Today promised a thrilling adventure in Singapore – first stop, the awe-inspiring Gardens by the Bay. Later, Yen, a newfound friend, would guide me through the vibrant night scene at Clarke Quay. Surprisingly, I awoke earlier than anticipated in my luxurious king-size bed at Marina Bay Sands. The alarm clock, casting its glow at 5 am, roused me from a night of blissful sleep.
Last hours at Marina Bay Sands
Seizing the early hours, I settled into a chair and penned the initial draft of yesterday’s blog recounting my experiences at Marina Bay Sands. An hour later, content uploaded, I realized it was time to bid farewell to my €590-per-night haven as check-out approached at 11 am.
Eager to make the most of my stay, I took advantage of the pre-checkout privilege, venturing to the infinity pool and Skypark for some final snapshots. The clock was ticking, and Gardens by the Bay awaited – an excursion well worth the early rise and the thrill of capturing the Sky Park’s breathtaking views.
At approximately 9 am, I made my way back to my hotel room, faced with the daunting task of packing my backpack, which seemed to have accumulated an excess of unnecessary items. It felt peculiar to part with my sturdy raincoat so effortlessly, but as I struggled to seal my backpack, the weight of 20 kilograms became a tangible reality.
With the packing ordeal behind me, I succumbed to the temptation of one last indulgent shower. The luxuriously appointed shower offered three distinct modes, a feature I had already relished with two showers the previous day.
Check-out at Marina Bay Sands
I managed to check out on time from Marina Bay Sands. The staff there truly goes above and beyond in their kindness and hospitality. They expressed gratitude for almost everything and went out of their way to assist me in every possible manner.
During my morning purchase of breakfast, I opted to tip the vendor by letting them keep the 3.70 Singapore dollars (SGD), as I wanted to lighten my wallet of coins. The vendor responded with humility, thanked me, and went the extra mile by replacing the coins with a 2-dollar note. In the end, he only accepted 1.70 SGD as a tip, and I was content with the gesture.
After checking out, a helpful hotel porter took charge of my baggage. He assured me that he would keep it safe until my return. I intended to pick up my backpack upon my return from Gardens by the Bay, only to bid farewell to Marina Bay Sands for good afterward, despite my reluctance to part ways.
Mirror Magic: The Artistry of Marina Bay Sands’ Sunlit Spectacle
Navigating my way to Gardens by the Bay proved to be a bit of a puzzle. I retraced my steps to the Marina Bay shopping center, where I had to find my way to the second floor. Once there, I located the bridge leading into Marina Bay Sands. Crossing over to Gardens by the Bay was a delightful experience.
While exploring the Marina Bay shopping mall the day before, I had noticed dynamic shapes projected onto the exterior of Marina Bay Sands. Now, standing on the bridge, I unraveled the mystery – the exterior was adorned with small dangling mirrors that gracefully reflected the sunlight. It was a mesmerizing sight that left me in awe. Whoever designed this was undoubtedly a genius! It felt like encountering a piece of art that truly resonated with me. Check out the video I captured to experience it yourself.
Arrival at Gardens by the Bay
After capturing shots of the captivating interior of Marina Bay Sands, I proceeded towards the opposite doors. To my surprise, the bridge seamlessly extended across the highway on this side too, offering a splendid view of Sheares Avenue. Taking a brief pause, I soaked in the scenery for about five minutes before heading towards the bridge’s end to capture some concluding photographs of the area. Eventually, I reached Gardens by the Bay via an escalator.
I believed I had already encountered enough breathtaking sights for the day, but little did I know, the best was yet to come. I amassed approximately 200 stunning photographs, a number that easily could have surpassed 300. Within the park, I explored the Chinese and Indian gardens, pausing to admire the Dragonfly Lake. Soon, I found myself at the Canopy, where I secured tickets for the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest – experiences reserved for later.
My immediate focus, however, was on fulfilling one of the items on my bucket list: walking the skywalk among the iconic Supertrees. Ever since I stood on the Marina Bay Sands Skydeck earlier that morning, the anticipation to ascend these towering marvels had been building. The last image below showcases the platform of the Skydeck where I stood earlier in the day.
Blossoming Wonders
After immersing myself in the allure of the Supertrees for half an hour, I descended to explore the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. Opting to begin with the Flower Dome, I anticipated that the Cloud Forest would offer a more thrilling experience. My intention was to savor the best for the grand finale, and it turned out to be a decision well-made.
Exploring Gardens by the Bay proved to be a fantastic experience, and I lingered there for nearly three hours!
At around 2 pm, I departed from the park and returned to Marina Bay Sands to retrieve my backpack before transitioning to my next lodging. Within an hour, I reached the Little Red Dot, which marked my inaugural experience at a backpacker’s hostel. The name “Little Red Dot” is a colloquial term for Singapore, often represented as a small red dot on maps of Asia, capturing the essence of this vibrant city-state.
My First Hostel
Navigating the Mass Rapid Transport system proved to be a breeze. A brief ten-minute walk from the station aside, everything went smoothly, and I felt like backpacking was second nature to me. I didn’t need to seek directions from anyone. Upon my arrival at the Little Red Dot, the hostel staff warmly greeted me. They provided insights into house rules, breakfast timings, and shared tips on discovering the best spots in Singapore. The staff then guided me to my bed capsule, which, despite being a bit snug for a tall Dutch person, offered a commendable level of privacy. After organizing my belongings and securing valuables in a locker, I ascended to the main room/relaxation area upstairs.
As I surfed the internet and typed away on my laptop, I struck up a conversation with Yen, a Malaysian resident of the hostel and a Singapore enthusiast. Working in the city, she possessed a wealth of local knowledge. Later, Yen treated me to a sampling of delectable, budget-friendly fare at the nearby Asian food court—my choice being a delightful dish of rice, chicken, and beans.
Following our culinary adventure, Yen guided me to a 7-eleven to grab some soda for the hostel. Back at the accommodation, our conversation continued. That evening, Yen planned to introduce me to Singapore’s vibrant nightlife at Clarke Quay. When I asked her about bringing my camera, she assured me it wouldn’t be necessary—a sentiment I strongly disagreed with once we reached our destination.
Singapore’s Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay is truly enchanting, bustling with Singaporeans enjoying their evening. The focal point is a main bridge where locals gather, sipping liquor from the nearby 7-Eleven. Yen guided me through the expansive area, a stark contrast to Amsterdam, given Singapore’s population of around 5 million. The architecture of Clarke Quay is adorned with a vibrant palette of colors, creating a stunning visual display. The night unfolded with a mesmerizing array of neon lights and beautiful fountains, setting the backdrop for everyone to have an unforgettable time. More information about Clarke Quay can be found here.
The ambiance brought back memories of Amsterdam’s Rokin; a sizable canal bore a striking resemblance. Yet, the vibrant surroundings, adorned with numerous restaurants, cafes, and colorful lights, reassured me that I wasn’t in Amsterdam. We lingered by the expansive bridge, engaging in conversation and enjoying drinks from the 7-Eleven. Eventually, around 1 am, we made our way back to the hostel.
Yen and I crafted a plan for New Year’s Eve. Our agenda included witnessing the fireworks at Marina Bay, followed by continuing the celebration with drinks in Clarke Quay. Anticipating the vibrant atmosphere, I made a mental note to bring my camera along for some snapshots of Clarke Quay that day.
