On May 26th, just one day after my 3oth birthday, I flew from Hamburg via Dubai to Singapore. I had booked a hotel for four nights and the first thing I did after getting there and checking my emails was cancelling two of those nights as the ship was gonna leave quite a bit earlier than I had thought just a day ago. Fortunately that wasn’t a problem with the hotel but I still wasn’t too happy about it as I had planned to explore Singapore for a lot longer than I now had time for. I had to cross off lots of things from my to do and see list unfortunately. But it was a first glimpse into the flexibility that is required of a cargo shop traveller.
As my hotel was situated at the edge of Chinatown this was my first destination. Lots of stalls aimed at tourists, selling bags, jewellery, shirts etc. but despite this it was a nice atmosphere. Especially as just around the corner of these stalls you suddenly see temples such as the Sri Mariammam Temple which is Hindu, or the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, which is Buddhist. There’s even a mosque in Chinatown, showing the religious mix you get to see here.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown
Across the street was the Maxwell Hawker Center, which is supposed to be the most famous one of this kind of food centers in Singapore. Inside a building there’s a long line of tables and chairs flanked on both sides by dozens of food stalls, offering all kinds of Asian foods. Even though I didn’t eat anything there (unfortunately I’m picky with food and prefer western fast food chains over authentic local dishes) I still enjoyed the atmosphere.
After the more traditional part came the modern one – Marina Bay. Such a beautiful sight to see the bay surrounded by skyscrapers and other modern and beautiful looking buildings. The Merlion Park is part of Marina Bay as well, where the Merlion, Singapore’s most famous sight is located. It’s a white statue, a mix of lion and fish and looks out onto the river Singapore.
Marina Bay looks especially fasnicating after dark, when the lights of the buildings and the various illuminated bridges are reflected in the river. The white of the Merlion is shining brightly against the dark night sky as well. A promenade leads around the whole Marina Bay so it’s possible to walk all around it and enjoy the great view from every angle. Leading up to Marina Bay is Boat Quay, a pedestrian zone with one restaurant and bar lined up after the other. They all have tables outside, right next to the river. As it was still around 30 degrees after dark it was buzzing with people.
Merlion in Marina Bay
The promenade around the Bay seems to be a very popular spot for runners. I’d say for every single walking person there must have been 10 runners. Every little open space was used by groups to exercise together as well. There was even a public Zumba lesson going on with easily over 100 participants.
On the other side of the Bay lies the Marina Bay Sands, a modern complex incorporating a shopping center, hotel, casino etc. – it consists of two towers that seem to be having a ship on top of them. Very interesting design. It also has an event plaza and when I got there I happened to stumble unto a water and light show, where the water was used as the canvas. Very cool! I later found out that it’s called “Wonder Full” and there are shows every night. But still, arriving there just on time when I didn’t even know it was going on was very lucky, I would have hated to have missed it!
From the Marina Bay Sands there’s a connecting walkway that takes you to the Gardens by the Bay, that are open until late at night. Normally I probably wouldn’t have gone there after dark but my taxi driver had recommended doing that. And I’m very grateful for the tip cause it was amazing! Of course you can’t really see any of the plants but the Supertree Grove alone is worth the visit. It’s a collection of several artificial gigantic trees that are illuminated. And just as I was walking among them a voice announced the start of a show. Lots of people were lying on their backs to look up into the trees. Accompanied by music they were illuminated in all kinds of colours – such an amazing show!
From there I crossed the Helix Bridge and then had a great view of the Marina Bay Sands, the Science Museum (the building looks like a flower in bright white) and the Singapore Flyer, a huge ferris wheel. Singapore at night really is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen!
Helix Bridge, Marina Bay Sands and Science Museum
The next day I went to Little India. Lots of shrines and temples can be found in this colourful neighbourhood. Originally I had planned to go from there to Kampong Glam and Arab Street to explore the Muslim district, but unfortunately I didn’t have enough time to see everything. Instead I went to explore the Colonial District. Against the blue sky the mostly white buildings such as Parliament and Court House look especially beautiful, and what a contrast to Chinatown or Marina Bay. I also went to Suntec City, a collection of office buildings, convention centers and shopping malls. From there I went to Fort Canning Park, which unfortunately lies on top of a hill. Climbing stairs in 30 degree weather towards the end of the day was a real challenge.
Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple in Little India
After dark I walked through Chinatown again, which looked even nicer than during the day. To end the day I walked along Clarke Quay, which is opposite of Boat Quay and even busier. Lots of restaurants, bars and clubs, all brightly lit and the lights being reflected in the Singapore river…so beautiful!
Singapore has so many aspects, so many different districts and is absolutely fascinating, I loved it! I will definitely come back one day to see more of this amazing city and it was a perfect beginning to my trip!
Keep reading about how I made myself comfortable on board: https://dublinwhatsthecraic.wordpress.com/cargo-ship-adventure/part-3-getting-to-know-the-ship/
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