I tagged along with my aunt's business trip to Singapore and had the chance to explore around the country. It was my first time exploring another Asian country aside from the Philippines, and I think Singapore was a perfect introduction into several different Asian cultures with the ease of visiting one place. (Of course, if I get the chance to visit them all I will). While I came with my aunt on this trip, I did a large portion of the exploring by myself, so it was interesting and fun figuring out my way around the country. Luckily, there were some kind strangers that were able to offer directions and even help take pictures for me. (3 day vacation)
Before my trip I did research on what to see and visit, and the Jewel Changi Airport caught my eye. This was my first time coming across an airport that had so many different features and attractions. It was a great way to start my trip before checking into our hotel. We spent the rest of the evening walking along Orchard Road and at the Orchard Central Mall.
Clockwise starting from top left (all taken in the Jewel Changi Airport): mirror selfie in an airport bathroom after freshening up, the iconic HSBC Rain Vortex, lost in the Hedge Maze, selfie with the Love Birds on the Topiary Walk
I got up early the next day and spent a quiet morning looking around in Design Orchard. Later in the afternoon, my aunt's friends took us to lunch at Song Fa Restaurant and I was able to try their famous Bak Kut Teh pork soup, Kai Lan veggies, dough fritters, and Lemon Barley drink. They toured us around the area and we spent time walking around Haji Lane and Marina Bay Sands.
Top row (left to right): pulled some inspiration from an interior design book I checked out in Design Orchard, cute meeting spaces available at Design Orchard. Middle photo: lunch break at Song Fa Restaurant. Bottom row (left to right): posing in front of what could be the plainest wall in Haji Lane, showing off more of the color and liveliness that Haji Lane is known for
Green Dress- Cotton On
Sandals- Cotton On (similar)
Tote Bag- Myriad Print Concepts
Of course, I had to stop by the Art Science Museum to check out the popular "Crystal Universe" exhibit that everyone has pictures of. I had a fun time messing around the museum and playing with the different art installations. I walked from the Art Science Museum, through the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands over to the Gardens by the Bay (in the mid-afternoon so it was blazing hot outside), and bought tickets to check out both the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest Dome. I had a lot of fun seeing the waterfall and walking through the different levels of the Cloud Forest Dome.
Left: the cool exterior of the Art Science Museum. Right: exploring the "Crystal Universe" in the Future World Exhibit
Top row (left to right): up close view at the base of one of the Supertrees in Supertree Grove, view of the Singapore Flyer, Supertree Grove, and the Floral and Cloud Domes while on the Dragonfly Bridge. Clockwise starting from top left: jumping for joy as the mist from the waterfall sprays cool water on me, succulents in the Floral Dome, selfie with some beautiful white rhododendrons, some prickly cacti also found in the Floral Dome
Clockwise starting from top left: enjoying some fresh coconut water after eating my heart out at a Hawker Centre, refreshing gelato break at Da Paolo Gastronomia, having a Singapore Sling in Haji Lane with some new friends I made, a display case of wine for sale at the Ginett Restaurant & Wine Bar
Overall, I really enjoyed Singapore. The country is relatively small but it is jam-packed with so much diversity (kind of like San Francisco, CA). It was very safe, especially for a female solo traveler, and clean (which I highly appreciated). I was able to walk around and take the MRT (even at night) and feel completely comfortable. I'm glad I took more chances and pushed myself to explore. I'm excited to take a trip back to Singapore later in the future to see how much it will have developed and changed.
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