Singapore....You Just Happened!

Singapore is a one-stop destination for everything above and beyond. Offering a shopper’s paradise for shopaholics, extensive green parks for nature lovers, a culinary treat for foodies, crazy nightlife for party enthusiasts, ancient monuments for cultural explorers, state-of-the-architecture for architectural maniacs, amusement parks for adrenaline junkies, safaris for wildlife admirers; it’s all happening in Singapore!

Good connectivity from Jaipur, quick visa process and plethora of diverse activities/places on offer, Singapore was just perfect for our family holiday. To add on to the family charm, we found just the perfect AirBnb apartment.

This is how we spent five action packed days in the splendid city of Singapore:

Day 1 – Late afternoon, we visited the beautiful “Gardens by the Bay” which has two huge indoor air conditioned domes - cloud forest and flower dome, the biggest and most wonderful of their kind. 

Super Tree Grove

The sheer grandeur and the rich collection of plants and flowers procured globally are indeed mesmerizing. While inside the garden, one may also enjoy the light and sound show at the super tree grove.

MBS as we walked
by the bridge

We then walked over by the bridge to Marina Bay Sands (MBS-the iconic building of Singapore) and enjoyed another splendid light, sound and water show at the riverfront; and concluded our day (or rather night) at double-storied gigantic 24-hour Casino at MBS.

Entry to the casino is free and has options to bet from as low as 10cents!

Day 2 – Early afternoon, we took a two hour City Tour to glance over the magnificence of Singapore which covers Merlion Park, drive round the Civic District, Suntec, Chinatown and much more...

Inside The Flyer

Late afternoon, we took a flight of Singapore Flyer - Asia’s largest Giant wheel (even taller than London Eye). Taking a ride on this air conditioned wheel is a one-of-a-kind experience treating to a visual 360 degree feast of iconic landmarks and views of the entire island.

Night View of the city:
MBS & Flyer

In the evening, we wandered in Marina Bay shopping area. As the sun set, we went to Sky Observation Deck at 56^th floor-tower 3 of MBS only to be delighted by the lights bringing out the grandeur of buildings, gardens and river in one frame.

The famous roof top Pool of the Hotel MBS is accessible only to hotel guests. However, one can visit the club Ce La Vie on 57^th floor which shares a glass wall with the Infinity pool and offers quite similar view.

After a day well-spent in sightseeing, my husband Ankit and I wanted to chill a little more, so we headed to Clarke Quay, the liveliest nightlife spot of Singapore. It was almost midnight at Thursday and the atmosphere was extremely happening; cool breeze, good live music and people enjoying over food and drinks. Although there were very limited vegetarian eating options, we had a gala time hopping at the numerous clubs, bars, riverside restaurants, cafes stretched over the entire street. 

Clarke Quay is open till 4 am on weekends. If one doesn’t drink or has the company of kids, a 40 min river cruise is an amazing way to get the feel of this place.

Day 3 – After a late night, we started early for Universal Studios. From the rides, shows, parades to interactions with characters, there was so much to do!! For me, the park highlights were Transformers, Mummy Returns, Jurrasic Park-Lost World, Human vs Cyclone roller coasters and Water World Show. However with the normal ticket, most of these attractions had a waiting time of 45-90min. To avoid the queues, one can top-up the ticket with an express pass for additional 50 SGD.

At Universal Studios

It was super crowded during the day but by late evening, most of the people by school, package tours, etc. left. Since all the rides and the park are open till 10pm, we could get the rides easily and thoroughly enjoyed the open air roller coasters and boat rides in the night.

After draining ourselves exploring every tiny bit of the park, we went back to the apartment and ordered dinner from Khansama Tandoori Restaurant. Believe me, nothing precedes the joy of Indian Food home delivered in Singapore at 12:30 in the night.

Day4 – After an exhaustive day, all of us opted to laze around. Early evening, we visited a cousin and happened to see their beautiful condo and Singaporean living style.

On this free day, Shopaholics can indulge in sinful shopping at Mustafa which sells everything from safety pins to TV, Bugis street for reasonable shopping and Orchard road for branded stuff. One should also visit Arab Street and Little India to witness a non-Singaporean ambience.

1-Altitude
 World's highest Alfresco Bar

Alternatively, animal lovers may also explore any one/two of Night Safari, Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park.

We like to experience the specialty when we are in a new city, and hence we went to the strongly reviewed 1-Altitude on 63^rd floor of Raffles Place that offers a 360 degree view of Singapore creating a real on-top-of-the-world feeling. Altitude has a cover charge of 45SGD which includes 2 drinks from their list and is absolute worth the money. This also includes entrance to their electrifying Club called Altimate.

Day 5 –Sentosa Island: To reach here, we opted for Cable Car to have an aerial view of the entire island. Sentosa is huge, colourful, boasts of various attractions, restaurants, hotels, a 24 hour casino at Resort World Sentosa, etc. To roam around the island, one can either take the free mono rail or bus or simply walk around.

Madam Tussauds Wax Museum

Firstly we visited the Madam Tussauds Wax Museum. This was my first time and I was quite pleased by strikingly life-like wax statues of various Indians sharing space with prominent personalities from across the world. We also took plenty of pictures with the gigantic Merlion (Singapore Icon-imagining of a mermaid and a lion). One can buy on-spot ticket and even access its mouth by a lift.

Sea Aquarium

Then, we spent almost two hours at the exorbitant Sea aquarium which is home to more than a lac of marine animals of over 1000 species, each one as fascinating as the next. From sea horses, eels, dolphins, octopus to sharks, it is a marine life experience I will never forget. This is a must-must visit.


4D Adventure Rides seemed quite similar to ones at Universal Studios and may be skipped if on a time-crunch. Adventure lovers may explore thrilling options like Bungee Jumping, Giant Swing, Sky Line and Luge, etc.

Familyyy.... With the Merlion

Unlike Universal, many activities here close by 7pm. So, I highly recommend starting the day early to relish the attractions leisurely. In the evening, we relaxed for a while at Palawan beach, savoring packed food while enjoying a movie by the sea. 

It was almost 8:30 and time for “Wings of Time”: A show of absolute brilliance that must not be missed. It has a live cast and an open air viewing gallery for a show put by featuring pyrotechnic displays, water jets, laser show and flame bursts. I was in awe of its splendour.

After an awesome and eventful day, we returned to the apartment and called for a Pizza Night….Home Delivery…. Dominos… Yummm!

Day 6 –

I was pleasantly surprised as we spent five days totally engrossed in the man-made wonders of Singapore. As we marvelled at the spectacular sights the tiny island nation had to offer, it was time to bid Adios!

In summary, this is the itinerary I suggest exploring the shades of this happening country:

Day1 – Gardens By the Bay; Light, sound, water show at Marina Bay riverfront; Casino

Day 2 – City Tour, Flyer, Sky Observation Deck, Clarke Quay

Day 3 – Universal Studios

Day 4 – Mix of Shopping Spree at Bugis Street, Orchard Road, Mustafa, Arab Street; Night Safari, Zoo, Jurong Bird Park;  Roof top 1-Altitude

Day 5 – Sentosa Island

Here is some FIRST-HAND ADVICE-

• All attractions require long walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Also, If you are travelling with a child,  always carry your passport to take a stroller
• Carry a set of formal clothes during the day as all major clubs have a formal dressing code.
• You will need your passport for entry and exit in casinos. Some clubs might also ask for it, but most would most likely accept on your phone
•  There is a lot to be covered in limited time; keep snacks and food handy as there is no restriction on carrying your own food at any of the attractions
• Carry a bottle with you as there are drinking water dispensers available everywhere
•  Nothing is far in Singapore, but a 5km taxi can fare upto 1000rs. Download the app “grab” or take a taxi from taxi points
• Singapore is very tourist-friendly and hence for tickets of major attractions, it provides options of flexible dates, special rates for senior citizens, kids and infants and cost-effective combo packages. While booking, keep these and time of attractions in consideration
• Singapore Airport is huge and you need to pre-check the terminal of your flight to avoid last minute hassles
• You may pre-book taxis and other tickets from Suresh Travels – A guy from Hyderabad giving personalised services in Singapore

Now all you need to do is go there and have a first-hand experience of the picture perfect city for yourself. Till then, Happy Holidays!!

Shruti