T&J Travels #7: Singapore 2016 (Part 1)

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+ Cancelled Flight! +


Typhoon Nina was supposed to arrive exactly over the weekend (eve and Christmas) but took it's time and decided to do it on a Monday, which was the day of our flight. We only learnt that morning that our flight was already cancelled (haven't checked but it looks like they already announced it hours prior)  and we were scrambling on what to do. Here are the problems:




  1. The site of CebPac does not allow any rebooking. It is allowed but it looks like the only way is to call their hotline.

  2. Hotline would automatically drop around the 14-minute mark.

  3. CebPac doesn't answer to my pms.

  4. I contacted both Agoda and Strand Hotel and was able to get a much definite answer from the latter in which they could only accommodate us for movement of dates but only within the year (it's Dec 26 already).


Both Reagan and I were attempting to reach them but to no avail. I was even switching to landline and mobile just to increase my chances of getting in queue. Later on the repetitive dialing bored the hell out of me that 5 hrs later just as my eyes were shutting on it's own, a non-automated voice spoke for the first time I remembered saying my thank yous even before she has done anything yet.


Flight the next day is already full and the day after that is simply non-negotiable because the flight back to Manila would coincide with New Year's Eve and we wouldn't like our families to celebrate on their own. So on another Christmas miracle, they have one flight left for two (!!!) around 8 PM. Yes the arrival would be really late, but learning that the trip back would be pushed from 10 AM to 7 PM, it has become a really sweet deal. Plus, that is enough time for Reagan to travel from Las Pinas to Boni, and both of us to the airport.


+ Changi Airport +


Maybe because of the carpet, but first impression was it looked like a casino. We didn't have any problems in finding our way out, maybe because there are less people around this time (midnight). I also find it much more compressed than HK's. Prerequisites of our arrival are as follows:




  1. Get EZLINK (MRT/Bus cards) - 12SGD each-- 5SGD for a non refundable deposit and 7SGD as initial load.

  2. Get a Singlet Wifi device - Fail! We were supposed to get a wifi device but we found out that since it's a holiday we cannot do a walk-in anymore. Since the line is getting longer by the minute we got a super expensive sim 38SGD. Later on we found out we were somehow "duped" being amateurs.

  3. It wasn't planned but we went to a currency exchange counter after hearing them  (cashier and some customers) speak in Filipino. From there we learnt that there's a 15SGD option for the same sim, enough for our stay for 4 days. We were asked the same question back at the counter but unfortunately we were still given a much more expensive sim :-(.

  4. We got the idea of getting a coach from the other cashier at the sim counter when we went back to try and return our sim and get a cheaper one. We were directed at the only transportation option left that is much more cheaper than a taxi: coach (9SGD per person, pay with Mastercard / Visa only) instead.


+ Strand Hotel +

Luckily they kept our reservation and was able to check in flawlessly. We were given a spacious room (I liked that Reagan is with me in getting a decent hotel) and bath. They even have a tub! Almost everything we needed is here, except for more outlets (we only got one but that is easy to correct) and a hair dryer. They offer it for a deposit of 20SGD, in which you can either keep the dryer or refund your cash.


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There are so many ideals in this hotel! The location alone has so much to offer:




  1. The hotel is in the list of the airport coach so we would have no issues in getting one no matter how late we arrive.

  2. We are on the same block with a bus stop

  3. We are also at a walking distance with Bras Basah MRT and in the near future, a new train station right in front of it as well.

  4.  For 24/7 convenience, 7/11 is right in front of it.

  5. You would never go hungry because restaurants/coffee shops abound within the vicinity, Starbucks, Din Tai Fung and Food Republic to name a few.

  6. Near SMU so on Christmas break so there's not much people around.

  7. Near National Museum and other places of interest.

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