Apologies for the long delay in sharing the Singapore post. Last Christmas (2023), my husband and I visited Singapore for a simple Christmas celebration and sightseeing. Today's post is about things to do in Singapore — just a simple one to record our memories. Enjoy reading!
Fun fact: this was actually my 10th visit to Singapore. In the past, my trips were always for work, so I rarely had the luxury to extend my stay for a vacation. This time, however, we had the perfect opportunity to truly enjoy the country as tourists. Since we've been here a few times before, we decided to only consider some of the more popular attractions. Below is a list of where we went and what we ate during our 3D2N trip.
Attractions
Garden by the Bay
 |
| ( Photo source : Marina Bay Sands ) |
I guess when people talk about Singapore, Gardens by the Bay is always one of the first things that comes to mind, right? Rated No. 8 among the World's Top Attractions by TripAdvisor's 2024 Travellers' Choice, Gardens by the Bay stands as one of Asia's premier horticultural destinations.
There’s always something in bloom at the Gardens. Spend an afternoon exploring rare plants from around the globe in the cooled conservatories, enjoy breathtaking views from 22 meters above ground at the OCBC Skyway, and check out the ongoing programs for a fun-filled day with the whole family!
Beauty thrives throughout the Gardens, where you can admire not only the diverse flora and fauna but also the iconic architectural marvels that seamlessly blend nature with artistic design.
Fun fact: Just as we were about to leave, we noticed someone familiar right in front of us — it was DJ Dash Berlin! We had seen him live before at the Pinkfish Festival, and we couldn’t believe our luck when we got to take a photo with him. Lucky us!
Details
Location : 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953.
Business hours : Daily (5.00am - 2.00am)
Admission fees : RM67.58 (from the official site)
Marina Bay Sands
 |
| ( Photo source : Booking.com ) |
Discover Marina Bay Sands, a landmark in the heart of Singapore’s vibrant city district. Envisioned by renowned architect Moshe Safdie, this iconic structure beautifully blurs the line between art and architecture.
Explore the world’s only floating Louis Vuitton Island Maison and visit a unique Apple store surrounded by water. With over 170 luxury and premium boutiques, it’s a dream come true for any discerning shopper.
Experience unparalleled luxury paired with exceptional service in a place where every detail whispers indulgence. It’s an exhilarating oasis that perfectly balances tranquillity with excitement. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is a shopping destination like no other, featuring 19 duplexes and flagship stores from some of the most coveted luxury brands.
Since we visited during the Christmas season, the place was filled with beautiful decorations. We especially loved the CHANEL and Dior displays, they were so dreamy!
Details
Location : 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956.
Business hours : Daily (10.00am - 10.00pm)
ION Orchard
ION Orchard is a stunning architectural marvel, glowing like a futuristic beacon at the end of Orchard Road, drawing in fashionistas and luxury shoppers alike. Formerly known as the Orchard Turn Development or Orchard Turn Site, this shopping mall in Singapore is conveniently located next to Orchard MRT station. With over 300 of the most sought-after luxury brands, ION Orchard offers a shopping experience like no other.
We also visited to pick out my early Valentine's gift, thanks to my hubby. They had a Christmas campaign going on where you could enjoy festive cocktails, Christmas-themed postcards, and more.
Details
Location : 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801.
Business hours : Daily (10.00am - 10.00pm)
Night Safari
Singapore's Night Safari is the world's first nocturnal zoo, located in Mandai, and a 12-time Best Attraction winner. As one of the country's most popular tourist spots, it forms part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which also includes the Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, River Wonders, and the upcoming Rainforest Wild Park.
I highly recommend this place, as I've never experienced anything quite like it. Additionally, the cooler nighttime temperatures make walking around much more comfortable than during the day. This was also my hubby's first time visiting a zoo at night.
Details
Location : 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826.
Business hours : Daily (7.15pm - 12.00am)
Admission fees : https://www.mandai.com/en/night-safari/plan-your-visit.html
Old Hill Street Police Station
The Old Hill Street Police Station (formerly known as the MICA Building) is a colonial landmark located at the junction of River Valley Road and Hill Street in Singapore. Now home to the Ministry of Communications and Information and the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth, this iconic building officially opened in 1934 and was the largest government building in Singapore. Originally, it housed the Hill Street Police Station and Barracks. On December 18, 1998, the building was gazetted as a national monument.
Interestingly, the area surrounding the building was said to resemble the "peh toh," a fish symbolizing good fortune in Chinese New Year traditions. However, when the building was constructed, local Chinese residents believed it disrupted the area’s good feng shui.
The Old Hill Street Police Station is a six-storey building covering a total floor area of 25,000 square meters, built in a typical Neoclassical style that characterized many public buildings in England during the 1930s. The façade is symmetrically designed with balconies, arcades, columns, and rough-surface masonry blocks. The building is structured into long, thin blocks surrounding two internal courtyards, with rooms either facing the streets or the courtyards.
One of the most striking features of the building is its 927 windows, each painted in shades of rainbow colours. The main courtyard has been converted into an air-conditioned atrium, sheltered by a 29-meter-high glass roof.
Details
Location : 140 Hill Street #01-01A, Old Hill Street Police Station, Singapore 179369.
Admission fees : Free
How to access : Nearest MRT Stations - City Hall and Clarke Quay
Koon Seng Road
According to Condé Nast Traveler, Koon Seng Road in the Joo Chiat area has been named one of the most beautiful streets in the world, ranking 46th globally out of 71 and second in Southeast Asia.
Koon Seng Road was chosen for its row of pastel-hued shophouses, which "pay homage to a more traditional approach to life" in contrast to Singapore's futuristic "glossy skyscrapers and highly efficient public transportation."
This stretch of Koon Seng Road is easily one of the most colourful spots in Singapore, and it’s no wonder it has appeared on numerous postcards and paintings. You can even find it featured on stickers, fridge magnets, scarves, and other merchandise in local souvenir shops.
Food
KOMA
KOMA, a concept by TAO Group Hospitality, is a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar offering a modern take on Japanese cuisine. Featuring innovative and original creations, KOMA’s menu boldly incorporates fresh, seasonal produce and ingredients sourced from Japan.
Guests enter through a striking 20-meter passageway lined with orange arches, reminiscent of the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. This leads into an intimate lounge where you can enjoy creative new cocktails or select from the venue’s extensive sake list. The main dining room is centred around a dramatic, one-of-a-kind 2.5-meter-tall Japanese 'bell,' situated above a traditional footbridge. The space is enhanced by soaring high ceilings, an oversized sushi bar, and a private dining room on the mezzanine level.
Details
Location : 2 Bayfront Ave, # B1 - 67, Singapore 018972.
Business hours : Daily (11.30am - 3.00pm | 5.00pm - 12.00am)
Sushi Kyuu
Sushi Kyuu (寿司 九) by Shunsui pays homage to Japan’s rich culinary heritage and the art of sushi while embracing innovation. They take pride in selecting the freshest, highest-quality seasonal ingredients, sourced directly from Toyosu, and in the precise execution of traditional techniques—all while ensuring reasonable prices for their diners.
Omakase course menus are available at 5.00pm for the Tasting menu, and at 6.15pm and 8.15pm for the Standard and Premium Omakase courses. A curated selection of alcoholic beverages, including sake, shochu, umeshu, and highballs by the glass, starts from $7. I went there specifically for the overflowing ikura don.
Dinner menu : Hana ($69++) | Kaze ($99++) | Mizu ($129++) | Tsuki ($179++)
Details
Location : 150 Orchard Road, #03-55 Orchard Plaza, Singapore 238841.
Business hours : Daily (5.00pm - 11.00pm)
Tin Yeang Restaurant
Tin Yeang Restaurant (添榮餐室) is a coffee shop that has been in operation as early as 1978 according to business records. We went there for the popular roti prata.
We ordered cheese prata, egg prata, and something called coin prata for breakfast. They actually tasted not bad.
Details
Location : 300 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427551.
Business hours : Daily (6.20am - 11.30pm)
Tiong Bahru Bakery
At the heart of Tiong Bahru Bakery's success is its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. From the signature croissants and pain au chocolat to the indulgent tarts and cakes, each creation is a labour of love, crafted with precision and care by a team of skilled bakers and pastry chefs.
Founded in 2012, Tiong Bahru Bakery has evolved from a humble bakery in Singapore's oldest estate to a brand with 11 outlets across the island, each with its own unique character. We tried their pastries, and we think they’re quite good.
Merci Marcel Orchard Road
Merci Marcel Orchard provides a stylish and glamorous venue for hosting product launches in Singapore's fashion district, featuring an eclectic blend of modern European and vintage design. This France-in-the-Tropics-inspired café is in a lush corner of Singapore's shopping district, showcasing hints of Bauhaus architecture and tropical motifs.
Hubby discovered this place, and we love the vibe here. It was so relaxing and reminded us of our Bali trip, where we could just talk about life and unwind.
Details
Location : 390 Orchard Road, 01-03 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd, #01 - 03 / 04, Singapore 238871.
Business hours : Sun - Mon (8.00am - 11.00pm) ; Tue - Sat (8.00am - 12.00am)
Awfully Chocolate
Awfully Chocolate Bakery & Cafe is a paradise for chocolate enthusiasts, offering a tempting array of pastries, hearty comfort food, and beverages, all featuring their signature, freshly tempered chocolate. They also offer a weekend brunch buffet and set lunch meals.
I'm so glad we stumbled upon this café by chance. We loved the decadent chocolate cake and the mint chocolate drink. You can even dip the mint candy cane into the hot chocolate to create a delightful drink.
Details
Location : 131 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428816.
Business hours : Mon - Thu (11.00am - 10.00pm) ; Fri (11.00am - 11.00pm) ; Sat (10.00am - 11.00pm) ; Sun (10.00am - 10.00pm)
Bacha Coffee
Founded in Marrakech in 1910, Bacha Coffee specializes in 100% Arabica coffee, offering customers a unique opportunity to explore the world through their cup. With harvests from over 35 of the most renowned coffee-producing countries, Bacha Coffee provides a wide selection of finely blended, flavoured, and naturally decaffeinated coffees — all made with 100% Arabica beans to ensure unparalleled quality and flavour for coffee lovers.
Why spend your time at the Malaysia branch when you can enjoy them right here in Singapore? Not being a coffee fan, I tried their hot chocolate and absolutely loved it. We also ordered some pastries and desserts for our afternoon tea.
Details
Location : 2 Orchard Turn #01-15/16 ION Orchard Mall, Singapore 238801.
Business hours : Daily (9.30am - 10.00pm)
#ShiniInSingapore
For more photos, search the hashtag #ShiniInSingapore on Instagram. You can also find additional details about my personal experiences from the trip there, and I’ll update it regularly.
Singapore Related Travelogue
0 comments