Exploring the Heat: Singapore, Bali, and Dubai in July
Flying High with Emirates Our adventure began with a flight to Singapore via Dubai on Emirates. It had been a while since I last flew with them, and this trip was a great reminder of why Emirates is such a highly regarded airline. I splurged a bit on emergency exit row seats, which was a blessing for a tall guy like me. Even when I couldn’t get those seats on the second leg, I found the legroom more than adequate. The food was top-notch, and the service was, as always, impeccable, making the long flight much more comfortable.
Singapore: A City of Gardens and Fireworks Landing in Singapore, we had the luxury of staying with family, which meant we had the convenience of an apartment in a prime location. Getting around the city was a breeze with the Grab app, which I highly recommend downloading and setting up before you arrive. It’s also worth sorting out your mobile roaming ahead of time, as most carriers offer great deals on unlimited data in Singapore and Dubai.
July is a fantastic time to visit Singapore, especially with the practice fireworks displays leading up to National Day. Watching the fireworks from the CBD, with Marina Bay Sands beautifully illuminated to the right, was a highlight. We visited Gardens by the Bay twice—once during the day to enjoy the stunning views and again in the evening for the mesmerizing light show. The Cloud Forest indoor garden was breathtaking, and we also took the time to explore the Botanic Gardens. For a unique experience, we biked along the F1 track under the Singapore Flyer, which was a thrilling way to see the city.
Bali: Beaches, Temples, and Traffic Adventures In Bali, we were again fortunate to stay with family, this time in a spacious villa in Seminyak that comfortably accommodated all 12 of us. Our days were spent between the villa, the beach, and a day trip to Ubud, where we explored the stunning landscapes and visited the famous Monkey Forest—a hit with the kids. Bali’s traffic, though, is something else! Navigating the sea of mopeds that seem to follow their own set of rules was an adventure in itself, but it’s all part of the Bali experience.
Dubai: A Short but Sweet Stopover We broke up our journey home with a night in Dubai, and it was the perfect way to end our trip. Knowing that Emirates would check our luggage through to Dublin was a big help, allowing us to travel light with just a small backpack each. This made our quick transition from the airport to our hotel, the Dusit Thani, much smoother.
Clearing immigration was a breeze, and the Dusit Thani was an ideal choice for our short stay. The two-bedroom apartment was spacious, perfect for our group of two adults and three teens, and offered great value for money. After a refreshing dip in the rooftop pool, we enjoyed a delicious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. The evening was capped off with a visit to the fountain display in front of the Burj Khalifa—a spectacular sight that’s not to be missed.
I had always assumed Dubai would be unbearably hot in the summer, but this trip changed my perspective. Yes, it was hot—42 degrees while we were there—but the city is well-equipped to handle the heat. With air-conditioned hotels and plenty of indoor activities, it’s possible to enjoy Dubai even in the height of summer. Plus, the off-season deals make it even more attractive.
