After months of collecting Singapore Airlines miles, I finally got to use them for a roundtrip flight, with an overnight stopover in Singapore as an added perk. We left Manila at 1:05 PM for a three and a half hours flight to Changi Airport in Singapore. Entering Singapore was smooth as everyone already filled out an travel form online.
Our hotel was easy to find as it was just connected to the airport’s Terminal 3. We checked in at the Crowne Plaza Changi which made for the perfect base for our short stay. We dropped our bags, freshened up, and wasted no making the most of our only night in Singapore.
The MRT station in Changi Airport was a short walk away, and there we caught our train to the Esplanade. I initially considered grabbing a train pass, but after learning we could simply tap our credit card for rides, we opted for that instead. We hopped on the Green Line (East-West Line) from Changi Airport to City Hall. It’s been more than a decade since I took the train in Singapore, as most of my visits there were work-related so I took the Grab car over the last few years. Riding the train reminded me of how impressive and efficient Singapore’s transportation system is. The ride was a little over 30 minutes and cost just a couple of dollars.
By the time we reached City Hall, the sun was already starting to set. D and I made a beeline for Makansutra Gluttons Bay, a small but lively hawker centre just a short walk from the Esplanade. The food stalls offered a variety of dishes. D went for the classic chicken satay (skewers paired with peanut sauce) while I opted for cereal prawn (crispy prawns tossed in a savory and a tad sweet cereal coating). We enjoyed our meal with coconut juice.
After dinner, we strolled along the waterfront and admired Singapore’s cityscape and skyline. The Marina Bay Sands loomed grandly across the water. Nearby, the Merlion statue spouted water into the bay. These sights never get old.
To explore further, we rented bicycles from City Scoot @ Esplanade. As we pedaled along Marina Bay, we were surrounded by cyclists and runners enjoying the cool evening air. The bike path was almost flat and well-lit, making the ride smooth and easy.
As we approached Marina Bay Sands at 8PM, we were in luck as the Spectra Light and Water Show began. Fountains danced in sync with lights and music, spraying water high into the air in a lively display.
Just as the show wrapped up, a light drizzle started. We took it as a signal to head back. We returned our bikes and caught the MRT back to Changi Airport. Before calling it a night though, we made a quick trip to Jewel Changi, the airport’s retail hub. We said hello once again to the Rain Vortex, the tall indoor waterfall. The Rain Vortex always captivates us. Even late at night, it was a breathtaking sight, and we snapped a few photos before heading next door to the Crowne Plaza.
Join me next week as I check out Singapore’s Chinatown before heading off to our main destination.
Making Each Day Count 
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