24 hours in Singapore

After a layover in Singapore on my way to Bali, I had a full day to explore Singapore by foot! It truly lives up to its reputation as an international garden city, with the best greenery I've ever seen, including a massive indoor garden and an indoor waterfall! Here's the itinerary in chronological order: ➡️ Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice I went there after seeing it recommended online, but since it opens at 10 am, I arrived early and already saw a queue forming. Once it opened, everyone quickly lined up. I got thirsty and bought a real coconut water, which was super refreshing. The portion size of the chicken rice was generous, the seasoning was flavorful, and the chicken was tender, not dry despite being breast meat. ➡️ Chinatown - Food Street In Singapore, Chinatown is known as 'Niu Che Shui', which originated from the time when there was no running water, and water was commonly delivered by ox carts. Today's Chinatown has transformed into a bustling hub of Chinese restaurants and shopping centers! I also spotted the popular hotpot restaurant Xiao Long Kan! ➡️ Little India This is the gathering place for Singapore's Indian community, attracting tourists with its colorful architecture. The area is filled with Hindu temples and mosques, and upon entering, you're greeted with the strong scent of spices, reminiscent of India. ➡️ Haji Lane A street with an artistic vibe, lined with boutiques and featuring Southeast Asian colors. Before reaching Haji Lane, there are many shopping districts and large malls to explore. ➡️ Gardens by the Bay Famous for its tree-like structures wrapped in lights that blend with the surrounding greenery. There's a nightly light show, and you can also walk on the aerial walkway for a close-up experience. ➡️ Flower Dome I've never seen such a large cool-house filled with flowers. It's said to house a variety of plants from around the world, divided by garden zones. Each zone has a theme from different countries, like Japan during cherry blossom season in late March, where you can find a small grove of cherry trees and Japanese-themed sculptures. ➡️ Cloud Forest Upon entering, you're met with a towering indoor waterfall, several stories high. The plants here prefer shady, moist environments, and the cool atmosphere is a relief from Singapore's tropical heat. I visited in March when the sun was scorching, so the Cloud Forest was a lifesaver. Not only is it refreshingly cool, but the waterfall and plants also bring immense joy. The space is designed with a spiraling walkway around the mountain and waterfall. It's recommended to take the elevator to the top and then slowly make your way down. If you're short on time, you can take the elevator directly to the bottom. ➡️ Merlion Park Many people's first introduction to Singapore is through the iconic Merlion statue. As a water-spouting sculpture, it's popular to take photos that capture the illusion of catching the water. Where to go for Dragon Boat Festival Travel outfits Where to go on weekends Off-the-beaten-path destinations Beautiful night views Sunrise and sunset Southeast Asian cuisine Couple's trip