From October to December, I was so busy that I didn't have time to go on a trip like I used to. Don't even mention going on a short trip, I don't even have time to think about planning a trip. I'm sure I'll have to stay home for New Year's Eve like last year.

The unexpected happened. The phone rang, and the voice on the other end belonged to John, a senior from the same institution with whom I had previously studied.

John: Hey, do you have any plans for New Year's?

Me: Not at all, brother.

John: Let's go to Singapore. Take Nam (John's wife) shopping and take Nokkai (youngest daughter) to see the fountain.

I: My Thai isn't very strong. Will we be able to get by?

(Singapore was the first country I ever traveled to without a tour guide. I went with my brother Johnny's family the first time, and after that, I never went on an international trip where I had to handle everything myself. Until almost 20 years later, I had this trip.)

John: We survived the first time, so why wouldn't we survive this time? We'll help each other out, it shouldn't be too difficult.

Yes, sir.

John: Book the tickets now. Thai Airways Business Class. For the hotel, check out Hard Rock Hotel Sentosa.

(He thought to himself, "Wow, Business Class! I guess this is the only time in my life I'll get to sit in Business Class.")

Yes, sir.

The flight booking process then began. The round-trip ticket price at that time was 21,440 baht per person, which was considered very expensive. However, it was understandable as it was during a long holiday period, especially during the New Year.

After booking the flight, I started looking for hotels. Hard Rock Hotel, as instructed by John, for 3 nights and 2 rooms, costs around 120,000 baht!! What? That's so expensive! Moreover, it doesn't include breakfast. So, I looked for alternatives to reduce John's expenses. And I found Pan Pacific Singapore! For 3 nights and 2 rooms, it includes breakfast, airport transfers, and a half-day city tour for 66,650 baht. The price is almost half the price of Hard Rock Hotel.

I booked my flight and hotel through the KTC World website.

Book a flight with KTC World Travel

As a KTC credit card holder, you can enjoy additional discounts on flight and hotel bookings made through this website.

I booked my accommodation through Asiatravel.com, which offered the highest advertised discount of 12%. (Prior to the New Year, there were more options available, including Agoda, Hotel.com, Booking.com, Asiatravel.com, Expedia, Traveloka, and HotelCombined.) While Asiatravel.com's initial price was higher than other agencies, the discount brought the final cost below the competition. Notably, some hotels booked through Asiatravel.com included a complimentary one-way airport transfer and a half-day city tour, which were not offered by other agencies.

During my free time, I planned my trip and researched travel information for Singapore. My preliminary itinerary includes:

Day 1

• Arrive in Singapore around 3 pm
• Check in to the hotel
• Purchase tickets for attractions at Sea Wheel Travel, located in People's Park Mall
• Watch the water show at Marina Bay Sands
• Countdown at a location around Marina Bay Sands

Day Two

• Universal Studios Singapore
• S.E.A. Aquarium
• Songs of the Sea Show

Day 3

• Duck tour
• Singapore Flyer
• Orchard Road shopping
• Garden by the Bay

Day four: Return trip.

Regarding transportation, reviews from friends recommend using the train, which is the most convenient and economical option. However, as this trip includes young children, John suggests using a taxi, which would be most suitable. Okay, let's go with that.

The final workday of the year has arrived, and I feel a sense of immense relief, as if a mountain has been lifted from my chest. I have shed all my responsibilities and am now ready to embark on a four-day journey of pure joy and unforgettable experiences.

I left my house in Lopburi at 3:30 AM by van. Normally, the first van arrives at Don Mueang Airport around 6:00 AM. However, this morning, the van driver sped up to make as many rounds as possible. As a result, I arrived at Don Mueang Airport around 5:50 AM. I then took a shuttle bus to Suvarnabhumi Airport, arriving at 6:30 AM. I arrived about 2 hours before the scheduled meeting time. Fortunately, John arrived early as well, so I didn't have to wait long.

Arriving early at the airport eliminates the need to worry about finding a seat to wait. Business Class passengers have a designated waiting area while they wait to check in. This area is located near counter A, opposite the check-in counters.

Business Class passengers enjoy the convenience of checking in at any time, regardless of their arrival time at the airport. This eliminates the need to wait for check-in counters to open. Additionally, they have access to a dedicated immigration lane, allowing them to skip the often-lengthy queues.

After passing through immigration, descend one level via the escalator to access the Thai Airways Lounge. Business Class passengers are welcome to enjoy complimentary access by presenting their boarding pass.

The Thai Airways lounge is designed in a purple color scheme, which is in line with the airline's branding. The lighting is dim, which I found to be a bit too dark and somber. In contrast, the Bangkok Airways lounge uses a blue color scheme, which creates a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

The lounge is designed in a long, linear layout. Upon entering, guests will encounter a seating area, followed by a food line in the middle, and another seating area at the far end. The first section of the food line features a salad bar and beverage station.

Continuing on, you will find the restrooms. Exiting the restrooms, you will enter the food line, which serves as the central point of the lounge. This area is divided into two sections. The first section offers a variety of snacks and light meals, including pies, puffs, sandwiches, steamed buns, and sticky rice. While the presentation may not be as appealing as that of Bangkok Airways, the taste is equally delicious. In addition to food, there is a wide selection of beverages available, including fruit juices, soft drinks, tea, and coffee.

The savory line features a variety of options, including ham, sausage, eggs, pancakes, fruits, and even congee.

The passenger traffic was substantial, with a constant flow of people. I refrained from taking numerous photographs out of respect for other passengers. I spent approximately two hours in the lounge, although I did not sample every food item. I was primarily waiting for the gate to open.

Approaching boarding time, I headed to the gate. However, during the wait for the gate to open, I felt somewhat dissatisfied with Thai Airways' passenger boarding management. While the airline did call for Business Class passengers to board first, as soon as the announcement ended, Economy Class passengers, mostly foreign tour groups known for their boisterous nature, crowded the gate, preventing Business Class passengers from boarding first. Given that there were two doors at the gate, it seems reasonable to suggest that separate doors be designated for Business and Economy Class passengers, potentially resolving this issue.

This flight is on a Boeing 777, and the seats are incredibly spacious. After settling in, the flight attendant served warm towels and drinks.

After the plane took off, there were snacks to munch on, including almonds, along with chilled drinks. In fact, there was also champagne. I was tempted to try it, but I was afraid of getting drunk. Hehe.

Before takeoff, the flight attendants will take your meal orders. The menu is beautifully designed.

The light meal turned into a heavy one. The overall presentation of the food looked delicious.

The first dish was a shrimp and scallop dish with tamarind sauce, served with a cherry tomato salad. The shrimp and scallops were large, but I found the tamarind sauce to be a bit weak. Overall, it was delicious.

The main course offers three options. The first is a set of chicken panang curry, Thai jasmine rice, and stir-fried kale with oyster sauce. This set, in my opinion, can be easily found at any local restaurant, so I skipped it. The second option is fried sea bass with sour sauce, fried rice with vegetables, and stir-fried Taiwanese cabbage. Comparing this to the third option, I would choose the latter. The third option is steamed shrimp and scallops with soy sauce, fried rice with egg, stir-fried Taiwanese cabbage, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms. Although the first option already includes shrimp and scallops, I rarely get to eat scallops, so I ordered this set without hesitation. All three sets are served with bread.

The meal concludes with a chocolate mousse dessert.

Whenever I have the opportunity to fly with an airline that serves food, I find the taste of the food to be mediocre, but I eat it to exercise my right to it. However, on this flight, I found the overall taste to be acceptable, and I finished everything.

The flight to Singapore took approximately two and a half hours. Time seemed to fly by quickly. I was still enjoying the spaciousness of the Business Class cabin when it was time to disembark. No worries, I'll be back on the return flight.

After landing, the immigration process was smooth and efficient. There were no questions asked, and I quickly passed through customs. I then waited at the baggage carousel for my luggage. As a Business Class passenger, my bags were a first priority, so I didn't have to wait long.

Thai Airways flights will arrive at Terminal 1. Passengers who wish to use public transportation such as the MRT will need to take the MRT to Terminal 2. The package I booked through Asiatravel.com included a free shuttle bus service to the hotel, with scheduled departures. However, due to my unfortunate timing, I had to wait for about an hour for the next bus. Therefore, I decided to take a taxi. Calling a taxi was not difficult. From Terminal 1, I walked downstairs to the taxi queue, where there was a rate chart displayed. The rate chart showed prices for both peak and regular hours. The peak hour rate was slightly higher than the regular rate. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of the rate chart.

Upon arrival at the airport, I took a taxi to the Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel, my first destination, to store my luggage before embarking on my planned itinerary. I arrived at the hotel around 4:00 PM, but the room was not yet ready. We discussed our options and decided to leave our belongings at the hotel, purchase tickets to various attractions at People's Park, and then return to the hotel to settle into our room. We would then decide on our next destination.

From my hotel, I took a taxi to People's Park, where I intended to purchase tickets for various attractions at Sea Wheel Travel, located on the third floor of the mall. The staff there included a Thai employee who provided excellent advice. The tickets purchased at this location were less expensive than those sold at the attractions themselves. Purchasing multiple tickets offered significant savings. I bought tickets for Universal Studio Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and the Duck tour, as well as a food voucher with a value exceeding the purchase price. Initially, I intended to purchase tickets for the Songs of the Sea show on Sentosa Island, an outdoor performance. However, the staff member advised me that it had been raining frequently, suggesting that I purchase tickets at the venue instead. This was due to the possibility of the show being canceled due to rain, resulting in a wasted ticket purchase. Although the tickets could be exchanged for souvenirs, the high volume of tourists (in the thousands) could lead to a shortage of souvenirs, potentially resulting in a financial loss.

Ticket Prices:

Note: This translation assumes the provided text is in Thai and aims to convey the information in a simple and concise manner, as per your instructions.

Universal Studios Singapore: Adults $62, Children $47

S.E.A Aquarium Admission: Adults $23, Children $16

Adult Duck Tour $27 Child $20

After sorting out the card issue, it was time to find something to eat. I asked the Thai sales assistant if there were any good chicken rice restaurants nearby. She said that at this late hour, the chicken would probably be sold out, so she suggested that I eat at the food court on the lower floor of the mall. She said that it was very crowded today and that all the restaurants would probably be full. So I took her advice.

The bottom floor of People's Park resembles a small food court with approximately 2-3 restaurants. Although the selection is limited, it was sufficient to satisfy my hunger.

After lunch, I took a stroll through Chinatown to browse for snacks. I then returned to my accommodation to organize my belongings.

I returned to my accommodation, the Pan Pacific Hotel, where I stayed for three nights in Singapore. Pan Pacific is a 5-star hotel chain with three locations in Singapore. The hotel I stayed in was situated in the Marina Square district.

The location is quite convenient, within walking distance of major Singapore landmarks such as the Merlion, Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, and Esplanade. It is also surrounded by various shopping malls, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.

The lobby is well-decorated and divided into three sections: individual check-in, group check-in, and check-out.

Opposite the lobby, there is a beautifully designed seating area for guests to relax, featuring a series of alcoves.

Adjacent to the seating area is the ATRIUM dining area, offering a variety of options, from hearty meals to afternoon tea and a wide selection of beverages.

The elevated area on the left side is a seating area for guests, while the area on the right is surrounded by water and serves as the ATRIUM dining space.

Looking up, I was greeted by a stunning view of the hotel's balconies. The white balconies, adorned with intricate patterns, created a visually captivating scene. To access the guest rooms, guests must use their key card to activate the elevator. The elevator system is programmed to only allow access to the guest's designated floor. For instance, if a guest is staying on the 19th floor, they can only press the button for the 19th floor. Pressing the button for another floor, such as the 15th floor, will not activate the elevator. However, guests can access floors 1-4, which house various amenities provided by the hotel. These amenities include the restaurant on the 3rd floor, the swimming pool, and the fitness and recreation center on the 4th floor.

The Deluxe Balcony Room, which I stayed in for three nights, was quite spacious at 46 square meters. It featured a king-size bed, a seating area, and a writing desk. However, the desk's curved design made it impossible to place it in a corner, taking up valuable floor space and creating a cluttered appearance. Additionally, the desk's glass surface made me apprehensive about accidentally bumping into it.

The bathroom features a see-through design with a spacious layout. The wet and dry areas are clearly separated. The toilet does not have a bidet spray. The shower area has a long bench for sitting and includes both a handheld showerhead and a rain shower.

The mini bar offers a wide variety of snacks and beverages. However, be cautious when exploring the mini bar. If you lift an item from the mini bar, you will be automatically charged for it within one minute, regardless of whether you consume it or return it to its original position. To avoid unnecessary charges, it is advisable to refrain from touching the items in the mini bar.

The balcony offers stunning views of Marina Bay. To the left, you can see Marina Bay Sands, Helix Bridge, Singapore Flyer, and Garden by the Bay. To the right, you can see the Esplanade and the Merlion in the distance. However, the view of Marina Bay is partially obstructed by the Mandarin Hotel.

After my colleagues had retired for the night, it was my time to shine. As the last rays of sunlight faded, I embarked on a solitary exploration, scouting for the perfect vantage point to capture the countdown in all its glory.

From the hotel, I walked along Raffles Boulevard until I reached an intersection. Then, I turned right onto Temasek Ave until I came across the Helix Bridge, which was already crowded with people. Looking at the scene, I realized that this spot wouldn't be ideal for taking photos during the countdown. Therefore, I decided to find a different angle at Garden by the Bay. In my mind's eye, I envisioned the Supertree Garden Rhapsody in the foreground, with the Marina Bay Sands building in the background, and fireworks exploding behind it.

Crossing the Helix Bridge, I arrived at The Shoppes, located opposite Marina Bay Sands, with Bayfront Ave separating the two. As I searched for a crossing point, my eyes caught sight of a sign for Garden by the Bay, indicating an elevator ride followed by a sky bridge traversing the Marina Bay Sands building. This vantage point offered a glimpse into the interior of Marina Bay Sands. Continuing along the sky bridge, I crossed Sheares Ave and descended via an escalator to Garden by the Bay. According to my research and inquiries, the Supertree Garden Rhapsody was free to enter, with light and sound shows at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm. However, during my visit, a lantern festival was being held, resulting in an entrance fee. Unwilling to pay, I explored the surrounding area, hoping to find a spot that matched my photographic vision. Unfortunately, I couldn't find an unobstructed view of the Supertrees.

Exhausted from walking, I caught a glimpse of a small opening offering a view of the Supertrees. Drawn by curiosity, I approached and discovered a small gathering of freebie enthusiasts. The scene before me was the Supertree Garden Rhapsody, with the Marina Bay Sands building as a backdrop, resembling my initial vision. However, the view was not entirely satisfying as the Marina Bay Sands building was partially obscured.

Continuing my exploration, I stumbled upon another Supertree viewpoint, but it still didn't quite capture my interest. So, I continued my search.

Strolling along the waterfront promenade, I was greeted by the shimmering reflections of Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer, and the Supertrees. While exploring the Garden by the Bay, I had to adhere to the designated pathways. However, during my visit, an additional light and sound show was being held, resulting in the closure of several sections of the walkway. Consequently, I found myself retracing my steps on the path I had already traversed.

Based on my exploration, I believe this spot would offer a spectacular view of the fireworks. However, I did not anticipate this and therefore missed the opportunity to capture the countdown moment.

This location offers a prime vantage point for enjoying the free light and sound show (except on days with an entrance fee, as was the case during my visit). I discovered this spot after leaving the Garden by the Bay. It is situated at the end of the suspension bridge, where a staircase leads down.

I arrived at the skybridge to cross back to Marina Bay Sands again to walk back to the hotel. Because now I am exhausted and still can't think of where to capture the countdown atmosphere. I think it's better to go back to my nest and sit on the balcony of my room to take pictures. At least I don't have to compete for space with a huge crowd. But when I arrived at the escalator to go up to the skybridge, it turned out that the escalator was closed and not allowed to pass through. This made it impossible for me to walk back to The Shoppes. Now I'm starting to feel bad, because the officer pointed me to follow the signs to the train station, but I don't want to go to the train station, but I want to find a place to cross to The Shoppes.

Despite my legs feeling heavy and weak, I continued to trudge forward, determined to reach my hotel. As midnight approached, the traffic grew increasingly congested. People seemed to be pouring in from all directions, vying for every available space. I attempted to find shortcuts to conserve energy, but my efforts only resulted in longer walks. All the gates were closed, presumably to maintain order. The usual crossing points were blocked by fences, forcing me to take detours to find authorized crossings.

I returned to my room feeling utterly exhausted, but I had to persevere as the countdown was approaching. From my balcony, I could see the Esplanade, the Merlion, and the cityscape, all illuminated with vibrant lights.

On the right-hand side, the Marina Bay Sands and the Mandarin Hotel building are visible, obscuring the view of Marina Bay.

Offering views of the Supertree Garden Rhapsody and the Helix Bridge.

The long-awaited moment finally arrived. The countdown echoed through the air: "Three... Two... One..." As the countdown ended, the sound of fireworks and car horns erupted. Drivers stuck in traffic honked their horns in celebration. This moment was pure bliss.

For those who want to experience the countdown atmosphere in Singapore, the fireworks will be set off in the middle of Marina Bay. Initially, I was guessing where to stand to see the fireworks alongside the iconic landmarks. However, in the end, no matter where you stand along the bay, you will be able to see the entire fireworks display.

I will take my leave tonight to conserve my energy for tomorrow's challenges.

The original plan was to capture the first light at Merlion, but when the time came, I didn't want to get out of bed. When I went, it was already 6:30 am and the sky was still dark. I could only stand on the balcony to watch the view, and then went back to sleep.

After another half hour of sleep, I woke up feeling hungry. I must have used a lot of energy walking the previous night. So, I quickly took a shower and went down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast.

The Edge Food Theatre restaurant is located on the 3rd floor of the hotel.

The dining room is quite spacious, but it may feel cramped compared to the number of guest rooms available, especially if guests arrive at the same time. It is recommended to have breakfast early to avoid crowds and queues.

The Line Buffet offers a diverse international cuisine, with sections dedicated to different culinary styles. These include Chinese, Indian, Western, and Malaysian options. Some desserts resemble those found in Thailand, such as "khanom thung fu" (steamed cup cake) and "cho kuay" (grass jelly).

The food tastes good and is easy to eat.

The photo of the restaurant was taken discreetly due to the presence of other customers. Even though I arrived early in the morning, there were already quite a few people there.

After breakfast, I embarked on my planned itinerary, which included Universal Studio Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and concluded with the Songs of The Sea water show. To reach Sentosa Island from my hotel, I opted for a taxi once again. However, the morning traffic conditions were a stark contrast to the congestion I experienced the previous night.

While traveling by car, we discussed visiting the S.E.A. Aquarium first. We reasoned that regardless of the time, Universal Studios Singapore would be crowded. However, we anticipated fewer tourists at the S.E.A. Aquarium in the morning.

Tourist numbers are still relatively low. Upon arrival, you can present the ticket purchased from Sea Wheel Travel for immediate entry.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a large ocean liner positioned directly in front of them. This area is intended for tourists to watch a video presentation about the history and significance of the location. However, due to concerns about increasing crowds later in the day, we opted to skip the video and proceed further into the Aquarium.

The route from the ocean-going vessel to the Aquarium will pass through an exhibition that tells the story of the trade routes for goods such as spices, silk, and ceramics from Southeast Asia to Africa and other regions.

It is unclear whether giraffes and rhinoceroses were transported by ocean-going vessels in the past.

We have arrived at the Aquarium. Not only are the children excited, but I am too. This Aquarium is considered the largest in the world, housing over 800 species of aquatic animals, totaling approximately 100,000 individuals.

Workers were cleaning the shark tank while the sharks swam around. It was a nerve-wracking sight.

The vast underwater tunnel stretches further than our very own Bueng Chawak. The most prominent fish species observed, as always, were likely sharks.

During feeding time, Santa Claus would also bring food to the fish. This could be because the time I went was still during the Christmas celebrations.

The vibrant colors of the saltwater fish are truly remarkable. The tank is decorated with artificial coral, adding a variety of colors and enhancing its visual appeal.

Besides fish, there are also a variety of jellyfish.

The highlight of the aquarium is a giant fish tank, approximately the size of two movie screens. Behind the 70-centimeter-thick glass, a school of over 50,000 fish resides. The star of the show is the manta ray, the largest ray species in the world. This majestic creature glides effortlessly through the water, showcasing its freedom and grace.

Exhausted from walking, we checked the time and realized it was past noon. We decided to have lunch at Universal Studios Singapore. Using the admission tickets purchased from Sea Wheel Travel, we entered the park. Our first priority was finding a restaurant. I used the dining coupon I had also purchased from Sea Wheel Travel. The face value of the coupon was greater than the amount I paid for it.

After lunch, it was time for the little mouse to go shopping for dolls at the Universal Studio Shop. At this time, it started to drizzle. Looking at the clock, it was only a little after two o'clock. There were still 3-4 hours before the fountain show. More importantly, I didn't know if the rain would be so heavy that the Song of the Sea show would be canceled. So I decided to go back to the hotel to rest first and wait to see what the rain would do.

Within half an hour of arriving at the hotel, heavy rain began to fall. We decided to go shopping on Orchard Road instead, as we could still shop even in the heavy rain. We entered the mall empty-handed, but when we left, we had two more wheeled suitcases and a variety of bags, all carried in a chaotic fashion. As I said, we can always shop.

After dropping off my seniors at their accommodation, the rain thankfully stopped, and my free time returned. I decided to walk around the Helix Bridge again to capture the atmosphere, as I was unable to take photos yesterday due to it being closed to the public and a large crowd gathered on the bridge.

In stark contrast to yesterday's bustling crowds, today's scene is remarkably deserted, with barely 20 tourists in sight.

From Helix Bridge, I walked along Marina Bay to Esplanade, crossed Jubilee Bridge, and arrived at Merlion. Merlion is still crowded with people, but it seems that there are fewer people than in the morning and afternoon.

From the Merlion, the Singapore Flyer is visible on the left, flanked by Marina Bay Sands on the right.

Looking to the left, you can see the Esplanade, with various hotels in the background, including the Pan Pacific Hotel, where I stayed.

After taking countless photos, I felt like my body was about to fall apart. It was time to head back to the hotel. There was a shortcut I could have taken, but the intersection was still closed to pedestrians. I had to walk the long way around, which drained my energy. Back in my room, I took a moment to soak in the view from the balcony, making the most of the room's value.

The next morning, I had a Duck tour scheduled. After breakfast, I headed to the Suntech City building to check in. The Suntech City building is actually located across the street from my hotel, just a short walk away. The Duck tour operates from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

It is recommended to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled check-in time. The check-in counter is located outside of Suntech City mall.

The Duck Tour is a sightseeing program that uses an amphibious vehicle to take tourists around the Marina Bay area of Singapore. This unique vehicle can travel on both land and water, offering a different perspective of the city. If you're visiting Singapore, consider trying the Duck Tour for a memorable experience.

The tour route starts from Suntech City, passes by my hotel, and then goes to Singapore Flyer. From there, we will take a boat ride to see Garden by the Bay, Helix Bridge, Marina Bay Sands, ArtScience Museum, the floating football field, Esplanade, and Merlion. We will then return to the starting point via the same route, passing by the Historic Civic District before arriving back at Suntech City. The tour takes approximately 1 hour.

Singapore, a small island nation, maximizes the use of every square meter of land. Despite its high level of development, Singapore prioritizes green spaces. Lush greenery lines the route from the airport to the city center, and public parks like Gardens by the Bay demonstrate this commitment. Even pillars and supports are transformed into vertical gardens, showcasing Singapore's dedication to environmental sustainability.

As the vehicle, or rather, the boat (better!), navigates the water, the drivers alternate their duties. On land, drivers operate the vehicle, while on water, designated personnel take over as boat operators.

This trip, it was a real shame that I didn't get to ride the Singapore Flyer. I had originally planned to do so, but when it came down to it, I got lazy. I ended up checking into a hotel, and once my back hit the bed and my head hit the pillow, I didn't want to get up and go anywhere else.

Gardens by the Bay

Floating football field

In my opinion, the cityscape at night is more beautiful than during the day.

The Merlion is very crowded during the day.

I spent approximately 50 minutes on the Duck tour. The vehicle dropped off the tour group at Suntech City building. Afterwards, I stopped for a snack before heading to my next destination.

My next destination is Kampong Glam, Singapore's first hipster district. The narrow streets are lined with trendy boutiques, restaurants, and cool cafes.

Formerly, "Kampong Glam" was home to a Muslim community, including Arab and Bugis merchants. Today, however, it has become a popular shopping destination, with stylish boutiques catering to those seeking unique fashion. Even if you're not a shopaholic, you can still find cool spots for taking photos.

The atmosphere is similar to Soi Rommanee and Thalang Road in Phuket.

After strolling around Kampong Glam for about two hours, I returned to the hotel to rest. As I mentioned earlier, I had planned to visit the Singapore Flyer around five o'clock in the evening. However, I ended up feeling lazy and napped until almost six in the evening.

I decided to capture the light at the Fountain of Wealth, also known as the Prosperity Fountain, which is located next to Suntec City, opposite the hotel where I was staying.

The Fountain of Wealth, a prominent landmark in Singapore, symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. Constructed alongside the five Suntec City towers, the fountain represents the five fingers of a hand, with the water feature positioned at the center, resembling a palm. The bronze ring-shaped fountain, supported by four pillars, draws inspiration from Hindu beliefs, signifying the universe, equality, and the harmonious unity of Singapore's diverse population. These two photographs were captured during the morning hours, revealing a subtle rainbow.

In the evening, the lights will be turned on. During the time when the fountain is not flowing from the copper ring as a curtain of water, tourists will be allowed to touch the fountain in the center below.

However, when the fountain flows from the copper ring, tourists will not be allowed to enter. Instead, the water curtain will be opened and closed at intervals. If you are visiting Singapore, don't miss the opportunity to experience the Fountain of Wealth.

On the last night, I really wanted to go back to Garden by the Bay to take some more photos. However, my body was simply too exhausted. It felt like it was about to fall apart. Walking alone wouldn't have been a problem, but I had to carry my camera bag, which weighs over 7 kilograms, the entire time. So, I decided to rest my body for the night.

On my last morning, I had no further plans and needed to head to the airport to process my tax refund.

Upon arrival at the airport, Business Class passengers can skip the queue and proceed directly to the dedicated check-in counter, located behind the regular check-in area. (I apologize for not capturing a photo of the counter.) After check-in, passengers can proceed through immigration, which is typically swift.

The lounge opens approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes before boarding time.

The interior is much brighter than our house, and it's not as crowded.

Food line.

This stall offers a variety of main dishes, including fried chicken, chicken satay, spring rolls, and pies.

Beef noodle soup and fried rice, please.

Hamburgers and sandwiches

Steamed layer cake, crispy coconut pancake, and rice crackers with spicy chili dip. I devoured more than half of the shrimp crackers, as they were incredibly addictive.

The beverage corner also includes instant noodles.

Tea, coffee, ready.

This location offers internet access.

I spent almost an hour in the lounge before heading to the gate. I think the boarding process was much more organized than in Thailand. The flight back to Thailand was on a brand new Airbus A350.

The seats were more comfortable than on the flight over, which was on a Boeing 777. The screens were also larger.

The snacks and drinks service was similar to the outbound flight, but on the return flight, there were plenty of almonds to munch on. The main course for this meal was smoked salmon, vegetable fried rice, and spicy stir-fried shrimp. Dessert was pumpkin cake, which was delicious as always.

The flight took approximately two and a half hours, and I arrived safely in Thailand.

Many people may wonder why this trip is considered a miracle, as it seems like an ordinary itinerary that anyone could follow. However, this review is a personal miracle for me. Why? Because I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to travel during the New Year, especially on such a luxurious trip with excellent flights and accommodations, all without spending a single penny. I am eternally grateful to John and Nam's family for making this possible. My deepest gratitude to them.

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