Always wanted to go solo to some international place apart from India. My friend also was interested to do such a trip and so we thought of many places but landed Singapore at the end (10th nov to 15th nov, 2022).
The first day itself was an experience. My friend missed her flight and booked next flight. Hence, I landed Singapore very early and waited for her. The airport was more like a mall. I reached early in the morning and hence everything was closed till 9 am. Slept in the area of the Jewel with the luggage as no activity was there and it was calm. At 9.20 am the security came and woke up the people who were sleeping there hahaha. Then went around and had good coffee. By 10am the fountain started and slowly the crowd gathered. My friend also joined me and we clicked few pics and felt happy and excited as out trip starts NOW on our own!!
We explored the Changi Airport completely for the rest of the day. After that took a taxi and reached our hotel that we had booked. Evening we went around a bit to see where the metro is and explored a little bit the area where we stayed.
Next day, we went to metro station bought a card. The maps, info about the trains were all very helpful and easy for any new person to travel on their own. We have to just google and find where we are going and the nearest metro station is. And the bus service also is good. The same card is used for both.
1st day:
Haw Par villa:
This place is right next to the metro station. This place was known as Tiger Balm gardens before. Though the entry to park is free, the Hell museum is a must visit here. It has an entrance fee where it says, "Buy ticket to Hell". They have a depiction of Ten courts of Hell about death, the afterlife and other deeper concepts. Not everyone enjoys such topic but we liked the concept and the way it was explained and showcased. It took almost 2hrs here.
The Documentary:
The origins of Haw Par Villa :
Located on a hill in Pasir Panjang, Haw Par Villa was once known as Tiger Balm Gardens. Lovingly built by Myanmar-born businessman Aw Boon Haw for his brother, Aw Boon Par, the park was named after the Tiger Balm medical ointment that the siblings’ father had created.
Following its construction in 1937, the grounds of the villa were opened to the public, reflecting Boon Haw’s deep passion for Chinese culture and mythology. Boon Haw personally supervised the artisans who created many of the parks original fixtures, in the hope that the park’s depiction of traditional virtues would provide moral guidance to the public.
When war broke out, the Aw family fled Singapore for Yangon (then known as Rangoon). The park was used as an observation point by the Japanese army, and it was only in the post-war years that Aw Boon Haw returned to Singapore, and began to rebuild the park.
From the 1940s to the 1970s, many members of the Aw family contributed to the park’s development. This included Boon Par’s son, Aw Cheng Chye, who made various additions to the park’s dioramas. His passion for travel led to the establishment of the park’s International Corners, which pay tribute to the cultures of the many countries he visited.
It was raining heavily and so we just took a break for lunch in the same place which has a small cafeteria. Hope they have good options for vegetarians :(
Since half day was over, we checked nearby place so we can spend quality time. And voila, it was the Botanical gardens. So took the metro and this also was just next to the staion.
Botanical Gardens:
Entry is free. As we entrered, we felt calm listening to the natures music.
Spanning 82 hectares just five minutes away from Orchard Road, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is over 150 years old. It houses thousands of plant varieties, including rare orchids and ancient trees. So much to explore in this place. The only thing we have to do here is walk, walk and walk!!! Tiring but cant miss this place.
2nd day :
Jurong Bird park:
The next day we planned to visit the Bird Park. Take a metro and then direct bus to the park. It started raining when we got out. Thought what will we do. But thankfully the rain stopped after sometime. By then we booked tickets. A tram takes us around with many stops. We can get down and walk that area, click pics, spend time with the birds. Very well organised place. But, it will be closed down soon and shifted to some other place they said. Later in the noon, there was bird show, well trained and was a great experince to watch.
Lunch we had there.. but again..vegetarians have issue. I had only a toast and a coffee that too veryyy sweet. They put condensed milk, sugar in coffee. So look out before you order coffee there!!
The whole day went here itself. By the time we reached hotel was 6pm and damn tired.
3rd day
Gardens by the Bay:
We were given flowers at the reception. Then have to book the entrance tickets. They have options. We took Flower dome and Supertree observatory desk. Its a huge area with many attractions.
Gardens by the Bay is a showpiece of horticulture and garden artistry that presents the plant kingdom in a whole new way, entertaining while educating visitors with plants seldom seen in this part of the world.
Super tree observatory desk:
It is 50m high with two storeys. The observatory space includes an indoor area with full-height glass windows and an outdoor walkway.We can enjoy the panoramic views of Marina Bay from the open-air rooftop deck which is the highest point of the park.
Flower Dome:
The Flower Dome is truly spectacular! It represents a great variety of plants from all parts of the world and we can appreciate them while staying inside! The roof is fitted with specially selected glass that allows optimal light in for plants while minimizing solar heat, allowing the conservatory to be cooled more efficiently. It was the Christmas time and it was totally decorated on that theme.
Art Science Museum:
Its a 15min walk from the Gardens of the Bay. We can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Flyer. Walk all the way under the Helix bridge and reach the museum.
This is an iconic cultural landmark in Singapore. It explores art, science, culture and technology.
There is 3 sections to be seen. Future world, Mental and Patricia Piccinini. It was worth, so much to learn in this world.
Helix bridge:
The bridge has a distinctive double helix structure modelled on the DNA structure. It overlooks Marina Bay, forming a curve next to the vehicular Bayfront Bridge and the Youth Olympic Park, and connecting Marina Centre with the Bayfront area.
Merlion statue:
The Merlion is the official mascot of Singapore. It is depicted as a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The Merlion's fish-like body symbolises Singapore's origins as a fishing village, known as Temasek—a name which comes from same root as the word tasek ('lake' in Malay). The statue's head represents the city's original name of Singapura (lion city in Sanskrit).
In the evening, we dint have much time to go back all the way to the Flyer or Marina bay. Hence, sat down and watched the fountain show that was on the opposite side, next to Art Science museum.
Thus ends my 3rd day in Singapore.
4th day:
Singapore Zoo:
We went to Madai zoo as its called. Booked tickets for the night safari also. And got a complimentary ride for Amazon river quest. All excitement went off after visiting zoo. very less animals as they were renovating or about to shift. Not organised at all. Dissappointed and then after lunch we went to see the Seal show. That was good. Then we went to the Amazon river ride. We had to actually run all the way as they said it will close soon. Fun ride with viewing few animals. Last night safari.. by then we lost hopes on this zoo. And so was it. less animals which we couldnt even see properly. All we enjoyed was the explanations given on the record in the tram.
We were dead tired by the time we reached back our hotel. The next day was last day hence had planned few places.
5th day:
Bugis:
We saw few places on google and thought to venture. But with the google maps, we were only going around the same place. Had a good breakfast in Bugis mall. Then left to metro station.
Unfortunately, i fell and hurt my ankle. Got an ankle support and continued the site seeing day limping all the way. huh!!! painful but had to see the place!
National Museum:
The National Museum of Singapore is the nation's oldest museum that seeks to inspire with stories of Singapore and the world. Its history dates back to 1849. Known then as the Raffles Library and Museum, the museum moved to its current premises on Stamford Road in 1887. Was worth all the going all the way.
Sentosa island:
Then we went to Sentosa island. Took a cable car and it was beautiful view. Went to Universal studio but that day it was closed. So just walked around and came back by metro.
Evening went to Clarke quay area and just rested watching the place.
Then back to airport and then back to home, Dubai!
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