Chasing Stories in Singapore

Photo: Muhammad Faiz Zulkeflee

Travel, culture, food, and basically a mix of everything—this trip had it all. Singapore amazed me with its diversity, its seamless blend of cultures, and its stunning architecture. I’ve always appreciated harmonious yet quirky landscape and structure designs, and maybe that’s the remnant of me once considering studying Architecture before college. I was so undecided back then, lol!

Photo: Jan Folwarczny

This was way back in September 2013, and actually, it was my friend’s idea. We had just graduated from university that year, and while waiting for our USA internship applications, we thought—why not explore our neighbor, Singapore? And so, the adventure began.

Singapore is a country that defies expectations. A small island nation, yet it stands as one of the most prosperous and developed places in the world. Walking through its streets, I couldn’t help but admire how a place so compact could achieve so much. Singapore’s success is not just about its towering skyscrapers or efficient systems; it’s about its people—their resilience, their discipline, and their ability to live harmoniously despite their diversity.

While my friend and I were walking, I took some photos of the streets—clean and neat, some with hints of Chinese or Buddhist, Indian ornamentation, and colorful buildings, even green buildings. Parkroyal hotel, was it? Singapore is a true playground for anyone who appreciates design and urban landscapes.

 

One of the things that struck me the most was how seamlessly different cultures coexist here. Tamil, Malay, Chinese, and other ethnic groups all sharing one small space, yet functioning as one thriving society. Coming from a background where cultural differences can sometimes create division, seeing Singapore’s unity was inspiring. It made me reflect on how diversity, when embraced rather than feared, can be a nation’s greatest strength.

Beyond the cultural landscape, another thing that fascinated me was Singapore’s business-driven mindset. Even in casual conversations, I noticed how many Singaporeans were involved in entrepreneurship, whether through small businesses or large ventures. At that time, I was planning to start my own business, and being in Singapore felt like a glimpse into a world where ambition and innovation were the norm. It made me think—success isn’t just about where you are, but about the mindset you cultivate.

Navigating the city was another adventure on its own. The train system was efficient, but memorizing station names and street signs? Now that was a challenge! I love getting lost in new places, but not too lost, okay? There were moments when hunger kicked in while we were still figuring out the right train routes. I should have taken more photos of the food, but honestly, I was too busy eating! We enjoyed some authentic Singaporean and Chinese cuisine, and one dish that caught my attention was a baby crocodile served on a platter. It was the first time I had ever seen such a thing, and it was surprisingly well-plated.

Of course, no trip is complete without souvenirs! We visited stores selling Singapore-themed t-shirts—because what better way to say, "I've been here" than wearing it back home? We also explored a chocolate shop, I think it's Vezzodor, indulging in some sweet treats before heading back to the bustling streets.

And then there were the sports cars! Walking around, I couldn’t help but notice the sleek, high-end cars on the roads, all gleaming under the city lights. The materialistic side of me was in awe. Nothing wrong with dreaming, right? To dream is free, after all!

 

Looking back, this journey was more than just a trip. It was an eye-opening experience that made me appreciate not just Singapore, but also my own aspirations. I was fortunate to be there, thanks to the support of my parents, and I will always be grateful for that opportunity. Even though I had only seen a fraction of what Singapore had to offer, the lessons I took with me were invaluable.

This is why I continue chasing stories—because every place has something to teach, and every journey changes us in ways we never expect.

Note: Unless otherwise stated, all photos are my own.