‘Welcome to Singapore Mr. Splinter!’’ Continued with: ‘’Welcome to Marina Bay Sands Mr. Splinter!’
Embarking on my journey at this magnificent five-star resort in Singapore was nothing short of amazing. A few years back, while casually flipping through TV channels, I stumbled upon the National Geographic channel. In an instant, I was captivated, my eyes glued to the screen as I witnessed the construction of the Skypark of Marina Bay Sands, the second most expensive building in the world. Little did I know at that moment that, someday, I would find myself standing atop that very building, sleeping in one of its luxurious bedrooms. As I planned my trip last September, Marina Bay Sands naturally found its place on my bucket list.
Embarking on the Adventure: From Schiphol to Singapore
Let’s start at the beginning. On December 26 at 10:30 (+1GMT), I embarked on my journey, departing from Schiphol airport in the Netherlands on a direct thirteen-hour flight to Singapore. During check-in with Singapore Airlines, the steward’s expression changed abruptly as he scanned my e-ticket. A sigh escaped him, and he remarked, “This is a one-way ticket.” Gazing at me with a hint of concern, he inquired about my onward travel plans. While I had anticipated this situation, I realized I had forgotten to present the necessary proof. Quick on my feet, I showed him my bus ticket, booked through this website. After jotting down some information, I proceeded to the security check.
The flight proved to be exhausting as I struggled to sleep amid the cries of babies. Nevertheless, the onboard service was exceptional. Among the 270 passengers on the Boeing 777-200ER, I stood out as the sole enthusiast of Coke Zero. This unique preference made me easily recognizable to all the stewardesses, who, in a delightful gesture, opted to provide me with the entire can of Coke Zero instead of the usual half-pour in a plastic cup.
Singapore Airlines and Changi Airport
Occasionally, I engaged in conversation with the Dutch couple seated next to me, who were en route to Manila in the Philippines. I kept my description of my world journey brief, mentioning my plan to go backpacking in Asia for a few months. At that moment, I hesitated to share too many details, as I felt more comfortable downplaying my adventures. Admittedly, I was also grappling with the uncertainty of the experiences that lay ahead. The potential for things to go awry was a lingering concern.
Upon arrival at Changi Airport, I marveled at its grandeur. It was indeed a magnificent airport, renowned as the world’s best in 2013. During my pre-trip research, I had discovered that Changi Airport boasted amenities such as a cinema and even a swimming pool! After bidding farewell to the Dutch couple, I proceeded towards immigration and passport control. While waiting in line, I couldn’t help but overhear a boisterous conversation among three rather pretentious Dutch bankers in front of me. One of the women fortuitously encountered an old Dutch friend right there in the queue. I found myself silently judging their discussion, as they unabashedly bragged about their jobs, salaries, and the perceived fortune of working abroad in Singapore.
After completing immigration and passport control, the fatigue from sleep deprivation began to set in, and the idea of spending some leisure time at the airport seemed tempting. However, the allure of Marina Bay Sands persuaded me otherwise. I was determined to make the most of my time there. Without further ado, I sought out an ATM to facilitate a withdrawal.
Exploring Singapore’s Efficient MRT System
At approximately 7:00, I reached Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) Changi Airport Station. Regrettably, I had to endure an hour-long wait until the ticket office opened. Strangely, the prospect of waiting did not bother me, a departure from the stress waiting would typically induce back home in Amsterdam. I, who despised waiting, found the architecture of Changi Airport and the MRT system intriguing, providing ample reason to stroll around and take in the surroundings. After some exploration of the airport, I indulged in breakfast from a slightly overpriced café.
Upon obtaining my tourist MRT pass, akin to the Dutch OV-chipkaart, I entered Singapore’s renowned public transport system – a haven of luxury. The stark contrast to my reference point, Amsterdam’s MRT metro 51 (picture yourself cramped in a dirty, old train amidst the scent of cannabis), was striking. Everything in Singapore’s MRT system exuded cleanliness and orderliness. The in-train signposting was entirely digital, and expansive LCD screens at every station displayed real-time public transport information. Navigating to Marina Bay Sands required three train changes, with the travel time from Changi Airport totaling approximately an hour. The MRT experience was flawless, with virtually no chance of getting lost or boarding the wrong train. Every station, train line, and schedule were impeccably indicated, with each station name reiterated about five times.
During the MRT ride, I observed the locals immersed in the latest mobile phones, tablets, and Galaxy Note devices, each wired in with earphones. A smile played on my lips as I watched a guy next to me engrossed in a violent shooter game on his tablet. It struck me as a peculiar experience. While smartphone usage is common in the Netherlands, here in Singapore, nearly everyone in the train, save for two or three individuals, was engrossed in their devices. Around 9:00 (Singapore time, which is seven hours ahead of Dutch time), I reached the Bayfront MRT Station. Stepping outside, I marveled at the 59-story hotel before me.
Arrival at Marina Bay Sands
Entering Marina Bay Sands with a substantial backpack on my back and a fully-packed daypack drew quite a few glances. Since my room wouldn’t be ready until noon or 1:00 pm, I left my baggage at the reception for the porters to handle. With some time on my hands, I decided to explore the vicinity of Marina Bay Sands. My first stop was the elevator to the Skypark. Standing on various edges of the Marina Bay Sands Skypark, I felt an indescribable sensation; this was just the beginning of my world journey.
Marina Bay Shopping Mall
An hour later, I departed from Marina Bay Sands Skypark and descended via the escalator within the premises of Marina Bay Sands. This escalator provided a seamless connection between the hotel and the Marina Bay shopping mall, which housed a plethora of major brand stores.
The ambiance was exquisite and lavishly adorned. Gracefully flowing narrow canals ran through the heart of various halls, accompanied by a splendid circular fountain adjacent to an upscale restaurant. The myriad of stores mainly comprised unfamiliar brands such as Spectacle Hut Boutique, BritishIndia, Bally, and Anne Fontaine, interspersed with some familiar names like Hugo Boss and Prada. For those feeling lucky, there was even a casino where one could choose to part with their money. The luxurious aura of the stores and restaurants led me to assume that a meal here would likely come with a hefty price tag.
After a while, I reached the exit and found myself at Marina Bay Promenade. Having previously spotted the wishing balloons from the top of Marina Bay Sands Sky Deck, I was now able to observe them up close. The atmosphere in Marina Bay indicated preparations for New Year’s Eve, and I was resolute in my decision to witness the spectacular fireworks later that evening. Along the promenade, I took a leisurely stroll and settled into an unassuming cafe. Opting for some delectable fried chicken for lunch, I relished the sunny weather. It was a stark contrast to the chilly temperatures I experienced in the Netherlands just 30 hours ago, and surprisingly, the heat and humidity proved to be soothing for my eczema.
Embracing Luxury
At approximately 12:00, I revisited the check-in desk to see if my room was ready, and fortunately, it was. Upon returning to my room, I unpacked my bags and settled in. A refreshing shower revived me, and I decided to take a short nap, lasting 2 to 3 hours, to replenish my energy, especially since it was raining outside. Later in the evening, I opted for room service and then headed up to the infinity pool to unwind and revel in the breathtaking scenery.
Exclusive to hotel guests, the infinity pool required a hotel card key for access. I soaked in the panoramic view, took a leisurely swim, and treated myself to a sophisticated cocktail. During this time, I also shot a brief video for my charity contest to announce the winners. Below is a compilation of the pictures I captured that evening. Notably, I left the curtains open in my bedroom, anticipating an amazing awakening with the stunning view outside!
