✈️ Our Amazing Singapore Adventure Begins – Day 1
After months of anticipation and Cyclone Alfred delaying us, our long-awaited Singapore adventure finally began! Just a short flight from Australia, Singapore is one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and modern cities—and it didn’t disappoint from the moment we landed.
🌏 Where Is Singapore?
Nestled at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is about 6,000 kilometres northwest of Brisbane, Australia. The flight time is around 8 hours, depending on your departure city. It’s in the Singapore Standard Time (SGT) zone, which is 2 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) and 3 hours during daylight savings—perfect for minimal jet lag and maximum adventure!
Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate, meaning hot and humid weather year-round, with average temperatures hovering between 25°C to 31°C. So pack light, breathable clothes and don’t forget your sunscreen and umbrella—sunshine and sudden showers both come standard here!
🛬 Arrival at Changi Airport – 4:30 PM
We touched down at Changi Airport right on schedule, around 4:30 pm. If there’s one airport in the world that feels more like a luxury hotel or theme park than a transit hub, this is it. Frequently crowned the World’s Best Airport, Changi offers everything from a butterfly garden and rooftop swimming pool to movie theatres and the awe-inspiring Jewel Changi with its indoor waterfall. It was tempting to linger, but Singapore had so much more waiting for us.
🏨 Check-in at Furama City Centre Hotel
A smooth cab ride later, we arrived at our home for the next few days—Furama City Centre Hotel, located right in the heart of Chinatown. The hotel offers comfortable, modern rooms with gorgeous views of the skyline, a refreshing outdoor pool, a fitness centre, and a restaurant serving up local and international dishes.
But the biggest draw? Location, location, location! Furama sits just minutes from bustling street markets, heritage shophouses, and food heaven. It's the perfect launch pad for city explorers like us.
🛍️ Exploring Chinatown Point Shopping Centre
After dropping off our bags and freshening up, we strolled across the overpass from the hotel and made our way into Chinatown Point Shopping Centre—a well-known retail and lifestyle hub nestled on New Bridge Road.
This centre has something for everyone: fashion boutiques, electronics, souvenir shops, and a generous spread of eateries. Kim couldn't resist checking out a couple of chic little shops while I admired the unique fusion of modern mall design and cultural accents. Don’t miss Watsons, Daiso, and The Editor’s Market if you're hunting for beauty buys or trendy finds!
🏮 Wandering into Chinatown
We weren’t done just yet. Energised by the warm night air and our growing excitement, we wandered up New Bridge Road to the famed Pagoda Street, right in the heart of Chinatown.
Singapore’s Chinatown is a feast for the senses: red lanterns swaying in the breeze, the scent of sizzling street food, and rows of beautifully preserved shophouses selling everything from silk robes to jade jewellery. It’s the perfect place to soak up Singapore’s rich Chinese heritage. Must-see attractions include the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, and the buzzing Chinatown Street Market—but we saved those for another day.
Kim peeked into a few more shops, picking up a couple of cute keepsakes, while I snapped photos of the glowing lanterns and smiling street vendors.
😴 Back to the Hotel for a Well-Deserved Rest
As night fell and the day’s excitement caught up with us, we made our way back to Furama. The warm, familiar glow of the hotel lobby welcomed us back like an old friend. We melted into our comfy bed, letting the city’s hum fade into the background as we drifted off into a well-deserved sleep.
End of Day 1 – and just the beginning of an unforgettable Singaporean escape.
🌇 Day 2 – Art, Flavours, and Neon Nights in the City
We were up around 8:00 AM—not bad considering the time difference was playing with our body clocks a little. Despite being only two to three hours behind Australia, the shift was just enough to leave us slightly out of rhythm. But Singapore’s charm doesn’t give you time to feel tired!
🥐 Breakfast at Chinatown Point – Paris Baguette & Starbucks Bliss
We made our way back across the overpass to Chinatown Point Shopping Centre, this time for breakfast. Inside, we discovered the Paris Baguette café—a stylish Korean-French bakery chain known for its gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, artisan breads, and buttery pastries. It was love at first bite. I had a wrap; Kim couldn’t resist a fresh croissant.
Next door, Starbucks tempted us with their signature frappes and comforting caffeine. Kim grabbed a ham and cheese croissant, while we both sipped rich lattes that tasted like little cups of heaven. Fuelled up and ready for the day, we set off for our next adventure.
🚇 Onboard the Singapore MRT – Smooth and Seamless
We hopped on Singapore’s ultra-efficient MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system. If you ever wanted to see public transport done right, this is it. The trains are fast, clean, air-conditioned, and connect nearly every part of the city. Each station is well-marked in English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil, so getting around is a breeze—even for first-timers.
Our destination: Bayfront Station, the gateway to one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks.
🌉 Bayfront Station & Marina Bay Sands
Stepping out at Bayfront MRT Station, we found ourselves directly beneath the architectural wonder that is Marina Bay Sands. Even if you’re not staying there, the place is well worth a wander—luxury boutiques, panoramic views, and that infinity pool you’ve seen a million times on Instagram.
We window-shopped our way through the extravagant halls, soaking in the glam, on our way to the ArtScience Museum, housed in a lotus-inspired building just outside.
🧠 ArtScience Museum – A Fusion of Creativity and Innovation
The ArtScience Museum is where art, science, culture, and technology collide, and it's one of the must-visit spots in Singapore. We had planned to explore the famed "Future World: Where Art Meets Science", a digital playground of lights, interactivity, and innovation. Sadly, it was closed for maintenance, but we pivoted to something equally fascinating...
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🔮 Mirror Mirror: Journey Into the Mind
This immersive exhibition was a mind-bending, multi-sensory exploration of consciousness, self-awareness, and identity. Through a series of kaleidoscopic rooms, optical illusions, and interactive displays, we were taken on a symbolic journey through the human mind. It was both trippy and thought-provoking—the kind of experience that stays with you long after you leave.
🛍️ Afternoon Wind-Down
After the exhibit, we strolled slowly back toward Bayfront MRT, pausing at a few boutiques that caught Kim’s eye (of course 😄). With the heat rising, we headed back to the hotel for some much-needed R&R. A quick swim in Furama’s rooftop pool was the perfect way to cool down and recharge.
🌅 Evening Stroll to Clarke Quay
As the sun began to set, we took a scenic walk down Eu Tong Sen Street toward Clarke Quay Central, crossing the footbridge that opens into one of Singapore’s most famous nightlife districts—Clarke Quay.
Though the restaurants were just beginning to open, we kept walking along North Boat Quay and North Bridge Road, letting the lights and rhythm of the river guide us to our next destination: Funan Shopping Centre.
🛒 Funan – Singapore’s Tech & Lifestyle Playground
Funan is more than just a mall—it’s a lifestyle and tech destination packed with flagship electronics stores, urban farming installations, fashion boutiques, and creative co-working spaces. Highlights include Courts Nojima, Twelve Cupcakes, and a rooftop garden where you can take in the views.
We explored its modern interior before settling down for dinner at one of its standout eateries...
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🥩 Dinner at Bizen Okayama Wagyu Steakhouse
If you love beef, Bizen Okayama Wagyu Steakhouse is a dream. Inspired by Japan’s Okayama Prefecture, this place specializes in premium wagyu beef that’s tender, juicy, and full of flavour. We savoured every bite, enjoying a quiet meal amidst the buzz of happy diners.
🎁 Pop Mart & Singapore’s Colourful Nightlife
On the way back, we passed Pop Mart—a quirky shop packed with designer toy collectibles and art toys from China. Think blind boxes, colourful characters, and pop culture icons. It's a treasure trove for collectors and a fun spot to browse.
Just beyond that stood the beautiful, rainbow-lit façade of the Old Hill Street Police Station. At night, the old colonial building lights up like a rainbow, with its 927 technicolour windows glowing vibrantly against the night sky—a perfect photo stop!
🌃 Clarke Quay at Night
By the time we got back to Clarke Quay, the place was buzzing. Bars were full, restaurants alive with chatter, and the famous Slingshot Singapore ride echoed with the screams (and laughs) of thrill-seekers being catapulted into the air over the river.
We strolled along the waterfront, soaking up the atmosphere—neon lights reflecting on the water, music drifting from bars, and street performers entertaining small crowds.
Finally, tired but full of wonder, we made our way back to the hotel, our hearts full and feet ready for a rest.
End of Day 2 – and what a day it was.
🛍️ Day 3 – Bugis Bustle, Bargains & a Chill Evening
By now, you'd think we’d be synced to local time—but no such luck. Despite our best efforts to sleep in, we were wide awake early, once again. Singapore’s buzzing energy seems to work like an internal alarm clock!
☕ A Quick Bite and Off to Bugis
We grabbed a quick breakfast, keeping it light and easy—just enough fuel for what promised to be a full day out. Then, it was back on the MRT, this time heading for Bugis Station, a central and convenient stop right in the thick of one of Singapore’s busiest retail zones.
🛍️ Bugis Junction – Shopping Meets Tradition
Our first stop was Bugis Junction, one of Singapore’s most iconic malls. What makes it so special? It seamlessly blends modern air-conditioned shopping with the charm of restored heritage shophouses under a stunning glass roof.
Here you’ll find everything from international fashion brands to cosy cafes and lifestyle stores. Kim was in her element, wandering through familiar favourites like Sephora, Typo, and Charles & Keith, while I scoped out gadgets and cool finds. The best part? You're shaded from the tropical heat, with a mix of outdoor market vibes and indoor comfort.
👟 PUMA at Bugis+
Next, we walked over to Bugis+, the adjacent modern shopping complex that’s home to an incredible PUMA flagship store. This isn’t just a regular shop—it’s a sleek, multi-storey space filled with the latest performance wear, street style drops, and exclusive collaborations.
If you’re into sneakers or activewear, it’s a must-visit. Kim eyed some fresh kicks while I checked out their new travel-ready gear (because yes, athleisure is a vibe on holidays too!).
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🎉 Bugis Street Markets – Bargains & Treasures
No trip to this part of town is complete without a visit to the legendary Bugis Street Markets. This sprawling market is a labyrinth of over 600 stalls, packed with bargain fashion, quirky souvenirs, electronics, snacks, and more.
It’s one of the cheapest places to shop in Singapore—and we made the most of it. Think: $10 tees, stylish sunglasses, keychains, local treats, and so much more. The buzz, the colour, the chatter—it’s pure sensory overload in the best way.
🥵 Beating the Heat – 100PLUS & 7-Eleven Stops
The humidity in Singapore was full throttle today—thick, sticky, and unrelenting. But we came prepared (well, almost). Our saviour of the day? 100PLUS—Singapore’s favourite isotonic sports drink. Available at any 7-Eleven for a few bucks, it rehydrates, re-energises, and refreshes like magic.
We ducked in and out of air-conditioned malls, sipping cold drinks and letting our bodies cool down. If you’re travelling here, trust us: stay hydrated, and never underestimate the power of 100PLUS.
🏊♀️ Afternoon Wind-Down at the Hotel
By late afternoon, we decided to head back to the hotel for some downtime. The heat had taken its toll, and a long swim in Furama’s pool was calling our names. The cool water and rooftop views were just what we needed to reset.
We floated, we sipped water, we chatted about our favourite finds of the day—and we didn’t move for hours.
🌃 A Quiet Night In
After two big days out and a packed morning in Bugis, we made the call to stay in for the evening. We ordered in some light bites, cranked up the air con, and chilled out in our comfy room—hydrated, relaxed, and perfectly content.
Sometimes the best travel moments are the quiet ones, where you get to soak it all in, recharge, and just enjoy being in the moment.
End of Day 3 – laid-back, colourful, and a true Singapore city experience.
Final Thoughts & Travel Tips
MRT Access: Singapore’s MRT is affordable and easy. Get an EZ-Link card for hassle-free travel.
Hydration: Keep a bottle of water or 100PLUS on hand.
Weather: Light clothing, sunscreen, and a compact umbrella are essentials.
Shopping: Bugis is great for bargains, while Funan is a tech-lover’s paradise.
Evening Out: Clarke Quay is ideal for dinner, nightlife, and riverside vibes.
That wraps up our first three days in Singapore—full of flavours, culture, colour, and a little luxury. Stay tuned for Day 4!
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