Flights

1. Taoyuan to Changi (TPE → SIN)

   • Scheduled Departure Time: 01:30 (Delayed by 43 minutes, actual departure at 02:13)
   • Scheduled Arrival Time: 06:06 (Delayed by 35 minutes, actual arrival at 06:41)
   • Total Flight Time: 4 hours 28 minutes

2. Changi to Kaohsiung (SIN → KHH)

   • Scheduled Departure Time: 18:18 (On time)
   • Scheduled Arrival Time: 22:30 (Delayed by 18 minutes, actual arrival at 22:48)
   • Total Flight Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

3. Taiwan and Singapore are in the same time zone, both at UTC+8.

Map and Itinerary

This Singapore trip offered a relatively flexible itinerary. Upon landing at Changi International Airport at 6:41 AM on the first day, we took the MRT directly to our hotel. While most hotels usually require afternoon check-in, we were fortunate to complete the process in the morning, promptly receive our room key, and freshen up. This thoughtful arrangement ensured a smooth start to the day’s activities, making the experience exceptionally pleasant.

Here is the main 4-day itinerary, which consists mostly of pre-planned activities. The overall schedule is well-organized and remarkably relaxed.

Day 1 Itinerary

After freshening up in the morning, we made our way to Chinatown for lunch, where the average cost of a meal was approximately 200 TWD. The area was bustling with shops offering festive goods, though most of the items were similar to souvenirs commonly found in Taiwan, which made them less enticing. Following a quick exploration of the area, we stopped by the nearby Ya Kun Kaya Toast to indulge in an authentic Singaporean afternoon tea experience.

In the afternoon, we took the MRT to Gardens by the Bay, a destination renowned for its breathtaking scenery. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance through an online ticketing platform. For this visit, we had already secured admission tickets for the OCBC Skyway and the Cloud Forest.

The OCBC Skyway is a skywalk suspended between two Supertrees, measuring approximately 128 meters in length and 22 meters in height. Walking the entire path takes around 15 to 30 minutes. From the skywalk, visitors can enjoy a clear view of Marina Bay’s iconic landmark, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, while overlooking the entire garden area with a stunningly expansive perspective.

The Cloud Forest, on the other hand, was my favorite attraction of the entire trip. Upon entering, you are greeted by a majestic towering waterfall that immediately creates a cool and refreshing environment. The exhibit showcases a wide variety of vegetation and orchids, with an aerial walkway weaving through the space, making visitors feel as though they are strolling through a tropical rainforest. Every corner is filled with surprises and delights.

The thoughtful design and the pleasant, refreshing atmosphere of this space make it truly hard to leave. Overall, exploring the Gardens by the Bay, at a leisurely pace, takes about 2.5 hours, with every attraction worth savoring. It comes highly recommended for any visitor.

After leaving the Gardens, we walked to Merlion Park, a journey of approximately 45 minutes. Along the way, we took short breaks at nearby shops to grab some refreshments. Upon arriving at Merlion Park, we spent about 30 minutes taking photos and soaking in the iconic atmosphere of this landmark.

Finally, we took the MRT to Song Fa Bak Kut Teh for dinner. Although there was about a 30-minute queue upon arrival, we were able to place our order in advance using our phones. Once seated, the dishes were served incredibly quickly, within just 1–2 minutes. The efficient service and delicious meal provided a perfect conclusion to the day’s itinerary.

Day 2 Itinerary

Today’s main itinerary included Mount Faber Park, S.E.A. Aquarium, and Singapore Botanic Gardens. After breakfast, we took the MRT to HarbourFront Station to prepare for the cable car ride. Unfortunately, the experience was affected by overcast skies and light rain. Mount Faber Park is a great destination for hiking, with its rich plant life and serene environment. We stayed for approximately 1.5 hours. While the park itself was beautiful, the humid and muggy weather slightly reduced the comfort of our visit. As we were leaving, the weather worsened, and it started to drizzle.

During the cable car ride, water leakage in the cabin further impacted the overall experience, making it feel less worth the cost. For future visits to Mount Faber, I would recommend opting for a bus or walking up instead. These options are not only more economical but also allow for a more immersive experience, appreciating the scenic views along the way.

At noon, we had lunch at Malaysian Food Street, located on the outskirts of Universal Studios and the S.E.A. Aquarium. The food court offered a wide variety of options at affordable prices.

In the afternoon, we visited the S.E.A. Aquarium, home to a stunning deep-sea exhibit wall that showcases diverse marine ecosystems. We spent around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the aquarium, and the experience was truly breathtaking, making it a must-visit destination.

Afterward, we headed to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which is one of the most remarkable botanical gardens I have ever visited. The garden features an extensive variety of plants, all meticulously maintained, and the vibrant blooms throughout the park were absolutely delightful. One notable aspect is that entry to the Botanic Gardens is free. We stayed for approximately 1.5 hours, thoroughly enjoying the charm of the garden, and it left me looking forward to the opportunity to visit again in the future.

In the evening, we took the MRT to Wee Nam Kee Hainanese Chicken Rice. The dishes were undeniably delicious, the staff were friendly, and the prices were reasonable. The restaurant itself was spacious and comfortable, making it a great choice for a casual meal, particularly for Chinese diners. However, there was a slight discrepancy in the location shown on Google Maps, which caused us to spend extra time finding the correct spot.

Overall, while the Hainanese chicken rice was of good quality, it wasn’t exceptional enough to warrant a special trip, especially considering that similar high-standard Hainanese chicken rice is readily available in Taiwan.

Day 3 Itinerary

The visit to the Singapore Zoo typically takes up half a day. In the morning, we took the MRT and transferred to a bus to reach the zoo, arriving close to midday. After a quick meal, we began exploring the zoo, which required approximately 4.5 hours to fully experience.

After leaving the zoo, we proceeded to visit the River Wonders. Compared to the zoo, the River Wonders is smaller in scale, with an estimated exploration time of 1 to 1.5 hours. The following are the key areas and highlights of the River Wonders:

1. Giant Panda Forest
2. Amazon Flooded Forest
3. Congo River Zone
4. Mekong River Zone
5. Flooded Forest Tunnel

The Giant Panda Forest left a particularly strong impression. Compared to panda exhibits in other regions, Singapore’s design closely mimics a natural environment, providing an exceptional viewing experience. The pandas, Kai Kai and Jia Jia, live in a comfortable, natural, and open habitat, sharing the space with red pandas. This thoughtful exhibit design not only creates a relaxed atmosphere but also offers excellent opportunities for learning and observation.

The Amazon River Quest in the park requires an additional fee of SGD 5. Since we visited on a weekday afternoon close to closing time (6:00 PM), the queue was relatively short, allowing us to board quickly. Although it is possible to rejoin the queue for another ride after finishing, the overall experience was quite brief and rushed. The number of animals visible along the route was limited, and they appeared fleetingly, making the viewing experience less engaging.

Overall, the cost-performance ratio of this attraction is relatively low. If there are other activities planned later in the itinerary, it is recommended to skip this ride to save both time and energy.

In the evening, we took the MRT to Little India, but the overall experience was less than ideal, especially regarding dining. We chose a Sri Lankan restaurant that seemed decent on Google, but the food turned out to be mediocre and disappointing in every aspect. Neither the quality of the dishes nor the overall environment met our expectations.

In summary, Little India is not a recommended destination for sightseeing or dining. Unless there is a specific reason to visit, it is advisable to skip this area entirely when planning your itinerary.

第四天行程

Day 4 Itinerary

On the final day, as there was a flight scheduled, the itinerary was kept relatively relaxed. In the morning, we visited the National Museum of Singapore, which is located near the hotel. It is recommended to allocate around 1.5 hours for the visit. Afterward, we headed to the nearby Fort Canning Park for a leisurely stroll, enjoying its natural and cultural scenery.

In the afternoon, we arrived at the airport around 2:30 PM. With a wide variety of dining options available, the airport was an ideal spot for lunch. Additionally, the Jewel Rain Vortex within Jewel Changi Airport was an unmissable attraction, providing a spectacular sight and a perfect conclusion to our Singapore trip.

Conclusion

Planning a trip to Singapore doesn’t require a rigid schedule. Compared to Japan, most activities in Singapore are flexible and adaptable. With a highly developed MRT system, itineraries can be easily adjusted on the go, making travel more relaxed and enjoyable.

In terms of dining, the average cost of eating out is approximately 11 SGD (around 266 TWD), roughly three times the cost in Taiwan.

Overall, I found Singapore to be a beautiful and well-developed country, filled with lush greenery and a vibrant urban atmosphere.

Regarding the Singapore Zoo, there are also attractions such as the Bird Paradise and the Night Safari. Initially, we planned to visit the Night Safari, but we decided against it to accommodate the potential fatigue of our companions. Reflecting on my past experience at a night safari in Thailand, where limited visibility and poor photography conditions diminished the experience, I couldn’t help but wonder if Singapore’s Night Safari might offer better design and an enhanced experience.

Finally, what remains most memorable is the expansive greenery and serene atmosphere of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. If given the chance in the future, I would undoubtedly visit again.

References

1. FlightAware ✈ Flight Tracking Map ✈ Scoot #897
2. OCBC Skyway
3. S.E.A. Aquarium Sentosa | Aquarium in Singaporehttps://www.rwsentosa.com/en/play/sea-aquarium
4. Animals & Zones - River Wonders
5. River Wonders in Singapore - information, attractions and curiosities. Guide for the trip
6. River Wonders | Mandai Wildlife Reserve
7. Kai Kai, Jia Jia & Le Le (Singapore Pandas) - Wiki.sg