The most common question I get when people ask about our most recent trip is “why Singapore?” Well, here’s why. Chandler and I initially wanted to do a volunteer trip in Thailand. We found one, fell in love with it, picked the dates, and realized the volunteer part alone would cost $600. Which I think is absurd that I have to pay that much to volunteer, but that’s another rant. While we were planning this trip, a family friend, who had just moved her whole family to Singapore due to a work transfer, told us if we were going to be in Asia, we had to come visit them. So we said “see ya later” to Thailand, and welcomed Singapore with open arms.
While we were able to spend a luxurious five days to explore this tiny island, you can stay busy and hit all the highlights of this country in 48 hours. Here’s how…
DAY ONE
Botanical Gardens | 8am
The best way to fight jet lag when you land at 1:30am is to wake up early and get going! We were fortunate to be staying within walking distance to the Botanical Gardens but Singapore’s MRT (mass rapid transit aka subway) has a stop right next to the greenery in the middle of the city. While you’re here, you should peak over to Assembly Coffee and grab a delicious chocolate muffin and latte.
Little India | 11am
After a quick stroll through the gardens, catch a cab and head on over to Little India. Walking up and down the streets is an experience in and of itself getting to peak into Indian culture and learn about the rituals of the Hindu religion. While you’re here, you should stop and get a henna tattoo. Just make sure you don’t get a sunburn while you have this because a tan line is guaranteed.
Arab Street | 1pm
While your henna is drying, travel a little farther south to Arab Street. You’ll be able to see a mosque peaking above several stores known for their Mediterranean textiles and Turkish foods. Grab some lunch and another coffee!
Singapore Flyer | 2:30pm
Head to the bottom of the island to the giant ferris wheel also known as the Singapore Flyer. Buy a ticket and enjoy a complete 360 view of all of Singapore. You will be amazed at all the buildings they fit on this tiny island!
Fish Spa | 3:15pm
Chan and I ran across Kenko Reflexology Fish Spa in the shopping center attached to the Singapore Flyer and couldn’t pass it up! Start with the small fish, but once you get used to them ask to get transferred to the grown-up fish. It may be one of the weirdest sensations ever, but oh so worth it!
Marina Bay Sands Bar | 4pm
It’s close enough for 5pm, right? Head over to the Marina Bay Sands hotel and make your way up to the boat on (what I think is) the world’s fastest elevator. While the drinks are ridiculously pricey, the view makes it worth it. There’s also a delicious chocolate shop at the bottom of the elevators if you’re craving something sweet.
Hawker Center | 7pm
Oh, the glory of Hawker Centers. These food courts are found all throughout Singapore serving some of the finest Asian delicacies like chili crab and stingray. Before this trip, I never even thought about eating a stingray, but that’s apparently a thing done here and I highly recommend you try it. Just make sure you ask for the less spicy version because they don’t mess around with the spices.
DAY TWO
MacRitchie Reservior Park | 7am
This park opens early and it gets crowded, especially on the weekends. Get here as early as possible to enjoy a 6 mile hike through the jungles of Singapore. If you’re like me, you probably picture Singapore with large skyscrapers, but what I constantly forgot was that Singapore is actually a rainforest. And this is the place to be for a early morning workout with some stunning views.
Sentosa | 10am
Sentosa is one of the beaches since, you know, Singapore is an island and all. While the view past the tropical islands may not be great (shipping boats galore), this little town is such a nice get away from the hustle and bustle of a big city! I have 2 suggestions for Sentosa… 1) Take a Uber here and back. It is extremely difficult to get a taxi! 2) Wear sunscreen. Like, a lot of sunscreen. You’re close to the equator and the sun is harsh. Don’t believe me? Take a nice look at my legs…
Level 33 | 5pm
After a fun day in the sun, head over to the Downtown Core near the Marina Bay Sands Financial Center. If you enter Tower 1, you will go to the elevators and go up to Level 33 where you’ll be able to dine at Level 33 and have an incredible view of the city. Fun fact: it’s also a brewery so if you like beer this is the place for you!
Gardens by the Bay | 8pm
After watching the sunset from Level 33, head on over to Gardens by the Bay. This Avatar-esque park has giant metal trees that perform a light show every so often. Walk around, take it all in, and enjoy the evening temps of island life. This would also be the perfect time to walk off the beer/wine you consumed while watching the sunset…
EXTRAS
If you have some extra time, here’s some additional “local” things that were pretty cool that Chan and I would both recommend…
Chinese Graveyard
Over near the botanical gardens, you can trek down some roads to find a Chinese Graveyard. If you’re looking for some more physical activity, this is definitely worth the trip out there! There are also tours you can take and learn about which Chinese royalty is buried there.
Food Reflexology
If more physical activity isn’t your thing, then you’ll surely enjoy this. There are places all over Singapore to get foot reflexology done. Seriously, so life changing. And who doesn’t love a good foot massage?
The Cajun Kings
We joined 2 other expat families here one night for dinner and ordered masses for the table. While this isn’t traditional Singaporean food, it sure is delicious and felt very fitting being with other American families.
Volunteer at the Singapore Food Bank
Chan and I have this thing with food banks… After our trip to Brazil we kind of got hooked to check them out everywhere we go. So naturally, we spent one morning volunteering here. While it resembled the US Food Bank fairly closely, it’s always interesting to figure out what other countries use as staple foods. I also never thought I would see so many bags of dried mushrooms. Bon appetit!
And there you have it! 48 hours well spent in the small island of Singapore. Have you been before? What would you recommend?
Adventure awaits,
Morgan
The Letter "M" 