Arrived in Singapore and took the bus to the center of the city where my hotel is. The ride was long, like 43 stops. Finally made it there and my hotel, the YMCA, was right next to the bus stop. It was a nice place. The room was very nice and I felt comfortable and safe. I walked around and found a place to have noodles. It was yummy but little too much for me. It was one of those weigh your choices and they cook. Well my eyes were bigger than my stomach.
The next day I went to Fort Canning and the National Museum which were both right next to my hotel.
Walked to see the tree tunnel, with the long cue to take pictures (insta fav). I just snapped acouple pics not standing in line though.
The museum was visually appealing and had tons of ibfornation. Everything was presented with creativity and was interactive. Singapore was a British colony and an established trading port. India, China and the Dutch were among those countries that came and traded. During WW11 Singpore was occupied by Japanese. That was their dark period. They endured much oppression and abuse. After the Japan’s lost the war, they went back to becoming a British Colony. They did eventually merge with Malaysia, but recieved independence and in1965 became fully independent. So Singapore has been through alot and they have many different influences. They have actually come out ahead. They are known for their infrastructure, urban planning, public order, global financial centers, culinary infusion and much more. They stand out as a futuristic model ahead of the times.
Weird is what I term my encounter the other night. Just when I am thinking I won’t get disturbed by a stranger here in Singapore did a man come up to me while walking. He started chatting. Said he was here on a long layover from South Africa doing missionary work, plus yoga workshops … kinda strange. I thought to myself. I was walking to the bus stop after watching the light show at the Marina. He said I could just walk to my hotel. He knows the area as he’s been here many times before so he would accompan me. So I started walking with him while checking my goggle maps. He was very talkative and nice. When we reach this one area he said we could stop for coffee and talk. I said no not till I am closer to my hotel. So he told me he was meeting others here and to just walk up the steps, cross the street and continue to follow goggle maps. Well, I did that and still had 20 some minutes of walking left. That was the same amount that was in the beginning. I did find my way to my hotel without much problem. That whole thing was strange. The next morning I couldn’t find my wallet and I panicked thinking maybe somehow he took it. My heart raced for a bit, but I found it under some clothes. Gee wiz! Then and there I decided to not use my fanny pack, but instead use my phone water protector to carry my credit card, some money and my passport, if I need it. Then I can put the protector under my shirt like a money belt. Makes me feel safer.
Went to Sentosa the next morning and it was alot of fun. It is like a resort. Universal studios is there, many other adventure type rides and things you can do. I did the sensory trail, the nature walk and went to see Silosa the old fort as well as Madame Tsuuards Wax Museum.
I find it so remarkable and admirable that they have incorporated greenery in their architecture and structures. It might be a concrete jungle, but the way they have designed it is quite magnificent. I appreciate it. All of Singapore is like that. They see themselves as a futuristic place, and haven’t left the environment out of the equation. It makes for a serene place.
In taking the bus, I’ve traveled through many other areas and they are eye appealing, functional and sustainable. I even passed the prison area. It was a huge concrete area and I wonder how it looks inside. Talking about prison, I hear tell that you can get a ticket for jaywalking. But only if it is within a crosswalk area. I followed some locals at times and they did cross when no crosswalk close by. Also some walked across when light was still red. One guide told me that they have cameras around and have your facial image from the airport so to be careful. I did alot of walking in singapore and the bus and metro systems are wonderful. Very easy, you just tap if and off with your Google wallet or credit card.
I enjoyed the lightshow at the Marina Bay more than at the Garden Grove. Even though those super tress are really something.
I just loved the water setting at Marina Bay and loved the singer at the resturant/bar. Something very special about this place.
Took the bumboat to an island just off Singapore called Pulau Ubin. You buy your ticket from the captain on the boat and the boat leaves when he has 12 customers. When I arrived at 9am there were others waiting so I made the 12th person. On the way back I waited about an hour for 12 to show up.
Once on the island I walked to the marsh and the butterfly trail. It was great. I followed chatGPT’s suggestion and went back to jetty and took the van to the Wetlands instead of walking. I would have walked the 3 miles, but chatGPT suggested the ride and save my energy for the walk at the boardwalk. The boardwalk was an easy stroll and some of the boardwalk was closed due to repairs, but it was fine. Perhaps should have walked. I enjoyed the mangrove trees and the lookout.
Upon getting back to the jetty I decided to have a shave ice which they call a kachang and in doing so missed the bumboat back so needed to wait another hour or so but it was alright cuz I took a walk to the sensory trail. Saw the many trees and lots of monkeys eating the fruit.
Went on the Night Safari. It was great. Got to see a pangolin and a white tiger.
All in all I really enjoyed Singapore and I would go back. I liked how they design the areas. They include the environment as there are alot of green spaces. It’s clean, environmentally friendly and safe.
Singapore is an awesome place represented by the airport. The Jewel Changi Airport Rain Votrex is surrounded by indoor forests and the Canopy Park. The airport also has 24 hour movie theaters and offers free city tours.
