Hey guys. In this post, I wanted to share my budget travel experience. I hope this will help you a bit for you guys who are tight in wallet. So I went to Singapore last year with my friends. It was an advance farewell trip as all of us was soon to be graduated and we don't know when we will see each other again.
Why Singapore?
Well, it was the closest destination from Malaysia where we went for university.
A lot of transport options including flight or by four-wheeled vehicle such as car and bus.
It was a small country but great place to explore and have fun in our ways.
And we wanted to go to Universal Studios as our main destination.
Book The Cheapest Flight
My friends and I didn't go to Singapore at the same time. We actually planned to meet there. My boyfriend and I found cheap flight with AirAsia and booked two months before departure to Johor Bahru which only cost both of us RM120 (includes return flight, airport tax, processing fee, no baggage). Johor Bahru is the closest Malaysia city to Singapore and we could take a bus to cross the border. Here, we planned to spend two nights in JB to explore the place before we moved on to Singapore.
 |
| Waiting for our flight - cool candid pose of him |
 |
| Ready for the trip |
 |
| We met a friend in KLIA2 and had breakfast together |
Affordable Accommodations
I went to booking.com and chose Hallmark Regency Hotel. One person paid RM178 for two nights. It was still an okay price since we split the cost. We took RM45 taxi from the airport to the hotel. We didn't know whether it was the standard price but I felt it was so expensive and we couldn't find any shuttle bus either so yeah.
 |
| Inside hotel lift also selfie haha |
A quick review about the hotel:
It was a decent and beautiful hotel. The staffs were so friendly too. One of the staff at restaurant even shared many nice places in JB. He recommended Legoland but because our tight schedule we couldn't make it so maybe next time ya uncle :)
JB Trip: Day One
When we arrived, it was still morning to afternoon vibes so we looked for the nearest mall. We were on budget too so we decided to walk on foot to KSL Mall. Believe me it was not near at all. Since it was afternoon, you know the drill, it was HOT and we didn't bring umbrella, I was so tired and toasted. A little reminder to myself: ALWAYS BRING UMBRELLA WHEN TRAVEL. We never know when the sky turned from us which is always :")
When we finally reached the mall. like finally. We were exhausted and there was no relax spot other than cinema. We quick picked a movie and while waiting, we went for lunch.
Movie: RM9.50
Lunch (Tomyam spaghetti+water): RM7
 |
| This is SO GOOD! |
At the ground floor, we found delicious mango sticky rice which only cost RM7.
Spending at Watson and Tesco (i think i bought toiletries things like that): RM17
For dinner, we came across a foodcourt on the way back to hotel. It cost RM12.50 per person.
JB Trip: Day Two
We had our breakfast at hotel (since already included). We then went back to KSL Mall again because my bf wanted to repair his iphone screen which he found cheaper than KL price. We also found their phone case very cheap so we bought a pair of soft case as our couple case which cost RM9/case. I replaced my tempered glass too and only cost RM10.
For lunch, we had laksa which cost only RM5/bowl. Very recommended! It was so tasty. For people who likes hot and sour taste, do try this. It is located at the ground floor where TESCO is.
We were gonna visit one of the cafe in town. I did some research and decided to go to one of the must visit cafe called Headmost cafe. It was located at SunCity (Plaza Matahari) in Taman Pelangi. We ordered a waffle and a coffee, a perfect combination for an afternoon break. They cost RM27. There are many pretty desserts that I would love to try. I would definitely come back to this place if I go to JB again.
While walking to the cafe, we came across Plaza Pelangi which located near our hotel. We took a rest in Coffee Bean. I bought some Japanese snacks too since they were on sale. It cost RM29.
 |
| We were so tired :( due to on budget, all destination we went on foot *pat pat* |
We took RM7 taxi to our next destination, Meldrum Walk. It is a must-go place in JB as it is a walkway full with street food. You will be spoilt with various food choices from Malay to Chinese food. One particular stall that had the most people ordered was Fried Oyster stall. In Chinese, we called it Oh Chien 蚵煎. I tapao one which cost me RM9. It was the most delicious fried oyster I ever eat! Their oyster came in big juicy meat, not like the usual fried oyster I ate in Malacca.
 |
| In love with the fried oyster!! |
We went to City Square Mall near the Meldrum Walk too. I bought some clothes and gift.
Finally we returned to hotel with RM7 taxi.
So I spent around RM350 in JB (excluded flight ticket price). If shopping is not in your list and you got even cheaper accommodation, you could spend less than me.
