It’s all about not making a plan
Our trip to Singapore certainly wasn’t on the list of countries we had intended to visit. This was for two reasons really. Firstly, we had visited Singapore about 8 years ago during a 4 day stopover and they were a very busy few days. We visited all the major tourist destinations, so we thought.
Secondly, the expensive costs of accommodation, eating and entertainment meant that this country was more than likely be way out of our budget.
The Stars Aligned
We were exciting to learn that we had been accepted for a house and cat sit, especially since the dates matched and we had no fixed plans.
Everything fell into place so we started to plan how best to make our way to Singapore. After watching a few YouTube videos, we decided that bus would be the way to go.
Of course when you think of bus transport in Asia, you immediately start thinking of windowless shells of buses with people riding on the roof and luggage stacked high in the isles.
Our trip on Aeroline couldn’t have been further from this image. Sleek looking buses with recline seats, foot rests, personal TV screens with music, games and movies. Brunch served on the road and hot coffee as well.
It was a short taxi ride from our hotel to the pick up point and then it was 6 hours (with a quick rest stop), stopping of at the boarder for customs/security and drop off was centrally located in Singapore.
The cost of $30nz each was a bargain. It was such a comfortable trip, great service, good food and a couple of good movies to watch. I would fully recommend it.
Watch our short video on how our trip went, where to go and what to do.
We’ve Got Time to Enjoy Singapore
One of our beautiful fur babies we are looking after
The three lovely cats are easy to look after and we have a very comfortable home to stay and care for. We are situated in the Joo Chait area which has an abundance of heritage listed buildings so it has heaps of character, charm yet and an abundance of restaurants and hawker centres (food stall markets). It is largely a residential area, walking distance to the east coast and the MRT train line.
It has been wonderful to unpack the packing cells, wash a few clothes (properly) and watch some TV on a full size screen.
We are here for approximately 10 days so we are hoping to be able to get out and see some more of Singapore.
Highlights So Far
We have certainly noticed huge changes in this city from our last stay. The Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay are the main areas that have since been developed.
We also loved the coastal walk/cycle way which extends for km’s in both directions along a very picturesque coastline. We set off on foot and made it all the way to Marina Bay Sands and managed to clock up 19.5kms just walking the track and around the gardens area.
Quite an impressive skyline
Yes, things are expensive. It is easy to convert prices back to $nz as they are currently nearly on par. As usual, we have found some places where the locals go to eat so can get good local authentic food for around $5 however it makes a difference if you want alcohol with that meal.
Marina Bay Sands Dominates the Skyline
At its opening, it was billed as the world’s most expensive standalone casino properties at $8 billion. The resort includes a 2,561 room hotel, 1,300 square metre convention centre, a museum, two large theatres, 7 restaurants, a skating rink and the world’s largest atrium casino with 500 tables and 1,600 slot machines.
The Sky deck (roof terrace) covers an area of 1 hectare and is open to the public. The three towers were inspired by 3 decks of cards.
Gardens by The Bay
This was very impressive to visit. It is a nature park spanning 101 hectares of reclaimed land.
It has many different areas to visit which include two major conservatories. The flower dome is the larger of the two at 1.2 hectares and features seven different gardens from around the world.
Tulips dominated the displays and put a splash of colour everywhere
The second conservatory is The Cloud Mountain. It replicates the cool moist conditions found in tropical mountain regions. It features a 42 metre mountain and waterfall. There was also a walkway above the treetops (a bit challenging at times for my height phobia!) but the view was worth the sweaty palms.
I’m not afraid of heights, I’m not afraid of heights!!!
To be continued……
We’re hoping to get around a few more attractions over the next few days, so stay tuned for the next exciting instalment. It the meantime, enjoy our video below.