Singapore

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

We needed to get from Thailand to Indonesia and flying through Singapore would actually save us money. So we were happy to stop here for a couple of days. 

Singapore. A city of the future. The architecture and infrastructure are so advanced. If you drop into the center of the business district, you will never guess you're in Asia. Men and women are in modern business suits. Extremely clean, high tech, modern, and plenty of English. Everything looks brand new and the roads look like they were paved last week. 

If you know where to go, you will find a good amount of culture in Singapore. We especially loved the ethnic neighborhood called Little India, which is full of colorful store fronts, gritty shops that sell everything, temples, and tons of Indian food. 

Some things that surprised us about Singapore: 

- 60%+ of the tourism in the country is for health care. The health care system quality here is among the best in the world and more affordable than in Western countries. 
- It's extremely expensive to own/drive a car in Singapore, resulting in much less traffic (nothing like Bangkok!)
- It's almost impossible to find a cab. There are always lines at cab stations. This is so different from other countries in Asia where cab drivers pester you constantly to get a ride.  
- Old cars are forbidden in Singapore. All the cars on the roads are nice and new because old models are exported from the country. Like I said... city of the future. 
- Spitting in public places is illegal (I like this one).  
- Chewing gum is illegal! 

It's really a shame we don't have more photos. Camera still broken. We have a handful of shots mostly from our compact camera, and managed to squeeze out a couple from the dying D700. 

Up next: Jakarta, Indonesia

The Singapore Flyer is the world's largest observation wheel. It was raining when we wanted to go, then we ran out of time. Next time!
We took a fun bus tour around the city since we had so little time to explore on foot.
Many of the streets have a canopy of lush trees above them. I loved all the green.

25 comments :

  1. Hi!

    Love the contrast with the Thailand Island...still very close in Asia but seem to be far far away.

    This city must be really fun. You know about the D800. Rumors...maybe in march.

    Thank for the facts!

    Alex

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    1. Alexandre- Yes, hoping we can get our hands on one soon!

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  2. oh singapore! I used to live there for 12 months back in 2005 and I really enjoyed it! and isnt it so green? loved that so much!!

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    1. Kristina- Yes, very green! That was one of my favorite things about Singapore. Some streets look like green tunnels because of all the trees in the city.

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  3. What cute pics of you! I'm itching to get to Singapore.

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  4. Your pictures are amazing!
    I can't believe chewing gum is illegal. No wonder the streets are so clean!

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  5. Thanks for the tips we are planning on going there in August. I know it is a very clean country with many rules!

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  6. I've never been so it was really interesting to see these - thanks guys!

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  7. Is so good Singapura! City so organized! I loved the garden orquideias!

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  8. Wow, amazing photos! I can't believe these were taken from your little compact camera!

    I've heard Singapore is really an amazing place, and that they have very strict laws regarding things like spitting, littering, etc.

    Can't wait for Jakarta!

    xxx
    Jenna

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  9. The Singapore Flyer is impressive at a distance, boring once inside. Maybe its just me :)

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  10. Great pictures. The architecture is very cool.

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  11. I'm your blog's ardent reader from Singapore! so glad you enjoyed your stay here and love your pictures :) looking forward to more post!!

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  12. Glad you guys enjoyed your time in my home country! :D It is generally a pretty shiny place, which has its pros and cons.

    Actually the chewing gum law is a bit of a misconception. Chewing gum itself isn't actually illegal (not anymore, at least). I think the sale of chewing gum is still tightly regulated though, it's only allowed for medicinal purposes at the moment. But you certainly wouldn't get arrested for being seen with chewing gum or anything like that.

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    1. Kirsten- Thanks for clarifying. Still pretty crazy though.

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    2. hello, another singaporean adding to the fray! kirsten's right. only the buying and selling of chewing gum is disallowed but there's nothing stopping you from bringing a personal cache into singapore and chewing till your jaws fall off! chewing gum is fine, littering isn't. that's probably the rationale behind the rule. before the sale of gum was banned, it was causing a big problem in MRT (subway) doors and on seats.

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  13. If you go Singapore, try the food! They have AMAZING range of food and they are all CLEAN. You can try anything and everything without worrying about food poisoning because Singapore is so clean. They have vast variety and even accomodates to Vegetarian and Halal food. ;>

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  14. I was waiting for this post to see my country through your amazing photography. So sad that your camera was broken. :( Our ownership for cars are limited to 10 years, so once we hit that limit, off to the scrapyard it goes and we have to get a new one.

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  15. I hope you managed to capture night shots of the city from your compact camera.. the lights from Marina Bay Sands can be quite mesmerising. I see this city skyline everyday, but it is always refreshing to see it from the perspective of a visitor. Thanks for posting your visit of my home :)

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    1. We got some night shots but they didn't turn out so well with the compact camera. Truly a pretty city day or night.

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  16. your blog is so pretty!
    i've a travel blog too...hope to follow each other
    Selene
    http://hipandchips.blogspot.com/

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  17. We're going to Singapore in March after we fly to Bali on Friday. I'm so excited about it! I'm also a bit nervous, because this will be the first time we've ventured into SE Asia. Most of our travel has been through the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia by sailboat, so it will be quite a change to shift to Asian land based travel! I'll be looking through some of your older posts to find some good stuff to see and do, thanks!

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  18. wow I've just discovered your blog and I love it!!! You're just putting together two things I love: travel and photos!
    Really amazing city, well done

    Blog

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  19. amazing architecture-especially the 'triple' bulidng!

    Life and travelling
    Cooking

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