Frankly, after saving up for a trip, wouldn't you choose to go somewhere cold? After all, our country is already scorching hot. So, countries south of Thailand, especially those near the equator, like Bali, Timor, the Maldives, or wherever, can wait until the end of my life. I want to visit a cold country before I can hug my warm girlfriend. Haha. But in the end, I had to go to Singapore, which, according to the map, is the southernmost country I've ever been to.

Due to a work trip that lasted three to four days, I took the opportunity to extend my stay and explore Singapore with Alex, who serves as a tourism ambassador. Singapore is actively promoting its tourism industry, and despite being smaller than Phuket, every corner of the city is designed to enhance the tourist experience. My first stop was Changi Airport, consistently ranked as the world's best airport, and it truly lived up to its reputation. In comparison, Suvarnabhumi Airport pales in comparison. Changi is a shopper's paradise, offering a wide array of luxury brands, many of which are newer models than those available in Thailand.

After a grueling three-day seminar, I was finally able to unwind and explore the city in the early evening. Singapore's excellent and affordable public transportation system made getting around a breeze. Additionally, Singapore's reputation as a safe country made it an ideal place to explore. One of the most popular evening activities for Singaporeans is Pokémon hunting. During my brief stay, I discovered that the locals are passionate about collecting Pokémon, and the area around Marina Bay, with its iconic Merlion statue and towering skyscrapers, is a treasure trove of Pokémon. This landmark is a must-visit for any visitor to Singapore.

The first place we visited was Marina Bay, where we took a walk and exercised in the early evening. The cool sea breeze and the illuminated lights made it a pleasant experience, despite the slightly warm weather. The Marina Bay Sands Resort hosts a nightly light and sound show, which is said to rival Hong Kong's. While the show is impressive, the lack of cool weather compared to Hong Kong detracts from the romantic ambiance, leaving us with just sweat and more sweat.

Where to next? We're running out of ideas. Don't worry, Singapore may be small, but there are plenty of places to visit. This evening, let's go find something to eat around Chinatown. We can admire the colonial architecture and find some delicious food. Take the metro and get off at the station of the same name.

In my personal opinion, China Town is beautiful, but not as beautiful as our own Chinatown in Thailand. While the oysters in Singapore are larger, I believe that the Sino-Portuguese architecture in Phuket is truly more stunning. Moreover, I firmly believe that Thai food is far superior in terms of taste. The one area where Singapore excels is cleanliness; every corner is impeccably clean. However, after an hour of walking around China Town, you've pretty much seen it all. Although there are street food and stalls, I still find Yaowarat and Khlong Thom in Bangkok to be more captivating.

The atmosphere in Singapore is like a small Chinatown. As a multicultural society, we see religious sites of various religions interspersed, especially Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic temples. These temples are located close to each other, from Chinatown to Little India and the Katong district. You can walk and visit most of these religious sites in a couple of hours. For example, the Sri Mariaman Temple, located in the heart of Chinatown, is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. The interior and exterior of the temple are adorned with colorful sculptures and carvings of deities, goddesses, and mythical creatures.

Besides Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, Singapore also boasts numerous Taoist temples, such as the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple and the Thian Hock Keng Temple. These temples are renowned for their exquisite beauty, with the Thian Hock Keng Temple often considered the most stunning in Singapore. Remarkably, the entire structure of this temple was built without using a single nail. Additionally, upon entering the temple, visitors must step over a particularly high threshold, believed to prevent evil spirits from entering and to encourage worshippers to bow their heads in reverence.

Not far from the Wat Khaek, the Tooth Relic Buddha Temple stands as a Zen Buddhist temple of Chinese origin. Its architectural style blends elements of the Tang Dynasty (similar to Leng temples or Japanese temples) with Mandala art. The temple houses a golden stupa weighing over 320 kilograms, containing a relic of Buddha's tooth, donated by devotees. Additionally, a small Buddhist museum within the temple allows visitors to learn and explore.

Islam is a traditional religion in Singapore, alongside Hinduism and Buddhism. Although Singapore no longer has a ruling Sultan, the Sultan Mosque remains a central gathering place for Muslims in the country and is situated in the heart of Singapore.

Exploring Singapore's Youthful Hub: Haji Lane

While we've covered the main sacred sites, let's delve into the vibrant youth scene. Singapore boasts its own version of Khao San Road – Haji Lane. This narrow alleyway, nestled beside the Sultan Mosque and along Arab Street, transforms into a bustling hub for young adults on weekends.

Haji Lane pulsates with trendy cafes, contemporary art galleries, tattoo parlors, and unique fashion boutiques. It's a melting pot of creativity and expression, attracting both locals and tourists seeking a laid-back atmosphere.

While pubs and bars cater to the nightlife crowd, Haji Lane also offers a haven for daytime exploration. Quaint cafes, artisanal bakeries, and stylish clothing stores line the alleyway, inviting visitors to soak in the youthful energy.

For the best experience, plan your visit in the late afternoon when the area truly comes alive. To reach Haji Lane, simply alight at Bugis MRT station and follow Victoria Street. The vibrant alleyway awaits just a short walk away.

One of the landmarks that the Singapore government is very proud of is the National Botanical Garden under the name Garden of the Bay, which collects beautiful flower species and in the evening also opens light and sound for tourists to visit. But I didn't go because I'm allergic, so I took the atmosphere outside to give you. Garden of the Bay is also located in Marina Bay behind the Marina Sand Beach Hotel. You can take the metro to the hotel. It's not hard to find. After visiting the Garden of the Bay, you can also go shopping in the department store section.

Singapore has limited tourist attractions due to its small size, and the overall atmosphere is not much different from our own. Aside from popular destinations like Sentosa, Universal Studios, Jurong Bird Park, and various shopping malls, Singapore offers little in terms of sightseeing. Whether Singapore is worth visiting is a question that can only be answered by experiencing it firsthand.

If you have time, visit the Fountain of Wealth. The Fountain of Wealth, a symbol of fortune in Singapore, is a must-see for tourists. It is located in the Suntec City mall. Take the metro to Esplanade station and walk into the mall. Look for the fountain sign, as it is located in the center of the mall. The fountain is a bronze ring with four legs as its base, designed according to Hindu Mandala beliefs to represent the universe, equality, and the unity of Singapore's diverse population. The Fountain of Wealth was listed in the Guinness Book in 1998 as the largest fountain in the world.

To conclude, here are some photos of Singapore's various stations at night. If you're ever in Singapore, be sure to check them out! For example, if you enjoy nightlife, Clark Quay is the place to be. You can experience the Singapore Night Life there. Thanks to www.facebook.com/theTravelBagStory.