We arrived at Changi Airport around 2 a.m. and headed to our hotel, Park Avenue Changi, which was a quick 10-minute drive away. Even at such a late hour, we were able to easily grab a ride via Grab, making our transfer a breeze. After unpacking, we were pleased with the spacious hotel room and quickly fell into a restful sleep.
A Dim Sum Delight: A Taste of Local Flavors
The next morning, we checked out at 11 a.m. and headed to a nearby dim sum restaurant for a late breakfast. This spot also has a location in Chinatown, but it’s known to be incredibly busy, so we were lucky to find one close to the hotel. As we dined, we observed local Chinese families celebrating the Lunar New Year, immersing us in the festive atmosphere.
The dim sum itself was extraordinary. Each piece was bursting with flavor and texture—particularly a crispy shrimp roll with a delicate rice flour wrap that had a perfect balance of crunch and softness. The mushroom bao, filled with truffle-scented mushrooms, left a strong impression. To complete the experience, we enjoyed Hong Kong-style milk tea and rice noodle rolls, which brought a slice of Hong Kong to our breakfast table.
Checking into Duxton Reserve: A Stylish Stay
Later, we moved to our next hotel, Duxton Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection. From the exterior, it looked sleek and sophisticated, but the interior was even more impressive—modern, monochrome, with a boutique-style ambiance. At check-in, the staff kindly allowed us to register early and even upgraded our room. To our delight, we were given access to the lounge, where we could enjoy complimentary cocktails.
The room itself reflected the upgrade—a chic, well-designed space. The layout was unique, with the bed, shower, and toilet spread across two levels. After settling in, we relaxed before heading to Gardens by the Bay.
Gardens by the Bay: Nature and Art in Harmony
Our first stop was the Flower Dome, which houses a vast array of plants from regions like South America and South Africa. I was amazed by the scale of the temperature and humidity control required to maintain such a diverse collection. We also admired a special exhibition celebrating 35 years of Singapore-China friendship, which sparked some lighthearted conversation between my husband and me, as we realized we were both the same age.
What truly stood out, however, was the integration of art and digital technology in the exhibits. One installation left me thinking deeply, especially the message: “What you feel—sound, scent—is truth.” Even though I was only looking at colors, I felt an almost tangible connection to the artwork. It was a powerful reminder of how art transcends the visual.
Next, we visited the Cloud Forest, which left us in awe with its waterfall and lush greenery. The multi-level display allowed us to see how different plants thrive in varying climates. Beyond the flora, there were exhibits exploring humanity’s relationship with nature, sparking my interest in Singapore’s approach to sustainability. I couldn’t help but wonder if other countries could replicate this sophisticated technology.
Dinner with a View: Sky Dining in the Cable Car
That evening, my husband suggested a romantic dinner, and we ended up having it in the sky—literally! We dined in a cable car as it traveled between Sentosa Island and the mainland. The Cable Car Sky Dining experience offers a private, intimate setting with panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline while enjoying a full-course meal. We savored lobster and Wagyu beef, each bite enhanced by the thrill of dining in a moving cable car. For those seeking a unique date experience, I highly recommend it.
While our reservation was at 6 p.m., we boarded around 6:30, which meant we ate before sunset. If you want to enjoy the city lights, I suggest booking a later time. Personally, I found it delightful to have the meal in the soft, natural light and then admire the night skyline after.
A Chic Cocktail Bar and Late-Night Chinatown Exploration
After dinner, we headed to a stylish bar my husband had found. The atmosphere was cozy and reminiscent of a Japanese izakaya, with wooden accents and shoji-inspired interiors. The cocktails featured Japanese gin and whiskey, and the food included tempura and other Japanese dishes. I had a creamy melon cocktail with a hint of sakura, while my husband tried a gin-based cocktail with a twist of tequila and plum flavors. Both drinks were uniquely delicious, and the ambiance made it a perfect place to unwind.
Finally, we ventured to Chinatown, where shops were still open well past 10 p.m. We found a cute souvenir shop and picked up a few keepsakes. For dinner, we visited Old Chengdu Sichuan Cuisine Restaurant, a place recommended by my husband. The dry pot cabbage (干锅包菜) was outstanding and quickly became one of his favorites. The seasoning was uniquely flavorful, and the spice level—a nod to Sichuan’s culinary heritage—was just right.
Wrapping Up the Day
We ended our evening well past 11 p.m., already anticipating tomorrow’s plans to explore more of Singapore’s vibrant city life. Time for a restful night before another exciting day ahead!
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