Singapore Diaries: Sushil’s Journey Through the Wonders of the Lion City
Singapore had always been a place I had imagined visiting “someday” - its futuristic skyline, vibrant streets, and lush greenery calling out like a distant melody. Yet, life, as it so often does, kept putting other priorities ahead. That is until December 2022 when, during an evening of quiet conversation with our close friends, Priya and Rohan.
“What if we plan something exciting for the holidays?” Rohan suggested in an enthusiastic way.
Priya nodded, adding, “Singapore would be perfect, especially for our kid. He would love it!”
Their kid clapped his hands in excitement. “Roller coasters and aquariums?” he asked, his voice bubbling with hope.
The idea blossomed into action, and before we knew it, our tickets were booked, bags packed, and we found ourselves en route to Singapore on December 16, 2022. Each of our hearts was filled with anticipation for the adventure ahead.
First Encounter with the Wild
Landing in Singapore was a dream come true experience. As soon as we left the airport, we were fascinated to see the clean streets, orderly pace, and unique vibrancy of the city that promised new discoveries at every turn. After a warm greeting from our guide, we were ready to dive into what the Lion City had to offer.
Our first adventure: THE NIGHT SAFARI.
It was a kind of experience that made us forget the jet lag. As we boarded the tram and entered the dimly lit jungle, the kid leaned forward eagerly and whispered, “What animals will we see?”
The tram wound through habitats where the Malayan tigers prowled, elephants roamed, and leopards lounged. Everybody’s excitement was contagious
“Look, Dad! A rhino!” he exclaimed, pointing out the enormous creature as it grazed in the moonlight. But the highlight was the Fire Dance Show at the end of the safari night. The performers waved their flaming torches with flair and left us all mesmerised.
“It is just the first day, and I already love this city,” my wife said as we headed back to the hotel, her smile reflecting the excitement we all felt.
A Day of Thrills and Laughter
Our second day brought us to Universal Studios, and the excitement of the group was noticeable even before we arrived. With its bustling energy and stunning vistas, Sentosa Island set the stage perfectly for what was to come.
From the moment we stepped into the park, it was pure magic. The kid held his mother’s hand tightly as we navigated the twists and turns of the Transformers 3D Ride. His eyes were wide with a mix of fear and excitement. On the other hand, his father (also, my dearest friend) was all about the adrenaline rush of the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster. His shouts of joy echoed through the park.
“Let us go again, Bhai!” he urged, dragging me back to the queue.
But it was not all about the rides. The captivating zones like Madagascar and Far Far Away rushed us into a world of imagination. As evening fell, we were treated to the Hollywood Dreams Light-Up Parade. My wife’s face lit up with childlike wonder as costumed dancers and illuminated floats passed by. It was a long day, but the smiles on everyone’s faces made it worth every step.
Discovering the Heart of the City
The next day offered a change of pace - a chance to explore the iconic landmarks of Singapore. Standing at Merlion Park, with the mythical creature’s fountain cascading into Marina Bay, I admired the blend of tradition and modernity of the city.
We also walked across the DNA-inspired Helix Bridge, where the kid raced ahead and enjoyed its design. At Suntec City, we made wishes at the Fountain of Wealth by tossing coins and sharing hopes for the future. My wife captured it all - the shining skyscrapers, the quiet beauty of the Civic District, and the joy on everybody’s face.
For me, the best part of the city was the Singapore Flyer. As we climbed, the city revealed itself beneath us - a breathtaking panorama of Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and much more.
The Beauty of the City Continued to Unfold
Sentosa continued to charm us with its mix of fun and beauty. The cable car ride to the island was an adventure in itself, with stunning views of the harbour below. At Madame Tussauds, we posed with wax figures of celebrities and laughed at our dramatic recreations of Bollywood dance poses.
But the Wings of Time show truly stole the spotlight. As lasers, water jets, and pyrotechnics danced together to tell a story, I looked at my wife and saw tears glistening in her eyes. She was fascinated by the beauty of the show.
Moving forward, we visited Gardens by the Bay, which looked like a science fiction movie. The tall Supertrees glowed softly in the sunlight. While the Cloud Forest, with its misty walkways and cascading indoor waterfall, covered us in tranquillity. Our wives wandered through the lush greenery with quiet contentment.
The kid loved the aerial walkways, where we strolled under the Supertrees as twilight painted the sky. It was a perfect end to a day that blended wonder and peace, a reminder of how much beauty the world holds when we take the time to seek it.
Farewell, with Hearts Full of Memories
As our journey came to an end, we gathered at Marina Bay Sands for the Spectra Light and Water Show. The synchronised display of fountains, lasers, and music was a fitting finale to our adventure.
“Singapore is not just a city,” I said, watching the kid dance to the music. “It is an experience—one that we will treasure forever.”
With hearts full of memories and smiles that refused to fade, we said goodbye to the Lion City, knowing we would return someday for another chapter of its wonders.
Read More: Thrillophilia Singapore Reviews