Singapore – Not as Sterile as I Anticipated.
I did not really want to go to Singapore because I thought that it was too strict and too conservative for my liking. Well, we did go there for 10 days and discovered that its underbelly if you like, was what made it actually very interesting. I am talking about all of the “little’s” in Singapore that make it a more vibrant and enticing Singaore than what I was expecting.
Singapore is a fusion of cultures
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It is this fusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian and indeed Britain, that add to its appeal. There is also the influence of international businessmen from all over the world that adds to Singapore’s multiculturalism, Sir Stamford Raffles, founded the modern Singapore and the city itself still retains the very British feel, from the high teas at Raffles Hotel through to other areas of society. But, Little India, Little China. and Little Arab town are what give Singapore its colour and charm.
It is this total fusion that gives Singapore its appeal, its character and perhaps the underbelly that I prefer. Singapore is known as the “City of the Lion” which indicates its strength and courage in facing many challenges. And there have been many throughout its history to be overcome.
Modern Singapore
Standing today as a symbol of business, it is also an interesting destination to discover. Singapore is a regimented society and there are many do and don’ts to be aware of, like chewing gum which is banned, as is smoking on the street and j-walking which are both frowned upon. Do not take food or drink onto the MTR (Mass Rapid Transport) as you will be caught and fined. Do not tip. Keep your hands to yourself. Keep relatively covered (despite the extreme humidity) and just be polite and pleasant as per normal. In saying that though, despite the fact that the city is immaculately clean, I have seen butts, and a little litter in the streets which indicates some rebelliousness, which is a quite heartening. I was worried that Singapore might be too sterile for me and that I would end up in jail for some ridiculous infraction, but that is not the case.
- Singapore Little China Town
Just walk around Singapore
There are some excellent guided and self guided walking tours and the tourist information bureau has these maps with quite a bit of detail, which makes for a very pleasant day. If you get lost because you can’t read a map, (me here) then getting lost is still a great way to explore the less publisiced areas of Singapore, and to actually understand it more.
Transport in Singapore
Will run to time in a most Singaporean way, so use it to get to places – on time. Just don’t eat or drink on the trains.
- Singapore
Little India
This is indeed a microcosm of “big” India. This is where you see the real Singapore in my opinion. Crowded, noisy, colourful with excellent markets and aggressive stallholders. It is a little daunting at times, so just be a little cautious. In saying that, it didn’t stop us going back a number of times. I prefer colour and noise to manufactured idealism. The food is sensational and cheap.
Little China Town
Again, a much better perspective of the real Singapore. This is where there is a lot of history, a lot of culture and food that is seriously good, and ridiculously cheap. People watching is a great pastime, and the Chinese are very helpful and willing to have a chat, albeit a stilted one. The massages here are interesting. Whether it was where we went or that is the norm, but my partner got the full deal and I got the totally clothed option. Not pleasant when straps etc are dug into you. Maybe that might be a little of the conservatism of Singapore.
- Singapore
Little Arab Town
Again, love it. Seeing the mosques and listening to the bells and singing for the call to prayer amid the hustle and bustle of this quaint little town is enticing. What is more interesting is the mega expensive fabric used in the hijab worn by many of the women. Despite being totally covered the wafts of very expensive perfumes,
Verdict
Singapore’s ethnic mix and diversity, in my opinion is what showcases this city abest, and it is very interesting to walk around and understand its development. Just don’t chew gum! And Singapore is Not as Sterile as I Anticipated
I ADORE Singapore. It has whatever you like – art, activity, luxury. And really, really great food for all budgets. If you can’t have fun in Singapore you aren’t trying. I’m devastated they’re letting the F1 go, as they put on the best race ‘festival’ of the season, with activities all over town. For the record, the kids and I were chased by wild boar on Ubin, definitely one of the wildest unexpected adventures we had that trip…It’s def worth exploring the natural side of things on the outer islands and reserves. I love it!
You better take me to Singapore. It still is not one of my favourite cities. We spent 6 days there after a 2 month trip, so maybe I was tired.
I really like Singapore. I like that you don’t have to scratch too hard to find a bit of a wild underbelly below the shiny surface. I’ve written about this myself on my blog (see link).
Incredible food, great neighbourhoods and good things to see and do.
I don’t think I’d ever spend more than a few days at a time there, though. For mine, it’s a classic stopover on the way to/from somewhere even more exciting.
We had our kids with us most recently, and it was the perfect introduction to Asia for them.
Something I can’t fathom amid all the renowned efficiency, is the taxi rank fiasco. What an utter shamozzle.
We’ll return, for sure. And I won’t walk past a Bee Cheng Hiang store without sampling something sweet, porky and delicious. That’s a promise.
I think that I like the under belly of Singapore and yes the food is amazing. I am pleased your children enjoyed it. They will love the rest of Asia. Interesting wight he taxis.
I am visiting Singapore right now and I just love it. It’s like visiting the future. So much leading edge design and I love the skyline.
I’ve seen a few packages of gum for sale in 7-11 so “illegal gum chewing” is obviously not strictly enforced.
I’m a bit of a rigid person myself, so I like the orderliness of the place. 🙂
I need to visit Singapore again and particularly all of the little areas.
I lived in Singapore for almost 6 years, yeah.. that long!!
Actually, it isn’t illegal to chew gum, but it’s illegal to bring them into Singapore or smuggling them into the country (in a big amount, it’s not an issue if you bring a few of chewing gum and chew it in public space)
Good to know that as I think that most people know this trivial thing, which as it turns out is wrong.
Singapore is a great city! I lived there for 5 months and never once thought it was too sterile or too strict – just clean and organized. People would joke about “Oh, don’t get a fine!” before I left but I also thought that most of the things you’d get fined for go against common sense.
The different neighbourhoods and gardens made for interesting places to check out during down time, the nightlife is great (though alcohol is VERY expensive), and the location made it easy to travel to other countries for a weekend. Singapore is one of my favourite places I’ve lived.
I must admit that I did enjoy it and would certainly give it a return visit.
Indeed, as you say – one should pay extra attention to eating/drinking in the MRT. I generally drank up, ate up everything so that I don’t forget about it.
Those fines are heavy, very heavy!
I’ve also encountered dirty streets, stinch on the streets, even saw people spitting while the were bicycling… Quite surprising.
Singapore is a must see place – was one of the top places I’ve visited so far. I spent a roughly 2 weeks there and I strongly felt that it wasn’t enough! There are so many places to discover and experiences to try out. I was astonished to see how diverse and how huge the “small island” actually is!
The multicultural mix is especially magnetic. It’s quite an expensive destination, though… Hotels and entry fees, transportation aren’t cheap. But food cost me less than in Spain, must less than in Britain.
I did find it sterile initially but not after getting out and about. I love the multicultural mix as well and it is something that is very normal for us in Australia. Thaks for the reply