When I started on this writing I looked up what the city/country we are in. Apparently Singapore is just Singapore. However the official name is The Republic of Singapore. Who knew?!!
Our stop here was a short one so we opted to see the Gardens by the Bay, a large flower/garden attraction.
In ecoWise Marina Power, they convert the waste material into energy.
By using renewable energy source, they reduce 13,280 tons of COz emission annually.
Our adventure began at the Flower Fantasy, a whimsical exhibit housed within cooled conservatories which was a welcome relief! By the time we reached this exhibit we were all drenched from the extreme humidity. Stepping inside was like entering a living fairytale, with vibrant blooms cascading from biodomes where many flowers and plants were growing upside down with fantastical floral sculptures lining the paths of our walkways.
There was even a waterfall depicting a rainforest around the colorful poison dart frogs. So many different flowers but my favorite were the orchids. The fun part of this area was a 4D ride through the park and beautiful flowers, butterflies and dragonflies all from our seat in an air conditioned theater.
These flower displays weren’t always here though. The concept for Gardens by the Bay itself is relatively new, born in the early 2000s from Singapore’s vision to transform itself into a city that thrives in harmony with nature. Landscape architects were tasked with creating a destination that would not only be beautiful but also sustainable and contribute to the city’s ecological well-being.
Next, we walked up to the OCBC Skyway, an elevated walkway offering panoramic views of the Supertree Grove. These towering “trees” are not just works of art, they’re vertical gardens equipped with solar panels that contribute to the park’s energy needs. The idea behind the Supertrees was to create a biomimicry solution, mimicking natural ecosystems and incorporating sustainable practices. The trees are so unique and interesting, yet a sense of beauty as well.
Speaking of stunning views, no Singapore visit is complete without conquering the heights of the Marina Bay Observatory. At the very top (67 floors) of the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel, this observatory boasts a rich history along with its extraordinary views of the city below.
Construction began in 2008 alongside the rest of the integrated resort, and upon its completion in 2010, it quickly became a major tourist attraction. The observatory’s design itself is a marvel of engineering, offering unobstructed 360-degree panoramas of the city skyline, Gardens by the Bay, and the surrounding harbor. Standing on the observation deck, we felt like we could see forever, taking in the city’s architectural wonders and the beautiful colors of the sea.
After soaking up the breathtaking views, we continued our way to a spot to grab a quick lunch before we left.
Back on the ship before our departure time, we spent the evening with friends at the pool reminiscing about our day and watching stow away pigeons wander around the ship. They’ve been with us since Vietnam. Guess the free ride and free food are good for them too! Leaving the port we were all a little sad that we couldn’t leave after dark. The lights of Singapore are the best thing about this city.
So I don’t have a whole lot to say about this city/country as we only learned about the park and the hotel.
However, I hope you enjoy the photos and here are the top 5 things NOT to do in Singapore!
- Don’t Chew Gum – illegal
- Don’t Walk Around Naked or Look at Porn, Even in Private – illegal
- Don’t Forget to Flush – will be fined
- Don’t Litter – will be fined
- Don’t Smoke in Public- will be fined
- And these are JUST PLAIN RUDE!
- Don’t Finger Point
- Don’t Show the bottoms of your Feet
- Don’t Bring Up Religion or Politics
We hope to visit again someday. Our next stop is Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.
May God Bless you always!
Chuck Ames Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 