Freedom fighting* in Singapore

Most posts would point out how expensive Singapore is.  While I prepared for my short stay in Singapore, I wanted to test my budget/backpacking traveling skills in this aspect.  How far can you truly stretch your pocket for a two night and one day trip?

1.  Couch-surf.  Though I was traveling with two other friends, we managed to ask a friend to welcome us to his house for free.  This included free breakfasts and a welcome dinner at a fastfood chain. Cost: token from the Philippines with much of  news and listening...

Our first lunch was in this heritage place 

2.  Borrowed transport card.  It was very convenient to be handed out a transport card by our host. The card brought us to the sights that we wanted to see.  We used it for the bus and the train. We just topped it up.  I thought of buying a Tourist Pass but since we didn't make up our mind of where to go, we just settled for the transport card. Cost: 10 SgD

You can't surely miss the skyline...

The background may all look modern but they took a pose at 

 Finally meeting the Merlion!

Lost in the arts...

Goofing around at the Flower Garden

Reunion with friends to cap the day...

Singapore by night...

These tourists need some downtime too!

3.  Sightseeing.  Since we only had a day to go around the city, it was very difficult to point out places that we want to go.  We settled for getting a feel of the city in the most inexpensive way.  We stopped at Orchard station and walked through the buildings and the sights.    We went around the marina for 4 hours!  We went to some of the museums and gardens.  At the Bay Garden, we were lucky enough to get free tickets from a friend.  That was very impressive and would surely give you an idea on how much the country invested on tourism.  Cost: Free + some tokens from the Philippines

4.  Meals.  We were hosted by different sets of friends from different 'lifetimes' and circumstances in Singapore.  They re-introduced me to different Singaporean vegetarian dishes and fare.   Spicing it up with cryptic updates and stories, the meals shared were superb.  And oh, please don't skip the local ice cream sold just by the streets.  This ensures that you help the local economy. Cost: 15 SgD (Tip: Take a water bottle with you from home if you truly want to keep it low)

5.   Freedom fighting.  Simple, you simply enjoy what is shared for free!

6.  Airfare. We took the Cebu-Singapore flight of Cebu Pacific.  It costed us 1,800 (exclusive of taxes).  It was a stopover trip on my way to Indonesia.

Darmada haven by the off the beaten track

Sidemen in Bali, Indonesia is considered by guidebooks as one of the off the beaten tracks.  One can go on endless treks without meeting other tourists.  You can simply enjoy the place by yourself.  But, this doesn't mean that the place is replete of places where you can lay your head to rest...  There are simply places that pampers you.  Darmada is one of those places...

 

Those colorful foods with beautiful people

I was surprised that most of my friends had a long list of food to eat when in Penang.  Mine was on a different agenda.  It was simply to maintain a vegetarian diet while I was there.  That literally meant  15 meals…

How did I survive?  The photos would show.  

brekky vegetarian meal

rothi canai at old town

non vegetarian meal

laksa -non vege

eat-all- you can veggie lunch

Indian lunch

 Where are the wonderful people?

after a long walk, it was a feast of spirits and junk foods

breakfast meal

drinks for the wi-fi

Disclaimer:  I took photos of non-veg meals for the sake of art.  I didn't order it.  Those were included in the long list of craved-for foods by these wonderful people...

A vegetarian in Penang

First vegetarian Lunch in Penang

Apparently, we spent our first lunch at the wrong place.  One of my friends entered into a place that spelt a total vegetarian atmosphere.  I the enthusiast who followed him inside was in all awe and wonders.  The local was a bit disappointed.  He wanted us to get into the best banana leaf place.

accidental but lovely mistake

last lunch with a deacon

we finished out meals

We ordered an authentic vegetarian lunch to share.  

 It was a food with the word ‘ulam’ on it… Over-all, I liked the ambiance of the restaurant.  The staff were very gentle and accommodating.  We enjoyed taking photos there.

More tips:

1.  Vegetarian food is cheaper than meat.

2.  If you are unsure, ask.

3.  Honestly declare that you are vegetarian.  There is no harm in letting the kitchen know that you mean business.

Surviving the food capital on veggie food

It was a major test.  Will I finally succumb to meat in Penang?  The food list is endless.  Will I get to enjoy the place when this time, my food list will be limited to a plant-based diet?  Here are some tips and signs.

1.  Travel with broad-minded friends who respect your individuality.  Some of them don't mind sharing veggie meals with you.

tolerant non-veg friends on our first lunch together

2.Go heavy on fruit juices.  It is mostly fresh and very cheap.  The other 'unspirited' drinks are also very cheap.

honeyed lime juice

iced coffee

cooling sugar cane juice (I had mine without sugar)

power juice for lunch

         

3.  The world conspires with you.  It will send a guide...  Mine is Rory.  She just popped into our place on the second day.  It turned out she knows well about vegetarianism and knows a lot of cool places to eat.

Rory and her non-veg brekky

Walk-about Georgetown with Rory as the cheerful guide

More tips to follow.

Backpacking 101 for veggies and lone travellers

How did I spend in my 6-day trip to Penang?  I didn't splurge.  I lived.

Here are some helpful discovery learned in my latest travel:

Am always amazed by graffitti

Wishing Ribbons.  Yeah, wishes are too colorful and free...

The Hindu Temple by Penang Hills

The caption looked too healthy but clearly, it is not.  hahaha

1.  Pack lightly.
2.  Plan your luggage well.  Don't forget the laundry soap.
3.  NAIA 3's best food shop for vegetarians is 7-11.  They sell fresh fruits.  I spent P56 pesos for a hearty lunch. 
4. Arriving at LCCT,  do not grab the first fruit, salad or veggie stall.  Take time to go around.  I settled for the rojak store.  A local helped me in finding the right mix.  8 RM.  Fruit juice for 4.5 RM.  A popular juice stand before the entrance of the terminal sells juice for 11 RM...
5. The Emporium shop sells cheaper food and drinks inside the pre-departure area.  A water bottle is for 2 RM  In some shops, it is for 5 RM...
6. I caught up with sleep on the plane.  I anticipated for delayed arrivals and late pick up.
7. The vegetarian restaurant at LCCT serves Indian food.  Be decisive on what to order and then smile...
8. Don't expect to get a good internet connection in airport terminals.  Stock on e-books or take time to edit.
9. Take more photos.  It is free...
10. Connect with friends.  (And then being alone is truly relative)