Where to buy Singapore Sim Card with Unlimited Internet

Once you landed in Changi Airport and exchange your currency to SGD, a sales representative from Forex will offer you sim card right away with data usage. Their mobile service provider is SINGTEL There are various prepaid tourist pack you could choose from based on your needs.

The lady in Forex was kind enough to offer us singtel services, we didn't even thought about it when i planned the trip, but then i remember we need mobile data to navigate around the city and sharing real time IG/Snapchat story.  If you're travelling in group i suggest to just purchase one sim card and share data via hotspot, this way no penny is wasted, after all SGD 15 is a lot.

Singapore Tourist Pass - Ride All You can

You don't need a travel agency or tour guide to visit Singapore. Personally speaking i prefer managing my own time and having the leeway to go wherever and whenever i want. Especially in cities like singapore where public transportation system is widely available and hassle-free i prefer exploring the city using public vehicle.

I tell you their rail system as well as buses are amazingly fun to ride, most of tourist use public transportation, you wouldn't even recognize anymore who's tourist and not.

So if you're planning to stay for 3 days or longer Singapore offers different type of passes for tourist such as below. You could use them in all kinds of transportation unlimited.

Now you would ask me where you could buy it. Well, you can only purchase them in selected TransitLink Ticket Offices, click the link to find out .

Here's important Link - KNOW MORE ABOUT TOURIST PASS 

Here's how it looks like, in additional to unlimited ride you can also avail discount on some attractions listed in the booklet that comes with it.

Learn more about buses and trains in Singapore in my next post, it will give you more detail on how to go around the city without getting lost using only 1 app which will tell you which bus number to ride from one place to another, timing and many more useful navigation.

How Patong Beach Front Looks Like

I know you're also curious about Patong beach, actually there's plenty of beaches to stay when you're planning to have vacation in Phuket and that's actually the hardest part, you could either book hotel in Patong beach, Kata beach,  Freedom beach, Karon beach etc. But everyone would recommend Patong like i would because it has most of activities and night life that most of tourist are interested with.

My last post talks about my chosen hotel in Patong beach, now i want  to show you how the Patong beach looks like not the neighborhood or bangla road but the "beach itself". Know how what to expect and everything.

1. BEACH FRONT

That's how Patong beach looks like - bunch of beach umbrellas and chair for THB 100, yes! It  not for free! Behind it are typical asian food stalls such as juices for TBH 150. Everything here is pricey, that's how they take advantage. Now you could expect it. Most of European tourist doesn't really buy it, you can see them planking on sand. But since i don't really intend to get dirty and such, i'd rather pay THB100 plus it also helps the community.

2. HENNA TATTOO

Don't be fooled like me, i can't believe i let this guy drew me the worst henna tattoo i've ever had for THB1,000. I laughed so hard after it was done, i even asked him to add more shades and all but then that's the best he can make out of my TBH 1,000. I felt like i was scammed in a way. 

Once you get there bunch of locals will come to you and offer you different things such as Chairs, Tattoo, Sunscreen, braids and so on and so forth. The only advise i could give is to look away, don't ever lock eyes with any of them otherwise they'll all come to you. Better bring your own drinks and food and towels.

3.WATER SPORTS

If you don't want to go Coral island for some water activities, not to worry Patong beach offer the same thing. See below photo for prices.

Best Hotel in Patong Beach

Looking for hotel around Patong beach? Want a luxurious vacation that doesn't costs a fortune?
Let me guide you.

Back when i was planning my Phuket trip, for a month there was not a day i didn't log in to my Agoda and Bookings app to search for hotels. Mind you if it comes with hotels i really do read blogs and reviews and luckily i always end up with the best one without spending a lot.

So yeah i have gone and search up online, i like to shortlist my options based on amenities, reviews, location and prices but most especially i look into modern style room(white) with pool within my price ranges.

Trust me this hotel that i'm about to introduce has everything you need in terms of service, amenities, location, interior and prices. And i will detail it shortly.

So here it is! None other than PARIPAS PATONG RESORT . I found and booked it through Booking App at very reasonable price. Here's how it looks like from Booking.com.

LOCATION: The hotel is close to everything, literally walking distance to shops, Bangla road and Patong beach but not too close to noise and crowd. I highly recommend the location for couples and family that wants to relax and have peaceful sleep.

RECEPTION: They have huge receiving area and reception like a luxury hotel .

AMENITIES : Their building is modern as well as the rooms. They have 2 pools, one from the ground as shown in the photos and they have infinity pool at the roof top over viewing Patong neighborhood. They also have gym and breakfast lounge.

Here's view from the roof top :

BALCONY VIEW 
Here's our room view. They actually have rooms with direct access to pools at the ground floor. Ours was at the 2nd floor and it was so nice especially at night and early in the morning when you just want to seat and have a sip of coffee. The place was so peaceful and quiet.

SERVICE: They serve breakfast buffet, they have gym amenities, mini bar at the roof top, laundry services as well as tour packages.

PRICE: Back then i was able to book 5 nights for only QR 1,314. Below exact date and price. On average they charge QR 200 to 220 per night which is not bad at all. If you'd be searching up hotels around the area, you'd find some with comparably lower price but with poor feedback and without such luxurious amenities.

PAYMENT TYPE: They are Pay at property payment method.

STAFFS : Hotel staffs were so accommodating and trustworthy. They speak very good English too.

ROOM SERVICE: I appreciate their room service, my partner unconsciously throw up on bed and they didn't charged us for it.

CONS: There's only 1 cons that i could think of, the walls are not thick enough, i'm not sure if its fully concrete or double walled but i can definitely hear my neighboring room when they get a bit loud. It could be the balcony or the walls i wasn't able to check.

Airport transfer from Phuket Airport to Patong beach

I have found the best airport transfer from Phuket Airport to Patong beach!
Yes you read it right, i planned my vacation to Phuket 4 months back and i have done my research from a to z.

So you're probably looking for airport transfer from/to and of course you wouldn't want to spend alot for transportation, you're lucky you wouldn't need to do your research like i did.

So yeah after opening hundreds of site, facebook inquiring and even IG dm's i have reach to conclusion that PHUKET SRC TRAVEL offers the cheapest private transfer- yes!private! check the link to know more about them http://www.phuketsrctravel.com/transfer_service.php .

Once you exit the airport, you would be welcomed with bunch of car rental booth actually its not even booth, they only have A4 size plackard of your name LOL. Yes you heard it right once you found your agent they will arrange your car right away. That time we had a female driver and she was nice to offer a good music and even allowed my boyfriend to smoke.

We were satisfied with the service, it was fast and smooth, thanks to our driver!

Cheap and Convenient Changi Airport Transfer

Looking for Singapore Airport transfer? Let me share with you my experience booking with Klook App!

If you are looking for convenient transportation without spending a fortune i highly suggest to book from Klook (Mobile or Desktop) not only transportation, they also provide offer for various activities all over the globe.

Once you book here, make sure to print the voucher. Once you passed the immigration, you can find their booth just before you exit gate 2, if you're not sure you could always ask any airport personnel and ask where you could avail KLOOK transportation. There was a KLOOK sign in their booth, just present your printed voucher and they will right away print your queue number with the Bus Number, then just wait for couple of minutes till the bus arrive. In our case we waited only for less than 5 minutes. Just make sure you ride the correct Bus Number because each bus number corresponds certain destination otherwise you might end up going back to the airport.

The mini bus was empty during that time, it was just me and my boyfriend so we were able to enjoy the ride all by ourselves and with our very polite driver who even helped us carry our luggages.
From airport to Geylang where our hotel is located, it was approximately 10 mins without traffic at all. Unlike ordinary buses, they don't take passengers from the road, they only accommodate passengers from airport.

Arrival at Changi Airport Terminal 2

Landing in Changi Airport Terminal 2? Let me brief you a little, because when i was planning my vacation i was like curious how terminal 2 looks like and know-how to get around it but i haven't found any blog about it so might as well share mine now.

First, if you're flying with Scoot Airline and Cebu Pacific most likely you'll be landing in Terminal 2 (Changi have 3 terminals so far). Once you have landed exit will bring you directly to shops/boutique, money exchange and such in second floor (Note that second floor is for arrival, 1st floor is for departure). Then to exit the airport you need to take escalator/elevator to the ground floor for the immigration. Before proceeding to immigration take some time to walk around the 2nd floor and take some photos and exchange your currencies. Walking straight up to the left will bring you to departure gates make sure not to exit in the left wing, better yet do not take the escalator going down from the left wing.

Here's what to expect around 2nd floor.

Affordable Airfare from Manila to Singapore

Looking for cheap airfare going to Singapore? Let me share you my personal experience.

I traveled back to Manila last Jun-19 with the intention of flying to Singapore for a week vacation from there rather than from Doha. Actually i have planned my vacation 4 months prior which includes booking air ticket and hotels, mind you i always wanted things in order that's why i plan way ahead of time and also because airfare are way cheaper if they were book in advance and that's a fact.

I had zero knowledge about airlines that fly from Manila to Singapore when i was planning it, so i search up and down, good thing i have CLEARTRIP mobile application which helped me in choosing best rate airfare and monitor specific date change in prices. I was still undecided back then on which date to fly but it should be June for sure. So what i did, i search up all the rates for June in CLEARTRIP APP and was able to compare prices unfortunately July's peak season so most of airlines almost have the same rate such as Philippine Airlines, Singapore Air and Malaysian Airline.

But there are budget airlines that offers half of the price these big guys and these are CEBU PACIFIC, SCOOT and JETSTAR ASIA.

I think on the date i pick SCOOT offers the lowest price and you know because i lost trust with Cebu Pacific for all the delayed flights - you wouldn't want a 3 hour flight to get delayed for sure . Most of the time both airlines have comparably the same price, difference is immaterial so i suggest if Scoot is quite bit higher better take it if you want assurance. 

So once you get to pick the airline of your choice, better book it directly from airlines website rather than booking from Cleartrip. To be honest i only use it to have an idea with the prices and which airlines offer the best rate.

See below receipt for  2 ADULTS return ticket.

Here's below iterinary:

Cheap flights from Doha,Qatar to Turkey

Hi! Have you decided to travel in Turkey? Are you on budget? Let me help you how to find the cheapest flight without the need for travel agent.

AVAILABLE AIRLINES FROM QATAR TO TURKEY

• PEGASUS - is a low cost local turkey airline, ticket price range from QR 600 and up way 
• JAZEERA - is a low cost local Kuwait airlines, ticket price range from QR 350 and up one way
• TURKISH AIRLINES - Price range from QR 1,000 and up one way.
• QATAR AIRWAYS - Price range from QR 1,500 and up one way.

I highly recommend Pegasus airlines than Jazeera, Jazeeza may be way cheaper but a 5 hour layover is mandatory in Kuwait which is way longer than actual direct flight.

 Like i always recommend, download CLEARTRIP mobile application to get update on the cheapest airfare from multiple airlines.

In my case i was able to book below price one way from Qatar to Istanbul for the month of December from Pegasus.

and below airfare from Istanbul to Qatar for the month of January.

I will be updating soon my experience with PEGASUS.

xx

Lee

How to Apply for Turkey Tourist Visa in Qatar

Hi Everyone! Are you planning to visit in Turkey let me guide you step by step.

STEP 1: VISIT TURKEY VISA INFORMATION IN QATAR WEBSITE (Click this link).

• Know your Visa- if you are planning to for tourist visa prepare and complete below requirements first.

1. Original Passport (Passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon arrival in Turkey and have minimum 2 full blank pages available).
2. Copy of passport’s data page (A4 size copy)
3. Online application form (Available on http://www.vfsglobal.com/turkey/qatar/).
4. One recent photo (size 50x60mm) uniform and white-colored background with a clear frontal view of the face. The photograph should have been no older than 6 months).
5. For Non-Qataris, a valid residence permit with photocopy (A4 size copy) along with original to be presented at the time of submission. Card should be valid for 3 months from the date of submission.
6. For Non-Qataris, Original employment letter mentioning salary, position and duration of employment along with company seal and sign. The letter should not be older than 1 month.
7. Hotel and flight reservations (Covering your intended stay in Turkey)
8. Letter of Invitation (Not needed if Hotel reservation is available)
9. Original Bank Statement for the last 3 months with adequate funds available. Bank statement should be seal and sign in original.
10. A valid Travel health insurance covering the duration of stay in Turkey. For Travel cards, travel policy will be required.
11. For Minors:
• If travelling unaccompanied by parent(s), consent letter signed by both parents & applicant
• Both parents should come and submit the application of the minor applicant/s.
• Form signed by both parents
• Copy of the parent(s)’ passports data page and Qatar ID.
12. For Housemaids:
    • If travelling with the sponsor, signed letter from the sponsor stating housemaid salary, period of stay with the sponsor, starting date and that sponsor will cover all the responsibilities during stay in Turkey.
    • For Non-Qataris sponsor, sponsor employment letter mentioning salary, position and duration of employment
    • For Non-Qataris sponsor, document showing the financial status of the sponsor (bank statements for last 03 months stamped by the bank)
    • Copy of sponsor passports data page and a valid residence permit (Valid for at least 3 months while applying)

STEP 2:  SECURE ALL PAPER DOCUMENTS BEFORE FILLING UP ONLINE APPLICATION FORM 

• Why? because the form will require you to attache the following supporting documents:

1. Biometric Photo (50x60mm showing ears)
2. Not more than 1 month Salary Certificate
3. 3 months Bank Statements
4. QID copy 
5. Flight reservation
6. Hotel Reservation (letter of invitation)

• BIOMETRIC PHOTO - I highly recommend to secure your photo from well known visa photo center, in my case my first photo was rejected during my submission of documents in VFS DOHA (Al Jaidah Square), good thing was they also provide photo services just next to the Turkey VFS room which costs QR 30 for only 2 copies . If you don't want hassle make sure to follow below specification:

• It should be in sharp focus and clean.
• It should be of high quality with no ink marks and creases.
• The photograph must show you looking directly at the camera.
• It should be 50 x 60 mm or 5cm x 6cm with White Background
• It should show your skin tone naturally.
• It should have appropriate brightness and contrast.
• The photograph should be a recent one not more than 3 months old.
• It is to be taken without headgear.
• It should be without hat/cap.
• It should be without the applicant's hair tucked behind his/her ears.
• The photograph should not have any staple marks.

• BANK STATEMENT - Visit your local bank and ask security guards where to request a bank certificate for 3 months. They will provide you a queue with Customer Service personnel. Don't forget to bring your ATM (any Card) and QID. They usually charged QR 10 for each month, a total for QR 30 to be directly debited from you account. Make sure your running balance should not be less than QR 20,000 and each pages are stamped and signed. In my case my bank was CBQ and i had multiple account with them such as savings account and Regular savings account, i end up choosing only one account with the highest balance to avoid having rejected and additional payment for the printing.

• SALARY CERTIFICATE - This will be requested from your Company's HR, make sure it's not 1 month old on the day of submission of documents . I highly suggest to arranged this last or at least ask you HR to addressed the letter on your planned date of submission as long as it is not a month old. It should be original, mentioning salary, position and duration of employment along with company seal and sign.

• FLIGHT RESERVATION - You need to have submit copy of flight reservation inbound and outbound (Return) meaning Departure and Arrival itinerary. In my case i already had confirmed flights with PEGASUS including my Local flights from Istanbul to Capadoccia (Return) .

• HOTEL RESERVATION - This can be easily obtained by booking in AGODA OR BOOKINGS.COM , tons of hotels offer free cancellation. If you're undecided with the date of  your travel for the meantime you can filter hotels with free cancellation / pay at the hotel policy. Print the confirmation voucher and you're good to go. Then you can cancel later on. In my case everything was planned ahead of time, heres a tip BOOKINGS offer more hotels in Istanbul and Cappadocia than AGODA but AGODA offer cheaper prices.

• TRAVEL INSURANCE - There are tons of insurance company to choose from especially in Qatar, you can visit local insurance companies or from travel agencies or even with banks with ranges from 70 to 100 QAR for only few days. But if you're tight in budget i highly recommend searching through online like IMG which i had. They offer 10 days travel insurance for as low as USD 10 or QR 36.5.  Print all the documents attached in the email confirmation such as below. (IMG TRAVEL INSURANCE SAMPLE DOCUMENTS)

• 

• QATAR RESIDENCE PERMIT - make sure you possess at least 3 months valid QID from the date of your travel meaning if your departure ticket is dated today, your QID should be 3 months valid from today, NOT from the date of visa application.

• PASSPORT - Obviously you should have a passport to travel and by default it should be at least 6 months valid. Make 1 copy in A4 size paper for the DATA PAGE only.

STEP 3:  FILL OUT THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM - Once you have gathered all the documents required. Make sure to scan each, you will be needing them in online application.

1.  Go to the website https://www.vfsglobal.com/turkey/qatar/Tourism.html
2. Click Download forms - Turkey Visa Application form then fill out the asterisk (*) . 

3. Once completed make sure to print the One page form and sign. If you have something to edit after completing, query the reference number and freely edit then submit.

Here's sample Application form .

STEP 4 : MAKE AN ONLINE APPOINTMENT - If you're a new user, Create an account. Once created you can make the necessary schedule and print confirmation.

Click link to create an account: MAKE APPOINTMENT LINK 

SAMPLE APPOINTMENT CONFIRMATION

STEP 5: PROCEED TO JAIDA SQUARE 3RD FLOOR ROOM 301, AL MATAR STREET (OLD AIRPORT)  - There was no other applicant during the schedule, otherwise you will be given a queue ticket and wait for it. Once called present all the documents for inspection and prepare below fees + QAR8 for SMS notification.

STEP 6: THEY WILL UPDATE YOU WITH THE PROGRESS THRU SMS (IF YOU AVAIL SMS SERVICES FOR QAR8) 

In my case i applied on THURSDAY (last working day), then i received sms notification that my documents were forwarded to Turkey Mission on SUNDAY. And then, on MONDAY they messaged me that my PASSPORT is ready for collection which was the scariest thing because you actually don't know the result yet, it could be anything. Note that notification that passport is ready for collection doesn't guarantee approval. But i heard if the processing did not take time, most likely there was no sort of problem verifying your documents thus means APPROVED.

I read blog wherein it took longer than normal 7 to 10 days processing and they got rejected.

Here's below actual SMS notification i received from VFS.

STEP 7: COLLECT YOUR PASSPORT IN JAIDA SQUARE 3RD FLOOR ROOM 301, AL MATAR ROAD 

-Do not forget to bring the receipt copy and your valid QID, only this time you will get to know if your visa is approved. If you have provided abovementioned requirements i do not find any reason to be DENIED. Again dates are very important, ensure QID, PASSPORT, INSURANCE and SALARY CERTIFICATE are within the period of validity as stated.

CONGRATULATIONS!

HERE'S HOW TURKEY VISA LOOKS LIKE!

Hope everything is clear! If you have any queries, feel free to comment down below.

Cheap Flight Ticket from Doha to Phuket

I had 2 weeks vacation in Thailand, we decided to start in Phuket before Bangkok for one reason that there is no international flight to Doha from Phuket .

Also note that there is no international flight to Phuket from Qatar, thus leaves you with no other choice but to have a quick layover in Bangkok.

If you’re looking for cheap flights going to Phuket from Qatar, I recommend to book from Oman Airways/ Kuwait airways directly rather than booking from Travel agency.

In my case I planned  my trip 3 months ahead and I was able to booked a return ticket via Oman Air for only QR2,000 with below iterinary DOHA-MUSCAT-BANGKOK-PHUKET. By the time we landed in Bangkok, a lady was waiting for us with our name to assist us with our connecting flight. 

NOTE:

-Oman airport is quite small for long hours layover, they only have specific waiting area for connecting flights.

-Get ready with long walk to reach boarding gate to Phuket - that was probably the reason why somebody fetch us, so we don't get late LOL.  

DAY 1: Going Around Yerevan, Armenia

After booking your hotel and flights, next thing is to plan for your itinerary.

Since our hostel is located in the heart of Yerevan, going around the city was the first agenda we had.

We arrived before lunch and during those time the weather was perfect (June) for strolling. It was sunny and windy but no humidity. You will notice most of locals just started leaving their home for work and stroll around after 12 noon.

1. CASCADE - You should start with cascade before you even get tired walking  plus there are plenty of museums and statues along the way.

Tips: rather than hiking the stairs, you can actually take an escalator under the cascade for free.

2. WALK ALONG NORTHERN AVENUE-while on our way to Republic Square, walk thru the Norther Avenue for window shopping, coffee and picture taking. The place gets really crowded in the afternoon especially at night. 

3. REPUBLIC SQUARE - Walking thru Northern Avenue will lead you to Republic Square where you can find the dancing fountain, history museum and Marriott Hotel.

4. NIGHT LIFE - The city might look provincial to you, but the locals also enjoy night life. Meantime if you're tired you can have a dinner and try their local cuisine. Btw since day light is longer, dinner time might be late but we took ours at 6pm (below). Our tour guide recommended dinner at Tavern .

Armenia AIirport- Zvartnots International Airport Arrival

Currently Armenia has 2 major airports however most of international flights are arrives and depart from/to Zvartnots International Airport which is approximately 20 minutes from/to downtown or probably less because traffic is less likely. 

Not to worry Zvartnots International Airport is not a huge airport, once you get down from plane it will directly bring you to foreign exchange booth and visa processing. Make sure you have exchange your currency to USD before even flying as they dont accept most of foreign currency other than USD.  Once you exchange your USD to Armenian Dram (AMD) make sure to count before leaving we had bad experience here especially if they feel you're a first timer.
You needed the AMD to pay the visa (Filipinos are visa on arrival), once paid there's no other exit but to proceed to immigration, make sure to have your Passport, boarding pass and GCC Residence permit ready and thats it! Welcome to Armenia!

The arrival area of Zvartnots was clean and decent but there's nothing special.

Mr Nante, our tour guide pick us up from the airport straight to the hostel which is part of the QR200 riyal package.

Booking Airline Ticket from Qatar to Armenia (Yerevan)

Hi! you're probably planning to travel in Armenia to come across here, you're in right page so i guess lets get started!

CHEAP FLIGHTS!

If you're looking for cheap flights going to Yerevan i highly recommend booking at least a month in advance. In my case it was unplanned trip so i ended up booking with Qatar Airways 3 days before the actual flight which cost me around QR 2500 roundtrip since during that time budget airline were not flying anymore from Doha due to the recent blockade of UAE, SAUDI ARABIA,etc.

Anyhow the average cost of roundtrip flights will be around QR 2000 to 2500.

But if you're not in a hurry and you haven't decided on exact date, i would highly suggest you download CLEARTRIP APP to check out the cheapest flight . I love this app for many reasons, first because its user friendly plus they give out cash vouchers but mainly i only use it to track flights and prices by saving  the trips in my list and it will automatically update me for any price changes. 

Then i book the flight directly with the chosen airline website.

If you're originating from Doha, you actually have no other options but to fly thru Qatar Airways . Otherwise you'll end up booking multiple flights  thru MEA, OJSC Sibera  which cost more.

Where to stay in Armenia (Yerevan)

Armenia's capital is Yerevan so as much as possible you might want to book a place around freedom square to save transportation cost going around tourist attraction downtown such as Cascade , window shopping on Northern Avenue, numerous public parks, Republic Squares etc. These places are pretty much walkable (well most of locals just walk) and doesn't get crowded except Republic Square which really gets full packed starting 6pm not to mention day light is longer than night.

But if you're on tight budget and woudn't want to spend much on excursion and hotel, i would suggest booking a tour from locals rather than in house travel agencies. With that i would like to introduce Mr Nante Marilag, he's a filipino living in Yerevan, he provides affordable bed&breakfast and tours all around Armenia as well as Georgia. You could check out his Facebook Page LITTLE MANILA TRAVEL & TOURS ARMENIA and message him directly . You can also book a room in their hostel thru Bookings . 

We stayed there last Jun 2018 for Eid Holidays and that time the rate was only for QR 200 for 3 nights inclusive of bed and breakfast as well as countless exclusive group tour all over Armenia (i will get into detail as we go along).

Honestly you don't really need to book expensive hotel for a 3 days tour, with the limited time you would only want to stay outside for sure. All you need is a bed to sleep and a clean toilet. You can pamper yourself when you get back :) .

For us we were actually group of 4, we stayed in one room altogether part of the group tour we booked from Little Manila. The room was just enough for us we shared in bunk bed and 1 queen size bed. Not to mention the Hostel is very close to everything, literally.

Here's the exact room we had.