Checkpoint: Singapore - Johor Bahru 2015

Late last year, I was faced with a challenge  that I thought I cannot surpass. Wounds were deep, time were wasted and I just know I cannot take it anymore. I took a time off to my go to place - Singapore. I traveled solo to reflect and met with a few friends to catch up.

I had braved the streets of Little India en route to my chosen hostel - Mitraa Inn. It was managed by a Filipino so I felt safe and welcomed. I plan to pass by Gardens by the Bay before I  meet with an old neighbor who also happens to be my classmate since elementary days. 

It so happens my visit was just after the Deepavali Festival. The streets have colorful lights at night. Too bad I wasn't able to capture it.

Happy to pass by this  Hindu Temple on my way to Gardens by the Bay

The sunset view I captured before meeting with my friend at Clark Quay

Finally able to experience SG's night life at Clark Quay with my Kiao tiong Friends.

The next day, I checked out early to meet with my former colleague so we can have a staycation at Johor Bahru. It is always a thrill for me to cross borders by land. There's no specific plan for this trip, it's a spontaneous decision to  visit JB and we just shopped til we dropped and ate whatever we want.

We attended a mass in Church of the Immaculate Concepcion

On my return to Singapore, I chose a different hostel - Little Red Dot Inn and luckily I got upgraded to the capsule type accommodation. It's  a solo adventure again for me since my friend have to prepare for her work week. 

Upon resting for a while, I explored Kampong Glam for a historical walk. If not travelling alone, I would definitely try one of the restaurants along the Arab street.

 

Sultan's Mosque

Arab's street at a different angle

I was also able to pass by the Malay Heritage Center where a Malayan traditional dance was being performed during my visit.

I was about to meet the Engineering head of one of the company in Singapore the following day for an informal interview. With my 3 days in SG and Malaysia, I decided to pass on the opportunity as I had reflected the life that I had envisioned during this "me" time. 

The following day was a full of adventure for my solo trip to further think about what I am going through. 

The first stop was the National Museum of Singapore where I was able to know more about the history of the diverse community of Singapore. I explored the different sections of the museum with a German friend that I met at the hostel who also happens to study Arts.

Next in our list is the Contemporary Art Museum of Singapore. It was a first for me to visit such establishment. I appreciated how we can perceive art in various angles. It also made me appreciate the little thing we have.

My friend and I had to go our separate itinerary after lunch as she still wants to explore the other museums in the area. For my case, I plan to do a walking tour from Fullerton Hotel to Gardens by the Bay.

The start of wandering around Singapore at the Fullerton Hotel

The Asian Civilization Museum. Too bad I was running out of time so I have to skip this one.


Victoria Theatre


Singapore's iconic symbol - The Merlion


The Esplanade. Due to time constraints, I wasn't able to check it out. Maybe some other time.


Finally able to traverse the Helix Bridge


Art Science Museum. Next time, I'll definitely visit this cool place.

Upon arriving at the Gardens by the Bay, it was unfortunate to know that the Cloud Forest is under maintenance. I was only able to visit the Flower Dome which I love so much, I had spent quite some time learning about the different flowers in the area. Plus, Christmas season was near, so the place was decorated to fit the season.

Flowery place makes me extremely happy

Christmas Feels

To cap off the night is me witnessing the lights and sounds show by the Super Tree at Gardens by the Bay.

The last day was alloted to explore Sentosa and to dine at the famous Michelin star restaurant - Din Tai Fung. 

Chilling at Sentosa

Thank you so much Singapore. You had answered again a lot of questions. I was able to understand what I wanna do with my life. Just like my 2013 trip, I was able to know what I have to do. You jump start my life again. You had made me remember my plans and goals. 

Wow Davao!

I was fortunate enough to have a relaxing vacation with my mother last July 2015 at Davao. We stayed at Pinnacle Hotel and Suites during our stay in the city. The place was just a walking distance to Gaisano Mall.

The room comes with a complementary breakfast buffet. 

I immediately fell in love with Davao's food offerings. This vacation is definitely for leisure. We wanted to travel conveniently so taxi was our choice of transportation. Also, I had rented a car for our travel to Philippine Eagle and Eden Farm since it is beyond the City center. 

For the first day, we explored the city by visiting first the crocodile farm. 

Comparing it to Palawan's Crocodile Farm, this visit was less interactive. 

I visited during an off peak season, so tourist are not that highly visible. 

We then decide to visit Jack's ridge in the afternoon. The place is known to be a night life spot, so when we visited, stores are still close. However, view is still awesome! 

The highlight of this Trip was our visit to Samal Island where we stayed at Pearl Farm. I had experienced living a luxurious life for 2 days and a night.

Our comfortable haven at Pearl Farm

We were welcomed by the calmness of the sea and serene view of the resort.

The infinity pool is definitely one of the awesome offerings of this resort. 

The view from the restaurant is a stress reliever

For outdoor activities, snorkling is definitely fun

For our last day, I rented a car so we can visit Eden Park and Philippine Eagle Center. We wanted to stay long those 2 places are quite far from each other.

Eden Park is highly recommended to those who loves outdoor activities. The place is so relaxing and is so close to nature.

I did try cycling while being suspended in the air. It was definitely scary yet fun experience. I also did the zipline.

After the thrilling adventure, we went to the Philippine Eagle Center to know more about the endangered specie. 

That stance though is really something worth seeing in person. 

This Davao exploration that mom and I did will be definitely remembered. We had explored the area on our own without and tour guides so I'll consider that as an achievement. The best part of this vacation is all those food that we tried at a very cheap price. The stay at Pearl Farm Resort is one for the books. I wished we had more time to roam around the area.