Singapore was a whirlwind of a time. An unexpectedly warm and balmy city that greets you with glistening skyscrapers, verdant greenery along the roads, striking blue skies with cotton candy clouds, and a potent whiff of fish. To obtain my masters in English literature, I made my way to the little red dot i.e. Singapore back in 2016. This was my first time leaving home for a much longer period of time and suffice it to say, I was terrified and more than a little intimidated.
The city's first impression is one that leaves you somewhat speechless and confused; it is fast-paced, dynamic, humid, and most importantly, culturally diverse. One thing I realised early on was that when in Singapore as an Indian, you're never too far away from home.
Apart from the time I spent at my university, my friend and I found ourselves walking along the city streets for hours on end. We would map route by route to familiarize ourselves with the way the city has been constructed. Living close to the CBD lent us the advantage of accessibility to places like Marina Bay Sands, Bugis Junction, Haji Lane, Clarke Quay, Katong, Tanjong Pagar, and most of the popular haunts.
Things I dearly loved about Singapore include first and foremost their public transportation - MRT or the local trains and the public bus system - that is smooth, flawless, and efficient. Save for during the Singapore Grand Prix, there was never a time where a train or a bus was later than routined. It was quick and easy to get around the city without ever losing our way; save for one or two incidents that can be chalked down to a lapse in judgement . The cabs are not as cheap as you would expect and thus, we never used them unless it was visits to and from Changi airport or an emergency.
There are one too many places in Singapore that hold a special place in my heart and my favourite of all has to be Haji Lane. With its hipster vibes, graffitied walls, cute restaurants that offer outdoor sitting, and vintage stores, the place is the epitome of 'good vibes only'.
Dempsey Hill is another one of my absolute favourites for a completely different ambiance and change in pace with more fine-dine restaurants, bakeries, and cafes.
If you're travelling to Singapore just for a few days, I'd say skip the tourist attractions and hit the streets. You will definitely chance upon much more exciting things to do and see when you don't have a plan in particular.
The Former Ford factory is one such unsuspecting place that needs to be experienced first-hand. Visit the Art museum and check out the latest installation or make your way to Joo Chiat Rd to spot pastel-hued shophouses and an ancient charm usually absent in many major cities. Haw Par Villa from the creators of the famed Tiger Balm is another mysterious and sufficiently spooky place to visit.
There is much more to Singapore than just Marina Bay Sands or the Singapore Zoo and being open to the possibility of such will be more than satisfactory and fulfilling.
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