A Memorable Trip to Singapore
Towards the end of December 2015, after making all necessary preparations, my family and I boarded a Bangladesh Biman flight from Dhaka International Airport to Changi Airport, Singapore. The journey took approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. Most of the passengers on the flight—about 95%—were expatriate Bangladeshis returning to work after their vacations.
Upon arrival, the first thing that caught my attention was Singapore’s impeccable discipline. No one crosses the street without a signal, and taxis are controlled in an organized manner. Passengers must stand in line, and taxis arrive one by one under the supervision of airport staff. Everything is so well-regulated that it’s hard to believe!
First Destination: Mustafa Centre and Surrounding Areas
I immediately looked for the MRT and started following the airport’s MRT signs. After walking nearly a kilometer inside the airport, I finally found it. I downloaded the MRT app on my phone and purchased two MRT cards for SGD 12 each, spending a total of SGD 24.
Our hotel, The Claremont Hotel, was located right opposite Mustafa Centre. Since I had booked the hotel from Bangladesh, checking in was hassle-free. The moment I stepped into Mustafa Centre, I felt like I was in a familiar place back home! The entire area was dominated by Bangladeshis—hotels, restaurants, mobile recharge shops, money transfer services—everything a Bangladeshi expatriate could need was available here. On Sundays, the weekly holiday, this area transforms into a massive gathering spot for Bangladeshis.
Serangoon Rd, Syed Alwi Rd, and Orchard Rd are known as shopping paradises. Each building has a unique architectural design, and the dazzling lights make the entire area look festive, almost like Eid celebrations! The sidewalks are lively with various street performances—an elderly man playing the flute, a young man singing with a guitar, and a street performer dressed as a robot, entertaining children who drop coins into his tip jar before taking pictures.
After some shopping, hunger kicked in, so we went to Fakhruddin Biryani Restaurant for dinner. Then came the inevitable shopping spree—especially for my wife and daughter. Whatever they liked had to be bought; there was no leaving things behind! And me? I was left carrying all the shopping bags in both hands.
Exploring Singapore’s Iconic Landmarks
The next morning, we set off for one of Singapore’s most famous attractions, Merlion Park. The half-lion, half-fish statue is a well-known symbol of Singapore. Directly opposite stands the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel, resembling a massive ship. The real magic unfolds in the evening when the entire area lights up, creating a mesmerizing view with boats gliding across the lake and tourists from all over the world enjoying the spectacle.
Next, we visited Gardens by the Bay, a stunningly beautiful garden that becomes even more enchanting at night. It has several rides for children, and my daughter had a great time. From there, we walked to Marina South Piers, a scenic jetty along the seafront where various ferry services operate. A massive shopping mall stood nearby, which meant—yes, more shopping bags for me to carry!
On our way back, we explored Chinatown and Little India, two vibrant districts known for their street food and cultural diversity.
Sentosa Island – A Hub of Entertainment and Thrill
The next day, we headed to Sentosa Island, one of Singapore’s top attractions. This island is home to Universal Studios, beaches, museums, and numerous thrilling rides. Our adventure began with a cable car ride, which offered breathtaking views of the island. Sentosa also has multiple monorails providing free transportation between four different spots, making it easy to explore.
As we walked around, a sudden shower refreshed the atmosphere—a common occurrence in Singapore, much like in Malaysia. My daughter was absolutely in love with the city. She felt so safe and comfortable that she wanted to walk alone, knowing she wouldn’t get lost. However, if she turned around and saw us following her, she would get annoyed!
Later, we visited the Singapore Botanical Gardens, a beautifully maintained space filled with a diverse collection of plants. Unfortunately, due to time constraints and the pressure of last-minute shopping, we had to cut our visit short after a quick one-kilometer walk.
Farewell, Singapore
Despite having an amazing time, we couldn’t visit Jurong Bird Park, much to my daughter’s disappointment. She had fallen in love with Singapore and didn’t want to leave.
This trip wasn’t just about sightseeing—it was an opportunity to experience Singapore’s discipline, advanced transportation system, safety, and incredible urban planning. Every moment was fascinating, and every place felt like a story waiting to be told.
Singapore, until we meet again!
Thanks & Regards
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Hassan Mahfuz
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasanclymax
Email: hasanclymax@gmail.com
Wonderful
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