Solo in Singapore - A Female Travel Experience (Part Two)

So... welcome back!

During my last post I described the beginning of my solo travel experience journey and first week I spent in Singapore, if you haven't read it then check it out now! This post will be detailing the rest of my adventure with some tips at the end of the blog for anyone looking to travel alone!

WEEK TWO - KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Now where were we...

After experiencing some amazing things during my first week in Singapore such as the Botanic Garden and VivoCity, I had a very exciting start to my second week as I embarked on a weekend trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!

ACCOMMODATION 

I stayed at the J.W Marriott hotel which is located in the "'heart' of the golden triangle - KL's prime business and shopping district". I found this location perfect as it was near many shops whilst not being too far from some other main tourist attractions! However, the only downfall of staying here was the fact that the spa and fitness facilities were under construction meaning that you would have to travel into the connecting 'Ritz-Carlton' hotel to use these facilities, which is not ideal as you also have to pass through a common shopping area, this information was also undisclosed at the time of booking.

Lobby of J.W Marriott Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS 

As I was only in KL for two nights I didn't do much except shop and eat! However, one of the main things in which I did experience was the 'Petronas Twin Towers'.

As you may have seen in many adverts and travel photographs, the Petronas Towers are two adjoining buildings with a skybridge connection from one tower to another. This was a great sight as the towers had previously held the title of the tallest buildings in the world from 1998-2004.

There are many things to explore within the buildings such as an observation deck with spectacular views of the city, as well as a large shopping mall facility. Now, in Asia you are spoiled with choice for discovering new dishes as it is a continent renowned for it's cuisine, however if like me you enjoy a taste of home you'll enjoy this next part... As I made the most startling of discoveries - A NANDOS! Of course I had to go in and embrace the delighful peri peri chicken dishes which comprise the popular Portuguese restaurant, even if I was thousands of miles from home.

Grounds of Petronas Twin Towers

Petronas Twin Towers

Always time for a cheeky nandos...

MALAYSIAN CUISINE

One national dish I did try whilst in KL was 'Nasi Lemak' which is basically a rice dish cooked in coconut milk, usually served for breakfast. It can be served with many accompaniments including a spicy chicken dish, peanuts, a hard boiled egg, fried beans and vegetables, etc. It usually comes served on a pandan leaf. As someone who isn't the most adventurous when it comes to new foods, I found this dish extremely flavoursome and would definitely try it again. The variety of tastes compliment each other very well, and this dish is so popular that the small outdoor cafe was the place with the biggest queue the whole trip!

'Nasi Lemak' National dish of Malaysia

WEEKS THREE AND FOUR - BACK TO SINGAPORE

Upon returning to Singapore, I had only a couple weeks left and so many things to fit in! I would encourage anyone who is looking to travel to always compose a plan before travelling as this will help utilize your time whilst also making sure you can fit everything in that you'd like to see. I made the mistake of not doing so beforehand!

NATIONAL GALLERY - 'YAYOI KUSAMA' EXHIBITION

This is definitely one of the best things I experienced during my trip. I wouldn't usually visit art galleries and museums at home, however when I travel I enjoy exploring these type of things to embrace the culture and arts scene and would definitely encourage you to do the same on your next trip!

The 'Life is the Heart of a Rainbow' exhibition was only available from 9th June - 3rd Sept and exhibited the work of Yayoi Kusama - one of the world's most influential artists. Many forms of art were on display including her infamous yellow and black pumpkins, infinity rooms and iconic colourful polka dots.

Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin Infinity Room

GARDENS BY THE BAY 

This is a great experience for the whole family and is a must see whilst visiting Singapore. The gardens are often recognised for the large domes which contain a futuristic nature park within them, as well as the 'supertrees' outwith. My personal favourite part of visiting the gardens was the 35 metre tall waterfall within the 'cloud forest' dome, as well as the butterfly display within the 'flower dome'.

Waterfall in 'Cloud Forest' Dome

Butterfly Kingdom in 'Flower Dome'

* EXTRA RECOMMENDATIONS*

FOOD

- Hawker Centres - you will find the most authentic of Singapore dishes within hawker centres, as well as being able to try more extraordinary dishes - I even tried stingray!

- Steamboat - this dish is comprised of large broth pots in the middle of a table, with the opportunity to add an array of ingredients to the broth and share for a flavoursome soup-like dish.

- Chicken and Rice - for such a simple yet tasty dish, this food is actually the national dish of Singapore and will be available pretty much anywhere you go!

ATTRACTIONS 

- Sentosa Island - this premier island has pretty much everything you can think of including a 'Universal Studios' themepark, multiple beaches, hotel resorts, 'Madame Tussauds', a golf course, an adventure park and much more! I experienced the 'zipline' within the adventure park and loved it!

- Raffles - The home of the Singapore Sling! If you enjoy a cocktail or two like myself then this is a must do. You will even be given a bag of peanuts when arriving here as it is normal to indulge in them and drop the shells on the floor!

- Night Safari - a great opportunity to get up close with some animals and observe their nightlife! You can even attend specific shows within the night safari which I would totally recommend doing.

- Marina Bay Sands - If you are shown a photo of Singapore this is usually the building most often referred to. It shows three large standing buildings joined at the top by the world's largest infinity pool which resembles a boat-like structure. There are many things to do within the resort including a shopping mall which has a 'venice' themed river streaming throughout the mall - you can even travel through it by gondola!

View of Sentosa from top of Zipline

Raffle's Singapore Sling

TIPS FOR SOLO TRAVELERS 

- If you are planning on travelling alone make sure you have a strong plan in place first! Are you visiting more than one place? How long do you hope to travel for? Have you obtained the right documents to visit each country? Are you on a budget? What are your modes of transportation?

- It's important that you don't travel completely alone (especially if you're a young female) as it can be unsafe. If it can be avoided I would recommend going somewhere where you have contacts and if not then joining a travel group programme, there are many on offer such as contiki and STA travel, where groups of similar people will embark on a tour together. Summer camps are another popular choice of working abroad and earning whilst having the chance to travel at the end.

- If you plan on travelling to a few different places I would advise you to pack as lightly as possible as you'll have to carry your luggage around with you as well as the possibility of acquiring extra things on your travels.



Well that's the end of my first solo travel experience to South-East Asia! Thank you for taking the time to read all about my adventure, hopefully you gained some extra helpful tips for travelling to these places or travelling alone!