8. Stop: Singapore

Did we travel by plane to the year 2200? That's how it feels when you arrive in Singapore. Especially if you've been in a poorer country like Indonesia before. The Singapore airport alone is worth a visit, as it is not only huge and modern, but also adorned with modern art at every corner. We really felt like we were in a science fiction movie and that feeling didn't fade during our time in Singapore.

Singapore is one of the richest and most modern countries in the world, as it is the main hub for large trade ships and the second largest port in the world. Believe it or not, 50% of global trade in oil and its products passes through Singapore. At the same time, it is also the greenest city we have ever seen. We never felt like we were in a big city here, because there are always huge parks, small green spaces, or green roofs, facades, and traffic islands interspersed between skyscrapers and gleaming streets.

Furthermore, there are many beautiful residential areas that have not lost their original charm before modernization. We absolutely fell in love with "Little India", a neighborhood mainly inhabited by Indians and consisting of many small and narrow colorful houses that are connected to each other. In between, there are countless winding alleys where you can find traditional carpet shops, cafes, and religious buildings. It feels like stepping into a world from Arabian Nights. And everything is colorful and cheerful. The food there was so good that we ended up in the same small, shabby restaurant that offers Murtabak twice.

The modern skyscrapers provide a total contrast. Their size is often hard to grasp, but an average skyscraper has about 50 floors. One might think that these huge complexes would destroy the cityscape, but quite the opposite: Every building is a work of art in itself. There are very sterile ones with complete glazing and roof gardens, but also ones made of bricks with golden, ornate interiors and huge sculptures in front of their gates. Each building has been designed with love and creativity and integrated into the cityscape like a cherry on an ice cream sundae. So, of course, we spent hours just walking around the city and being amazed by the architecture. One of the most famous buildings in the world is also located here: Marina Bay Sands. Consisting of 3 skyscrapers connected at the top by a bridge that looks like a giant ship or UFO, the building shapes the skyline of Singapore and is the centerpiece of every light show and fireworks display.

We saw the coolest light show right next to Marina Bay Sands in the park "Gardens by the Bay". Here, there are artificial trees that have been adorned with real plants that grow up them and can be illuminated by thousands of light bulbs at night. The whole thing is powered by solar energy stored by the trees themselves and is intended to show in a vivid way how nature and modernity can be combined profitably, environmentally consciously, and beautifully.

The park offers beautiful nature as well as some attractions, such as the "Cloud Forest". This is a giant glass dome that houses a real mist forest planted on 5 floors, offering playful and informative lessons on environmental awareness. Here, you can learn about the impact of global warming on fog forests and their sensitive ecosystems. Fog forests are areas above the absolute frost line that are almost always covered in fog due to the cooler weather and high humidity, creating a unique habitat. Only 2.5% of all tropical forests are fog forests, and unfortunately, they are among the most vulnerable ecosystems in the world. Plants such as orchids, ferns, and carnivorous plants lose an important habitat with the destruction of this ecosystem.

The whole country of Singapore impresses with its contrasts. Modernity and tradition, environmental protection and industry, nature and the city, and a very diverse population. Singapore is also a perfect example of how we don't have to displace nature despite the ever-growing cities and increasing population, but rather have to create space for it and integrate it into the city for the benefit of all. This way, even people growing up in such big cities will get to know the beauty of nature and perhaps become more aware of its value and their own responsibility. That's why Singapore has left a lasting impression on us.

Song of Singapore (because it was extremely hot there): Like ice in the Sunshine - Beagle Music