A small country with so much to offer - Singapore
Singapore May 20204
Arrival and Accommodation
Singapore may be small, but it’s packed with attractions and experiences. Our arrival at Changi Airport was a breeze, thanks to the efficient immigration process and our pre-completed arrival card. After collecting our luggage, our driver was ready and waiting. The drive to our hotel took about 20 minutes with minimal traffic.
Hotel Jen Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La
We stayed at the Jen Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La and. Located on Orchard Road, known for its huge shopping malls filled with both designer and local brands, the hotel offered us a fantastic base. The friendly staff welcomed us and directed us to the reception area on level 10. The location is ideal, with easy access to other parts of Singapore via MRT or bus.
The hotel lobby features a Starbucks and a restaurant, and level 18 boasts an amazing pool with stunning views of Singapore and Marina Bay Sands, both day and night. The pool area includes a bar, lockers, and showers. Our deluxe room was comfortable, with lovely Jen slippers and bathrobes, a shower over the bath, and plush beds. We were particularly charmed by the hotel robots, Jeni and Jeno, who added a fun touch to our stay. Overall, we loved our experience at Hotel Jen and highly recommend it.
Bike and Food Tour
Our adventures started with a bike tour led by our guide, Wyman. We met at the Nicholl MRT station taxi stand, the starting and ending point of the tour. Despite the rainy weather, we were well-prepared with raincoats. The tour took us around the F1 Track and Marina Bay, with a stop at Merlion Park.
Our first food stop was at Lau Pa Sat hawker centre, where we enjoyed a delicious breakfast of Chinese pancake with peanut butter filling, boiled runny eggs, kaya toast, and juice. Next, we visited Chinatown and savored Popiah (similar to spring rolls), fried mee (noodles), and an interesting peanut soup. The vibrant Tekka Centre in Little India was bustling with people and colors, and we enjoyed amazing Dosa with dips there. We also rode through Haji Lane, famous for its boutiques, and ended our tour with a local treat. This 4-hour, 12km tour was an incredible way to see the city and sample its diverse cuisine.
Hawker Centres
Singapore’s hawker centres are a must-visit. These centres were created by the government to bring street food vendors into regulated, affordable locations. We explored several, including Lau Pa Sat, Chinatown Food Complex (home to the world's first Michelin-starred street food), and Tekka Centre. Near Gardens by the Bay, the more modern Satay by the Bay offers a variety of Asian dishes, including $1 meat skewers. Lastly, we visited Newton Food Centre, made famous by "Crazy Rich Asians," featuring over 76 stalls, including Michelin-rated satay sticks. These centres offer delicious, affordable local cuisine and are highly recommended.
Getting Around Singapore
Getting around Singapore is easy and cost-effective with the MRT (train) and buses. You can simply tap on and off with your credit card, making it very convenient. While the Singapore Tourist Pass is available, we found using our credit cards was best for our two-day stay. For those who prefer not to use public transport, Grab (Singapore’s equivalent of Uber) is a great option.
Sentosa Island Resort
Sentosa Island is a must-visit, easily accessible by monorail or sky car. From Orchard Road, we took a 20-minute bus ride to Waterfront MRT and then hopped on the monorail from VivoCity Mall. Pre-purchasing our tickets online saved us time. Sentosa is full of attractions and resorts. We spent the morning at the Skyline Luge Singapore, a fun combination of go-karting and tobogganing. The luge down and the skyline back up provided a thrilling couple of hours.
Final Thoughts
Singapore may be small, but it offers a wealth of experiences. From its world-class zoo and luxurious hotels to top-notch shopping, the world’s highest microbrewery LeVeL33, Sentosa Island, incredible food, and the best airport in Asia, there’s something for everyone. Our three-night stay wasn’t enough to see it all. I highly recommend Singapore for a holiday or a stopover; you won’t be disappointed.