december-2011

trip journal
THAILAND
BANGKOK
COUNTRY CODE +66 (2)
CURRENCY THB1 = PHP1.40/US$0.03
TOUCHDOWN There is a free airport shuttle to
the Public Transportation Center in town. A taxi
costs THB200 (PHP280). In the city, use the
BTS Skytrains and avoid the jams. Tuk-tuks are
available but only for short distances.
BY DAY From Bangkok, board a long-distance
bus from the Eastern Bus Terminal (adjacent to the
Ekkamai BTS station on Sukhumvit Road at Soi 63)
and head to Pattaya. Explore the beauty of Nong
Nooch Garden and watch a cultural show.
BY NIGHT Enjoy dinner in Bed — Bed Supper
Nightclub, that is. It’s an all-white futuristic
establishment that is a restaurant, bar, club,
art gallery and theater rolled into one. www.
bedsupperclub.com/bangkok/en/
SLEEP Stay at the hip boutique hotel, Le Fenix
Sukhumvit, which is a fi ve-minute stroll from
Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok’s main hub of action.
www.lefenix-sukhumvit.com
Kariz Annie
Galapia
finance/accounting
specialist
BEST BUYS Scout the city for
the best Thai silk and spicy but
sweet tamarind candy.
BEST DINNER Savor the
famous Thai yellow or green curry
(chicken or beef). It tastes so good!
MUST-TRY Why not ride an
elephant? It’s something special and
exciting you can tell friends when
you get back.
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SINGAPORE
SINGAPORE
COUNTRY CODE +65
CURRENCY S$1 = PHP33.84/US$0.78
TOUCHDOWN From the airport, take a taxi
downtown for about S$15 (PHP507), depending on
the time of day. Peak hours carry a S$3 (PHP102)
surcharge. Or take the MRT and you’ll be there in
about 25 minutes for about S$2 (PHP68).
BY DAY First-timers to the Lion City should do
a walking tour of the heritage trail. One option is
to start from Merlion Park, then make your way
through the civic district of Chijmes, and then to
Chinatown. heritagetrails.sg
BY NIGHT Chill out with friends at Coastes Bar
on the sandy stretch of Siloso Beach Walk in
Sentosa. Or head out to East Coast Park, where
you can rent bicycles and rollerblades all day.
Enjoy cocktails and dinner at the hawker center.
SLEEP Book yourself in a hostel like Fernloft (www.
fernloft.com), where you can hang out with fellow
backpackers. Or opt for Matchbox The Concept
Hostel (www.matchbox.sg), which is more upscale.
Ron Cruz
nurse/paramedic/
blogger,
www.fliptravels.
com
BEST BREAKFAST Kaya
toast, soft-boiled eggs and white
coffee from a local coffeehouse.
BEST DINNER Enjoy local dishes
like satay (grilled chicken or beef) at
Lau Pa Sat Festival Market.
INSIDER TIP Got a packed
itinerary? Buy the Tourist Pass
for unlimited rides on the public
transport system (S$8/PHP240).