That’s right, I’m in Singapore!
In typical Silvia fashion I decided to go to the Philippines for my Thai visa run, then realized the cheapest route would be to stop over in Singapore, and then for some reason that I can’t quite remember I decided to go to Malaysia as well. I’m pretty excited to be back on the road for the next month, and extremely excited to be kicking off the trip with four days in Singapore!
Because, you guys, why did no one ever tell me how much fun Singapore is? Or maybe you did and I just wasn’t paying attention (sorry, Kathryn).
Somehow the country’s reputation for being so strict that there’s a ban on chewing gum and my many conversations with Singaporean expats in Japan (do expats ever love their home country?) had me crossing Singapore off of my bucket list.
Sometimes I make mistakes. All I can say is thank goodness for cheap stopovers! Here are some photos from my first couple of days wandering through the shiny city-state:
I spent my first two nights at BIG Hotel, which is conveniently located near Bugis MRT Station and the Orchard Road shopping area. I actually fell for the hotel before seeing it, because their quirky website is so cool (if anyone from BIG Hotel reads this, will you redesign my blog pleeease?), and when I arrived exhausted from my flight and flopped into bed I could not have been happier.
Oh my goodness, those sheets.
Does anyone remember the scene in Uptown Girls where Brittany Murphy’s boyfriend writes a song about his magically soft sheets? Now I finally get it.
Parents, I would like a billion thread count sheet set for Christmas, please (except not actually, because that would be a silly thing to carry around in my backpack).
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Many thanks to BIG Hotel for hosting me for my first few nights in Singapore. As always, you are getting my honest opinions!
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A Beautiful Weekend in Budapest – in Spring!
Regina says
I love the photo of the mosque! The hotel you stayed at looks really nice, too. Have fun on your trip!
Silvia says
Thanks, Regina! The street the mosque is on was covered in strung up flowers – so pretty!
Jo says
This is great! I’m headed to Singapore at the weekend, so I’ll be adding Chulia mosque to my sightseeing list 🙂
Silvia says
It’s in Chinatown, where most of the streets are covered in huge flowers or lanterns. So pretty! Have a wonderful time in Singapore!!
Miriam of Adventurous Miriam says
Oh Singapore, I just came from there. Its such a lovely country with so much to see. I’m thrilled to hear about your trip to the Philippines. Where are you heading?
Silvia says
There really is so much here – I definitely wish I had booked more than four days. And ahh the Philippines, I have NO idea where I’m going to go! Somewhere beachy? There are just too many places to decide. But I really need to book a place. Like tonight.
Miriam of Adventurous Miriam says
Go to Boracay. You won’t regret it!
Silvia says
I so needed someone to just tell me what to do like that. Just booked my flight! Thank youuuu! (Though it’s totally your fault if I have a miserable time, ha).
Miriam of Adventurous Miriam says
Haha, I’m willing to take that chance even though you know where I live 😉 We stayed at Surfside hotel – a nice Japanese owned hotel and it was SO great. Perfect location, food and staff!
Silvia says
Awesome, thanks for the tip!
Miquel says
I swear by Egyptian Cotton! I’m headed to Bangkok tomorrow. If you find yourself there would love to meet up!
Silvia says
Ahh exciting times!! I hope you’re settling in okay. I’ll definitely let you know next time I pass through Bangkok – and you let me know if you end up heading up north to Chiang Mai!
Emma says
Great pictures! I love Singapore, despite its strictness. The hotel you stayed in looks nice too.
Silvia says
I still have dreams about those sheets… haha.
Gran Canaria Local says
We have a friend who lives in Singapore. He’s always banging on about visiting him. After reading this excellent post, we’re rather more inclined to.
Silvia says
You really should! I had totally underestimated this place!
Justine says
My boyfriend just did a visa run to Singapore and he loved it too! Glad you liked it!! So, I found out today that there is a huge festival called the Nine Emperor Gods Festival going on in Penang right now. The last day is on October 2nd and there is supposed to be a crazy celebration/parade here. You should look it up. I’m super bummed I’m leaving the day before because this festival looks insane. I can’t wait to read about your Philippines trip. Where did you decide to go??
Silvia says
Oh wow, I had no idea! Too bad that you’re going to miss it (and me!), but thanks for the heads up! And ugh I have NO idea where to go in the Philippines. I’m terrible at planning ahead, and at making decisions, but I really need to book a flight somewhere. Probably tonight. Any advice (I’ve already read your blog posts, ha)? Somewhere beachy that won’t be a total drag getting to alone…
Justine says
Did you book a flight yet? Most of the beautiful beaches I encountered were during island hopping tours around Palawan (Coron and El Nido) which is kind of a hassle to get to. Aside from Boracay the only other really nice beach place I went to was Bantayan, in northern Cebu. At the time it was pretty badly damaged from the typhoon but I’m hoping it made a full recovery. It does require a 4-hour bus ride and 1-hour ferry ride to get there from Cebu City. Bohol is also big beach destination. I wasn’t impressed with Alona Beach, but supposedly there are some spectacular beaches around the island that are worth checking out. You might want to look into it.
Silvia says
Thanks for all the info, Justine! I had been debating between Palawan and Boracay, but I just found a super cheap direct flight from KL to Kalibo, so wooo I’m going to Boracay! I’m heading back to your blog right now to read your guide again 🙂
Kaleena's Kaleidoscope says
Yes, I was surprised to find I loved Singapore too! Also, your “Donut panic” shirt is the greatest thing I’ve ever seen. 🙂
Silvia says
Hahaha thanks! I actually just bought it here in Singapore. Couldn’t resist 🙂
Escape Hunter says
I absolutely loved Singapore!
And I didn’t have much nap time, with so many beautiful places to see all around!
Silvia says
Good point! Maybe I’m not totally ready to be staying at nice hotels – there’s too much of a temptation to stay in the hotel all day!