It was the June school holidays and we were itching to go for an overseas trip. It's our first trip overseas as a family and we wanted to make it a memorable one...
Day 1
Off we went on our 1st day to KLIA for the flight to Singapore. While we waited, we enjoyed the views around the airport including the model commercial jet planes below.
Upon reaching Singapore, we headed for our hotel (Strand Hotel) located at Bencoolen Street. We were a bit adventurous which was probably why we took the MRT to the hotel. In hindsight this was not a smart move due to the heavy luggage and the need to change trains. But anyway, it's an experience not all tourists can talk about.
Upon reaching the hotel, we saw that there were MRT works outside at the time and it's a bit noisy though work stops before night time. We took the Family Room which costs about SGD 300 per night. There were 2 queen sized beds and 1 single bed. Very comfortable and spacious keeping in mind that this is Singapore we are talking about.
With no time to waste (since time is money in Singapore) we headed straight for Chinatown where we saw busy streets and shops with a mix of old and new buildings. It was a shopping area for tourists and there were many souvenirs on sale. Since it's our first day, we were more interested in the sights and sounds.
 |
| Sri Mariamman Temple |
 |
| Buddha Tooth Relic Museum |
 |
| Masjid Jamae |
 |
| Thian Hock Keng Temple |
 |
| Coins and Notes Museum |
To me, Chinatown in Singapore is not just about Chinese culture but about a good mix and blend of what represents Singapore from a cultural point of view. The mix of temples and mosques in the area is just amazing.
Next we rushed to Gardens by the Bay. It's huge and with the view of Marina Bay Sands in the background it transports us to a totally different place altogether. It's all new, futuristic and captivating at the same time.
We hurried over to The Cloud Forest since we have already purchased tickets at the airport and would like to spend more time there. If you do not wish to spend money on this, you can still spend hours wondering around the multiple outdoor gardens.
What greeted us when we entered the dome was a huge man-made waterfall which caused the temperature inside to plummet significantly. The temperature inside was cold especially near the waterfall and what an experience that was. This is the main attraction in the dome but there are also various flowering plants which is quite attractive as well. The cool temperature was a welcome relief compared to the hot weather outside.
 |
| The huge man-made waterfall |
 |
| Dizzying height when viewed from the top |
The cooling and relaxing environment inside the Cloud Forest made us reluctant to leave but we had to since we still have the Flower Dome to visit (buying tickets from the Changi Airport proved to be cheaper than buying them at the separate attractions).
So, off we went to the Flower Dome before it closes. What greeted us was a different atmosphere where it was of a more temperate climate with various thriving plants from different parts of the world.
 |
| The writer feeling dwarfed by the huge trees in the background |
 |
| Easily the highest tree in the Flower Dome |
It was already late evening when we emerged from the Flower Dome and a totally different sight greeted us. With lights all around us, the whole area was transformed into yet another welcoming sight. We marveled at the Superdomes light show and also the magnificent night time Singapore skyline.
On our way back to the MRT, we were greeted with an incredible view of Marina Bay Sands at night. It's totally breathtaking and the picture does not do it justice but it's all I have to show for it. The real scene is much more beautiful and surreal.
 |
| Space ship or Super luxurious hotel...Either way it's incredible.. |
 |
| The inside of Marina Bay Sands |
As we ended our first day in Singapore, I have to say that Gardens by the Bay definitely ranks top of my list when it comes to places to visit in this city country as it is vast and versatile and for it's ability to transform itself into a different world altogether from day time to night time.
DAY 2
We woke up very excited for our second day but firstly we had a simple but satisfying breakfast at the hotel.
Off we went to none other than Sentosa Island and to Universal Studios Singapore (USS). As you can see the second day is more for the kids but it's definitely enjoyable for the adults too, We took the Sentosa Boardwalk over to Sentosa Island.
 |
| Travelator to make it easier on the Sentosa Boardwalk |
 |
| Customary picture before entering |
 |
| This is the castle we have all come from afar to see |
 |
| Doing brisk business |
 |
| All these colors easily transports us back to our childhoods |
 |
| Menacing looking 'guard' (I mean the one at the bottom of pic) |
Suffice to say, it was a most wonderful day for all of us.
DAY 3
Strangely, we find ourselves on our way back to Sentosa Island again but this time to a different attraction. We rode the Sentosa Boardwalk travelator again and went straight for the Underwater Aquarium. This place is a bit pricey but it's money well spent for those who enjoy gigantic aquariums filled with exotic marine life.
 |
| An exhibition before entering the Underwater Aquarium |
 |
| So this is how they transported animals back then? |
 |
| Shark eggs...magnificent!! |
 |
| Special tank for visitors to have a feel of marine life |
 |
| This dolphin came over to greet us... |
 |
| That's the huge aquarium everyone comes to see |
What a colorful day we've had so far!!!
So, what else can we see in Singapore we asked ourselves? Of course there's lot's more to do and see. We left the aquarium for the Singapore Flyer. We thought of giving this a miss earlier but decided to take a chance visiting it anyway. It was a good decision as this attraction did not disappoint.
 |
| It was already raining by the time we reached the place but... |
 |
| We had the whole capsule to ourselves |
Since the sun has not set yet by the time we finished our 'airy' ride, we decided to go over to CBD to have a look at the skyscapers and also to spend some time at the waterfront where we can see the world famous Merlion statue.
 |
| Boat Quay at a distance |
What a metropolitan city we saw on that day!!
We decided to go to Bugis Junction before we end the day. It was a busy night and the place was all lighted up.
We achieved so much on the third day.
DAY 4
A visit to Singapore would not be complete without going to their famous zoo. So, we made our way there right after a hearty breakfast at the hotel. We took the MRT and then the bus.
 |
| Such a different creature in the water |
|
 |
| Wow...didn't know this zoo is linked to North Pole... |
A drizzle at closing time seems to signal to us that it's time to go. But we leave with some beautiful memories from the zoo.
DAY 5
On the last day of our visit to Singapore, we decided to go to Orchard Road for a stroll. We left the hotel early so there were not many people on the road.
We did not have much time to shop so we'll have to leave that for the next trip. We headed back to the hotel to check out. Since we still had some time after checking out, we headed back to Bugis Junction to have a look at the place during daytime. Lucky for us there was a parrot exhibition that day.
 |
| The famous $1 fruit juice stall at Bugis Junction |
With that it's time to go to the airport for our flight home. There were most interesting sights at the airport.
Overall it was a very memorable holiday in Singapore and we would really love to visit again once the exchange rate is more favorable !!!
