Exploring Singapore – Day 2 Adventures

Day 2 in Singapore – Friendship, Discovery, and the Soul of a City

My second day in Singapore began with an unusual calm. I woke up early, the morning light gently streaming through the hostel window. After a refreshing shower, I tidied up my bed and got ready for the day. Breakfast was simple — just a slice of toast with honey and a glass of warm milk — but it was enough to fuel the excitement that I sensed was waiting for me outside.

As I was finishing my breakfast in the hostel’s common area, I met a guy from Nepal. Unfortunately, I forgot his name — I’ve always been a bit weak when it comes to remembering names — but our conversation quickly turned into a genuine connection. He told me he was in Singapore trying to get a student visa appointment for the USA. It was interesting to hear about the challenges he was facing; apparently, getting an appointment from Nepal was quite difficult. What started as a casual chat turned into a friendship, and since he had already been in Singapore for a few days, he kindly offered to show me around.

Having a local companion (or at least someone familiar with the place) meant I could make the most of my time without wandering aimlessly. Our first stop was the iconic Marina Bay area. We didn’t go directly to the famous Marina Bay Sands towers — instead, we stood on the opposite side to witness the majestic Merlion, the half-lion, half-fish statue that’s one of Singapore’s most beloved landmarks. Water gushed from its mouth into the bay, sparkling in the sun. It was both powerful and poetic — a symbol of the city’s blend of tradition and modernity.

Next, we walked to the Old Parliament House, one of the oldest buildings in Singapore. It now serves as an arts and heritage venue. Inside, we explored a museum that held fragments of the country's past — an old prison cell, preserved Supreme Court chambers, a charming little library, and artifacts that told stories of colonization, independence, and cultural evolution. It was humbling to walk through rooms where history had been made.

Hunger eventually caught up with us, and we found a small South Indian restaurant that was both affordable and absolutely delicious. The aroma of spices, the crunch of crispy dosa, and the warmth of the sambhar created a perfect midday treat. One of the beautiful things about Singapore is how it embraces diverse cultures, and that diversity truly shows in its food.

After lunch, we walked toward Arab Street, a vibrant area filled with color, culture, and calm. We entered a mosque for the afternoon prayer — and for a moment, it felt like time had paused. The atmosphere was peaceful, spiritual, and grounding. I could feel the essence of Singapore, not just as a tourist destination but as a living, breathing home to many cultures and beliefs.

Next, we hopped on the metro (which, by the way, is incredibly clean and efficient) to see the Singapore National Stadium. Unfortunately, it was closed to visitors at that time. But we didn’t let that dampen our spirits — instead, we headed straight for what turned out to be one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever been: Gardens by the Bay.

Imagine a futuristic forest, filled with towering “Supertrees,” glowing pathways, and gardens from every part of the world — that’s Gardens by the Bay. The botanical gardens were a masterpiece of design and nature, blending sustainability with beauty in a way that left me speechless. I felt like I had stepped into another world.

As the sun started to set, my friend from Nepal decided to head back, but I wasn’t done yet. I went to the iconic Marina Bay Sands towers — the three buildings connected at the top by what looks like a giant ship in the sky. I bought a ticket to the SkyPark Observation Deck, and when I got to the top, my jaw dropped.

The city stretched out below me like a sea of lights. I could see the harbor, the domes of the Gardens, the winding roads, and the skyline — everything shimmering under the purple-orange evening sky. It was a view I will never forget. For a moment, I just stood there, completely lost in the beauty of the scene.

Coming down, I somehow took a wrong turn and got lost. But perhaps getting lost in such a safe and fascinating city isn’t such a bad thing. After wandering for a bit, I thankfully found my way back to the hostel. My legs were tired, my phone was full of pictures, and my heart was full of memories.

Day 2 in Singapore wasn’t just about places — it was about people, culture, history, and the unexpected friendships and discoveries that make travel so magical. I went to sleep that night feeling grateful — for the city, for the new friend, and for the privilege of exploring a corner of the world so alive with meaning.