At 4am yesterday, we (my roomate and I) drove our way to Singapore. Reached JB check point around 8am, and drove along the causeway towards SG check point. After filling up the 'white card' we went to the VEP/Autopass counter for car registration and obtained the autopass card.
The registration was quite smooth, as it took less that 30mins for the whole process. After that, we continue our journey to this strange island. We have no idea where to go. Luckily I have my GPS with me. The traffic light system was confusing. But we managed to get through that even with so many illegal turning.
I made 5 appointments for the room viewing, but have shortlisted 2 of them as my top priority. At 10 am, we went to the first HDB unit. The HDB unit have 5 rooms in which 2 are empty. The owner is a mid-aged lady whose husband is a Caucasian. She was nice and friendly. She did most of the talking, explaining about the background of the existing tenants, and everything about the whole units. I hardly ask questions.
She have 2 rooms available. One single room to be rented at SGD 500, and another much bigger room at the rate of SGD700. Both fully furnished, complete with aircon, 2 wardrobes, writing table and a TV set. The only thing that I have to provide on my own is internet.
The environment is quiet, as other tenants are not in the house most of the time. Even though I like the bigger room and satisfied with the overall condition and environment, I decided to hold on first as I would like to see what other rooms look like.
I proceeded to the second unit. This unit is a new HDB. The owner is a China Guy (PR). The room is new, fully furnished as well with writing table, a wardrobe and the bed set is impressive. Room size is a bit smaller compare to the first one. The living room was damn big. Its 3-4 times bigger compare to the latter. Anyhow, he is renting out at SGD 800/mth. As I still wana view another units, I hold on and promise to get back
It would be very difficult for me to choose, if both room offered the same rent rate. Honestly, I would prefer the second unit in terms of design and style. Some more, it located closer to the MRT station. Anyhow in terms of overall convenience, I would prefer the first unit.
I still have 3 units to go, but I was kinda tired and I feel that I already found what I really want. Soon after that, one of the agent called to inform me that his unit have already taken out. I checked on my list. Two more left; which is another agent and a guy living with his mother.
I decided to cancel my appointment with the agent to avoid paying the agent fee. Some more, he is not that attentive during the whole process. Maybe he got a lot more potential tenants who is willing to pay with higher rate. So I dropped him from my list. I got one to go. I tried to recall how this person suppose to be like. I tried to use my 'sixth sense' to get the overall picture of his unit and the environment as well :).... Then, I remembered the day before... during a phone call with him. I heard his mom shouting out of somewhere. Then he talked about ghost festival which made me uncomfortable.
So, I concluded, I should drop this option because:
1. It gonna be noisy. The mom must be very strict and there are many restrictions to follow
2. I might be not comfortable with some of the traditional practices.
Did I purposely creating this excuses? Well, I leave it to all readers to decide.
I returned to the first unit, told the mid-aged lady that I choose to rent her room. I paid the deposit immediately, get the receipt and closed the deal. I didn't expect it and a bit surprised when the owner told me to list out items that I would like them to buy for the room. It seems that everything is there... what more i need?
They said, I need to tell them what kind of mattress I would like to have? soft? with spring? firm type? In other words, they will provide everything new including the bed frame. They asked me to discuss with my fiancee about our preferences as they believe she will have more preferences than me. I was kinda surprised, they pay attention in such details. but, its a good thing by the way.
We managed to drive around the city after the viewings. Earlier we plan to stay overnight in a cheap hotel. But, we cannot find a parking... or probably there were parking but we did not know how to find it. We decided to go back to KL the very same day. This is my third time having a day return trip to Singapore... and the most tiring one.
-----THE END-----
Proceed on: "A day trip to SG"
