How to Get from Changi Airport to the City Centre and to the Malaysian Border

A trip to Singapore is one of the best vacations you can ever take because there are plenty of things to see and do in this relatively small country. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping activities, luxuriant green spaces to relax and meditate in, or classic and modern architectural gems, you’re guaranteed to have your fill in the Lion City. Another great thing about taking a Singapore holiday is the option to make a side trip to Malaysia and enjoy its many popular attractions.LEGOLAND

If you’re planning a visit to the Lion City and are contemplating an excursion to Malaysia on the side, it pays to know the best ways to get from Changi Airport to the city centre and the Malaysian border. This short guide will fill you in on the various transportation modes and will provide helpful travel information to direct you towards the ideal options suited to your situation.

Different Ways to Get to the City from the Singapore Changi Airport

Unless you have family or friends living in Singapore who will be kind enough to pick you up upon your arrival at the airport, you will need to rely on public transportation to reach the city centre. While that might be a cause for concern if you’re visiting other countries in the region, you’ll find that taking any one of the various transit options is likely the best way to get around in Singapore, thanks to the Lion City’s efficient, clean, and affordable public transport system.

Once you’ve landed in Changi Airport and have finished exploring the complex—including the Jewel, the renowned Changi Airport shopping mall and lifestyle hub—you have several options to get to the city from the airport. Aside from renting a car, which can be pricey, there are more affordable ways to reach most hotels in the downtown area:

City Shuttle

Changi Airport has a City Shuttle that brings passengers from the airport to selected downtown areas. You can book a ride in advance online or approach, upon your arrival, any one of the friendly customer service officers at the Ground Transport Concierges (GTC) located at each terminal to make a reservation.

The City Shuttle departs every hour from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. A shuttle ticket costs SGD 10 per adult or SGD 7 per child below 12 years of age, whether you book electronically or at the airport. This mode of transport is budget-friendly and practically hassle-free, and it will bring you to your destination in about 30 to 50 minutes.

Public Bus

If you’re looking for the cheapest transport option, your best bet is to take the public buses stationed in the basement level of Terminals 1, 2, and 3. With less than SGD 3, you can ride comfortably from Changi Airport to the city centre. You just need to find out which bus numbers stop near your hotel by visiting the Transit Link website. The only downside of taking public buses is the extended travel time (around 1.5 hours), as they usually make several stops along the way.

Train

You can also take the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) to get to the city centre. Just head to the basement of Terminal 2 to find the Changi Airport MRT Station (CG2) going to Tanah Merah MRT Station (EW4). From EW4, you need to transfer to the East-West Line to Tuas Link MRT Station (EW33) to get to your destination.

Another option is to take the train from CG2 to Expo MRT Station (CG1/DT35), then transfer to the Downtown Line going to Bukit Panjang MRT Station (BP6/DT1). While taking the train is fast and inexpensive (less than SGD 3), changing MRT lines can be potentially challenging for first-timers or those who didn’t do their research. As such, make sure to do your homework if you want to use the MRT.

Taxi

For maximum convenience and extra-comfortable travel, you can take a cab at any one of the taxi stands located in the arrival areas of Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4 to get to the city centre. The drive takes around half an hour and will cost you between SGD 20 and SGD 40.

Travelling from Singapore to Malaysia

If you’re planning to take a side trip to Malaysia from Singapore Changi Airport, consider booking a coach service online via Transtar Cross Border Services by Transtar Travel, which is the service recommended by the Changi Airport website. One-way fare from Changi Airport to Johor Bahru CIQ is SGD 11 per adult or SGD 5.50 per child. From there, you can take a bus or taxi, or book a ride via e-hailing apps like MyCar, EZCab, or Grab to get to other areas within the Johor Bahru District.

Hiring a private taxi or car service is another convenient and hassle-free option, but it can be a bit pricey.

The journey to the border takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions. Take note that crossing the Johor-Singapore Causeway can take additional time and is not yet accounted for in this estimate. The taxi fare, on the other hand, can range from SGD 40 to SGD 80, depending on the type of service, the time of day, and the road tolls required.

Alternatively, you can also take the MRT from Changi Airport to Woodlands Station and transfer to the Shuttle Tebrau line to Johor Bahru. The journey takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on waiting time and the border crossing process.

Hopefully, the abovementioned information can help you better plan for your upcoming trip. Weigh your options and make sure to consider your budget, time, and convenience as you decide on the best mode of transport that will get you from Changi Airport to the city centre and to the Malaysian border.

Top 7 Things to Do in Treasure Island Las Vegas

Treasure Island is a pirate-themed hotel that first opened in 1993. Thirty years later, it is one of the most visited hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. The hotel blends the pirate theme with world-class amenities and luxuries to give guests the best of both worlds. But the true highlights of the Treasure Island Hotel are the shows and activities available to guests.

Are you curious to learn more about these shows and activities at the hotel? Below are the top seven things to do at the Treasure Island Hotel in Las Vegas.

1) Cirque du Soleil’s “Mystere”

You may recognize the Cirque du Soleil brand name because it is one of the most popular production companies in Las Vegas. They produce the most popular shows in the city, including Mystere at the Mystere Theatre of the Treasure Island Hotel in Las Vegas.

Mystere is a show rich in positivity, energy, and imagination. It is a 90-minute production featuring skilled performers demonstrating athleticism, acrobatics, stunts, creative costume designs, and other artistic performances. Everything from the unique characters to the giant babies will have your eyes glued to the performers for the entire show.

Are you interested in learning more about Mystere and other fabulous Cirque shows in Las Vegas? From this URL, you can find plenty of details about these shows and any exclusive discounts that may be available.

2) Senor Frog’s Restaurant

Senor Frog’s Restaurant serves authentic American and Mexican-style cuisine at the Treasure Island Hotel. The range of food choices includes a fajitas platter, fiesta taco salads, steak tacos, burritos, carnitas bowls, and a giant hamburger. Hopefully, you have a big appetite because you’ll want to eat everything on the menu.

People of all ages love Senor Frog’s Restaurant because it is friendly, affordable, and has a wide range of tasty foods. You can even reserve a private or semi-private event to celebrate special occasions like birthday parties, bachelor parties, social gatherings, etc.

3) Marvel Avengers STATION

Kids and adults love Marvel superheroes like Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and The Incredible Hulk. That is why Marvel Avengers STATION is one of the most popular attractions at the Treasure Island Hotel. It is an educational and interactive museum for guests who want to immerse themselves in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Marvel Avengers STATION exhibits include the uniforms and weapons of Black Widow, Captain America, Iron Man, and other adored Marvel superheroes. You’ll even receive a thorough education on the technological capabilities of certain Marvel members, including the functionality of Iron Man’s suit.

The Marvel Avengers STATION is the ideal entertainment of Las Vegas because it offers visual appeal, entertainment, educational content, and interactive experiences. The best part is that it is available to guests of all ages.

4) Gilley’s Saloon

Gilley’s Saloon is a western-themed restaurant at the Treasure Island Hotel. The barstools look like horse saddles, and the wooden dining tables and stools will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time to the Old West. The only difference is that the saloon has many neon lights and other modern conveniences.

However, the main highlight is the mechanical bull-riding attraction at Gilley’s Saloon. Do you think you can ride a mechanical bull for eight seconds? That is how long guests are challenged to stay on the bull without falling off.

You can see a band play free live music for customers at night on Fridays and Saturdays. In addition, there is a dance floor where you can dance with your partner or spouse while the music plays.

5) The Oleksandra Spa & Salon

The Treasure Island Hotel offers a great way for guests to relax and improve their personal well-being. The Oleksandra Spa & Salon provides world-class services for guests who want the ultimate relaxation experience. These services include Swedish massages, therapeutic massages, couple’s massages, fitness & spa facility, hydra facial treatments, Babor face treatments, skin detoxification treatment, body waxing, mud wraps, and hair styling.

You could spend the whole day at the Oleksandra Spa & Salon and never get bored. Plus, it is more fun to enjoy the experience with a partner or friend because you can both receive massages and treatments together. It creates an ideal bonding time for the two of you.

6) Pool & Cabanas

The Treasure Island Hotel has a massive island-themed heated swimming pool with tall tropical palm trees and lounge chairs surrounding it. Other poolside amenities include plush round ottomans, a 25-person hot tub, luxury lounge chair rentals, and day bed rentals.

The cabana rentals are suitable for groups of up to eight people. Each pool cabana includes flat-screen cable television, private safe, deluxe lounge chairs, ceiling fans, food & beverage service, and a refrigerator filled with water, Gatorade, juice, and tea.

7) Grand Canal Shoppes

Although the Grand Canal Shoppes is technically part of the Venetian Resort, a pedestrian bridge connects Treasure Island to this massive shopping center. A simple walk over the bridge will bring you to the ultimate shopping center with over 200 specialty shops and various luxury department stores.

The upscale brand names of the stores and restaurants are recognizable, such as Stuart Weitzman, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Sugarboo & Co, Sushi Samba, Tony Burch, and Chipotle Mexican Grill. There are plenty of other notable brand names, but this should give you some idea of the high-end items and services you will find at the shops.

Things to do in Treasure Island – Final Thoughts

You do not have to stay in a room at the Treasure Island Hotel to enjoy the shows and activities offered. But you may find lodging at the Treasure Island Hotel more convenient for experiencing all the attractions because you won’t need to walk or take public transportation to get to them. Either way, you will enjoy exploring the hotel’s various shops, restaurants, cabanas, spas, and shows.

12 Hiking Movies and Documentaries to Inspire Your Adventures

If you’re looking for ideas for your next trek, want to reminisce about a former adventure, or just love the great outdoors, any one of these great hiking movies should be just the ticket. Even if you just want to live vicariously through the main characters, a hiking movie is a great choice– the stories take place in gorgeous locations and usually center around overcoming hardships– a recipe for a great movie night.

So without further ado, here’s a list of the best hiking movies and documentaries for a thrilling experience without leaving your couch. 

1. Mile… Mile and a Half

Set on the John Muir Trail

Mile, Mile & a Half, one of the best hiking movies set on the John Muir Trail
This adventure documentary depicts a month-long hike on California’s John Muir Trail. The hikers themselves also happen to be professional photographers, so the epic film is also full of California landscape eye-candy.

This beautiful hiking movie is a must-watch for anyone who has dreamed of taking a few weeks to go backpacking in nature.

Watch for free on Amazon

2. Tracks

Set in Australia

Tracks, one of the best backpacking movies

This Australian film is inspired by a true adventure: In the late 1970s, a young woman walked across Australia without much more than our dog and four camels. It took eight months and 2,700 kilometers across Australia’s harsh outback to complete the journey.

The leading character is cut from a different cloth compared to the heroines of a lot of the other solo female travel movies, and the stunning film adaptation allows you to follow her on a journey that very few people will ever take. 

Watch for free on Amazon

3. Edie

Set in the UK

Edie, one of the best hiking movies

This heartwarming hiking movie tells the story of a woman in the sunset years of her life who fulfills a lifelong dream. Instead of going into the retirement home her family plans for her, she decides to go hiking in the Scottish highlands. Even with 80+ years, Edie proves that anything is possible.

Watch with Amazon Prime

4. The Way

Set on the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain

The Way, a classic backpacking movie set on the Camino del Santiago

The Way is the story of a father who walks the Camino de Santiago in honor of his son. Anyone thinking of walking the famous pilgrimage route should catch this hiking movie about backpacking from France to the western coast of Spain.

The film will give you a glimpse into the Spanish countryside and the different types of travelers that you are likely to meet on the trail. 

Watch it on Amazon

5. It is the People

Set on the Pacific Crest Trail

It is the People Backpacking Documentary about the Pacific Crest Trail

This is one of the best hiking movies about the Pacific Crest Trail– it’s beautifully shot and masterfully edited. Anyone who dreams of the PCT will love this short adventure documentary about backpacking that depicts the raw experiences and cast of characters you’re likely to meet along this famous west coast trail. The real stories and personalities of the outdoors adventurers will inspire you to plan your own trip as soon as you can.

Watch for free on Youtube

6. Into the Wild

Set in Alaska

Into the Wild, one of the best travel movies about wilderness adventures

This moving film is a visual treat and a beautiful tribute to a man who felt compelled to go off the beaten path and immerse himself in nature. Though the ending is tragic, anyone who hears the call of the wild can relate to the spirit of the main character and his search to discover the natural beauty of this earth.

In addition to being a gorgeous film, it also features one of the best travel-themed soundtracks of all time. It’s a classic backpacking movie that is a must-watch for any true explorer and is available on Amazon.

Watch it with Paramount+ on Amazon

7. Wildlike

Set in Alaska

This indie adventure film set in the Alaskan wilderness has won multiple awards at film festivals. The wild Alaskan frontier serves as the background, and reflects the personal hardships that the main characters are trying to overcome.

It’s the perfect film for anyone who likes the great outdoors but also wants the watch a character-driven survival story.

Watch with Amazon Prime

8. Wild

Set on the Pacific Crest Trail

Solo female backpackers everywhere have been inspired by this hiking movie. Here is the true story of Sheryl Strayed, who embarked on the Pacific Crest Trail after a deep heartbreak. Besides the beautiful images of the Western U.S. landscapes, we love the adventure film for its depictions of everyday struggles that every long-haul backpacker has experienced.

Rent it on Amazon

9. Jungle

Set in the Amazon Rainforest

Jungle - A survivalist movie set in the Amazon Jungle

Based on a true story, Daniel Ratcliffe plays the main character who has to survive in the Amazon Rainforest after getting lost during a backpacking adventure with his friends.

Hopefully, none of us will have to experience the near-death experiences depicted in this survivalist film, but from the safety of your own couch, you can watch how this ultimate backpacking adventure goes down. This is one of the best hiking movies for anyone who wants to see the resilience of the human spirit go head to head with the raw power of nature.

Watch with Amazon Prime

10. Do More With Less

Set on the Pacific Crest Trail

This hiking documentary shows short interviews with over 100 hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. Some of them have been returning to the trail year after year, some are doing the trail for the first time in their life.

The hiking movie captures the sense of community on the Pacific Crest Trail and the inner passion for the great outdoors. Plus, the genuine and inspiring people depicted will give you hope in humanity. Once you see the film, you’ll probably start planning your PCT trip.

Watch for free on Vimeo

11. Touching the Void

Set in the Peruvian Andes

Touching the void - one of the best hiking movies set in the Peruvian Andes

Touching the Void is another epic backpacking and adventure film that is based on a true survival story. Touching the Void recreates a harrowing trek in the Peruvian Andes, where two friends have to figure out how to overcome the impossible.

Watch free on Pluto TV

12. A Walk in the Woods

Set on the Appalachian Trail

A Walk in the Woods - a classic hiking movie set on the Appalachian Trail

There are a few hiking movies about the Appalachian Trail, but this classic is one of our favorites. The charming story features a stellar cast that includes Nick Nolte, Robert Redford, and Emma Thompson. What more could you want out of a hiking movie?

Watch free on Pluto TV

Cultural Vacation: Tips for Attending the Opera in Italy

Getting out of the country can allow you to experience more of what the world has to offer, giving you an authentic look into how different people live, as well as the history they come from. Should you decide to go to Italy, you might already have a list of things you might like to see.

One aspect you might want to consider may be to visit the opera at least once. Whether you are already a lover of classical music, or simply like to try new things, this can allow you to experience some brilliant, strong voices and hear a story at the same time.

Be prepared

While some opera performances may be ongoing, others might only be available for a short amount of time. Due to this, it might be a little harder to get tickets the closer it gets to those performance dates. This may mean that, by waiting until you arrive, you either cannot buy tickets or have to sit apart from your companions.

If you wish to see Opera in Verona, you may instead benefit from booking this before you go. As a general rule, you may have more seating options available to you the earlier you book. This can also allow you to better plan out the rest of your stay.

Putting safety first

Travelling abroad can come with a number of dangers. Therefore, you might want to prioritize your safety above all else. Should you be travelling alone, or even have your concerns while travelling with others, you may want to adapt your plans to make you feel more secure.

For some people, this might mean ensuring you are back at your accommodation by nightfall, especially if you aren’t confident in manoeuvring around a foreign place. While a number of opera performances occur in the evening, you may also be able to find some that are scheduled for the afternoon. Known as matinee performances, these can allow you to still experience the wonders of opera and still be able to leave long before it gets dark.

Consider your dress

Although dress codes for the opera may not be as formal as they were a few centuries ago, this can still be a good opportunity for you to dress up, look nice, and enjoy an afternoon or evening dedicated to culture. While you may not need to spend a lot of money on designer gowns or suits, looking smart can be important.

That being said, should you wish to dress more casually, you may be able to do so. However, you might find that some items, such as mini skirts or tank tops, look out of place within this venue. Some people might find that dressing to look elegant can add to their experience of viewing an operatic performance, especially if they haven’t been before.

When spending time in Italy, it can be a good idea to venture out of your comfort zone and take in experiences that you may not have had the chance to do when at home.

Happy holidays: keeping busy on your vacation

Although some people may use a vacation as an opportunity to relax and unwind, others may not like the idea of sitting around all day. If you would much rather be out and about, you might want to think of the different ways you can keep yourself busy. This can allow you to gain as many new experiences as possible, really making your trip worthwhile. Depending on where you visit, there may be a lot on offer for you to choose from.

Go and see shows

Concerts and live performances are a great way to keep busy while traveling

Concerts and live performances are a great way to keep busy while traveling

While you may have theatres near where you live, these may not compare to those found somewhere like New York City. Therefore, looking into Madison Square Garden events could enable you to see some big names in a gorgeous city location. Some of these may take place during the day, allowing you to break up your sightseeing with a scheduled activity, while others could give you something fun to do during the later hours. When doing so, booking ahead of time could allow you to get better seats, as well as to avoid disappointment should that particular show sell out in between now and your visit.

Explore the area on foot

Explore the area by foot when traveling

Explore the area by foot when traveling

Those who love to exercise might be eagerly looking forward to a vacation where you can get your steps in. Some destinations may be better for this than others. Therefore, before you book, you might want to look into where some of the best hiking trails are across the world. This can help you to narrow your search down. Alternatively, you could even opt to take walking tours around cities and villages that will still keep you active. Should this not be an option, you may then want to consider booking a hotel with a gym or pool, or even utilizing the streets or beaches to allow you to maintain and improve your physical fitness, even while on vacation.

Prioritize rest

Even if you are someone who likes to be on the go all day, you shouldn’t ignore the opportunity to rest. While you may not want to spend your entire break doing so, having some relaxed periods can be healthy for your body and mind. This may mean that you devote an hour or two each day to relaxing by the pool or booking into a spa. Alternatively, it might also involve monitoring your sleep and ensuring you still get your recommended number of hours. This can allow you to feel more energetic when you are doing things, and even prevent you from feeling burned out upon your return home.

Taking a vacation away from home may be something that is on your list of things to do this year. While you may want to gain as many new experiences as possible, it can be important to balance this with healthy eating and adequate sleep. This way, you may be able to feel your best and engage more with the things that you see and do.