SNAPS

Hazy but still spectacular Singapore

Raffy Ayeng · Oct 12, 2026, 7:18 AM

SET in the heart of Singapore’s downtown, Gardens by the Bay is home to a diverse collection of over 1.5 million plants that hail from every continent, a favorite place for joggers and nature-lovers.

Amid the persisting haze brought by forest fires in Indonesia, Singapore continues to mesmerize tourists with its splendid offerings — from mouthwatering food to its illuminating edifices and fantastic natural wonders.

A WIDE array of delectable dishes await tourists in Newton Food Centre Singapore, including Malaysian, Chinese and Singaporean. Newton is one of the more than 80 hawker’s food hubs offering various food choices.

GRILLED chicken wings at Newton Food Centre has been a favorite order for tourists and locals in Singapore.

My visit here to cover President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s working visit, which coincided with the glitzy Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, proved to be another memorable journey.

Boarding a boat at Clarke Quay offers a view of the skyscrapers of affluent Singapore via the Marina Bay waterway — my first stop.

THE famous Singapore official symbol, Merlion, which has been the favorite place for a picture-taking in front of Marina Bay.

From the wooden yet sturdy vessel, you can spot tourists snapping mandatory photos with the iconic Merlion, the national symbol and mascot of Singapore.

EUROPEAN and Asian tourists enjoy Singapore’s business district during a boat ride at Marina Bay.

The boat ride also showcases the magnificence of Marina Bay Sands, an integrated resort that opened in 2010 overlooking Marina Bay and serving as another landmark of the eloquent city.

Just a short walk from the posh hotel, a surprise awaits photography enthusiasts. Gardens by the Bay, set in the heart of downtown Singapore, gives visitors a chance to hear chirping birds amid a diverse collection of more than 1.5 million plants hailing from every continent except Antarctica.

THE captivating light show at Gardens By the Bay, which will make visitors feel that they are in the Avatar movie setting.

Gardens by the Bay illuminates at night, featuring its Garden Rhapsody light and sound show, which runs daily at 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. at the Supertree Grove.

After a tiring tour, visitors are treated to sumptuous dishes at Newton Food Centre, a bustling hawker center in the heart of Singapore.

This circular rendezvous reveals a vibrant culinary hub showcasing a diverse array of delicious local eats.

THE Marina Bay Sands hotel, Singapore’s iconic 5-star and posh accommodation. The hotel faces Marina Bay, well-loved by tourists for picture-taking.

Stalls at the food hub offer a tempting variety of menu items, each bursting with the rich flavors of Singaporean cuisine — from mouth-watering satay skewers to aromatic noodle dishes, which are a must-try when visiting ASEAN’s Tiger City.

(By the way, Singapore boasts thousands of hawker food stalls distributed across hawker centers throughout the city.)

There is much more to explore in Singapore. Just bring plenty of stamina, as walking after riding the Mass Rapid Transit is essential to uncovering the nation’s must-visit secrets.

SINGAPORE has a very commendable Mass Rapid Transit train system, providing efficient commute to its citizens and tourists who are always on the go.

OFW Susana Valdez joins daily tribune’ chief of reporters Raffy Ayeng in discovering the splendid sites of Singapore. Valdez works as manager of a famous American restaurant in Singapore for 18 years now.