Singapore Travel Diary – Days 7 to 10: Lazy Mornings, Urban Wanders, Sentosa Fun & The Jewel Finale

 

Singapore Travel Diary – Days 7 to 10: Lazy Mornings, Urban Wanders, Sentosa Fun & The Jewel Finale 

Day 7 – A Slow Start and a Steep Climb 

We knew we needed a slow-paced day, and Fort Canning Park felt like the perfect green escape in the heart of the city. Located just a short walk from the Fort Canning MRT station (we jumped on from Chinatown MRT), the park is rich with Singapore’s colonial and wartime history. Once known as "Forbidden Hill," Fort Canning was home to Malay royalty and later served as a military base. 

Our first destination: the Fort Canning Tree Tunnel. Instagram-famous for good reason, this spiralling staircase framed by lush greenery is a popular photo spot tucked just beside Dhoby Ghaut MRT Exit B. But we weren’t the only ones with the bright idea. Even early in the morning, there was a line—and a long one at that. 

We considered skipping it, but it’s one of those once-in-Singapore moments. So, we waited nearly an hour. As the line inched forward, we admired how people posed—some gracefully, others as if they were shooting for Vogue. When it was finally our turn, it was all go-go-go. You’ve got about one minute, tops. The stairs are still in public use, so you'll need to politely (or not so politely) shoo people out of your frame. We snapped as fast as we could—no do-overs unless you’re lining up again! 

After the photo frenzy, we took a relaxed stroll around the park, taking in the spice garden, historical gates, and leafy trails. A couple of hours in, the heat began to rise, so we headed toward Singapore Shopping Centre for some well-earned air conditioning. The rest of the afternoon was poolside bliss back at the hotel. A perfect slow day to recharge. 

That evening, we ventured back out for a night stroll through Chinatown. With lanterns lighting the narrow streets and stalls buzzing with energy, it was the perfect spot to pick up some last-minute gifts. We browsed through souvenirs, tea sets, trinkets, and local snacks. It’s easy to get caught up in the vibrant atmosphere—plus, it’s a great place to practice your bargaining skills! 

📍 Tip: If you’re planning to visit the Tree Tunnel, arrive by 7:30am to beat the line—or go later in the day for softer lighting and shorter queues. 

Day 8 – Tanjong Pagar Tales and Riverside Rambles 

We kicked off our walking-heavy day with breakfast at Common Man Coffee Roasters, located along Martin Road near Robertson Quay. Known for their specialty coffee and hearty breakfast plates, this café is a local and expat favourite. Kim went with the pancakes (fluffy, rich, topped with berries), while I dug into the Big Breakfast—eggs, sausage, toast, the whole works. 

From there, we strolled into the charming district of Tanjong Pagar, taking in the blend of old shophouses and modern towers. We made a peaceful stop at Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest Chinese temples located along Telok Ayer Street. Dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea, this beautifully preserved temple once served Chinese immigrants arriving by sea. 

We continued walking, passing Boat Quay and following the river toward the stately Fullerton Hotel. We paused for photos at Victoria Concert Hall, then made our way to the iconic Merlion.

It was packed—tour buses had just arrived, and everyone was perfecting their "holding water in my mouth" pose. Luckily, the hot sun meant most people were clustered in the shade, so we snagged a few shots of our own. 

Our walk continued past Lau Pa Sat, a historic hawker centre pulsing with lunchtime energy. Eventually, we made it back to the hotel for a refreshing afternoon swim. 

Dinner took us to Boomarang Bistro & Bar in Robertson Quay. This Aussie pub serves up everything from meat pies to schnitzels, and the TVs were loaded with AFL, NRL, and rugby. It felt like a little slice of home with a Singapore twist. We ended the night with a lovely riverside walk back to the hotel. 

📍 Tip: Bring a hat and sunscreen—Singapore's heat is no joke when you're walking all day. 

 

Day 9 – Sentosa Sun, Sand & Sips 

The weather was perfect for a big day out, and Sentosa Island was calling. We took the MRT to HarbourFront, then transferred to the Sentosa Express Monorail—an easy and scenic ride. 

Our first stop: Palawan Beach. A gorgeous stretch of soft sand, it's also home to the rope bridge that leads to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia. It's a fun, photogenic stop with panoramic views from the towers across the sea. 

Next, we made our way to Siloso Beach. Clear waters, wide sandbanks, and a chilled-out vibe made it the perfect swimming spot. We stayed for hours just floating and relaxing. 

To refuel, we headed to Rumours Beach Club, a vibrant beachfront bar with pool access, cold drinks, and delicious bites. Kim was in the water before our drinks even arrived—classic. 

After drying off, we explored part of the Sentosa Sensoryscape—a multi-sensory garden walk that connects key areas of the island with light, sound, and scent installations. We then rode the escalators up to the main attraction hub, where Skyline Luge, SkyHelix, and Madame Tussauds pull the crowds. It was jam-packed with tour groups, so we didn’t linger long. 

On the way down, we found a cooling mist zone by some shops, and Kim snuck in a bit of shopping while I cooled off. By late afternoon, we were back on the monorail and headed to the hotel for a rest and some light packing. 

📍 Tip: If you’re heading to Sentosa, pack a swimsuit, towel, and light clothes—and get there early before it gets busy. 

 

Day 10 – Airport Adventures and The Jewel Finale 

Our flight wasn’t until 8:30pm, so we made the most of our last day at Changi Airport. We arrived around 10am and were lucky to check our bags in early. 

After a relaxed breakfast, we rode the Skytrain to Terminal 2 to see the Wonderfall—a 14-meter indoor waterfall framed by LED projections and lush greenery. A peaceful and awe-inspiring sight. 

Then it was time for the star: The Jewel. This futuristic retail and nature complex is connected to Terminal 1 and features the world-famous HSBC Rain Vortex, the tallest indoor waterfall in the world. We spent hours wandering through its lush Discovery Garden and Water Lily Garden, people-watching and soaking in our final hours of Singapore. 

After clearing customs, Kim explored the duty-free shops while I grabbed a coffee and scrolled through our travel photos. Just like that, it was time to board. 

 

🌟 Final Thoughts & Travel Tips 

Top Attractions We Loved: 

• Gardens by the Bay (especially Cloud Forest!) 

• Sentosa’s beaches & Rumours Beach Club 

• Fort Canning Tree Tunnel 

• Jewel @ Changi Airport 

• Kampong Glam & Haji Lane 

Best Time to Visit Singapore: 

• February to April: Less rain, pleasant temps 

• Early mornings for major photo spots 

Quick Travel Tips: 

• Use MRT + walking—it’s cheap and efficient 

• Always carry water, a hat, and sunscreen 

• Arrive early for popular attractions 

• Don’t underestimate the humidity—schedule downtime! 

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