"The best summer memories are the ones that make you smile long after the sun has set."
Tropical, trendy, and timeless – Singapore promised everything we craved for during this year's summer break. And true to its name – derived from the Sanskrit words Simha (Lion) and Pura (City) – this Lion City roared with experiences that amazed us every single day!
 |
| The Iconic Merlion &The Marina Bay Sands |
The country's transformation is nothing short of legendary. What began as a humble fishing village has evolved into one of South East Asia’s most progressive and developed nations. It is also one of the most expensive cities in the world in terms of lifestyle. The Merlion, Singapore’s iconic symbol with a lion’s head and a fish’s body, tells this story beautifully – blending the city’s legendary origins and maritime roots into one majestic emblem.
Singapore through our Lenses - A Joyride of Experiences & Memories
- Singapore Airlines – A Soaring Start
From the moment we boarded, Singapore Airlines set the tone for the trip. Warm service & hospitability, comfortable seating, and thoughtful details made the journey feel like the vacation had already begun!
 |
| And I was obsessed with my new set of Nails as we took off 😇 |
- Jewel Changi – Nature Meets Innovation
No wonder that Changi airport is one of the best in the world, and Jewel Changi is an experience in itself that seamlessly connects Terminal 1, 2 and 3. With its awe-inspiring Rain Vortex and gleaming architecture, it felt like walking through a tropical dream powered by innovation.
But before we even began exploring, we were lucky to find a quiet retreat in the middle of the buzz – a comfortable lounge access at the Jewel for three of us, made possible through the Priority Pass that comes with select credit cards. This was simply one of those quiet travel perks you sometimes forget exist, until they show up right when you need them. Full marks to the man of the house for wisely claiming it at the right time😊. We enjoyed a generous breakfast spread, fresh drinks, clean showers, and just enough calm to recharge after the flight.
 |
| Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi |
Our first stop was Jewel Changi – and it truly lived up to the hype. From the relaxing lounge to the world-famous Rain Vortex, the Sky Train ride across the lush indoors was a surreal experience. It wasn’t just an airport – it was a destination!🙌
- Night Safari – A Wild Evening
We kicked off our adventure with the Night Safari at Mandai, a unique way to observe nocturnal wildlife. Navigating through Singapore’s public transportation to get there was surprisingly easy – clean, safe, and efficient.
 |
| Night Safari: Couldn't capture all the animals but the thrill of watching them was surreal! |
- Sentosa – Island of Fun
Sentosa is a wonderland! Our cable car ride to Sentosa offered panoramic views of the city and sea. To start with, we dived with our magical wands into the iconic Harry Potter Visions of Magic theme park and experienced the life at Hogwarts. It was a dream come true for the lil' one who is one of the biggest Potter Head in the family😀. Post lunch, we posed with celebs at Madame Tussauds, raced on the Luge which was a thrilling experience, and ended the day with the mesmerizing Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony show.
 |
| View of Sentosa Island from the Cable Car |
 |
| The Joy of Diving into the Magical World of Harry Potter |
- Universal Studios – For the Child in All of Us
This was our second day at Sentosa, reserved only to explore the world famous Universal Studios. From adrenaline-pumping rides to themed zones, Universal Studios had something for everyone. Pre-booking through Klook made the entire process hassle-free. One can even book the express pass and skip the long queue for the rides.
 |
| Universal Studios |
- River Wonders, Zoo, and Gardens by the Bay
We explored the best of nature and conservation at River Wonders and the Singapore Zoo. The giant Pandas made our day and so did the giraffes and numerous species. Then we immersed ourselves in botanical brilliance at Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, and the glowing magic of the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay. It was surreal!
 |
| Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay |
- Ice Cream Museum
I scream, you scream, we all scream...Ice Cream!🍨🍦🍧 This was the day when we skipped our lunch only to feast on the widespread of unlimited ice-cream flavours from across the world in five tasting rooms at the ice cream museum. The charm of this ice cream museum was intriguing as we moved from one activity room to another and relished every scoop.😇
- Spinning on the Singapore Flyer:
On one busy evening, we caught the glimpse of this vibrant city by spinning high on the Singapore Flyer. The 360 degree serene view of the cityscape was breathtaking!
 |
| Getting ready for a Spin...🎡 |
- The Iconic Merlion and the Bayfront Area:
As we were at leisure and had more days to explore, we reserved a day only to watch the Merlion, explore the Marina Bay and the Bayfront area. Shopping at the famous Shoppe's mall was exhausting but the fountain show at the Bayfront at dusk was therapeutic!
 |
| Posing with the Merlion |
 |
| Fountain Show at the Bayfront |
- Shopping Spree – Bugis & Orchard
Singapore is quite expensive but is also known as shopper's paradise especially the Orchard Road has all those luxury brands right from Sneakers to handbags. We shopped for some amazing pairs of Nike sneakers at the Orchard and also explored the Bugis Street for some apparel and souvenir shopping.
- Food
Things to remember before planning the trip:
- Visa Application: Applications are allowed just 1 month prior to travel. It takes about 5-6 working days for visa processing that's valid for 3 years. Visa to be applied through authorized visa agents only and can't be applied on own.
- Air Tickets & Hotels: Copies of Air Tickets & Hotel bookings are mandatory while applying for a visa.
- Financial Records: Records of bank account statements of last six months and evidence of sufficient account balance are required by visa issuing officials for visa approval.
- SG Arrival Card: Mandatory and should be filled online 3 days before arrival for smooth immigration clearance.
- Pre-book Attractions: Pre-book the attractions by using platforms like Klook, Headout etc. for a seamless experience.
- Apps to Download: We used the Grab app to book cab rides and used the MRT whenever possible. Exploring their transportation services was one heck of an experience - efficient, futuristic, driven by technology and spick & span.
- Luggage Drop Facility: If exploring Jewel Changi on Arrival, drop the luggage at the paid luggage counters. These counters are albeit expensive but helps you explore hands free. If exploring during departure, opt for early check-in.
- Claiming GST Refund: If you end up shopping goods with receipts totaling greater than or equal to SGD 100 from certain retailers, don't forget to claim the refund at the airport while departing. More details can be checked with the retail outlets.
What We Loved Most About Singapore
- Tap Water is Safe to Drink – No need to purchase expensive water bottles, just carry your bottle, refill and sip it! Wish this was true for Mumbai too.😐
- Clean, Fresh Air – Indeed a refreshing change for someone staying in Mumbai.
- Super Connected Public Transport – MRT, buses and cab services made city travel a breeze.
- Polite and Helpful Locals with good civic sense – Highly appreciated!
- Unmatched Cleanliness – Everywhere, all the time.
- Tech-Savvy & Futuristic – From airport automation to smart public services.
I never repeat my travel destinations if its purely for leisure purpose but Singapore is one such place where I can't help but would love to go always for a quick break...because this city has my heart!💓
