Singapore Slinging it- 2 nights stop over in Lion City.
For most travellers you have probably stopped over in Singapore to refuel or change flights. So after numerous AUS-UK trips I decided to finally break up the 26 hour journey and explore Singapore for two nights.
Singapore is a sovereign island city in Southeast Asia that has seen substantial growth in the past couple of years to add to its colourful past.
DAY 1- GETTING TO SINGAPORE
As a major transit hub Singapore is quite easy to get to. Most airlines either low cost or premium use this world class Singapore Changi Airport as a major destination or refuel. I was travelling from Brisbane Australia to the UK. So using British Airways I was able to extend my stopover to 2 days instead of the standard 2-6 hours.
THE PEARL
After a quick and easy visa check, i picked up my bags and walked out the doors and there she was.... The Pearl. I seen a lot of videos, photos and talk on these unique waterfall within the airport, but seeing its tranquility in person was breathtaking. The sound of water cascading so artistically made you stop and take it all it. You have made it to Singapore.
One big thing to remember about the pearl is that it isn't actually in the terminals so if you are wanting to see it in person be sure to do so either after you leave the airport or before you go through customs and immigration for your flight. If you are already inside the terminals though you can catch the skytrain from terminal to terminal which sound go through the Pearl for a quick glimpse.
Here's a little video of what you will see from the train.
GETTING TO THE CITY
One of the things i noticed quickly about Singapore is their extensive infrastructure. Getting from the airport to my hotel was easy and somewhat systematic. As a solo female travel I almost always pay for a taxi to my hotel (especially late night flights) until i get my bearings and assess safety. I used the app Go Jek which is their version of Uber or Didi, I felt very safe and the drivers were always friendly. It cost be around S$20 for the taxi and took around 25 minutes to get to my hotel.
THE HOTEL
Let's be honest i would have love to completely splurged for two nights and stay at Marina Bay Sands. You know the three buildings which a boat on the top and infinity pool overlooking the city. But forking out $800AUD a night for a room was a little out of my budget (for now). It's on the bucket list but for when I have my s/o to enjoy it with. So i opted for Yotel. Located in the heart of Orchard Road, this place has everything i needed and nothing i didn't. Remote controlled beds, robots that deliver room service, oh and toilet views.
DAY 2- LET'S EXPLORE
Admittedly I hadn't done must research in the way of what to do while in Singapore. But knew that I needed to watch the sunset from Marina Bay Sands. So after the hotels buffet breakfast, I downloaded google maps to my phone and set off to find some local street art.
HAJI LANE
Located near the downtown area of the city, Haji Lane is full of fun bars and quirky cafes. All tied together with colourful street art murals and installations. Spotted along the streets are boutiques that offer that unique souvenir of Singapore to take home.
LUNCH
After a 5km walk to get to Haji Lane as I was so caught up in exploring, I opted for a local lunch and drink while in Haji Lane. The Blu Jaz Cafe had a diverse menu, friendly staff and heaps of vibrant murals and with cheeky puns decorating the tables and chairs. I had spicy Nasi Goreng Noodles and a fresh fruit juice.
GARDENS BY THE BAY
Not recommended by I continued my Singapore hike by walking to Gardens by the Bay in 35 degree heat and a belly full of spicy noods. (Catch a Taxi or Use Public Transport). Eventually I came to Gardens by the Bay which is a nature park located beside Marina Bay Sands and spans across 101 hectares.
Cloud Forest- ticket required
This is the taller of the domes in Gardens By The Bay and replicates cool moist conditions to house flora that you would typically find in tropical mountain regions all focussed around a 35m waterfall.
Flower Dome- ticket required
This beautiful dome is actually the worlds largest greenhouse and replicates a cool-dry client to house many of the worlds most beautiful flowers.
Super-tree Grove- no ticket require unless doing the tree walk.
These 18 iconic tree like sculptures are where wonder blooms. Ranging from 25 - 50 metres in height they act as vertical gardens, shading, solar energy and collect rain water,
MARINA BAY SANDS
You cannot go to Singapore without seeing it from the top of the Marina Bay Sands. This integrated resort opened in 2010 as three seperate buildings with a skypark (or ship as some would say) on top. The resort includes a casino, shopping centre, museum, restaurants and everything you would imagine. The skypark sits 55 stories high and is 340m long with a 150 metre infinity pool. Unfortunately unless you are a hotel guest you cannot use the pool or access that area. However you can purchase a skypark ticket which gets you access to some amazing views and a small kiosk that sells beer and snacks. It is worth noting that if you want to relax and soak in the view head an hour or so before sunset and book a table at the Ce La Vi Rooftop Bar. It has the same views and some beautiful cocktails.
DAY 3- RELAX AND CREATE
After a massive day walking 28,000 steps I wanted to spend the day soaking at the what else Singapore had to offer and relax before my long flight that night.
BUMBOAT
Singapore Bumboats are wooden boats traditionally used to transport goods around the country. A boat ride on these encapsulates the Singapore heritage and modernity in one activity. The boat runs for about an hour and takes you around Clarke Quay, Boat Quay and Marina Bay.
MERLION
After seeing the offical mascot of Singapore; The Merlion from the boat i decided to take a walk up and see it up close. The Merlion represents a creature with a lions head and a body of a fish. The name Singapore means Simpa; lion, pura: city and was originally known as Temasek which meant "Sea town" in Javanese. While you are there grab a coconut and lychee ice lolly. Not just for the gram they taste delicious.
CHINATOWN
Singapore has many different ethnic neighbourhoods which fill the city with so much culture, As i was in town for The Chinese New Year I decided to see Chinatown for myself. The markets were bustling and the streets where vibrantly decorated. There were fragrant smells of traditional cuisine with ornate Chinese, Buddhist and Hindu temples. In these streets i discover James Koh a Chinese artist who uses watercolour on rice paper painting for locals and tourists who pass.
Singapore left me feeling so inspired to create outside of my current limits. It left me craving more adventure. I cannot wait to design a Singapore Map Artwork. But for now please visit my World Map.
Until next time, Danni x