Friendship Travels: Singapore & Bangkok Revisited

Backstory

The original plan for my homecoming in March 2026 was ambitious: to spend Holy Week exploring the Caucasus, crossing borders from Azerbaijan to Armenia and Georgia. But travel rarely goes exactly as planned, and this time, circumstances forced a reroute:

• Visa hurdles: Azerbaijan required a pre-approved visa through its embassy in Manila, impossible for me since I was living and working in Papua New Guinea.

• Mixed approvals: My travel companion, Kuya Louver, was denied entry to Georgia but managed to secure his Armenian visa.

• Global disruptions: The war in the Middle East shut down surrounding international airports, including our planned connections through Saudi Arabia and Dubai.

With the Caucasus plan scrapped, we pivoted. And so, my “Friendship Travels” of 2026 found new life in Singapore and Bangkok, Thailand.

Singapore: A Whirlwind 36 Hours

Singapore wasn’t originally on the itinerary—it was a spontaneous addition. While browsing online, I discovered Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza was performing in Singapore, its only Asian stop. That sealed the deal. Anneth, my usual travel bestie, rearranged her nursing shifts to join me for a quick but memorable 36-hour adventure.

March 18

• Arrived late morning at Changi Airport, one of the world’s most efficient and beautiful gateways.

• Lunch at Old Chang Kee Coffee House, savoring Singapore’s signature curry puffs.

• Checked in at Ibis Budget Bugis, a practical base near the city center.

• Early dinner of dim sum at Marina Bay Sands Foodcourt, followed by coffee at the chic Ralph Lauren NYC Café.

• The highlight: watching Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza, a dazzling mix of acrobatics and artistry.

March 19

• Morning coffee at the sleek Porsche Café, blending luxury cars with caffeine.

• Lunch back at Changi’s food court before departing for Manila in the afternoon.

Though brief, Singapore delivered its trademark blend of modernity, style, and spectacle.

Bangkok: History, Culture, and Quirks

With the Caucasus off the table, Kuya Louver and I rerouted to Bangkok. Though shortened in days, the trip was packed with heritage sites, quirky experiences, and plenty of Thai hospitality.

March 20

• Arrived in the morning, only to stumble through TDAC completion. In our panic, we logged into the wrong website and paid for a visa that was supposed to be free—a frustrating but memorable travel lesson.

• Explored Muang Boran Ancient City, a sprawling heritage park showcasing Thailand’s architectural wonders.

• Checked in at Holiday Inn Express Sukhumvit, a comfortable base in the city.

March 21

• Day trip to Ayutthaya Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We managed to visit all four temple ruins, immersing ourselves in centuries of history.

• Dinner at Asiatique City, a lively riverside night market.

• Watched the Calypso Ladyboy Show, seated front row for an unforgettable performance.

March 22

• Wandered through Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, a vast botanical park featuring stone-sculpted animals and even dinosaurs.

• Ventured to Pattaya to marvel at the Sanctuary of the Truth, a temple built entirely of wood, intricate and awe-inspiring.

March 23

• Visited the Erawan Museum, a spiritual site honoring all religions, crowned by its iconic three-headed elephant statue.

• Lunch at Bangkok Hidden Bistro, tucked beside a canal with views of a giant Buddha.

• Strolled through Chatuchak Park, a green respite in the bustling city.

March 24

• Sent off Kuya Louver at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

• Lunch at Park Sathorn & Café, a nature-themed restaurant.

• Dessert at B-Story Café & Resto, a European-inspired coffeehouse with whimsical charm.

March 25

• Souvenir shopping to wrap up the trip.

• Lunch and coffee at Nan Coffee Roasters Café, a modern, well-lit space perfect for digital nomads.

• Flight back to Manila in the evening, closing out this rerouted journey.

Reflections

This rerouted journey reminded me that travel is as much about adaptability as it is about destinations. Singapore dazzled with its precision and spectacle, while Bangkok offered a mix of history, culture, and playful surprises. What began as a disrupted plan turned into a memorable chapter of friendship travels—proof that detours often lead to the best stories.