Macau

view of the Macau Bay from the ferry ride to Hong Kong

It was a 12-day international tour that commenced in Macau and ended in Hanoi, Vietnam. The reason why I started in Macau is because of the promo fare of Cebu Pacific Air.

After my late flight, I cleared the Macau immigration and went to Fua Gua Hotel, the cheapest hotel that I was able to find in Booking.com and I paid P4,500 for my one-day stay. The hotel was situated right in the middle of the tourist spots and the following morning, I made my tour of Macau.

After 20 minutes of walking and getting lost, I arrived at The Ruins. 

The Ruins of St. Paul is one of the best tourist spots in Macau and your trip will not be complete without seeing it. There were already numerous tourists when I arrived at the spot. 

Just beside the Ruins is the Mount Fortress and it was an uphill climb towards the entrance. I made it in less than 5 minutes from the Ruins.

The scenery from the top of the fortress gives you the glimpse of the history of Macau. 

While inside the fortress, you can also visit Macau Museum. 

Unfortunately, it was closed when I arrived and opening time was 10 am. 

One thing to behold is the view from the top of the fortress. 

After 30 minutes, I went down and went to my next destination. It took me almost 40 minutes of walking and getting lost again before I reached my next destination. 

Although it was a long walk, the Guia Fortress was enough to compensate for my effort. I again went up and enjoyed the scenery from the top of the fortress. After a few minutes, I went back to the hotel and took a much needed respite. Past 11 am, I checked out and went ot my final destination. But this time, I had to use the bus.

Along the way, I saw the Galaxy and the City of Dreams. But they were not my last destination, instead it was The Venetian. It took me only 15 minutes of being lost and another 20 minutes of bus ride from my hotel before reaching the spot.

The view from the inside the hotel was simply spectacular and breathtaking! I roamed around the casino and the hotel lobby for an hour before deciding to go to Hong Kong. You will not get lost in Macau for the simple reason that there are so many Filipinos to talk to and ask for directions.

Past 3 pm. I boarded the ferry ride to Hong Kong for 152 HKD. The one day tour of Macau is simply unforgettable.

17 Hours in Singapore

minutes after my arrival at Singapore, at Marina Bay Sands

What would you do if an airline company gives you 17 hours of stay in Singapore?  

This is my simple, entertaining, and fast-paced adventure in Singapore for 17 hours. 

I arrived in Singapore past 10 pm and after clearing in immigration, I met my friend Marian at the Changi Airport. We missed the MRT ride and we had to use the airport taxi to my hostel. 

After 15 minutes, we arrived at Clarke Quay and fetched her sister, Maricel. Then, we walked towards Five Stones Hostel. After my late check-in, we proceeded to The Sands SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands. Unfortunately, it was already closed when we arrived, and we decided to part ways for the meantime. I slept past 2 am. 

The following morning I had to wake up early and go back to Marina Bay Sands. I used the MRT to the SkyPark.  I waited 9:30 am before it was opened to the public (9:30 am - 10:00 pm, except Friday to Sunday 9:30 am - 11:00 pm).

The best time to go and take pictures at the SkyPark is at night but my flight to Bali was slated 3 pm and I was not given any choice. After paying the ticket, I boarded the elevator and I was there!

SkyPark Observation Deck Tickets

Adult - SG$ 23.00

Child (2-12) - SG$17.00

Senior (65 years and above) - SG$20.00

Payment made by cash, credit or debit card.

The view from the SkyPark Observation Deck was simply AMAZING! I waited one year for this! I stayed for one hour and took pictures of the view from all angles.

And I was given the chance to look at the world's tallest swimming pool.

The tour will not be complete without passing at the Gardens By The Bay!

It was a good thing that there was an MRT ride at the Marina Bay Sands and it took me only 15 minutes before I reached my lunch appointment at Song Fa Bak Kut Teh at Clarke Quay with Marian and Maricel.

After our sumptuous lunch, Marian was kind enough to tour me once more at Clarke Quay. 

And the last stop for the day was Bugis, where I took my MRT ride back to Changi Airport. I arrived at the airport just in time before my boarding time to Bali, Indonesia. Thank you again Marian for my short stay but FUN stay in Singapore. Your hospitality is beyond compare.  

Five Stones Hostel, Singapore

Normally, as a travel blogger, 

I do not usually write about the hotels, hostels or lodging establishments that I have been to. 

I normally write about the tourist spots, the food, the culture, and my adventures. 

This one is the exception. And it deserves a space in my blog. 

It has been one year (November, 2013) since I toured in Singapore. There were three (3) places that left a mark in my memory, namely: Sentosa, Marina Bay Sands, and Five Stones Hostel. And this year (October, 2014), thanks to Tiger Air for my connecting flight to Bali which was originally only for three (3) hours but was changed into one (1) day, I was given the opportunity to relive my fond memories of this hostel.

Last year, I stayed for almost five (5) days in Singapore and I stayed in this hostel. Honestly, that trip would not be complete without my stay in this place.

The hostel is situated near Clarke Quay MRT station and I think it is one of the best reasons why I enjoyed my stay. I did not have difficulty using the MRT station and from hopping from one tourist spot to another (such as Chinatown, Harbourfront, Clarke Quay and Marina Bay). And a stone's throw away, is Song Fa Bak Kut Teh which happens to be my favorite restaurant in Singapore.

Aside from its proximity from the tourist spots in Singapore and the night life in Clarke Quay, Five Stones offers the best accommodation, best hospitality and best staff in Singapore. It is clean and very comfortable. You will simply love your stay and there were even times last year that I did not want to leave the hostel and simply enjoy my day. 

from the Five Stones Hostel facebook

Have you ever seen or experienced a more relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable place to stay in Singapore? I suggest you look at the rooms and the facilities of Five Stones.

And the members of the front desk are really cordial, accommodating, and courteous. And to sum up my reason why I went back for a day's stay, I simply want more of it. 

   

Five Stones Hostel, my place of stay in Singapore!

285 Beach Road

Singapore

+65 6535 5607, +65 9116 3771 www.fivestoneshostel.com