In its own way, Singapore is an oasis in Southeast Asia. With its remarkably low crime rate and highly sophisticated infrastructure, including world-class roads, mass-transit systems, and the state-of-the-art Changi Airport, the city is a modern marvel. Singapore is famously clean—so much so that, for years, chewing gum was prohibited by law, and eating on the subway can still result in a heavy fine. Whether you see this meticulous order as a pro or a con depends on your sensibilities, but one thing is clear: Singapore is to cities what Disney is to theme parks—immaculately maintained and strikingly efficient.
Technically a city-state, Singapore consists of a main island and over 60 smaller islets, connected to Malaysia via manmade bridges. The mainland spans 42 kilometers east to west and 23 kilometers north to south. Positioned just north of the equator, Singapore is sultry, tropical, and humid year-round. Despite being one of the world’s smallest nations, it is a powerhouse of banking, transportation, and tourism, often serving as a stopover for travellers journeying between Europe and Australia.
Arrival and First Impressions
After a long flight, we arrived at Singapore Changi Airport on Thursday, February 9, 2015, at around 5 p.m., courtesy of Singapore Airlines. The airport is an ultra-modern gateway to the city, and the efficiency of the taxi queue ensured that we were swiftly en route to our hotel. The ride to the Grand Park City Hall Hotel at 10 Coleman Street cost 26 Singapore Dollars (around £15), and despite some heavy traffic, we arrived in good time.
Grand Park City Hall is well-located near the City Hall MRT station, St. Andrew’s Cathedral, and the Raffles Shopping Centre. The check-in process was seamless, and our ninth-floor room was spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed. Given that we were only staying for two nights before embarking on our cruise, we didn’t unpack much but instead set off to explore the local area.
Exploring Coleman Street and Beyond
Stepping outside, we wandered along Coleman Street, which leads to Fort Canning Park. History and stamp enthusiasts alike would appreciate the Singapore Philatelic Museum at 23B Coleman Street. Right next door is the Freemasons Hall, which welcomes visiting freemasons from overseas. Further down, on Hill Street, stands the Armenian Church, the oldest in Singapore, dating back to 1836. A short stroll led us to Raffles City, an extensive shopping complex, which is linked via the CityLink Mall to the massive Suntec City shopping district.
At the heart of Suntec City, we found the Fountain of Wealth, the world’s largest fountain, where visitors participate in the ritual of walking around the base for good luck. As dusk fell, we made our way to Clarke Quay, a vibrant riverside area filled with bars and restaurants. Opting for a Singapore River cruise, we enjoyed breathtaking nighttime views of the illuminated skyline, passing iconic landmarks such as the famous Merlion statue, a symbol of modern Singapore.
A Day at Gardens by the Bay
The next day, we took the MRT from City Hall station to visit one of Singapore’s newer attractions—Gardens by the Bay. Opened in 2011, this massive park aims to transform Singapore from a "Garden City" to a "City in a Garden." The star attractions are the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories, with their stunning biodiversity and eco-friendly designs. The Supertree Grove, towering artificial trees adorned with vertical gardens, is another must-see. Returning in the evening, we witnessed the mesmerizing OCBC Garden Rhapsody, a twice-nightly light and music show that transformed the Supertrees into glowing, futuristic sculptures.
A Visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens
On our final day, we took a bus to the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens. This sprawling green space, the first tropical botanic garden to make the World Heritage List, is home to the National Orchid Garden. For a small fee, visitors can explore an astonishing variety of orchids in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Wandering through this lush oasis provided a tranquil end to our brief but unforgettable stay in Singapore.
No stay would be complete without at least one night to stay in the iconic Raffles Hotel
Singapore may be small, but it packs an immense variety of experiences into its compact space. Whether you’re drawn to its cultural diversity, impeccable infrastructure, or lush green spaces, the city leaves a lasting impression. As we prepared to embark on our cruise, we knew that this meticulously curated metropolis would remain one of our favorite travel destinations.
