« There is nothing to do in Singapore » is the sentence I have heard the most I think.
And I have to say that this time I’ll have to disagree.
First there is the beauty: it is all so clean, so organized, when you arrive from the airport you are already surrounded by beautiful tropical trees. Then there is their passion for food, which I can only share! Foodie zones opened 24/7, many new cute little street full of trendy cafes and tapas bars that offer a very nice alternatives to the impressively high number of malls around. You can have food from everywhere in the world, for all sorts of prices and always in very good company. Also there is the shopping: Singaporean shop. They LOVE malls, with air-con and it is even better if they don’t have to set a foot outside. But don’t think it’s cheap, they do have high standards and luxury surrounds you. Therefore, you see more young people in cool street bars at night and at quick-coffee places and that makes it alive. People shop, people eat, people work and study: some high buildings full of offices but you do not feel oppressed; you can see the sky everywhere. Universities are right in the middle of the city, with parks all around and impressive buildings with the most modern equipment. People live : they exercise – less sensitive to the hit than most westerners whom you see packed in indoors gyms – and they rent. Yes, very few buy unless they get married and manage to get hold of a state apartment at an affordable rate. All young people leave with their parents until they are 30 and find their partner, as it is too expensive to leave the house. Indeed a flat in the center costs about 3 million $ and a graduate makes around 2000$. The same price issue exists with cars, in Singapore you need to buy a specific license to own a car that will cost you 200 000$. To balance that fact public transports work very well and taxis are quite cheap for a capital city. It gives you the opportunity to meet great people. Singaporean are of very diverse backgrounds: Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Filipino, Cambodian, European, Russian, etc. Communities generally mix even though they all tend to be quite reserved, as good Singaporeans. Never lose face! Always behave, watch your temper, be focused, productive and dedicated. But they do have fun and a lot of big smiles and amazing stories to tell. This intercultural setting is very enriching and not at all challenging. A very well organized melting pot, looking forward to the future. Makes you want to be a part of it, shall we?!