A Week in Singapore: Gardens, Shopping, and Sky-High Nights (Part 1)

About two weeks ago, I flew off to Singapore. It was partly to visit my cousin, partly to escape the chaos that’s been my life lately, and partly to give myself some space to think about a guy I think I'm catching feelings for. 😅

I’ve always known I’d be back in this stunning city. But this trip? It was totally a spur-of-the-moment decision. One random day, I found myself booking a round-trip ticket for a week-long stay. As my birthday was also coming up, it felt like the perfect chance to unwind and hit reset.

With zero itinerary, I was pretty much down for whatever adventure came my way. The best part? Singapore is ridiculously safe, everyone speaks or at least understands English, and their public transport and infrastructure are chef’s kiss. Navigating this city is a breeze even if you’re a solo female traveler like me.

So without further ado, here’s how I spent the first half of my week living my best carpe diem life in the land of Crazy Rich Asians.

Flying In with My Trusty GoPro (and Regrets on Baggage Allowance 😂)

GoPro - The Perfect No-Fuss Travel Camera

I scored my MNL-SIN-MNL tickets online a little over a week before flying out. Both ways with 20 kg luggage allowance, all for ₱13,276.55. Not bad, right?

If I could go back, though, I’d definitely book more baggage for the return trip — Singapore was having wild sales, and let’s just say my inner shopaholic woke up big time. LOL.

My flight was smooth and hassle-free, which honestly set the tone for the rest of the trip. I landed on a sunny Monday morning at Changi Airport Terminal 4, their newest terminal that’s sleek, modern, and almost fully automated. Getting a temp WiFi password? Just scan your passport. So convenient!

Serangoon: Pretty Houses & Zero Traffic Stress

Right after clearing immigration, I grabbed a ride to my cousin’s office in Serangoon. We had lunch at myVillage, but honestly, I was more fixated on the drive there.

The neighborhoods we passed were sooo clean, pretty, and fancy-looking. Like, can someone just adopt me so I can live here? 😂

And don’t even get me started on the traffic or should I say, the lack of it. Singapore’s roads are so chill that I’d have zero excuses for being late to anything.

Getting My Green Fix at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

After lunch, I checked the MRT map for places nearby and decided on the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It was the perfect change of scenery from my usual city haunts - a giant, gorgeous green space that my stressed-out soul seriously needed. 🌿

I wandered past a pond with free-roaming animals, stumbled into the Ethnobotany Museum (small but charming), and admired vibrant garden art installations that made the place even more magical.

A little further inside the Botanic Gardens is their Ethnobotany Museum, a little small compared to Singapore's other museums.

Surrounding the building were these beautiful gardens adorned with colourful handmade garden arts and ornaments that were really stunning to look at.

Mustafa Centre: Where I Accidentally Became a Shopaholic

Come Tuesday, I decided to finally see what the hype was about at Mustafa Centre (MRT: Farrer Park). Shopping isn’t really my thing - at least when I travel - but since I had no plans, I thought, why not?

And this, my friends, was the point of no return for my inner shopaholic and the reason why I'll probably get a bigger luggage allowance for every return trip from here on. LOL.

Big mistake. Or huge win, depending on how you look at it. 😅

I didn’t expect to find much, but their grocery section alone was insane - so many healthy and unique products at crazy affordable prices. If I lived there, I’d probably turn vegetarian just to try everything. My inner health nut was low-key sobbing that we don’t have this back home.

On my way there, I also passed a small bazaar with local dishes and trinkets. I was too shy to ask about the food (next time, I’ll be braver LOL), but it was still fun to look around.

Dinner at Marche Mövenpick & Night Walks by Marina Bay

That evening, my cousin and I met up for dinner at Marche Mövenpick in Somerset - a Swiss market-style restaurant that was as amazing as it was pricey (about SG$80 for two). It’s not somewhere I’d eat every week, but as a one-time treat? Totally worth it.

Too bad I accidentally deleted my only decent photo of the place (sigh) so these random pics will have to do.

We capped off the night with a walk around Marina Bay, soaking up the glittering cityscape. What I loved most was feeling so safe, no fear of getting mugged or hassled. Can’t say the same for some spots back home.

CHIJMES, the National Museum, and Partying 63 Floors Up

On Wednesday, I meant to hit the zoo but woke up late (classic me). So instead, I pivoted to CHIJMES and the National Museum.

That’s the beauty of solo travel - you can literally do whatever, whenever, with zero guilt.

CHIJMES is forever one of my favorite spots. It’s just so stunning and romantic, with its gothic architecture and open lawns perfect for lounging. Surrounded by cafes and restaurants, it’s like a scene from a movie.

Also, you can never go wrong with an open ground where you can lie down and take in the stunning views. With an impressive facade like Chijmes and restaurants all around the place, how could one not enjoy dropping by here?

After chilling there, I made my way to the National Museum of Singapore to see the latest exhibits. The highlight? Story of the Forest, an immersive digital installation that brings 69 natural history drawings to life. It was absolutely breathtaking.

We wrapped up the day at 1-Altitude, a rooftop club on the 63rd floor. With ladies’ night perks (free entrance and SG$10 drinks), plus jaw-dropping views of the Singapore skyline, it was the perfect way to end my birthday week.

Until Part 2, Earthlings ✌️

Whew, this turned into a long one! I’m officially sleepy AF, so I’ll pause here for now. In my next post, I’ll spill more tea on clubbing, Chinatown adventures, and finally making it to the Singapore Zoo.