A stunning night view of the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay showcases Singapores iconic vertical gardens, brilliantly illuminated against the dark sky. The vibrant display proudly highlights SINGAPORE in bold across the scene, capturing the essence of this captivating city.

Singapore: The World’s Only Island City-state

ByMac Hours Comments Reading Time: 2 minutes

I was lucky enough to get the chance to visit Singapore on my way down to Australia (thanks to some very inexpensive flights on Scoot Airlines. My time in the country was brief, but not so brief that I couldn’t learn a bit about where I was.

When you enter Singapore, you are reminded that the penalty for bringing drugs into the country is death, and once you’re in Singapore, you had best watch what you’re doing because you’re being watched – always. CCTV is everywhere and is used to monitor everything from loan sharks to illegal parkers.

It’s a very clean place, and you can be fined for everything from spitting to jaywalking (and FYI, Singapore is not down with the gays – not yet, at least).

But let’s move on from all the laws (and did I mention the outrageous cost of beer?) and focus on some other things – like how incredibly hot and humid it is here. I am thirsty all the time. No amount of fluid seems to quench the thirst brought on by the Singaporean weather (which can turn on a dime).

Overall, I enjoyed Singapore (and not just because I got to hang out with some Halfway Anywhere readers in the city’s highest craft brewery, LeVeL33). Will I go back? Probably. Would I live there? Probably not (I’m not down with humidity – unless we’re in Brazil).

  • Close-up of a pedestrian crossing button on a silver pole with a sign: DO NOT START TO CROSS. Press For Green Man, commonly seen in Singapore. A sidewalk and part of a street with yellow lines are visible, along with lush greenery and overcast weather.

    Press for Green Man? This could get funky.

  • A row of colorful shophouses in front of modern skyscrapers paints a vibrant scene under Singapores partly cloudy sky. The central shophouse, with striking green accents, stands out, while classic street lamps add charm to the lively streetscape.
    The old and the new.
  • Tall, modern skyscrapers with reflective glass facades rise against a partly cloudy blue sky, embodying the futuristic charm of Singapore. Lush greenery at the base beautifully contrasts with the sleek urban architecture.
    Tall reflective buildings. Tall reflective buildings everywhere.
  • A large indoor ice skating rink in Singapore is surrounded by multiple levels of a shopping mall. People sit and watch near the rinks edges as a single skater glides gracefully in the center. The mall boasts various shops and eateries spread across different levels.
    Blazing hot outside, but that doesn’t mean there can’t be an ice skating rink.
  • A sign in Singapore features four warnings: No Smoking, No Eating and Drinking, No Flammable Goods, and No Durians. Each is marked by a red circle with a slash and respective fines of $1000, $500, $5000, and $5000.
    So what’s the fine for durian?
  • A crowded Singapore subway train with seated passengers, many absorbed in their phones. The interior is illuminated by bright overhead lights, and pink advertisements catch the eye on the walls. Modern design features include sleek metal poles and vibrant red seats.
    Singapore metro.
  • Upward view of three interconnected skyscrapers in Singapore, crowned with a boat-shaped structure. The buildings mirror a partly cloudy sky, while nearby architecture artistically frames the scene.
    The Marina Bay Sands from below.
  • Rows of vibrant red Chinese lanterns hang in the air, adorned with black characters and yellow tassels. Set against Singapores iconic skyscrapers and lush trees under a cloudy sky, the scene exudes a festive urban atmosphere.
    Chinatown Singapore.
  • Low-angle view of a Hindu temple tower in Singapore, adorned with colorful statues and intricate carvings against a cloudy sky. The structure features detailed depictions of deities and figures, with a bustling street scene at the base.
    Little India Singapore.
  • The image captures the iconic Merlion statue in Singapore, gracefully spouting water. In the backdrop, modern skyscrapers like Marina Bay Sands and the ArtScience Museum stand tall under a partly cloudy sky.
    The Merlion.
  • View from a riverside dock in Singapore with metal steps leading to the water. Across the river, Clarke Quays colorful buildings, trees, and boats create a vibrant scene. A life preserver is attached to the railing on the left.
    Boat Quay.
  • A smiling couple sits at a restaurant table with menus, enjoying a view of the Singapore cityscape through large windows. The woman, with short dark hair in a sleeveless top, and the man, sporting a shaved head, beard, and tattooed arms, are immersed in their urban dining experience.
    Two awesome PCT hikers who showed me a great time.
  • A pair of large illuminated wings and a halo are displayed on a stand overlooking Singapores waterfront. The wings glow blue and white, set against the night sky with city lights shimmering in the background.

    The light art exhibition going on around the bay.

  • Sunset view of Singapore Marina Bay with the iconic Merlion statue in the foreground, spouting water gracefully. In the background, Marina Bay Sands hotel looms with its distinctive boat-shaped rooftop. This scene remains one of my favorite photos from 2016.
    The Merlion and the Marina Bay Sands at sunrise.
  • Two shiny, metallic panda sculptures sit on a grassy area in Singapore, with the iconic Marina Bay Sands building visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
    Shiny pandas.
  • Spacious indoor food market with high ceilings and ornate green metal beams reminiscent of Singapores architecture. Empty marble tables and wooden stools fill the center, surrounded by food stalls. Illuminated signs display menu options. The area appears clean and inviting.
    Grabbing a feed at a local hawker center.
  • Aerial view of Singapores iconic Gardens by the Bay, where two grand glass conservatories and futuristic Supertree structures rise amidst lush greenery, with the bustling cityscape and numerous ships dotting the distant sea.
    Looking down on the Gardens by the Bay from the Marina Bay Sands.
  • A rooftop infinity pool in Singapore features people swimming and lounging on chairs. The skyline of the city, with its tall buildings and a hazy sky, stretches in the background, while palm trees line one side of the pool deck.
    I wasn’t supposed to be here. The pool atop the Marina Bay Sands.
  • From a boat on the Singapore River, you can see blue water and a frothy wake in the foreground. The horizon showcases lush green trees against a backdrop of partly cloudy skies.
    On the boat to Pulau Ubin.
  • A bustling bicycle rental shop in Singapore features numerous bikes parked outside. A large bilingual sign offers a basket and lock rental with each bicycle. Stalls with colorful umbrellas dot the background, surrounded by lush trees, adding to the vibrant scene.
    Renting a bike Pulau Ubin (an island to the north of the city) – worth it.
  • Multiple security cameras mounted on a pillar outside a building near a Telok Ayer station sign capture the vibrant night scene in Singapore, where the area buzzes with life under bright lights.
    CCTV everywhere. Everywhere.
  • The illuminated Supertree structures at night in Singapores Gardens by the Bay glow with vibrant purple, pink, and green lights. These towering tree-like sculptures stand majestically against the dark sky, with a walkway elegantly winding between them.

    The Garden Rhapsody Light Show at the Gardens by the Bay as performed by the Supertrees.

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