🇸🇬 Singapore

Objective

To check into our home base for the Singapore leg of the trip. Its central location will be convenient for the symposium and for exploring the city.

🔢 Key Steps & Checklist

1. Arrival: Arrive via Grab from Changi Airport in the very early morning hours of Sep 7.
2. Check-in: The official check-in time is 2:00 PM. We will likely need to store our luggage with the concierge until our rooms are ready.
3. Rest: Once the rooms are available, prioritize some rest after the long-haul flights.

💡 Pro-Tip

The hotel is located near the Kampong Glam neighborhood, making it a perfect first place to explore on foot once we are settled.

Objective

Upon our very early morning arrival at Singapore's Changi Airport (SIN), take a ride-sharing service to our accommodation, Hotel Boss.

🔢 Key Steps & Checklist

1. Clear Immigration: Proceed through immigration and collect luggage.
2. Locate Pickup Point: Follow the signs for "Transport" or "Ride-Hailing" to the designated pickup point on Level 1 of the Arrivals hall.
3. Book Grab: Use the Grab app on your phone to book a 6-seater vehicle to Hotel Boss.

➡️ Upon Arrival

• Next Location: Hotel Boss.
• Next Action: Check into the hotel. Note that our official check-in time might be later in the day, but we can store our luggage.

The Vibe & What to Expect

A vibrant and colorful district that offers a complete sensory experience. The streets are filled with the scent of spices and incense, the sound of Bollywood music, and a kaleidoscope of colorful temples and shops.

What to See & Do

• Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple: Visit one of the oldest and most visually stunning Hindu temples in Singapore.
• Tekka Centre: A bustling market with a wet market, food centre, and shops selling Indian apparel and goods.
• Mustafa Centre: A massive, 24-hour department store where you can find absolutely anything at competitive prices.

💡 Pro-Tip

The Tekka Centre's hawker section is the perfect spot for our lunch, offering some of the most authentic and affordable Indian food in Singapore. The biryani and dosa are highly recommended.

The Hook

Explore a neighborhood where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly, from the majestic golden dome of the Sultan Mosque to the trendy, independent boutiques of Haji Lane.

Significance & Context

Kampong Glam is Singapore's historic Malay-Arab quarter. The area was allocated to the Malay, Arab, and Bugis communities in the 1820s. Today, it's a vibrant hub of history, culture, and trendy shops.

What to See & Do

• Masjid Sultan (Sultan Mosque): Admire the stunning golden-domed mosque, the focal point of the neighborhood.
• Haji Lane: Wander down Singapore's narrowest street, famous for its colorful murals and independent fashion boutiques.
• Arab Street: Browse the shops selling traditional textiles, perfumes, and Middle Eastern crafts.

💡 Pro-Tip / Local Etiquette

If you plan to enter the Sultan Mosque, be sure to dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered). Robes are available to borrow at the entrance.

The Vibe & What to Expect

As evening falls, Singapore's Chinatown comes alive with glowing red lanterns, bustling markets, and the incredible aroma of street food. It's a vibrant, historic area that offers a fantastic dining and cultural experience.

Must-Try Dishes

• Hainanese Chicken Rice: Singapore's unofficial national dish. Tian Tian at Maxwell Food Centre is world-famous.
• Chilli Crab: A signature Singaporean seafood dish, messy but delicious.
• Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried rice noodles with a sweet and savory dark sauce.
• Satay Skewers: Grilled meat skewers served with a rich peanut sauce at the open-air stalls on Smith Street.

⚙️ How It Works

• Hawker Centre Etiquette: We will visit a hawker centre like Maxwell Food Centre. The rule is to find an empty table first, "chope" (reserve) it with a packet of tissues, and then go to different stalls to order your food.
• Payment: Cash is essential for most hawker stalls.

💡 Pro-Tip

Maxwell Food Centre offers an incredible variety and is a great place for everyone to find something they like. Afterwards, take a stroll to the nearby Buddha Tooth Relic Temple to see it beautifully illuminated at night.

The Mission

To take a step back in time with a short boat trip to a rustic island that offers a glimpse into what Singapore was like in the 1960s.

Itinerary Highlights

• Bumboat Ride: The experience starts with the traditional, no-frills boat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal.
• Cycling: Rent a bicycle upon arrival; it's the best way to explore the island's lush forests and coastal paths.
• Chek Jawa Wetlands: Cycle to this unique coastal area where six major habitats meet. Explore the boardwalks and the viewing tower.

✅ What to Bring

• Supplies: Insect repellent is a must. Bring sunscreen and plenty of water.
• Money: Bring enough cash for the boat ride (they don't give change) and for bike rental/food, as there are no ATMs on the island.
• Clothing: Light, comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes.

The Payoff

A refreshing escape from the modern city, offering a unique blend of nature, history, and simple, rustic charm.

The Mission

The primary work component of the trip: for Christina to attend sessions, a poster presentation, and talks at the neuroimaging symposium.

Itinerary Highlights

• Keynote Sessions: Attend talks by leading researchers in the field to learn about the latest scientific advances.
• Poster Presentations: Engage with a wide breadth of new research and network with fellow academics.
• Networking Events: Connect with international delegates and colleagues during official social events.

✅ What to Bring

• Clothing: Business casual attire suitable for a professional conference.
• Documents: Registration confirmation (digital or printed) and business cards.
• Supplies: A notebook or tablet for taking notes, and a portable charger for devices.

The Payoff

To gain valuable knowledge, share research, and build professional connections within the international neuroimaging community.

The Hook

Explore the intersection of art, science, and technology in an iconic lotus-flower-shaped building filled with stunning, interactive digital installations.

Significance & Context

The ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands hosts a rotating lineup of international exhibitions. Its instantly recognizable architecture is meant to symbolize the welcoming hand of Singapore, with ten "fingers" anchoring the structure.

What to See & Do

• Future World: The museum's permanent exhibit, created with the art collective teamLab. It's a must-see digital universe where you can interact with breathtaking light and particle installations.
• Crystal Universe: A highlight of Future World, this room gives the illusion of being in a galaxy of stars that you can control with your phone.
• Rotating Exhibitions: Check the schedule for world-class touring exhibitions from fields like particle physics, natural history, or big data.

💡 Pro-Tip

Book tickets online in advance to select a specific entry time, as capacity for Future World is limited and can sell out.

The Mission

To hike a unique urban trail that connects a series of hilltop parks, offering a blend of lush forest and modern architectural bridges with stunning city views.

Itinerary Highlights

• Mount Faber Park: Start the hike here for scenic views of the harbour and Sentosa Island.
• Henderson Waves: Walk across Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge, famous for its artistic, wave-like structure.
• Forest Walk: An elevated walkway that takes you through the canopy of a secondary forest.
• Alexandra Arch: The final bridge on the trail, which lights up with changing colors at night.

✅ What to Bring

• Clothing: Comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing.
• Supplies: Water is essential. Sunscreen and a hat are highly recommended.

The Payoff

This is not a rugged jungle trek but a beautifully engineered "walk in the park" on a grand scale, offering some of the best high-level views of Singapore for free.

The Mission

To enjoy a relaxing afternoon of cycling along Singapore's most popular coastal park, experiencing sea breezes and lush greenery away from the city center.

Itinerary Highlights

• Bike Rental: Rent bicycles from one of the many rental kiosks located along the park path.
• Coastal Path: Cycle along the well-maintained 15km path, with the sea on one side and green parkland on the other.
• Jetties: Stop at one of the fishing jetties for a great view back towards the city skyline.

✅ What to Bring

• Clothing: Light, comfortable sportswear suitable for cycling.
• Supplies: Sunscreen and water are essential.
• Money: Cash or card for bike rental and for food at the hawker centre.

The Payoff

The experience offers a relaxing, scenic break from urban exploration and a glimpse into how locals spend their leisure time.

The Hook

Explore one of Singapore's oldest and most charming housing estates, a hip neighborhood that blends pre-war Art Deco architecture with a modern, trendy vibe.

What to See & Do

• Architecture: Wander the streets and admire the unique low-rise buildings with their clean, curved lines and outdoor staircases.
• Tiong Bahru Market: Visit this excellent two-in-one market. The ground floor is a wet market, and the second floor is one of the city's best hawker centres.
• Independent Shops: Browse the quirky boutiques and independent bookstores like "BooksActually."
• Cafe Culture: Tiong Bahru is a hub for third-wave coffee shops and artisanal bakeries.

💡 Pro-Tip

Start at the Tiong Bahru Market for an early lunch (try the jian bo shui kueh - steamed rice cakes), then spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding streets and shops.

The Hook

Ascend 57 levels to an unrivaled panoramic viewpoint perched atop the three towers of Singapore's most iconic hotel for spectacular daylight views.

Significance & Context

The SkyPark is an architectural marvel. From this vantage point, you can appreciate the sheer scale of the city, see the ships in the strait, and understand the layout of the entire Marina Bay area in clear daylight.

What to See & Do

• Observation Deck: Spend time on the massive cantilevered platform, taking in the 360-degree views.
• Identify Landmarks: Use the cityscape as a real-life map to spot the places you've visited or plan to visit.

📸 Photo Opportunity

The daylight view looking out over the Gardens by the Bay Supertrees with the ocean behind them is classic.

💡 Pro-Tip

Visiting during the day provides a completely different experience than a night view. You can see the details of the architecture and the lush greenery of the city in a way that isn't possible after dark.

The Hook

Step into a futuristic nature park and explore massive, climate-controlled biodomes that house plants from around the world and a stunning indoor waterfall.

Significance & Context

Gardens by the Bay is a masterpiece of horticulture and sustainable engineering. The biodomes replicate different global climates, allowing a vast array of plants to thrive in the tropical city, making them a perfect escape from the afternoon heat.

What to See & Do

• Cloud Forest: The main highlight. Enter a cool, misty conservatory featuring a 35-meter-tall indoor waterfall. Take the elevator to the top and descend via the aerial walkways.
• Flower Dome: The world's largest glass greenhouse, showcasing flowers and plants from Mediterranean and semi-arid regions.

💡 Pro-Tip

Visit the Cloud Forest first, as it can have longer queues. It's a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater, as the conservatories are kept quite cool.

The Hook

Ascend to the open-air rooftop deck of the tallest Supertree to witness the magical transition from dusk to night, with panoramic views of the Garden Rhapsody light show and the glittering Marina Bay skyline.

What to See & Do

• Sunset View: Arrive before sunset to watch the sky change colors over the city.
• Garden Rhapsody: The observatory provides a unique, top-down view of the famous light and sound show in the Supertree Grove below.
• Night Skyline: See the entire Marina Bay area, including Marina Bay Sands, sparkle after dark.

💡 Pro-Tip

The Garden Rhapsody show typically happens at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM. Aim to be on the observatory during one of these times for an unforgettable experience.

The Hook

Watch the Singapore skyline come alive in a symphony of dancing water fountains, colorful projections, and dramatic music.

What to See & Do

• Arrive Early: The main goal is to find a good viewing spot at the Event Plaza in front of the Marina Bay Sands Shoppes.
• Enjoy the Show: The 15-minute show uses a combination of water jets, lasers, and visual projections on water mist screens to tell a story.

💡 Pro-Tip

For a different perspective, you can watch the show from across the bay, near the Merlion. From there, you see not only the water show but also the laser lights coming from the roof of Marina Bay Sands itself. Showtimes are typically 8 PM and 9 PM daily, with an extra 10 PM show on weekends.

The Hook

Escape into a tropical paradise at Singapore's first and only UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the world's largest and most spectacular orchid display.

Significance & Context

The Singapore Botanic Gardens are over 160 years old and have played a pivotal role in the region's rubber trade boom. It's a masterpiece of tropical garden design and a leading institution for botanical research.

What to See & Do

• National Orchid Garden: The main highlight, featuring over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids, including the "VIP Orchid Garden" where hybrids are named after visiting dignitaries.
• Rainforest: The gardens contain a small, ancient tropical rainforest, offering a glimpse of what Singapore looked like before urbanization.
• Swan Lake: A picturesque lake home to numerous swans and other wildlife.

💡 Pro-Tip

The Botanic Gardens are huge. Enter via the Tanglin Gate to be closest to the National Orchid Garden, which is the main ticketed attraction.

The Hook

Escape to a quieter corner of Singapore's nature reserves and explore easy, well-maintained boardwalk trails through a lush secondary forest.

Significance & Context

Windsor Nature Park serves as a green buffer for the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Its trails are designed to be accessible and provide a great introduction to Singapore's forest ecosystems without the crowds of the more famous MacRitchie Reservoir.

What to See & Do

• Drongo Trail: An easy boardwalk trail that takes you through the forest understory.
• Canopy Walk: Look for the elevated treetop walk for a different perspective of the forest.
• Wildlife Spotting: This park is a great spot for bird-watching and is home to a significant population of long-tailed macaques.

💡 Pro-Tip

This is a more relaxed nature walk than the Southern Ridges hike. It's perfect for a quiet morning activity. As with all nature reserves in Singapore, do not feed the monkeys.

The Vibe & What to Expect

A bustling, multi-level, and partially-covered labyrinth of stalls selling everything from trendy clothes to unique souvenirs. It's energetic, crowded, and a favorite among locals and tourists for its budget-friendly prices.

Must-Try Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Juice: Find a stall blending fresh mango, dragon fruit, or sugarcane juice for a refreshing break.
• Skewered Snacks: Look for stalls selling various fried or grilled snacks on a stick.

⚙️ How It Works

• Shopping: The market is a maze of narrow aisles. Prices are generally low, but some polite bargaining at smaller stalls is possible.
• Payment: While some stalls may take cards, it's best to have cash on hand.

💡 Pro-Tip

Explore all three levels of the market. The upper floors are often less crowded and have more unique fashion boutiques.