This year, I gifted myself a birthday trip to Singapore. At first, I hesitated—Singapore had always been tagged as an expensive destination. But eventually, I told myself: it’s time. Time to tick it off my travel bucket list. I didn’t overthink or overplan. I just wanted something spontaneous—a solo escape to savor the last few days of freedom before returning to the grind.

✈️ Touchdown Tales: From Manila to the Lion City

It took nearly an hour to get through the airline’s check-in counter and immigration in Manila, but despite the long wait, I was genuinely excited—I’d be traveling solo once again. I boarded an early morning flight via Scoot, Singapore’s budget airline, and was lucky to score a comfortable window seat with decent legroom. The three-hour journey wasn’t the smoothest—turbulence made its presence known—but I still managed to doze off. When we finally landed in Singapore, I felt a quiet thrill. I was here.

🛬 First Impressions at Changi

We landed at Changi Airport’s Terminal 1. I followed the crowd and the clearly marked signs leading to the immigration counters. The process was quick and seamless—just a passport scan, and I was through. Soon after, I made my way to the luggage carousel to collect my bag.

As I waited for my luggage, I could hardly contain my excitement for the adventures that awaited me in this new destination. Changi Airport immediately made a great impression—clean, well-organized, and easy to navigate. The staff was friendly and helpful, adding to the warm welcome. I felt ready to begin this journey. But before heading out, I picked up my pre-booked SIM card.

I hopped on the monorail to Terminal 2, then transferred to the East–West Line at Tanah Merah Station for the train ride to Bugis. Singapore’s metro system instantly left a strong impression on me—not only was it efficient and seamless, but it also offered glimpses of the cityscape that were surprisingly scenic for a commute.

🚶‍♀️ Heat, Hostels, and First Impressions

The cleanliness of Bugis Station was remarkable. Filled with anticipation for the adventure ahead, I stepped out into the hot and humid Singapore air—a climate that instantly reminded me of Manila. With excitement bubbling up, I made my way to my hostel in Bugis.

I booked a two-night stay at The Hive @ Bugis, located along Jalan Pinang, through Agoda. It’s a mixed dormitory setup with a luggage storage area and shared bathroom. The hostel also offers free coffee, tea, cereal, and milk—simple comforts for travelers on the go. Best of all, it’s just a short walk from Bugis MRT Station, Arab Street, and Kampong Glam.

I arrived at the hostel just before lunchtime and noticed the common area was a bit crowded. Since check-in wasn’t until 2 PM, I left my bag at the front desk and headed out to find something to eat at 7-Eleven. I hadn’t withdrawn any Singaporean dollars at the airport, so—though a bit hesitant—I used my Visa card to pay for the food I grabbed. Small step, but it worked.

Both of my Visa cards were working well—a huge relief, especially in a country like Singapore, where cashless payments are widely preferred. I later spotted a foreign exchange counter at Bugis MRT Station and exchanged ₱1,000 for some Singapore dollars, just to have cash on hand for small purchases.

After eating, I wandered around the area with no fixed itinerary—just me, the streets of Bugis, and the freedom to explore whatever caught my eye.

🕌 Wanderings in Kampong Glam: Colors, Cultures, and Charm

The Sultan Mosque on Muscat Street was just a short walk from my hostel. Despite the humid weather, I pushed myself to go out and explore Kampong Glam—an urban neighborhood with a rich mix of Malay, Arab, and Muslim influences, blended with European flair.

Wandering through Haji Lane, Arab Street, Bussorah Street, and Baghdad Street, I was captivated by the vibrantly colored establishments lining the way. The streets were dotted with shophouses selling carpets, textiles, souvenirs, fabrics, restaurants, and art galleries.

I was genuinely astounded by the area’s colorful ambiance and stunning buildings. The fusion of modern touches and old-world charm made me eager to immerse myself even deeper in Bugis’ vibrant culture.

I went back to my hostel to check in. Ron, the caretaker of the hostel, handed me the room’s key and oriented me about the hostel rules. He was so nice and accommodating. After settling in, I decided to explore the city once again. I took the Downtown Line train from Bugis to Promenade, a walkway that stretches across the beautiful Gardens by the Bay and Marina Sands. 

🌳 Garden Glow: A Dazzling Evening at the SuperTree Grove

This area was just a short distance from the iconic Singapore Flyer. With a few hours to spare before dusk, I made my way to Gardens by the Bay to catch the SuperTree Grove’s light and sound show.

Though the nearby Flower Dome and Cloud Forest were tempting, I intentionally skipped them and opted to explore the free outdoor gardens instead. As night fell, the SuperTree Grove came alive—the towering trees lit up in a spectacular display, their synchronized lights and music creating a truly mesmerizing experience.

🍽️ A Night in Kampong Glam: Comfort Food and City Lights

After enjoying the show, I made my way back to Bugis, feeling grateful for another wonderful day spent exploring Singapore’s vibrant cityscape. I decided to skip the train and walk back to my accommodation instead. It was a long walk, but the cool night air and the quiet rhythm of the city made it a peaceful, enjoyable journey.

For dinner, I stopped at Kampong Glam Cafe along Bussorah Street and ordered Nasi Goreng Kampung—a flavorful Malay-style fried rice dish topped with anchovies, chili paste, scrambled egg, and a fried egg. I paid 5.50 SGD in cash.

The street was closed to cars and buzzing with life—locals and tourists filling up the open-air dining spots. After dinner, I passed by the Sultan Mosque again. It was still bustling, now lit up and surrounded by crowds. Food stalls lined the area outside, offering Arab and Muslim cuisine, along with souvenir stands selling trinkets and keepsakes. Bussorah Street was alive, and the night felt far from over.

I explored the area before returning to the accommodation to rest. I met two recently arrived females from Indonesia. They received an email about their late check-in, but the caretaker is no longer with them, so I helped them. 

There’s still so much to see and do in Singapore. The people I met were genuinely kind, and the food was absolutely unforgettable. I especially loved soaking in the vibrant culture and wandering through the city’s lush, beautifully designed gardens.

This trip was truly one for the books. And now, even after I’ve left, the breathtaking skyline of Marina Bay Sands keeps replaying in my mind like a favorite scene I never want to end.

*** This Singapore blog is a solo travel birthday gift to myself—for all the hard work, the saving, and the courage to go. I finally checked Singapore off my travel bucket list. ***

📅 Travel Dates: March 22 to 25, 2024