Singapura

Singapore was a brief reprieve into a world of familiar comforts last time around.  While the contrast isn’t as jarring coming from Malaysia it remains a land of spectacular architecture and wealth.  They have a zillion attractions that are all well reviewed so we had to prioritize our time and budget.  We ended up buying an attraction pass from Costco online that got us into unique attractions like Gardens by the Bay, and also more frivolous pursuits aka the giant swing Dave and Evelyn braved.

 

The private architecture is stunning and plenty even though condo and commercial development is typically a 99-year lease and reverts back to the government. 80% of the people buy into government housing that also expires after 99 years, as a depreciating asset it’s so counter to our housing market.  We went to the fascinating Singapore City Gallery, basically a showcase of all the neighborhood improvements in the city.  As the government has so much control they are able to implement ideas like district cooling, NEWater that generates high purity water for HVAC and manufacturing, and pneumatic garbage disposal.  They also created an infill island for garbage when their landfill was at capacity.  And Marina Bay isn’t just beautiful, it also acts as a freshwater reservoir.  

We also happened to be here just prior to Singapore’s 60th birthday celebrations.  Apparently every year there are multiple dress rehearsals before the actual celebration. Here’s the thing though, the dress rehearsals run weekly  starting in late June and each one includes a full scale concert, fighter jets and helicopters flying overhead and three fireworks shows!  We saw both a regular rehearsal without the extras, as well as a fireworks rehearsal while we were in town.  

While many things were quite expensive, we also made use of the affordable offerings including the waterpark at one of the community pools.  

Goodbye Singapore, we’ll miss the potable tap water and toilet paper and but are looking forward to affordability again.

For Aunty Bronwyn, combine it with the Porsche experience coming later this decade.  

Stunning National Orchid Garden within the otherwise free botanical gardens.  

What a nice airport! And this is the terminal hosting low cost Air Asia!

Marina Sands Hotel

Inside the Cloud Forest in Gardens by the Bay