Singapore Travel requirement

Long before my visit, I had heard that Singapore is the cleanest city in the world and that there are strict laws such as no jaywalking, no spitting in public places, and no littering. Additionally, you cannot piggyback on your neighbor's WiFi. Violating any of these laws can result in fines or even jail time. If you do not flush the toilet after using a public restroom, you can also be fined. So, during my visit, I was very conscious of these rules and laws.

Other than that, you will need a digital visa called Singapore Arrival Card to enter the country as a tourist, which I obtained through a phone app called MYICA Mobile. You can also obtain on website Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Your visa application can only be submitted three days prior to your arrival. And unlike Australia and New Zealand, this application is free!

Singapore-8) Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is a premier horticultural attraction in Singapore, renowned for its futuristic design, sustainable architecture, and diverse plant collections. Located in the heart of the city adjacent to the Marina Reservoir, the gardens cover 101 hectares of reclaimed land and are divided into three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden, and Bay Central Garden.

Unfortunately, I had only limited time to walk outside of grounds and here are some photos I captured.

Singapore-7) Merlion Park

Situated at One Fullerton near the Marina Bay waterfront, Merlion Park is one of Singapore's most famous landmarks, attracting tourists and locals alike with its iconic statue and scenic views. 

The Merlion Statue with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, is a symbol of Singapore. The lion head represents Singapore’s original name, Singapura, meaning "Lion City," while the fish body symbolizes Singapore’s origin as a fishing village. The main Merlion statue is 8.6 meters tall and weighs 70 tons. The statue continuously spouts water from its mouth into Marina Bay, creating a picturesque scene, especially at night.

Scenic Views in Merlion Park:  Marina Bay Sands: The park offers stunning views of Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer, and the surrounding skyline, especially beautiful during sunset and at night when the city lights up.

The park features a spacious promenade where visitors can stroll, relax, and enjoy the cool breeze from the bay. There are various restaurants and cafes nearby where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the views.

Obligatory Tourist Shots

Singapore- 6) City Walk-from Clarke Quay to Chinatown

On this sunny day I walked from my hotel to Speakers' Corner which is next to the Clarke Quay MRT station. I had passed it earlier but now wanted to take a closer look at the building with plants on each balcony. From there, I walked along the main street to reach Chinatown. The town was decorated with many dragons since 2024 is the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese calendar. The dragons made Chinatown colorful and festive. My photos captured many colorful buildings in different styles. Notable landmarks include the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the Sri Mariamman Temple. I also get to watch the services going on at the time inside the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

Singapore-5) Marina Bay at Night

 Walking around Marina Bay at night was a stunning and vibrant experience with various attractions and sights. The Marina Bay Sands Light and Water Show; Marina Bay Sands Hotel; ArtScience Museum (The lotus-shaped building); Helix Bridge (This pedestrian bridge is illuminated by a series of changing lights); Merlion Statue and Marina Bay Promenade Cityscape Views.  The temperature was much pleasant than during the daytime and it is also much quieter time.

Singapore- 4) Gardens by the Bay Light Show

Gardens by the Bay is a renowned horticultural attraction in Singapore, featuring the iconic Supertree Grove. One of its most popular attractions is the "Garden Rhapsody" light and sound show. It happens twice nightly typically at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM. The light show is set against the backdrop of the towering Supertrees, which range from 25 to 50 meters in height.

The light display is perfectly synchronized with a musical soundtrack. Themes have included classical music, popular hits, and cultural pieces. The Supertrees are illuminated with a stunning array of colors and patterns, creating a mesmerizing visual experience. The lights are choreographed to the music, enhancing the overall impact.

The show is free to attend to all visitors.