2010 August: Singapore: City Tour During YOG Opening

Travel Date: August 13, 2010

Some of my closest friends are already in Singapore (SG). It was last year when I learned that the famous Universal Studios will be built in Singapore. Early this year, we decided to go there to visit our set of friends and go to USS – but not this early. It was June 12, Independence Day – Cebu Pacific (CP) Sale, this is the same day for my flight to Shanghai. I have no way to check the available dates and cheapest price to Singapore. Thanks to my friend who booked for my plane tickets going to SG. Singapore, this is where all it started. Way back 2006 when I first stepped to a foreign land by the help of my sister. August, Friday the 13th, my flight to SG. Noticed that CP has already been using an ordinary receipt type of Boarding Pass compared to the traditional one (just the same as Air Asia in Brunei – April 2010).

We arrived at Changi Airport at around 50 minutes after 12mn. The Budget Terminal is just simple, as if you are just in a Provincial Terminal in the Philippines, but still better than Pinas. Rough ceilings and walls, less decorations, no way you can say that you are Singapore – unlike my first trip. For Filipino travellers, we are allowed to stay at a maximum of 30 days in their country. First freebie that we got – candy at the Immigration.

CebuPac and Tiger Airways arrive in the Changi Budget Terminal. If you arrive there earlier in the day, you can choose to take the Airport Bus or take the Airport Service going to Terminal 2, and take the MRT going to the city. Since it was already late night and the trains are already unavailable; after exchanging some money to Singapore Dollars we took a cab. Due to other charges, like coming from the Airport and evening charge – it costs us 19.50sgd to reach Haig Road, Paya Lebar.

Can’t share much about the accommodations since I did not book for one. We lived in our friend’s place for 4 days. But for those who wanted to check cheaper hostels, a lot can be found in Bugis or Little India area. Hotel 81 will be one of my targets based on my research. After a nap, we are now ready to start our adventure. Purchase your EZLink card from any Train Stations. You can use it in trains and buses. It costs 12sgd = 5sgd is refundable and 7sgd is consumable. You can also top-up your card using the machines like the below. From Paya Lebar, we took the Green Lane and dropped off at Raffles Station.

Birds at the used chinaware in Fullerton

Read the station map, and find your way to Merlion – for most travellers, you have never been to Singapore, unless you have a photo with it.

If you don’t want to do the city tour on your own, try the Hippo Tours (http://www.ducktours.com.sg/tours_hippocity.php) that would cost from 23sgd – 33sgd. Some pedestrian walks are also closed due to the opening of Youth Olympic Games (YOG), which we did not know few months ago. Just read the road signs and you’ll find your way. After going to Esplanade and checking Makansutra (opens at 5pm – 3am) in the morning, we decided to go to Marina Square and Suntec City malls.

Cultural Exhibit at Suntec Mall

Thanks to the Fountain of Wealth (2006) – I came back and visited you again.

My friends tried Swensens, but since I’m not allowed to eat cold and sweet stuff – I was playing with their coloring book while they were eating. We tried to reach the Flyer, by passing at Millenia Mall. However, due to YOG, most of the streets were closed and the Flyer was also not on service due to the fireworks later in the evening – so we skipped it. From the Red Lane – City Hall station, we dropped off at Marina Bay Station. On normal days, there are shuttle busses from the train station to Marina Bay Resort. Again due to YOG, the roads were closed and we need to walk about 15 minutes to reach the resort. Some of the areas around the resort are still under construction, some stores in The Shoppes are still closed. The gondola is already working, but the one in Venetian is more beautiful. We passed by the Casino until we reach the Sands Hotel Lobby Tower 3. The tickets costs 20sgd and the Observation Deck is open from 10am – 10pm. The souvenir shop closes at 6pm. I bought some postcards, 5 cards for 10sgd. The stairs going to the infinity pool is unnoticeable - so try to find it and you'll not miss the breath-taking view.

Youth Olympics Ceremony - seen from Sands

One thing I find weird is that I don't see the worth of paying for an expensive hotel stay if there is no privacy to the hotel guests. The public can see a large area of the infinity pool where the guests are swimming. Giving a public visit to Sands is enough for me.

Flyer - seen from Sands

We’re just so tired to walk back to the station, so we decided to take the cab going to Makansutra. Had a great dinner and big laugh with some college friends. I'm able to eat again the stingray. Got this nice night shot of Fullerton Hotel and the bridge is so amazing. On our way back to Raffles station, my friends tried the dollar ice cream – Walls, their local brand for Selecta. This time, I got the chance to take this photo of a bike – a good shot to end the night.

2010 June: Shanghai: Day 7: Departure

My fever is gone, but still not that well. We tried the pasta from Bee Home’s Restaurant. If you have a choice to eat outside do it, the pasta is not that tasty but is given in huge serving.

Going down the DongChang Road train terminal is not that easy. We are carrying 2 luggage bags, 1 backpack and 2 shoulder bags – and this was not easy to carry at all in the stairs! Luckily, there is an old woman who offered her help for us to carry our things.

We took again MagLev going to the airport. At the airport, I had again my rest, sleep and wake-up just in time for the check-in. My sister said that I should not make unnecessary noise at the Immigration – no coughing, no flu, and no sneezing. But how can I pass their temperature scanner.

Happily, I was able to make it to the plane. Upon arrival in Manila, is when it went WORST! I was not able to stabilize the pressure in my right ear. While going to the Philippine Immigration area, there is a loud tick sound, and my right ear was not able to hear anymore. We arrived at 4am, at our home I’m still not able to ear. While lying down and moving left to right, my right ear is aching. Then there are times, that I was shouting due to the hurt that I’m feeling. I was telling my family to take me to the hospital. Then, by the EENT Specialist it was proven that my ear drum is still kept intact. The reason I can’t hear is due to a blood stuck on my right ear that is not able to go down on its veins which is due to my nose irritation – remember that I had runny nose. Perhaps that my nose has allergies to the new environment.

2010 June: Shanghai: Day 6: World Expo 2010 – Europe

Travel Date: June 17, 2010
Destination: World Expo 2010

This day is just a really just a quick stop at the Expo site – this is to see the Europe area (and other non-Asian countries). We had a quick walk to see the buildings and had a goal of going back early to Bee Home for me to take a rest.

I had a long sleep in the afternoon to get better. We went out to see Shanghai World Financial Center at night. Since it was foggy, there is less to see when we go at 100F. We bought the cheapest ticket 100yuan that will reach only until 94F. It was not so clear, but still we were able to see the flashes coming from the The Bund to capture photos of the buildings in Pudong area.

2010 June: Shanghai: Day 5: LOVE

Travel Date: June 16, 2010
Destination: LOVE Architecture

Still sick, but went out to see the LOVE architecture. We took the train and dropped off at Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. We took a cab going to Shanghai Zendai Museum of Modern Art. It is just a 3min ride at 12yuan. I’m collecting photos with this LOVE architecture (by American Artist Robert Indiana).

Good thing there is also Nike, Adidas and Nine West outlet shops in the area.

Just a very short trip, as we went home for me to take some rest.

2010 June: Shanghai: Day 4: Hangzhou

Travel Date: June 15, 2010
Destination: Hangzhou

We booked our Hangzhou Trip from AbsoluteChinaTour.com (http://www.absolutechinatours.com/Hangzhou-tours/). We were picked-up by the Guide in BeeHome. We thought that we are joining a guided group tour. Then, it came to us by surprise that we are riding a car since we are the only guests who booked the tour on that day.

After around one and half hours of driving, we reached the first stop – Six Harmony Pagoda. At first it was good, learning the culture, taking our time as to when we will return to the car.

Then, we went to Meijiawu Tea Village. Beware of this traditional tea ceremony. Even if this is very informative on health ideas, you will be suggested to buy their product – I really don’t want to buy it, but my sister wants to, so we ended up buying 1 can of green tea.

We had a very quick lunch, short cruise and walking at the West Lake. This is when I started not to enjoy the tour. As if we are running on something, were walking so fast. We are not stopping on some scenic places. Bai and Su Causeways were not that attractive as seen in internet photos.

The lesson is not to book a tour during any local Holiday – like Dragon Boat Festival. There are lots of locals and tourists coming to the river and lakes – that you’ll end up not enjoying the trip.

By the time we reached Shanghai again, I started to feel cold. After a short stroll at the Malls in Central – we already went home as I was confirmed sick.

Tip: When travelling, prepare all your medicines and carry with you a thermometer. It is so hard to find thermometer that even Watson’s staff don’t understand English.

How to get to Hangzhou

China: Shanghai: Day 3: World Expo 2010 – Asia

Travel Date: June 14, 2010
Destination: Work Expo 2010

From our hostel, we took Line 9 (Blue Lane) and drop off at Madang Rd. Station. After the Exit gates, we had a long walk going to the Expo Ticket counter. They no longer offer the 3-day pass, so we bought the day’s pass for 160yuan.

As we go to the entrance gates, that is where the long queue begins. They open the gates at 9am. Everyone will pass a very comprehensive security check. For the bags, it will pass an x-ray scanner, just like the airport security. This is the most scrupulous body check I ever had: I was holding a handkerchief, Expo map and Expo ticket on my right hand; a watch on my left hand; and was wearing a cap. The personnel said something and I told her to say it in English, “What is this?” Not sure “what” she was referring to until I knew that she was asking about “what is a handkerchief?” Out of my surprise, duh! Officer: “Can I open it (referring to the hanky)?” Next, “Can I see your watch?” (closely look at it for about 5 seconds). “Can you take off your hat?” “Can you please turn around?” (did another security check). Finally, “Okay, no problem”. I told her “So, is it fine now?”

As I was about to grab my bag, the officer grab it back from me and let it pass again (the second time) on the x-ray scanner. I was about to be interrogated by the first officer in charge, but I guess he can’t speak in English, so he pass my bag to the last officer. He said, “Is there anything here like a light?” “Can I see it?” “I need to check it.” I said, yes and okay. Then after turning on and off the small flashlight I carried in the bag, he let me pass the gate.

It almost took me an hour, waiting for the queue, passing the security checks, before I can finally use my Expo ticket to enter the gates. I believe that this is a world event that should really be safe and secure, but they are really messing the enjoyment of the visitors.

We had to walk a little further before we can reach the train station, Line 13 (Pink Lane). From Madang Rd., visitors had the option to drop off at Lupu Bridge station for the Corporate Pavilions. We dropped off at Shibo Rd. station to visit the Asia section (A and B).

During early morning, all pavilions have long queues. It is so hard to take photos with the pavilion alone. The locals or visitors don’t mind passing in front of the camera. Don’t be shy to tell them to stop or pass on the other side when you are taking your photos.

Here are some of the shots from section A and B.

New Zealand Pavilion: Tiki Dance

Cambodia Pavilion

After the Expo Axis, we have reached the China Pavilion.

Taiwan Pavilion


Saudi Pavilion
Nepal Pavilion

Korea Pavilion

We had a simple dinner in Indonesia Pavilion, good thing the entrance to the restaurant is different from the exhibit that is why we don’t need to queue.

While the rain keeps on falling, the Philippine pavilion keeps on having visitors; the queue did not get shorter. By around 6pm, we decided to be in line. With a theme of Performing Cities, the designs used are traditional instruments found in Pinas. There are shops for the local goodies and much on pearls. Almost two-thirds of the place was used for the restaurant. I noticed that they did not promote, Palawan, Cebu, Bohol or other beautiful sceneries here in the country – maybe because of the theme.

The rain did not stop, so we decided to leave the place early.

2010 June: Shanghai: Day 2: The Bund and Bee Home Hostel

Travel Date: June 13, 2010
Destination: The Bund and Yuyuan Gardens

Sunday morning, we ate breakfast at Burger King at the ground floor. We waited for the opening of the train rides going to the city. We bought MagLev tickets – these are for the Magnetic Levitation train which is considered the fastest train. (Per Wiki, The top operational commercial speed of this train is 431 km/h (268 mph), making it the world's fastest train in regular commercial services since its opening in 2004.) See more on: http://www.smtdc.com/en/jszl.asp.


LongYang Road station is the last station of the MagLev. We pulled our luggage in the escalator to transfer to the MRT terminal. We were not able to buy the card as this is not available from the counter. Even the machines are not releasing multi-ride card, or we just don’t know how does it work? So, we just took a one-way chip going to DongChang Road station.

There is an escalator going up to the street level at DongChang station. Bee Home Hostel is just easy to find and is simply 12 min walk away from the train station. One of the receptionists is not accommodating as he wanted us to wait until 12nn before we can check-in. We waited for an hour, it was like 10am, when we asked another receptionist, and he allowed us to go to our room.

We booked this hotel from www.hostelworld.com. We were given a room in 3rd floor, we took the stairs as there were no elevators in the building. The room is clean, it has broken cabinet, it has a small table and a chair, it was well lighted and has a window with good view of Shanghai World Financial Center.

After taking some rest, we started the adventure. We bought Shanghai Public Transportation Card for 100yuan (20 yuan for deposit and 80 yuan for usage)We went straight ahead to East Nanjing Road (Green Lane). Spend some time to see Church of Holy Trinity, too bad that it was closed and under construction. We went straight ahead to The Bund. Don’t worry about crossing the streets as there are pedestrian lanes across the main street. We took a lot of photos as it was a beautiful cityscape.

We roam and do shopping at Yuyuan Street Shops. (This is a Detour Task at Leg 11 for Amazing Race Asia Season 16: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Amazing_Race_16)

From Yuyuan Gardens, we took a cab going to Shanghai People’s Heroes Memorial. Why I was pushing to see this place? It was one of the location shoot of Cheng Xu’s series Starlit. (http://www.crunchyroll.com/forumtopic-421668/starlit-jerry-yan-terri-kwan-alice-zheng-airing-jan-24).

Then we passed by The Bund again for the final photo-opportunity, before we take the trains going to Pudong area.

2010 June: Shanghai: Day 1: Arrival

Travel Date: June 12-13, 2010
Destination: Pudong International Airport, Shanghai

We took Cebu Pacific flight going to Shanghai. We arrived at Pudong International Airport quarter before 12.


After a long queue in the Immigration, we found our way to the Foreign Money Exchange. We follow the signs going to the Airport Hotel. Good thing we took a photo of the Hotel sign because it was useful when we asked the direction to the Airport Guard.



It was sad that the cheapest rooms are not available anymore, the next available room costs 6000php. I’m more choosy on this type situation but decided to sleep at the Airport rather than to pay an expensive room just to stay for less than 8 hours.

We find our way back to the airport lobby, settled in the most quiet area in the Departure section, then sleep. It was a good sleep not until 4am when the loud local voices started to distract the night.

2010 June: Shanghai: Visa Preparations

Visa Application: China

Visa is required in any parts of China for Filipino travellers. We first need to prepare the long list of requirements before we can continue our Shanghai dreams.

Here are the requirements as of June 2010:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Passport picture or 2x2 (white background)
• SSS Contribution History (You can print what is posted in your contributions in http://www.sss.gov.ph/)
• 2 valid IDs (Should be with photo and signature; this could be a driver’s license, SSS id or Company ID)
• Employment Certificate (Get this from your Company HR, take note that this will take 3 – 7 days processing)
• ITR (A photocopy of your recent ITR will do.)
• NBI Clearance (should specify that this is FOR TRAVEL PURPOSES. You can get this from NBI or other NBI authorized stalls, there is one in Park Square Makati or Megamall)
• Round trip plane ticket- Tour/Hotel Voucher- Bank Certificate dated at the same month that you are applying for the visa (range of 75-100k as a minimum will do. Bring your bank passbook if possible.)
• Application Form (You will get this from the Embassy Guard for free)
  

For full details of the visa application you can go to this link: http://ph.china-embassy.org/eng/lsfw/hzqz/t171818.htm

Once you’re ready, wake-up early on the day you are submitting the requirements. You should be at the venue like 6am or earlier. I’m telling you that the queue is too long. Following is the location of the Chinese Embassy Consul Office in Makati.

Consular Office, Chinese Embassy in Manila, Philippines (Visa, Passport, Notarization & Authentication)
Address: 2nd & 3rd Floor, the World Center, 330 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel: +63-2-8482396, 8482395

We arrived at around 7:30am on the day we are submitting the requirements, first queue will be combination of all the travellers (Filipino or Chinese). Upon entering the office (at 8am), a customer number will be distributed between: New Visa Applicants, Claiming of Visa, and Passport Application/Renewal (for Chinese). After getting the application form from the Guard’s Desk, we filled the necessary information and waited for almost 3 hours. We were served at around 11:30 and they finally accepted our requirements.

Rules in the Embassy:

• follow your line,
• be attentive on your turn,
• keep your voice low,
• do not take photos; and
• do not make or accept mobile calls.

Single entry at normal processing costs 1400php. A slip will be given to you on your return date (normally, after 3-4 days) on when to claim your visa. Again, the same way, be there the earliest possible time to avoid the long queue and long waiting.

Or if you don’t want to go through this tedious process of visa application, why not go through travel agencies. But here expect a more expensive price of visa processing.