tl;dr 12 activities, nature, boat ride, light show, club, food etc…super busy and tiring day 1
Activity 1 – Breakfast:
The hostel I’m staying at offers a free breakfast, so I figured this would be a great way to meet some like-minded travelers…didn’t quite turn out that way as everyone seemed very much involved in their toast/cereal or their group. The food was fine, but the terrace was amazing – views overlooking the river showcasing downtown and the Marina Bay Sands.
Activity 2 – Info Communications Media Experience Center
First up was a museum dedicated to ‘smart/connected’ cities. In other words, how can cities become ‘smart’ using technology. The museum was tiny, but showcased some interesting initiatives going on in Singapore. I did not realize how environmentally aware Singapore is and the steps that are being taken to ensure that Singapore remains a leader in this area. Much of the museum was dedicated to IoT and smart devices. Only spent about 30-45 minutes here.
Activity 3 – Hop On Hop Off Bus:
Don’t judge…I am usually not a fan of theses busses because I like to do everything on my own, BUT when I got out of the museum, there they were. They were going directly to my next stop (Little India) and a few other places I wanted to check out. Boy, my mom must be so happy that I finally did a hop on hop off tour. Throughout the day, I took a few of the busses and did get to see some cool sites going from place to place, but I also learned a bunch of cool information. For example, Singapore has electronic tolling as you drive through the city as a means to reduce traffic. The prices fluctuate with time of day. Also, Singapore charges a 100% tax on car buying AND you have to bid on permits to even buy cars which can cost $50,000. Not to mention that permits are only valid for 10 years.
Activity 4 – Little India:
I get off the bus in Little India and start checking out the sites.
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. Very exotic exterior. It is dedicated to the Goddess Kali
Next, I went to the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, but it had scaffolding up so I wasn’t able to take any exterior pictures.
I also went to the House of Tan Teng Noah, which is believed to be the most colorful building in Singapore…Not hard to believe – picture below.
The Little India Arcade is fun to check out. Goods such as spices, perfumes, electronics, and traditional clothing can be found here. I didn’t buy anything, but it was still cool to walk through.
Activity 4 – Lunch at Komala Vilas Restaurant:
Did some googling and found this place a few blocks away from me (got great reviews for lunch). Walked in and immediately got a table – I heard that often there is a wait for lunch, but it was 11:30am so no wait at all. I ordered Aloo Gabi Masala and Naan (garlic and plain) and went to town. It was delicious…highly recommended.
Activity 5 – Bus to the Botanic Gardens:
Back on the Hop On Hop Off bus, this time we went through the Arab quarter before reaching City Hall. Here, I switched to the yellow bus line (from the red) and continued to the Gardens. This time I learned that Singapore has a massive medical tourism industry (think better health care and ‘beautifying procedures’). The ride also took us along Orchard street where you can see some of the most expensive property in Singapore (and the corresponding malls).
Activity 6 – Singapore Botanic Gardens:
This place is really cool! It has a rain forest within its grounds! The bus drops us off right at the front, so my first stop is the National Orchid Garden. This place is world renowned and has over 1000 types of orchids (more if you include hybrids). 
The National Orchid Garden does charge a fee ($5), but you can get discounted entry if you are a student or senior citizen. I was able to prove that I am a student (about to start classes?) by showing my school email address – only cost $1.
Next up was the Rain Forest. How crazy is it that there is a rain forest basically next to downtown Singapore?! The only other city in the world to have a rain forest downtown is Rio, The number of species of plants, trees, etc. is incredible.
After the rain forest, I walked around a portion of the rest of the Botanic Gardens (too much to see to do the whole thing). Saw some swans and cool trees.
Activity 7 – Bus and Merlin Fountain:
Hopped the bus (only waited about 15 minutes for it) to go back to the heart of Singapore. This time, I went across from the Marina Bay Sands to hang out with the Merlion. The Merlion is the national personification of Singapore. It is a lion’s head with a fish’s body. Its literal translation is “sea lion.” 
Activity 8 – River Cruise:
Had some time to kill before dinner so I decided to check out a river cruise ($25). I originally wanted to do a Duck Tour (shout out to mom), but they were sold out for the times that worked for me. I was disappointed with this. Maybe it was the screaming babies making it hard to hear the commentary or the gimmicky feel, I did not feel like this was worth it.
But, I did take that picture of the Merlion.
Activity 9 – Wonder Full Light Show:
After the boat ride, I needed a shower…it was a hot humid day and I felt gross. I walked over to the Merlion Park to catch the 8pm Wonder Full Light Show put on by the Marina Bay Sands. The show was just updated (the last 5 minutes were changed). It was cool, but not as great as I was expecting. The lasers were the coolest part by far and they were only used sparingly. Worth checking it out though.
Activity 10 – Dinner at Vatos Urban Tacos:
YUMMY! The fish tacos were incredible, The margarita was as expensive as my whole meal, but at least it was big. I had chips and guacamole (good, not great) and fish tacos (DELICIOUS). Seemed like a cool hip place (crowded). Expensive, but worth it.
Activity 11 – Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel and Cheaper Alcohol:
The Singapore Sling was invented at this hotel – I had to check this place out. The “Long Bar” was closed for renovation during my visit so they directed all patrons to the billiards bar. I looked at the menu and saw that a Singapore Sling would cost $31 plus tip and tax…I couln’t justify this so I walked through the bar (peanuts on the floor) and looked at the drinks on other tables. The Raffles hotel was founded in 1887 and is named after the founder of modern Singapore: Sir Stamford Raffles.
In Singapore it is required that you find good happy hour deals. Alcohol is super expensive (a bottle of Absolut level vodka will run you about $100). After walking along the river for a bit, I found a bar next to my hostel in Boat Quay that had a deal: 3 beers for $15 or upgrade to Asahi beer for $3 more. That’s what I did…bought a few beers and started writing my first post for this blog.
Activity 12 – Zouk Nightclub:
Wednesday nights are big in Singapore, where as Thursday nights are pretty tame – so I took this opportunity to go out. As it turns out, Wednesday is ladies night, which didn’t help me at all, but does allow the ladies free entry. I had to pay a cover of $30, but it did give me certificates for $30 to spend on alcohol – ended up covering my first two drinks. The music was pretty good…got better as the night wore on. I posted up on the fringe of the dance floor to ensure I had space to dance (it got very crowded) and survey the scene. Ended up getting into a dance off (twice) and playing the most intense game of “Rock Paper Scissors” and then “Rock Paper.” 
Loved the signage for the men’s bathroom:
Later, I discovered that there are actually 4 nightclubs part of Zouk. I entered one of them and immediately heard Britney Spears followed by another 90s jam, but shortly after the lights turned on and it was time to go home (3am ish). Set my alarm for 8am…yeah right.
Andrew's Activities 