October 2 2017

The fantastic metropole of Singapore

Tobias Stricker Travel Log Ce La Vie, Marina Bay Sands, Reunion, Sentosa, Singapore, Singapore Zoo

Reunion in one of the most western melting-pots of Asia– Travel log no. 96

I arrived early on Tuesday morning excited to meet Johan again. My first contact with Singaporean culture I had on the bus station. A really friendly old man paid my bus ticket and explained me the system and ways of his small country. Following that I was very well prepared to discover the rest for myself.

Marina by the bay, Singapore — At first I checked out the Marina Bay Sands Hotel before I met up with Johan.

Ships, Singapore — The view of the city skyline is impressive but just in front of Singapore is another city in itself. Thousands of ships are anchored and waiting to be reloaded.

Sentosa, Singapore — Never the less there are still places where you can enjoy some beach atmosphere like here in Sentosa.

Finally I met up with Johan and together with his roommate we checked out the Singapore Zoo.

Tiger, Singapore Zoo — A white tiger is testing the water before taking a swim. Definitely one of the animals you won’t find in the wild (anymore).

The next morning we went to the Central Water Catchment park for a hike.

Track, Singapore — The track is surrounding a huge water reservoir.

Tree Top Walk, Singapore — One of the highlights is the Tree-Top Walk.

Outlook, Singapore — After 15 km of hiking we were pretty tired though. The group left to right, Tobi, Stephen, Johan and Matt

Singapore has a lot to offer. Besides the Asian cultures you can find shops and restaurants from all over the world. Walking along the Boat Quay street in the city center you could mistake the place for being an American city. It might feel a little bit fake if you go to Singapore with the expectation of seeing Asian culture only. Never the less it is definitely a place worth staying for a while. On the last day Johan and I explored one of the most popular parts of the city. The Marina by the bay.

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore — The Gardens by the Bay. This beautiful park is located right in between the ocean and the big hotel.

Garden by the Bay, Singapore — The light is breaking through the mushroom pillars of the park.

Johan Singapore — Furthermore Johan in a different light.

CBD, Singapore — A view on the central business district on the horizon.

Ce La Vie, Singapore — We made it up to the Ce La Vie a rooftop bar on the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore — The cover charge is $20 but comes with a voucher in the equivalent amount. Definitely not the worst spot to watch the sunset.

Reunion, Singapore — Reunion accomplished.

Boats, Singapore — Another view from the city next to the city. The lights shine bright of the boats on the ocean.

With a heavy heart I left Singapore. Not only because I had to leave my friend Johan behind, but also because I was flying back to Europe after an amazing time in South East Asia. Only one stop remained: Exploring the cradle of western civilization.