Singapore Bling

 

Singapore Bling

By

Murali Murthy

Sober and dull years marred last 2 anniversary celebrations (Thanks to Covid and its impact on our lives), we were lusting to go all out and celebrate our 14th year wedding anniversary.

And no better place to lust - Singapore!

It was also a good coincidence that I was visiting Singapore after 20 years.

As for any trip, planning to detailing eats up weeks of research - where to eat, how to reach, things to see.

And with so much info amassed, I had to nag Neena (Mini and Jone Hospitality) before I could finalize the plan and flights.

So, finally off to Singapore with a 5-days itinerary. Preeti's excitement had no bounds in anticipation to tick off another international destination, though I kept warning her that it would be extremely hectic, tiring as we have to walk a lot.

I had to work till the last minute, literally until before boarding the flight, as I was about to take a 5 day long complete break from work.

Landed Singapore by 06.00 AM, immigration process was smooth. Picked up a SIM with unlimited data plan for 50 S$ in the Airport.

Though we might get bit cheaper options outside the Airport, I had to be online to coordinate for Airport pickup, which was already planned.

Checked in to Hotel Boss, and rested for an hour before heading out.

All Hotels in Singapore have extremely small rooms. You literally have no space to keep your luggage. Space is surely a luxury here!

Started our day at China Town to explore Chinese culture and lifestyle.

Came back to our hotel, had lunch and slept off for couple of hours.

Noon, we headed out towards Marina Bay waterfront. As 9th Aug was Singapore's National day, there were massive celebrations, the Marina Bay area was blocked for tourism.

We could quickly get a glimpse of their Parades and other shows.

We moved on to our main attraction - Singapore Flyer.

A unique experience to see Singapore from 500+ Feet above, a 360° view of this beautiful city.

Since there was heavy rush in the area, and we weren't allowed around the waterfront, I improvised and went to Orchard road.

A dazzling street with beautiful buildings, malls and shops. Extremely plush and an upmarket locality worth clicking away loads of Pictures.

Ended the day at the series of restaurants along the river in Clarke Quay.

Singapore also ended their National Day celebrations with lot of fireworks.

Day 2, our anniversary day started with lot of wishes from all the loved ones.

The entire day was scheduled to be spent in Universal Studio.

Mind blowing entertainment, shows and activities including Transformers, Jurassic Park, Mummy, Shrek and many more that had 4D shows, live performance, live Sets and rides.

A rather tiring day, walking under the Sun, waiting at the long queues at each ride. Yet, we could manage to do everything we wanted to cover, as I refrained from those extreme, high speed adrenaline pumping rides, though Preeti wanted to experience them.

As we thought we still had some energy left, we quickly got ready and rushed to the Marina Bay waterfront, to catch the 09:00 PM Laser and Water show.

Waterfront is such an eye-catchy locality with Singapore skyscrapers oozing with richness, beauty and aweness.

We then started exploring a nice place to end our D Day, and we realized most of the restaurants close at 10:00 PM! We panicked and researched a lot to finally find one eatery open till 00:00, and managed to reach that far off place at 11:00 in the night.

Day 3, we kept some time to breathe and relax. After 2 days of walking marathon and hectic schedule, we just wanted to give a break to our legs. All the attractions and places has to be covered by foot, and we were walking an average of 8 KMs everyday!!

We were scheduled for Sentosa Island in the noon. The activities started with a Cable Car ride. We were spellbound with the view of the city, sea and their infrastructure.

As we reached Sentosa Island, we were welcomed by a Shoppe and a restaurant. Spent an hour there before we entered the main attractions.

We headed to Madam Tussauds...we knew what to expect here, so spent time clicking away zillions of pictures.

The next attraction was Marvel's 4D show. Preeti loves all Marvel characters, she was excited and enjoyed the show. The 4D experience was indeed amazing.

Next segment included a F1 racing experience. A VR experience of racing gave a real-time feel of how F1 racing cars were driven, as realistic as a simulation could give. The movements, sound, controls all were very lively.

We then had to head to the beach, and as we wondered if we had to again walk for KMs, we realized there was a free Mono Rail to move around inside the Island. We gladly hopped on and embarked the Mono Rail at the beach.

We picked up a shack and spent the evening watching the sunset...relaxed there for couple of hours.

The last attraction was Wings Of Time show. An impressive show put together with combination of fireworks, water, lazer and lights.

Day 4, desperate for some Indian food, we skipped breakfast at our hotel, as we were on our way to Little India.

Started the day at Srinivasa Perumal temple. Typical South Indian temple with same vibes and divinity.

Felt like ages since we had Idli Vada for breakfast, felt nostalgic and emotional with Idli on our plate.

We then entered Mustafa Centre - Mecca for shoppers. You probably get to shop everything under the planet. I wouldn't say it's the cheapest place to buy stuff, but worth exploring the unique products.

We came back to Hotel and rested for an hour, before our evening plan to Gardens By The Bay.

This place is indeed a dreamland. Creativity, imagination, artistic presentation at it's best.

This place will leave you wonderstruck, it's a place to visit and see to believe what these guys have done.

It's indeed heavenly, their both Conservatories - Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are drop-dead gorgeous. If this was not enough, then comes the Supertrees!

This just leaves you more awestruck!

What you see will blow your mind away, it's graceful, charming, exquisite. You cannot just take your eyes off these beauties even for a minute.

Once out of this fantasy world, we headed towards the legendary Merlion!

This mystical half lion, half fish creature is synonymous to Singapore.

It's a sight to watch, as you can just sit and gaze at the waterfront and the fountain coming out of Merlion's mouth. There are seating areas, benches, steps where you can sit without any disturbance and sit at peace with your loved ones all day and night long!

And the epic picture!

Last day of the trip, time to check out of the hotel, and explore the last highlight - Bugis Street!

Bugis Street is a shopper's paradise... it's on par with Chatuchak Market (Bangkok).

Wow, it was a trip to remember...lot of experiences to cherish. Filled our eyes, hearts and minds with so much of beauty, advancement, modernization and Consumed light, glitz, glamour.

As preeti said "These guys are atleast 100 years ahead of us. They can do and create anything".

Rich in culture, history, modernization, luxury, lifestyle, infrastructure, automation, ease of life and safety.

The beautiful and staggering city skyline is ofcourse the highlight of Singapore.

As a global tourist destination, they have added some bling to keep the visitors amazed - be it the Malls, Orchard Road, Universal Studios, Gardens By the Bay, Marina Bay, Sentosa, Bugis.

What was most impressive was their patience, discipline, respect to law and high human values.

Absolute respect to the rules, law, lane discipline, traffic rules and priority to pedestrians.

Technology is made best use of, with automation at every step and every process, including cash payments at stores and change dispensing.

Singapore Travel Gyan:

- Just take a Niyo Travel card (https://niyosbm.onelink.me/VFww/Mini_Jone) which is extremely easy to transact and load currency.

- Card payments are accepted everywhere, and no need to carry cash.

- Cash is required only for shopping in Bugis Street.

- Take a Tourist SIM once you land, to get unlimited Internet access.

- It is very easy to move around the City using MRT or Buses, many times a combo of both. Pickup a Tourist Travel Card from Airport or at any MRT Station and recharge as per your usage.

- Just use Google Maps, which also suggests the Bus No. or Metro line to travel on.

- Be prepared to walk a lot, wear comfortable clothes. Singapore is not for elderly or people who can't walk much.

- The toilets there (both at the hotel and at Public places) rarely have water jet / health faucets, so be prepared to wipe it out!

- It is an expensive city, be prepared to spend. It costs average Rs. 3K per meal for a couple.

- It is extremely difficult to get good food that we Indians can eat. Forget Vegetarians, who will have to be prepared to go hungry most of the times, even Non-Vegetarians will not like their rather bland and smelly food. Though you get good Indian food in abundance in Little India, it is not practical to be there for every meal.

Be courteous, kind to people around. Maintain cleanliness, queue etiquettes, don't speak loudly and make noise in public areas. Give respect to staff serving at the restaurants and staff everywhere else. Unlike India, they are not our servants, but just doing their job and willing to help you. Dress well to sink in with the beautiful people around and gel with the ecosystem.

Please follow these and make us Indians proud there. It was shameful and insulting to see many Indian tourists doing exactly opposite to the above.

I just hope we follow these in our country as well. It is not enough to put up National Flags on Profile pictures and on top of the buildings.

Let us make India and Indianness great, by living as a disciplined citizen, being responsible, being more polite, humble with co-citizens and make India a better place to live. Let us use our brains more than our emotions.

There is no shame in learning, getting inspired and adapting from others!