For our 2nd day we opted for a half-day city tour in which we would visit: the Merlion Park, Jade factory, Chinese Temple, Singapore Botanical Garden and Little India.
We departed from the Hotel around 8:30 am. The tour started with a drive around the Civic district and significant buildings: the Cricket club, The Parliament, The City Hall, Padang, and the Supreme Court. The first stop was Merlion Park with magnificent views and fantastic photo opportunities of the Merlion, Marina Bay, F1 floating grandstands, and the Singapore flyer.
TRAVEL TIP: Of all the tour destinations the Merlion park was the quickest stop we had so better take those photos as soon as you get to the park!
The Jade factory was the next stop, for some this may seem to boring but we found it to be very interesting as all kinds of ornaments embedded with minerals of all sizes were on display. Ella even had a few good buys. The oldest Chinese Temple in Singapore was our next stop but it was a very quick stop just enough to take photos and offer incense.
The Singapore National Orchid Garden was the penultimate stop of the tour. We were a little hungry and thirsty at this time and with the blistering heat we just walked past the main entrance then head over to get some refreshments.
Our last stop would be Little India, but Ella had an upset stomach( probably too much food last night!) So we decided to wait at the bus as she was rushing to get back to the hotel.
The half day city tour was great being able to cover almost the whole city in one short tour. Specially for those who have very limited time in their itinerary. Some tours may have a Singapore Flyer experience as an option, I suggest you take the flyer during sunset for both day and night views of Singapore.
TRAVEL TIP: Bring water and light snacks as you have very limited time to have refreshments from one destination to the other.