View of the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore

What I've Learned in Singapore: My Experiences

Nicola Patel moved from London to Singapore 10 years ago. Here she tells us about her experiences in Singapore

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4 min read
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The Essence

Singapore is more full of contrasts than many people think. It's easy to think of this relatively young city-state (founded in 1965) as full of skyscrapers. To think of bling-bling and the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel, with SkyPark and infinity pool on the 57th floor. 

But there are also the old colonial buildings, districts such as Chinatown and Little India. And Singapore has incredibly beautiful, wild nature. You may come across cobras or wild boars on the nature trails. There is even still jungle in Singapore. The city has a high recreational value. There is a lot of culture on offer, inspiring art fairs and a top concert program. Coldplay and Taylor Swift were here for six days. 

The New

Before I moved to Singapore, I lived in Spain and London. Singapore is very organized for a big city with 6 million inhabitants. The laws are very strict, but hardly noticeable in everyday life. For example, if you use someone else's unprotected Wi-Fi, you have to pay a fine of up to 6,700 euros. 

Everyone simply abides by the rules. You feel very safe. It is incredibly quiet, also because there is not so much traffic for a metropolis, as driving is highly taxed. On the other hand, there is a very good public transport network. I was surprised by how easy it is to get around by bike in Singapore. 

The People

I love the influence of the many nationalities and religions. Hindus, Christians, Muslims … you get a better understanding of the diversity of the world. Nevertheless, it's not so easy to get really close with the long-established inhabitants of Singapore. Because the people who live here are very proud. Indian, Malay and Chinese influences play a major role. 

Woman with life jacket on sailing boat
Despite her life in the metropolis: Nicola Patel feels very close to nature (© private; header image © Isaac/Unsplash)
The skyline of Singapore on a sunny day
Greener than you might think: there is even jungle in Singapore (© Getty Images)
Long footbridge leading to the island of Ubin.
Nicola Patel's tip for an excursion: Ubin Island (© Getty Images)
"Singapore has incredibly beautiful, wild nature. You may come across cobras or wild boars on the nature trails."
Nicola Patel

The Inspiration

Think bigger! Buildings are being erected in record time – the urban planning seems almost insane from a German perspective. An island built on garbage, water recycling, green façades, vertical gardens – the projects are progressive and forward-looking. According to the Green Building Masterplan, 80 percent of buildings will be certified as green by 2030. The government is succeeding in creating living space and natural oases at the same time. You can walk along a green corridor from Woodlands on the Malaysian border almost to the sea without encountering a car.

For Friends

Rent a bike via app and cycle along the Singapore River via the Marina to the East Coast. The PCN, the Park Connector Network, is also unique. This network of cycle and walking paths connects the city's parks and green spaces. A nice excursion is a ferry ride to Pulau (meaning island) Ubin. There you can still experience the old Singapore – with a traditional village, historic plantations, coastal forests and rocky beaches. A visit to one of the skyscraper bars is an exciting contrast to this. My tip for friends is LeVeL 33, a micro brewery in the Marina Bay Financial Center. A "wow" view of the harbor and not as touristy as Marina Bay Sands.

Tip:

Let yourself drift on the island of Ubin and get to know the local wildlife, such as wild boars, monkeys and water monitors, on a bike that you can book via GetYourGuide.

About:

Nicola Patel has lived in Singapore for 10 years. The marketing manager and mother of three moved here with her husband, a British national with Indian roots. They previously worked in London. 

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