Off to Singapore: Where the Airport is Cooler Than My House

I’m getting ready for another trip to Singapore, and I can’t contain my excitement! Just thinking about going back to the amazing Changi Airport puts a huge smile on my face. Singapore is a very cool city. The skyline is absolutely mesmerizing with its mix of futuristic architecture that screams “Look at me, I am rich and fabulous!"

But let's not forget about the food scene in Singapore; it's like no other. From simple hawker centers serving up dishes that could impress any food critic to fancy restaurants that might make my wallet cry, Singapore is a food lover's dream. With all this in mind, I’m gearing up for an adventure that promises stunning sights, mouthwatering bites, and a few surprises. Singapore, here I come again!

🤷‍♂️ How Did I End-up There? Well, I actually called Singapore home for a while and living there taught me all the tricks to surviving the endless humidity, how to navigate the city’s incredibly efficient transport, and where to find the best hawker stalls (hint: always follow the longest line). I’m excited to go back and see how much has changed, but mostly, I’m looking forward to revisiting all my favorite spots and catching up with old friends!

In this article, I’ll dive into the must-see highlights of this vibrant city.

Spoiler alert: You’ll be planning your trip before you finish reading! From the lush Gardens by the Bay to the delicious chaos of Chinatown, Singapore is a place where every day feels like an adventure. And the best part? Singapore is small enough that I can explore all its wonders without collapsing from exhaustion! No need to pack the vitamin C pills this time, I’ll survive without a full supplement regimen!

Downtown Singapore: Where Style, Historic Charm and Sweat Collide

Walking (and working) in downtown Singapore, or the CBD (Central Business District), is like stepping into the future: shiny skyscrapers, buzzing businesspeople, and the hum of a city that never stops. I used to be one of those people, taking the MRT (subway) to work every day, blending right into the hustle and bustle. And of course, lunchtime meant heading to the famous Lau Pa Sat for the best hawker food.

But let me tell you, as much as I loved the city vibe, there’s one thing about Singapore you can’t escape: the weather. Singapore is practically sitting on the equator, so it’s constantly hot and humid. Like, “take a shower, step outside, and immediately need another shower” levels of humidity. You always need a backup plan for survival. Rule number one: always have an extra t-shirt in your backpack because you will sweat like you’re in a sauna. Speaking of backpacks, they’re a must-have—filled with essentials like tissues (because sweat), an umbrella (because sun or sudden rain), and that extra shirt (because, well, again…sweat).

Here’s a golden rule: never, ever run in Singapore. Under no circumstances. I learned this the hard way on my very first day of work. Picture this: I was fresh-faced, suited up, and ready to impress. I walked out of my apartment, and there it was—my bus! I thought, “I can totally catch that if I run!” So I did. For three minutes. In a full suit and tie. By the time I arrived at the office, I looked like I had just finished a marathon in a rainforest. My shirt was soaked, my tie was plastered to my chest, and my hair? A wet disaster. I walked into the office, and everyone looked at me like I was an alien who had been beamed down into their air-conditioned paradise. All my co-workers told me "never, EVER, run in Singapore".

Lesson learned: in Singapore, just miss the bus. Trust me, your reputation and your dry clothes will thank you.

Amidst all the futuristic skyscrapers, downtown Singapore is home to some seriously stunning historical buildings that add a touch of old-world charm. One of the most famous? The Raffles Hotel. This place is legendary, not just for its colonial architecture but for being the birthplace of the Singapore Sling: yes, that drink (which is not that great of a drink tbh). Walking past it feels like stepping back in time, where you half-expect to see someone sipping a cocktail in a linen suit, fanning themselves in the heat. It’s the kind of place that reminds you that Singapore isn’t just about the new and shiny; it’s got some history, too!

The Merlion, Singapore’s iconic half-lion, half-fish statue, is basically the city’s way of saying, "We can make a mythical creature look cool and also, yes, we’re really into fish."

Boat Quay and Clarke Quay

Boat Quay and Clarke Quay is the neighborhood where Singapore’s history meets its nightlife, with colorful riverside shophouses by day and a bustling hub of bars, restaurants, and party boats by night. No matter where the day started, it always seemed to end there after work, with me and my co-workers squeezing out the last drops of happy hour and laughing way too hard. I have some hazy memories of hitting a couple of dance floors in the area, too.

Marina Bay

Marina Bay is where Singapore goes all out to show off its futuristic flair, with jaw-dropping sights like the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel towering over the skyline.

Right next door is the surreal Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay, where towering, glowing trees make you feel like you’ve stepped into a sci-fi movie.

And just across the bay, the Esplanade, also known as "The Durian" because of its spiky roof, hosts world-class performances, all while looking like the fanciest fruit you’ve ever seen.

Orchard Road

Orchard Road is Singapore’s answer to “shop ‘til you drop,” but be warned; you’ll need more than just comfy shoes, you’ll need a healthy bank account. Lined with endless malls and designer stores, this is where your wallet goes to cry and your credit card gets a workout. It’s the kind of place where you’ll walk in for "just a look" and leave with bags you didn’t know you needed, wondering how you’ll survive until payday.

Chinatown

Chinatown is a vibrant maze of food stalls, markets, and cultural gems that’s perfect for those who want to dive headfirst into Singapore’s rich heritage. You can feast on dumplings, slurp down noodles, and shop for souvenirs all in one colorful swoop. And just when you think you've seen it all, there’s the Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, nestled right in Chinatown - because, why not? It’s like the universe decided to play a little game of cultural musical chairs, dropping an Indian temple smack dab in the middle of Chinatown, leaving everyone wondering if they took a wrong turn on their way to Little India!

Arab Street

Kampong Glam is a lively neighborhood that perfectly blends history and modernity, making it a must-visit for anyone craving a cultural experience. The stunning Sultan Mosque, with its golden dome and intricate details, stands as a majestic centerpiece, practically begging you to stop and take a selfie - because who doesn’t want a stunning backdrop that screams, “I’m cultured!”? The surrounding area is filled with hip cafes, colorful murals, and shops selling everything from traditional textiles to trendy accessories, making it a fantastic spot to explore. Just remember, whether you’re feasting on delicious Middle Eastern cuisine or browsing the boutiques, the mosque’s beauty will have you pausing to appreciate the blend of old and new in this vibrant part of Singapore!

If you’re still up for some greenery after all the urban adventures, the National Orchid Garden is a floral wonderland that will have you questioning why you ever thought indoor plants were enough. Nestled in the lush confines of Singapore Botanic Gardens, this place is like a plant parent’s dream come true, boasting over 1,000 species of orchids, because, apparently, nature didn’t get the memo that “less is more.” As you stroll through the vibrant displays, don’t be surprised if you start feeling inadequate about your own houseplant care skills; those orchids look like they’ve had personal trainers and spa days. Just be prepared to walk a bit, but hey, at least you’ll be surrounded by beautiful flowers instead of concrete, right?

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The Quick Recap (Too Long To Read Edition)

• 🌟 What Was The Highlight Of My Trip? Well, it’s hard to pick just one, but let’s be real: the best thing about Singapore is that it’s a small city where you can see pretty much everything without feeling like you just completed a marathon. It’s modern, clean, safe, and wonderfully diverse! And don't forget the airport: Changi Airport, the only place where I’d willingly risk missing a flight just to explore. I might actually have to book a return trip just to snap photos and write an article about this airport that’s practically a luxury resort with a runway!

• 📅 How Many Days? 3 or 4 days max! With a city this size, you won’t need to play the “I need a vacation from my vacation” card. But the great thing about Singapore is that it is nestled right in the heart of Asia, it's the ultimate launchpad for jet-setting adventurers. Singapore is your one-way ticket to quick getaways to neighboring countries. It's like having a magic portal to fun right at your doorstep!

• 🎒 What To Pack? Don’t forget your antiperspirant, an umbrella (for those surprise rain showers), and a whole lot of extra shirts because, trust me, sweat happens!

• ⚡ Energy Level For This Adventure? Let’s just say Singapore might just be one of the best cities to explore, especially since nothing is more than 30 minutes away; including a place to cool off! Navigating the city is surprisingly manageable, a solid Level 1 on the “tired scale”; perfectly doable, even with a little tropical sweat mixed in. You can bounce from botanical gardens to swanky rooftop bars to scenic waterfronts all in one day and still have the energy for a late-night food run. No exhausting sightseeing marathons here; Singapore’s compact charm has you covered!