Singapore: the garden city
I wish I had more time to visit Singapore. Unfortunately I only stayed there for less than half a day. On the other hand, I did see enough of the city-state so as to draw some preliminary conclusions. The Lion City, camouflaged under the name of Singapore, is actually one of the world’s biggest commercial hubs. In fact, Singapore deepwater’s harbor is the second largest in the world, setting an obligatory stop in between the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. Thus being in seaway between Asia and Europe. As a reference, Europe’s GDP per capita stands at 32K while Singaporeans are at 56K (ranking 4th in the world).
Numbers and boring facts aside, what is it like? What will I encounter? Where should I go? How should I go? Well, answers are easy, easy and easy. Moving around Singapore is doable since it has one of the best public transportation systems in the world. It is clean, simple and comfortable.
Once downtown, one will instantly face the immense extraordinary skyscrapers of the city. There are around 100 towers in Singapore taller 150 meters. This impression is instantly engraved in one’s mind. Feeling small in between such colossal buildings is normal. The way to the Marina Bay seems obvious for some reason, so it is not hard to end up there by accident. The surrounding constructions are somehow oriented towards the basin, which is the iconic center of Singapore. It called my attention the lack of litter in the city. It is extremely clean and neat. The view from The Promontory is the perfect stamp of a radiant city. Walking (or biking) around this part of the city is mandatory. Bike rentals are available at The Esplanade and cost around 10€ per hour. Hiking this part of the city matches the expectations of a city in harmony with nature. Continuing counterclockwise around the basin, ahead of the One Fullerton shopping mall, I stopped to enjoy the views and have a settled coffee cup.
The Marina Bay Sands erect right in front and the bay spans 180 degrees. It is impressive how a three-skyscraper building balances a so called Skypark, which bridges all three towers and features an infinite swimming pool (more on that later). The tropic climate, the verdant areas and the man-made constructions balanced perfectly in front of me. It seemed detached from the world’s biggest cities problems: litter, overpopulation, complexity and pollution.
Next, after the coffee, I headed towards the Theaters, recognizable by their design. They feature triangular shades which find equilibrium between views to the outside and sun protection. Right before them there is the recognizable Merlion Fountain, a half-lion half-fish sculpture. That place offers stunning picturesque views to the bay as well as the other side of the Singapore River. I continued my way towards the Bay Sands, crossing The Float, an outdoor venue which, depending on the event, acts as a soccer stadium, concert hall or military parade structure, among others.
As mentioned before, the Marina Bay Sands are the most visually attractive architecture. It seems illogical how the top structure can balance on top of the three towers. I decided that it was time to have a look at it. The entrance to the top costs 18€ and the elevator takes less than 30 seconds. Once up there, I enjoyed the views: impressive! The whole bay and almost the country in its entirety are visible. The long infinite pool has views to the basin! In the east the cluster of skyscrapers erects surrounded by green spaces. In the north: the theaters, northeast: The Float stadium and further east the Flyer (the second tallest observation wheel in the world).
Around the corner, in the south side, the views are breathtaking. The Singapore river dies in the sea between vegetation at both sides. On the east end, the city finishes abruptly and leads to a forest before the shoreline. Beaches emerge from the flora, reproducing the city’s origins: tropical island. In front of it, hundreds of cargo ship anchored to the shallow waters await their turn into the harbor.
On the other side of the river’s mouth, the river is accompanied by the Gardens by the Bay. They balance architecture with tropical nature. There is even a greenhouse featuring an indoor garden with one of the tallest indoor waterfalls in the world! It is hard to imagine how such a large quantity of vegetation fits perfectly in one city.
I finished my brief city-trip to this country by finishing the circular trail back to Downtown Station. I have to say that I am impressed by such diverse architecture. It is surprising how the landscape is mixed with tons of greenery and relaxing trails. Furthermore, everybody was thoroughly polite with an exceptional use of English. There was, at least at first sight, no signs of poverty, unemployment and adversities. In a nutshell, it is hard to imagine how one of the most influential cities in the world delivers as much and manages the resources in such a smart way. I am looking forward to visit it again with more time and to explore the whole country.
