Posted by: Nicola Lyndem
In December 2024, my family and I had the chance to travel to Singapore for the first time. It was my first overseas trip in quite a while, and I was so excited that I felt a bit overwhelmed from all the anticipation. Singapore exceeded my expectations, and I instantly fell in love with this vibrant, modern city. There’s a small voice in my head even as I am writing this, that keeps telling me I need to return back someday.
During our trip, we stayed at the Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel, located at 50 E Coast Rd, Roxy Square, Singapore 428769. The hotel is conveniently just a 2-minute walk from the Marine Parade MRT station.
What I loved about the Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel:
Prime Location: The hotel is perfectly situated near Marine Parade MRT station, making it easy to explore the city. 🚶🚆
Extensive Breakfast Buffet: The breakfast buffet offered a wide variety of options, including fresh toast with selections of jams and spreads, hot chocolate, coffee, and an array of dishes catering to different tastes. 😋
Plenty of Dining Options Nearby: The hotel is surrounded by numerous restaurants offering Indian, Continental, and Chinese cuisines, so you’ll never run out of choices for meals. 😮
The Itinerary:
Day 1: Sentosa Basics
Cable Car Ride: We started our journey with a cable car ride from Mt. Faber Peak to Sentosa Island—an unforgettable way to enter Sentosa. The aerial views of the island were simply breathtaking!
Madame Tussauds Singapore: This iconic museum surprised me with its diverse range of wax figures, reflecting Singapore's rich cultural mix. From global political leaders to stars in movies, sports, and music, it was fascinating to see such an international showcase.
Wings of Time: Our evening ended with the mesmerizing Wings of Time show. Set against the sea, it combined advanced technology, storytelling, and stunning visuals, creating an unforgettable sensory experience. It was the perfect way to wind down the day.
Day 2: Sands Sky Park and Gardens by the Bay
At the Sands Sky Park Observation Deck, I enjoyed stunning panoramic views of Singapore's skyline, including iconic landmarks like Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay, all from the unique "ship-shaped" rooftop of Marina Bay Sands. I spent time capturing breathtaking photos, soaking in the city's vibrant energy, and sipping a refreshing drink at the rooftop bar while watching the sunset bathe the cityscape in golden light—a truly unforgettable experience that offered a bird's-eye view of this dynamic city.
Visiting Gardens by the Bay for the first time was absolutely mesmerizing. Walking into the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome felt like stepping into Pandora, with so much beauty to take in. The indoor waterfall added a calming vibe, and the cool interior was a welcome break from the day's earlier activities. We stayed until nightfall to witness the gardens transform into a magical, illuminated wonderland.
Day 3: Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore was a must-visit destination and an incredible experience for my family and me. It was our first time at USS, and we had so much fun enjoying the rides together—true family travel goals! The park has something for everyone, young or old, with rides and attractions catering to all age groups. After all the excitement, we enjoyed the convenience of having plenty of restaurants inside to refuel and keep the fun going.
Mandatory shot at Universal Studios globe.
If you’re not up for the rides and have already watched all the shows but still have time to spare, take a leisurely stroll around Universal Studios Singapore. Explore its vibrant themed zones and discover picturesque spots perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy photos. The park’s unique ambiance and creative backdrops make it a photographer’s paradise!
Day 4: Singapore Zoo
Visiting Singapore Zoo was a top priority for me, and it exceeded all expectations! It felt like stepping back into my 8-year-old self—we couldn’t resist grabbing an ice cream and excitedly exploring every exhibit.
Our 5-year-old and 3-year-old had an amazing time, completely captivated by the animals and the overall experience.
The zoo showcased an incredible variety of wildlife, but the giraffes and Gharial crocodile stood out. The giraffes, Tiny and Teeny, were majestic with their elegant, patterned coats. The Gharial crocodile was enormous and had an almost otherworldly, prehistoric appearance—it was beautifully eerie, especially with its sly smile.
A tropical thunderstorm added some excitement to our day. Thankfully, the Safari bus came to the rescue, offering a dry and convenient way to explore the zoo, stopping at major attractions for just SGD 5 per person. When it was time to eat, we enjoyed delicious shakes and coffee at Ah Meng Restaurant.
Another highlight was feeding the enormous tortoises, which fascinated both kids and adults. Singapore Zoo is truly unique, appealing to visitors of all ages, and I’d recommend dedicating a full day to experience everything it has to offer!
After the Zoo: Bubble Planet at Singapore Expo
Following our visit to Singapore Zoo, we headed to Bubble Planet at the Singapore Expo, and it was an absolute delight! The attraction features 11 themed areas filled with dazzling light projections, illusions, and visual tricks.
One of the standout experiences was the Infinity Room, with its mind-boggling illusions that left us all amazed. The Virtual Reality Room brought a magical bubble planet to life, while the LED Room offered a mysterious underwater world to explore.
There were also plenty of tactile experiences to enjoy. We had fun jumping into an ocean of bubbles in the Bubble Ocean Room and diving into the Bubble Bath Pit. The Giant Bubble Dome was particularly mesmerizing, with vibrant colors and distorted shapes that added to the sense of wonder.
In addition to all these incredible visual experiences, there were sketching activities and bubble-themed shows to keep us entertained. It was a perfect spot for the whole family to have fun and let our imaginations run wild!
Day 5: Departure.
Although our trip to Singapore was brief, it left us with so many wonderful memories and an even stronger desire to return. There’s so much more of this vibrant city we still want to explore. On our next visit, we hope to wander down Orchard Street, soaking in its lively atmosphere and world-class shopping. We’re also eager to visit the iconic Merlion, a symbol of Singapore, and marvel at its striking presence by the waterfront.
Additionally, Bird Paradise is high on our list, as we’d love to experience its incredible collection of avian life and lush surroundings. Another must-see for us is the Singapore Flyer, where we can take in breathtaking panoramic views of the city from above. There’s a sense of excitement just thinking about all the places we didn’t get to see this time. Singapore has so much to offer, and we can’t wait to come back and discover even more of its charm.
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