Singapore is a "Fine" city!

Singapore Sunday 1st March 2009

It was a 4hr journey to Singapore from Melaka and as soon as we rock up it starts to chuck it down from the heavens. Worst off all its not the main bus station they stop at, its a small place just outside of the centre which has a tiny bus shelter just big enough for everyone on the bus. The down poor is like no other I've seen, thunder & lightening to match!!! It takes an age to get a cab, due to the down poor everyone seems to be hired. After an 1hr or so I manage to get one with two Americans and we make our way to the Little India part of Singapore. When we arrive the place is buzzing the taxi can hardly move through the crowds, I wasn't expecting this in Singapore. After getting out of the taxi I need to go to a cash Point and when I finally make it to one there is a que of about 15+ people...no joke, you'd think this was the only ATM they had here. When I arrive at the Hostel I ask the guy what's with the masses of people, he just tells me its a Sunday, it's the workers day off and everyone meets up with their friends for a chat. About an hour later when I venture out for some food the crowds most have doubled and sure enough if you stand back and watch them they are standing in groups chatting to one another. When I get chatting to someone else about this later he says its a regular Sunday occurrence in the Indian community and next Sunday will be even bigger he says...its pay day! Well Singapore certainly lives up to its reputation of been one of the most advanced places in Asia...it's certainly the cleanest any how. Its got a great bus & MRT system, getting around the place could not get any easier. It's got shopping centres that I would say outdo by far anything that is in Europe. On the down side there are a couple of things, its cost (compared to other Asian Countries) and that it is so strict. As for its cost, well coming from Thailand, Cambodia etc you certainly notice it. One nights accommodation would pay for 3 nights in most other Asian countries. What you can and can't do in this country is probably to much to list, it has its good and bad points but leaves the place feeling very sterile...not a whole lot of character. Singapore is kind of worth a visit but you'd be hard pressed to spend much more than a few days here. The main places of interest seem to be China Town & Little India with their usual Temples & Pagodas and not forgetting their market stalls. They are also developing a theme park just off the main land called Sentosa Island. Its like a mini version of the islands that are been developed out in Dubai, lots of beach side areas, some with beach huts and others with massive hotel complexes...to be honest it's worth a look but bring the cheque book!