Singapore

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In October 2019, I took my very first solo trip. Up until then, I had only traveled with friends and family when it came to leisure travel. I had in the course of my 9-5 jobs in the past been on several work trips across the US so traveling alone was not an alien concept to me. That October, I happened to be in between jobs and had a two week break between leaving my old job and starting my new job. I decided to take an impromptu trip to Singapore. Since the decision was made last minute, I did not think anyone else I knew could pick up their carry on bag and just come with me on a whim to Singapore.

Why Singapore?

I have always been a fan of airports (Yes, you guessed correctly – my favorite movie is Steven Spielberg’s “The Terminal”) and Changi Airport in Singapore has consistently ranked as the #1 airport in the world. They even have free massage chairs there among other amenities for passengers! Additionally, when I was growing up, my dad took a business trip to Singapore and told us stories from his trip so it was a familiar country. Finally, I watched a YouTube video while researching the trip and a YouTuber said the food at the hawker centers was heavenly. All that was good enough to convince me to travel to the [Mer]Lion City (there are several Merlion – half fish, half lion – statues all around Singapore and are considered the official mascot of Singapore).

First impressions of the airport?

It lived up to the hype. Changi Airport has an attached shopping complex called The Jewel, which has some top tier restaurants and shops. The Jewel also boasts the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. It feels like you are in a fairytale place when you visit. Eager to stay but excited to leave the airport after a super long distance flight from northeast US, I grabbed a quick bite and left the airport to make my way to my accommodation on the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit – Singapore’s metro system).

Where did I stay?

Since it was my first solo trip, I was concerned about getting lonely. I ended up staying at the Dream Lodge Hostel on Tyrwhitt Road. The hostel came up during my research on Hostelworld as a top budget-friendly accommodation in Singapore. I chose it not for the budget-friendliness (that was a benefit no doubt!) but more for the social aspect and ability to meet other travelers seeking a similar experience. Hostels cater to like-minded travelers. I liken the experience of staying in a hostel to studying at a library. You don’t have to study with others but the mere presence of others in the same situation gives you a morale boost. I felt similarly about my stay at Dream Lodge. I made two friends from around the world in that hostel with whom I still keep in touch on social media. The hostel also was my introduction to kaya jam (a coconut jam that is used as a spread on bread) – I used to eat a kaya toast every morning for breakfast at the Dream Lodge.

What did I do there?

My hostel was well-connected from all the tourist points of interest on the MRT. My list included the following:

• Singapore Sling from Raffles Hotel (The birthplace of Singapore Sling cocktail!)
• Hawker Center food (Maxwell Food Center was my favorite among all the ones I visited)
• Hawker Chan’s Chicken and Rice (world’s cheapest Michelin Star restaurant at that time)
• Supertrees in the Gardens by the Bay nature complex
• Marina Bay Sands (hotel/mall with the boat on the top – nice rooftop bar and casino)
• Sentosa Island (there was news they would be demolishing a big iconic Merlion statue on the island so that was an attraction)

I managed to check off all these attractions listed above plus more. An update I saw when I was putting together this post is that Hawker Chan lost its Michelin star a couple of years ago. Don’t let that discourage you! After all, what does a tire company know about food? The hostel had 3 “free” walking tours with a guide for : 1) Little India (some of the best Indian food I have eaten outside India) 2) Chinatown (you can experience Chinese culture and the hawker center there) 3) Kampong Glam (included the colorful Arab St and picturesque Haji Lane). The walking tours were not free but are based on a tipping system. I did not know for my very first one so did not carry cash with me. While I was a happy camper in the end my guide had a sour expression knowing there would not be a tip. I did not make that mistake again and always carried small change to show my appreciation for the guides.

On most nights outside the Marina Bay Sands hotel/mall, they have a fountain and light show. It gives the Bellagio fountain show a run for its money. It feels surreal to be there with the crowds and it is a very cool experience at night. Did I mention it is absolutely free? After enjoying the light show, I headed up to the rooftop bar called CÉ LA VI (that’s how they spell it – such is life in the Lion City). I ordered myself the famous Singapore Sling. It was crowded that night at the bar so I ended up sharing a standing table and drinking with 3 Japanese tourists. By the time I left the rooftop bar, we were all buddies. The next morning, as I was leaving the hostel for the Lavender station on MRT, those same 3 Japanese tourists appeared in front of me. This time we took a photo to preserve the memory. Talk about a coincidence! I am no longer in touch with any of them but it would be cool to run into them again – perhaps on my solo trip to Japan!

A bonus experience I stumbled upon in Singapore was the exhibition held for Singapore’s bicentennial anniversary in 2019 at Fort Canning. It felt like a very Singaporean experience and I could see the pride on the face of the locals. I went to the exhibition to learn about this beautiful city country’s history from its start 200 years ago and I was not disappointed. On my final day in Singapore, I left early and headed back to Changi Airport with a few hours to spare. I thoroughly enjoyed the extra time I got to spend at the airport and at the Jewel Complex again before my return flight to the US.

Tips for Solo Travelers?

Safety is a big concern for both men and women alike. If you have your wits about you, Singapore is a very safe destination. Avoid walking alone in secluded areas at night. Also, check with your accommodation about safety tips in the area. In terms of meeting new people, the “free” walking tours are a great avenue. I would go with a reputable company or a guide that has good reviews on the internet. Always read reviews online before booking. Reminder: Don’t forget to carry small change to tip the guides if you end up doing a free walking tour.

Would I go back to Singapore?

Yes, indeed. I would go back for the food scene alone despite the unforgettable smell of durians – national fruit of Singapore! Singapore will have a special place for me since this is where my solo travel addiction began.

See you in the next post. Thank you for reading if you made it to the end!