t r i p
j o u r n a l
153
{ }
DIALING CODE
+886 (2)
CURRENCY
TW$1 = PHP1.39/US$0.03
TOUCHDOWN
Taxis to the city will cost
you TW$1,100 (PHP1,533). Private bus
companies run trips from both terminals;
you’ll pay a more manageable TW$110–
140 (
PHP153–195). To get around, take
the MRT.
SEE &DO
Visit Tamsui, a suburban
township that tells Taipei’s history, via the
Red Line MRT. Stroll down the promenade
to see street performers and vendors. Go
to Fort Santo Domingo, then take the Blue
Highway ferry to Fisherman’s Wharf. Taste
local delicacies at Shilin Night Market,
such as
uya-jian
(
oyster omelette).
SLEEP
Just Sleep in Ximen is good for
mid-range budgets (
tw
),
while Taipei International Youth Hostel
is
for backpackers.
EAT
Head to Yung Ho Breakfast to start
your day. For dinner, have Din Tai Fung's
famous
xiao long bao
.
SHOP
Taiwan T-shirts or phone straps
from Shilin Night Market.
MUST-TRY
Go to the top of Taipei 101
and enjoy the spectacular view while
listening to the audio guide.
DIALING CODE
+66 (2)
CURRENCY
THB1 = PHP1.33/US$0.03
TOUCHDOWN
There is a free airport
shuttle to the Public Transportation
Center in town. A taxi costs THB200
(
PHP266). In the city, use the BTS
Skytrain and avoid the jams.
Tuk-tuks
are
available but only for short distances.
SEE&DO
Shop this way: start from MBK
Center, continue to Siam Paragon and
Central World, then finish off at Platinum
Fashion Mall. Head to skytop bar Vertigo
afterwards for an afternoon cocktail
and 360˚ views of Bangkok. Give your
feet a break by enjoying an hour of foot
reflexology or fish spa therapy.
SLEEP
A short walk from Saphan Khwai
station is Mystic Place Boutique Hotel,
where no two rooms are alike.
mysticbangkokhotel.com
EAT
Freshly cooked basil-based rice
toppings with hot Thai milk tea from local
hawkers.
SHOP
There’s always something for
everyone at Chatuchak Weekend Market!
MUST-TRY
Street food such as
phad
thai
served on banana leaf, some spicy
skewers and chrysanthemum coolers.
Jerry Tai
designer/teacher/
playwright
Rhodeza
Ramos
marketingofficer
THAILAND
BANGKOK
TAIWAN
TAIPEI
DIALING CODE
+65
CURRENCY
S$1 = PHP33.51/US$0.81
TOUCHDOWN
From the airport, take a
taxi downtown for about S$15 (PHP503),
depending on the time of day. Peak hours
carry a S$3 (PHP101) surcharge. Or take
the MRT and you’ll be there in about 25
minutes for S$2 (PHP67).
SEE &DO
The new Gardens by the
Bay at Marina Bay Sands offer at least
a half-day of entertainment. From
November 17, catch
The Art of the Brick
at the ArtScience Museum. It features 52
LEGO® sculptures. For dinner, try Pollen
at the Flower Dome of Gardens by the
Bay. Then, stroll around Robertson Walk.
SLEEP
Hotel Ibis Singapore on
Bencoolen Road is close to Little India,
Bugis and the CBD.
Singapore
EAT
Breakfast at Jones the Grocer in
Dempsey, and Cantonese food for dinner
at Imperial Treasure.
SHOP
Take home the
bak kwa
(
barbecued
pork) from Lim Chee Guan.
INSIDER TIP
Enjoy free admission to the
Singapore Art Museum for contemporary
art on Fridays, after 6pm.
Sophia
Chua
mumpreneur
SINGAPORE
SINGAPORE
You can enjoy free admission to all of Singapore's National Heritage
Board museums on November 13.
DIDYOU
KNOW?
LESTER LEDESMA
