A Passport, Three Friends, and a Scrapbook Waiting to Be Filled
Cover Page
The scrapbook cover is bright red, a little messy, just like us. Written in bold black ink across the top are the words: “First Foreign Trip – Singapore & KL”
Below it, someone, probably Rohan, has added a line in brackets:
“Proof that plans made over chai actually work.”
How It All Started
This trip did not begin with a travel goal or a bucket list. It began with three friends sitting together after work, complaining about routine life, traffic, and the same weekends repeating over and over again. Pravin was the first to say it out loud.
“Bro, we are almost 40. If we don’t do a foreign trip now, when will we?”
There was a short silence. Then laughter. Then phones came out. Then suddenly, Singapore was on the table.
For all three of us, Santosh, Rohan, and Pravin, this was going to be our first international trip. Excitement came with nervousness. Passports, visas, hotels, food, transfers. Everything felt overwhelming until we booked our trip with Thrillophilia. Once the itinerary was shared and explained clearly, things started to feel real and manageable.
Page 1: Landing Into the Future
The first page of the scrapbook is filled with photos of Jewel Changi Airport. No captions needed, but still, we wrote one.
“If this is the airport, imagine the country.”
The Rain Vortex, Canopy Park, and the Hedge Maze were our introduction to Singapore, and honestly, it felt unreal. We kept looking at each other, smiling like kids who had just unlocked a new level in life.
Our hotel was near Little India, which turned out to be a blessing. Familiar food, Indian restaurants, and a lively atmosphere helped us settle in quickly. That night, over dinner, we realised something important.
“We actually made it out of India,” Rohan said, laughing.
“And we didn’t even get lost,” Pravin added.
Page 2: Skyscrapers, Gardens, and a Sky Full of Lights
Day two was packed but perfectly planned. The Singapore city sightseeing tour gave us a quick understanding of how clean, organised, and futuristic the city truly is. Every road felt intentional, every building well thought out.
Standing at the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck, looking down at the city, we went silent. The view made us feel small, but in a good way.
Later, Gardens by the Bay completely changed our idea of what a garden could be. The Floral Fantasy felt dreamlike, and the OCBC Skywalk gave us views that stayed in our minds long after we came down.
That night, walking back, Pravin quietly said, “This city feels like it’s already living in 2050.”
Page 3: Screams, Thrills, and No Regrets
Universal Studios deserved an entire page on its own. From roller coasters to shows, we did everything we could. There were screams, there was laughter, and there were moments when we questioned our life choices right before a ride dropped us down.
The day didn’t end there.
In the evening, we headed for the Night Safari at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Sitting on the tram in near darkness, watching animals move freely, felt completely different from anything we had experienced before. It was calm, eerie, and strangely peaceful.
Back at the hotel, we were exhausted but happy in a way that only full days can make you feel.
Page 4: Sentosa – Where Time Forgot Us
Sentosa Island felt like a playground designed for adults who refuse to grow up.
The cable car ride offered stunning views, and Madame Tussauds gave us enough material to tease each other for years. But the highlight was Wings of Time. Watching water, lights, fire, and music come together against the open sky felt emotional in a way we didn’t expect.
We sat quietly after the show ended.
“No phone, no work, no stress,” Rohan said.
“Only memories,” I replied.
Page 5: A New Country, A New Chapter – Kuala Lumpur
Just when we thought the trip had peaked, we landed in Kuala Lumpur. The city felt different from Singapore – louder, warmer, and more chaotic, but in a charming way.
The half-day city tour gave us our first glimpse of KL’s personality. The hotel stay was comfortable, and once again, transfers and coordination were smooth.
The next day took us to Genting Highlands and Batu Caves. Climbing the steps to the caves was tiring but worth it. The view, the colours, and the energy of the place made it memorable.
On the cable car ride up, Pravin looked at both of us and said, “Imagine telling this story ten years from now.”
Page 6: The Last Day and the Quiet Realisation.
The final page of the scrapbook is simple. No photos. Just one line written carefully.
“This was only the beginning.”
As we packed our bags and prepared to leave, there was a quiet understanding between us. This trip had changed something. It proved that stepping out of routine was not as scary as we once thought.
The hotels were well-located, the itinerary was well-planned, transfers were smooth, and the on-ground assistance made sure we never felt lost. Yes, it was our first international trip, but it never felt overwhelming, and that made all the difference.
Closing the Scrapbook (For Now)
Back home, life returned to normal. But the scrapbook stays on the shelf, waiting. Waiting for the next destination, the next set of memories, and the next stamp on our passports.
One thing is certain.
This will not be our last trip with Thrillophilia.
Sometimes, all it takes is three friends, one decision, and the courage to say, “Let’s just go.”
Read More: Thrillophilia Singapore Reviews