Ruchira takes us on a tour of Singapore, spic and span and an enchanting city-state. An exclusive for Different Truths.
My globetrotting friends had always said that there was nothing ‘touristy’ about Singapore. You went there only in transit, just a halt during a long haul flights. This thought was uppermost in my mind when I finally visited Singapore. It was a pleasant half an hour flight from neighbouring Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur.
The ultra-modernistic, hyper busy Changi Airport was mind boggling at first sight. The cab sped towards the hotel where I was to check in. The extreme cleanliness and aesthetics all around stunned me. Despite its boasting about being a world class city, Saadi Delhi pales in comparison.
The ultra-modernistic, hyper busy Changi Airport was mind boggling at first sight.
Another globally renowned clean city is Muscat (Capital of Oman). I have been fortunate to visit Muscat though later.
Indian Restaurant
After check-in I scoured the neighbourhood trying to spot an Indian restaurant or something of that sort. Luckily, I found one nearby and ordered Keema Paratha. It appeared reasonably priced. Believe me, they were possibly the yummiest parathas I have ever sampled.
The hotel’s reception directed me to the “little India” locality nearby.
Upon returning to my room I discovered I had run out of film rolls. (I didn’t own a digital camera then). The hotel’s reception directed me to the “little India” locality nearby. True to its name, the place turned out to be a mini-India, with shops vending traditional ethnic stuff. These were procured all the way from India complete with eateries selling idli-dosa-sambar, and other popular delicacies.
Deepavali Decoration
Coincidentally it happened to be Deepavali day hence one could see feverish decoration going on everywhere. A wave of homesickness swept over me. I longed to be with my family. Nevertheless, I overcame it soon.
… it was a nice, neat beach thronged by dozens of locals with their families and kids in tow.
With ample time on my hands, I hired a cab. And asked the driver to take me to the pretty beach park. It had grabbed my attention, while I was heading to the hotel earlier in the day. Beg your pardon, the name slips my mind. True, to my expectations it was a nice, neat beach thronged by dozens of locals with their families and kids in tow.
It was so refreshing to see such a tidy, well-kept beach, a sharp contrast to the beaches back home. I have been to most of them and I vouch that their maintenance needs to be upgraded.
Site-seeing Tour
The following day I embarked on a guided sight-seeing tour.
This famous icon of Singapore is in the heart of town.
Our first destination was the Merlion Fountain and Park. This famous icon of Singapore is in the heart of town. Here old colonial buildings and landmark hotels jostled for space with modern skyscrapers.
A medley mixes indeed Mount Faber, next on the list was a vast expanse of greenery well landscaped and maintained, it was the erstwhile quarters of the colonials. The place offers a breathtaking view of the city sprawled beneath and the roaring sea.
Chinese Deities
Our itinerary included a visit to the shrines of several Chinese deities of wisdom, wealth, health, et al. In an uncanny coincidence these deities like their counterparts in the Hindu pantheon brandished 8-10 arms each. However, these were starkly different from the Indian peers.
Your visit to Singapore would be incomplete without a shopping spree at the famous Orchard Road area.
Your visit to Singapore would be incomplete without a shopping spree at the famous Orchard Road area. The variety of stuff is immense, you name it, they have it. Go there for a world class, memorable shopping experience.
I confess, owing to my shoestring budget I missed out on the two-star attraction of Singapore. The Jurong Bird Park where feathered guests of all shapes, sizes and hues flock together. And the amusement park on Sentosa Island, located off the coastline. It is a gigantic colourful aquarium, among other things is spell binding. Both sites will give you good value for money.
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