Never have I ever thought that I’d be jetting off to two countries in a single month. Right after a wonderful trip to Thailand, where I witnessed the incredible Coldplay Concert from the 2nd to the 4th, I’m now about to take off to Singapore to celebrate Rod’s birthday. Life just keeps surprising me.
Here I present to you the 2024 trip in Singapore.
I had visited to Singapore once, but it was so long time ago, too long that I forgot exactly when it was, what I did, or where I went. All I remember is standing in front of the Merlion, posing, and opening my mouth as if the Merlion were spouting water into it! Franking saying, I didn’t even know why I was doing it at that time. I was just following what my uncle told me to do.
But this time, I’m going with a list of plans, at least, to write down the places I’m going to and activities that we will do. So let the journey begin, shall we?
We arrived at Phnom Penh Airport exactly on time, waiting in line to check in, and then went straight to the lounge for dinner. Our initial flight was actually supposed to take off at 8:40 pm, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, it was delayed by an hour, meaning we wouldn’t arrive in Singapore until late—around 12:50 am. After touchdown at Changi Airport, it took us an hour to get to the hotel to check in.
On the first day, we woke up late after an exhausting night arriving so late. We skipped breakfast and went to have lunch at Lau Pa Sat instead.
Our next stop was the Merlion, always on everyone’s go-to list when visiting Singapore. Isn’t it amazing how one symbol can represent and describe where you’re from? Isn’t it powerful how one creature, with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, can draw so many people to see and capture its beauty? For me, I don’t know. I think there are numerous factors playing in here to attract the vistors to come to the country, for example, the hospitality, creative and innovative in tourism, and such. But this sysmbol is defintely has something special to offer!
Bugis is one of the most famous street markets in Singapore, which is fair enough to say is like our Central Market, or perhaps our Central Market is like Bugis. We had a quick look around and I bought some souvenirs to take back home for RAs as well. There were plenty of beautiful souvenirs, t-shirts, keychains, and more.
We went window shopping at Marina Bay Sands mall and checked out the latest collection of Bottega, which almost convinced Rod to buy a $3,500 bag. I also tried on some Bottega bags, which I firmly believe fit me perfectly—actually, almost any luxury brand fits me. It’s the money that doesn’t seem to want to fit in.
each dish cost at least $10. I’m sure I’m going to be broke after this trip.
In Singapore, almost any mall connects to one another, and it might take a while to realized you’re in another malls, our first day is a full day of fun and yet walking to many places, we also went to Apple Store on the river, and one of the most beautiful LV store showing its iconic logo on the river among many others brand.
After that, we went to the ArtScience Museum inside this beautiful architecture called The VR Gallery, where we experienced a VR show. To be honest, I didn’t know what the show was about as I passed out during it. I was tired and drained from the whole day’s activities, and with the cold air conditioning and comfortable chairs, falling asleep was inevitable. I definitely regret the money I paid for the show.
There are many ways to enjoy the sunset in Singapore depending on your preference, but for me, I believe riding a boat is absolutely one of the choices to consider. It’s also a way to slow down and take a pause to enjoy the beautiful human-made architecture of this modern country. Despite the windy, cool weather and the stunning views we encountered, there was a group of Spanish tourists riding with us, sitting 3 to 4 seats behind me, singing a prayer song in English, if I’m not mistaken. A woman in that group was singing loudly, seemingly to not give a fuck that we were also on the boat. I mean, we all paid equal money for this ride, and all I asked for is a peaceful and quiet moment for me to enjoy the ride, not her rowdy voice singing like she’s Beyoncé or something.
Our last stop for the day was the light show at Gardens By The Bay, aka The Garden Rhapsody which is the nighttime light show display light up with hundreds of LED lights sync with a musical background. The show is free, and always display two time a night at 7:45pm and 8:45pm everyday. Tonight is a special night as in Singapore are still celebrating Chinese New Year, there is a gaint chinese god custom, and show was display in a Chinese New Year theme.
Followed by another spectacular dragon-themed drone light show at Marina Bay waterfront which spcial display only on 15th to 18th February. The show is called The Legend of the Dragon Gate lights up the Lunar New Year with a dazzling drone light show. The show was depicted by 1,500 drones take to the sky to tell the story of the mythical Dragon King.
