Singapore. A small island country in Southeast Asia. You may know it as high-tech, a place where chewing gum is banned and for its good food – but there’s a verve to the city that seems to be overlooked. It’s methodical and fast paced but if you wander far enough, you’ll find some truly unforgettable spots tucked away from the hustle and bustle. A tranquillity hangs above residential areas, as well as a strong sense of community. Even with its orderly streets and low crime rate, it feels vibrant.  

I was lucky enough to go on a study abroad programme at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), where I tookcourses on digital media and watercolour painting (which isn’tmy strongest suit, but I had a lot of fun trying it out!). It was interesting to see what university life was like in a city that’s so different to Norwich.  

A wave of hot air hit me as soon as I stepped off the plane. Now whilst this was a nice change to the gloomy weather I was used to at home, it did take some time getting used to. Nonetheless, the humidity didn’t stop me taking in the beautiful sights.  

There is a rhythm to the city, hawker centres humming with life as families, students and businessmen gather around steaming plates of food, the sounds of chatter and cutlery mingling together contrasted with the high-rise office buildings lit up until the early hours of the morning. Singapore doesn’t seem to sleep. Safety is prioritised here, petty crime rarely happens, and people usually walk about quite confidently - even late at night! There’s also so much nature amongst this sprawling metropolis, leafy green trees springing up at every turn.  

Singaporean cuisine is varied and diverse borrowing from Malaysian, Indonesian, Indian and Chinese cultures. From Laksa to Hainanese Chicken and Rice, Roti Canai, Cendol and Nasi Lemak – you could never tire of the countless options for food. I miss the food there – it was cheap, full of flavour and nutritious! I had quickly gotten into a routine of stopping by the local shopping centre for dinner with my friends after lessons, indulging in Pandan Cake or Cendol (a sweet, shaved ice dish) for dessert. As cliché as it sounds, the best memories I have of my time in Singapore are the simple ones, it wasn’t the grandiose buildings or the fancy shopping centres. It was trying new foods with friends, the late-night train rides back to NTU and the warmth of the Singaporean people.  

Singapore is a relatively young country but despite this, it flourishes with a rich history, multicultural identity and an evident resilience. It’s a must-visit, and I’d highly recommend!  

Recommendations:  

- The Merlion 

- Maxwell Hawker Centre (Had amazing Laksa here for only $5 SGD (£3!)  

- Gardens by the Bay 

- Marina Bay Sands  

- Ann Siang Hill  

- Taman Jurong Food Centre 

- Chinatown  

Nearby cities and countries you could pay a visit to: 

- Johor Bahru, Malaysia – a great place for doing some cheap shopping! Only a 5-minute train journey from the Woodlands Checkpoint in Singapore! 

- Hanoi, Vietnam  

- Bangkok, Thailand  

Photo credit: Bna Ignacio on Unsplash