I was the first to arrive at our meeting place.
My fellow travel bloggers and I agreed to assemble at the Airphil Express area at the NAIA Terminal 3 and I was the first one there. That’s how excited I was for this trip. The first thing I did was get several copies of the Departure Cards to save my travel buddies the trouble. I filled up the form and waited for them.
At around 2:30 pm, we were complete. Since our flight was scheduled at 4:50pm, we had ample time to eat, walk around the airport and exchange travel stories! At 4pm, we were already at the pre-departure area waiting for our flight.
Flying to Singapore? Check out this detailed guide on what to do at the airport before the flight: What to Do Before Flight at NAIA Terminal 3
Although I had been to Singapore twice before, I was extremely excited about this trip because it would be my first time to land at the Terminal 2 of Changi Airport. My two previous flights to Singapore used the Budget Terminal. This time was different. Airphil Express flies in and out of the Terminal 2 of Changi Airport! Sweet!
Our Airphil Express flight landed 40 minutes ahead of schedule. When the Flight Attendant announced it, there was a subtle wave of wows among the passengers. I had never been on a flight arriving more than 30 minutes earlier. Awesome. Seems like a good sign! This trip is gonna be packed with so many first times, I thought.
When we hopped out of the plane, the first thing I noticed was the carpeted floor. Sosyalan, I thought. And while my blogger friends and I were traversing almost the entire length of the airport to the Immigration counters, we realized just how big the terminal was! It was hard to believe that the airport was over 20 years old as it looked really modern. I can’t imagine how the Terminal 3 looks as they say it’s the best terminal.
We also noticed how comfy the waiting areas were. There were also plenty of signs everywhere; only fools would get lost. I just breezed through the Immigration. Like my first two Singapore trips, the Immigration Officer who stamped my passport didn’t ask any question.
Leaving Manila, Arriving in Singapore,
Hi!I have a lot of questions to ask (so spare and forgive me,hehe) coz we’re planning to avail this promo!
1. Travel tax and departure fee is not included in the promo right? So we need to pay it pa di ba? (I just want to make it clear, hehe, it would be our 1st time in SG)
2. Since may free time sa next day, (I read sa other post mo na parang you ride in a tour bus, how did you arrange that tour in SG- Flyer kasi we’re planning to use that free time? Did you contact a tour agency for the tour bus?
3. Anong oras aalis yung cruise sa SG port? Since yung check out time sa hotel ay 12:30 meron pa bang time to tour around?
4. How much pala yung babayaran sa cruise if you want to take the tour in Malaysia? And where will we pay it?
Thank you so much! Your blog is really of BIG help! Keep it up!=) And we’re looking forward for your new adventures!
Hi A! Thanks for dropping by! Here are my answers!
1. I think travel tax (P1650) is included in the package. What is not included is the P750 Departure Fee.
2. The tour bus during the free time is not included in the package. We were such a big group so a bus was needed. I suggest that you commute via MRT to the Singapore Flyer. Here’s how to get there: http://www.thepoortraveler.net/2011/09/the-singapore-flyer/
But you know what, you might want to consider walking along SIngapore River instead and visit the many tourist spots surrounding it. It’s more enjoyable and it’s FREE. Check this out: http://www.thepoortraveler.net/2011/08/singapore-river-walking-tour-singapore-trip/
3. The cruise departs at 6pm. You can still tour around and just leave your baggage at the hotel. HOWEVER, make sure to be back by 3pm because you will be picked-up by your transfers for the port around that time for check in.
4. If I remember correctly, around SGD50-60. You may avail of it on board na, at the Main Lobby.