Singapore Diaries: Day 1 – New Adventures in Singapore

I can’t believe it took me so long to explore the vibrant city of Singapore. This Southeast Asian metropolis has always been at the top of my travel list, and finally, I can proudly say that I’ve checked it off my bucket list.

Embarking on another thrilling solo adventure, I plan to immerse myself in the city’s wonders by exploring on foot. From the iconic Gardens by the Bay to the vibrant Clarke Quay and the mesmerising Sentosa Island, I’ll be ticking off numerous attractions during my brief stay.

But before diving into the whole Singapore experience, let me take you through day one of my Singapore Diaries as I settle in and prepare to uncover all these incredible city offers.

 

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Getting to Singapore was not smooth sailing for me, thanks to my decision to choose a cheaper, more extended option that included a seven-hour stopover in Bali. Upon arrival at Ngurah Airport, the friendly staff seemed perplexed that I wanted to stay in transit for such a long time, considering I arrived at midnight and departed at seven. I mean, what else was I supposed to do?

To add to the trouble, the airport security didn’t want to let me in until closer to boarding time, even though I already had my boarding pass. I informed them about my 6-hour access at the Premier Lounge and threatened to get a refund if they didn’t let me through. That silenced them, and I was finally granted permission to enter the transit area.

Finally, I made it to the Premier Lounge, which was worth the extra money. They had free food, drinks, comfy chairs, and even showers. But, of course, security wasn’t done with me yet. They woke me up while I was sleeping to check my passport and boarding passes again. Talk about frustrating!

After all that drama, I enjoyed the next six hours in the Premier Lounge and finally flew with Air Asia to Singapore, where real adventures awaited me.

 

 

 

Highlights of Singapore Diaries: Day 1 – New Adventures in Singapore

Welcome to the first day of your Singapore adventure! Get ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime as you explore one of the world’s most vibrant and fascinating cities. As you step off the plane, you’ll be greeted by warm, humid air and the hustle and bustle of a thriving metropolis.

 

 

Checking in at Fragrance Hotel – Sapphire

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel in Singapore, the Fragrance Hotel – Sapphire might be the spot for you. Situated in the Geylang area – known to locals as not the fanciest part of the island – this hotel offers limited amenities, small rooms, and no swimming pool to escape the heat.

However, what it lacks in frills, it makes up for in comfort and convenience. With a cozy bed, a refreshing shower, a television, coffee and tea provisions, and air conditioning, the essentials are all covered. Plus, the hotel is known for its accommodating management.

They even allowed me to check in early! And the best part? All this comes at an affordable price of around AUD 60. So, if you’re willing to forgo the bells and whistles, the Fragrance Hotel – Sapphire is worth considering.

 

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Wandering Around Geylang

If you’re a curious traveller heading to Singapore, you may have heard of Geylang as the city’s “naughty area,” with legalised prostitution, adult stores, and gambling parlours. While it might sound daunting, it’s important to remember that Geylang is a legalised district and one of Singapore’s most popular areas.

If you’re not actively seeking out these activities, you’ll find a vibrant neighbourhood to experience local cuisine, colourful markets, and bustling streets filled with the sounds of daily life. Don’t let Geylang’s reputation scare you away – embrace the chance to discover a new side of Singaporean culture.

 

 

 

While it might not be as shiny and sleek as the city centre, there’s a certain charm to its old, rundown buildings and bustling streets. The footpaths could indeed use some widening, and the hotels could use a fresh coat of paint, but don’t let that discourage you from exploring the many delights of this vibrant neighbourhood.

And when it comes to food, Geylang truly shines. You’ll find plenty of excellent restaurants serving mouth-watering dishes at prices that won’t break the bank. Trust us, the $4-dollar noodle duck is not to be missed! So why not venture off the beaten path and discover what Geylang offers?

 

 

 

 

The Amazing Suntec City

If you’re looking for a city within a city, Suntec City is the place to go. With a trusted Uber driver, getting to this haven of the modern class is easy.

First, a massive shopping complex is filled with all the major retail chains. But that’s only the beginning. The Sky Garden boasts top-class restaurants perfect for indulging in some fine dining. Looking up, there are business buildings and luxury apartments for those who can afford it.

Five towering buildings make up Suntec City; as you walk around, they hover above you like giants. And let’s not forget the famous Fountain of Wealth, dazzling on display for everyone to see. Suntec City is a must-visit to experience a slice of high-end living.

 

 

 

 Getting Lost on Singapore MRT

Navigating the Singapore Rail System may initially seem daunting, especially with multiple rail lines crisscrossing throughout the city. However, with some time and familiarity with the colour-coded system, it becomes much easier to master, similar to the Seoul Subway System in South Korea.

On my first day, I only took the train for a few stops, and even then, I found it a bit confusing and overwhelming. I was tired from a long day and night, and I wasn’t in the mood to deal with the complexities of the train system.

Instead, I decided to take the easy route and ordered an Uber ride back to my hotel. It was a bit more expensive, but it saved me from the hassle I felt at that moment.

I’ll save exploring the train system for day two.