One week, three countries.
Singapore with friends, Batam day trip, then solo in Kuala Lumpur — this birthday week shifted halfway through.
March 17–23, 2023.
I was with Mark and Jasmine for the Singapore and Batam part. Then somewhere in the middle of the week, I decided to extend and continue alone to Kuala Lumpur.
I’ve been to Singapore many times before — mostly work. Quick trips. No real touring. Malaysia, yes, but Johor Bahru lang. Indonesia? First time ever.
So technically familiar, but it didn’t feel familiar.
I flew Etihad business class via staff travel from Abu Dhabi to Singapore. Same going home from Kuala Lumpur. Birthday week, so medyo special agad from takeoff pa lang.
Flatbed seat. Calm cabin. That quiet moment before pushback when you realize you’re starting something.
Singapore — Finally Seeing It Properly
We stayed at Hotel Boss near Bugis. Practical. Good MRT access. Easy base.
First afternoon we walked Marina Bay — Merlion, Helix Bridge, Gardens by the Bay, Clarke Quay. I’ve passed these before, but always rushing. This time, walang deadline. Just walking.
Hawker lunches became routine. Hainanese chicken rice. Char kway teow. Milo Dinosaur.
That char kway teow — amoy wok hei pa lang, sold na. And Milo Dinosaur never fails.
Birthday itself was Sentosa.
Universal Studios first. Transformers. Revenge of the Mummy. Jurassic Park Rapids — basang-basa pero tawa lang.
We didn’t rush every ride. Walang checklist pressure. Just ride, sit, eat, repeat.
There was also a Van Gogh immersive exhibit running then. From roller coasters to digital paintings in one day. Odd combo but it worked.
I booked Universal through Klook para less hassle. If you’re planning similar activities, you can check there and use READYJETSETJOE for up to 5% off selected tours.
Batam — One Ferry Away, Different Energy
March 19.
Ferry from HarbourFront to Batam.
Nagoya Hill Mall. BCS Mall. Go-karting for fun.
But honestly, the food stood out more.
Nasi goreng. Ayam penyet. Sambal na hindi nagpapatawad. Yung anghang ramdam talaga. Medyo tumulo ilong ko but tuloy lang.
Flavors felt stronger, more direct compared to Singapore.
Batam wasn’t polished. It was louder. Slower. Slightly rough around the edges.
That contrast made it memorable.
By evening, balik Singapore.
The Shift
March 21.
Mark and Jasmine headed to the airport to fly home.
I wasn’t ready to end the week yet.
So I rebooked. Extended. Took a bus to Kuala Lumpur instead.
Around six hours including border crossing. Get off the bus. Immigration stamp. Back on the bus. Repeat.
Not glamorous.
Just travel.
Somewhere during that ride, the energy changed.
Birthday trip became solo trip.
Kuala Lumpur — Messy, Layered, Alive
Checked into MOV Hotel in Bukit Bintang. Walking distance to Pavilion and Jalan Alor.
Booked via Agoda. If you’re checking hotels in KL, you can browse there and use CYCRUZAGODA for up to 10% off selected stays.
First night was Bukit Bintang.
Lights. Traffic. Music. Jalan Alor food stalls. Open grills. Plastic chairs.
I ordered food and just sat there. Alone but not lonely. People watching. Letting the city move around me.
Next day I did the Hop-On Hop-Off bus.
Petronas Twin Towers up close feels grounding. KLCC Park gives space to sit and just look up.
KL Tower. Merdeka Square. National Mosque. Petaling Street. Central Market.
KL shifts quickly — modern steel to historic streets in minutes.
It doesn’t feel curated.
It feels layered.
Looking Back
Singapore felt structured. Predictable in a comforting way.
Batam felt raw and bold.
Kuala Lumpur felt independent. Slightly chaotic. Honest.
If I ended the week in Singapore, it would’ve been clean. Celebratory. Complete.
But that bus ride to KL. That solo night in Jalan Alor. That quiet moment under the Petronas lights.
That’s what gave the week depth.
Three countries in seven days sounds intense. But when each place carries a different mood, it doesn’t feel rushed.
It feels layered.
