48 Hours in Singapore: Bike Tours, Cloud Forests, and Rooftop Views

After spending four days navigating the quiet, neon-lit streets of Tokyo, I packed my bags and headed for the futuristic skyline of Singapore.

This was the second stop on my 3-week, 50th birthday solo trip across Asia. Because I only had 48 hours to explore this wealthy, modern island city-state, I knew I had to make every minute count.

Singapore is a fascinating place that feels like stepping into the future. Here is exactly how I spent my two days, the tours I highly recommend, and a few local laws that completely surprised me.

The Flight: Singapore Airlines Business Class

Getting to Singapore was an event in itself. Thanks to some saved-up credit card points, I booked the very first business class flight of my life. Singapore Airlines did not disappoint.

I made sure to select a window seat on the right side of the plane specifically so I could get a view of Mount Fuji during the flight. Enjoying the lay-back seats, complimentary slippers, and amazing food while looking out at the mountain was an incredible way to kick off this leg of the trip.

First Impressions: The MRT and Language

Arriving in Singapore was a quick culture shift from Japan. The first thing I noticed while riding the MRT (the local subway) was the volume. Unlike the absolute silence of the Tokyo trains, the Singapore MRT is full of life. People are chatting, talking on their phones, and going about their day.

The second thing that surprised me was the language. English is the primary language spoken everywhere, which made navigating the city a breeze.

Where I Stayed

I checked into The Quay Hotel. It was a great, comfortable home base in a fantastic location that made exploring the city very easy.

Find Your Singapore Stay:

Day 1: Biking the City and Gardens by the Bay

To get a real feel for the city quickly, I booked a Lion City Bike Tour of Singapore. I love bike tours because you cover a massive amount of ground while still feeling connected to the streets.

I ended up making a new friend on the tour, and after the ride, we teamed up to continue exploring. We headed over to Gardens by the Bay to check out the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome. Walking through these massive indoor greenhouses with their towering waterfalls and lush greenery is an absolute must do.

For dinner, we decided to go all out and visit CÉ LA VI Singapore, located on the 57th floor of the iconic Marina Bay Sands. Looking down over the glowing city skyline while enjoying a great meal was a major highlight of the trip.

Day 2: The Airport Destination

On my final morning, I headed to Singapore Changi Airport very early. This airport is famous for a reason. It is a destination all on its own, complete with a massive indoor waterfall, butterfly gardens, and incredible shopping. You definitely want to arrive early just to explore the terminals before your flight!

6 Things That Surprised Me About Singapore

Singapore operates much differently than North America. Here are a few things I learned during my visit:

It is incredibly safe. To save a table I noticed locals just leave their purse or phone on the chair and walk away. They have zero fear of theft.
I saw no police officers. The city relies heavily on CCTV cameras and even robots to monitor the streets.
Chewing gum is highly restricted. It is not illegal to have it in your pocket, but it is illegal to manufacture or sell it here.
There is no visible homelessness or drug use. The city relies on a social housing system.
Owning a car is a luxury. You need a special permit just to buy a car, and the permit alone costs around $100,000.
Cars have a 100 percent levy. A car that costs $50,000 in Canada will cost you $100,000 in Singapore, not including the permit!

What to Pack for Singapore

Singapore is hot and humid year-round. You will sweat through your clothes quickly while walking around the city. I was very glad I packed my travel laundry sheets. They take up zero space in a suitcase and let you easily wash a few t-shirts in the hotel sink.

Have you ever flown business class or visited the Gardens by the Bay?