Goodbye Singapore

 

We are now several months into our move to Taipei. We have had some time to reflect on our four years in Singapore (and to process some photos).

Singapore is a fascinating place; remarkable cityscapes and landscapes abound. It may not be an especially affordable place to visit or live, but if you can brave the heat and humidity, there is plenty to do.

Singapore is often described as one part Chinese, one part Malay, and one part Indian, and while it is certainly those cultures, it also has a distinctly Western vibe at times as well, thanks to the 145 years of British rule. It is a uniquely diverse country, and these cultures and more are definitely present in the language, population, place names, and cuisine one will encounter wandering about the city-state.

Much of Singapore is recently developed. The infrastructure is impressive and the "newness" can be felt in most parts of the city.   

With a strategic location on the Straight of Malacca, Singapore has been an important port city for hundreds of years and some areas still contain historic buildings and neighborhoods where traditional shophouses line the streets. 

Singapore is appropriately appreciated for remarkable infrastructure and can definitely feel like a concrete jungle. However, a remarkable amount of green space has been set aside. In some areas (like the Botanical Gardens below) carefully kept outdoor spaces are available for visitors to enjoy. 

In other areas, very real jungle is retaking the landscape. We especially enjoyed visiting the National Parks (like the this area in the Central Catchment). They are free to visit and generally easy to access on public transportation. I don't think there is another city in the region where one can so quickly and easily encounter wildlife and spend time out in nature. 

With a young kid, we did not often get out to enjoy Singapore nightlife, but the city definitely comes alive after dark.

Marina Bay area after dark.

View from the cable car from Mt. Faber to Sentosa Island.

The Jewel Bridge on the Punggol Waterway

The MRT, busses and taxis make getting around straight forward. They are are clean, air-conditioned, and very quiet; there is nothing to make you feel like you are living in a dystopian novel like being on the train surrounded by dozens of people staring silently into their cell phones.

Dried lizard snack?

Murals are also popular

Overheated walking in the park? Enjoy some mist.

The Jewel at Changi International. In addition to being a destination in itself, Changi is an impressively organized, efficient airport. 

Lanterns going up in preparation for Lunar New Year

Singapore Flyer

MacRitchie Reservoir

St George's Anglican Church

"Bumboats" taking passengers from mainland to Pulau Ubin

View leaving our apartment in Kovan neighborhood

Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park 

Jurong Lake Gardens

"Supertrees" at Gardens by the Bay

Hindu Thaipusam procession from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple

The Japanese Cemetery Park was walking distance from our Kovan apartment.