Finally Singapore!!
I am sure all of us have ever heard about Singapore, haven´t you? Small but one of the wealthiest and most expensive countries on the world! It´s actually city-state located in the Southeast Asia, at the southern tip of Malay peninsula. Singapore used to be under power of the UK, during WWII occupied by Japan and gained independence in 1965 (of Malaysia).
Now, Singapore is well-known as a one of Asian Tigers due to its developed economy and its growth and is every year among the first richest countries.
...so, no doubts that I wanted to be in this state! At least for a few hours.
Singapore was not actually in my plan initially, but.....
When planning my trip, I knew that the next destination after Jakarta will be Bangkok. But when I was checking flight connections, one other possibility has appearead. I could choose either to fly directly from Jakarta to Bangkok OR to have a 7-hour-layover in Singapore. Layover was approx. from midday till 8pm. I only had to ask my Thai friend if she is able to pick me up few hours later. As soon as she approved that, I was excited to book flight CGK - SIN - BKK!!
Singapore, here I am!
Flight was quite fast and I landed on time. I read that if I have more then 5 hours layover, I can use free-city-tour!! I was super excited! But you know, I did not read the arcticle till the end. It was written there that you have to apply for it personally before going through immigration office. I did not know it!!! So when I passed immigration and passport control I was looking for city tour office with a big smile! But they told me I should have stopped by the city tour office before control and there is no way to get back now! I was speechless at that moment. The only thing they told me was: "Sir, we are looking forward to your next visit in Singapore". SH*T!
Well, I still had 6-7 hours, so I asked at least for possibilities to go to CC and to see Marina Bay sands, Garden by the bay and other places worth seeing. I have to frankly say, that I have never been on more modern aiport and haven´t got in touch with so nice, kind and pleasant staff! Carpet in terminals, waterways, free PC´s with internet connection, plenty of sockets, everything (food, toilets, information, public transport) nearby, fresh air, fast control, great density of important signs. So finding a right connection was really easy.
Already the trains indicated high level of living strandard. My first destination was the biggest attraction for me - The Marina Bay sands- one of he most luxurious and well-known five start hotel in the world (more than 2500 rooms) made of three towers connected by roof with swimming pool. I had to change the connection once, but still I was not sure whether I arrived well. So I was looking for the nearest exit gate in order to look around, because the hotel is visible from far away. Something really funny happened to me that time. As I said, I found the nearest exit from underground, so I found myself on some street in CC. I was looking around and I simply could not see the hotel, only business buildings, stores etc. But then, and do not laugh at me, just lifted my head and saw this huge and megalomaniac building!! I was standing there with open mouth and stared at this hotel in amazement!! I was right before it! Then it was a piece of cake to find an entrance. Surely I wanted to go up and see its biggest attraction - roof-top swimming pool (the highest one). The ticket was around 23 USD. Elevator was super quick, no wonder.....Before describing the place and the view I have to mention that I felt so great on one hand, but soooo bad on the other hand! Why? Because I was surely the poorest and the worst-dressed person, who has ever visited Marina Bay Sands! I know I was a traveller and had only one suitcase for 30 days, but still it was kinda weird to be dressed in normal shorts, T-shirt and sneakers and and the same time to see those rich people. By the way, I can not even describe how rich people were there. You could just see the most luxusious outfit, cars, accessories from the most famous fashion brands.
The Marina Bay Sands Hotel Infinity pool is limited only to hotel guests (one night in worth of USD 1000). So I could "only" access the observation deck, which is very popular tourist attraction and is accessible to the public. As soon as the elevator stopped, I was almost running on the observatinon desk as I was looking forward to it as never before. ".........................................". Exactly like that, totally speechless and amazed! Astonishing view on Singapore skyline and surrounding areas. Fortunately, it was nice weather so I could see far away (the harbour, houses, sea...). The observation deck is well-built. You can see almost 360view. Besides the view and the pool, there are bars and restaurants on top and some souvenirs shop (I bought a T-shirt!). Moreover, there is a skypark on the top! I was amazed the most by the skyline (skyscrapers) and the Gardens by the Bay. Astonishing view! I was taking hundreds of pics and videos so let´s enjoy them together :)
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| Lamborghini! |
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| Lobby of the hotel |
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| Lobby of the hotel |
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| Lobby of the hotel |
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| Lobby of the hotel |
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| Lobby of the hotel |
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| Not my pic - Lobby of the hotel |
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| Not my pic - shopping mall |
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| Not my pic - Infinity pool |
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| Not my pic - Marina Bay Sands hotel |
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Amazed by the hotel, view, wealth, rich people and cleanness I was slowly going to the airport to catch my plane to my last destanation - Thailand!
Although my stay in Singapore was quite short, I am very happy I could have a possibility to be and enjoy my spare time in this super-modern state. These emotions were even bigger, because, as you know, initially I should have not visited Singapore. Hope to spend more time in this beautiful city some day in the future. But now........Thailand!!!
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