First times. If there’s one thing that I am so grateful about this trip, it’s that it gave me a several first times. It was my first time to board a cruise ship. It was my first time to see a cruise ship, to be honest. My first time to set foot on Malaysia. My first time at a Temple where taking photographs isn’t prohibited. First time to enter a skyscraper that is more than 400m tall. First time to travel out of the country with fellow travel bloggers. Thanks to Airphil Express for making this possible.
SuperStar Virgo (Star Cruises)
Airphil Express invited me and seven other bloggers to try one of the packages they offer — Fly and Sail. It was a 4-day 3-night trip. We flew to Singapore via Airphil Express and cruised to Malaysia (Port Klang) via SuperStar Virgo. Here’s everything that happened in our trip!
Day 1 – Arrival in Singapore, Fragrance Hotel, Little India
Our flight to Singapore was scheduled to leave Manila at around 4pm but I was already at NAIA Terminal 3 as early as 12nn. Better be sure than sorry. After doing the usual airport routine, I waited for my fellow bloggers and some Airphil Express staff members until our boarding time.
After landing at Changi Terminal 2, we headed to Pasta de Waraku, a Japanese fusion restaurant, for dinner. I loved the dining experience at Pasta de Waraku and especially liked their steak (which my seatmate ordered. I ordered soft-shell crabs, which were pretty good, too). After that full dinner, we headed straight to Fragrance Hotel Selegie to check in.
- Leaving Manila, Arriving in Singapore
- Big Dinner at Pasta de Waraku
- One Night at Fragrance Hotel Selegie
Although very late, the group decided to walk all the way to Mustafa Centre to exchange currencies and buy pasalabong. Given our itinerary, we figured we won’t have much time to shop around in the days to come so we decided to do it on our first night. Mustafa Centre is open 24 hours. We also had a chance to see Little India at night, which was also a first time for me. At around 1 am, we walked back to our hotel.
Day 2 – Singapore Flyer, Books Kinokuniya, SuperStar Virgo
On Day 2, we boarded the Singapore Flyer. It was my third time at the Flyer but I would never get tired of it. But it was my first time to dine at the Singapore Food Trail, a 60s-inspired food court at the base of the Flyer. We were given free time after lunch and two other bloggers joined me to Orchard Road to see Books Kinokuniya, a massive Japanese bookstore. After getting a couple of books, we took the MRT to the Harbourfront Centre, where the SuperStar Virgo was docked. SuperStar Virgo would be our home in the next two days or so.
- Third Time at the Singapore Flyer
- Enjoying the 60s at the Singapore Food Trail
- Lost in the Pages of Books Kinokuniya
Inside the SuperStar Virgo, we were quite ecstatic as it was all our first time on a cruise. The staff of ship gave us a brief tour and showed us the many amenities of the ship. That evening, we had barbeque buffet and saw a complimentary show called Reflections of Russia. That day was truly unforgettable.
- On Board the SuperStar Virgo: Boarding and Facilities
- On Board the SuperStar Virgo: Dining and Entertainment
Day 3 – Kuala Lumpur City Sightseeing Tour
We arrived in Port Klang, Malaysia the next morning. Everyone was excited about the Kuala Lumpur tour that day. I had never been to Malaysia before and I was beyond thrilled. We visited the following destinations:
- Thean Hou Temple
- Merdeka Square and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building
- KL Tower and 1 Malaysia Cultural Village
- Petronas Towers and Suria KLCC
The intricately designed roofs of the temple
The Kuala Lumpur Tower aka KL Tower
Petronas Towers
At 2pm, we gathered at the lobby of the Petronas Twin Towers and prepared for our trip back to our cruise ship in Port Klang. That night, we had dinner at Bella Vista, one of the restaurants aboard, watched a magic show, and called it a night.
Day 4 – Sentosa Island and Mount Faber
On our last day, we sailed back to Singapore and spent the entire afternoon exploring and trying out the rides and other attractions in Sentosa. We then proceeded to the Jewel Box via a cableway ride.
Siloso Beach and islets as viewed from the Tiger Sky Tower
Cable cars to Mount Faber from Sentosa Island
After that, we climbed into the bus and headed to the Changi Airport Terminal 2 for our flight back to Manila.
Expenses
Because this was a sponsored trip, we didn’t spend much except for a few bottles of water and other incidentals. But if you’re planning to get the same tour, here’s how much you will probably shell out (rough estimate).
P24,888 – Fly and Sail package (inclusive of: roundtrip airfare, Philippine and Singapore taxes, 1 night stay at Fragrance Hotel, 3D 2N accommodations on board SuperStar Virgo, full meals on cruise, airport and seaport transfers)
P750 – Departure Fee (NAIA Terminal 3)
P1,032 – Singapore Flyer
P2,100 – Kuala Lumpur Tour (inclusive of tour bus, tour guide)
P1,000 – meals not covered by the Package (Pasta de Waraku dinner not included)
P500 – incidentals
P30,270 – TOTAL
Note that these are rough estimates and do not include pasalubong.
Overall, my first cruise experience was a blast! It gave me several first times and I don’t think it will be my last time to go on a cruise.
Singapore - Kuala Lumpur Cruise: Summary, Itinerary, and Budget,
That was a nice write up about the treat of AirPhil Express. I saw already the ads posted in their website I think mid this year. At 24K, not bad… You have a night in singapore… then a cruise experience and a KL escapade. That’s a blast!
Looking forward for another trip of “The POOR TRAVELER”
All the Best!