Singapore & Indonesia

The journey back to the UK from New Zealand took an unexpected turn when my mother orchestrated the perfect surprise: a week-long stopover split between Singapore's electric streets and the palm-fringed shores of Bintan Island.

What made it truly special was discovering my youngest brother would be joining us—my mother had kept this carefully under wraps. For three nights, we immersed ourselves in Singapore's vibrant heart, where futuristic skyscrapers cast shadows over hawker centers and centuries-old temples sit tucked between gleaming shopping districts.

Then came the contrast: a short ferry ride transported us to Bintan Island, just north of Indonesia's sprawling archipelago. Here, the frenetic energy of the city dissolved into the gentle rhythm of island life—turquoise waters, powder-soft beaches, and the kind of unhurried days that make you forget which day of the week it is.

It was the ideal combination: urban exploration followed by tropical tranquility, and all of it shared with family. Sometimes the best holidays are the ones you weren't expecting.

Cameras Used: Fuji GW690ii, Voigtländer Bessa-R, Minolta Riva Zoom 115 Ex