Asian Trilogy Mountains All Visited Pinoy Solo Fun Hiker

“Hiking is a bit like life: The journey only requires you to put one foot in front of the other… again and again and again. And if you allow yourself the opportunity to be present throughout the entirety of the trek, you will witness beauty every step of the way, not just at the summit”

This is just a fun-challenge for me that brings to the summit of three of the most iconic peaks in the far east. Asian Trilogy Mountains is composed of the highest mountain peaks of Japan (Mt. Fuji 3,776masl), Taiwan (Mt. Jade 3,952masl) and Malaysia (Mt. Kinabalu 4,095masl). While not to be underestimated, this is a challenge suitable for all hikers with a good level of fitness. An incredible accomplishment for any hiker to reach the peak of all three.

The reason why I hiked Mt. Kinabalu (2013) is because I want to go higher on my amateur mountaineering achievement. That time, the highest mountain I summited was  Mt. Pulag, 3rd highest in Philippines at 2,922masl for two times (2010 and 2011). Then, at a sudden plan due to appropriate month to hike, I planned to summit Mt. Fuji (2014) which was my first time to hike alone in my entire life and my first time also on night hike. Then almost 10 years after, rejuvinated my passion to accomplish Mt. Jade to complete the AsianTrilogy Mountain.

MT. KINABALU (4,095masl) is the highest mountain in Malaysia. Mt. Kinabalu hiking is expensive because it can only be trekked with a recognized local travel agency supported by a mandatory guide and optional porter. The summit push is mildly difficult because of the rope-support ascent early morning and has to descend at around 0600H because of fixed itinerary.

MT. FUJI (3,776masl) is the highest mountain in Japan. Trekking Mt. Fuji is not that expensive because it can be done independently (no guide and porter support) and no registration or park fees, only confirmed accommodation is required. I think today (2023), there's registration already that costs 1,000 JPY.

MT. JADE (3,952masl) is the highest mountain in Taiwan. Mt. Jade is the cheapest among the three because it can be done independently (no guide and porter support) but for foreigners, permit and lodging advance booking is required.

Asian Trilogy Mountains All Visited Pinoy Solo Fun Hiker

Mt. Kinabalu vs Mt. Fuji Solo Hike Experience Comparison

highest peak of Malaysia and Japan, a Pinoy Solo Hiker experience

"It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." - Sir Edmund Hillary

Asian Trilogy Mountains All Visited Pinoy Solo Fun Hiker (Kinabalu, Fuji, Jade)

The reason why I hiked Mt. Kinabalu (2013) is because I want to go higher on my amateur mountaineering achievement. That time, the highest mountain I summited was  Mt. Pulag, 3rd highest in Philippines at 2,922masl for two times (2010 and 2011). Then, at a sudden plan due to appropriate month to hike, I planned to summit Mt. Fuji (2014) which was my first time to hike alone on my entire life and my first time also on night hike.  

Mt. Kinabalu from Malaysia and Mt. Fuji from Japan are two of the most popular mountains and tourist-hiker friendly peaks in Asia. As an amateur hiker, this two mountains are the top-most priority on the bucket list. As such, I visited them both and the following was the observation I had during the course. In my honest opinion, Mt. Kinabalu is more technically challenging because (1) Mt. Kinabalu is around 300m higher than Mt. Fuji (2) on the early morning start of the trail, Mt. Kinabalu requires rope to not so vertically ascend (3) Mt. Kinabalu requires 2D/1N to trek for an ordinary hiker

MT. KINABALU (4,095masl) is the highest mountain in Malaysia. Trekking Mt. Kinabalu is expensive trek because it can only be trekked with a recognized local travel agency supported by a mandatory guide and optional porter. The summit push is mildly difficult because of the rope-support ascent early morning and has to descend at around 0600H because of fixed itinerary. On the other hand, MT. FUJI (3,776masl) is the highest mountain in Japan. Trekking Mt. Fuji is not that expensive because it can be done independently (no guide and porter support) and no registration or park fees, only confirmed accommodation is required.

Mt. Kinabalu solo hike (May 2013)

Final Kuwait Get-Away; Solo Adventures across Western to Eastern Asia

Winter Solo Trip from Kuwait to Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Brunei back to Philippines

November 08, 2015 to February 20, 2016
Extreme Ultimate Journey as Farewell Tribute being OFW in Kuwait  

1st OFW Vacation; Comeback to my Homeland (Aug. 2012)

2nd OFW Vacation; Pinoy Backpacker China Invasion (Jan. 2013)
3rd OFW Vacation; Summer Solo Tour from Malaysia to Japan (May 2013)
4th OFW Vacation; Ultimate Solo Trip from Central Europe to Promised Land (Oct. 2013)
5th OFW Vacation; Winter Birthday Get-away from Georgia to Myanmar (Jan. 2014)
6th OFW Vacation; 2nd Ultimate Backpacking across 3 Continents (Jun. 2014)
7th OFW Vacation; From Winter Northeastern Asia to Summer Homeland (Feb. 2015)
8th OFW Vacation; 3rd Ultimate Journey across Summer Europe (Jun. 2015)

"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go." - Into the Wild

"Travel is rebellion in its purest form. We follow our hearts, we free ourselves of labels, we lose control willingly. We trade a role for reality, we love the unfamilar, we trust strangers. We  own only what we can carry, we search for better questions and not anwers. We truly graduate, we, sometimes, choose never to come back." - The TripRebel Manifesto

My final get-away (serves as my 4th Ultimate Backpacking also) as an Overseas Filipino worker for almost four years of stay in Kuwait. The map below shows the destination of my entire almost 4-months farewell journey. The countries included were Iran, Malaysia, Nepal and Brunei, my 56th to 58th new countries visited. This farewell journey served as my extreme ultimate adventure and purely self-guided solo trip from arrival to departure.

Final Kuwait Get-Away; Solo Adventures across Western to Eastern Asia

Malacca Morning visit

5 Days Impromptu Itinerary in Rainy Malaysia

November 19 to November 23, 2015

Searching the Penang Street Arts

How to go to Malacca from Kuala Lumpur;

Daily departure from TBS Bus terminal with 2 hours travel time. 

Malacca (Melaka), dubbed "The Historic State", is a state in Malaysia and located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, next to the Straits of Malacca. This historical city centre has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 7 July 2008. Although it was the location of one of the earliest Malay sultanates, the local monarchy was abolished when the Portuguese conquered it in 1511. 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malacca

​Kuala Lumpur to Malacca (Melaka) to Kuala Lumpur Day Trip
- ordinary seat, no toilet inside, express bus, very safe, no free snacks/drinks
- 0700H-0900H (KL-M) / 1230H-1430H (M-KL), 2hrs
- 10 MYR ordinary AC bus

Malacca Morning visit

Searching the Penang Street Arts

5 Days Impromptu Itinerary in Rainy Malaysia

November 19 to November 23, 2015

Short Visit to Genting Highlands

How to go to Penang from Kuala Lumpur;
Daily departure from TBS Bus terminal with 5 hours travel time. 

Penang is a state in Malaysia located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, by the Strait of Malacca. It all started off with a street art project called Mirrors George Town Festival 2012. Since then, street art has been popping up all over the inner city and has stirred up quite a media frenzy. Here are a few that will probably come across when you explore George Town.

​Kuala Lumpur to Penang (Butterworth) to Kuala Lumpur Day Trip
- ordinary seat, no toilet inside, express bus, very safe, no free snacks/drinks
- 0800H-1300H (KL-P) / 1545H-2030H (P-KL), 5hrs
- 38 MYR VIP bus

Searching the Penang Street Arts (Brother and Sister)

Short Visit to Genting Highlands

5 Days Impromptu Itinerary in Rainy Malaysia

November 19 to November 23, 2015

Revisiting Kuala Lumpur City

How to go to Genting Highlands from Kuala Lumpur;
From Chinatown Petaling Street, there is an every hour departure from Pudu Central Bus with 1 hour travel time. 

Genting Highlands is a high-altitude hill resort in Malaysia, located in the Titiwangsa Mountains northeast of Kuala Lumpur. Developed since the 1960s, the site comprises hotels, a shopping mall, restaurants and the Casino de Genting. Its Chin Swee Caves Temple sits on forested acreage with mountain views. Genting Skyway, a cable car, connects the resort with the plateau town Gohtong Jaya.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genting_Highlands

​Kuala Lumpur to Genting Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Day Trip
- ordinary seat, no toilet inside, express bus, very safe, no free snacks/drinks
- 1100H-1200H (KL-GH) / 1530H-1630H (GL-KL), 1hr
- 11 MYR ordinary AC with skyway (cable car) return

Short Visit to Genting Highlands

Revisiting Kuala Lumpur City

5 Days Impromptu Itinerary in Rainy Malaysia

November 19 to November 23, 2015

Kuala Lumpur International Airport Arrival in the morning

This was my 2nd time visited Kuala Lumpur City, first time in January 2011 with Singapore trip. But that time, I only visited on half-day from morning and the places I visited were going inside Petronas Towers, KL Tower and Batu Cave. On this 2nd visit, I visited them by night and some of the landmarks I missed.

SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT KUALA LUMPUR CITY:

1. Merdeka Square, the House of Parliament, the National Museum,the National Palace (Istana Negara), the Central Market, the Petaling Street, the Kuala Lumpur Tower, the National Monument,the Jamek Mosque and Batu Caves are some of the major tourist destinations in Kuala Lumpur.
2. City’s cultural diversity, historical attractions, avant-guard technology, and low cost lifestyle are the main reasons that drive tourism.
3. Kuala Lumpur has been rated as alpha world city.
4. The construction of famous Petronas Towers completed in 1998 and they remained at the first position as world’s tallest building for 6 years, until the Taipei 101 was built in 2004. One of the twin towers was build by the Japanese (Hazama Corp) while the other was build by the Koreans (Samsung). The Japanese made tower of the Petronas structures has a construction fault of 25mm tilt while the tower made by Koreans is absolutely leveled. 

Revisiting Kuala Lumpur City (infront of Petronas Twin Tower)

5 Days Impromptu Itinerary in Rainy Malaysia

self-guided solo trip to Kuala Lumpur, Genting, Penang and Malacca

November 19 to November 23, 2015

"Though a tree grow ever so high, the falling leaves return to the root" - Malay proverb

My 3rd visit to Malaysia (1st visit last Jan. 2011 and 2nd visit last May 2013), 45th solo backpacking trip, 27th in Asian continent, 56 countries visited so far and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. This trip is the 2nd part on my Final Get-away Trip as an OFW in Kuwait, entitled as Final Kuwait Get-Away; Solo Trip across Winter South Asia (Iran - Bangladesh - Nepal - Bhutan - Brunei).

This journey was my 2nd impromptu trip (following the Winter Armenia last Feb. 2013) wherein Bangladesh was the planned destination. Due to strict airline counter process and confirmation that Philippine Passport holders are not visa-on-arrival in Dhaka Airport, I immediately diverted the flight just to not waste the night.

Malaysia is a mix of the modern world and a developing nation. With its investment in the high technology industries and moderate oil wealth, it has become one of the richer nations in Southeast Asia. Malaysia, for most visitors, presents a happy mix: there is high-tech infrastructure and things generally work well and more or less on schedule, but prices remain more reasonable.

http://wikitravel.org/en/Malaysia

5 Days Impromptu Itinerary in Rainy Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur at night)

Kota Kinabalu Morning City Tour

Kota Kinabalu trekking and solo tours

may 25 -  27, 2013 saturday to tuesday

kilometer markers, a Mt. Kinabalu specials 

After the tremendous Mt. Kinabalu Timpohon trail 2D/1N leg pain suffer and budget depleted, I decided to change entirely the city tour. Former itineraries included were Tunku Abdul Rahman Park morning tour and Klian river cruise afternoon tour. I spend the remaining budget for relaxation, massage and city tour by walking.

The Atkinson Clock Tower is the oldest standing structure in Kota Kinabalu. It was originally known as the Atkinson Memorial Clock Tower and sits in solitary on the bluff along Signal Hill Road overlooking this seaside city and capital of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atkinson_Clock_Tower

Signal Hill observatory, the highest point in Kota Kinabalu city, is one of the best places to get a good view of Kota Kinabalu

Formerly known as the Kota Kinabalu Ferry Terminal, Jesselton Point Waterfront has become one of the main city attractions in Kota Kinabalu ever since its privatization in February 2006. Situated north of downtown Kota Kinabalu, this quaintly scenic place has an unmistakable historical feel to it—complete with olden days snapshots of Kota Kinabalu city (Jesselton) and vintage red English phone booths. Jesselton Point Waterfront serves as the only ferry terminal for Labuan-bound passengers as well as the main (and cheapest) boat terminal for the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and Gayana Island.
http://www.sabahtourism.com/sabah-malaysian-borneo/en/destination/221-jesselton-point-waterfront/

Atkinson Clock Tower

Kilometer Markers, a Mt. Kinabalu Specials

Kota Kinabalu trekking and solo tours
may 25 -  27, 2013 saturday to tuesday

Mt. Kinabalu solo hike last part (descend back to downtown)

Kilometer markers are placed on every 500 meter part of the trail. Most of them is just plain wooden mark with around 12 x 6 inches size (which makes them sometimes unnoticeable especially during rain and exhausted feeling) while others are well-established post. I decided to make a special report regarding this marks due to the following reasons;

1. kilometer marker will start to exist 500 meters after entering the Timpohon gate, shown as "0.5km". From this gate onwards there will be 12 markers up to Laban Rata dormitory camp site which is 3,273m above sea level (319m higher than Mt. Apo peak). Then  will start to exist again on summit journey from 6.5km up to 8.5km point. To sum it all, there will be 17 kilometer markers (12 for 1st trail set and 5 for summit journey).  

2. I suffered leg pain easily at an early stage of the climb due maybe I'm lifting by myself my over 10kg weight backpack (w/o the aid of the porter) or maybe I underestimated the journey in comparison to Mt. Pulag's ambangeg trail (3rd highest peak in Philippines). For me that time, waiting for kilometer marker on every 500 meter trail was a delightful quest and a goal to minimize the health tension and mindset hardship.

kilometer markers, a Mt. Kinabalu specials

Mt. Kinabalu Solo Hike last part; Descend Back to Downtown

Kota Kinabalu trekking and solo tours
may 25 -  27, 2013 saturday to tuesday

Mt. Kinabalu solo hike 2nd part (trail to summit)

Budget and Safety Tips to a more successful solo climbing Mt. Kinabalu; 

During this descend, I have learned the following important notes especially now that I have experienced a momentarily altitude sickness and a continuous aching knee joints and calves almost throughout the journey; 

1. VERY IMPORTANT: have a physical check of your body especially leg muscles before the climb, know your limits also for altitude sickness. Even though a climber is covered by accident insurance, I asked also the possibility of helicopter ride (costs around 3,000 MYR) due my legs really hurts, the most painful trekking experience in my life. 

2. It is very essential to bring raincoat/poncho, head torch, drinking water, candy/chocolates/energy bars, winter trekking gloves, back/leg pain medication ointment, extra shirt & socks, trekking pole/walking stick, waterproof windbreaker, bonet.

3. Do not bring bag/backpack that weighs 9kg or more. Leave other things not needed in Kinabalu Park front desk  for 10 MYR charge or hire a porter that has 80 MYR fee at 10 kg. If your guide is kind enough, ask him to bring your bag.

descend at 7.5km mark of Mt. Kinabalu trail

Mt. Kinabalu Solo Hike 2nd part; Trail to Summit

Kota Kinabalu Trekking and Solo Tours
May 25 to  27, 2013 Saturday to Tuesday

Mt. Kinabalu solo hike 1st part (from airport to laban rata)

As per advised by my dedicated guide and other guides to their respective groups, all climbers should leave Laban Rata Dormitory camp site at 0230H to reach the summit during sunrise. From Laban Rata, the summit has a distance of 2.7km that divides the trail into two parts; initial 700 meters for a dark, slippery and muddy trail while for the remaining 2km to summit is a slippery and a ropeway guided trail. Please be noted that eventhough Mt. Kinabalu trail is tagged as one of the easiest trail to climb, do not expect to climb it like as there is no danger at all. Be warned that as a fun-climber, it  is not usual to trek and depend my weight and safety using a rope.

Anyways, the following are the set of peaks to be found once reached the 7.0km marker (around 1.7km left going to the summit);

1. South peak - seen at 7.0km mark at 3,933m elevation
2. Tunku abdul rahman peak -  seen at 7.5km mark
3. Donkey ear's peak - seen at 8.0km mark at 4,054m elevation
4. St. john's peak (the famous & most picturesque) - seen at 8.0km mark at 4,091m elevation
5. Ugly sister's peak - seen at 8.0km mark at 4,032m elevation
6. King edward's peak - seen at 8.5km mark
7. Alexandra peak - seen at 8.5km mark at 4,003m elevation
8. Low's peak - Mt. Kinabalu's summit at 4,095 meter elevation for 8.7km journey starting from 1,866m elevation from Timpohon gate

ugly sister's peak at Mt. Kinabalu

Mt. Kinabalu Solo Hike 1st part; from Airport to Laban Rata

Kota Kinabalu Trekking and Solo Tours
May 25 to  27, 2013 Saturday to Tuesday

Kota Kinabalu International Airport at night

This mountain adventure is considered as my 1st major hike abroad. 

Based on my research, there is no direct way of cheap public transportation from airport to Kinabalu park regardless of flight arrival time. The only way to do it as a solo backpacker is to ride the almost an hour interval of public bus outside airport that will go to city bus terminal. In my case, I arrived 0300H in Kota Kinabalu Airport, slept for a while until 0500H alarmed which I think the earliest bus will arrive. Unfortunately, I woke up around 0600H and not happy about it. I decided to take a cab because I cannot sense an incoming bus for about 5 minutes and have to think wisely, expect to arrive in Kota Kinabalu Park as early as 0900H. So by the power of "bahala na" Filipino principle, I immediately decided to take a cab from airport to city terminal then taking a taxi again from city terminal to Kinabalu park for a sum fare of whooping 130 MYR ($43.33) for a travel time from 0615H to 0830H. This decision though a right thing to do was a major backlash on my budget.

Transportation from Kota Kinabalu airport to city terminal;

bus - around approximate an hour interval, no definite time of arrival/departure, cost only 2 MYR

taxi - immediately available, with approx 10 mins arrival to city terminal, cost on max 30 MYR (so if 4 pax, divided it by 4)

Mt. Kinabalu timpohon trail

Kota Kinabalu Trekking and Solo Tours

summer solo climb for the ultimate summit of Southeast Asia
May 25 -  27, 2013

saturday to tuesday 

"Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb." - Greg Child

Mt. Kinabalu (4,095m) is 38.63% (1,141m) higher than Mt. Apo (2,954m), tallest mountain in the Philippines and 116.07% (4,753m) lower than Mt. Everest (8,848m), tallest mountain in the world. Indeed an incredibly rewarding!

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Jan. 2011)

My 2nd time to visit Malaysia, 23rd solo backpacking trip, 1st time to perform major hike outside my homeland  and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure.

I have been planning to visit Mt. Kinabalu since 2010. So far on my fun-hiking career, I conquered the 3rd highest peak of my homeland Philippines Mt. Pulag (2,922m) for twice in a row (2010 & 2011). Until now, I don't have plans yet on the highest peak which is Mt. Apo (2,954m). But since I cannot trekked Mt. Apo without a group and I visited Davao already for twice, it is better to maybe set aside for the mean time.

Mt Kinabalu (4,095 meters above sea level) is the tallest mountain in South-East Asia and is situated in the Kinabalu National Park in the province of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. Fortunately, Mt Kinabalu is one of the easiest peaks in the world to conquer.

St. John's peak at 8.0km of Mt. Kinabalu

3rd OFW Vacation; Summer Solo Tour from Malaysia to Japan

summer vacation season defying the work boredom

May 22 to June 07, 2013
18 glorious days

1st OFW vacation; a come back to my homeland
2nd OFW vacation; a Pinoy backpacker China invasion
 
" If we would only give, just once, the same amount of reflection to what we want to get out of life that we give to the question of what to do with a two weeks' vacation, we would be startled at our false standards and the aimless procession of our busy days." - Dorothy Canfield Fisher 

3rd vacation as an Overseas Filipino worker for almost 17 months of stay in State of Kuwait.

The image below shows the converted jpeg from pdf of calendar of events on my entire 18-days vacation journey. Most of this was in Japan and Malaysia with Philippines, my hometown, as my airport of origin.

my 18-days vacation plan mostly in Japan

From Malaysia in Haste (going back to Singapore)

quick journey of a budget DIY 1st-timer / solo backpacker
january 19-22, 2011 thursday to saturday

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my taste and budget accordingly.

additional tasks: to conquer the G-MAX reverse bungee jump and witness thaipusam festival

what a 2-days trip in singapore-malaysia!

singapore morning rush 1st part (merlion & the flyer)

singapore morning rush last part (mbs skypark)

singapore afternoon adventure 1st part (uss)

singapore afternoon adventure last part (g-max)

malaysia day tour 1st part (petronas twin towers)
malaysia day tour last part (kl tower & batu cave)

around 1430H i decided to leave batu cave and went myself in haste due bus travel to singapore from kuala lumpur has an average of 5 hours and my flight schedule is around 0030H of the following day. and its afternoon so traffic jam must be avoided not to mention i don't know sg's mrt sked last trip at night.

from malaysia to singapore bus trip

from malaysia to singapore bus trip

Malaysia Day Tour last part (KL Tower and Batu Cave)

quick journey of a budget DIY 1st-timer / solo backpacker
january 19-22, 2011 thursday to saturday

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my taste and budget accordingly.

additional tasks: to conquer the G-MAX reverse bungee jump and witness thaipusam festival

what a 2-days trip in singapore-malaysia!

singapore morning rush 1st part (merlion & the flyer)

singapore morning rush last part (mbs skypark)

singapore afternoon adventure 1st part (uss)

singapore afternoon adventure last part (g-max)

malaysia day tour 1st part (petronas twin towers)

(2) kuala lumpur tower

The Kuala Lumpur Tower is a tall tower located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Its construction was finished in 1995. It is used for communication purposes and features an antenna that reaches 421 m (1,381 ft), which currently makes it the second tallest freestanding tower in the world. The roof of the pod is at 335 m (1,099 ft). The rest of the tower below has a stairwell and an elevator to reach the upper area, which also contains a revolving restaurant, providing diners a panoramic view of the city. Races (vertical marathon) are organized yearly where participants race up the stairs to the top. The tower also acts as the Islamic falak observatory to observe the crescent moon which marks the beginning of Muslim month of Ramadhan, Syawal, and Zulhijjah, to celebrate fasting month of Ramadhan, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha. The tower is the landmark of Kuala Lumpur with nearby Petronas Towers.

entering the kuala lumpur tower viewing deck

Malaysia Day Tour 1st part (Petronas Twin Towers)

quick journey of a budget DIY 1st-timer / solo backpacker
january 19-22, 2011 thursday to saturday

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my taste and budget accordingly.

additional tasks: to conquer the G-MAX reverse bungee jump and witness thaipusam festival

what a 2-days trip in singapore-malaysia!

singapore morning rush 1st part (merlion & the flyer)

singapore morning rush last part (mbs skypark)

singapore afternoon adventure 1st part (uss)

singapore afternoon adventure last part (g-max)

MALAYSIA

timezone -  +0800H UTC
capital - kuala lumpur city
currency - ringgit (MYR) 1MYR = 14.5PHP, 1USD = 3MYR
basic phrases - Terima Kasih (thank you), Selamat Datang (welcome)
visa (for filipino) - tourist visa-free at 30-days

Malaysia has its origins in the Malay Kingdoms present in the area which, from the 18th century, became subject to the British Empire. The first British territories were known as the Straits Settlements, with the other states forming protectorates. The states on Peninsular Malaysia, then known as Malaya, was first unified as the Malayan Union in 1946. Malaya was restructured as the Federation of Malaya in 1948, and achieved independence on 31 August 1957. Malaya united with Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore on 16 September 1963, with 'si' being added to give the new country the name Malaysia. However, less than two years later in 1965, Singapore was expelled from the federation.
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia

petronas twin towers at 0700H

What a 2-Days Trip in Singapore - Malaysia!

amazing quick journey of a budget DIY 1st-timer / solo backpacker
January 19 to 22, 2011

objective: to visit the best tourist spots that fits my taste and budget accordingly.

additional tasks: to conquer the G-MAX reverse bungee jump and witness thaipusam festival

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SINGAPORE
1. You can find the national anthem in microtext on the back of the $1000 note.
2. Singapore has the biggest Yakult bottles in Southeast Asia
3. There were no lions in this Lion City
4. Singapore is one of three surviving city-states in the world
5. Singapore has changed our timezone 6 times since 1905
6. Apart from Monaco, Singapore is the most densely populated country in the world, with 6,430 people per square kilometre.

REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE
timezone -  +0800H UTC capital - Singapore
currency - Singapore Dollar (SGD), 1SGD = 35PHP, 1USD = 1.23SGD
basic phrases - Terima Kasih (thank you), Selamat Datang (welcome)
visa (for filipino) - tourist visa-free at 30-days

budget pocket money allocated