Singapore Trip

Singapore truly lives up to its reputation as a garden city. All kinds of flowers and plants grow freely, and the city leaves ample space for big trees and lawns. The transportation is well-developed, with buses and subways seamlessly connected—especially buses, which go everywhere, with a stop every few steps, making it very convenient. Then there are the buildings, with diverse styles and shapes, each one a unique presence that refreshes the eyes.

Singapore is modern, with orderly city management, yet you see no management staff. Singapore is also international, with people of all races mingling together, modest and courteous.

Departed in late July 2024 for a 6-day trip. Pre-trip preparations: bought a 7-day combined phone and transport card, brought a MasterCard overseas card, enabled international roaming on my phone, prepared some common medicines and a small amount of Singapore dollars.

Day 1: Flew from Shanghai Pudong to Singapore Changi Airport in the afternoon, arriving in just over 5 hours. Collected luggage and got the transport card. With four suitcases, I booked a car through Ctrip to the hotel, which was very convenient and thoughtful.

Day 2: Took the subway to Merlion Park. Had a McDonald's set meal for lunch at 5 Singapore dollars, which included a burger, fries, and Coke. Using MasterCard was very convenient, and it remained convenient throughout. Shopped and had dinner at Marina Bay Sands mall. The Hainanese chicken rice was okay, and I experienced Apple's high-tech.

Day 3: In the morning, visited the National University of Singapore, took the free campus shuttle, saw the big lawn and NUS landmark, checked out the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, and bought two gemstone gifts. In the afternoon, because of the National Day rehearsal on August 9, I saw military parades and student formations, and watched a fireworks display in the evening, which was very pleasing. Had food at a food court near the financial district; it was crowded, the rice rolls tasted great, and there were performers. Sugarcane juice was 2.5 Singapore dollars per cup, with a constant queue.

Day 4: Went to Universal Studios, rode Transformers and the Ancient Egypt theme—basically two indoor roller coasters, visited Hello Kitty, Minions theme areas, and took photos with small plush toys. Took the subway to Harbourfront Station; if you take the small train, you can ride back and forth for 4 Singapore dollars, getting on and off at intermediate stops freely. Exited the subway and went to the third floor of the mall to ride the Skyway, which can be paid with the transport card. I went to both Universal Studios and the beach stop. The beach was closed for swimming due to an oil spill, but Mr. Coconut at the square offered great value: 6 Singapore dollars for a large cup. For dinner, tried fish fillet with rice noodles; the chili 🌶 was good.

Day 5: Morning run to Haw Par Villa, just looked around from outside as it was too early and not open. Also went to Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre, which only sells by the whole case. In the morning, took the bus to the National Museum; ticket was 10 Singapore dollars, but there really wasn't much to see—everyone, don't waste your time. For lunch, Zhang Liang Malatang was good. On the way, saw an advertising truck for SF Express; even companies have internationalized. In the afternoon, strolled around Orchard Road with various brand-name stores, and there happened to be a small exhibition, which was also nice. Continued by bus to Kampong Glam, a street full of Indian flavor. Visited the Sultan Mosque, which was very welcoming. Had Yoshinoya for the return trip. Lost my water bottle and bought a glass one for 0.75 Singapore dollars after discount; a very fair price.

Day 6: Explored the airport, then returned to Shanghai.