Tips for visiting Singapore

This is a good video tip.

I can find no issues in terms of accuracy or bias.

One of the better videos, I believe.



His coverage is quite extensive, so I really cannot fault him.

But I just want to add one place to visit: Changi Beach/Changi Village.

This is like a village lost in time from the rest of Singapore.

Well, sort of. There has been some development, but generally, it still has a laid back feel. At least for me.

There are lots of things to do there. There's the Changi Point Coastal Boardwalk, Changi Beach Park where you can see planes as they come in for their landing at Changi Airport, there's lots of good food at the hawker centre, and the eateries. Changi Village Hawker Centre is famous for their nasi lemak. There are two very popular stalls - Mizzy and International Muslim Stall. I believe International is better, but really, both stalls are pretty equal in value and taste.

You might also want to try Ayam Penyet or smashed chicken at the hawker centre. No, not smashed as in drunk, but flattened. It's basically fried chicken, then flattened, but the chilli sauce is really SPICY. Try cautiously.

If you are craving something more upmarket, you can try the restaurant in the Hotel, or at the Civil Service Club. We like Sea Grill facing the beach - you'll need to go to Changi Beach Park. Next to Sea Grill is a bicycle kiosk renting bikes and pedal cars.

At the end of the beach, there is a giant hand. Pointing skywards. As if to say, "look up! There's a plane!"

Look up!

For refreshments (alcohol) there is Charlie's Corner (at a corner of the Hawker Centre), and The Little Island Brewing Co.

From Changi Village, you can hope on a bumboat or ferry (S$2.50 per passenger the last time I took it) to get to Pulau Ubin. The last frontier of Singapore. Where water is still drawn from wells (they have pumps now), and electricity is generated (they have solar power now), and the main economy is renting bicycles and selling mineral water and coconuts.

I think.

It's like Cicely, Alaska (from Northern Exposure), but the people are not so crazy.

And its hot.

And if you like durians, there are wild (or unclaimed) durian trees on the island, and they are in season around June/July. At least they were one year when I visited in July.

Wear a helmet.

Durians in the trees. Just waiting to fall on your head.

And there are wild boars on the island. If you're lucky, you might see one. Or a whole family!

Venturing closer for a picture. Or a puncture from the boar's tusks.

And if you're unlucky, they might attack you!

What fun!

[November 29 edit: Embedded a new video about the views of Singapore.