Leaving Taiwan felt somber, but bittersweet.

I was sad to say goodbye to a country I grew so fond of in just a few days, but at the same time, I was excited for our next destination—and to reunite with another friend.

Landing in Singapore felt like stepping into some hyper-modern, high-tech realm. Everything screamed innovation and efficiency. That said, trying to get out of the airport was… less than ideal.

✈️Loss of items!

In true me fashion, I didn’t think to zip up my carry-on (not that I could, given the sheer amount of stuff I’d accumulated across my travels). So—after a bit of turbulence and a few things tossed around in the compartment above—I made it all the way to the baggage area before realising: my Ray-Bans were gone. And not just those. My power bank, a few souvenirs for friends, and a necklace I’d bought in Taiwan were missing too.

Cue the mild panic. I approached the situation with a mix of sleep-deprived panic and dead-eyed calm (yes, it’s contradictory, but it was midnight and I’m writing this at midnight, so cut me some slack). I first asked a kind military soldier, who politely denied my request to scramble back onto the plane—because, you know, obviously not. But after a few polite inquiries, pleading with the lovely baggage team and some quiet desperation, I was able to retrieve all my missing items. Crisis averted.

🌀 Jewel Changi

Once we got through, we saw the famous indoor waterfall—the one that flows through the centre of Jewel Changi Airport. It was genuinely spectacular. A literal jungle vibe inside the airport. The whole space is massive—full of shops, restaurants, and activities. People weren’t lying when they said you could spend a full day there.

But we were tired, sweaty, lugging giant bags, and desperate for a shower—so we admired it for a hot minute and got the hell out.

Hotel fiasco

Now, you’re probably wondering why I even separated from my friends in the first place. Originally, we were meant to stay together in one hotel, especially since one of our friends (the one who missed Taiwan) had already arrived in Singapore. But she had a bit of a panic at our planned accommodation. Something about sketchy characters following her and the neighbourhood being “off.” (Her words—not what you’d expect in Singapore, I know.)

So, last-minute, we scrambled to find different hotels. I ended up at a Holiday Inn, not far from the others, and waited for the next friend to join the adventure.

When she arrived, it was surreal. Meeting someone you normally see in your hometown in an entirely different part of the world—with big suitcases, jet lag, and that dazed travel energy—is a weird, wonderful thing. Still, it felt like home seeing her. After a quick catch-up and some much-needed freshening up, we hit the city.

First Impressions of Singapore

This country is like a modern, Tokyo, London, or New York—only cleaner, slicker, and way more high-tech. (Okay, maybe not cleaner/ more advanced than Tokyo, but close.)

We arrived late afternoon/evening, so of course, we did what we always do: aimless wandering. It’s the best way to see a city. Convenient, good for the soul—and most importantly—free!

We headed straight for the Supertree Grove, one of Singapore’s most iconic sights. And yes, it lived up to the hype. Walking through to Marina Bay Sands, the city skyline lit up across the water—it was genuinely inspiring. What I love about Singapore is how it blends nature and urban life. It never feels claustrophobic. You can breathe, move, and take in the architecture without feeling overwhelmed.

Exploring Little India & Kampong Glam

The next morning, we kicked off with Little India along Serangoon Road. It’s loud, colourful, chaotic—in the best way possible. From fragrant spices to intricate temples and bustling food stalls, there’s no shortage of sensory overload.

We stopped by Tan Teng Niah House – a rainbow coloured style villa with Chinese influence. With eight rooms and a second floor, it’s full of beautiful details and makes a perfect photo spot.

If you happen to be in the area, definitely take the time to visit Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. It’s the oldest temple in the area and has some of the most beautiful architecture I’ve ever seen. Dedicated to the deity Veeramakaliamman known as a nurturing mother and fierce entity of the goddess Kali. It originated as lime kiln workers, later converted in 1881 by Bengali leaders. It’s had several changes between 1881- 2014. It really is a spectacle to admire.The vibrant murals tell stories in bold colours and divine forms.

Later, we walked down Haji Lane, full of indie shops, markets, and hidden gems.

Rise Bakehouse & Masjid Sultan

Past the markets and murals, we came across Masjid Sultan. Originally built in 1824 for the Sultan Hussein Shah, it has huge golden dome with glass bottle ring bases and holds one of the largest prayer halls.It stands out with its huge golden domes, each surrounded by a ring of black glass bottles at their base (donated by the community, so all could contribute). The mosque houses one of the largest prayer halls and has seen numerous architectural changes throughout history.

Right by the mosque, on Muscat Street, is the Gelam Gallery – Singapore’s first open-air mural gallery. It’s open 24/7 and free to wander. Around 30 pieces by local and international artists fill the space with vibrant colour and meaning. The area is full of life, colour, and a strong sense of heritage.

But fair warning: Singapore is hot. Like, dripping sweat, give-me-a-fan-and-an-ice-bath kind of hot. Pack your suncream, bring a hat, and mentally prepare for humidity that doesn’t play around.

We ended the afternoon with some cute photo booth snaps and fluffy pancakes before heading back to freshen up.

🎉Nights out in Singapore

After reuniting with the full gang, we grabbed a quick bite and headed to the infamous Marquee. —probably the wildest club I’ve ever been to. And no, I’m not exaggerating. Not only is it big, but it has an entire FERRIS WHEEL inside. Between the massive dance floors, over-the-top visuals, and ridiculous energy, it was pure chaos in the best way.

Was it my scene music-wise? Not really. But it was worth it just for the experience. I believe drinks were slightly overpriced, but they were STRONG and for the most part it is relatively safe (not like creepy London clubs). So if you find yourself nearby and fancy a dance – give it a go!

After our night out we finished on heading to sleep before the next part of our trip.

So as always, Thank you for reading my post—I hope you enjoyed.

Until my next blog of intrepid tales on my trails…!