Singapore — Week 3

By my third week in Singapore, our group had almost finished the code and was wrapping things up. With the trip home drawing closer, I could also seize a few chances to go out during the week.

7.15

One of NUS’s northbound shuttle routes goes to the Botanic Gardens, apparently because NUS has a faculty there. After class, I took the shuttle straight to the gardens.

Botanic Garden

It felt less like a botanical garden and more like a large public park, with many locals walking or taking their dogs out.

Orchid Garden

Students can get a discounted ticket to the orchid garden by showing a student ID; I think it was only 5 SGD.

I strongly recommend this garden—the orchids are gorgeous.

7.17

I went into the city for an evening walk and photographed a few landmark buildings.

Central Fire Station

Old Hill Street Police Station

It looks fairly ordinary by day, but becomes wonderfully colorful when the lights come on at night.

Singapore River

Marina Bay Sands

7.18

Chinatown

In the afternoon I visited Chinatown, also known in Chinese as Niu Che Shui (“bullock-cart water”). I am not sure where that name came from.

I tried pistachio and chocolate balls from a roadside shop. They were incredibly rich and delicious, though a little expensive—around 10 dollars, if I remember correctly.

Peranakan Cuisine

That evening I went to Funan Mall near City Hall and tried Peranakan cuisine.

7.20

On my last day in Singapore, I spent most of the day exploring places along the MRT route toward the west coast.

Jurong Lake Garden

A laid-back garden in a city that truly seems to have gardens everywhere. There were also many Indian families and groups having picnics.

While looking for lunch, I also got a close look at Singapore’s famous public housing—the HDB flats. The block I saw seemed fairly average.

I had Hainanese chicken rice at a hawker centre. If you want to experience local food, Singapore’s hawker centres really are the best choice.

Raffles Marina

Continuing along the MRT, I soon reached the coast.

This brought me to the final attraction of my trip—the Raffles Lighthouse.

An exceptionally beautiful sunset over the marina.

Malaysia on the other side of the bridge.

Afterword

And with that, my three-week journey in Singapore came to an end. This study program not only let me experience education under a different system, but also gave me a deeper understanding of the country through something close to living here for a while.

Discussions with the professor and TAs brought stimulating exchanges of ideas. I also got to practise my English abroad, experience a different culture through small interactions with local people, and see scenery unlike anything back home.