In November 2020, I made a big move; I moved to Singapore for work, right in the middle of the global COVID-19 pandemic. It wasn’t your typical arrival in a new country. The moment I stepped off the plane, which was only half full due to strict distancing measures, the reality of pandemic travel hit me.
After clearing customs, I was immediately transported to my designated quarantine facility: Hard Rock Hotel, Sentosa. That’s where I would be spending the next 14 days — confined to a single room, isolated from the outside world, and adjusting to a new beginning.
Life Inside Quarantine
The experience, though restrictive, had its silver linings. Meals were delivered three times a day, neatly packed in bento boxes and left on a rack outside my door. No knocking, no human interaction — just quiet, contactless service. The food was surprisingly good — a nice mix of local flavours and international dishes. Mealtimes became little events I looked forward to.
My room had a large window with a stunning view of Sentosa. During the day, I could see the lively surroundings in the distance, and at night, the view turned magical. The Singapore Cable Car gondolas, glowing as they glided across the skyline, were a treat to watch. Just beyond, I discovered something special — a dolphin pool within view. I often spent time just observing the dolphins swimming, playing, and getting fed. It was an unexpected joy that added warmth to the otherwise quiet days.
To pass the time, I leaned into the hotel’s cable TV, watching movies and catching up on old favourites. When I wasn’t in front of the TV, I stayed connected with the world through my phone — reading news, scrolling social media, and checking updates thanks to the hotel’s reliable Wi-Fi. The mix of screen time and scenic views helped the days pass more smoothly than I’d expected.
First Taste of Freedom
After 14 days, I was finally released from quarantine. Although restrictions were still in place city-wide, just being able to step out and feel the fresh air was liberating. To mark the occasion, I headed straight to Sam’s Curry for a comforting plate of Biryani. After two weeks of isolation and boxed meals, the burst of spices and flavours felt like a celebration.
But that was just the beginning.
In the days that followed, I dove headfirst into exploring Singapore’s unique food culture. I tried the fiery, tongue-tingling Ma La hotpot, the spicy and satisfying Chilli Ban Mee, hearty bowls of Bak Kut Teh (a peppery pork rib soup), and various types of delicious Japanese food tucked into hawker centres and mall food courts. Each dish told its own story — of Singapore’s multicultural identity, of comfort, and of culinary boldness.
A Quiet Goodbye to Quarantine
On the morning of my release, I stood by the window one last time, soaking in the serene view of Sentosa from my hotel room. The gondolas of the Singapore Cable Car floated quietly across the sky, and the dolphin pool below rippled with life — a peaceful, almost cinematic end to my 14-day quarantine. I took a few last photos to remember the quiet, surreal isolation that marked the beginning of my Singapore chapter. It was strange how quickly the space that felt like confinement had become a small, comforting bubble. With my bags packed and a negative COVID test in hand, I walked out of the room into the humid Singapore air, ready to embrace the city — cautiously, yet excitedly.
Looking Back
Quarantine was challenging, but also reflective. It gave me time to settle my thoughts, ease into a new phase of life, and take in Singapore — even if just from a window. It’s not how I imagined my journey would begin, but in many ways, the peaceful start at Hard Rock Hotel gave me a gentle, memorable welcome to this incredible country.