Visiting Singapore was a fantastic experience that I think I will never forget. It was a complete mystery to me, I was not sure what to expect and when arriving on the Singapore Stopover transfer bus I was mesmerised and intrigued by the overwhelming landscape unravelling in front of me. Dropping down into Singapore from the highway we got a glimpse of the strking skyline that Singapore is well known for but also the ships waiting in the bay. With my fascination for industry and transport I was instantly hooked on what I was seeing.
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| Little India |
Even though we were feeling really tired from the flight, we still managed to see a lot on our first day of arriving. We set off exploring on foot, seeing Clarke Quay first which was a great area. It was busy and full of atmosphere. Next we headed over to China Town, staring up and around looking at the architecture and people, contemplating their story and history. China Town was just fantastic, busy and full of little places to eat and shop. It was here that I experienced a Hawker centre for the first time. It was different but equally delicious – we tried sliced pork with thin noodles, freshly made sugar cane drink, watching it being produced in front of our eyes and we also tried sweet potato balls which were good too.
After spending time in China town, we somehow had the energy to head over to Little India and wow that was another great experience. Earlier on that night the lights had been turned on for the Festival of Light (Deepavali) so the place was illuminated!! The streets felt like a film set. One minute we were walking alongside a big highway and then next we were surrounded by lights, colour and intriging little stalls. It was a fantastic place I could have stood there for hours watching people pass by, listening to the sounds and smelling the delicious dishes being cooked close by.
On the second day of our short stopover, we went to the Zoo! Partly from recommendation but also personal desire, we set off early to catch to animals before they slept through the afternoon heat. Getting to the Zoo isn't as easy as it should be seeing as though it is such a great attraction but we got there without any hold ups. We travelled by foot, tube and Zoo transfer and it didn't cost more than 5 Singapore Dollars per person. The Zoo was just great! There were so many animals to see and the place had such a relaxed feel to it. The animals seemed to have so much space and freedom, it was great. The White Tigers were my favourite, they were magical. Pacing up and down and then having a swim in the water – which was a shock to see! We fed manatees, rode an elephant...all in all a great time was had! But the day wasn't over yet!...
In the evening, I had a surprise planned for me and it turned out to be a ride on the Singapore Flyer with cocktails and music! It was fantastic and it turned out with had our own private pod! The views were breathtaking as was the soundtrack, which was picked by my boyfriend so it was great fun! We felt like celebrities! Cafe Iguana was our eating spot later on in the eating...the food was amazing and the service was impeccable. Our night finished at Raffles hotel, sipping a Singapore Sling! Brilliant!
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| Sentosa |
Next day we set off to Sentosa via Orchard Road, which in all the guide books is rated for its shopping. It wasn't really what I was expecting. The shops are mainly grouped together in their own shopping centres, whereas I was expecting a slightly more intimate shopping experience. There are an endless amount of shops to look at and without a big budget and no space in my backpack I didn't spend too long browsing!! Instead we head over to Sentosa – the mysterious island next to Singapore. To get onto the island you must buy a ticket, which for us was included in our Singapore Stopover package. I really enjoyed spending the day there, it is strangely fascinating and it was great to sit and watch the sun finally set while sipping an ice cold beer.
On our last day, we weren't getting picked up for the airport until 2.30pm so my boyfiend and I headed off seperately for a couple of hours to do our own things. I went to Art Singapore, while my partner explored the famous Raffles Hotel. Walking around Art Singapore I saw some great pieces of work and spoke to a really inspiring Australian glass artist – I was really glad I visited the show it made my head spin with ideas and new ways of working. As a final expense in Singapore, my partner and I enjoyed a Raffles lunch which was a great way to end our visit to Singapore.
One last thing that I just have to mention is Singapore's rooftop swimming pool! It is not very well advertised, you need to know it is there but we were given the inside scoop from friends so we made sure we arrived at the airport in plenty of time and I am so glad we did! It was great to have a swim, a drink and a chance to freshen up ready for the long flight. Perfect.
