Singapore Sojourn

“It’s like the Williamsburg of Singapore. Super hip, great food, cool fashion – no wanky hipsters as of yet but it’s only a matter of time.”

I stopped into Singapore on my way back to the US for a few reasons.

1. I scored crazy cheap flights from Australia to Singapore (Jetstar = $120) and Singapore to New York (China Eastern Airlines = $ 850).
2. I have family in Singapore – it was a great opportunity to hang out with the ‘Cheers’ clan plus I didn’t have to pay for accommodation. Hurrah!
3. I had never been. In fact…I haven’t explored Asia at all. Something I am keen to change.

What I loved…

• The airport: It took 15mins from the time we landed to collect my bags and clear customs. 15MINS!!!! Comparatively, I spent 2.5hrs in customs in New York…hating life and everyone within a 100m radius. Get your shit together America!

• The Food: Singapore is really all about the food. My foodie friend in NYC – Dave hooked me up with his foodie friend in Singapore. Locals know how is like gold when you are travelling. Thank you to Rashidah for force-feeding me. Highlights were the Mango Sago with Pomello and the Carrot cake – which interestingly enough is a savory dish that contains no carrot what so ever. Hmmm….

• Marina Bay Sands: I am a bit of a hotel nerd. This place rocked my world. At $350 a night – the hotel operates at 90% occupancy all year round. As a splurge – it is definitely worth it …if only for access to the pool. This time round I only visited the roof top bar for champagne and an opportunity to lust after the pool. I will definitely return and rock out a sun lounge with my name on it.

What I did?

• Arab st: This was a highlight. I cruised around here with my camera, getting my stalk on and racking up some quality people watching time. It’s like the Williamsburg of Singapore. Super hip, great food, cool fashion – no wanky hipsters as of yet but it’s only a matter of time.

• Chinatown: So gentrified and clean compared to NYC Chinatown (which is pretty much like an Asian ghetto). If you enjoy a bit of baked lizard on a stick – this is the place to come.

• Little India: Hard to believe you are still in Singapore.

• Marina Bay Sands: As I mentioned….epic.

• Fullerton Hotel: Come here for a drink poolside and enjoy uninterrupted views of Marina Bay Sands…a true fete of engineering.

• Singapore Zoo: I’m not really a zoo type of person but the night safari is the no.1 recommended tourist activity in Singapore, so I felt obliged to check it out. As far as zoos go… I am sure this is one of the best and as much as I enjoyed the half naked fire breathing men…I stand by my former statement – zoos really aren’t my thing.

• Santosa: …is like a fake beach/island/theme park. When I arrived, I thought I would hate it. I had woken up that morning feeling terrible, practically dragged my arse out of bed and resented every bit of the $25 cab ride it took to get there. As it turned out…Santosa was exactly what I needed. I rented a day bed for $20 and passed out with a book. It was my last day in Singapore and the perfect opportunity to work on my tan and rest up before embarking on my 25hr long haul back to NYC.

Would I go back?

• Absolutely! I still have a long list of food to try and I plan to use Singapore as a base while I jet off to see the rest of Asia. I think you probably only need three days in Singapore and be aware that while cabs are cheap and the subway system is lux the rest of Singapore is pricey…. especially alcohol. Just plan not to drink. Don’t even bother unless you have an unlimited budget.

Fun Fact

• The ambulances stop at the lights…I actually saw this happen. The driver wound down his window and apologized to my cab driver for cutting him off….wtf?! Heads up…apparently life and death is no reason to break the rules in Singapore. Fellow expats actually recommend taking a cab to the hospital if you are in dire need.

Thank you to Uncle Cookie for funding some quality lady of leisure time. A shout out also to my home girl- Rashidah for helping me eat my way round Singapore.

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