Singapore: A Destination with Pros and Cons

Singapore can be a love-it-or-hate-it place. It’s highly developed, spotlessly clean, and meticulously planned and architected — a far cry from the congestion, noise, and erratic development seen in many other Asian capitals. But while many backpackers and cultural travelers bemoan a lack of ‘soul’, if you approach Singapore from a different angle it can be a fascinating destination — not to mention very easy and hassle-free.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Singapore

Singapore may NOT be worth visiting if…

• You are on a shorter trip in Asia: Many people visit Singapore on a stopover to somewhere else, thanks to its well-connected airport and central location in Asia. But if you’re, say, heading to Bali for two weeks (with a hop via Singapore), you might just want to put all your days into Bali instead of splitting your time.
• You want a chaotic place like Bangkok: Singapore is utterly civilized, controlled, and predictable. That can make it a breath of fresh air or a disappointment, depending on your perspective.
• You’re on a tight budget: Singapore is an expensive place — and it’s best enjoyed with a wallet to match. At least USD $100 per day per person is a good estimate to use if you want to enjoy it to its full potential.

Singapore IS worth visiting if…

• You want an easy place to start an Asia trip: Thanks to its amazing airport as well as being so safe, well-organized, and mostly English-speaking, Singapore makes for a perfect launching pad into Southeast Asia.
• You love street food (but wish to be cautious): While Singapore banned street food vendors many decades ago, they gave them officially sanctioned places (known as hawker centers) to continue their business.
• You appreciate the futuristic urban design and parks: Singapore is sometimes accused of being overly sanitized. However, Singapore often succeeds in being very creative with its parks and public spaces.

Personal Experience in Singapore

The first time I ever visited Singapore I was on a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia. I was honestly a bit disappointed and had the instant superficial response of ‘this place is too developed and sanitized BZZZZttt I don’t like it’. My views became more nuanced on subsequent visits. I believe that if you visit with an open mind, Singapore will be very interesting and enjoyable.

When I revisited Singapore, my focus was so much more on how futuristic it feels and how that’s so cool (and much less so on how it’s not like other Southeast Asian cities). If Hong Kong is a little cyberpunk, then Singapore is more like Star Trek. The feeling is often that of walking along a promenade at Starfleet Headquarters… just to put it in geeky terms.

Overall, Singapore offers a unique blend of modernity, culture, and comfort, making it a destination worth exploring.