Singapore is a city I think people read or watch on TV and still have no inkling about. It could be viewed as just another over-populated Asian city by some, but others would call it the eighth wonder of the world. Yes, it’s a costly place and the place might look jampacked, but if you look closely, there’s a beauty here that you’ll shrug off if you don’t really try to look closer. Once the blinds are pulled, there is a place filled with fun, some of the latest architectural wonders, and interjected with an interesting diversity of culture. Let me take you through three incredible days in this lively city, thus helping you to avoid anything that might be of no interest to you.
Day 1: A Glance From The Sky And A Sea Vacation
Morning: Marina Bay Sands Hotel
Begin your tour at the luxurious and well-known Marina Bay Sands Hotel. This architectural design, being one of the tallest buildings in the country, proved to be quite fascinating to me as a lover of a good view; standing at the top of the building was fun, and from the observation deck, the view of the city is indeed remarkable. However, it is maybe not the view or the landscape but about having an idea of the organization of the city. I believe that if your pocket will allow it, staying here gives a sense of opulence that is good to go; however, simply coming to the SkyPark and the Ku De Ta bar/restaurant is already good enough. I would suggest going up around 5 PM for you to get a better view. This means you are able to transition through having the daylight view of the city, get to view a captivating sunset, and finally the moments of the city lights at night. That prelude alone is already magic, creating the perfect frame for your Singapore experience.
As I stood on the roof of Marina Bay Sands with the wind blowing kindly, having the whole image of the city at my feet, I saw myself being a hero. These are some of the episodes that make traveling incredibly fulfilling. The broad perspective gives them an interesting insight into Singapore’s Modernisation yet retains its Convention. Marina bay area, Singapore flyer, and the futuristic structure of gardens by the bay will also come into view from here. It’s the best to start your vacation and define the further route and sights to see during the stay.
Afternoon: Sentosa Island Beach
Next on your tour is Sentosa Island, which I considered a place of leisure and play. Being one of the most attractive tourist destinations with regard to attractions and better still, beaches, Sentosa Island is a must-visit. I was able to tour Palawan Beach, relax in the powdery sand, and even get a sun-kissed tan into my skin. Being an island, there are certainly a number of beaches, but Sentosa is not restricted just to those. This is where Universal Studios Singapore is located, the S.E.A Aquarium, and many museums among them. To avoid crowding, especially in attractive traps, it is advisable to visit during weekdays. Getting there is relatively easy; one has to use the MRT and alight at the HarbourFront Station and take the Sentosa Express from VivoCity. On the other hand, the cable car ride is a ride with beautiful views and a good start before exploring the island.
During my first time visiting Sentosa, one thing that caught my attention was the ability with which one could engage in as many recreational activities as possible. If you want to have fun and you are an ardent fan of activities like the ones offered by Universal Studios, Sentosa is the place to be. But if you are looking for a serene environment like the beach, then this is the place for you. One fine day, I strolled around this island and saw a number of places of interest like Butterfly Park and Wax Land – Madame Tussauds. The best part of my experience, though, was just being able to enjoy the sun and the sand and feel the water as it crashed against the shore. It was the best escape from the busy life in the city.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Modern Marvels
Morning: Marina Bay and the Arts and Science Museum
Marina Bay is the epicenter of Singapore’s contemporary incentives. At your leisurely walk around the place, you will come across the large statue of Merlion, which is a mythological figure representative of Singaporean evolution from a fishing village to a modern city. Next to this emblematic figure, I got a feeling of pride and even excitement to be standing next to him. Adjacent to it, there is the distinctive Arts and Science Museum that invites people with its architecture and interesting exhibits. During my visit, the incorporation of technology, art, and science in the museum was motivating and informative and widened my vision. After that, in the evening, a place to visit is the Marina Bay Sands light and water show. The lights, the music, and the water shuffling together is the sensational experience.
I recall that there was some type of light show when I was in Marina Bay. When it got dark and the lights of the city started to appear, I was able to sit in front of the sea and open the great surprise of the colorful night sky. The music, the lights, and reflections on water looked like a fairy tale. It was probably one of the most colorful and happy moments to recall being all about the human ability to create and invent.
Afternoon: Chinatown’s Culinary Delights
Chinatown is one of the most interesting places in Singapore, which is demonstrated in the area that presents the history, the culture, and the food. I strolled comfortably along the concrete pavement, admiring the surprisingly painted shop houses and the smell of food stalls. Here, one can enjoy tasty oriental dishes, specifically Chinese cuisine, at the same time enjoying moderate prices. If I were to drink Kopi again, it has to be a cup in one of the many coffee shops in this happening district. Several heritage buildings and temples are also found around Chinatown, which provides the visitors with a feel of the ancient world. Of them, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is noteworthy and is worthy to visit.
Just walking around Chinatown that began to look more like a true American sight made me actually seem that I went back in time. The walking through the schema filled narrow streets, examining the carvings on the shophouse fronts, and feeling the atmosphere of the vibrant street markets brings one to another time culture frame. And the time was flying away while I was walking through the area; tasting tasty street food and talking to kind people. The best part was going to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple; it was one of the few calm and quiet places in a rather noisy city. The current style of the temple and its architecture were quite elaborate, and it also provided a moment of solace and serenity.
Evening: Bugis Street Market and Singapore Art Museum
Following the heavy dinner, take a walk at the famous Chinatown and then to Bugis Street Market for cheap souvenirs. Just trying to find our way in the twisting over-stuffed narrow alleys with stands that offered virtually all kinds of garments, accessories, souvenirs, and other items was fun in itself. As with most massive, labyrinthine structures, it’s rather simple to become disoriented, though that is presumably the general idea. Next to the hotel lies the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) that displays Singapore and Southeast contemporary art works. Grunts will relate to it; artistic people will love the creativity and the ways their brains have been tickled. Here I maxed out hours just staring at the artwork that was to be seen and admiring.
Bugis Street Market is an ultimate chaotic commercial experience which is excellent. The colors, the noises, and smells stimulate the senses and translate into a lively environment that invites the consumer’s impulsive appetites. I enjoyed the culture-oriented negotiations with the sellers and learning where to find the most attractive trinkets to buy. The Singapore Art Museum that I visited later was a complete pleasure after that. The tranquility of the museum’s environment enables one to ponder on the events of the day and enrich the knowledge of the cultural diversity of Singapore.
Day 3: A Multicultural Finale
Morning: Discovering Little India
Little India is a cultural blast that overwhelms one’s senses in the most extravagant manner. The moment I stepped out on Serangoon Road, I felt the warm welcome of saree shop colorful doors, the spicy smell which I inhale and which is accompanied by Bollywood music. It was interesting when I decided to get a glass of Chai Masala (Spiced tea) from a nearby tea vendor. Some of the temples which are also to be seen in this area include the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, which is carved and stained. The ambiance that is presented during each visit to Little India makes it such a delight and feels like making a trip to the subcontinent.
One of the interesting activities I did during the tour was exploring the Little India area. The galore is awash with activity; markets rich with ethnic variety, spices that could make your tongue tingle, and music that can make the dead rise from the grave. I roamed around the town in the morning, tasted scrumptious Indian sweets, and talked with shopkeepers. Special mention can be made of the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. The temple, like many other structures in Asia, was architecturally beautiful with rich décor both in colors and design work, and I found the temple serene in the middle of a very busy city.
Afternoon: Riverside Vibes at Clarke Quay
For a contrast, however, visit Clarke Quay. This is one of the active districts near the river, specifically in the evening. You may consider going for a walk late in the afternoon along the Singapore River tracing its history and liveliness. My favorite thing was to be able to sit at one of the riverside cafes, with a cold beer, watching people come and go. Clarke Quay is mainly characterized by its night activities with various bars and restaurants. That is why it is more than appropriate to relax here and feel the unique vibe of the metropolis.
Singapore at night is most probably considered like the nightlife of Clarke Quay. By the evening, people shed their inhibitions and parties set in with music, cheers, and clinking of glasses. Most of the evening was passed moving from bar to restaurant, and taking beer in addition to exchanging words with other travelers. It was fun, and the view of the river while having our meals added to the interesting experience of our night out. It was a great way to culminate SG, and being with new friends and the vibrancy of the city was the icing on the cake.
Evening: Orchard Road Shopping
Visiting Orchard Road when in Singapore is something that is very much recommended. This is a famous shopping street where shopping malls for all classes are evident, ranging from luxurious to pocket-pinching. I wandered for hours into different shops and, at last, when I was rather on the lookout, I came across Lucky Plaza for local cheap souvenirs and electronics. If one is out for shopping sprees or if one simply needs souvenirs, Orchard Road cannot be beaten.
Expressing herself on what it was like to shop on Orchard Road, she said, ‘It was quite delightful.’ These fancy malls and active shops are the stuff that the street provided. It was exciting to be able to walk around looking at the latest fashion, get some interesting gifts, and shop a little. It was a fairly private area, especially during the evening; the products ranged from cheap to moderately priced, and the merchants were approachable. Some of it was ideal for some souvenirs and gifts that could be taken back home for friends and families.
Final Day: A Touch of Nature and History
Morning: Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay was one place that I felt I could not afford to miss as my three days in Singapore were coming to an end. As seen in this futuristic park, Singapore is one of the leading nations in the development and provision of green areas. As I was walking through the Supertree Grove, I felt like I was transferred to another planet. In Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, visitors are presented with an opportunity to go through various climatic conditions and exotic plant life. Splendid sized lawns with beautiful flowers were proving as an oasis for the eyes from the humdrum of city life.
Every tourist must visit this place to feel the essence of natural beauty – Gardens by the Bay. One innovative and exciting thing about the park that offers a ‘wow’ factor is the design of the park and the types of plants that are used for the setting of the park. I went for a morning walk all around the gardens, admiring the Supertrees and the green landscape. Cloud Forest has a much cooler climate which was good after the hot weather of Lower Daintree while the Flower Dome fulfilled the need of the eyes with its beautiful flowers. It was isolation in the best way possible and a perfect way to start off the day.
Afternoon: Sultan Mosque and Arab Street
Sultan Mosque and the area that is referred to as Arab Street should be the last stop of any Singapore tour. This is, therefore, an architectural masterpiece, especially the golden dome of the mosque. While wandering around the district, I saw various shops, cafes, and street paintings. Arab Street is good for souvenirs and Middle Eastern food. Thus, the colorful ambiance and the history of the island metropolis make it the perfect ending to your Singapore holiday.
Sultan Mosque is the most incredible representation of Islamic architecture. The building is so magnificent; with its golden dome and interesting architectural features. I liked how I could just take a walk through the neighborhood and look at the shops and coffee shops there. The liveliness of Arab Street and the available products and commodities were rather refreshing at the end of the trip. I took nice souvenirs in the form of textiles and was able to taste authentic Middle Eastern cuisine which was palatable and accompanied by excellent hospitality.
Conclusion: Getting the Best out of Your Singapore Trip
One may think that Singapore is not a very big country, however, there is so much one can do there, as there is something for everybody. Whether you are admiring the major contemporary architecture, taking a sunbath on a beautiful coast, tasting different types of food, or discovering ethnical quarters, everybody will find something to do. Every spot in Singapore turned into a discovery and a moment memorable throughout my three-day trip in Singapore. If you have a timetable and tourist maps of Ilaban and concentrate on these areas of interest, then one would not miss anything important and would come out of the trip with a lot of appreciation for the city. Thus, grab your things, be prepared for a new perception of life and welcome the unforgettable experience.
Going out to explore Singapore was an eye-opener. The modernization of the city, the different cultures, and the liveliness of the environment impacted me. The structures, particularly the Marina Bay Sands, the Gardens by the Bay, and the markets made the days interesting. Singapore is a city that encourages the hunter-gatherers of the Twenty-First Century – the travelers. Always when coming to this country, no matter if it is the first time or the hundredth time – something always catches your attention. Therefore, go ahead and submerse yourself in the marvel that is Singapore. You won’t regret it.