Singapore in 4 Days

Singapore – they said it’s mostly man-made; but if man makes it keeping nature at a pedestal it deserves, it’s not that bad!

We visited Singapore in the month of March when summers are not at its peak. This meant it was not that bad to walk in the afternoon sun. We covered almost the entire country over 4 days.

Now before you start packing your bags & look for the next flight to Singapore; here’s a quick guide for the same –

• What is the best time to visit?
  • Not in peak summer – any other time is just perfect
• What should I pack?
  • Basic summer clothes, your camera (duh! Of course) sports shoes for full day comfort. A pair of trousers/jeans for the customary 57^th floor visit to Marina Bay Sands
• Where should I stay?
  • There’s a string of options ranging from Airbnb to hotels across. We chose a luxury hotel in Rf Blvd & a budget hotel in little India
• How much money do I need? (acceptable currency is SGD)
  • A very table top estimate:
    • Commute/Travel (MRT/Bus) – Take a temp card & recharge; each trip will cost <1 SGD, bus fare flat 1.5 SGD
    • Hotel/night (luxury has no limits J) – 250 SGD/night for luxury & 80 SGD/night for budget
    • Meals – 20-30 SGD/meal (veg)
  • What to visit?

Well, here it goes:

Day1

Journey: Airport -> Hotel -> Shoppe Marina Bay -> Gardens by the Bay -> Marina Bay Sands

Stay: We stayed at Marina Mandarin

If you’ve caught a night flight, get some rest as it is going to be a long walking day. Leave around noon & walk through the Youth Olympic Park and then onto Helix bridge to reach the riverside Art & Science Museum. There were 2 exhibitions, Minimalism & Future World (Where Art Meets Science), and we chose the immersive experience of the latter. This exhibition starts with a beautiful tryst with nature, moves on to show how our creation (the drawing) leaves an imprint on the world we live in & then eventually you’re left mesmerized by the infinity of space.

Now it’s time to head into the shoppe for lunch. You may choose to take a walk along some of the biggest brands and then exit towards Gardens by the Bay. It’s advisable to book your tickets beforehand to avoid queues. Take the shuttle or you may choose to walk towards the dome that makes for the largest collection of plants.

Next you walk towards the artificial trees and brace yourselves for a breath-taking light show (at sunset). This one is truly a culmination of the whole theme of ‘Sustainable Development’.

It may sound boring but it’s time for the next light-show. But trust us, it’s getting better J. You can walk towards the riverside to experience this one. You may either choose to have the central view of the fountain light show OR just follow us here –

Yup, to the iconic LV store. Shop if you want, rather if you CAN (who wouldn’t want, eh?), and get down to the side jetti and just lay down along the calm waters. Gaze into the night sky or the skyline until the show starts. The view may not be perfect from here, but the experience is!

Now, if you’re tired, get up to the 57^th floor of Marina Bay Sands to unwind with a drink of your choice. If you’re not tired, get up to the 57^th floor of Marina Bay Sands to groove to the music with a drink of your choice. Faraway lands seem so near & the perspectives are so much different from up there. That marks the end of a long day 1.

Note: Do not buy the ticket to observation deck for $16. Instead opt for the bar Celavi for a cover charge of $22

Day2

Journey: Hotel -> Chinatown -> Mt Faber Park -> Oxford Street

Stay: We stayed at Hotel 81 Dickson, Little India

This was a lazy day for us. We woke up around noon & then went on to Chinatown via MRT. A good thing about this country is the MRT network is so well spread that it always is a few minutes of walk away. Chinatown gives you the typical “Kung-Fu Panda” style streets of China. It has a big Buddhist temple that is a must visit.

Now it’s time for some street shopping & Chinese food fest. You can get the cheapest souvenirs here. But please note these do carry cash in this market. Most street vendors do not accept cards.

Grab a good lunch, as it is time to go on a romantic evening walk. It is the perfect setup; the trees, the flowers, the steps, the trail. It is the perfect long walk that we all deserve with our loved ones. Don’t forget to stopover at the Happy Steps & the Bell of Happiness!

After you’re done with the trek, take the MRT to Oxford street & then indulge in extravagant exuberance in the underground mall (Note for the ladies: Charles & Keith is the home brand) & then step out into the real street. A beautiful street full of brands (yet again) – Do visit the iconic Apple Store & witness the genius of minimalistic simplicity. On walking for a while, you’ll get to a ‘bar hopping’ street. We enjoyed our dinner & dance at this happening place called “Alley Bar”.

Day3

Journey: Hotel -> Sentosa -> Little India

Stay: We stayed at Hotel 81 Dickson, Little India

Today is the day of Universal Studios!!!!!! We leave it to you to explore this place but a quick hack for an enhanced experience –

• Do not waste time in the beginning to get yourself clicked at the globe (evening pics are even better)
• Start with Transformers
• Enjoy other rides till lunch
• During lunch time, enjoy (if you can) the roller coasters (GALACTICA was extreme!)
• Egyptian Mummy ride is also quite fun
• Shrek movie screening is also quite an experience
• Aqua park theatre/live act is a must watch
• Do not throw invoices of purchases/F&B – you might just get a free gift
• Evening road show is the highlight followed by fireworks & live band performance

And now – We’ll let the pictures speak:

If you want to get cheap electronics/ souvenirs go to Mustafa at night (it is a 24 hour market) & get your gift shopping done!

Day4

Day 4 is for anything that got missed or catching up with friends or simply exploring the Changi Airport J