SINGAPORE
Singapore
WHERE: Marina Bay Sands
Singapore was moved high up on our bucket list after the movie Crazy Rich Asians came out. We were excited to see Singapore and stay at the Marina Bay Sands. We have both been obsessed with Singapore for a while, but the movie sold it. Hearing from people who have visited, it sounded incredible. Everything in Singapore is both immaculately clean and insanely efficient. We deplaned, cleared customs, picked up our baggage, got a taxi, and arrived at our hotel in under 30 minutes. There was staff along the whole way helping us, guiding us to taxis and helping load bags, it was a wild experience, and we couldn’t have loved it more. As we arrived at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, check-in was a breeze; the staff were all incredibly polite. Our room was gorgeous; we had a view of the Gardens by the Bay, an iconic landmark in Singapore (also a scene from Crazy Rich Asians filmed there). From the other side of the hotel, we were able to see a water-light show, so no matter what side you’re staying on, you’re in for a treat.
We ate at Lavo Italian Restaurant on the roof of the Marina Bay Sands, and it was good with great views of the city but costly for what it was. The iconic infinity pool on the top of the Marina Bay Sands was insane. It was so cool, although a little overrun by crowds of tourists all wanting pictures by the edge (including us). We gambled a bit at the Marina Bay Sands casino connected to the hotel. It was massive, but smoking indoors was allowed at the casino, and the ventilation wasn’t great, so we didn’t stay long. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is a massive mall connected to the hotel as well. There are tons of restaurants and shops here, so we spend a good chunk of time here as well.
We visited the Newton Food Centre, an outdoor food vendor court, for Singapore street food (also another scene in CRA). It was delicious food, and we were shocked at how clean it was. Both vendors and the complex itself takes good care of the place, and it did not feel like a street food experience at all.
From our hotel room, we were able to see the Gardens by the Bay light show every night, but we entered the park one night to watch it up close. It was such an incredible and breathtaking experience. We also walked on the sky bridge, I’d love to lie and tell you it wasn’t scary, but I think I crawled the whole way—something I won’t soon forget.
Singapore will forever have a place in my heart. We were so impressed with the cleanliness and efficiency of Singapore and feel strongly about returning soon either to visit or relocate, yeah, we loved it that much. It was heartbreaking to leave after just three nights, but it left us wanting more, that’s for sure.
