We boarded the flight from India to Singapore with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. It was our first trip abroad, and stepping outside our comfort zone was a real challenge for us. Little did we know that this trip would shape us into the person we are today.
Before our travel, we planned an itinerary of all the best places to visit and things to do. We booked The Quay Hotel Lavender Singapore. It was a lovely 3-star accommodation in the center of Singapore.
Gardens By the Bay Tour
Our first visit was to Gardens By the Bay, a beautiful nature park in Singapore’s prime region with plants from all over the world. They have several attractions which would take a whole day to cover. We spent a lot of time taking pictures as each plant had their uniqueness and a story behind it.
Things TO Do
Cloud Forest
We were in awe when we saw the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls. It takes about two hours to cover the entire place and the aerial walkway is amazing.
Opening hours are from 9 AM to 9 PM but I would say it’s ideal to first cover this as it has so much to offer.
Quick Tip: Do not miss the ‘Misting‘. The plants are watered every two hours from 10 AM to 8 PM and it creates a mist effect that looks dreamy.
OCBC Skyway
After exploring Cloud Forest, the next best thing is the OCBC Skyway. These are long trees at 22m above the ground and 128m long aerial walk. Once the sun sets, the lights are lit and the view from the super trees is too good to be true. From Marina Bay Sands to Singapore flyer, the panoramic view from OCBC Skyway was breathtaking.
Opening hours are from 9 AM to 9 PM, but anytime after sunset will give you a great experience.
Quick Tip: Make sure to check the website for maintenance dates as Gardens by the Bay closes monthly on specified dates.
There were several other attractions such as Floral Fantasy, Indoor and Outdoor Art Sculpture, but unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to visit them.
Restaurants
They have several options with Dine-in and Takeaway services. Starbucks and McDonald’s are a few common options. Co+Nut+Ink and Conservatory Cafe are great if you are looking for Ice Cream and Snacks.
Browse the full list of restaurants.
Opening hours and closures for all attractions and restaurants can be found on their website.
Feeling happy and excited after a great day at Gardens by the Bay, we jumped on a TTC bus and thought it would take us back to our hotel. Oops! We were so excited that we got on the wrong bus. As we looked out the window at the strange buildings and streets, we started to worry.
We were lost in a new country, and it was getting dark. Upon seeing us feel lost, a group of friendly locals immediately offered their help and guided us to the right bus. We were safely back at the hotel and incredibly grateful for the kind strangers who helped us. Though getting lost was nerve-wracking, it was a bit of an exciting adventure!
On the following day, we checked out of The Quay Hotel Lavender. Our next destination was Sentosa Island, where we had a reservation at Siloso Beach Resort. The resort was a great choice for our stay and we loved the beautiful pool and the short walk to the beach.
Sentosa Island offers a world of entertainment with iconic attractions like Universal Studios and S.E.A Aquarium all packed in!
Universal Studios Singapore
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve dreamt of visiting theme parks. When we finally arrived at Universal Studios, our excitement and thrill knew no bounds.
Things To Do
The Universal Express Pass was a lifesaver, letting us cover all the rides by evening.
They have six themed zones based on blockbuster movies and television series.
Ancient Egypt-themed zone has Revenge of the Mummy which is a thrilling indoor coaster ride and undoubtedly the most scary ride among others.
Hollywood-themed zone had stores with all kinds of chocolates and Universal studio-themed souvenirs to buy.
Scificity has The Transformers ride which gave us an adrenaline rush. It is a 3d experience and the visuals were so real that we felt we were a part of it.
We can take pictures in the evenings, with our favorite movie characters brought to life by amazing costumed performers.
They have a huge food court with many dining options.
Universal Studio’s opening hours are from 10 AM to 8 PM.
S.E.A. Aquarium
The aquarium is massive, housing thousands of marine animals across diverse habitats. They have seven themed zones. From majestic manta rays to playful sea otters, I saw creatures I never knew existed. Keep an eye out for special exhibits and shows during your visit.
The full list of shows with timing can be found on their website. Having the park map is super convenient.
The aquarium is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 Jul to 30 Nov 2024. Plan your visit accordingly
Operating Hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Singapore exceeded our expectations in every way. This trip was truly unforgettable from the beauty of Gardens by the Bay to the adrenaline rush of Universal Studios and the mesmerizing underwater world of the S.E.A. Aquarium. We were also incredibly touched by the kindness and helpfulness of the Singaporean people. From restaurant staff to shopkeepers and fellow travelers, everyone offered a friendly smile and a sense of warmth.
If you’re looking for a destination that offers something for everyone, Singapore should be at the top of your list. What are some of your favorite travel destinations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
She Finds Her Way 
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