After I arrived in Singapore at 1am and spending the night at one of the business hotels Singapore offers, it was time to hit the town. Singapore never stops amazing me. This is my fourth trip here and coming from Indonesia, which is not as developed as here, the contrast between Singapore and the other surrounding countries is vastly different. The wealth alone is stunning and the sophistication of this island-state is just fabulous.
I’m really don’t know what Singapore is doing, exactly, to set themselves apart, but what ever it is, it’s working. Maybe it’s because Singapore is a small country and it’s simpler to govern. Or, maybe it’s because of their great education system, or it’s due to a very stable political scene, which promotes a sound economic status. I’m only guessing, I really don’t know. By any standards, the people here are rich. The public transportation is one of the best I’ve ever seen, the city is clean, almost sterile if you ask me. The hotels, restaurants are marvellous and everyone I run into or talk to are so respectful. What I really appreciate is that there are no hawkers bugging me at every turn and all the taxi drivers don’t honk their horn at everything.
So, for me, as a business visitor, things work simply and well here in Singapore. Travelling here is made easy. There is a downside, though, it’s that life here is kind of not Asian. It’s not boring, that’s not what I’m saying, but it is lacking a bit of spark and atmosphere, but it could just be me. But, that’s nothing really, because I really enjoy Singapore, even if it’s not too chaotic. So, it’s time for me to check out some more of the major highlights of the city, like the Singapore Science Center, which I go to every time, it’s that good. Or, the Botanical Gardens, I hear it’s quite peaceful. Of course, I have to check out the Singapore Zoo. I can’t believe I haven’t done that yet.