Singapore

We decided to combine our Malaysia and Singapore trips since the two countries are so close to one another. Before we left Hanoi, we were presented with the option to take a 4-hour, 220-mile bus ride from KL to Singapore. Though the bus was significantly cheaper, we felt more comfortable in the air and departed KL on Friday, December 5.

Singapore is both an island and a country. It’s extremely small and often referred to as a city-state. Singapore is one of two medevac locations for Americans working at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. As silly as it sounds, I must admit that I secretly wished to be medevaced for a non-emergency issue just to get a free trip to Singapore. It is known as one of the most expensive cities in the world so why wouldn’t I want to take advantage of such a trip that wouldn’t require me to open my wallet? Thankfully, neither Douglas nor I encountered any medical issues that would call for such a trip to this extravagant city. I’m sure I’m not the only spouse on the MSG program with such an outlandish thought!

We vacationed in Singapore for four days which was more than enough time for us (and our bank account). Many Americans from the embassy recommended just two or three days to cover the small city. It is a multicultural melting pot where you can enjoy the best of Indian, Chinese, Malay and Eurasian cultures. It’s also convenient for most tourists that all Singaporeans can speak English. It surely made getting around a lot easier! Another wonderful aspect about Singapore is its low crime rate. Many expatriates and locals consider Singapore the safest city on Earth. The taxi driver who drove us from the airport to our hotel happily exclaimed to us that we could venture out during the late nights without any fear for our safety as crime does not happen there. While I appreciated his high regard of his city, I am also from the Bronx, New York and feel as though it is second nature for me to never let my guard down when traveling anywhere, regardless of how safe it claims to be.

Our taxi driver was extremely friendly and felt very comfortable chatting with us. He discussed his worries about the racial issues that had recently ignited throughout America. He too shared the emotion of most Americans after learning a grand jury decided not to indict the New York police officer who held Eric Garner, an unarmed man, in a chokehold that subsequently led to his death. The driver shook his head in disgust and explained that he could not understand the reasoning that led to such a decision or why some Americans had such animosity amongst fellow Americans. Singapore reflects a culture of very harmonious relationships among different races with no religious or racial tensions or civil unrest, the man voiced. In that moment it was interesting to realize we were having this type of discussion across the world in another country with a taxi driver. That was a first!

The first word that comes to my mind when I think of Singapore is clean. Singapore is easily the cleanest city I have ever visited. The streets are so clean one would think they were indoor and not outdoor. We never passed a speck of trash on the ground, the air smelled fresh and inviting, and there was an abundance of greenery everywhere. During our drive to and from the airport we passed beautifully manicured landscapes that looked like they were prepped for photography. Because of its size, keeping Singapore clean is a much more manageable job than other larger cities. There are many laws in place to ensure the city stays clean as well. I couldn’t believe it until I saw it for my own eyes, but there were signs displaying that gum chewing was illegal and would resort in a substantial fine if charged. That’s definitely one way to keep the streets clean. Douglas noticed that there was no gum for sale in the convenience shops and grocery stores. It’s illegal to import or sell chewing gum in Singapore. I must say it was very refreshing to walk around such a well-kept, gorgeous city.

Even Singapore’s subway system gave something to rave about. It was not only clean but efficient. We took a taxi one time after we checked into our hotel. After paying almost $14 for a 10-minute ride we quickly dismissed taxis as a mode of transportation. We only took a taxi two more times during our trip – and that was after leaving a venue half past midnight and to ride back to the airport for our flight home. Our main mode of transportation was the train. The bus was also a viable option but the train was most convenient and inexpensive. I actually expected the cost of public transportation to be more since everything else in the city was so expensive. Having an inexpensive transit system, however, helps promote a cleaner environment by “going green” so the low prices do make sense.  

We stood in the taxi line and were immediately directed to this taxi. The driver got our bags, put them in the trunk and told us to get in. I then noticed a man in the back seat of the car and said, "Who is he?!" The driver laughed and threw his hands up, proving he had no idea who the man was! The driver didn't know the man got in the taxi before directing us to get in.
On to the next one....

With a huge laugh and big smile the driver starting removing our suitcases from the trunk.

We were then led to this taxi. It looked too nice to be normal...and it was. As the driver started to put our bags in the trunk I asked, "Is this a standard taxi?" The driver replied, "No, it's an executive." Uh, no thank you...please put our bags down. Next!

  

Finally we entered a normal taxi (that was empty) and drove to our hotel. We admired some sights along the way.

The Singapore nightlife was busy!

This system was quite easy to maneuver.

Yet another clean metro system!

Special seats were festively decorated for disabled people, the elderly, expectant mothers, and those with children.

Just as we found in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore was a major shopping hub. There was a shopping mall at nearly every train stop we went through – and each one was packed with customers. Singapore maximized on their limited space by building their malls underground, making it conveniently accessible by train. It also aided in escaping from the sweltering heat at times. Singapore is less than 100 miles from the Equator so its average temperature is very hot. There were a few days when the heat was mild, but that was only before a rainstorm passed through.

I got up early most mornings to get in my daily exercise before beginning our trek through the city. The mornings were gorgeous. Compared to living in Hanoi I could have walked the streets of Singapore with my mouth wide open the entire time simply to take in all of the clean air. Not a good look, but you know what I mean. Our hotel was only a short walk to Botanic Gardens where many people gathered for their daily workouts. Botanic Gardens is a huge park! I didn’t have access to RunKeeper so I couldn’t track my true distance, but I did at least several miles over the two-hour time period I was out. It was so peaceful. There were a number of paths to choose from which made it easy to feel alone in a vast park with so many people. There was a submission request to name Botanic Gardens a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I hope it gets approved so I can check another of these historic sites off my visit list.

Such beautiful green grass - you don't get this in Hanoi.

Morning exercise is everywhere you look in this region of the world.

It’s always nice to venture off the beaten path when traveling. During my research I found a recommended area for local eats called Holland Village which had a pizza shop called Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar that made gluten-free pizza. Lunch was decided! While pizza is surely not a signature dish in Singapore, I had not enjoyed gluten-free pizza or pasta since our time in Barcelona when we ate at a restaurant called Il Piccolo Focone. I was beyond ready to set my lips on some gluten-free deliciousness. The restaurant had not yet opened when we arrived and we were told to come back at noon. Guess where we would be at 11:50?: )

While we waited for Crust to open, we decided to check out the nearby area. We came upon a food court called Holland Village Food Center. Food centers throughout Singapore are known for having popular dishes for good prices. They are similar to street food but are a step above that because of their locations and covered venues. Douglas and I returned there later in our trip and tried a couple dishes. Douglas loved the fried chicken wings but neither he nor I cared too much for anything else. There were a lot of dishes we didn’t get to try; just not enough time to fit in all that food.

Before we knew it, it was noon. Pizza time! The prices were high, but this girl did not care. Money was no object (for that tiny moment only – we are not crazy!). I ordered a chicken pizza with veggies and Douglas selected a non-gluten free pizza to his liking. When those pies came out it was like a piece of heaven being brought to the table. At that point all I was thinking is please taste good, please taste good. There is nothing worse than a dish that looks mouthwatering but taste terrible. Crust Pizza Bar did not disappoint. It was superb! I can taste the slices now… Pizza is clearly one of my guilty pleasures.  

Every option gluten free. Aww yes!

"Fine, if I have to eat pizza..."

Look at these drink prices! Singapore will break you if you are not careful.

More than ready to dive in!

 

On one of the mornings, mere minutes after I got back from my powerwalk outside, it started pouring down rain. Since it was forecasted to rain for most of the morning, we decided to visit an indoor shopping center. I discovered Mustafa Center on TripAdvisor. It’s a discounted retail store that was described as being comparable to Walmart or Target. Apparently they had major discounts on perfumes and colognes. Douglas was overdue on restocking his scents so this would be perfect.

Mustafa Center is located in Little India. From the moment we stepped out of the train station I could see only locals visited this area because there was not a foreigner in sight. Again, I’m all about going off that beaten path. Douglas and I were floored when we arrived. This place was massive. It was much more than either of us expected. There is literally some of everything in there. It was like Walmart meets Target meets Macy’s meets Best Buy meets Zales meets…you name it! I planned for us to spend less than an hour in there. We were there for over two hours. I thought I might get a little happy discount shopping but Douglas took the lead that day. I will say that is was fantastic bargain shopping for legit items and well worth the visit. Mustafa is probably the only place in the Lion City that we could have racked up in such a way, and well worth it with those prices!

This was the current cologne rack. If you wanted it (or ever wore it) chances are it was in this store.

Apparently this was one of the first colognes Douglas ever owned. He decided against buying it for old time's sake.

I decided to try this machine that advertised a clothes-on, no-wet water massage.

It felt great!

 

On our last day in the exquisite city we stopped by the highly acclaimed, five-star luxury hotel Shangri-La. It has often been voted as one of the best hotels in the world to stay. We explored the hotel only briefly to get a feel for its vibe. It was beautiful in its design, layout, and lush greenery outside. There was an extravagant presence all around the property. Douglas said he didn’t even want to sit down because this place was a bit much for him. I told him I was taking a seat and a picture because one day we’d be able to come back to this very hotel and stay a few nights. At the time we checked, rooms started at around $500 per night. Yes, that is slightly over our budgeted price point for hotels. Maybe had it been $475 we could have made it happen…yeah right! One thing I’ve learned over the past three years is to never say never! I still believe while something may not be within our reach at the moment that doesn’t mean it won’t be later.

This can be seen from the more upscale rooms in the hotel.

 

During our four days in the Lion City we had a lovely time exploring so many wonderful places. We ventured through Chinatown, explored the Singapore Zoo, and visited the alluring waterfront at Marina Bay and most of its major attractions. We even saw the play Mamma Mia which was entertaining from start to finish.

As we conclude our tour on the MSG program, Singapore will be the last vacation I cover on the blog. How fast time flies when you’re having fun!

Singapore: Blog 1 of 5