How I got there: I did a work trip to Singapore from Australia and because of that I took a couple of days off to explore Singapore, because why not. I took a Qantas direct flight from Sydney to Singapore which is about eight hours.
Total duration: Two days
Traffic light for children: Green
About the place: Singapore, the tiny island country, technology capital of South-East Asia and the APAC. Many of the APAC headquarters of companies that I've worked over the years has been at Singapore. After having had a couple of work trips to Singapore cancelled due to Covid-19, I was finally glad I could take this trip in 2023. I was flabbergasted with Singapore's history from the beginning. How is it that this tiny nation is one of the most advanced countries in the world? A rich country too might I add? One of the richest if not the richest. I was curious - How do so many people live there? What about owning land? It is only about 50 km (east to west) by 27 km (North to South). Tiny part of Sydney, tiny part of Bangalore, two of the biggest cities that I have lived in.
I will start with the positives and things that just do not disappoint - the lights, the skyline and the vibe at night. I just took a walk in the CBD and came across these stunning views.
Night views of the skyline
Boat Quay has a lot international cuisine and restaurants to explore. I call it the place where all the expats hang out. Just walking here is a wonderful experience. I had some amazing pasta in one of the Italian restaurants here. I also had a nice foot massage in one of the massage parlours here.
Boat Quay
Gardens by the Bay
This is a must-visit when in Singapore. I only visited the free-options, there are also many indoor paid gardens. Its a nice walk here, you can really see and feel the reclaimed land while walking here. The sound and light show at night is pretty cool, kids will love it. I spent a couple of hours in the morning and at night here.
Haji Lane/Arab Street
Haji Lane and Arab Street was one of my most favourite places in Singapore. The vibe here is so where the East meets the West! You can find such a nice mix of cultures and traditions with a modern vibe. A lot of Middle Eastern shops and restaurants, a little bit of European bakeries and some Indian touches here and there. It is only about two-three lanes, it was almost by accident that I discovered this but it was the best morning that I spent. I explored quirky little cafes like Coffee Donkee where I had hand brewed coffee and had very tasty Egyptian food at Pasha Mezza and Grill. Here are some photos for your viewing pleasure.
Marina Bay Sands/SkyPark Observation Deck
A classic must to when in Singapore. You can see these towers from anywhere in Singapore, sort of looks like a snow or sand board roof top restaurant. Stunning views from above - you can see three countries from here, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Pretty awesome that. You can easily spend half a day here, we didn't go to the super expensive restaurant, but this is an option for those of you that want to go there. We just spent a couple of hours by the Observation Deck, seeping through the views and enjoying some sunshine!
My Hotel in Singapore - Park Royal Collection on Marina Bay
This was by far the best 5 star hotel I've ever stayed at. The moment you enter the hotel, the grand entrance, the indoor gardens, the massive skylight, the grandeur, the gold, glitter and white, luxury imminent from the get-go. Just staying in the hotel, could be your your vacation. It is a retreat in itself, with its many restaurants, spaces where you can work and watch the views, the amazing swimming pools which look like shimmering pearls at night, everything that one could dream of! It was a pleasure for me to stay at this hotel for a week and also get the chance to work from here for a bit.
And some others...
I also got to see a lot of residential complexes in Singapore, which to me looked like Legoland. So many tiny apartments, rows and rows of them. I really wonder how people live in here. I also visited the Changi Beach Park, which has a good beach and had a nice walk here before my flight back home. I was also fortunate to be in Singapore on Vesak Day, as the streets are covered with a lot of Buddha statues everywhere. I visited a lot of shops and temples on Vesak Day. China Town is also a great place to hang out in Singapore. Lots of Asian inspired cuisine with the famous Singapore Chilli Crab. The streets of China Town are great for taking a stroll at night.
Changi Park
Vesak Day
China Town
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