Photo by Allan Lau
Asia

Crazy, Frugal Americans!!

August 16, 2020 / 39 Comments

So I know most of you watched Crazy, Rich Asians and was captivated by the fast cars and the glitz and glam. This movie had you ready to risk it all and book the next flight to Singapore. You were ready for that 20+ hour flight, even if it meant sacrificing your sanity! Well, it was the Supertrees for me!! Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE lights – “cop lights, flash lights, spot lights, strobe lights, street lights…all of the lights, ALL OF THE LIGHTS!” Yes, I’m that person…

Since my last blog post almost two years ago :-/, I moved to Texas. One thing I miss about the east coast is the flight deals!! Flights from Dallas are twice as much, if not more, as flights from Florida, and I don’t like that! Lol. Anyways, a flight deal flashed across my phone screen from Dallas to Singapore for like $580. Now, I was ready to risk it all!! I checked my flight consolidators and was actually able to purchase the flight for a little cheaper than what was advertised to the public. After convincing my friend to tag along, we pulled the trigger! Now, I will say this is the most that I’ve ever paid for a flight, but I’m cool with that because it was to another country and continent.

Accommodations

After 21 hours, we finally made it!! We hopped on a bus and got off at what I thought was the stop nearest our hotel. Boy, was I wrong! We had a lil’ walk, and I’m sure we walked in a circle before making it to the hotel. It’s okay though because who doesn’t need to get their steps in?! Lol. While I would have loved to stay at Marina Bay Sands, it was like $500/night, and I am not about that life. Y’all know I’m a budget-friendly traveler!! They did make me consider paying it for at least one night just so I could take a dip in the world’s largest, rooftop, infinity pool. At one point, the rate was several hundred dollars cheaper per night, but I was moving my feet slowly, and the price skyrocketed.

It’s all good though. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Singapore Serangoon, and they gave me the best discount! Did I mention breakfast was for the free 99?! Who doesn’t love breakfast?! And there was a different menu each day! This cute hotel was located in the Little India Cultural District, and there was a bus stop right outside of the hotel.

The rooms were a little small, but we were only there for a few days. Besides, they had free breakfast!!! We were within walking distance to convenience stores, shopping centers, and restaurants. I may not get in my steps daily at home, but you can bet I got them in Singapore.

Activities

Since we visited during the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rat, we ventured to Chinatown to observe the festivities. Everything was decorated in red – lanterns, dragons, people. Music played as people strolled the cobbled streets purchasing food and crafts from vendors. While some shopped, others entered temples to pray.

After galavanting in Chinatown, we hopped on a bus and headed to the National Library and National Museum of Singapore. On our way, guess what I spotted…! Popeyes! I know you lyin’! They were everywhere, and as a woman who cannot resist, I had to eat here and see how it compared to the Popeyes in the States. Say what you want!! Of course the sides differed, but the chicken was still good! Am I shocked? Slightly. I ate Carl’s Jr. late one night in another country because that was the only restaurant open, and honey, I could’ve saved that money.

We engaged in more sightseeing over the next few days. My fave, of course, was the Supertrees because…::cue Kanye’s ALL OF THE LIGHTS:: This is what I had been waiting for! This was my main reason for traveling 9,677 miles to Singapore! My reaction to the Supertrees was the same as my reaction to the Eiffel Tower. I was in awe! I had peeped the trees in pictures, but I never thought I’d make it to Singapore to lay my eyes upon them. As if the Supertrees weren’t enough, there were these oval balls that decorated the lake and their lights dazzled against the night sky.

 

Gardens by the Bay is more than just supertrees and oblong balls. This park offers activities for both the early risers and freaks that come out at night. Marvel at the different species of flowers at the Flower Dome and Floral Fantasy or gaze at the variety of art sculptures from around the world. Some exhibits open as early as 5 AM and remain open until as late as 2 AM. If you use public transportation, make note that the buses and trains stop running around 11 PM.

These Rules Were NOT Made to be Broken…

I know you’re probably wondering what I’m talking about. Well, when you visit Singapore, one thing you will notice is the city’s cleanliness. Singapore does not play the radio when it comes to maintaining its appearance, and you will be subjected to jail time and/or fines if you are caught littering, spitting, or committing any acts of vandalism. Hell, you may even be caned. Yes, you read it correctly. CANED!! And I’m not referencing the switches your grandmother used to make you pick off the tree in the yard!!

Other rules that could land you in jail and/or fined include:

  • Not flushing the toilet
  • Drunk and disorderly conduct
  • Possessing any Jehovah’s Witness publications
  • Drug possession – they actually do not play when it comes to drugs. You could face the death penalty, so leave the weed and everything else at the house!! If you prefer a 420-friendly destination, head over to Amsterdam.

As with any destination, there are rules you must follow. I encourage you all to conduct research before visiting and be respectful of the rules and culture. Ignorance isn’t always bliss and could consequently land you in jail or facing fines. I’d hate for you leave on vacation and come back on probation :).

If Singapore isn’t on your bucket list, I def encourage you to add it. The long-haul flight, my swollen ankles, and my stiff back was worth it! Yes, I did get up and walk, but after tapping out from sleep aids, ya girl woke up stiff!! Lol. If you’ve visited Singapore, what was the most memorable part of your trip?

 

 

 

 

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