Singapore
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Angie
- June 2, 2023
Singapore is one of those places that people have either visited or aspire to explore. I had only heard positive things about it, and I must say, it’s a very hyped destination. Naturally, I had high expectations for our trip to Singapore. The decision to visit was spontaneous, while we were in Malaysia.
We began by checking flights from Kuala Lumpur (KL) to Singapore and exploring hotel options in Singapore. However, the costs turned out to be quite high, particularly with regards to the hotels. Aware of the expense, we considered an alternative plan. We knew that reaching Johor Bahru (JB) in Malaysia would take about a 4-hour drive. Accommodations there were significantly more affordable than in Singapore, and the border crossing to Singapore by bus over a bridge was relatively quick.
Consequently, we decided to drive down to JB, stay overnight, and turn Singapore into a day trip. This not only allowed us to manage our expenses but also added an element of adventure to our journey.
Table of Contents
Travel to Singapore
Traveling from KL to JB took us approximately 4 hours, and we wisely chose a weekday to avoid rush hour traffic. Our accommodation was in an apartment near Sentral Station in JB, strategically positioning us for an early start the next morning.
On the day of our journey to Singapore, we headed to Sentral Station around 7 am. Fortuitously, it was a national holiday in Malaysia, resulting in fewer weekday commuters bound for Singapore. The station was bustling with people heading in the same direction. The border control process was surprisingly swift – we were stamped out of Malaysia and on a bus to Singapore within 20 minutes of entering Sentral Station.
The bus ride from Sentral Station to the Singaporean station took us around 5 to 10 minutes, crossing a bridge between Malaysia and Singapore. Upon arrival, we underwent Singaporean border control. While my husband smoothly passed through automated gates, I had to visit a border control counter. I faced a few inquiries about my return plans and residency status, but after providing proof of my departure from Malaysia, I was finally granted entry into Singapore. The experience, however, was less than friendly and pleasant.
Exiting the station in Singapore, we sought a bus to take us to the city center. Opting for a 5-minute bus ride, we arrived at a train station, hoping to find a train to the marina. To our surprise, we were informed that trains did not go to the marina, and a bus was necessary. After a 45-minute wait for a bus and an hour-long journey, we disembarked as we approached what seemed like the central area.
As we departed Singapore in the evening, our journey involved a train ride from the marina area followed by a bus to the border. The transportation links proved less than ideal, with numerous stops on the bus, making the return journey quite lengthy. It took us around 2 hours from entering Singapore to reaching the town/touristy area, and over an hour on the way back.
Accommodation in Singapore
One of the primary reasons we opted for just a day trip to Singapore was the exorbitant cost of hotels. In my opinion, the hotel prices in Singapore are unreasonably high, and I’m relieved we chose this brief visit instead. Interestingly, there’s a significant number of individuals who work in Singapore but reside in JB, commuting daily between Malaysia and Singapore. This commuting trend is largely driven by the financial constraints these workers face. They find it challenging to afford living in Singapore, primarily because of the exploitation inherent in working for a relatively low salary. Despite the salary being deemed “good” in comparison to Malaysian standards, it still falls short in supporting a comfortable life in Singapore. This situation allows companies in Singapore to exploit the labor market, as workers endure long daily commutes without widespread complaints due to their dependence on these jobs.
Restaurants in Singapore
In our search for halal food options in Singapore, we stumbled upon a Mexican restaurant near the Sultan Mosque. Despite the restaurant being nearly empty, the service was disappointingly slow. Additionally, the meal turned out to be quite expensive, and the added tax further increased the overall cost, which we found to be quite unreasonable.
Our second dining experience took place in a buffet/canteen style eatery on the ground floor of the Marina Bay Sands shopping mall. While it offered a halal option, it also proved to be another expensive meal.
Personally, I’m unsure where we would have dined if our stay in Singapore extended beyond a day, and I suspect the cumulative cost of dining out would have escalated rapidly.
Attractions in Singapore
During our time in Singapore, we visited several key attractions, including the Sultan Mosque, Marina Bay Sands shopping mall, Marina Bay, Marina Bay Sands Hotel, and Gardens by the Bay.
In my opinion, the marina area stands out as the most beautiful part of Singapore. Interestingly, it’s a locale that can be explored thoroughly in just a day, showcasing its stunning beauty. The area is particularly enchanting at night when it is illuminated, adding an extra layer of charm to the surroundings.
Female areas in Mosques and Female Prayer areas Singapore
I’m uncertain about the number of mosques in Singapore, aside from the Sultan Mosque. Upon our arrival at the Sultan Mosque, we found ourselves there during the azan. Attempting to locate the female prayer area, I encountered a barrier blocking the entrance to the upstairs section. With no one present, I climbed over the barrier to join the congregation prayer on time. Later, when seeking to exit, I approached a mosque staff member to open the barrier, and he displayed reluctance. Despite this incident, the Sultan Mosque left a lasting impression as a beautiful place of worship.
While exploring the Marina, I attempted to find a mosque or prayer area. Unfortunately, the only option I discovered was 25 minutes away, located underground in an apartment complex and proved challenging to locate. It surprised me that Singapore, with a sizable Muslim population as indicated by locals, does not seem to offer convenient facilities for Muslims.
Singapore Conclusion
In all honesty, my impression of Singapore is that it is, without a doubt, one of the most overhyped places I have ever visited. I find it hard to justify the expense associated with a visit, and I believe it may not be worth the cost. Unless approached as a day trip or as a stopover during a long layover while en route to another destination, the value for the money spent seems questionable.
Locals often express pride in the safety of Singapore, considering it a significant benefit. However, if safety is the sole advantage of residing in this excessively expensive country, there are many other nations that offer comparable or even greater safety, while also providing a richer array of experiences. This underscores the point that one cannot entirely rely on the reviews or opinions of others when it comes to a place. Individual experiences can vary greatly, and what works for one person may not necessarily hold true for another.
