Singapore: The Garden City Adventure

Singapore 2026/ Geoffrey W. Sutton

Discovering Nature, Warmth, and Wonders in the Lion City

From the moment we stepped off the plane at Singapore Changi Airport, it felt like we’d entered a living museum of gardens and creativity. Vibrant flowers and imaginative art installations greeted us at every turn, instantly lifting our spirits after a long journey from the cold Midwest of the United States.

Singapore Changi Airport itself is an experience unlike any other.

This world-class hub showcases an extraordinary blend of nature, art, and entertainment. At its heart, the HSBC Rain Vortex—the tallest indoor waterfall on the planet—cascades through the lush Shiseido Forest Valley, creating a breathtaking oasis in the midst of travel bustle. You’ll find sky nets and mazes in Canopy Park, tranquil themed gardens dotted throughout the terminals, and standout features like the mesmerizing Kinetic Rain sculpture and a rooftop pool. It’s easy to see why Changi feels more like a destination than just a stopover.

What made our arrival even more special, however, were the people. Smiling faces, friendly greetings, and genuine efforts to help us find our way were everywhere. Although we arrived early in the morning, our hotel graciously allowed us early access to our room. Even if we’d had to wait, we would have been able to relax atop the rooftop gardens, freshen up in the gym showers, and enjoy a peaceful start to our Singapore adventure.

Up on the roof

The Singapore River Walk

After settling in, we found ourselves drawn to the nearby Clarke Quay and the lively River Walk. This scenic path along the Singapore River winds through the city’s heart, offering a wonderful mix of restaurants, shopping centers, and colorful street art. Our daily strolls were filled with memorable sights and the buzz of city life.

To give you a sense of the history and charm here: the Singapore River Walk traces the banks of a waterway that once served as the city’s bustling trading artery. Today, the revitalized river is lined with restored quays (like Boat Quay and Clarke Quay), colonial landmarks, museums, whimsical sculptures, and ornate bridges. Depending on your pace and route, the walk spans about 2.5 to 4.5 kilometers and typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes. It's a perfect way to soak in both the old and new spirit of Singapore.

Edwardian Firehouse

St Andrews Cathedral

Sky Park near Marina Bay

Of course, no visit would be complete without exploring the city’s famous attractions. In another post, I explored the wonders of Gardens by the Bay—a stunning showcase of flowers and trees from around the globe, highlighted by a massive indoor waterfall that’s especially refreshing on a warm afternoon.

Another highlight of our stay was the Singapore Flyer, a marvel of engineering by Marina Bay.

If you've enjoyed observation wheels elsewhere, this one truly stands out. The Singapore Flyer is a 165-meter-tall Ferris wheel with 28 spacious, air-conditioned capsules, each comfortably accommodating up to 28 passengers. The smooth, half-hour ride delivers panoramic, 360-degree views of the sparkling city skyline, the bay, and, on clear days, distant islands. Opened in 2008, it was once the tallest Ferris wheel in the world and remains a standout landmark.

Blending our personal discoveries with these iconic sights, we set out on a city walk to fully immerse ourselves in Singapore’s vibrant atmosphere. Meandering along the river, we paused to photograph historic buildings and bridges. After enjoying the elevated views from the Flyer, we crossed over to spot the famous Merlion statue, wandered by another section of Gardens by the Bay, savored a late lunch at a local eatery, and ended our adventure with a relaxing taxi ride home.

Merlion, Singapore

After three days packed with exploration, we headed to the docks to begin a two-week cruise through Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Yet, as our journey came to an end, Singapore beckoned us back for one last walkabout—a fitting farewell before returning to the snowy Midwest winter.

And of course, our final moments in Singapore included another stroll through the gardens and art-filled spaces of Changi Airport. Once again, we found ourselves impressed by the airport’s efficiency and the genuinely welcoming spirit that defines Singapore.

With every step, Singapore proved itself to be not just a “Garden City,” but a place where nature, culture, and hospitality come together in seamless harmony. I hope you enjoy the photos capturing these unforgettable moments!