My first trip to Singapore felt surreal from the very beginning. I traveled there to cover the Disney Adventure cruise, but the trip turned out to be so much more than just work. It became a journey filled with new experiences, incredible sights and the realization of just how unique and efficient Singapore truly is.

When I arrived in the city, one of the first things that struck me was how clean and organized everything felt. Even the airport the experience was already impressive. Changi Airport is known as one of the best airports in the world and it absolutely lived up to the reputation. But what made it even more special was Jewel, the stunning lifestyle complex connected to the airport.

Walking into Jewel Changi Airport felt like stepping into a futuristic garden. Right at the center is the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, cascading down from the glass dome ceiling. Surrounded by lush indoor greenery, shops, and restaurants, it almost felt like a destination on its own rather than just part of an airport. I spent some time just walking around, taking photos, and appreciating how beautiful the space was before even heading out into the city.

For our stay, we checked in at Swissôtel The Stamford, one of Singapore’s tallest hotels located right in the heart of the city. The location was incredibly convenient since it’s connected to the MRT and close to many attractions. From the room, the view of Singapore’s skyline was breathtaking, especially at night when the city lights reflected across Marina Bay.

Getting around Singapore was surprisingly easy. Instead of constantly using taxis or ride-hailing apps, I mostly relied on the MRT train system. The trains were fast, clean and extremely efficient. What made it even more convenient was being able to pay using GCash, which meant I didn’t have to worry about carrying cash or buying separate tickets. Everything felt seamless and modern.