After 13 days, including embarkation and disembarkation days, sailing on the Norwegian Jewel, I arrived in the island nation of Singapore.
I decided to stay an extra day in the city, which comprises one main island, 63 satellite islands and islets, and one outlying islet; these combined areas have increased by approximately 25 percent since the country’s independence due to extensive land reclamation projects.
It has the second highest population density of any country in the world, although there are numerous green and recreational spaces due to urban planning.
Soon, after checking into the Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel, an exquisite hotel in the city’s heart, I took a short taxi ride to Gardens by the Bay.
The nature park spans 250 acres. It is free except for featured attractions. Being a popular tourist attraction in Singapore, the park welcomes more than 50 million visitors annually.
After roaming around and admiring the park’s beauty, I paid admission to two gardens. The Cloud Forest features the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. I took an elevator to the top of the dome and made my way down. The pathway offers a spectacular view of the gardens below.
The Flower Dome was my next destination. As its name indicates, the giant dome features an almost unbelievable array of flowers, cactus, and trees.
Next, I walked to the Supertree Grove. Twelve towering structures made from reinforced concrete and steel are covered with 162,900 plants spanning 200 species.
Seven have been fitted with tech designed to harvest solar energy, and the tallest one has a restaurant on top.
There is also a 419-foot aerial walkway suspended between two of the Skytrees. I am not a fan of heights, so I didn’t make the walk.
As the day waned and the sun set, I returned to the hotel. My time in Asia was beautiful. It is easy for me to recommend Norwegian Cruise Line, Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel, and Gardens by the Bay.
Go, learn, explore, and have fun.
That’s an amazing garden! Truly unique.