Singapore Unveiled: Marina Bay Lights, Chinatown's Soul, Botanical Gardens, the Splendour Charm of Raffles & ALL That Jazz…
- Two's Company
- Dec 15, 2025
- 3 min read
Simply wow, what an incredible city, a place where tradition of yesterday meets a vision for tomorrow.
Two's Company arrived a little later than expected. We navigated the warm, sticky underpass of the airport, quickly securing a cab despite the busy, no-stopping mayhem. We were whisked through the glittering city and, in no time, delivered right to the back door of our hotel, we felt like a pair of celebrities trying to arrive unannounced.
Marina Bay's Morning Majesty
The next morning, we were keen to head out and experience Singapore. We had expected to wake to rain, but surprisingly, there was none, so off we went to get to know the area before our lunchtime date at the famous Raffles Hotel, home of the Singapore Sling.
Singapore wowed us from the first moment. The Arts Centre Esplanade was a stunning piece of architecture but little did we know it was to get even better.
The view across Marina Bay was incredible to say the least. Marina Bay Sands was a colossus of a building, almost 'art-like' in its ambitious structure. We sat and had a quick bite to eat while taking in the sheer enormity of the structures around us.
Our appetites whetted, we headed back to change for lunch, the limited contents of our travel bags not allowing for anything too fancy.
A Sanctuary of Opulence: The Raffles Experience
Stepping into the Raffles Hotel Singapore is like gliding into another era. It's more than just a place to stay; it's a living, breathing testament to history and unrivalled luxury.
From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of serene opulence.
Our booking centred around the utterly gorgeous courtyard, a true masterpiece of colonial design. It felt like a hidden oasis, a tranquil world away from the city's buzz where the gentle breeze and the stunning architecture created the perfect setting for quiet reflection—and, of course, a Singapore Sling!
Everything about Raffles whispers grandeur, making our "Two's Company" moment here truly unforgettable.
Shhh, don’t tell anyone, but here’s a little secret: The Singapore Sling is just as fabulous in the courtyard and avoids the massive queues to get into the Long Bar. Book a lunch before 2 PM; there's a menu at only $25 and it is truly cracking—that is $19 less than the 'Sling' alone! You've got to do it, you know it makes sense.
Light Shows: The Sparkle in the Night
The sheer enormity and spectacle of Singapore's evening productions are almost indescribable. We were fortunate enough to catch two different light shows, each incredible in their own right.
First was the Spectra Light and Water Show on Marina Bay. We managed to view this stunning display from both sides!
With the magnificent backdrop of the Central Business District (CBD) skyline, it was truly beautiful.
However, for sheer theatrical magic, it didn't quite hit the same unbelievable spectacle as the Supertree Grove light trees that played out their stunning sequences to the sound of musicals.
The whole experience "and All That Jazz" was immensely enjoyable. If you’re visiting, these dazzling light shows are an absolute must-see!
Botanical Splendour
We've been treated to some incredible gardens and wonderful planting on our travels, but here in Singapore, we were enchanted by a feast of orchids, so many it was easy to lose count. The air was heavy with humidity, contrasting beautifully with the delicate, intricate patterns of the flowers.
To celebrate their complex beauty, "Two's Company" captured many stills and threw them together in a short video clip which we hope shows them in their best light and does them justice.
Chinatown's Vibrant Soul
After the serenity of the gardens, we plunged into the vibrant soul of Chinatown.
The scent of incense and street food spices hung in the air, a sensory overload that was exhilarating.
From the dazzling, ornate temples contrasting with the modern skyline to the bustling market stalls, it was a beautiful testament to the way Singapore weaves its past into its futuristic vision.
The Grand Finale: A Priceless Indulgence
Our time in Singapore closed with a final visit to the Jewel, part of Changi airport, another magnificent demonstration of the sheer theatricals that bring this city to life.
Cascading waterfalls are pure entertainment, not to mention the centre piece, the highest indoor waterfall in the world.
The cost of the indulgences of Singapore? Well, who knows!
One thing for sure is the memories are priceless!
Well you weren't exaggerating about how great Singapore is.