Finally, our cancelled trip to Singapore from three years ago eventually happened this year, so we share the excitement of our recent trip to Singapore, post-pandemic. This was my fourth visit to the city-state, but it was my sister’s first time experiencing its wonders. From our late-night/early morning arrival to exploring vibrant neighborhoods and indulging in delectable meals, Singapore left us awe-inspired with its perfect blend of modernity and tradition.
(Please note that travelers exiting and entering the Philippines must register for their electronic departure/arrival card at https://etravel.gov.ph/ within 72 hours prior to their departure/arrival. Similarly, travelers entering Singapore must fill up the electronic arrival card at https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard/ up to 3 days before arrival.)
Arrival and YWCA Fort Canning Singapore
Our plane touched down past 3 am, but thanks to a reliable taxi service at the airport, we swiftly reached our accommodation at YWCA Fort Canning safe and at the right price ($34 as indicated at the airport). Nestled in the heart of Singapore and a stone’s throw away from malls, parks, bus stops and the MRT, YWCA Fort Canning offers a comfortable stay with its modern amenities and convenient location. The hotel’s friendly staff ensured our check-in process was smooth, allowing us to rest and recharge for the exciting days ahead.
Day 1: Universal Studios Singapore and Clarke Quay
To kick off our adventure, we fueled up with a delightful breakfast at YWCA’s Café Lodge, indulging in dim sum and comforting chicken porridge. It was time to introduce my sister to Singapore’s intricate MRT systems so we headed underground to show here the world below. Equipped with EZ Link cards, we hopped on the MRT to Vivo City, a bustling shopping destination. Vivo City impressed us with its vibrant atmosphere and a wide array of shops and eateries.
Our first-time visit to Universal Studios Singapore in Sentosa was the highlight of the day. At Mel’s Drive-In, we enjoyed a delicious lunch, immersing ourselves in the retro ambiance. The attractions at Universal Studios, such as “Lights, Camera, Action!” hosted by Steven Spielberg and the thrilling Shrek 4-D Adventure, left us exhilarated. We were enthralled by street performances and even caught glimpses of beloved characters like Gru, Shrek, and Fiona.
After an eventful day at Universal Studios, we returned to Vivo City to explore its offerings further. We visited the Muji store, where we couldn’t resist purchasing some sleek and functional pens. Our sweet tooth led us to a local bakery, where we savored mouthwatering egg tarts before heading back to the hotel.
The evening took us to Clarke Quay, a vibrant riverside precinct. There, we dined at Fu Lin, a hidden gem serving delectable sweet and sour pork with a unique twist—it featured lychees! Accompanied by a live band and a diverse crowd, we relished the lively atmosphere that Clarke Quay offered. The delightful experience compelled us to order an extra serving of hakaw (shrimp dumplings). With satisfied appetites, we returned to YWCA Fort Canning, cherishing the memories created on our first day.
Day 2: Chinatown, Gardens by the Bay, and Marina Bay
Opting for a bus ride to explore more of Singapore, we began our day with a delicious breakfast at Plaza Singapura. Tim Ho Wan treated us to Hong Kong-style wonton noodle soup, egg white spring rolls, and flavorful chicken cordycep flower & mushroom rice. Plaza Singapura’s vibrant atmosphere and the presence of a special event at the Muji store added to the excitement of our morning.
Next, we embarked on a bus journey to Chinatown, which felt both familiar and refreshed from previous visits. The magnificent Buddha Tooth Relic Temple captivated us, and this time, we ventured to the mezzanine and second floor to explore its fascinating displays, reminiscent of a museum. We couldn’t resist purchasing chocolates and other souvenirs from the local shops.
The scorching Singaporean heat called for refreshing fruit juices from a nearby fruit stall, and we indulged in ice cream and Coke at OnlyCreamery. After satisfying our appetites, we shopped for clothes at a department store before relishing a lunch of famous Michelin-rated Hawker Chan dishes in Chinatown.
Our journey continued to Marina Bay, where a few detours added to the adventure. We took a wrong bus stop and had to rely on the MRT due to road closures for the Singapore National Day Parade rehearsals. Despite a minor hiccup of taking the wrong train, we regrouped at Bayfront station.
Navigating our way to Gardens by the Bay proved challenging initially, but I re-discovered the Marina Bay mall walkway, leading us to the Dragonfly bridge. At the Supertree Grove, we found ourselves amidst a vibrant family day celebration, complete with captivating performances, throngs of children and joyful crowds. We had some snacks at the Jurassic Nest food hall and as we indulged in our Aglio Olio, surrounded by larger-than-life dinosaurs, we found ourselves captivated by the enthralling show when the dinosaurs suddenly moved and smoke filled the tiny water fountain right before us.
Though we decided to miss the lights and sound show at Gardens by the Bay as we were afraid we might have difficulty catching a ride going out with all the crowds present, we were delighted to witness the stunning sights and lights and sound show of Marina Bay and enjoy a magnificent fireworks display. Dinner at Makansutra Gluttons Bay, Esplanade’s outdoor food center, which added to the evening’s magic before we embarked on detour and a quite tiring walk to the City Hall MRT station instead of the Esplanade MRT.
Day 3: Exploring Singapore’s Sunday hubs
Sunday morning prompted us to attend mass at the Church of Sacred Heart, conveniently located near our hotel. To fuel ourselves for the day, we relished coffee and kaya toast at Killiney, situated in the UBS building. The convenience of scanning QR codes for Sunday readings and hymns added a modern touch to our spiritual experience.
We embarked on a bus journey to Ikea Alexandra, enjoying picturesque views of Singapore along the way. At Ikea, we indulged in their famous meatballs and savory salmon, while also gathering household ideas from the store’s inspiring displays. Lucky Plaza became our next stop, where we bought shirts and souvenirs before venturing to Orchard Road.
Orchard Road, Singapore’s bustling shopping district, greeted us with vibrant energy. We explored renowned malls like Tangs and Ion Orchard and treated ourselves to an ice cream sandwich from a street vendor. The presence of fellow Filipinos, enjoying their day off, added to the festive atmosphere. We concluded our Orchard Road adventure by finding the elusive Muji pens my sister had been searching for at Plaza Singapura.
In Plaza Singapura, our quest for Laksa led us to Killineys, where we realized that the spiciness surpassed our tolerance. Nonetheless, we managed to satisfy our cravings with a variety of groceries from Watsons and CS Fresh. We strolled back to our hotel, cherishing the memories of a busy day.
Day 4: Rainy Day Explorations and Departure
With rain greeting us on our final day, we made the most of our time before departing. After checking out from YWCA Fort Canning, we braved the rain with borrowed umbrellas and headed to the National Museum of Singapore. The museum’s modern and nostalgic blend captivated us, and we enjoyed the interactive Lee Kuan Yew trail, following a fun quest that rewarded us with an LKY pin.
Conveniently, a walkway from the top floor of the museum led us to Fort Canning Centre, where we enjoyed a delightful lunch at Le Jardin. This charming garden-inspired restaurant offered a unique ambiance and delicious cuisine, leaving us with lasting memories.
After collecting our belongings from YWCA, we hailed a Zig cab to Changi Jewel. The captivating interiors of Jewel impressed us as we explored the building, soaking in its beauty. Refunding our EZ Link cards at Terminal 2, we received a partial refund of Singaporean $10. We then proceeded to Terminal 4, where we savored a delightful dinner at Aji Ichi Sushi Bar, experiencing the assistance of a helpful robot waiter.
With online check-in and self-service bag drop, the airport experience proved to be seamless and efficient. The automated immigration process further showcased Singapore’s technological advancements. Terminal 4’s stunning architecture, featuring indoor trees and a heritage area, provided a fitting farewell to a remarkable trip.
As we bade farewell to Singapore and embarked on our journey back home, we couldn’t help but reflect on the remarkable progress and modernity we experienced throughout our visit. Singapore’s advanced infrastructure, cultural richness, and culinary delights left an indelible impression on us, ensuring that we would cherish this trip for a lifetime. Moreover, with greens everywhere, Singapore truly upholds to its name as a Garden City, from the pockets of gardens in the airports to tree-filled highways and relaxing parks in various parts of the city.
Note: This travel blog post highlights the memorable experiences of the author during their visit to Singapore. It emphasizes the attractions visited, local cuisine enjoyed, transportation methods used, and the unique aspects of each location. Separate blog posts will detail more some of these attractions and destinations.