This comes almost a month after Cebu Pacific relaunched its ILOILO to/from HONGKONG DIRECT flights.
As part of the maiden flight to Singapore, here’s a summary of my Singaporrific adventure together with the Iloilo Bloggers Inc.
DAY 0 First Time
As an SG first-timer, excitement was in the air even days before our flight. I just came back from Hong Kong just two weeks (thanks again CebPac) prior but already preparing and looking forward to this trip.
Together with my fellow Iloilo Bloggers Inc travel buddies, it was time for another adventure outside the country.
Cebu Pacific Air flies DIRECT 3X WEEKLY between Iloilo and Singapore with the following schedule:
ILOILO TO SINGAPORE (MON-WED-FRI)
ETD 1045PM ETA 220AM
SINGAPORE TO ILOILO (TUE-THU-SAT)
ETD 325AM ETA 700AM
Book Now via Cebu Pacific App or Website
Good thing immigration at ILO is just a breeze so it was a great start for our SG adventure.
After a little more than 3-hour flight (enjoyed my 1A seat), we touched down at Changi Airport, proving that the airport is among the very best in the world.
Passengers were welcome by Changi staff upon our arrival. Ready to recharge, we took a Grab ride and checked in at KINN Capsule.
At the sight of our hostel, I think I’ve fully recharged! Housed in an art deco building in the heritage area of Boat Quay, I loved KINNs simple aesthetic look inside out. Plus checking on Google maps, the location is very convenient as proven by our travels all the way.
I’m no stranger to hostels and capsule hotels but KINN leveled up this my hosteling experience. Its rooms and capsule are very clean, almost immaculate and perfect for us weary travelers.
Each pod is provided with pillows, comforter, toiletries and slip-ons (as regular footwears are not allowed inside).
Amenities inside the pods also include personal lighting, power outlets, foldable table, mirror and a roller curtain for privacy.
Personal lockers room (with ironing facilities) and dedicated toilet and bath for men and women are located outside the rooms.
I love the pantry having a 24/7 supply of hot and cold water plus unli coffee, tea and biscuits whenever we like. There’s also a microwave oven a space to store our personal foodstuff.
A complimentary light breakfast at the lobby starts the day and I love its selection of savory and sweet pastries like croissants, quiche, pain au chocolat and more - perfect and delicious way to start the day.
DAY 1 Hello Singapore
First, explored Singapore’s Chinatown which is just less than 10minutes walk from Kinn Capsule.
It was a bustling area of shops, cafes and restos plus lots of places to buy pasalubongs - noting what to buy and where to buy them.
There’s also the Buddha Tooth Relic temple and the Chinatown Hawker Centre for a religious and delicious vibe on our visit
Our first meal in Singapore was at Maxwell Hawker Centre, where we all enjoyed Tian-Tian Chicken Rice, balachan fried rice and mee to name a few.
As it was a rainy welcome on our first day we opted for a coffee break with a view at LeVel 33.
It turned our be a a cup of hot choco for me - still with a gorgeous view of SG, thirty-three storeys highs.
We then had our obligatory photo ops at ultimate Singapore backdrop - the Merlion statue.
Afterwards, it was more photoshoot at the Helix Bridge, the ArtScience Museum and many other photogenic spots at Marina Bay.
At Gardens By The Bay, it was a breathtaking experience inside the Cloud Forest Dome.
The man-made waterfall was a sight to behold, the orchids and exotic plants on display were eye-catching, the interactive exhibits were fun and don’t forget to experience the misting of the forest!
Over at the Flower Dome, more plants and flowers burst in colors and yes, it’s a place where the flowers never atop blooming!
The Supertrees are the icons of Gardens by the Bay.
More than just futuristic-looking structures, they present a bold new way to grow and display plants - around 162,900 plants of over 200 species.
Some are designed to harvest solar energy and the tallest Supertree is about the height of a 16-storey building!
Dinner was at the Jurassic Nest Food Hall and chose a Michelin plate recognized chain - Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang.
It is a Malay and Indonesian gastronomic fusion combining Nasi Lemak ( rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves with spicy sambal on the side) and Ayam Taliwang (grilled chicken coated with super aromatic spices and herbs).
It was a delicious prelude to the Garden Rhapsody light and music show at the Supertrees Grove.
A leisurely walk around trails, lakes, sculptures and wetlands, brought us to the iconic landmark of Singapore - Marina Bay Sands.
We enjoyed luxury window shopping and wandering in its humongous opulent mall.
And we capped out first the night watching the “Spectre” light, water and music show at the Marina Bay Sands bayfront.
It was indeed an overwhelming first day, first time in Singapore experience.
DAY 2 Island Fun at Sentosa
On our second day, we went to Sentosa Island via cable car and monorail and explored Adventure Cove Water Park - with a Pokemon invasion until January 2025.
We had a grand time exploring ocean life at the S.E.A Aquarium. Hungry from our visit Siloso beach and SkyHelix, we had another round of chicken rice then experienced Sensoryscape and Wings of Time. And it snowed when we reached ViVo City.
DAY 3 Nature Trippin’
Really enjoyed this whole-day nature trip at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. We had close encounters with our winged friends at Bird Paradise. Lunch at Crimson Restaurant was superb - Impossible Truffle steak and Lamb Rendang.
Then a visit to Singapore zoo had us face lions, giraffe, monkeys, reptiles, rhinos ,bears etc. Ending at River Wonders, we met manatees, fishes, more birds and our favorite - giant panda!
DAY 4 A Universal Adventure
A whole-day adventure at Universal Studios Singapore. Enjoy thrill rides like Battlestar Galactica and Revenge of the Mummy. Met Glinda and Elphaba at Emerald City after enjoying a Wickedly delicious meal.
Had fun with Shrek and Donkey’s 5D adventure at Far Far Away castle. Experienced adrenalin rush at Waterworld and watched the fireworks display. Capped the night at Clark Quay!
DAY 5 See you again, Singapore
Started our last day with a selfie at Fort Canning Tree Tunnel and the vibrant Old Hill Street police station. Enjoyed cereal prawns and iced kacang at Newton and Lau Pa Sat hawker centers.
Tried Bak Kuh Teh at Song Fa . Experienced middle eastern culture at Kampong Glam’s Haji Lane and Arab Street. And Explored every inch of Jewel Changi - rain vortex, wonderfall and lots of different stores.
BONUS: SIDE TRIP TO
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
Kuala Lumpur offered a memorable cultural, heritage and gastronomic experience. Discovered its old world charm through Chinatown and Indian enclaves and its modernity with the Petronas Twin Towers and Merdeka 118.
Batu Caves was breath-taking inside out with its religious vibrance. Enjoyed nasi goreng, teh tarik, iced cendol and roti among others. Strolling along the streets proved a great experience too.
It was indeed an overwhelming first-time visit to the Lion City and an on-the-spot decision to have a side trip to KL. And surely I will be back, for I have so much more to explore in Singapore and more of Malaysia.
Thank you, CEBU PACIFIC AIR for having us Iloilo Bloggers Inc. part of this return flight to Singapore and for making first time moments happen.