My 15-day journey across Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines was packed with thrills, but some experiences truly tested my boundaries, blurring the lines between pure amusement and genuine survival. Whether navigating cutting-edge theme park technology, plunging into hidden lagoons, or simply relying on local transport for daily mobility, the energy levels rarely dipped.
1. The Craziest Thrill: Facing the Decepticons in 4D
During my three days in Singapore, the destination for pure movie magic was Universal Studios on Sentosa Island. While the entire park felt like a “city within a city,” the most memorable ride was the highly anticipated Transformers: The Ride 3D.
This experience, which often commanded wait times of around 100 minutes, proved to be the absolute best ride of the day. It is a thrilling 4D experience, utilizing incredible visuals and physical effects that truly engage all senses. The ride involves movement and action but avoids the extreme jolts of a typical roller coaster, making it accessible while still delivering intense excitement. After the ride, meeting characters like the robot Bumblebee and Optimus Prime added a humorous and interactive element to the high-tech adventure.
For a detailed look at navigating the park and skipping the lines, check out: Singapore Day 3: A Thrilling Day at Universal Studios and Sentosa Island.
2. The Adventure of Self-Propulsion: Kayaking Through Secret Lagoons
In the Philippines, the greatest physical and psychological adventure occurred during the El Nido Island Hopping Adventure (Tour A) in Palawan. This involved renting a kayak to explore the stunning Big Lagoon and searching for the elusive Secret Lagoon.
Despite being a non-swimmer, I embraced the challenge of kayaking. The tour guide, Alvin, proved invaluable, helping paddle and providing encouragement, making the experience both brave and rewarding. The kayaking fee was 300 pesos for a small dual boat, or 500 pesos for a larger one. The climax was finding the Secret Lagoon, a hidden gem accessible only by entering underwater through a small opening in the rock face. Inside, the transparent water revealed small fish and coral below, creating a mesmerizing scene that felt like stepping into a movie.
The entire island hopping segment, from the picturesque Shimizu Island to the beachfront feasts on Payam Payam Beach, was the pinnacle of the Philippine trip.
Read the full account of the island adventures here: El Nido Island Hopping: Kayaks, Secret Lagoons, and Unforgettable Ocean Adventures.
3. The Urban Jungle Roller Coaster: The Tricycle Adventure
While Singapore provided seamless, high-tech transit, the Philippines offered a raw, high-energy mobility experience daily. The “craziest” aspect of basic transit lay in the local transport systems, particularly the ubiquitous tricycle.
In Puerto Princesa, I observed and utilized these customized local tricycles, noting their design as an “advanced version of our laguna”. These vehicles are essentially bikes (like 100cc scooters) with a seat and canopy attached to the side. A ride from the Puerto Princesa airport to the hostel cost around 150 pesos. The noise and unique pulling effort required by the small engine make it a memorable, if slightly chaotic, way to travel through the city.
Urban transit in Manila also provided high-energy moments, requiring rapid adaptation. The shift from Grab to the local motorcycle taxi service using the Move It app was essential for urban mobility, and even coordinating the pick-up required local help and vigilance.
For more on navigating the logistical challenges of Philippine transport and local scams, consult: Transit Hacks & Tourist Traps: Navigating Asia’s Airports, Metro Systems, and Manila’s Scammers and Philippines Day 1: Manila Arrival & The Unexpected Challenges of Hostel Life.
From the pure thrill of the 4D ride in Singapore to the unpredictable, high-stakes logistics of Filipino local transport and the rewarding physical challenge of Palawan kayaking, every adventure contributed to an epic and action-packed 15-day itinerary.