Singapore might be small in size, but it always delivers big when it comes to culture, food, and experiences. Steven and I only had three days in the Lion City, but we made the most of every moment.

Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions

Upon arrival, Steven had only one request: to see The Jewel at Changi Airport. As a Malaysian, he’d never actually been to Singapore before - something that surprised me! On my last visit to Malaysia, I promised him I’d bring him over, even if just for a short trip, since work only allowed him a few days off.

After a quick wander through the waterfall and glass-domed wonder, we hopped on the MRT - fast, clean, and blissfully air-conditioned - to visit my good friend’s family near the Johor Bahru border. From Admiralty Station, the 10-minute walk to their Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat was thankfully covered, shielding us from the blazing sun and humidity. Once we arrived, we were treated to a delicious spread of Malay cuisine, with Roti John (omelette sandwich) quickly becoming my favourite.

The highlight was listening to Nenek (Grandma in Malay) share stories of her kampung days in Melaka before she moved to Singapore decades ago. With her limited English, I had to dust off my Malay (and lean a little on my Indonesian), while Aunty and Uncle stepped in to help. Uncle's a staunch All Blacks supporter, and Aunty's the kind of lady who immediately makes you feel looked after. It was a warm start to our trip.

That evening, Steven and I caught up with Esther and Keow, two very good friends of mine. Most of the times I’ve met them in the past, we’ve headed to East Coast Park for seafood, drinks, and plenty of hilarity. Although I’m allergic to shellfish, there was more than enough on the table to keep me satisfied. Afterward, we carried on to Katong for dessert, and then made our final stop at Chijmes for drinks. Singapore truly is a nation of foodies, and when you reunite with friends after a long time apart, you’d better arrive on an empty stomach!

Day 2: A Feast for the Senses

No visit to Singapore is complete without hawker food, and we fully embraced it. From Hainanese chicken rice to laksa, we sampled a little of everything. For Steven and me, it was bak kut teh (meat bone tea) that stood out. Hearty, peppery, and perfectly balanced. Steven, ever the food critic, gave it his seal of approval.

We passed on the durians across the road (this time!) and saved our appetites for more local dishes. Between meals, kopi (coffee), strong, sweet, and unmistakably Singaporean, kept us topped up as we explored.

That evening, we wandered through Gardens by the Bay. Standing under the Supertrees as they lit up to music felt almost futuristic, a dazzling contrast to the heritage streets we’d walked around earlier.

Later, I caught up with Larry - a very good friend who made my nine years in Singapore manageable. He was one of the first people I connected with back then, and somehow we’ve kept in touch all these years. Steven finally got to meet him (and hear a few stories from those days - all innocent, of course!). Larry didn’t hold back, and before long, the three of us were in stitches.

Day 3: Time Together and Reflections

For our final day, Steven and I decided to slow the pace. During our stroll through Fort Canning Park, Steven and I admired the lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere, pausing to visit the historic Fort Canning Centre, a beautifully preserved colonial-era building that has evolved from military barracks to a vibrant arts and cultural hub.

Although we had flown into Singapore on one of the last Jetstar Asia flights from KL, for the return journey we decided to take the Aeroline Bus from Singapore's Harbourfront Centre. The trip took 5.5 hours, with a comfortable 2x2 seating layout across two levels, and a young lady serving meals and complimentary drinks along the way.

The real surprise came at the Singapore-Malaysia border. While passengers from other buses were seen sprinting to reboard their buses, and most bus companies only wait 20 minutes, Aeroline’s crew showed remarkable patience. They waited until all 24 of us were safely back on board (yep, you read that right: just 24 passengers!). It made for a far less stressful crossing, and a relaxed end to our short adventure.

Final Thoughts

Three days flew by, but Singapore left a lasting impression. It was wonderful being back, surrounded by familiar sights and friends, yet it was clear that the city has moved with the times, and I like to think, so have I. Steven thoroughly enjoyed his visit too, discovering a city he’d never seen before. As we reboarded the bus, I couldn’t help but think: next time, we’ll need more than 72 hours to truly explore the city whose iconic symbol and mascot takes the form of a lion.