This trip to Singapore was a last-minute decision, and I was with someone who I travelled with for the first time internationally. My knowledge about Singapore was little to nothing, only that it is an island city state that has a strategic location that makes it an important and vibrant global transport and tourism hub. And also, regardless of the high costs and small land area, it has become a highly livable place as it is one of the most organized, most progressive, safest, and least corrupt countries in the world. The languages spoken there are Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and English. Their currency is Singapore Dollar (SGD), and even though most establishments accept card payments, having a bit of cash is advisable. The trip we booked was a three-day-two-night stay that although was quite short, was jam-packed with so many exciting visits and activities.
Our flight was at midnight, so we arrived at Changi airport at dawn and decided to just take a rest there until morning. When morning came, we checked ourselves in at Hotel 81 at Lorong, Geylang, in room 516. After which, we walked to Little India and had breakfast at Hawker’s. Little India is the home of landmarks such as the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Campbell Lane, Little India Arcade, and Tekka Centre.
There was a lot of walking involved especially because so many of the sights are located close to each other. After wandering around Little India, we wandered some more around Arab Street, Haji Lane, and Chinatown. Singapore’s Chinatown boasts multi-religious buildings and structures. Aside from a Chinese temple, the street is also home to a mosque, a Methodist Church and an Indian shrine. Others might find this confusing, but for me, it merely shows how well-diversified Singapore is. Personally, one of the best sights in Chinatown was the Thian Hock Keng, which is a temple that is primarily Taoist, but with Confucian and Buddhist elements as well. The façade of the Thian Hock Keng is what sets it apart from the rest of the place; it makes you feel like you’re starring in an Asian historical drama, and even with how gorgeous the exterior is, the interiors are even better.
After enjoying Chinatown, we made a quick visit to Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. Gardens by the Bay has three main areas: the Flower Dome in the South Garden; the Cloud Forest, where you can find the tallest indoor waterfall in the world; and the Supertree Grove with the iconic 16-story manmade trees. The Supertree Grove is open to everyone, but tickets are required to enter the two domed areas. After all the walking around in all those landmarks, we went back to the hotel to rest for a bit before heading out again for dinner. We ate dinner at some Hawker’s station before going back to Marina Bay Sands. We went back to Marina Bay sands to witness the famous light and water show called Spectra. This show happens nightly for free over the water at the Event Plaza. The show duration is 15 minutes and is a four part story featuring a beautiful mix of colorful visual projections and lasers on dancing fountain jets, all accompanied by orchestral music. It is definitely a highlight that should not be missed.
After enjoying Spectra, we went back to Haji Lane to have a night cap before heading back to the hotel to call it a night. I was feeling pretty feverish at the time, probably caused by sleep deprivation and all the walking under extreme heat the entire day. Although it ended with me feeling a little bit under the weather, the first day was wonderfully eventful.
This ends the first part of my Singapore blog. Check back next week for the continuation.
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