Singapore Trip #1

Singapore Trip #1 — 11 to 17 March 2025

This was my first time in Singapore, seven days that ran from a 6am landing at Changi to a slow, reluctant checkout a week later. I didn't know it yet, but this trip is the reason Singapore became the place I'm building toward — the SMU plans, all of it started somewhere in these seven days.

Day 1 — Landing at Changi

Touched down at 6:05am and gave myself the whole day to just be an airport tourist before checking into the hotel. Changi is less an airport and more a small country — I wandered through Jewel, found the Pokémon Center, and stopped by DON DON DONKI before finally heading to the hotel near Bugis in the evening. First stroll through the neighbourhood, a 7-Eleven run, and an early night.

Day 2 — Bugis Street

Started at Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, then CHIJMES — that gothic chapel turned event space always photographs beautifully. Bugis Junction and Bugis Street Mall filled the afternoon, with iced coffee at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in between. Evening ended at Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, quiet and lit up against the dark.

Day 3 — Marina Bay

The big one. Gardens by the Bay from mid-morning — Cloud Forest and Flower Dome both — then lunch at Lavo Rooftop Bar on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands, which is still one of the best views I've had over a plate of food. Merlion in daylight, a walk across Helix Bridge, a few hours at The Shoppes, and then Spectra at 8pm — the light and water show on the bay. Closed the night with a walk to Raffles Place past Fullerton Hotel and UOB Plaza, then Lau Pa Sat.

Day 4 — Chinatown & Little India

Sri Mariamman Temple in the morning, then Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (long trousers required, learned that one on the way). Chinatown Complex and People's Park Complex for photos, lunch at Sarnies, and then the Chinatown Street Market — lanterns, souvenirs, Ann Siang Road. Evening at Clarke Quay: the Read Bridge, the fountain square, crossing Coleman Bridge as the city lit up.

Day 5 — Orchard Road, part one

Haji Lane in the morning for the wall murals and Parkview Square, then Emerald Hill Road for photos before cutting through to Somerset. Spent longer than planned at the Kinokuniya main store, then Mandarin Gallery and a quiet stop at Istana Park and the Singapore Buddhist Lounge.

Day 6 — Orchard Road, part two

A slower day — Great World Mall, Pearls Hill City Park, and Ngee Ann City in the afternoon. Mostly just walking and taking it in before the trip started winding down.

Day 7 — Takeoff

Last-minute packing, checkout, and a slow final walk before heading to Changi for a 8pm flight out. Some places you leave already planning the return.

Food notes

Singapore was generous to a vegetarian traveller. Regulars on this trip: Ananda Bhavan, Nalan Restaurant in Little India, Aarya Pure Veg, Kailash Parbat, and Saravanaa Bhavan — all worth going back to.

This is Trip #1. Singapore keeps a running count on Elsewhere Hours — there will be a #2.