“Singapore is so hot. Come in and enjoy the aircon,” Peik Lin’s mom said in Crazy Rich Asians. Well, she wasn’t kidding. A few minutes out of the airport and girl, I was already sweating buckets…

But of course, the heat wave didn’t stop me from enjoying a trip in Asia’s greenest city. Flying to Singapore for the first time (well, for work) gave me new sources of inspiration. And if ever you find yourself in a creative rut, these places might help you revive your creative juices.

Art appreciation at National Gallery Singapore

As a designer, visiting a museum whenever I travel is a must. After all, exposing ourselves to art helps us become better creatives, right? Apart from housing the largest collection of modern Southeast Asian art, National Gallery Singapore’s “Minimalism: Space. Light. Object.” is the first major exhibition on minimalism in Southeast Asia featuring works of over 60 artists including Mona Hatoum, Olafur Eliasson, Tatsuo Miyajima, and more.

Restaurant hopping at CHIJMES

I sat down the green lawn and enjoyed a White Rabbit ice cream sandwich. Yes, that famous candy with an edible wrapper. The last time I had that was when I was in high school, so this was absolutely a nostalgic treat.

Aside from the White Rabbit ice cream, CHIJMES also offers exciting dining and bar options. Coriander Leaf’s signature Afterburn cocktail was even a refreshing drink at noon. It’s a concoction of vodka, lime juice, and cilantro.

Horticultural quest at Gardens By The Bay

To escape the sweltering heat, I trekked through the clouds at Singapore’s massive greenhouse. The entire dome is air-conditioned so, yes, sporting a denim jacket is possible. Here you’ll find an array of exotic plants you didn’t know exist from different continents as well as a showcase of lifelike flower displays made of LEGOs.

Thrilling adventures at Universal Studios

My adrenaline soared at the thought of the world’s tallest dueling roller coasters themed after the sci-fi film Battlestar Galactica. I couldn’t resist the urge so my thrill-seeking ass braved the crowd and immediately fell in line along with the other kids. I said to myself, “If these kids can handle this ride, I see no reason why I can’t.” Two rounds and a twist later, I almost puked. Never. Again.

Nocturnal visit at Night Safari

I ventured out for a walk in the luminous rainforest at nightfall. Just when things are becoming a bit dull, projection mapping and interactive zones that make you shout and jump are installed in between walks to keep your energy level high. Beyond being an immersive wildlife attraction, the Night Safari is also home for over 2,500 resident animals from over 130 species.

My short trip to Singapore felt as if I was in the future. The city-state has a lot of attractions to offer ideal for creatives either for getting inspiration or simply for relaxation. Can’t wait to return!