Singapore 🇸🇬

My first stop was Singapore! In my opinion, a very modern and fast-moving city. After a 12 hour flight I arrived in Singapore at 9am in 30 degree temperatures, at probably one of the largest airports in the world. But finding the public metro into the city at such a large airport was quite confusing. At the airport there is also a “train” that runs from terminal to terminal. But everything went really smoothly and so the journey could officially begin for me. I then took the metro to the hostel and walked the rest of the way. The hostel was in the middle of Chinatown. I had to get used to the smell in Asia and especially Chinatown again. Because Singapore is also known for its Durain Fruit and it doesn't smell good at all - but it tastes just good! When I arrived at the hostel I was given a very friendly welcome and had breakfast. When I showered, I was first surprised at how much space you save when the shower and toilet are in one "cabin". But in Singapore space is very limited so it has to work that way. After a quick shower, we set off to explore the city. We then went past one or two temples in Chinatown towards the financial district and high-rise buildings. One house higher than the other. It's really quite impressive to see from below as a "small" person. In this district I was only surrounded by men with very expensive suits and women with clothes and bags that were far too expensive. But what I noticed is that many high-rise buildings are also covered in greenery. I then went on to what is probably the most famous feature of Singapore - the hotel with the ship on the roof - Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the electric trees behind it - Gardens by the bay. It was also really fascinating to see, you can also see the modernity of Singapore. Otherwise I have to say I would have expected more modernity than I actually experienced. In the evening there was a daily light show in the trees and the hotel, which is really worth seeing. Of course I went to an Asian food market again and, as always, I wasn't disappointed with the food. Then have the daily mango smoothie and the day is perfect. Very tired and jet-lipped, we went to bed early. The next day I went on a tour of the city with a local, where I realized that Singapore also has a long history with occupations, etc. I then enjoyed the afternoon in the huge Singapore Botanical Garden. In the evening we tested Singapore's nightlife at the rooftop bars. The view of the skyline at night is truly breathtaking. Of course, the next day we couldn't miss a little hike, so we went to a suspension bridge in a still pretty natural jungle a little outside the city center. But at 32 degrees and 77% humidity it was quite strenuous and hot. So we all really needed the rest of the day at the beach afterward. So we went to Sentosa Island. After cooling off, we had a cold beer on the beach. In the evening we go to the food markets in the city one last time and explore the city's most famous nightlife district. On the last day we went to an indoor garden before our onward flight. It was really quite spectacular and the flower dome was very rich in a variety of flowers. In the afternoon we went to the airport and continued to New Zealand.

Summary of Singapore : Super lively city but not as mega modern as expected. I wouldn't recommend it as a first destination for solo backpackers, as there are quite a lot of impressions coming at you all at once. In 3-4 days you saw everything and I was happy that it continued. But all in all I had a really good time with super cool new people!