By Marcopolo on Saturday, February 04, 2012 - 12:18 am: Edit |
I took a VIP bus service from HatYai to Singapore and the fare was about US$40+, i think. trip was smooth as silk, bus was very comfortable and roomy. left town about noon time and arrived at the Golden mile complex in Singapore around 3 am.
The border crossing in Singapore is very slow and the inmigration part very strict on the singaporean side, guess they also got their problems with illegals. 2 thai girls in my bus were detained 'cause their papers were not in order. too bad, they were so sexy.
Now, a word about the hotel i got in Singapore. saying this because is not worth it what i paid for. got this dump through Agoda website and since was already paid for, couldn't get my money back and look for another place. all i can say is DON'T STAY THERE!!!!. hotel is the fragrance hotel in the geyland district. was so upset 'cause i wanted to just go to the Hotel 81 Princess on lorong 12. been here a few times and is fine and affordable, on top you can bring a girl anytime with no hassle. Oh well, you learn something new every day.
Another misfortune was that I got an attack of moctezuma's revenge. so that kind of ruined my nightlife here. for the remaning of the days before heading to PI i just was playing tourist and plain enjoying the sights.
Went to the PSA terminal at Sembawang to check out some WWII memorials, the one here was to the battle of Singapore in which the brits lost some heavy ships to the japs. also, the Changi museum was a moving moment and it shows how much pain a person can indure.
I kept trying regular meals 'cause i wanted to be on my feet by the time i got to PI, luckily my stomach was healing like a champ.
The day i left i was feeling very good and was looking forward to spend some good times in Subic. My flight was on Philippines airlines and quitre surprized how good the flight/service was. at the Changi airport they have some exhibitions on prohibited items and it was funny, couldn't helpbut to snap a few pics, amazing what some people try to sneak in a plane.
By Hunterman on Sunday, February 05, 2012 - 09:39 pm: Edit |
Sancho take note: Handcuffs are prohibited items at Changi (and possibly elsewhere). Wouldn't want to see you get into trouble
MP, thanks for the reporting, I appreciate that you took the time to write up your experiences, and posting the photos too adds a lot.
By Espada69 on Sunday, March 18, 2012 - 11:48 pm: Edit |
Can't beat the $40 price for the bus ride from Hatyai to Singapore, but wow , 15 hours on a bus ?!? What kind of stops/breaks did they do on this bus trip ?
Good tips and info on this trip Marcopolo......thanks.
EP69
By Zoner on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 - 05:35 am: Edit |
photo of the passport & borderpass control looks like the thailand/malaysia border (bukit kayu hitam?) where there´s usually a wait to cross.
malaysia/singapore border crossing in woodlands/johor bahru is fast & smooth based on my several bus trips. or did your bus use a different border crossing?
15 hrs on a new, a/c overnite bus on good flat straight road is quite comfortable. try 70 hrs thru rough terrain, 18000ft mountain passes, dirt rocky roads, 110°F to below-freezing temperatures, armed strife, etc. on a jalopy bus.