What's on your bucket list?

Bucket list means the things you would like to do before you kick the bucket. For me, to be up on a hot air balloon is definitely one of them. And the most famous place for this to occur is Cappadocia. It's a place that reminds me a lot on Grand Canyon due to the rocks but yet they have their own quaint, rustic beauty.

Ok, let me start from the top with my free and easy itinerary. Definitely you have to read Part 1 first. To travel from Ataturk Istanbul airport, I took the Havatas aiport shuttle to the Asian side to get to Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Mainly because the flight from Ataturk to Kayseri Airport at Cappadocia is 5 times the price of a plane ticket (~$500) from Sabiha Gokcen. We didn't mind the travel, as that is the fun of backpacking.

The Havatas airport shuttle is right outside the airport exit, just cross the road and you will see it. It cost 10 TL to get to Taksim Square terminal where most people will get down. You can head to your hotel if you are staying in Istanbul first. Otherwise, at the same place as you alight, change bus to Sabiha Gokcen Airport which cost 13TL.

For the exact drop off point in Taksim, just google 'Abdülhak Hamit Cd No:66, Kocatepe Mh., Beyoğlu, Turkey' or see the map below.

Map of the Havatas drop off point at Taksim

I booked Divan Cave House for the experience in staying in a cave. It's not the cheapest, and does not have the best location but judging from its popularity and price, I would say it is value for money. I had a very good impression of them as their replies through email is prompt and their service is really good. I got the airport shuttle through them as the airport does not have other modes of transportation. Just that you need to wait until the shuttle is full before they leave.

Divan Cave House entrance

One of Divan caves...

The scenery of rocks rocks rocks!

Day 1
Anyway, for my first stop, Goreme Open Air Museum (15TL). Divan offered free shuttle service to the museum. Nothing much, just looking at caves and rocks. I feel that the Christians have very strong adaptability to be able to build a church in those caves and draw such nice portrayals too. We also took some photographs while putting on turkish costumes at the gift shops... it was worth the 10TL in my opinion.

Rocks, caves and church at the Goreme Open Air Museum

When you leave the museum, you can wait for the bus at the opposite road to the ice cream stall, or just walk down. Mind you, the bus has erratic hours and we waited for a while before we decided to walk down to the main Goreme area. It's not too bad, you will see nice pottery house and caves on the way. The pottery is one of their main trade there, they use it mainly to cook stew and surprisingly, it is not reusable... oh well.

Pottery on trees?!

Pottery kebab.. signature dish there...

Borek is like popiah but with cheese and other stuff...

Topdeck is not at the top deck though...

Day 2
My highlight of the trip! Thinking about it makes my heart lift.. I booked the Butterfly tour hot air balloon through Divan. The initial part when getting up to the basket is quite fearful as it sways this way and that while they were warming up the balloon. Once it starts ascending, you will feel a sense of calm settling over... it's so peaceful, so breathtaking, every problems seem to fade away. I feel humbled by the beauty of nature yet strangely empowered by the vastness of the land.

Ready...

Get set...

The tonnes of other hot air balloons make a picturesque view...

Up and off to the sun rise!

Nicest view that I have seen so far..

We head to the underground tunnel after lunch, which is also another mandatory UNESCO attraction. I chose the Kaymakli one as it is nearer. Just head to Goreme main bus station and take the bus to Neveshir (2.5TL) that leaves every half an hour. Tell the bus driver where you are heading and they will ask you to change bus at this place 15 minutes into the journey. Switch to the bus heading to Kaymakli (3TL) which will take another 25 to 30 minutes. Cross the road and walk straight, you will see the tunnel. Take note to dress in shorts and comfortable shoes as you will be crawling and climbing. It's absolutely cooling inside there though due to their wide ventilation shaft.

I think it's their living room? Bedroom? Stable? Not sure..

We went back in time to join the hotel's guided tour to Rose valley. Totally worth it to join as you would not know where to hike without their directions. And of course... it's free!

Rose valley is named because it has a rose colour.. no roses around though..

Day 3
Took the bus to Uchisar castle by taking the bus from Goreme main station to Uchisar and walking 15 minutes towards it. Mind you, the bus stations do not have signs to signify it as bus stations and only locals will know where it is. I had fun posing for shots at the top of the Uchisar tower and you can try to spot the love valley.

Left is the bus stop and walk east towards Uchisar Castle

A few stairs up to Uchisar castle and see the top view.

After lunch, we explored the Urgup but found nothing much. Just some cheap doner and kebab shops.. this area is more like the locals neighbourhood.

Urgup.. they have Turkey flags everywhere!

Walk to the hamam... dun get lost like us!

Distinctive hamam building

Day 4
I also booked the ATV through Divan's reference as they will ensure you are charged reasonably. When I tried asking the price on my own, they tried to carrot-chop me by setting a high price =.= We ATV through love valley and really enjoyed it. You don't really get to do these things on a regular tour.

One of the things we saw is the evil eye trees.. the eyes are said to keep evil away. But the name evil eyes sound like it's evil haha.



That marks the end of this fun filled, adrenaline rush trip. Onwards to Istanbul!

Everyone needs money. We can't get enough of it and daydream about getting it without lifting a finger (Toto, 4D). Some resort to stealing, begging, lying, scamming... Others have to tolerate unreasonable bosses' demands and work long hours, sacrifice family time just to earn a few more dollars.

Then, why are some people still so goddamn reluctant to do a thing to get more money?

Always tired but want more money (Source: Wikipedia)

The irony is that when they know some credit cards can get cash rebates, some accounts can earn higher interest... they brush it off and say too troublesome.
The irony is that when they know that investing is a revenue to earn money but keep thinking of the risks involved.. they brush it off and say too difficult.
The irony is that when ask them to study FA and TA, read investment books, do research and learn more.. they brush it off and say no time, too lazy.

If you do not want to help yourself, nobody can help you.

Shackled? (Source: Chris Potter at flickr)

I think there will be more people in debt next time, I can see the worrying trend all around me. You know what, I tried to give some advice, like cutting down on restaurants. They said that saving $50 a month amounts to only $600, not enough to buy even a table. 0.o Then cutting down on taxi is not necessary as it is already cheaper than buying a car. The overseas trip (Europe, USA...) must be taken when still young, money can still be earned.

I know there will be 101 justifications to yourself when you want things to be done your way. What matters ultimately is your choice, your own doing, don't blame the government for this. End up if no money for wedding, renovation, babies which is the prime time for our age, borrowing is a slippery slope that will come after which. If so many can take public transport, eat in hawker centres, go Malaysia or Sentosa every year, then don't find excuses that you cannot do it...

Obviously is you don't wanna do it.

I do not have a budget or keep track of my spendings.

I know, I know, I am not really wise in this aspect. I believe if I don't spend extravagantly but spend things on what I feel should be spent, like groceries, shoes when they are spoilt, some dresses when I feel like it... I should not need to keep track. After all, these are things that I need, not a want arguably. Of course, keeping track of it helps to keep me focused on savings.

A windfall will definitely help!

I just don't feel like it.

It's not like I buy $1000 handbags or $500 shoes.. I don't often buy things when I go shopping, why should I not indulge when I feel like it? When make it a hassle saving money, and then make it a torture to spend as I see fit?

Retail therapy to distress (Source: Wikipedia)

Some investors I know see cars, family, babies, wedding, honeymoon, travel as wasteful.

I see them as necessary, as nourishing, as what I need in order to keep me sane. Car is of course a no brainer for me as I am in a sales line. Family, babies, wedding are all part and parcel of growing up and going through life. I don't believe that you should avoid those to save money.

Rather, this is what we should do to live life without regrets. 

YOLO = You only live once. You can't, or rather, I can't keep saving and investing and earning without spending on things that I feel worthy of my money. Travelling is my bucket list, if i have tonnes of gold chest laying in my house while my life flash past me.. What's the point?

Everyone has their own poison. For me, I like to travel, see the world, experience life to the fullest. Even though I may not be a millionaire, I am happy. I would rather be not rich yet happy than rich and unhappy. I will not want to be poor definitely and worry about the most basic meals and survival.

Here's the thing, I save on other aspects.

Remember, every penny counts! (Source: Wikipedia)

We cannot take too many poisons at one go, it will kill us too quickly. I try to save on my lunch, eating around $3 if I could and cooking at home for dinner. Breakfast for me is usually bread or cereal. Online shopping is the best of all, letting me save lots of dollars on cheap yet quality dresses. I have introduced so many colleagues and friends to online shopping that I think I should blog about it soon. I am lucky, I can eat good food on company's expenses. That's the good thing about being a salesperson. But I digress.

I think we should all recognize what's our weakness and save up for it. Then set the weakness as the goal. Like for example, if you have saved $10k, you can go for a trip to Bali, the rest is to invest. 20k is to Taiwan... 30k to Japan and then further and further away. Better still, set it with your partner. Life is boring enough, we need to make things interesting.

Only then, will we find happiness saving for ourselves.

I had a hard time short listing the attractions as it seems like 4 days 3 nights is just not enough. I had to be selective by assuming that travellers like to see the most unique and exotic side of Singapore. For theme parks, please check out the other post for families.

1) Sentosa- SEA Aquarium
Price: $38 for adults, $28 for kids
Opening hours: 10am to 6 or 7pm depending on season

Check out my review here.

2) Marina Bay Sands Skypark
Prices: $23 for adults, $17 for kids
Opening hours: 930am to 10pm, 11pm on Fri, Sat, Sun

Singapore's highest view at 57 floor will not disappoint you, it is even taller and better than the Singapore flyer. Besides the 360 degrees scenery, you can also pass by the rooftop swimming pool which will definitely entice you to stay there next time. To get the bang out of your bucks, be there during sunset to catch the lovely colours.

How to get there
Nearest MRT is Bayfront, opposite the casino and convention centres. Sands skypark entrance is at hotel Tower 3, B1.

3) Helix Bridge
Prices: Free!
Opening hours: Never closed!

How could anyone not come to take a look at the world renowned 280m architecture of the helix bridge?! You could also pop by to take a look at the majestic chandelier in the casino. Otherwise, just walk by straight to the helix bridge for the scenery and a quick photo.
Do catch the free laser show at 8 and 930pm every night. There is another show at 11pm every Fri and Sat. The show can be viewed on the promenade (See map below).

How to get there
Nearest MRT is Bayfront (Orange line, CE1), take exit B, C, D, E

4) National Museum of Singapore
Prices: $6 for adults, $3 for students with valid ID
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm

Singapore's oldest museum dating back to 1840 depicting our past 700 years history from a humble fishing village to the cosmopolitan city it is today. Guided tours are highly recommended. My absolute favourite is their Night Festival with outdoor performances. It is mostly free of charge and oh-so-interactive. Too bad it only happens once a year.

How to get there
Nearest MRT is Bras Basah (Orange line CC2) and Dhoby Ghaut (Red line NS24, Purple line NE6, Orange line CC1). Ask the MRT staff to point you in the right direction for a 5 minutes walk.

5) Singapore Art Museum
Prices: $10 for adults, free from 6 to 9pm on Fri
Opening hours: 10am to 7pm, 9pm on Fri

How to get there
Nearest MRT is Bras Basah (Orange line CC2) and walk like 2 minutes to get to Queen Street.

6) Haji Lane / Bugis Street
Prices: Free!
Opening hours: 11am to 10pm
Haji Lane is well know for cafe hop, shisha smoking and authentic vibes and architecture. It has many indie boutiques and malay textiles shop. You can take a stroll and come here for lunch before heading to Bugis Street for shopping of souvenirs.
How to get there
Nearest MRT is Bugis (Green line EW12). Exit B for Haji Lane, Exit C for Bugis Street.

7) Southern Ridges
Prices: Free
Opening hours: Never closed but go during the day for the scenery

8) Merlion Park 
Prices: Free!
Opening hours: Never closed!

Legend has it that this Merlion, with head of a lion and body of a fish was found roaming in ancient times so they named the city Singa (Lion) Pura (City). Fast forward to today, it is an icon of Singapore and tourist are always seen opening their mouths to pose with the water sprayed out.

How to get there
Nearest MRT is Raffles Place(Green line EW14, Red line NS26). However, I always like to go from Esplanade (Orange line CC3) as you get a nice view of the whole Singapore River and a good stroll to the Merlion.

9) Clarke quay
Prices: Free!
Opening hours: 6pm to 10pm for shops, 2am for pubs 

Definitely more for the night crowd, and to unwind and grab some cold beers, you can also get some dancing and let your hair loose if you want. Most hen's and bachelor's parties like to be held here and if you come during halloween, most of the costumes will be paraded here too.

How to get there
Nearest MRT is Clarke Quay (Purple line NE5), walk out of the shopping mall towards Burger King direction. Walk towards a huge bridge which is outside Ellenborough cafe and cross it. Walk straight down and you are in the heart of this place.

10) Pulau Ubin
Prices: $2.50 for the ferries, at least $10 depending on the quality of bicycle 
Opening hours: 530am to 9pm for the ferries

For me, I like less touristy place and some place more authentic and off the beaten track. It will be a long ride from most hotels to Pulau Ubin so it better be worth it. The main highlight is to cycle along the trails and reach Chek Java swamps. Don't be afraid of getting lost, there are many other cyclists around and the trails are quite clear cut. However, some of the cycling trails are quite steep so please take care of yourself. Take a rest and grab some ice cold coconut drinks ($5) if you pass by, I normally have 2 at a go as it's just so thirst quenching! Must also try a seafood dinner near the bicycle rental shops once you alight the jetty, it's cheap, good and fresh!

How to get there
Nearest MRT is Tanah Merah (East of Green line EW4). Take bus 2 to the last bus stop that stop at Changi Village Bus Interchange. Walk to Changi Point ferry terminal, the ferry will depart once there is enough people of around 12 per ferry.

Bonus: Botanic Gardens
Prices: Free! 
Opening hours: 5am to 12mn
National Orchid Garden: $5 and open from 830am to 7pm

Botanic gardens is really well developed over the years. It used to be a boring park with nothing much and now, its a huge park where you do not know where to start. For the price and enormous variety, it should be more worthwhile than Gardens by the Bay.

You can also find some celebrity named orchids (Source: Wikipedia)

Tripadvisor has the National Orchid Garden located within Botanic Gardens in the Central Core as the top attraction in Singapore. It is surely very pretty and distintive and a tranquil place, so you can understand why orchids are our country flower, specifically the Vander Miss Joaquim (weird name right). They also name orchids after celebrities and royal families.

How to get there
Nearest MRT is Botanic Gardens (Orange line CC19)

Basic 4D3N itinerary (For 3D2N, just remove Day 4)
Day 1: Head to Sentosa first to catch the SEA Aquarium and have a quick stroll on the Siloso beach. Then head to Marina bay to go up to Sands SkyPark. Walk around Helix Bridge and finish off with the laser show.
Day 2: National Museum first and then Singapore Art Museum. After which, head to Merlion Park and walk from Esplanade to Fullerton Hotel. Then go Clarke Quay to grab a drink.
Day 3: Explore Southern Ridges first, go Vivocity for lunch. Then head to Bugis Street before having your dinner at Haji Lane.
Day 4: Pulau Ubin. You can go Orchard Road (See other post) to shop before you leave.
Extra: Botanic Garden

Prices for 2 adults
SEA Aquarium + Sands SkyPark: 38 + 38 + 23 + 23 = $122
National Museum + Singapore Art Museum: 6 + 6 + 10 + 10 = $ 32
Pulau Ubin: 2.5 + 2.5 + 10 + 10 = $25
Total: $179

Extra: Botanic Gardens Orchid Park = 5 + 5 = $10

For cost conscious travellers, skip Sentosa and head to Marina barrage (See other post). Visit Singapore Art Museum on Friday from 6 to 9pm for free entry.

I was inspired by the many travel blogs in Turkey that were so detailed and helpful. I think I have to give back to other backpackers coming to Singapore, since we are the number 1 in Lonelyplanet for 2015. Creating a 4D3N itinerary is not easy when there are so many attractions in Singapore to cover.. however, I resolved to help with the directions, price and only family bonding activities. Here you go!

For families:
1) Singapore Zoo
Price: $28 for adults, $18 for kids, buy online for discounts. I would advise to buy the Park hopper tickets for the bundle price.

The orang-utans are such friendly creatures! (Source: Wikipedia)

Resting like a boss because I am the highlight!

How to get to the Singapore Zoo or River Safari
I would not recommend driving in Singapore as it is just now worth it. Taking a taxi from Orchard Road to the zoo takes around 30 minutes depending on traffic. All the drivers should know where it is and it should cost around $20 - 35.

You can also take the public transport. Take MRT to these stations followed by bus. I would not recommend as it might take at least 1 hour from town to travel there.
Nearest MRT stations                                                            Connecting buses
Choa Chu Kang (Red line NS4) ~40 mins from Orchard                 927
Ang Mo Kio (Red line NS16) ~15 mins from Orchard                    138

For weekends and public holidays, the Safari Gate transport is the route that I would take. You just have to pay $7 per trip per person to get to the Zoo from Suntec City (Esplanade or Promenade Station. Some hotels offer free shuttle service to Suntec City too.
     
3) Night Safari (Same place as the Zoo)
Price: $39 for adults, $25 for kids
Opening hours: 730pm to 12mn

Taking the nice tram to see all the nocturnal animals!

This is to take a look at the nocturnal animals and enjoy the serenity of the night life. The animals are pretty elusive so you may feel a bit cheated but the experience is unlike the day where you see different animals. Your kids will definitely like it as they do not have much chances to roam around at night and the lower temperature at night is so much more enjoyable. They used to have Halloween there but they have cancelled it due to complaints that it was not family-centric. Read my review here.

4) Singapore Jurong Bird Park
Price: $25 for adults, $16 for kids

Colorful parrots! (Source: Wikipedia)

5) Orchard Road shopping
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm

The glamourous building in Orchard (Source: Wikipedia)

This is the most popular stretch of road in Singapore as you can literally shop till you drop. During certain seasons, you can hear the birds chirping on the trees like an incessant noise and till now they have not found a way to stop this. You can start your shopping spree in Dhoby Ghaut (Red line NS24, Purple line NE6, Orange line CC1) and walk all the way to Orchard station (Red line NS22) or vice versa. Ion (Exit from Orchard station) and 313 Somerset (Exit from Somerset station, Red line NS23) are my favourite malls if you want to cut down on the walking. I think walking the whole stretch is quite interesting as you should be able to see some singing or other performances on the stretch during weekends.

The new Orchard Gateway Shopping mall is in between 313 Somerset and Orchard Central. You can pop by to take a look at the swanky new Library@Orchard, or rest your legs there.

6) SEA Aquarium
Price: $38 for adults, $28 for kids
Opening hours: 10am to 6 or 7pm depending on season

The open ocean experience (Source: Wikipedia)

Check out my review here at this post.

How to get there
Nearest MRT is Harbourfront (Purple line NE1, Orange line CC29). Take Exit E to Vivocity. Head up to the top floor at level 3 to catch the Sentosa Express at $3 (One way, return is free), waterfront station. Walk straight past the fountain and universal studios globe for 5 minutes and you should see the entrance.

Alternatively, I would highly recommend that you walk there. The walkway is outside Tunglok and Serenity restaurant. It's a 15 minutes walk and you get to enjoy the sea view with all the cruise ships. Entrance fee is $1 and you can take the Sentosa Express back since return trip is free of charge.

7) Skyline Luge
Price: $15 for adults, $3 for kids (under 6 years old)
Opening hours: 10am to 930pm 

Playing with the luge (Source: Wikipedia)

It's a fun activity to do with your whole family. They have some nice scenery while you race with each other. Everyone gets their adrenaline pumping and definitely, once is not enough! Don't say I didn't warn you when you buy your combo tickets. Anyway, nearby is the gigantic merlion which is Singapore's icon so be sure to pose with it.

How to get there
Take the Sentosa Express to Imbiah Station

8) Universal Studios
Price: 1 day - $74 for adults, $54 for kids, 2 consecutive days- $118 for adults, $88 for kids
Opening hours: 10am to 6 or 7pm 

Battlestar Galactica is the main highlight! (Source: Wikipedia)

I think this theme park is the main attraction nowadays, I don't even have to tell tourists about it. What you may not know is that Battlestar Galactica, the most heart-dropping ride is closed this year and may reopen this year. Nobody knows when though. If you only have a day and those snaking long queues are getting on your nerves because you can't try them on, consider the Universal Express Unlimited ticket at $50 to cut down on your wait time.

You can also catch the 930pm free show on water fountains and fire near the Starbucks at the Lake of Dreams. Don't worry about it even if you missed it as it is only 10 minutes and mostly just playing with sound effects.

How to get there
Take the Sentosa Express to Waterfront station. It's just beside the SEA aquarium.

9) Marina Bay Sands Skypark and Helix Bridge

Check out this blog post for more info.

10) Gardens By The Bay
Price: $28 for adults, $15 for kids, OCBC Skyway: $5 for adults, $3 for kids
Opening hours: 9am to 9pm 

Supertrees in Gardens by the Bay

The OCBC skyway is really just for fun, there is not much view. Personally, I expected something more from the waterfall in the conservatory. The highlight of this should be the supertrees at night when they have the light and sound shows at 745pm and 845pm. You can view the show near the OCBC skyway. But all in all, it was a good experience to get away from the urban jungle.

How to get there
Nearest MRT is Bayfront (Orange line, CE1), walk back to the same exit B and follow the linkway then cross the dragonfly or meadow bridge to reach it. It will take around 10 mins walk.

Bonus: Marina Barrage
Cost: Free! 

How to get there
Walk around 15 mins from Bay South Gardens by the Bay along the sea to Marina Barrage.

Basic 4D3N itinerary (For 3D2N, just remove Day 4)
Day 1: Zoo followed by Night Safari
Day 2: Jurong Bird Park followed by Orchard Road shopping
Day 3: Sentosa - SEA Aquarium and Universal Studios (Recommended to go during weekdays)
Day 4: Universal Studios followed by luge (Since it's opened till late)
Extra: Marina Bay Sands followed by Gardens by the Bay

Prices for a family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 kids above 6 years old) 
Zoo + Night Safari + Bird Park: 3 in 1 park hopper = 88 + 88 + 56 + 56 = $288
SEA Aquarium + Universal Studios: 2 day pass including the express ticket = 163 + 163 + 120+ 120 + 50 * 4= $766
Luge: 8 ride family pass = 59 * 4 = $236
Total: $1290

Extra: Gardens by the Bay = 33 + 33 + 18 +18 = $102
Extra: Marina Bay Sands = 23 + 23 + 15 + 15 = $76
Travelling is never cheap huh.. Check out the backpackers post for a more budget holiday.