Singapore

New Year’s Adventure in Singapore: A Week of Unforgettable Explorations

Places to visit:

• Singapore Flyer
• MBS Observation Deck
• Hop on Hop off Bus
• Little India
• Chinatown
• Clarke Quay
• Singapore Zoo & Night Safari
• Sentosa (for the aquarium)
• Raffles Hotel, The Long Bar
• Gardens by the Bay
• Art Science Museum
• Newton Food Centre (best hawker)
• Singapore Botanic Gardens

As the New Year dawned, we found ourselves in the vibrant city-state of Singapore, embarking on a week-long journey of discovery and adventure. From the dizzying heights of the Singapore Flyer to the lush landscapes of Gardens by the Bay, and the panoramic vistas from the MBS Observation Deck, we were treated to a visual feast of Singapore’s stunning skyline.

A Home Away From Home: Our Stay at Jen Tanglin Hotel

Our adventure began with a 14-hour flight from London Heathrow to Singapore’s Changi Airport. Despite the long journey, the comfort of the flight made it bearable. Changi Airport, a destination in itself, is definitely worth exploring if time permits. We’ve earmarked it for a more thorough visit on our return trip to Singapore. Our home base was the exquisite Jen Tanglin Hotel by Shangri-La. Conveniently located just a minute’s walk from the nearest metro station on the main Orchard Road line, it offered easy access to Orchard Road, Singapore’s premier shopping district, boasting high-end shops like Louis Vuitton and Prada.

Exploring Singapore: A Journey from Skyline to Street Food

A mere 25-minute metro ride transported us to the bay area, the heart of Singapore’s main attractions. We found ourselves gravitating towards the MBS area, drawn by its breathtaking city views and some of the finest restaurants we’ve ever dined at. One standout was LAVO Italian Restaurant, perched on the 57th floor of the MBS. Its spectacular view of Gardens by the Bay quickly made it my favourite spot on Earth. (But more on that later!)

Our first night in Singapore was marked by a champagne experience on the Singapore Flyer. Thanks to the season, we had an entire capsule to ourselves. We timed our ride for sunset, capturing some truly incredible city views during our 70-minute journey. We also paid a visit to the iconic Raffles Hotel, where we joined the queue at the Long Bar to sample the famous Singapore Sling. The consensus? It’s the best we’ve ever had!

We took advantage of the hop-on-hop-off bus to explore Little India, Chinatown, Singapore’s Botanic Gardens, and Clarke Quay. Each location offered a unique blend of exploration and gastronomic delights. The Botanic Gardens, free to the public, were a joy to stroll through, with different sections showcasing various aspects of a rainforest. A trip to the Newton Food Centre for some local cuisine was the perfect way to immerse ourselves in the local culture.

The following day, we hopped on the metro and then the Sentosa Express to visit the S.E.A. Aquarium on Sentosa. It was a great day out, suitable for both families and couples, with plenty of exploration opportunities. The Sentosa Express, a monorail, was an experience in itself. We opted to return via the Sentosa Express due to an unexpected rain shower, which conveniently dropped us off at the top floor of a shopping mall. The rest of the day was spent around Clarke Quay, enjoying a few drinks and sampling more local cuisine.

A New Year’s Eve to Remember: Celebrating in the Sky 

New Year’s Eve was a night to remember. We kicked off the evening with Greek food at Clarke Quay, before heading down to Bayfront via metro to ascend to the Skypark for the MBS Countdown in the Sky. The party, complete with a Silent Disco and a spectacular fireworks display against the backdrop of the Singapore skyline, was an absolute blast. We were glad we had pre-booked our taxi back to the hotel, as the metro closes at midnight.

Battling the Buzz: Staying Safe from Mosquitoes in Singapore 

After a relaxing New Year’s Day, we embarked on a long metro and bus ride to Singapore Zoo for a day out with the night safari. From llamas to lions, we saw it all, and even had a close encounter with mosquitoes! If you’re anything like me and find yourself a year-round feast for mosquitoes, it’s crucial to arm yourself with a potent mosquito repellent. I found the 9-hour max strength jungle spray and roll-on to be particularly effective in warding off these pesky insects and reducing the number of bites. However, be warned that when the rain starts, all bets are off! The downpour seems to signal a mosquito party, and they all come out in full force. So, it’s best to stay topped up on the mosquito repellent and cover up where possible. A crucial point to note here is for those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Singapore, like many tropical regions, has mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus, which can cause complications in pregnancies. It’s recommended to avoid travel to these areas if you’re pregnant or planning to conceive within three months of your visit.

Finding Serenity in Singapore: A Love Letter to Gardens by the bay

The most enchanting part of our journey was undoubtedly our visit to Gardens by the Bay. It’s rare to feel such a profound connection to a place that you never want to leave, but that’s exactly what we experienced. Surrounded by nature’s bounty – the vibrant flowers, the intoxicating scents, the comforting warmth – was the perfect balm for my weary soul. I’ve never felt such tranquillity, such peace with a place that I could easily envision myself sitting there, lost in its beauty, forever.

Planning the Perfect Trip: How We Organized Our Singapore Adventure

You might be curious about how I managed to plan all of our excursions and organize our trip. The truth is, I took the reins and did most of it myself. Our main holiday package, which included our flight and accommodation, was booked through Hays Travel. The hotel we chose was ideally located and offered a range of amenities including breakfast, snacks, soft drinks, and even a cocktail hour. This was a bonus for us, as Singapore can be quite pricey, so it allowed us to allocate our budget towards our various adventures. Below are the links to the excursions we booked for our trip:

• • Singapore Day hop on hop off bus

• • MBS Art Science Museum Tickets

• • Singapore Mandai Zoo Tickets

• • MBS SkyPark Observation Deck

• • Sentosa SEA Aquarium

• • Gardens by the bay tickets

• • Singapore Flyer tickets

You can find more photos from our trip on my Instagram.