Chinese New Year lasts an additional two weeks after the actual day. That leaves a lot of time for celebration to occur! One of the big events that happens throughout the holiday in Singapore is the Chingay Parade. The Chingay Parade is put on every year. It is the largest parade in Asia and is truly a sight to see. Many people pay to see the parade, but there is the option to stand at the end and watch for free rather than in the stadium. The perks of paying to see the parade are: sitting rather than standing, a prime view of the action, a show at the end, as well as good seats to see the fireworks at the end! Considering I am on a budget and $40 is way too much to see a parade when free is a viable option, my friend Elsanor and I stood and watched for free! It was really incredible even though we didn’t pay! Honestly, I’m happy that we didn’t pay because that also allowed us to leave whenever we wanted to!
Our original plan was to go see the Super Trees at Gardens by the Bay. Neither of us had seen them and decided to go. Spur of the moment, we decided to go see Chingay because everything was in the same location–Marina Bay. Both attractions were free, too! Chingay began at 8:00 pm and the trees are open until 2:00 am, so it worked out in our favor to see both in the same night–killing two birds with one stone and saving time and money using public transportation. Also, we could, of course, find somewhere to eat after because all I seem to do is eat in Singapore!
The parade began and we had a great view of everything–we were standing in front, up against the gate separating the audience from the parade. There were performers from all throughout Asia: China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and more! There were also local groups marching, walking, singing, and performing in the parade. The entire parade was incredibly well put together and it was very elaborate! The floats were large and vibrant while the performers’ costumes and dances were spectacular! It was one of those, “You had to be there moments,” because the whole thing is pretty indescribable and pictures won’t really do much justice in this case. Just imagine a really entertaining performance, times more due to the variety and amount of groups within the Chingay Parade itself! One of the interesting aspects of the parade was the woman dancing for most of the parade’s entirety behind us. At least she was having a good time!
As the parade came to an end and the fireworks began, Elsanor and I decided to leave before the crowds got bad. I don’t like being close to people, let alone people I don’t know, so leaving before was the best idea. We dodged people and the sidewalk dividers to make it to the Helix Bridge, cross over to the mall, and go up the escalator to the gardens. It’s kind of scary going up the escalator because it’s so high, but it’s worth the view! We got to the roof top area and walked to the other side to enter the super trees space. The view of Marina Bay is gorgeous at night with all of the lights and beautifully designed buildings!
We reached the super trees and sat down to enjoy the view and serenity away from the parade chaos. The wind was really nice and cooling while the people around us were quiet and appreciative of the view, too. At the beginning of this trip, the UC group visited the Gardens by the Bay and I promised myself that I would return at night to see the Super Trees lit up from close! I totally kept that promise to myself, which I am proud of, and am very glad that I did so. The trees were cool looking during the day, but took on a whole other feel when looking at them at night. It was calming to be up there appreciating the view and the time Elsanor and I have spent in Singapore thus far. Some talking and reflecting was done, then we decided to go find food somewhere before it got too late.
Elsanor and I chose to go to Chinatown due to its proximity and convenience. Maxwell, Chinatown’s hawker centre, is known for its Hainanese chicken rice, porridge, as well as a specific pork dish. It also had more than 100 stalls within it! However, when we got there, a good portion of them were closed for the night (it was like 11:00 pm when we got there), but it was okay because there were still enough places to choose from! I got a noodle dish with squid, oysters, and vegetables while Elsanor got chicken fried rice. I’m unsure of the name of the dish, but I do know that it was #1 from the menu and was only $4 for a full plate of noodles! They were SO good and the spicy flavor was just right! To cool down, Elsanor and I shared a peach jelly ice from a dessert and drink stall, which was delicious and refreshing. The shave ice-like desserts are amongst my favorite in Singapore because they have just the right amount of sweetness to them and cool you down after eating a plate or bowl of hot food!
We took the MRT back home to NUS and called it a night! A very fun experience for a Friday night and a parade worth attending for sure! Glad to have watched the parade while I am in Singapore and cannot wait to go out and see more amazing things this nation has to offer!
Singapore and More 