From Capsule Beds to the Sky at Marina Bay Sands
In many ways, staying at Marina Bay Sands was never something I would have justified on my own. Spending that much money on a hotel room simply never felt worth it to me. I had originally planned to stay just one night, more as a once in a lifetime curiosity than anything else.
Before I left, I celebrated my birthday with my family. When I told my parents about my plan to stay one night at Marina Bay Sands, they surprised me by gifting me two nights instead. It turned out to be even more expensive than usual because of the upcoming Formula 1 race, but I decided to keep the plan exactly as it was. It felt like the perfect way to kick off my year as a solo traveler and to honor the years of hard work that came before it.
The contrast could not have been bigger.
My first night in Singapore was spent in a capsule hotel. I arrived very late, exhausted, and it was basic, but pleasant. The capsule was spotless, the shared bathrooms were beautifully designed and clean, and there were plenty of amenities. The next morning, I did laundry and sat on the small rooftop terrace with an oat milk latte, looking straight at Marina Bay Sands in the distance. At that moment, I still had not fully realized that I would soon be checking in there myself.
After checking out, I had lunch at nomVnom Bistro at Clarke Quay. I ordered their vegan fish burger, which was so good that it would not be my last visit. From there, I took the subway to Marina Bay Sands.
When I arrived at the lobby, I realized I could check in directly on my phone. My room was not ready yet, so I stored my backpack and explored the area. I grabbed an iced coffee at the mall and wandered along the Marina Bay waterfront promenade, taking in the skyline and the atmosphere.
At 3pm, my phone notified me that the room was ready. I downloaded the digital key and made my way upstairs. Staff were still finishing the final touches when I entered, and when I finally stepped inside, I was completely blown away. A huge bathroom, a spacious room, and a view overlooking Gardens by the Bay. When my backpack was brought up to the room, I could not help but laugh, wondering how many guests usually arrive with a backpack instead of a suitcase.
I video called my mom immediately, showed her the room, and thanked her properly. It was a moment of pure gratitude.
That evening, I explored downtown a little, had dinner at nomVnom again, this time basil pesto spaghetti, and then walked to Gardens by the Bay to watch the light show. Standing there, surrounded by music and glowing trees, I felt incredibly blessed.
Later that night, around 10pm, I went up to the rooftop and ordered a Negroni. The Malay waiter serving me was incredibly kind and gave me lots of tips for when I would eventually visit his country. I guess that is one of the beautiful things about traveling alone. People approach you, conversations happen naturally, and moments unfold that you could never plan.
I did not go swimming that night, but I did step out to admire the view from the pool. It was unreal. Instead, I went back to my room and took a long bath in the bathtub, even though it was already close to midnight.
The next morning, I woke up early around 6am and headed straight to the infinity pool. I swam, relaxed, and watched the city slowly wake up below me. At 8am, the bar finally opened, and I ordered an oat milk cappuccino straight to my sunbed. It was one of those moments where time feels irrelevant.
Around 9am, I went for a walk through downtown to see more of the city, then had lunch at nomVnom again. Yes, I went there every single day. After that, I returned to the pool and spent the afternoon fully enjoying the hotel.
Later that day, I visited the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, and after sunset, I went up to the Marina Bay Sands observation deck. In the evening, I returned to the hotel, ordered another excellent cocktail by the pool, went swimming, and reminded myself to stay present and enjoy every second of it.
On my final morning, I got up early once more to enjoy coffee at the rooftop. I checked out at 11am, feeling genuinely sad to leave, but also deeply excited for what lay ahead. Before heading to the airport, I had lunch at nomVnom one last time, another vegan burger, before a taxi picked me up at Marina Bay Sands and took me to the airport.
This stay taught me something important. Luxury does not have to be about excess. Sometimes, it is about allowing yourself to receive, to celebrate milestones, and to begin a new chapter feeling supported, grateful, and fully present.
It was the most unimaginable stay I have ever had, and the most perfect beginning to my solo travel year.