The first time I went to Singapore, almost 10 years ago, I barely have any memories left. It could be because I didn't spend much time there, and I wasn't very interested in Singapore at all. So whenever I think of Singapore, all that comes to mind is the stifling heat, the sun that felt like it could burn me to a crisp, and the strange country that uses 4 languages.

This time, when we decided to go for a solo trip for 4-5 days, we looked for a country that didn't require a visa and was safe for women traveling alone. We thought of Singapore, a country that isn't as popular as others. Once we made up our minds, we did some research, booked our flights and hostel, and set off on our journey.

This article may not provide much essential travel information, but what I want you to experience is the beauty of the country that can be found throughout your journey, along the roads you walk. I hope it might make some of you want to go out and bask in the sun in Singapore too.



// Day 1 //

Departing from Don Mueang at around 1 am, we arrived in Singapore at around 4:30 am Singapore time.
While waiting for the first train into the city at around 6 am, all we could do was walk around the airport until around 5:30 am when the MRT ticket booth opened. We were able to purchase an EZ-LINK card there. This card can be used for buses, trains, and purchases at 7-Eleven by simply tapping the card. We felt it was much more convenient than fumbling for coins in our pockets.


We opted to take the bus into the city because we weren't in a hurry. Plus, we could enjoy the city views along the way. The bus route we took into the city was number 36. The atmosphere around 6 am was refreshing, with the sun just starting to rise. It felt good to be alive.


After leaving our bags at the Hostel, we started exploring the city. Our accommodation was located on Lavender Street, which has many beautiful buildings and side streets to wander around.

Tyrwhitt road area




This road is called Petian Road. There are beautiful heritage buildings in a row along the road.


After walking until we were hungry, we had to find something to eat. For our first breakfast, we chose to eat near the Botanic Garden. In this area, there is an old building that has been converted into a building that houses a variety of restaurants, a supermarket, and a store that sells trinkets. It's called Cluny Court and it's a popular spot for foreigners.

According to the rumors, Simply Bread restaurant is delicious, so we had to try it for ourselves. We ordered the All Day Breakfast, which is similar to a regular breakfast, except the bread is very crispy and the omelette has a smooth, non-greasy flavor. The atmosphere in the restaurant feels like you're sitting at home.


After a satisfying meal, we continued our walk in the garden.
This garden is called Bonatic Garden, and it wouldn't be wrong to call it the lungs of Singapore. The garden covers an area of almost 420 acres. We call this garden a "forest" because the trees are densely packed in almost every corner. And these are not just trees planted for beauty; they have seriously planted trees from all over the world here, so that people in the country can easily breathe fresh air every day. It was recently declared a World Heritage Site.

The atmosphere is shady and very green. Some people are lying on the lawn to sunbathe.





After taking a deep breath of oxygen, enough for the next 4 days, we took the bus and got off near Little India. This area is densely populated with Indians, with shops selling Indian goods, from clothes and dried food to restaurants and temples. The streets in this area are all connected, with plenty of beautiful and interesting corners to capture photos.



This area is a vibrant and colorful one for us. It's a real treat for the eyes to walk around here.

Singapore's multicultural heritage


I was walking when I met a group of students who asked me to take a survey.


The day ended with a brightly colored Hindu temple, Sri Veeramakaliamman, standing prominently on Serangoon Road.



// Day 2 //

Today, the first thing on my agenda was to go eat cupcakes at Plain Vanilla Bakery.
This cupcake shop is considered one of the most famous in Singapore, with a total of 3 branches in popular areas of Singapore.
However, the branch I intended to try was the one located in Holland Village. I chose this branch because I liked the name of the place, nothing more, haha.
Once I found the bus route, I set off on my journey.

Today, the bus we took was a double-decker. We chose to sit on the second floor, in the front row, so that we could fully enjoy the view along the way.


Holland Village is like a village that brings together restaurants of various nationalities in the same area. The cupcake shop we were looking for was tucked away on the second floor of a Mexican restaurant. It took us several rounds of walking around before we finally found it.


The cupcakes may look plain, just like the shop's name, but the taste is definitely worth the long walk to find them. We tried two flavors and were not disappointed. Even though this branch doesn't have any seating, it was still worth the trip.



After having something sweet, I had to follow it up with something savory.
There is a large food court located in the middle of Holland Village. This meal was the first local meal I had on this trip.

This dish is a noodle soup with sauce, red pork, crispy wontons, and vegetables. The taste is not strange for Thai people. It's edible and quite delicious.


Exiting Holland Village, we crossed the street to the opposite side to catch a bus to Victoria Lane. But then we came across a sign that said "Chip Bee Garden," so we decided to take a peek inside and see what it was all about.


This area is a village with small houses clustered together, making it quite peaceful. Chip Bee Garden, located at the front, is a long stretch that houses restaurants and small shops selling various items.

After leaving Chip Bee Garden, I took a bus to Victoria Lane.

This area is adjacent to Arab Street, Bali Lane, and Haji Lane, which are must-visit destinations. The streets in this area are all interconnected and walkable.

Along Victoria Lane, the walls of various buildings are adorned with murals, creating a vibrant and artistic atmosphere. This unique feature adds to the beauty of this street.


This area is another Muslim quarter in Singapore.



As you walk into Arab Street, you'll be connected to several smaller streets. Along the way, there are beautiful buildings to capture in your photos.

I came across a building called Independent Archive. I really like this style of building, so I took several pictures from different angles.




The first selfie of the trip.


Walking along, I came across the Sultan Mosque, which is truly as beautiful as its reputation suggests.



Behind the Sultan Mosque, there is a small museum called the Children's Little Museum. It is a small museum owned by an uncle who has collected his own childhood collections and opened them as a museum. The short time I spent here felt like I was back in my childhood again.


Ended the day with delicious and easy Muslim food by the side of the road on North Bridge Road.


// Day 3 //


Today's plan is to head to China Town and then on to Tiong Bahru, a trendy area popular with Singaporeans.

Today, I took the bus again as usual. I got off at China Town, which is the starting point for my walk today.



Walking through the complex, I came across a crowd of Chinese people gathered inside.

After soaking in the atmosphere for a while, I looped back to the main road to continue walking along the stretch known as Tanjong Pagar.

This area will be home to a world-class museum called the Red Dot Museum. I'm thinking of popping in to see what it's like.

Before heading off, we needed to grab a bite to eat. So, we decided to have lunch at Maxwell Food Centre, which is located right across from the Red Dot Museum.


I had หมี่เป๊าะ for lunch today. People here call it หมี่เป๊าะ too. I saw a lot of people queuing up at this shop, so I joined the queue. The taste was good, with a slightly spicy sauce.


I've arrived at Red Dot, but it's just a quick visit to capture the atmosphere around the place.

This street, like many others in Singapore, offers a fascinating labyrinth of alleyways and hidden corners to explore, making it anything but dull.

For someone like me who gets lost easily, walking around in circles will eventually lead me back to where I started.

We walked along Duxton Hill, where beautiful buildings lined the street.


I found employees taking a nap under the trees during their lunch break.

From Tanjong Panga, we could have walked to Tiong Bahru, but we decided to take the bus instead to save some energy.

The road to the bus stop is as beautiful as ever.


The Tiong Bahru area has a local market for residents, but in recent years, new shops have opened in various buildings, making it a popular hangout for young people.



Plain Vanilla Bakery also has another branch in this area.



I stopped by Drips for a scone, but it was a Saturday and the place was packed. I had to sit outside in the natural breeze.



After a fulfilling day in this district, it's time to return to the hotel. But before heading back, let's end the day on an artistic note with a stroll around the National Design Gallery on Queen Street.


// Day 4 //


Today is a shopping day. We are going to Orchard Road. But first, we will start the day by enjoying the fresh air and the river view near Clarke Quay.

This area along the river is another popular spot for restaurants, many of which are located right on the water's edge. When we visited on a Sunday morning, there were already people enjoying breakfast and beers, especially foreigners, who are plentiful in this area. Some families were also out exercising and cycling with their children.


Garbage collectors in the river



We had brunch at Pizza Art on Robinson Quay, which is just after Clarke Quay. You can walk along the river all the way there. The pizza is delicious, and it was full of families with kids.

Now that I'm full, it's time to go see Orchard.

What makes us like this road is not because of the department stores that are lined up along the road, but because of the beauty of the trees that are lined up tightly along the road. The trees in this country seem to be intentionally planted to compete with the buildings, because every time you look at a building, you have to see a picture of a tree.


Stunning displays from renowned shopping malls like Tang and Paragon



The area around the Ion Orchard MRT station is quite crowded today.



On the 4th floor of Ion Orchard, there is a gallery that is currently hosting an exhibition, so I popped in for a quick look.


Strolling along until I got lost, I found myself on Devonshire Road. There are beautiful old buildings and a nearby park where you can relax.

They walked around and around until it got dark, and then the lights started to come on in the buildings.

And with that, I conclude my day on the beautiful Orchard Road.


// Day 5 //


Today I'm preparing to go home. I won't be going anywhere far except to eat near the hostel and then to the airport.

Luckily, there was a small restaurant near the hostel that served delicious Western food, so I had a chance to try it as my last meal before going home.


// End of trip //


This trip to Singapore was much more impressive than my last visit 10 years ago. I have so many wonderful memories to take back with me. What impressed me most was the traffic, which always prioritizes pedestrians. The service staff were not arrogant or loud, and the beautiful houses were a testament to the government's excellent conservation efforts, allowing younger generations like us to appreciate them. The abundance of trees throughout the country was so refreshing that I wish I could bring some back to Bangkok.

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#singapore
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