Singapore

Singapore: An Unforgettable Experience Between Skyscrapers, Nature, and Culture

Our journey to Singapore started with a real test of patience. Our booked bus from Kuala Lumpur simply never showed up, leaving us stranded for two hours without any information. In the end, we decided to buy a new ticket, and thankfully, that bus actually arrived. However, we are still waiting for a refund for our original ticket.

Arrival in Singapore: Between Chaos and Hospitality

After a long and exhausting journey, we finally arrived in Singapore. Right away, a local helped us find our way to our accommodation, our first positive impression of Singaporean hospitality.

Our accommodation was centrally located in Chinatown, which was great for exploring the city. However, the room itself was a complete disaster: no windows, damp beds, snoring roommates, and almost no privacy. The bathroom facilities? Lets not even go there. But despite all this, we didn’t let it ruin our experience, we were here to explore Singapore!

Singapore: A City of Superlatives

As disappointing as our accommodation was, Singapore itself was absolutely breathtaking. The city instantly won us over with its modern architecture, lush greenery, and remarkable cleanliness. Here are the highlights of our adventure:

1. Botanical Garden, Our Absolute Favorite

Of all the botanical gardens we’ve visited so far, this was by far the most beautiful! Lush greenery, giant tropical trees, and an incredible collection of orchids made this place feel magical.

2. The Singapore Flyer, A Panoramic View of the City

A ride on the Singapore Flyer was a must for us. From the top, we had a spectacular 360-degree view of the skyline, giving us a whole new perspective of the city.

3. Marina Bay Sands & Light Show

No visit to Singapore is complete without a trip to the iconic Marina Bay Sands. The evening light show amazed us with its stunning combination of music, water, and lights. The shopping center there was equally impressive, huge, luxurious, and architecturally stunning.

4. Little India, Not Our Favorite

We had high expectations for Little India, but unfortunately, it was a bit disappointing. It was extremely crowded and didn’t feel as special as we had hoped.

5. Chinatown, A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Unlike Little India, we really enjoyed Chinatown. Beautiful streets, temples, and a lively atmosphere made it a great place to explore.

6. Gardens by the Bay, Magical at Night

The famous Gardens by the Bay were incredible both during the day and at night. But the real highlight was the evening light show, which was truly spectacular.

7. Peranakan Colorful Houses, A Burst of Color

These vibrant, traditional houses were a visual treat and made for amazing photo opportunities.

8. Haw Par Villa, A Strange but Fascinating Experience

This theme park was one of the most unusual attractions we visited. The detailed statues and depictions of Chinese mythology were intriguing, eerie, and fascinating all at once.

9. Sentosa Island, More Than Just a Tourist Destination

The man-made island of Sentosa surprised us with its stunning viewpoints, beaches, and entertainment options. It was the perfect place to see a different side of Singapore.

Efficiency & Cleanliness: What We Loved About Singapore

One of the things that impressed us the most about Singapore was its efficiency and cleanliness. The MRT system was incredibly well-organized, and we especially loved how easy it was to pay for tickets with a credit card, just tap and go!

Plus, the city was spotlessly clean, which is quite rare in Southeast Asia.

Price Comparison: More Expensive Than Thailand & Malaysia

As fascinating and beautiful as Singapore is, it’s significantly more expensive than Thailand or Malaysia. Accommodation, food, and activities are on a completely different price level. However, there are plenty of free attractions to enjoy, making it possible to experience the city on a budget.

Despite the challenging journey and terrible accommodation, Singapore completely won us over. The modern city, with its stunning architecture, green spaces, and unique cultural mix, left a lasting impression on us.

Next Stop: Bali!