Neon Nights and Garden Lights; Singapore

I touched down in Singapore on February 18th, 2026, swapping London’s winter for the sticky humidity of SE Asia The timing couldn’t have been better—it was Chinese New Year, and the entire city felt alive with color, celebration, and energy.

I checked into the Mondrian Singapore Duxton, perfectly located right on the edge of Chinatown. It turned out to be the ideal base: everything felt within reach, and the streets around the hotel were buzzing day and night with lanterns, music, and the hum of festivities.

One of the best decisions I made was to explore the city almost entirely on foot. Singapore is incredibly walkable, and every neighborhood seems to shift personality within a few streets. In Chinatown, I wandered through markets and temples, including the stunning Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, where intricate details and the scent of incense created a calm contrast to the lively streets outside.

From there, I made my way to Little India, which felt like stepping into a completely different world—bright colors, rich spices in the air, and a constant rhythm of activity. Not long after, I found myself hunting down street art scattered across the city—murals tucked into alleyways and splashed across entire buildings, each telling its own story.

Some of my favorite streets were around the Kampong Glam area. Haji Lane and nearby streets like Bussorah Street and Muhammad Ali Lane were packed with personality—independent shops, bold graffiti, and cozy cafés. The Arab Quarter had a distinct charm too, with the golden dome of the Sultan Mosque anchoring the area and giving it a strong cultural identity.

For a bit of greenery and a slower pace, I headed to Fort Canning Park. It’s hard to believe such a peaceful, lush space exists right in the middle of the city. It offered a quiet break from the constant movement and a chance to just take it all in.

Of course, no trip to Singapore is complete without seeing Marina Bay Sands. I hopped on the MRT for that one, trading my walking shoes for a quick and efficient metro ride. The Gardens by the Bay were just as impressive as expected—especially the Cloud Forest, which felt like stepping into another planet with its misty air, towering indoor waterfall, and lush vertical gardens. I also caught the Jurassic World exhibition, which was unexpectedly fun, and the installations throughout the area were genuinely world-class. The Cloud Forest felt almost surreal, with its misty atmosphere, towering indoor waterfall, and dense greenery. After that, I headed into the Flower Dome, which had been transformed for Chinese New Year with a “Year of the Horse” display—beautifully arranged florals mixed with festive installations that made it feel both cultural and artistic.

As the evening set in, I made my way up to the Supertree Grove skywalk. Walking along the elevated bridge as the city lit up around me was something special, but the real highlight was staying for the 8:00pm light show. Watching the trees come alive with music and color against the night sky was one of those moments that just sticks with you.

The next day was all about switching gears—from cultural exploring to pure fun. I headed out to Universal Studios Singapore on Sentosa Island, catching the monorail over the bay. Every ride, every zone—I did it all. From high-speed roller coasters to immersive themed worlds, it was one of those days where you just lean into the excitement and don’t stop. A completely different pace from the day before, but just as memorable.

Looking back, what stood out most about Singapore was how seamlessly everything blends together—tradition and modernity, nature and city, calm and chaos, and so clean and safe. It’s a place where you can walk for hours and never feel bored, constantly discovering something new just around the corner.

It was vibrant, easy, and endlessly interesting—and I already know I’ll be back.

Heading out of Singapore, we went to the Jewel at Changi airport, the worlds tallest manmade indoor waterfool Epic! And puts the UK's airports to shame!