Exploring Mandi & Parashar Lake: A
Nov 15, 2024
Author – Samiksha Khanduri
In 2022, we embarked on an exciting international adventure to Singapore, with my husband taking the reins of most of the planning. I quickly discovered that true travel wisdom is given during the journey itself. We had pre-booked our hotels for a 10-day itinerary, We received our visa just a few days before our departure, prompting a flurry of packing. Visiting Singapore in December offered a delightful escape from the Indian winter, with its blend of warm summer vibes and occasional drizzles. We boarded our flight on the evening of the 5th, embarking on a journey that included a layover in Malaysia, landing in Singapore at 10:00 AM after about five hours of travel. The first immigration check was surprisingly smooth, and upon arriving at Changi Airport, we quickly realized it was a destination in itself, showcasing stunning visuals of the city that set the tone for our adventure.
After arriving, we boarded a bus from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 to visit “The Jewel,” a stunning nature-themed complex that features the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. The sight was breathtaking, surrounded by a terraced forest and the Shiseido Forest Valley, an indoor garden that spans five stories. We were captivated by the Canopy Park and the Changi Airport Skytrain, which glided above the waterfall, offering passengers an up-close view of the lush indoor gardens. With our bags in tow, we leisurely strolled through this remarkable man-made marvel, utterly enchanted by its sheer magnificence.
The bar was set high right from the start, as the airport experience elevated our excitement for the trip. From The Jewel, we hopped on the metro to Somerset Station and then took a short walk to our hotel on Orchard Road. Navigating the streets of Singapore was a delight; the impeccable roads and traffic management left no room for flaws. Our hotel featured a panoramic window overlooking Orchard Road, tempting us to relax indoors until the sky turned dark. We had plans to meet friends for dinner at Cuppage Plaza, just a short stroll away, where we immersed ourselves in the vibrant nightlife, soaking in the lively atmosphere of the city.
At night, the streets of Singapore transform into a dazzling spectacle, surpassing the city’s daytime charm. The locals emerge to embrace the vibrant energy, singing and pouring their hearts into the lively atmosphere. For me, this was the key takeaway from Day 1: life here is not just about existing; it’s about celebrating every moment. This is the essence of Singapore—where hard work meets a grand lifestyle, and every night feels like a festival of life.
The next morning, we took our time and set off around 11 AM, ready to celebrate our first wedding anniversary in true Singaporean style. We began our day with breakfast at MOS Burger, a Japanese chain on Orchard Road that employs a self-service kiosk concept, reflecting Singapore’s efficiency and the value placed on time. After breakfast, we hopped on the metro from Somerset Station to Raffles Place, the heart of Singapore’s financial district. The stunning architecture of the buildings caught our eye; they weren’t just workspaces but beautifully designed structures that made the work environment feel inspiring and vibrant.
We strolled through the streets of Raffles Place, named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, while enjoying a cup of Kopi C—a true delight for coffee lovers. From Raffles Place, it was just a 10-minute walk to the iconic Merlion, facing Marina Bay. As we made our way along the river, we marveled at the vibrant life surrounding us, with the stunning Marina Bay Sands building dominating the skyline. The Merlion statue soon came into view, its unique half-lion, half-fish form spouting water from its mouth. This mythical creature serves as Singapore’s mascot, symbolizing its origins as a fishing village and representing the name “Singapura,” which means “Lion City” in Sanskrit.
We walked further to Boat Quay, hosting a series of restaurants around the river side where we savored a delicious meal under the warm afternoon sun. With our bellies full, we continued our journey on foot, crossing Cavenagh Bridge to reach the Singapore Flyer. It was a delightful afternoon that seamlessly transitioned into evening as we explored the skywalk at Gardens by the Bay. The skywalk provided a breathtaking 15-minute experience, allowing us to take in the city’s iconic landmarks illuminated at night, each one sparkling like a diamond against the darkening sky.
While it might be a bit touristy, the evening walk from the Marina Bay Convention Centre to the Helix Bridge is truly worth it. As we approached our final destination, the sight of this architectural marvel drew us in. At night, the bridge comes alive with illumination, accentuating its stunning double helix design and offering a captivating experience for pedestrians and cyclists alike. With four viewing points, the bridge provides panoramic vistas of the Singapore skyline, and the vibrant projections over the Science Art Museum which enchanted everyone, from curious five-year-olds to seasoned senior citizens.
We wrapped up our Big Day with a takeaway meal from City Hall MRT, easing the tourist anxiety we had felt on Orchard Road. Little did we know that our evening was about to elevate our experience even further. The delicious Chinese meal we enjoyed in the hotel transported us to a culinary paradise, leaving us in a delightful food coma. This indulgence set the stage for a restful night, ensuring we were recharged and ready for Day 2!
Day 3 began with light drizzles, and we patiently waited for the rain to pass. Our destination for the day was Sentosa Island, promising a perfect beach day. What’s unique about Singaporean beaches is that they are man-made, with sand imported from neighboring Southeast Asian countries, as much of the original coastline was altered for harbor construction. We took the metro to Harborfront, where we set out to explore Sentosa Island, featuring a 2 km sheltered beach and the vibrant Resort World Sentosa, home to Universal Studios of Singapore. From the theme park, we hopped on a complimentary monorail that whisked us directly to Siloso Beach, setting the stage for a day of sun and fun.
A drizzly beach day can be a challenge, but we found joy at the water show “Wings of Time.” With few fellow travelers around, we huddled under an umbrella, enjoying hot dogs while watching the mesmerizing musical and dance performance of water. It felt like an intimate concert just for us. After the show, the rain gods showed some mercy, and we made our way to the bus stop for Palawan Beach, just 1.5 km from Siloso. The free beach shuttle whisked us to our next destination in no time. Crossing a pirate-themed bridge, we headed towards the viewing decks at the southern tip of Sentosa, eager to explore more.
Visitors to Palawan Beach can either bring their own picnic supplies or easily pick up beach essentials at the on-site Seven-Eleven store. The beach caters to all ages, with shallow waters perfect for those who might be hesitant about swimming, like me. From the viewing deck, we enjoyed stunning views of the distant shores of Indonesia and nearby islands. As we soaked in the scenery, savoring drinks by the beach amidst the gentle drizzle, we eventually made our way back to Siloso Beach. Although the rain continued, a brief dry spell on our return created just the right atmosphere to return to the hotel.
These three days satisfied our appetite for the quintessential tourist experiences in Singapore. For those who are planning to visit Singapore in December, the destinations covered by us are some must see attractions which will be your ultimate guide while traveling in Singapore.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Nonstop flight from Delhi to Singapore takes about 6 hours. Enjoy a smooth journey as you travel from Indira Gandhi International Airport to Singapore Changi Airport!
Indigo: 9:15 AM – 5:45 PM
Air India: 11:15 PM – 7:30 AM
Air India: 12:55 PM – 9:45 PM
2. Accommodation type & Highlights: Free WiFi, Non-smoking rooms, On-site restaurant, Outdoor pool, Fitness center, Business center
3.) Places to Eat
4.) Local transport options:Orchard Road, Singapore’s famous shopping district, offers convenient
1. MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
2. Buses
3. Taxis and Ride-Sharing
4. Walking
5. Bicycle Rentals
Summary
Orchard Road is easily accessible and well-connected, making it simple to navigate and enjoy all the shopping and dining it has to offer!
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