Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. For a while now, when someone asks me where my favourite country I’ve visited is, without a second delay I say Singapore. Boy, those streets are clean. Not only are they super clean, everything is super green. It’s like the whole country (from what I’ve seen) is one huge botanical garden…from the future. They have very strict laws on littering there, to the point that you’re not allowed to smoke on the street, only in designated smoking areas. At one point it was also illegal to chew chewing gum outside. Mad. But the beautiful clean streets and low crime rates definitely make it a pleasant place to visit.
With a population of just under six million, Singapore is a growing country. It’s ethnic demographic mainly consists of Chinese, Malays and Indian. A truly multicultural and multiracial society. From the outside looking in, it seems like everyone gets on fine. But I always take it upon myself to ask taxi and uber drivers what the vibe of the country I’m visiting is because they usually have the 411 on social/ political updates. A taxi driver I came across driving me to Marina Bay said that the government have put in place measures to ensure there are no “Chinese neighbourhoods” or “Indian neighbourhoods”. Each area has to have a mixture of different ethnic groups to avoid, discrimination, othering and racism. I personally think it’s a great idea and even walking down the streets everyone seems to be interacting with everyone. The country itself is also pretty wealthy as they export a lot of electronics and telecommunication equipment all over the world.
My personal interaction with people in Singapore was really nice. Way fewer stares than some other Far East countries. This is probably because Singapore is a very cosmopolitan country and forward-thinking. The people seem to be able to walk past me without wanting to take a picture and tugging at my clothes. Which is always a bonus, travelling whilst black.
One thing that did happen which was unusual, was when I was on the bus back from Marina Bay Sands and I was sat on the upper deck of a pretty empty bus. On one stop a group of teenagers came upstairs and went to the back of the bus. From what they were wearing I’d say their fashion sense was very Hip-Hop-ish and Street (Not Singapore street though). Minutes later one of the boys walked to where I was sitting and sat directly behind me and started playing hip-hop music, really loud. Bear in mind the bus was hella empty. So, for around ten minutes this guy was blasting hip hop and trap music from his phone. When I got up to leave the bus, he looked up, said “bye” and got up to sit back with his friends. It was very obvious what had just happened, but I can’t lie he was playing some good tunes so I wasn’t even mad.
In regards to sightseeing, there lots to see and do. In the theme of the whole country, the ‘Singapore Botanic Gardens’ located near the Orchid Road shopping district is breathtaking. At least for me anyway as I have a deep love for nature, plants and greenery. This 161-year-old Botanical Garden, however, looks like it is a set from an intergalactic space film. On a hot day, I’d definitely bring a bottle of water as I spent a few hours in the gardens. That place is huge. I took my time wandering down the many trails, literally getting lost and exploring. The gardens weren’t too busy, but it is very much a tourist destination. In fact, this black girl from Canada stopped me and asked where I was from and we had a nice little conversation. One thing I LOVE about travelling is how black people often acknowledge each other in a foreign land by doing ‘the nod’. Especially the Far East because there are so few of us there.
Another place, that I would highly recommend is the Garden Rhapsody Light Show. It is a very popular place for tourists to visit in Singapore. The lights show last approximately fifteen minutes and its gorgeous. It’s like you’re in a real-time Disney film. The show is free and is repeated several times throughout the evening. In the same area of the light show is the iconic Marina Bay Sands. This is a luxury hotel for the rich and famous or just people with cash dollars. The hotel hosts a range of restaurants, rooftop bars, infinity pool, shops and boutiques. The views from the rooftop are absolutely stunning. You can see the beautiful city lights as far as the eye can see and also views of the Garden Rhapsody Light Show.
Another area that I visited was ‘Little India’. This is exactly what it says on the tin. I visited the indoor market called the Tekka Centre where they sell very affordable local Indian dishes. The indoor and outdoor food court attracts many people making it very busy. The Tekka Centre also have stalls where vendors sell traditional Indian attire, jewellery, fabrics and accessories. Like most markets, no price is fixed. So if you have the time and patience, try your best to haggle as prices are placed based on appearance. My tactic is to state your last price and don’t budge. This way they can take it or leave it. Simples.
When it comes to my first love, food. I found the food in Singapore delicious. There was an added level of comfort because a lot of the food in Singapore is halal, which meant I could eat something other than a fish or vegetarian dish. I’d go into a supermarket and turn packets of sweets over and see the most beautiful symbol known to man.
Dinner wise, I ate at the Makansutra Gluttons Bay food court and the food there was lovely. I even went back there the next night. It is an outdoor food court, across from the Marina and it has such a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. They had a mixture of Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and Western food. I definitely try and eat local food whenever possible as its nice to try new things out. One night however I decided to have a cheeky Nandos( I know, I know, but it was close to the hotel) and one thing I noticed is that the Far East spice levels are WAY different to the UK and I’d even say African cuisine. I ordered ‘extra hot’ wings and rice. First of all the rice was so much nicer than the “spicy rice” in the UK. However, when it now came to eat the wings. Hmmm. The spice that my mouth experienced that day, sha! My eyes and nose were leaking uncontrollably. Through blurred vision, I finished the wings because…pride. Safe to say, I shall not be orderings ‘extra hot’ wings in Singapore again.
Overall, my short but sweet stay in Singapore was great! Nice people. Nice food. Lots to do and see. My highlight of the trip was being around the Marina Bay Sands Area, there is so much to do in the day and nightlife was also very fun. I felt safe at all times and was happy to do activities on my own for that reason. Till we meet again Singapore, Peace!
Safety=10/10 Things to do= 9/10 Food=8/10 Overall Rating: 9/10
Yaa Yah 