1,000 note

An interesting thing which we encountered during my trip to singapore happened in ION shopping mall food court.

It all started as we were in a bit of rush to grab our lunch before going back to Bedok to get our luggage so that we can then catch our appointed bus at 620pm from resort world sentosa.

Since Singapore’s food court are notoriously difficult to get a table, I was given the task of getting a table and “booking” the table while my boyfriend was in charge of buying the food.

Having had chicken rice earlier, I opted to wantan noodle which was just across from the table, partly because there were no queue.

But I was surprised that it took such a long time. Turn out the lady in front of him ordered at S$13 set meal but tendered a S$1,000 note! Yup you heard me right. It was a S$1,000 note equivalent to our RM2,500!

And golly was that cashier shocked! Surprisingly she did not make any sarcastic remark, which I would have I been in the queue, instead she basically emptied the drawer looking for S$987 to change to that customer. Mind you that’s quite a lot of S$50 notes and S$10 if she ran out of S$50.

So the moral of the story?

Never eat in a food court if the smallest note you have is 1,000 as if the same thing were to happen in Kuala Lumpur, I can off hand think of sarcastic remarks:-

* Wah! 1,000… So rich! Eat la in restaurant! Eat in food court for what??

* 1,000 order for one set only ah..

* Err.. 1,000 ah.. why not go and change it then come back and order again?

* 1,000?? Do you mind waiting.. or come back later for the change. Not enough now lah! Dont worry, I give you receipt ok?

But seriously, is this why in Malaysia we no longer have big notes? I used to remember we have RM500 and RM1,000 but somehow along history, we do not have them anymore. I wonder why?

Perhaps the reason would be bigger denominations would encourage easier removal of the money from our country to other countries. Hence easier for corruption.

But there is a rumour, and it’s just a rumour that someone big in politic last time, used to keep all his cash in RM1,000 denominations. You can even say he have so much of it that it can fill an entire room.

So to prevent him from accessing this money, the government made RM1,000 note obsolete so that instantly he lost a lot a lot of assets. So this person is hoping that one day he can take over the government and reintroduce the RM1,000 note so that he can recover his assets.

Well whatever the reason may be, the fact of the matter remains that Malaysia no longer have RM1,000 and RM500 note and if one day we do have it again, it may well be that the rumour is real.

Useful tips for Universal Studio Singapore

BEFORE GOING
Be sure to check weather forecast before your trip. Their forecast are quite accurate since Singapore is such a small country, they need to be on alert at all time to changes in weather.

For 3 days forecast go http://app2.nea.gov.sg/weather_3day.aspx
For 7 days forecast go http://www.weathercity.com/sg/singapore/

Also note that since Singapore is an island, weather can change drastically.

On the appointed day, it did rained in the morning which makes quite a cumbersome walk in Universal Studio Singapore (USS), hence we purchased the poncho / raincoat for S$3 each. The size is really big so I ended up tying the poncho at the bottom.

Most of the Hollywood areas are cover by roof so you can enjoy even when it rains but not the rest.

USS OPERATING HOURS
USS opens from 10am to 7pm but for exact operating hours, click http://www.rwsentosa.com/language/en-US/Attractions/UniversalStudiosSingapore/VisitorInfo#hours


GETTING THERE
To get to USS you must first get to Sentosa Island.

There are 5 ways to get there:-
From Harbourfront MRT station which is under or next to VivoCity shopping centre:-

1) sentosa express (sentosa island monorail) S$3.50
2) bus S$2
3) walk S$1 - it costs S$1 cos there are travelators (moving walkway) along the way.
4) cable car - Adult: S$29 Child: $18*
5) drive
dont worry about getting lost as there are plenty of signboards showing you the way to go.

Note:- you only need to pay to get into Sentosa Island. Once you are inside Sentosa Island, you are free to take the Sentosa Express to all other stations. Basically it runs from (not in a loop):-
Sentosa Station (VivoCity) - Waterfront (USS, Casino etc) - Imbiah Station - Beach Station

Which means when you leave Sentosa Island, regardless how you enter, you can take the Sentosa Express to exit for free!

ONCE THERE
Entrance fee depends on peak, super peak season but do look for occasional offers with Maybank or Mastercard cos apparently Maybank is one of their major sponsors.

Just google Universal Studio Singapore then the ones with offers link will be right on top of the sponsored links. The online purchase site is quite sneaky sometimes cos I was looking at the Mastercard promotion at S$60 but later after looking closely found another page with the Maybank offer of S$58.

You can purchase the tickets online or buy them onsite for same day or different dates.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY
As you can see from the map, USS is like a circle.. but make sure you remember to catch a few must watch live shows like Waterworld which is located way up north.

So better to tackle the attractions in a circle so as not to miss anything or tiring yourself out walking to and fro from one end to the other even though there's a shortcut in the middle.

At first I tried to think of a way to avoid crowds and queues but in USS it's quite hard cos new crowds kept coming, even in the afternoon. Maybe from singaporean annual pass holders or tour buses I guess.

BTW the Monster Rock show.. dont bother unless this is your first theme park visit. I nearly fell asleep inside the theater.

There are 3 rides which did not allow any bags / belongings. That's the Mummy and Battlestar Galactica (2 different rides with 2 different queues - human and alien version). Lockers are real easy to use.

Note you dont get to choose your locker number. The machine will assign a nearby locker for you. Just key in your Date of Birth and choose a favourite colour.

Certain rides, you might not want to wear your shoes, so you basically leave it beside the exit area.

WILL YOU GET WET IN JURASSIC PARK RIDE
Yes and no.. cos it pretty much depends on where you sit. It's a circular ride where people sit 3 - 3 - 3. Me and my boyfriend sat at the end of the 3 but across from each other, not side by side, as they want to fill it up to 9. Since we were the last to board, we had to sit whatever seats left.

I didnt get wet at all but my boyfriend was drenched!! So unless you dont like the idea of getting wet, best wear a poncho. Actually he did wear a poncho but he was not mindful to pull it way down to cover his jeans.  So he was drenched from backside all the way down to his legs ;p


FOOD IN USS

Foodwise, I read from other blogs that New York Pizza is good but I tried Mel's Drive In.. Loved their double cheeseburgers at S$13.50 with fries and large soda drinks. Comparable to malaysia's Carl's Jr burger.

For S$13.50 you get a burger, fries and large drink

S$13.80 for turkey leg combo
S$12 for turkey leg only
Collectible souvenir bottle from S$8.90 - S$25.90 then refill at S$2

S$9.80 for cotton candy with souvenir.
Bottled drinks are from S$3.30 - S$5.80
Ice cream are from S$3 - S$6.

WHAT do you do after 7pm?
USS close pretty early so stay back in Sentosa to check out the Resort World Sentosa casino. Just make sure you have your passport with you. Also make sure no sleeveless shirt for guys, no shorts, no slippers or sandals. In other words, no beachwear to enter.

Then make sure you stay for the Crane Dance at 9pm (Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays and the eve of Public Holidays)
Link to their calendar http://www.rwsentosa.com/language/en-US/EntertainmentNightlife/CraneDance/CraneDanceCalendar
Be there like 15min earlier for higher up seats.

FIREWORKS in USS
Only available on Saturday nights around 09:30pm (subject to availability and weather conditions) for the Hollywood after Party.

If you did not purchase the USS pass, you can still see the fireworks from outside USS. However it's best viewed from inside the themepark. 


SPECIAL NOTES on EXPRESS PASS and etc
a) expect plenty of crowd and from different nationality. Usually people recommend Express Pass only on Saturdays and Sundays.. I went on a Friday which coincides with malaysia's independance day. The crowd was there from malaysia, indonesia, singapore, india and etc...

Even though I arrive at 11plus, I just barely manage to catch all the rides (minus all the kiddies' rides) and a lunch. No photo taking with any characters. Didn't even have time for a 2nd round on any rides.. So I would recommend Express Pass if you can afford it especially when you know it's a public holiday in Singapore or Malaysia or Indonesia.

Those with Express Pass have a certain smug look on their faces as they bypass all those waiting in queue.. guess this kind of privilege is priceless in USS plus you get to do it over and over and over again.. Sigh...

b) no checking of bags at point of entry.

c) there are plenty of water fountains especially near restrooms and some at the start or middle of the queue line for certain rides. Great for those who dont fancy carbonated drinks.

d) you can exit and re-enter USS. Just make sure you get your hand stamped with an invisible ink and show your USS ticket for same day re-entry.

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UPDATES:- If you are heading to Singapore, then you might want to check my latest blog on where to get Singapore Attractions Tickets at almost 30% off - click here.

Useful tips for Night Safari Singapore

BEFORE GOING
Be sure to check weather forecast before your trip. Their forecast are quite accurate since Singapore is such a small country, they need to be on alert at all time to changes in weather.

For 3 days forecast go http://app2.nea.gov.sg/weather_3day.aspx
For 7 days forecast go http://www.weathercity.com/sg/singapore/

Also note that since Singapore is an island, weather can change drastically.

Rain does dampen your mood in the safari as it's no fun walking around in the rain and believe me, you'll be doing plenty of walking there.


GETTING THERE
By MRT followed by bus no. 138 is the cheapest but will take approximately 1hour 15min so must leave for Night Safari latest by 5pm or earlier from the city as you can opt for dinner at Ang Mo Kio hub or Night Safari itself (opens from 6pm).

Night Safari Tickets (Front)

Night Safari Tickets (Back)

ONCE THERE
Entrance fee S$32 for adult (includes unlimited tram ride)
But there's a counter just at the entrance selling the ticket at S$39 which includes a souvenir.

Going early has advantages as you can then watch the nightly Thumbuakar (fire eating) performances at 645pm followed by the Creatures of the Night Show at 730pm.

SUGGESTED WALKING TRAILS
Each trail takes approximately 20min but I think better to allocate 1 1/2 hours for the whole journey cos you'll be stopping for photos as well as to catch your breath ;p

Start with the tram ride then alight at the East Lodge station then proceed by foot to the rest of the 4 walking trails:-
1) East Lodge Trail
2) Wallaby Trail
you'll end up at the tram station at the entrance but proceed with the trails.
3) Fishing Cat Trail
4) Leopard Trail - remember to walk to the Zebra section.
you'll end up at the East Lodge Station, board the tram to continue with the rest of the tram ride (note: full tram ride takes 45min).

CATCHING BUS BACK
With this itinerary you are sure to be able catch your bus by 10 to 1030pm to reach the city at 1145pm latest as MRT is closed at about 1145pm. Buses end later at 12 or 1230am depending on location.


SPECIAL NOTES
a) expect plenty of crowd and from different nationality. They even have a separate tram queue line for the japanese. But the queue are really fast moving so no worries!

b) a MUST visit is the Fruit Bat and Giant Flying Squirrel enclosures. The entrance is a bit obscure as the entrances are just a door. Nothing prominent.

The thought of going in to an enclosed area with bats flying around can be petrifying but no worries, the bats and squirrel are not carnivorous.

c) at then end of the Leopard Trail, do not miss the Giraffe and Oryx areas, which I missed numerous times... this time cos I detoured to the ladies and upon coming out I saw a tram coming, before you know it, I was on board the tram.. Feel like kicking myself in the ass! Sigh!! Miss it, again!! Dont know when I'll visit Night Safari again, so that I can finally have a close look at Mandai Lake and the Zebras :(

Maybe when and if I have children and bring them there for a visit ;D

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UPDATES:- If you are heading to Singapore, then you might want to check my latest blog on where to get Singapore Attractions Tickets at almost 30% off - click here.

Left Luggage or Locker services in Sentosa or USS

Since I took the Joy Rider by Resort World Sentosa to Singapore, I have to travel with my luggage.

So if you going for a day trip, dont worry. There are plenty of lockers in Sentosa for the comfort of the holiday goers but I did notice price difference between lockers in different locations.

So far the cheapest seems to be the one outside or adjacent to Universal Studio Singapore (USS).

The ones INSIDE USS are quite expensive and dont go by the hour but minutes. But it's free for the first 30 minutes, specially for those taking the roller coasters.

The ones in the Forum (shopping centre) also seems a bit more expensive. There are also lockers at B1 (Basement 1) near the bus stands but I didnt manage to check the prices. Should be cheaper considering the obscure location.

Anyway there are only 2 sizes of lockers. Large and Small. The small is too small for a normal air cabin luggage and the large is too big for a cabin luggage with plenty of room to spare.

Small or large only..

Small lockers

My luggage is a air cabin size luggage - see plenty of space left!!

The price for large lockers are:-
1 hour S$4
1 day S$20

The price for small lockers are:-
1 hour S$2
1 day S$10

HOW TO USE
These are no key lockers. Basically you just key in your date of birth twice and choose your favourite color. That's all! Then the system will ASSIGN a box to you. You don't get to choose your locker number.

To open the lockers, you must go back to the same machine, key in your date of birth and the chosen color. Press ok when prompted and the locker will unlock. It's that simple!

Transport from KL to Singapore

Took the opportunity to travel to Singapore during Merdeka holiday recently with my boyfriend. Actually planned to go in April but the trip just got postponed and postponed.

Which means sufficient time for planning to make it an economical trip ;p

INITIAL PLAN:-
Stay in TUNE HOTEL, Danga Bay then take the Odyssey bus from the hotel to Sentosa Island.
For Odyssey timetable and terms and conditions, click the link below:-
http://www.tunehotels.com/webres/gb/shuttle-odyssey.html

Basically it's 3 trips per day (7am, 830am and 1030am)
Return from Sentosa (630pm, 930pm and 1030pm)
They estimate the journey to take approximately 1hour15min.

After working out the costs, it came to:-
Tune Hotel 2 nites + 24 hour air con  RM180
Odyssey Bus RM25 x 2 person (if walk in purchase then RM30 x 2)
Petrol & Toll to JB estimate RM100 x 2 way

Finally decided to ditch the idea cos it seems a bit tiring to travel into and out of Singapore on the same day, not to mention have to send the car for servicing before long journey = Berhati-hati di Jalanraya

Later I found another cheaper way to get into Sentosa Island. Only S$5 for hourly bus from Sin - JB Kotaraya.

This is the bus I travelled in - Super cool with massage chair and entertainment

Timetable for shuttle bus from JB to Resort World Sentosa (RWS)

FINAL PLAN:-
Was fortunate to come across a booth marketing JoyRider coach from KL to Sentosa Island at only RM36 return but it was for same day travel. However just add RM5 for every extension up to MAX of 3 days meaning:-
RM36 - same day travel
RM41 - return on 2nd day
RM46 - return on 3rd day

Daily Pick up at 720am (Leisure Mall Cheras) arrive at 12pm (Sentosa)
Daily Depart from Sentosa at 620pm arrive at 11pm (Leisure Mall)
But for both ways, there were delay. So dont expect exact time.

Flyer for the JoyRider from KL - RWS (Resort World Sentosa)

Our seats in the double deck (upper portion)

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UPDATES:-
It seems that Sentosa is no longer running the Joyrider bus so if you are travelling in more than 4 pax and for less than 3 days, I would recommend that you drive and park at JB before taking the bus to Singapore. Click here on where to park in JB.

And if you are heading to Singapore, then you might want to check my recent blog on where to get Singapore Attractions Tickets at almost 30% off - click here.