water chestnut drink. I really wish they had water chestnut here in the Philippines!

More than just the food, this spot holds special memories. It’s where my brother and I used to eat, and it brings back those moments of us as younger versions of ourselves, working and living in Singapore. I’ll never tire of coming back here. Plus, it used to be my friend’s neighborhood—they lived near Tai Seng, and my first job was right here too. Being back felt truly heartwarming.

Toastbox
Singpost Centre
5SGD to 20SGD (200PHP to 870PHP)

Toast Box is one of the best in Singapore. I remember there used to be a branch in the Philippines, but sadly, it’s now closed. Before heading off to the concert, I made sure to grab my usual—an iced Kopi C and their new incredibly flaky lotus salted egg pastry in the menu in Singpost Centre which is conveniently very near where I used to live. Singapore really knows how to do salted egg right—even in pastries and bread, everything was just heavenly.

Next time, though, I’ll be sure to order Kopi Peng instead—that’s the proper way to ask for iced coffee! I should’ve remembered that, especially since I used to work here. Lesson learned! If you’re curious about how to order coffee the local way, here’s a helpful link that breaks it down.

Lady Gaga Mayhem Concert experience here. After the concert, I made my usual stop at the McDonald’s near my place for a quick Coke Float fix. But I couldn’t help noticing that their large size here is more like a medium compared to what we get back in the Philippines. Honestly, I still prefer the bigger version we have back home!

Day 3
May 22, 2025 (Thursday)
Singapore

SOS Chicken
Tampines MRT
20SGD to 50 SGD per oder (870PHP to 2,177PHP)

Before heading to The Phantom of the Opera musical, I met up with two of my closest friends near Tampines MRT. It felt amazing to see them again after a while! Just a short walk from the station was the restaurant Mark had been recommending. We ordered half a chicken along with a few other dishes—and yes, we even started drinking in the middle of the afternoon.

Only Tin and I had wine, and honestly, it’s embarrassing to admit, but I was already tipsy after just half a bottle! Totally not my proudest moment—ahaha! It was the kind of drunk where things literally started to look darker, probably because of the heat too, since we were dining al fresco. Definitely not a good idea to drink under the afternoon sun.

Another downside was that the restroom was located inside the mall, it was a bit of a hassle. Plus, you had to go back into the restaurant to get your complimentary water, which wasn’t ideal.

As for the food—the roasted chicken was tender, but honestly, it wasn’t the best I’ve ever had.

Tiong Bahru Bakery
10SGD to 20 SGD (PHP435 to 870PHP)

I picked up some takeaway bread for Ate Tru’s family, and since her daughter Thea loves croissants, I made sure to get her one too. I also treated myself to a large iced mocha and tried another one of their pastries—something with a Singaporean twist, kind of like a kaya-inspired pastry (though I forgot the exact name). It was really flavorful and had that unique local touch that I appreciated.

The pastries at Tiong Bahru never disappoint—they’re flaky, rich, and full of flavor. But the drinks were a bit of a letdown. Honestly, I’ve had better iced mocha from other bakeries.

At this point, I was already a bit too drunk, and all I wanted was to go home. Unfortunately, I had to throw up in the restroom before we left—oops, haha! Once we got into a cab, the air conditioning was such a relief. We had been dining al fresco in Tiong Bahru under the blazing afternoon sun, and drinking in that kind of heat was definitely a bad idea. I really can’t handle the Singapore heat this time of year, it’s much way hotter than the Philippines.

The Phantom of the Opera musical experience here. Swung by McDonald’s again near my place for my Coke Float fix—haha, I just can’t resist after the show!

May 23 to May 27 – Trip to Saigon here and Laos here

Day 9
May 28, 2025 (Wednesday)
Singapore

I just got back from an incredible trip to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) and Laos. The only reason I returned to Singapore was because my return flight to the Philippines was booked from here. When traveling abroad from the Philippines, Immigration and airlines usually require proof of a return ticket—without it, you’ll likely face a lot of questioning. To avoid the hassle, I kept my return flight from Singapore. I didn’t opt for a flexible ticket either since it was more expensive, and to be honest, the trip to Saigon and Laos was totally spontaneous—I made the decision just two days before flying to Singapore!

I had also left my luggage at Ate Tru’s place before the trip so I could travel light. I needed to return to Singapore to pick it up before heading home. Thankfully, I was still able to stay here after landing back from Ho Chi Minh.

After I returned, I went straight to one of my favorite hawker stalls near Aljunied MRT. Luckily, it’s open 24/7! I had a small plate of Hokkien Mee for 6 SGD (about 260 PHP) and a water chestnut drink for 2.5 SGD (around 108 PHP). The drink wasn’t too sweet—just the way I like it—and I even grabbed another one for takeaway. But the highlight was definitely the Hokkien Mee. It was so flavorful, especially with the sambal. Truly the perfect, comforting dinner to end my trip!

Day 10
May 29, 2025 (Thursday)

I left Singapore with a full heart. I love Changi Airport—just being there is an experience in itself. It’s incredibly spacious and convenient, with minimal interaction needed with immigration officers and no passport stamping required. They have self-service baggage kiosks, a full mall inside, and an impressive variety of food options. The airport is seamlessly connected to the train system, making travel even easier. It’s truly the gold standard of convenience. Honestly, while you could arrive just an hour before your flight, I don’t mind getting there three hours early—Changi is that enjoyable. It’s not just an airport, it’s part of the journey.

Hainan Story
8SGD to 15GSD (348PHP to 652PHP)

Of course, I couldn’t leave Singapore without having kaya toast and iced kopi C—it’s a must! I love kaya toast, especially when it’s dipped in soft-boiled egg—so simple yet so satisfying. I still can’t believe I’m leaving this country again, but one thing’s for sure: I’ll always find my way back.

FlightClub
Kuala Lumpur Terminal 1
29 RMB to 40 RMB (382PHP to 527PHP)
Only accepts cashless payment

Upon arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1, I found out that my flight back to the Philippines was delayed by two hours. So, I decided to grab a meal at Flight Club. I ordered nasi lemak with beef rendang and paired it with a glass of teh tarik. The teh tarik and nasi lemak were really enjoyable, but I found the beef rendang a bit underwhelming—I still prefer the Indonesian version, which has richer flavor in my opinion.

What I liked about the restaurant was that they had flight information screens, so you could stay updated on your boarding status while dining. Plus, they offer free Wi-Fi, which was super convenient.

I didn’t get to explore much of KLIA Terminal 1 since I stayed within the gate area while waiting for my flight. Even though there was a delay, the flight itself went smoothly with no turbulence.

I arrived at NAIA Terminal 1 late at night and ended up booking a fan room at Maine City in Buendia for PHP 800, since there were no more buses available for commuting. The room came with a private bathroom and was decent enough for a one-night stay. Fortunately, the weather wasn’t too hot, which made the fan room bearable. Still, I was a bit surprised by how hostel prices in the Philippines stack up against those in neighboring countries—where you can often get air-conditioned rooms with better amenities for the same price or even less.

Overall, I had a great Southeast Asia trip, and the best part was finally reuniting with my dogs in Batangas the next day—and of course, grabbing a meal at Jollibee!