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Singapore

Fireworks 1 January 2014 at Marina Bay, Singapore
Singapore

Day 6: New Year’s Day, from strangers to friends

January 1, 2014

Happy New Year, dear reader! Welcome to the first day of 2014. The spectacular firework display at Marina Bay was truly awe-inspiring, featuring intense bursts of vibrant lights. While capturing one of the world’s most beautiful fireworks shows, I faced a sudden challenge as my camera ran out of power. Quick thinking led me to replace the batteries with the spare ones tucked away in my bag. Despite the setback, I successfully captured some memorable moments before my camera shut down once again. Below, you’ll find a few snapshots from the fireworks. After the spectacular fireworks, our city adventure began…

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by Maarten
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Singapore

Day 5: Singapore’s Botanic Gardens and New Year’s Eve

December 31, 2013

Today promised to be a relaxing day as I planned to explore Singapore’s Botanic Gardens and celebrate New Year’s Eve. However, I woke up feeling stressed because I still had an outstanding task: arranging my visa for Indonesia. In Singapore, it would be more convenient to handle the visa than in Malaysia or Indonesia itself. I came across several online stories detailing the challenges of extending visas in Indonesia. The agency in Singapore boasts excellent reviews and a straightforward process. After getting dressed, I headed to the lobby. At the reception desk, I approached the hostel staff and asked if…

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by Maarten
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Singapore

Day 4: A day at Sentosa Island

December 30, 2013

Yesterday, James and I made the decision to explore Sentosa Island, a sprawling haven of entertainment parks and intriguing places. Unfortunately, Yen couldn’t join us due to work commitments. Setting out from the hostel, James and I headed to Lavender Station around 9 am. Upon reaching Bayfront Station, we were presented with various options to reach the island. James suggested the cable car, asking, ‘So, Maarten, do you want to take the cable car to Sentosa Island?’ My response was casual, ‘I’m fine with anything. Do you want to do it?’ James agreed, saying, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’ I chimed…

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Singapore

Day 3: Chinatown and Orchard Road

December 28, 2013

Embarking on a cultural adventure, I planned to explore Singapore’s Chinatown and Orchard Road today. My day began a bit later, around 10 am, with a modest breakfast at the hostel. Engaging in conversation, I met James, a 28-year-old Australian entrepreneur in architecture, currently on a Southeast Asia journey en route to Vietnam. His primary goal, however, was to celebrate New Year’s Eve with a friend in Singapore. It seemed many backpackers shared a similar motive for being in Asia during this time. Inviting James to join Yen and me on our visit to Chinatown, I was delighted when he…

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Singapore

Day 2: Gardens by the Bay and Clarke Quay!

December 28, 2013

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. 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…

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by Maarten
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Singapore

Day 1: A luxury start at Marina Bay Sands *****

December 27, 2013

‘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…

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by Maarten
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