Visiting Singapore: Singapore Airlines & Singapore Flyer

The moment we were able to finalize the details of our trip to Singapore, I immediately checked the weather forecast. Our last trip to Hong Kong was a little bit of a disaster. It rained so hard on our first and last day that we wasted a lot of time just seeking cover and waiting for the downpour to stop.

I was really disappointed to find out that during our visit, the weather in Singapore would be cloudy with 60% to 50% chance of thunderstorms. But that’s according to the forecast.:)

We boarded our flight at the Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Singapore Airlines gave us bulkhead seats, which my son really liked since it gave him plenty of space to move about. 

My kid was so preoccupied with the rivets.

We were also lucky that no one booked the seat beside us. My son enjoyed a very relaxing flight in his own seat. In fact, he dozed off the moment the plane took off.:) 

I really must give credit to Singapore Airlines for pampering their guests. Apart from breakfast,  we were also served drinks twice during the flight. I flew for almost 4 hours and never got thirsty.:) 

The flight was made even more pleasant by helpful attendants who were willing to address our every need. They even volunteered to take a picture of our family.

With my child peacefully sleeping, I had the pleasure of watching a movie through the in-flight entertainment system which was impressively at par with what you can find in business class on some airlines.

Breakfast was served an hour into the flight. We chose the Bacon and Omelette over the Adobo Chicken Rice. The meal is really good. I almost forgot I am eating plane food.:)  

Our plane arrived in Singapore on a beautiful, sunny morning. This time, nature listened to my plea.:)  There's no sign of dark clouds or impending showers anywhere. 

The Singapore Airlines fleet at the Changi Airport.

Changi Airport, without the bustle.

There is even an activity area for the kids.

The YourSingapore brochure stand at the airport. These city guides were really helpful and a must have for first-time travelers to Singapore.

After inquiring at the Marina Bay Sands concierge counter, we are on our way.

The Marina Bay Sands airport shuttle which departs every 30 minutes from the Changi Airport.

My two boys, inside the shuttle.

Our first glimpse of the Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer from the bus window.

We reached our destination in 20 minutes flat. The ride was smooth and I couldn't help but notice the fact that there is no traffic in this small city. Not to mention, not a single sign of dirt on the streets. So it's true what they say, Singapore is really the cleanest city out there. I don't care much about the squeaky-clean surroundings but who does not want a "traffic-less" city?:)

After checking into the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and grabbing some lunch at Rasapura Masters at The Shoppes, we headed off to Singapore Flyer. I had always wanted to ride the world's largest observation wheel. It will surely bring back nice memories of  my grade school days and my penchant for ferris wheels.

A 30-minute ride at the Singapore Flyer costs 29.50 SGD for adults and 20.65 SGD for children. It comes with  beautiful passes that one can keep as a souvenir.

After purchasing our tickets, we entered the Flyer's pre-flight gallery called the "Journey of Dreams". This multimedia experience engages the senses with special effects and showcases the story of Singapore and the Singapore Flyer.

This 3 million SGD-attraction features various interactive exhibits and comes free for guests who have purchased Flyer tickets. Understanding the Singapore story and that of the Flyer definitely gave me a more profound appreciation of the ride.

There's no long queue that day. We waited for less than 10 minutes before we were ushered inside a cabin. There were only 10 of us on board and there's still plenty of room for more people. My son was freely roaming around the cabin, not a single bit unnerved by the height. I couldn't believe his first ride on a ferris wheel was on the world's largest, an experience that would be quite hard to top.:)

The view from the top of the Singapore Flyer.

The ride lasted for almost 30 minutes. However short, it's all worth it, for you will never see a better view of Singapore anywhere else. This is one ride tourists should not miss.

After exiting the Flyer, we passed by a gift store selling Singapore Flyer memorabilia. There were a lot of interesting stuff and one of them found its way to our souvenir display stand at home.

A ride on the Singapore Flyer is truly the perfect way to start our Singapore trip. It's always more interesting to explore when you have seen a birds eye view of the many wonders just waiting for you to uncover.


Singapore Airlines
Manila Head Office:
33/F LKG Tower
6801 Ayala Avenue, Makati City
Phone: +63(2)7568899

Singapore Flyer
30 Raffles Avenue
Singapore 039803
For tickets: +65 6333 3311

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Visiting Singapore: Rasapura Masters Food Court
Visiting Singapore: Marina Bay Sands