Making Each Day Count

Our final day in Singapore began after a restful sleep at the Crowne Plaza Changi. We were in for a long day before catching a late night flight.

We started the morning with a short walk to Changi Terminal 3, heading straight to Heavenly Wang, my favorite airport eatery. This Singaporean restaurant specializes in traditional kopi tiam, serving local breakfast dishes. We ordered their signature butter toast paired with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of coffee. It was the ideal light breakfast to kick start a long day.

With a few hours to spare before checking out, D and I hit the hotel’s gym for a morning workout. By 12 PM, we returned to our room to pack, freshen up, and check out. We left our luggage at the reception so we can have the freedom to explore Singapore without luggages in tow.

We hopped on the MRT Green Line from Changi Airport to Tanjong Pagar. Our ride was smooth and took just over 30 minutes. From Tanjong Pagar, we walked for 10 minutes to the vibrant Chinatown, where we planned to meet a friend for a late lunch. While waiting, D and I decided to grab a quick snack at Ann Chin Popiah, a celebrated stall with a Michelin Bib Gourmand status. It is known for its quality and affordability. Using a voucher from Singapore Airlines’ partner site, Pelago, we tried their Michelin Plate deal. It included a handmade popiah, a spring roll, and 4 kueh pie tees. The popiah, a fresh vegetable-filled roll, reminded me of the Filipino lumpia, with crisp veggies and savory flavors in a delicate wrapper.

We then made our way to Kada at 5 Kadayanallur Street. I found this in Google and saw that it was a trendy, Instagram-worthy building that brimmed with restaurants, cafes, and wellness centers. Our friend, who was joining us for lunch, was just as intrigued by the chic vibe of Kada, since it was her first time there too. We settled on D’Penyetz Heritage for lunch, where we savored their black sweet sauce grilled chicken and indomie goreng set. The dishes were packed with bold flavors, and we enjoyed the spiced, juicy chicken and the noodles.

After lunch, we strolled to the iconic Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a beautiful four-story structure in the heart of Chinatown. This temple is known for its intricate Tang Dynasty-inspired design, red and gold interiors, and a sacred relic of the Buddha’s tooth housed in a stupa. We took the lift and stairs to the rooftop, where we found a serene Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda. Here, we participated in a prayer ritual, holding onto a metal ring of the Vairocana Buddha Prayer Wheel while murmuring our prayers.

Post-temple, we walked through the lively streets of Chinatown. The area buzzed with stalls and shops, and the aroma of street food. Chinatown’s charm lies in its ability to feel both historic and vibrant.

By 4 PM, we returned to Kada for a sweet treat at Haus Cheesecake & Wine. True to its name, their cheesecake was simply delicious. It was creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced. D enjoyed it with a cup of coffee, while I had it with a bottle of Sparkling Yuzu Genmaicha.

As evening approached, we took the MRT back to Crowne Plaza Changi to collect our luggage and head to the airport for check-in. After saying goodbye and see you again later to our friend, D and I passed through immigration and decided to explore Changi Airport.

At Terminal 2, we were captivated by the orchid display at the Enchanted Garden. On the terminal’s opposite side, we found the Dreamscape, a serene koi pond. Lastly, we visited the Sunflower Garden on Level 3, a cheerful display of big sunflowers with a view of the airport runway.

Changi Airport’s attractions made time fly, and before we knew it, we were boarding our plane. As we said goodbye to Singapore, we were thankful for discovering new places like the Chinatown and being able to meet up with a dear friend.

Stay tuned next week as we embark on our first-ever adventure to Sri Lanka!