Versão em português aqui.
As mentioned before in my first post about Singapore, we had only three days in the city before heading to Bali, so I can’t say we saw everything as the city offers many options for every kind of traveler, but I guess we had a small idea of what Singapore is about.
We arrived on a Friday afternoon and headed to Gardens by the Bay, one of the most visited places in Singapore. It’s pretty impressive how did they build such huge trees (called Supertrees) and an impressive forest in the middle of the city. I knew the trees were tall, but I never knew they were this tall. Absolutely amazing!
If you want to watch the show – every night they light up the Supertrees for 15 minutes, accompanied by music – it takes place at 7.45 and 8.45pm every day. The entrance is free. Take your place under any tree and enjoy the show. It’s quick, so don’t expect something spectacular, but I think it’s worth the visit. I remember hearing a song which said “Singapore… Oh Singapore…” in a melodic way while the Supertrees were shining. It definitely added a magic touch to our first night in Asia.
We never had the chance to get into the Flower Dome, inside Gardens by the Bay, one of the most visited places in Singapore (with at least 45 minutes waiting to get in). I don’t know about you, but we are not that kind of tourist that wait patiently to get int at every visiting point, so we let this experience for our next visit. It’s probably better to go there early in the morning. I recently put the Floral Fantasy, also at Gardens by the Bay, on my bucket list for our next visit, it seems to be absolutely beautiful thru the pics I saw in Instagram.
There is another show in front of the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel, next to the Louis Vitton flagship store, with lasers, music and water contrasting with Singapore’s skyline. Take your seat as early as you can, because it can get very crowded.
If you are looking for a place to enjoy sunset, then take the lift up to the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands Hotel at Ce La Vi Restaurant and Bar. It’s a trendy rooftop bar with overwhelming views over the city. Remember to reserve a table in advance, otherwise you will have to pay an entrance. The vibe up there is incredible. After drinks at the sky bar, enjoy dinner with a view at the restaurant. We ate a delicious seafood, while sipping a glass of white wine and enjoying great house music powered by a DJ. Highly recommended.
For a more relaxing experience, head to the opposite side of the bay where the Lantern Bar is, at the stylish Fullerton Bay Hotel. This place was recommended by a local and I can say it was one of the best spots we’ve been to in Singapore. It’s a place to chill out with panoramic views in an elegant but informal ambience. Enjoying sunset hours there was incredible, with a golden skyline in the backdrop.
Seeking for another exclusive and classy bar to hang out? Then have a look at MO Bar, the main bar at Mandarin Oriental Hotel. With lively relaxing music and inventive cocktails, it’s a place to loose track of time. We had a light dinner there while enjoying wonderful views over the city and appreciating good drinks, what more could we ask for?
If after so much drinking you are more about eating something, Singapore has so much to offer which makes a decision not that easy. Inside Marina Bay Shops there are so many options, from the most simple ones to Michelin starred, including CUT by Wolfgang Puck and DB Bistro and Oyster Bar by Daniel Boulud. We tried another restaurant of Mandarin Oriental Hotel, where we had one of the best meals of our whole stay at the Cherry Garden, a cantonese cuisine restaurant. Traditional and beyond delicious.
I’ve just read that Singapore has more than 40 Michelin Starred Restaurants, so I guess we should go back to check them out. Not to mention everyone says worth it a lot a visit to the Sentosa Island, the Singapore Botanic Garden – the most visited botanical garden of the world – and the Heritage Sites (Little India and China Town), which will definitely be added to the list in our next visit.
We will return, for sure.