Singapore-lah! My First Chapter in the Lion City

I can’t believe I’m finally writing about my Singapore solo travel guide! For my birthday this year, I decided to gift myself a solo adventure to a place that had been sitting on my travel bucket list for years. Singapore had always fascinated me, but I kept putting it off because of one fear: the cost. Everyone says it’s an expensive destination, and I worried about breaking my budget.

Then one day, I just told myself, “Why not? Sometimes you have to stop waiting for the perfect time and just start making memories. So, without overthinking or building a complicated itinerary, I booked my flight and prepared to explore the Little Red Dot on my own. It was a simple birthday getaway—a chance to wander, discover new places, and enjoy a little freedom before returning to routine.

From Manila to Changi: Taking Off Solo

It took almost an hour to get through the airline check-in counter and immigration in Manila. The long wait could have been exhausting, but honestly, I didn’t mind. I was just excited—I was traveling solo once again.

I boarded my early morning Scoot Airlines flight to Singapore and was lucky enough to land a comfortable window seat with extra legroom. It was a small win, but it made the three-hour journey so much better. The flight wasn’t entirely smooth sailing—we hit a few moments of turbulence along the way—but I still managed to catch some sleep. When our wheels finally touched down at Changi Airport, I felt that familiar, thrilling rush. I was finally here.

Landing at Changi Terminal 1

We landed at Changi Airport Terminal 1, and my Singapore adventure officially began. I followed the crowd and the clear signs leading to immigration. Thankfully, the process was quick and easy—just a passport scan, and I was through.

After collecting my luggage from the carousel, I finally had a moment to look around and take in my first impressions of Singapore. And my first impression? Changi Airport was impressive. Everything felt clean, organized, and easy to navigate. Even as a first-time visitor, I never felt overwhelmed. The friendly staff and smooth process made my arrival even more welcoming.

My First MRT Ride: From Changi to Bugis

With my excitement building up, I was ready to begin exploring. But first, I needed to pick up my pre-booked SIM card.

From Terminal 1, I hopped on the airport monorail to Terminal 2, then transferred to the East–West Line at Tanah Merah Station for my ride to Bugis. This was my first Singapore MRT experience, and I was already impressed. The system was efficient, easy to understand, and surprisingly enjoyable.

As the train moved through the city, I found myself looking out the window, catching my first glimpses of Singapore beyond the airport.

Stepping into Bugis: Heat, Humidity, & My Hostel Base

Stepping out of Bugis MRT Station, my first impression was how clean and organized everything felt. The excitement was still sinking in. I was finally in Singapore!

Then came the familiar wall of Singapore heat. The hot and humid weather immediately reminded me of Manila, but somehow it felt different. Maybe because I was in a new country, starting a brand-new adventure on my own.

With my bags in tow, I made my way to my accommodation for the next two nights: The Hive @ Bugis, a hostel I booked through Agoda. Located along Jalan Pinang, it offered a mixed dormitory setup with luggage storage and shared bathrooms. They also provided simple perks like free coffee, tea, cereal, and milk—small comforts that make a big difference when you’re traveling on a budget.

Exploring Kampong Glam & First Cashless Relief

What I loved most about my hostel was the location. It was within easy walking distance of Bugis MRT Station, Arab Street, and Kampong Glam, making it such a convenient base for exploring.

I arrived just before lunchtime, but since check-in wasn’t until 2 PM and the common area was already a little crowded, I left my luggage at the front desk and set off to find food nearby. Since I hadn’t withdrawn any Singapore dollars at the airport, I took a small leap of faith and tapped my Visa card at a nearby 7-Eleven. Thankfully, it worked! It might sound like a minor detail, but for a solo traveler, those little moments matter. Knowing that both of my Visa cards were working gave me instant peace of mind in a city where cashless payments are everywhere.

I was genuinely astounded by the area’s colorful ambiance and stunning architecture. Kampong Glam felt like a place where the past and present existed side by side. The fusion of modern touches and old-world charm made me want to keep walking and discover more of this fascinating corner of Singapore.

After my short exploration, I headed back to the hostel to finally check in. Ron, the caretaker, welcomed me, handed over my room key, and patiently explained the hostel rules. He was warm and accommodating, making my stay feel instantly welcoming.

After settling in and taking a short break, I was ready to explore again. I went back to Bugis MRT Station. I found a foreign exchange counter and exchanged ₱1,000 for Singapore dollars. I still wanted to have some cash with me for small purchases, just in case. This time, I hopped on the Downtown Line from Bugis to Promenade, where another iconic Singapore experience awaited me—the scenic walk connecting Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands.

Walking from Promenade to the Domes

From Bugis, I hopped on the train to Promenade Station. From there, I followed the street signs, and my feet naturally led me toward the Singapore Flyer. I didn’t have plans to ride the massive observation wheel; I was simply amazed by the wide, open waterfront area lined with palm trees. It felt like the perfect spot for an early evening jog or a peaceful bike ride.

Continuing my walk along the path, I made my way toward the iconic domes: the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.

Twilight Magic at Gardens by the Bay

I continued my way to one of the city’s most iconic attractions—Gardens by the Bay. With a few hours to spare before sunset, I made my way toward the Supertree Grove, excited to witness the famous Garden Rhapsody light and sound show. The towering Supertrees had always been something I had seen in photos, and now I was finally standing right in front of them.

The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest were definitely tempting, but I decided to save them for another visit and explore the free outdoor gardens instead. It was a simple choice, but one that allowed me to enjoy the place at a slower pace.

As the sky grew darker, the Supertrees slowly came alive. The massive structures transformed into a breathtaking display of lights, moving in harmony with the music. Standing there among fellow travelers, watching the colorful glow illuminate the night, I couldn’t help but feel amazed.

It was one of those moments when you pause and think, “I’m really here.”

A Midnight Walk, Local Food, & Connecting with Strangers

After enjoying the Supertree Grove light and sound show, I slowly made my way back toward Bugis. Instead of taking the train, I decided to walk back to my accommodation. It was quite a long walk, but I didn’t mind. The cool evening air, the city lights, and the quiet moments in between the busy streets made it a relaxing end to my first day in Singapore. Sometimes, the journey between places becomes a memory of its own.

For dinner, I stopped by Kampong Glam Cafe along Bussorah Street and ordered Nasi Goreng Kampung, a flavorful Malay-style fried rice topped with anchovies, chili paste, scrambled egg, and a fried egg. It cost me SGD 5.50, and after a full day of exploring, it was exactly the comforting meal I needed.

By then, Bussorah Street had transformed into a lively evening spot. The road was closed to cars, allowing locals and tourists to enjoy the open-air dining areas. People were chatting, food stalls were serving Arab and Muslim cuisine, and souvenir shops were still welcoming visitors.

I passed by the Sultan Mosque once again, but this time, it looked completely different from my earlier visit. The mosque was beautifully illuminated at night, surrounded by crowds and the energy of the neighborhood. Kampong Glam was still awake, and the evening felt far from over.

Before heading back to the hostel, I spent more time wandering around the area. When I returned, I met two travelers from Indonesia who had just arrived. They had received an email about their late check-in, but the caretaker was no longer around, so I helped them figure things out.

It was a small moment, but it reminded me of one of the beautiful things about traveling solo. You may arrive alone, but along the way, you meet people and share little moments with strangers.

There was still so much more waiting to be discovered in Singapore. The kindness of the people, the incredible food, and the vibrant culture made my first day unforgettable.

And even after leaving, one image stayed with me. The breathtaking skyline of Marina Bay Sands replayed in my mind like a favorite scene from a trip I never wanted to end.