One of the things I always look forward to whenever I have some free time in the late afternoon is sunset hunting around my city — Singapore!
During weekdays, my usual log-off time from work is around 7 PM or sometimes even later. By the time I leave the office, the sun has already disappeared and the city lights are starting to take over. Because of that, seeing a proper sunset during a working day has somehow become a rare treat for me.
But there are those lucky days when I manage to finish work earlier than expected. Whenever that happens, I immediately think about where I can wander before the daylight completely disappears.
Singapore is actually a very enjoyable city to explore either by walking or cycling. It is easy to navigate, there are plenty of pathways, and almost everywhere I go, there is usually a food stall, convenience store, hawker centre, or some interesting establishment nearby.
Still, despite being surrounded by so many conveniences, finding a nice and open view of the sunset can sometimes be challenging.
The skyline continues to grow, and depending on where I am, buildings, apartments, trees, and other structures can easily block the horizon. That is why whenever I unexpectedly discover an open space where I can see the warm afternoon sky, I always try to stop for a while.
And of course, I take photos!
Some of my favorite sunset scenes are beside the water. I really like seeing the orange and pink colors reflected on a calm reservoir or lake. There is something peaceful about watching the water slowly change its color while the surroundings become darker.
Other times, I enjoy seeing the sunset behind Singapore's urban landscape.
A busy road filled with buses and cars can suddenly look surprisingly beautiful when the sky behind it turns orange. HDB blocks, skyscrapers, trees, and even ordinary neighborhood buildings become part of the scenery. It reminds me that a sunset does not always need an empty beach or a completely unobstructed horizon to be memorable.
What I really like about sunsets is the feeling they give me.
There is a certain nostalgia and calmness that comes with watching the final bit of warm sunlight disappear. Maybe it is because sunset marks the ending of another day, or maybe it simply gives me a reason to stop wandering for a few minutes and appreciate what is happening around me.
Of course, someday I would love to experience those famous California sunsets with a huge open horizon and beautiful coastal scenery. I think every place has its own version of sunset magic.
Singapore's version is simply different.
Here, the sunset often appears between buildings, above reservoirs, behind housing estates, or beside busy roads. And somehow, that combination of nature and city life makes the experience interesting in its own way.
Having my bicycle makes these little sunset hunts even more enjoyable because I can travel through smaller roads, park connectors, neighborhoods, and quiet corners that I probably would not explore otherwise.
So whenever I get another chance to leave work early, you can probably guess what I will be doing.
