Trip Overview
This was my first time in both Singapore and Taiwan, and I was excited to experience a new side of Asia—something fast-paced but also rich in local culture and everyday surprises. The trip was quick, but packed with vibrant moments: food tours, night markets, towering gardens, and tea breaks that somehow slowed time down in the middle of a bustling city.
From the ultra-green skyline of Singapore to the maze-like energy of Taipei, this was a great trip.
Most Memorable Moments
Food Tour in Singapore – Wandering through hawker centers, learning about regional dishes, and tasting everything from Michelin Star noodles to kaya toast. Food is how Singapore tells its story—and this tour was like reading it cover to cover.
Exploring The Jewel at Changi Airport – I got to the airport early on purpose just to check this out, and it was absolutely worth it. Giant indoor waterfall, rooftop gardens, shops, and dining—it felt more like a theme park than an airport. One of the coolest airport experiences I’ve ever had.
Night Market in Taipei – A sensory overload in the best way. Neon signs, sizzling food, the murmur of crowds, and me with a cold beer, trying bite after bite of unfamiliar, delicious things.
Dinner on top of Marina Bay Sands – Iconic skyline, warm evening air, and a killer meal.
Getting Lost in Taipei’s Malls – I wasn’t ready for ten-story + malls. Navigating escalators and levels with mostly Chinese signage, I got turned around more than once, but that’s part of the adventure. It made the quiet tea shops I eventually found even more satisfying.
Singapore’s Garden in the Sky Vibe – I didn’t expect the city to feel so green. Plants wrapped around buildings, lush parks in every direction, and one of the easiest-to-navigate transit systems I’ve ever used.
Logistics & Practical Information
Accommodation
- Momentus Hotel Alexandra (Singapore) – A well-located hotel with good access to MRT lines and great nearby food.
- No. 106, Section 2, Xinyi Rd (Taipei) – Solid location in Da’an District, walkable to tea houses and local eats.
Transportation
- Flew via Tokyo with ANA to Singapore, then EVA Air to Taipei, and United through San Francisco back home. Long haul, but worth it.
- Singapore’s MRT was flawless—clean, fast, and intuitive.
- Taipei’s metro was also efficient, with great access to local neighborhoods and markets.
Activities
- Singapore: Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Chinatown
- Taipei: Night markets, tea shops, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial, endless urban wandering
- Plenty of spontaneous detours and accidental finds, too
Tips for Travelers
Don’t underestimate how massive some of Asia’s malls can be. Bring your spatial awareness.
Singapore can be pricey, but hawker food keeps it affordable and cultural.
Don’t rush Taipei—let yourself get lost a bit.
English signage is common in Singapore, less so in Taipei—download offline maps and translation tools ahead of time.
Reflections & Final Thoughts
This trip was fast but unforgettable. Each city had its own rhythm—Singapore’s was clean and efficient, Taipei’s was loud and layered. Both offered moments that felt uniquely immersive. Whether it was sipping oolong on a quiet street or watching city lights flicker from 57 stories up, this journey was a refreshing reminder of how much of the world I still want to see.
Expedition Hamilton 