Great for pouring wine, rain, and poor-ing me
After 6 months in Indonesia my visa was due for renewal. This meant we would be sent to Singapore for a day or so to process it. That also meant a mini holiday!
I got to spend almost 5 days in Singapore towards the end of December- adding on the weekend to the 2.5 days it took to process my visa due to the Christmas season.
Despite the warnings there was so much to do in Singapore, I found myself inundated with activities to fill my time. And after 5 months in Jakarta, I was constantly struck by the differences between the two cities.
Where Jakarta was constantly changing- as diverse and energetic as the people who lived there, Singapore offered less traffic and fewer tripping hazards while walking along the streets.
I was lucky enough to have a lodge just north of the Downtown Core, within walking distance to Little India and Arab Street, enclaves of culture where tourists like myself become immersed in the vibrant heritage of the people who claimed the area as trade prospects prospered in the 1800’s. For that was what Singapore was – a colonial trading outpost built by the British, and a trading port for years before that.
The history of Singapore is by no means an area in which I am well read, but colonialism is an integral part of it, and a story they uphold openly on their streets. What makes these areas unique, in my view as an outsider, is their recognition of not only British rule but the impact that subsequent immigration had on the development of Singapore and the lifestyle it offers today. I don’t think Singapore, or any country on the continent of Asia, will ever be rid of the impact of British trade and colonisation, but writing their history with a true account of the people who came before and after enables a depth and strength of culture that few other colonies have been able to reclaim. Recognising people’s stories – with all the good parts and bad – makes us a society founded on respect.
Food of course is a large part of the Singaporean scene, and while Nasi Goreng is fantastic, it was overwhelming to have so many cuisines to choose from. On Arab Street alone there were Turkish, Indonesian, Italian, Lebanese, Indian, French, Chinese, Malaysian and many more restaurants located in the area. I had to get a coffee or two before I could possibly choose what to eat…But food wasn’t cheap! At around AUD $7 per coffee, it was definitely steep compared to Indonesian prices.
While these two precincts were briefly explored on my first day, the next few days were spent across Marina Bay and the Downtown Core – the main business precinct that includes Clarke Quay. I really enjoyed the Botanic Gardens and Supertree Grove – those iconic mushroom trees in the shadow of Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The night shows in the area are fantastic, and I returned later in the day for a picnic while watching the light displays.
I had secured an MRT card earlier that day, and enjoyed riding the streamlined Metro in the city. I found myself in Orchard Road (whoops) – the major shopping area. With several large malls located along one road, there was plenty of Christmas Spirit to go around. I found some iron on patches to add to my collection on my travel bag and some new sunglasses (thank you duty free). The rest of my exploration was based around the MRT. I would get off at stops like Chinatown and Clarke Quay to explore the area and found it an easy and affordable way to explore the city.
One attraction I was particularly excited for was the Singapore Zoo, which was my on my itinerary for the next day! Of course I took the MRT there, but I was definitely overeager and arrived there just on opening at 8:30…before the animals had really woken up it seemed. It was raining a little which kept the large crowds away, and the inhabitants abed a little longer than usual. The zoo had beautiful African wild dogs, and as tigers are one of my favourite animals I was looking forward to seeing their white tiger.
Finally, an unexpected favourite of Singapore was Sentosa Bay, home to the magnificent Merlion. It boasts the southernmost tip of continental Asia…due to the bridges that connect it to the mainland. While the beach is of no comparison to most Australian or Indonesian beaches, it would be a nice place during the dry season.
Singapore may seem ultramodern and without character at first glance, but behind the facade of clean-cut streets and orderly architecture, it is a unique blend of modernity and heritage from all corners of Asia and beyond! It is the third most densely populated country in the world, but at no point at time did it feel overcrowded despite the fact I was there a few days before Christmas (however other holidays such as the Lunar New Year may see a greater influx of people, especially outside of rainy season…). It’s a fantastic place to visit whether you want to pack everything in, or take your time and enjoy luxuries available in very few other countries. Singapore has truly carved its niche in world trade and tourism, with its strength and adaptability founded in multiculturalism and acceptance. Cheers!
roads go ever on 