First Time Traveler to Singapore
This is my first trip to Singapore. Since Patti has visited Singapore several times before, she is my personal guide. For me, no other City visited can compare. If you are looking for places to travel in southeast Asia, this should be your number one option. You know how web sites seem to only show the good pictures of a city. Well, Singapore does not seem to have a bad side.
This City’s future blends seamlessly with its traditional charms. Of all the places to travel in Southeast Asia, this city is at the top of the list. I know, It requires a lot of flying time to get here. You won’t regret it. From the towering skyscrapers reflecting in Marina Bay waters to the lush settings of the Singapore Zoo and Bird Paradise, Singapore offers a kaleidoscope of experiences that works on all of your senses. Speaking of Marina Bay, at one time the water was all salt water. The city completely blocked off the sea and gradually turned the bay into a fresh water lagoon. Turtles, fresh water fish and other creatures are now thriving in the Bay.
Singapore’s Skyscrapers and Gardens
Marina Bay
We stayed in the nearby Fairmont Hotel. Our room had a view of the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel, with its ship-like structure perched atop its three towering pillars.
After unpacking we arranged for a Grab Car ( like Uber) and set off to see the sights around Marina Bay. First stop, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel to checkout the SkyPark Observation Deck. It affords a bird’s-eye view of the city’s architectural wonders including the city’s massive sports stadium off to the northeast.
Below us, the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum and the spectacular Gardens by the Bay Park.
Gardens by the Bay
A short walk away from the Marina Bay Sands is the main entrance to the Gardens by the Bay. The colossal Supertrees are vertical gardens standing tall against the city skyline. They present an interesting mix of nature and technology. The Cloud Forest has a cool-mist conservatory with a 100 ft high indoor waterfall. Two glass and steel domes overlooking Singapore Harbor contain the Cloud Forest, Floral Fantasy, and the Flower Dome. Walking through these two domes is an adventure similar to a southeast Asian jungle walk, complete with a suspension bridge high overhead.
A Melting Pot of Cultures
Singapore’s population includes multiple cultures. Here, however, all the cultures blend harmoniously to create a very strong city. Rarely, if ever, are there physical clashes between the different cultures. Eighty percent of the population is of Chinese decent, therefore there is a very large Chinatown In the heart of the city.
The cultural tapestry of Singapore also houses strong Hindu and Muslim neighborhoods too. Each have their own distinctive neighborhoods. In Chinatown, with red and gold lanterns adorning the streets, the temples and markets always seem to bustle with energy. Luckily, we were in Singapore for the start of the Chinese New Year celebrations. The City was even more festive than normal, if that is possible.
It was the same at the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. Tourists and locals were enjoying the offerings of their neighborhood, where the intricate carvings and rituals were a testament to the city’s rich Indian heritage.
Kampong Glam is the Muslim neighborhood in Singapore. Here the majestic Sultan Mosque is at its center. It is a showcase of Malay and Arab culture. Haji Lane, a narrow alleyway along side the Mosque, buzzed with quirky boutiques and colorful street art, offering a contemporary twist to the historic neighborhood.
Singapore’s Gastronomic Wonderland
Singapore’s soul, however, truly lies in its food. The hawker centers, like Maxwell Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat, are culinary playgrounds. Small kiosks and stalls each offer a different local delicacy – from Hainanese chicken rice to laksa, char kway teow to satay. The flavors vividly portray Singapore’s multicultural roots. Each dish tells a story of tradition and innovation.
The fine dining scene in Singapore is equally impressive. Restaurants, including those in our hotel, provide an avant-garde culinary experience, blending international techniques with local flavors. Of course there is also the famous Raffles Hotel where the Singapore Sling originated in their Long Bar. Since it was across the street from our hotel we had to stop and test an Original Singapore Sling.
The Green City
Singapore is widely recognized as a “Green City.” It has made significant efforts to integrate nature into urban life, creating a balance between urban development and environmental sustainability. During our visit we were told that the City is already at 40% Green Space, with an ultimate goal of 50%.
Singapore’s “City in a Garden” vision has led to numerous green initiatives like the Gardens by the Bay, extensive public parks, vertical gardens, and the incorporation of greenery into its urban infrastructure.
Comparing Singapore to other green cities worldwide is complex as different cities focus on different aspects of sustainability. For example, cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam excel in promoting cycling and renewable energy usage. Vancouver is known for its green building practices and commitment to becoming the greenest city. Singapore’s strength lies in its urban greening and integration of nature into the cityscape, for example having the Botanical Gardens, The Singapore Zoo and Bird Paradise established within the City limits.
Where Wildlife Thrives
Dial up a Grab for our trip to the Zoo and Bird Paridise. We are out of the Hotel at 9am, ready for our 15 mile trip to the Singapore Zoo. It is located in one of the out districts to the northwest of the downtown area. We were worried as we approached the main entrance as there was major construction on both sides of the road. The signs indicated a substantial expansion of the zoo was underway. As we entered, however, all signs of construction were no longer visible and were replaced by the melodic sounds of birds and the sight of playful primates swinging from tree to tree. The zoo’s open-concept enclosures mimic the animals’ natural habitats, providing them with ample space to roam and thrive.
Our first stop is the Fragile Forest, a biodome teeming with life. We find ourselves surrounded by free-ranging creatures such as butterflies, birds, and small mammals, creating an immersive experience unlike any other. From the towering canopy to the forest floor, every corner is alive with activity, offering glimpses into the intricate web of life that sustains these ecosystems.
Next, we venture into the Wild Africa exhibit, where majestic lions, graceful giraffes, and imposing rhinoceroses roam amidst towering baobab trees and savannah grasslands. The naturalistic surroundings were very impressive. Learning about Singapore’s conservation efforts to protect these endangered species and their habitats was aided by touch friendly signs and visitor boards located throughout the park.
As we continue our journey through the zoo, we encounter a diverse array of animals, from playful otters and inquisitive meerkats, to elusive tigers and giant pandas. Each exhibit is thoughtfully curated, providing insights into the behaviors, adaptations, and conservation status of the species we encounter.
Jurong Bird Park for Avian Lovers
After a morning spent exploring the Singapore Zoo, we make our way to Jurong Bird Park. It is a haven for avian enthusiasts located just a short distance away. As we enter the park, we are greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors and melodies as hundreds of bird species from around the world flit and flutter amidst lush tropical foliage.
Our first stop is the Waterfall Aviary, home to one of the world’s tallest man-made waterfalls. It also has diverse collection of birds from South America and Africa. We find ourselves immersed in a tropical paradise, surrounded by vibrant macaws, elegant flamingos, and playful parrots, their calls blending harmoniously with the cascading waters.
Next, we explore the Lory Loft, a towering aviary where we have the opportunity to hand-feed nectar to colorful lorikeets. As these friendly birds perch on our shoulders and arms, we are treated to an up-close encounter that is both exhilarating and enchanting.
Throughout our visit, we encounter a myriad of bird species. They include majestic eagles and graceful hornbills to quirky penguins and comical cassowaries. Each exhibit offers insights into the unique adaptations and behaviors of these feathered inhabitants, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect their habitats and ensure their survival.
Singapore’s Urban Buzz
Orchard Road, a boulevard lined with shopping malls, offered everything from luxury brands to local designers. It was a shopper’s paradise, bustling and vibrant.
As night fell, Clarke Quay came alive with its array of bars and clubs. The nightlife here was a mix of laid-back lounges and high-energy dance floors, all with the backdrop of the city lights reflecting on the Singapore River.
Concluding Reflections
As our trip neared its end, we found ouselves gazing at the Singapore skyline lit up in the twilight. The city had been an overwhelming experience of sights, sounds, and tastes – a harmonious blend of the old and the new, the natural and the man-made, the tranquil and the effervescent.
Singapore, in its essence, is a city of contrasts and harmony, a place where every street, every corner has a story to tell. For a first-time visitor like us, it was not just a journey through a city but an exploration of a vibrant, multicultural canvas painted with the most extraordinary colors of life.
In the end, Singapore wasn’t just a destination; it was an experience, an ever-lasting memory etched in our minds, calling us to come back and explore more of its enchanting world. Since the distance is so great from the east coast of the United States we would recommend traveling after retirement to Singapore so that you can spend the time necessary to fully capture what the city offers.
