Seeing the World with Brother Guang——2018 Singapore + Bintan Island Urban Island Family Trip

While the sun is just right, while the breeze is mild, while the flowers have not yet bloomed to their fullest, while we are still young and can walk long, long roads, and can still express deep, deep longing, go find those paths, mountains, and fields that once appeared in dreams.

I like this passage by Bi Shumin. I love traveling, love planning trips. Some friends ask me why I prefer independent travel. The reason is simple: because I love traveling so much, I always try to maximize the time spent in a travel state. So I plan the itinerary early, entering the travel state even before the trip begins. After the trip, I definitely write a long travelogue to keep the memories in the present moment of the journey a little longer.

The itinerary for Singapore was actually planned last year. When I got Brother Guang his passport last year, I thought about taking Brother Guang and Mom—both first-time passport holders—abroad to have fun. After much deliberation, I found Singapore suitable. First, it's a great place for family trips, with a zoo, aquarium, Universal Studios, beaches, etc. Second, language is not much of a barrier; Chinese is widely used. Third, the attractions are concentrated, making it not too tiring when traveling with kids. Fourth, the nearby Indonesian Bintan Island is just an hour's ferry ride from Singapore, perfect for combining a city trip with a relaxing island getaway. In April, when I checked the independent travel packages on Ctrip, I found the prices in May quite affordable, so I happily booked the trip. I even chose dates that included my birthday and Children's Day, making it a birthday gift for myself and a Children's Day gift for Brother Guang—killing three birds with one stone.

1. Visa Application. I handled it online again. The visa process for Singapore is relatively simple. After submitting the documents, it takes about seven working days to get the visa. Note that the photo requirements are strict; it's best to go to a photo studio and have new photos taken according to Singapore visa requirements, rather than using old ones. Among the four of us, two had their photos rejected. The visa is electronic; print it out and carry it with you. Also, because we were going to Bintan Island, we had to apply for a multiple-entry visa for Singapore; otherwise, it would be awkward if we couldn't return to Singapore after visiting Bintan.

2. Buying Local SIM Cards. Since we were visiting two countries, buying SIM cards was tricky. I found a relatively cheap one online that claimed to work in both Singapore and Indonesia. In practice, it only worked in Singapore and not in Indonesia; the shop owner said Indonesia was not fully covered, and Bintan Island, being a lesser-known island, had no signal coverage.

3. Buying MRT Cards. Singapore has an EZ-LINK MRT card. The card costs 5 SGD, can be topped up at MRT stations or 7-Eleven stores. Any remaining balance can be refunded at Changi Airport after the trip, but the card fee is non-refundable. The MRT card is very convenient; it can be used for MRT, buses, taxis, and even at supermarkets and convenience stores. You can buy the card online in advance or at the airport or 7-Eleven upon arrival. I bought mine at 7-Eleven, 10 SGD per card, with a 5 SGD balance. Children under 90 cm ride the MRT for free; children above 90 cm need to get a free child's MRT card at the MRT station with their passport.

4. Downloading Useful Apps. The ones I used most in Singapore were Google Maps, Singapore MRT, and Moovit. With these three, I never got lost.

5. Buying a Power Adapter. I didn't buy one this time because I knew the hotel had sockets compatible with Chinese plugs. It's still recommended to buy one in advance in China. Also, it's advisable to bring a portable multi-plug extension cord, as foreign sockets are usually limited.

6. Buying Attraction Tickets and Ferry Tickets Between Singapore and Bintan. I bought most of the tickets online in advance because they are much cheaper than buying on-site. Plus, tickets for places like Universal Studios and the Aquarium can be scanned directly via QR code, saving time queuing.

EZ-LINK cards. The bottom one with a different design is a child's card.

Itinerary (May 26 - June 1):

Day 1: Xiaoshan Airport T2 - Changi Airport T1, Clarke Quay, Merlion Park.

The day before departure, Shanghai had a heavy rainstorm, causing many flight delays. Although we were departing from Hangzhou, being so close to Shanghai made me a bit worried. On departure day, it was raining heavily on the expressway to Xiaoshan Airport. Fortunately, our Hebei Airlines flight was not delayed and took off on time. It seems that sometimes smaller airlines are not necessarily worse than well-known ones. The five-hour flight didn't feel long with the excitement of travel. When the plane landed smoothly at Changi Airport, I finally felt the real sense of being on a journey. Immigration went smoothly with no queue, and we easily contacted the pick-up driver and went to the hotel. After the rain, Singapore was a bit more humid and hot than in China. Along the way, I chatted with the driver while looking out the window. The airport is not too far from the city center, about half an hour. We stayed at Peninsula Excelsior Hotel for four nights in Singapore. After a short rest at the hotel, we set out to find food. According to the pre-made guide, we planned to have dinner at Song Fa Bak Kut Teh near the hotel. But we wandered around and ended up at the more famous Jumbo Seafood (Riverside Point), right next to the Singapore River, near Clarke Quay. And luckily, there were seats. I should mention that I tried to make a reservation a day earlier in China, but the Jumbo Seafood website was fully booked. Jumbo Seafood is a must-visit dining spot in Singapore. It has five branches, with the Riverside Point and Riverwalk branches being the busiest. The prices are high and include service charge. We ordered a set meal for four, including the signature chili crab, cereal prawns, etc. For three adults and one child, we spent nearly 1100 RMB. The taste was okay, but I prefer the curry crab in Thai cuisine; the value for money wasn't great. After dinner, we strolled around Clarke Quay, which is lined with small bars and unique restaurants and food stalls. It was very lively at night, suitable for couples to enjoy a drink. Then we went to Merlion Park. It was incredibly crowded; it felt like all tourists in Singapore were gathered there. The night view was beautiful, with the classic Merlion statue, the Singapore Flyer, and Marina Bay Sands all fitting into one photo. Marina Bay Sands has a light show every night; we happened to catch it. After dinner, we walked back to the hotel around 9:00 PM. The hotel was in a great location; Singapore is small, and the hotel was within walking distance of these attractions.

Perfect combination of Marina Bay Sands and the ArtScience Museum

Marina Bay Sands light show:

Merlion fountain

Clarke Quay night view

Clarke Quay night view

Jumbo Seafood (Riverside Point)

Day 2: Morning: DUCK Tour; After lunch: S.E.A. Aquarium on Sentosa Island; Evening: Gardens by the Bay.

The DUCK Tour is a unique Singapore attraction—an amphibious sightseeing vehicle. It's great for families with kids, especially the moment it plunges into the water. For adults, it's not that special; it's just a bus tour of the main city attractions. The aquarium is on Sentosa Island, which is not far from the city center, accessible by MRT to HarbourFront station. HarbourFront MRT station connects to VivoCity shopping mall, making dining and shopping convenient. There are three ways to enter Sentosa Island: 1. Sentosa Express, 2. Cable car, 3. Walking. The first two cost money; walking is free. We chose to walk, enjoying the scenery along the way. It took about fifteen minutes to reach the aquarium. I haven't been to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, but this aquarium was impressive. There were many species of fish, and Brother Guang was very happy, especially fascinated by a cute-looking stingray. Originally, I planned to visit Gardens by the Bay in the evening, including the two domes and the OCBC Skyway, then watch the light show. But we spent too much time on Sentosa Island, so we only caught the 7:45 PM light show. After the light show, we went up the OCBC Skyway but missed the two domes, wasting the already-purchased tickets. That was the only itinerary flaw. The light show was just so-so; not a must-see, not as good as the evening light show at Shanghai Disney. I suggest not scheduling city and Sentosa Island activities on the same day, as shuttling back and forth is tiring. Initially, I planned to put the aquarium and Universal Studios on the same day, but online advice said that would be too rushed, so I moved the aquarium to the day before, leaving a full day for Universal Studios. Indeed, Universal Studios needs a full day.

Sentosa Boardwalk entrance

Stingray, which Brother Guang nicknamed "blanket fish"

Supertree Grove light show at Gardens by the Bay

Day 3: Full day at Universal Studios Singapore; evening shopping at Resorts World Sentosa FestiveWalk duty-free shops.

The biggest selling point of Universal Studios is that once you enter, you feel like you're inside a movie world. If you've seen the related movies, you'll enjoy it even more, so movie knowledge is important. After experiencing Universal Studios, it felt similar to Shanghai Disney. I thought it wouldn't be as crowded as in China, so I didn't buy Express Passes. In reality, it was very crowded, with at least 40-minute queues for every ride. As a result, we skipped many attractions, only going on Madagascar, watching Shrek 4D, and the Water World show in The Lost World. Fortunately, while Brother Guang was napping, my mom and I went on the legendary Transformers ride. It felt like riding a roller coaster while watching a 4D movie, but it was incredibly intense and thrilling—truly immersive into the fight scenes between Autobots and Decepticons. There were flips, spins, and collisions; Bumblebee, Optimus Prime, and Megatron appeared one after another. It was a visual and auditory feast. Key points for Universal Studios: 1. You can skip other attractions, but absolutely do not miss the Transformers ride. 2. If traveling with kids, rent a stroller; it's easier for both adults and children. Kids can nap if they get tired. 3. You can bring small snacks or drinks; unlike Disney, it's allowed. There are also many lunch spots inside with reasonable prices. 4. Bring a change of clothes for both adults and children; some rides like the rapids and Water World show might get you wet.

Standard tourist photo at Universal Studios

Day 4: Singapore Zoo; afternoon: Little India; evening: Orchard Road ION Orchard shopping mall.

The zoo is about half an hour from the city center. There was a shuttle bus from our hotel to the zoo, departing at 9:30 and 10:30 daily. It wasn't free; one-way and round-trip tickets had different prices. This was one reason I chose this hotel, because the zoo is not directly accessible by MRT and requires a bus transfer. I had been to Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou earlier this year, so the Singapore Zoo seemed very small. However, the environment inside was exceptionally clean, and most animals were naturally free-range. Unlike in China, where you see animals in cages, here animals were hidden in various corners. You might look up and see a long-tailed monkey swinging on a tree, or look down and see a large lizard leisurely walking on the path. Even fierce animals like bears and tigers were cleverly separated by hidden barriers, with no visible cages. There was also a small children's water play area where Brother Guang had a blast even in heavy rain. If you bring kids, remember to bring swimsuits or a change of clothes.

Little India wasn't very interesting. It's just an Indian enclave in Singapore, with a chaotic street full of gold jewelry shops. Photography enthusiasts might capture some unique Indian-style architecture there.

Orchard Road is the busiest shopping district, with ION Orchard being the most prominent. Shopping and dining are very convenient. I had the Yakun Kaya Toast there, which locals apparently love for breakfast. The taste was really good, and even Wang Xiansen, who doesn't like sweets, praised it.

The only group photo of the four of us, a selfie

Brother Guang having a great time with a foreign girl

Little Brother Guang rushing for the MRT

Zoo map; the water play area is inside the purple circle

Yakun's signature Kaya Toast

Day 5: Ferry to Bintan Island.

After three days of intense walking, it was time to relax. The round-trip ferry tickets between Bintan and Singapore were bought on Ctrip: 291 RMB per adult, 255 RMB per child. From the city, take the MRT to Tanah Merah station, then a taxi to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. Bintan Island is one hour behind Singapore. Our ferry was at 11:35, and we arrived on the island at the same time (local time). Hotels on the island usually include transfer service, so no worries about finding the place. There aren't many Chinese speakers on the island, but our hotel, Nirwana Resort Hotel, had a Chinese-speaking front desk. The hotel had a mini zoo, children's playground, infinity pool, and private beach—very suitable for families with kids and reasonably priced. However, dining at the hotel was expensive. There were several restaurants, the most famous being the Kelong Restaurant, which serves seafood at a high price. If you go early, you can get a good seat to watch the sunset over the sea.

On the sea to Bintan

Our family's big beauty looking gorgeous

Day 6: Leisure day on Bintan; wake up naturally, play on the beach, swim; evening join a night tour to catch fireflies in the mangroves.

It rained for most of the morning. During our two days on the island, we never saw blue skies; it was mostly cloudy with occasional rain. Two days of complete relaxation: wake up naturally, swim, play on the beach, wander, take photos—that was the routine. In the evening, we booked a firefly catching activity in the mangroves. Around 4:00 PM, the guide picked us up at the hotel lobby, and we took a boat ride through the mangroves. The guide explained that mangroves protect against tsunamis. With luck, we could see snakes, monkeys, and other animals. We had dinner at a kelong restaurant in the mangroves. I thought it was the same expensive Kelong Restaurant at Nirwana Hotel, but the guide said "kelong" in Indonesian means a restaurant on the sea; any restaurant built over the sea can be called that. After dinner, we took a small boat to see fireflies. There weren't many fireflies in the mangroves, but for kids who had never seen them, the twinkling lights in the dark were still exciting. On clear nights, we could supposedly see a starry sky, but unfortunately, the weather wasn't good that day.

That distant boardwalk leads to the Kelong Restaurant at Nirwana Hotel

I admit I can't compete with the big beauty in posing haha

Kelong Restaurant in the mangroves

A rare group photo of the three of us:

Day 7: Return trip; Bintan to Singapore; shopping at Changi Airport; Changi Airport T1 - Xiaoshan Airport T2

Homeward bound. I regretted not leaving enough time for Changi Airport. The airport is enormous, with all the big brands you can think of. You could shop for hours. Thankfully, I had a list of cosmetics to buy, but I rushed through my shopping. I didn't have time to eat the Pandan Cake I had planned to, and I couldn't refund the remaining balance on my MRT card. Just when I hoped for a flight delay, it was punctual like the outbound flight. Farewell, beautiful Lion City.

Rain trees all over Singapore:

I've already mentioned the hotels. In Singapore, we stayed at Peninsula Excelsior; in Bintan, Nirwana Resort Hotel. Both were satisfactory overall, offering good value for money. If you're only visiting Singapore, I suggest staying a few nights on Sentosa Island and a few in the city. A full Sentosa experience might take three days; staying there saves commuting time. I'm lazy and don't usually change hotels mid-trip unless switching cities. Hotels on Sentosa are more expensive than in the city but generally have larger rooms. Choose based on your itinerary and budget.

I don't have strong feelings about food, so I won't elaborate; I've mentioned the restaurants we tried.

1. Recommended Singaporean shoe and bag brand: Charles & Keith. I quite like it—stylish, affordable, about 100+ RMB cheaper than domestic stores. Great value.

2. Cosmetics. SK-II is relatively cheap in Singapore, but some say the Japanese version differs from the international version. I suggest buying Japanese-made cosmetics in Japan. I didn't shop much for others, so I don't know much.

3. Souvenirs to bring home: TWG tea, Yakun Kaya jam, Singapore bak kwa (meat jerky), Singapore white coffee, Tiger Balm ointment—easy to pack. Honestly, nowadays, you don't need to bring local specialties; you can find everything online.

TIPS not mentioned above:

1. Singapore weather is unpredictable; remember to carry an umbrella every day. It rained a bit almost every day we were there, but never for long—usually less than an hour.

2. Although it's hot, always bring a light jacket. Air conditioning in malls, aquariums, MRT, and the Gardens by the Bay domes can be freezing.

3. Tipping is not customary in Singapore. Most restaurant bills already include service charge.

4. When taking a taxi in Singapore, note the color; different colors have different starting fares, ranging from 3.2 to 5.2 SGD. White and black taxis tend to be more expensive. You can also distinguish by car brand; pricier cars have higher fares.

5. Singapore is one of the cleanest countries in the world. Please protect the environment; otherwise, you may face heavy fines. Eating or drinking on the MRT is prohibited, with a fine of 500 SGD.

Every trip leaves some regrets—like missing the two domes at Gardens by the Bay, the rides at Universal Studios, the Pandan Cake, the Night Safari, etc. Seven days is too short to deeply understand a city; it's just a glimpse, but enough to make you not want to leave. A refined country, a beautiful garden city, influenced by diverse cultures from around the world, with an unusual pension system and one of the strictest legal systems in the world. It's worth savoring and remembering.