Garden City Singapore

How beautiful is the Garden City?

My passport has been lying at home for three years. We finally got the chance to go abroad. Ke Le had been longing for Universal Studios, and here we came.

The feeling of being able to come and go freely is so important.

I’m writing this travelogue a bit late this year. It’s already near the end of the year, and I’m just catching up on my notes. Whether late or early, the happy times are still fresh in our memories. The joy on our faces when we set off feels like it happened just yesterday.

During the last summer vacation before Ke Le became a primary school student, we headed to our destination: the Garden City – Sin ga pore.

Every time I pick up my pen to write a travelogue, it marks another year that Ke Le has grown up.

I remember it was a very ordinary evening. After dinner, I was being a couch potato on the sofa. Ke Le came over and asked me to watch her graduation ceremony dance rehearsal. So the music started, and she began her performance. I put down my phone and watched her. Her little body, every gesture, every smile and frown. Though her movements were still a bit immature, I could feel her confidence and determination.

The child has grown again.

Time flies.

But every year I can clearly remember your changes.

The teacher said that Ke Le has become more and more outgoing. This means a lot to me. Because Ke Le has been shy since she was little, and I always worried that she would be left out or bullied... In fact, many things are my own issues. What I need to do is trust her, encourage her, and give her more time. Then she will get better and better, more and more wonderful.

As you are about to enter first grade, Mom has so much to say to you. Of course, I hope you will be a child with excellent grades, but that’s not the most important thing. Being healthy, positive, optimistic, kind and friendly – these are Mom’s most sincere wishes for you.

You are about to say goodbye to kindergarten. You will face more unknowns on your own. I hope you are brave and will solve the various problems you encounter by yourself. But when you have tried hard and still can’t find a way, Mom and Dad will always be your backup.

The world is multi-faceted. I hope she can experience these facets, understand this world from the heart. As long as it’s allowed, I am willing to accompany her to more places to see and explore.

The Singapore trip lasted five days and four nights. But in the end, we felt it wasn’t enough and regretted not arranging more activities. Perfection lies in imperfection – otherwise, how could there be a next time?

Let’s talk about the airfare first.

Two adults and one child (6 years old):

Outbound: early morning flight 08:05-13:25

Return: 17:25-22:45

Total: 6369 RMB

This airfare at this time was quite a good deal.

So it’s useful to browse the prices of various airlines now and then.

As for hotels in Singapore, after the pandemic, prices have skyrocketed. After much hesitation, we booked the St. Regis Singapore through Bazhou (八大洲), mainly because Ke Le’s dad is a Marriott Platinum member, so we could get relatively more benefits and accumulate points. The total for four nights was 9500 RMB. This price was already very cost-effective because Bazhou happened to have a “stay three, pay for two” promotion.

Singapore is not big, but even a four-night itinerary was very tight. In fact, it was far from enough. Ideally, I think seven days and six nights would be most suitable – though it depends on everyone’s preferences and style.

Now, follow our footsteps and let’s take a stroll.

Day 1: We got up early, left at 5:30, had a delicious breakfast on the plane, and arrived at Singapore Changi Airport on time. After exiting the airport, we directly found the bus stop. Bus 36 took us straight to the door of the St. Regis Hotel – so convenient!

After customs clearance, we saw Changi Airport for the first time – it was very beautiful.

The St. Regis Hotel is about 600 meters from Orchard Boulevard MRT station. Although it’s not the busiest area of Orchard Road, it only takes about 7 minutes to walk there, very convenient. We arrived around 3 PM on the first day. After a short rest in the room, we headed straight to Jumbo Seafood at the Ion Orchard branch, a 10-minute walk from the hotel. It was still early, not yet peak hour, and we were given seats by the window – very nice. Since we were starving, we boldly ordered one crab and one lobster. It turned out our eyes were bigger than our stomachs. We really couldn’t finish it – everyone, be careful when ordering, adhere to the principle of not wasting. But the taste was great. Plus, the lobster was on promotion, half price. That meal cost about 1800 RMB.

The most famous chili crab.

After a full meal, we strolled over to Merlion Park.

Day 2: Today’s itinerary was the Universal Studios that Ke Le had been longing for. We slept in, then went to the hotel for a delicious breakfast. The St. Regis breakfast restaurant wasn’t crowded and had a vintage feel.

Heading to Universal Studios.

Day 3: Another brand new day – we were going to the water park to have fun! This was one of the activities Ke Le was really looking forward to.

First, we visited the S.E.A. Aquarium. The aquarium and Universal Studios are in the same area. We didn’t cram them into one day; to let Ke Le enjoy fully, we arranged two days’ schedule. The water park alone basically took up half a day, and we only reluctantly left when they were closing.

Day 4: Today’s task was city walk.

The former police station – this is my favorite photo.

Chinatown, the bustling streets.

We also rode the famous Duck Tour.

Happy time passes so quickly. Soon it was time to go home. Our flight was in the afternoon, so we slept in, had breakfast, and headed to our last stop: Changi Airport. I had read other people’s introductions saying to give Changi Airport a whole day, but I have to say, for our family it’s really not suitable – three hours was enough. But the airport is truly beautiful.

This is after immigration: the BACHA coffee shop in the airport, so pretty. You can buy a few to take home as gifts for friends.

Because I misread the information, I didn’t buy the Pandan cake – left for next time. We’ll come again!