After an 18-hour flight from Canada to Singapore I finally arrived in Changi Airport around 11:45 p.m. on August 11. I decided to take a taxi since it was almost midnight. This was when I realized how small Singapore is. Changi Airport is located in western Singapore, while my host institution, Nanyang Technology University, is located in the eastern Singapore, a 10-min drive to the Malaysian border. It only cost me around $45 CAD to cross the whole country.
The English name “Singapore” is derived from the Malay word “Singapura”. “Singa” in Malay means “lion” and “pura” means “city”. That is why the lion is also the symbol of this nation. The most famous symbolic statue in Singapore is the Merlion with a lion’s head and a fish’s body, located in Marina Bay for greeting the visitors from all around the world.
Singapore is only 137 kilometers away from the equator. The average temperature of Singapore is 27 Celsius. You can easily reach the southernmost point of continental Asia at Sentosa Beach in Singapore. I cannot believe I still stay in summer while Canada is swept by winter.
Singapore is well known for it’s restricted laws. Passengers cannot eat and drink on the bus or MRT (railway). Chewing guns is forbidden. Every road has streetlights and cameras are everywhere. Living in Singapore is very safe. Singaporeans are very proud of low crime rates. Singapore also has a developed public transportation system, the MRT and buses connect every corner of Singapore. You can also wave your hand in the street to get a taxi.
Although Singapore is small, you can find anything you want. Malls are scattered around Singapore. I feel like you can reach a mall in every two to three MRT stations. The most famous shopping street is Orchard Road. Feel free to look for the brands you like! There are two places you cannot miss while in Singapore, one is Marina Bay. It is a landmark of Singapore with the Merlion, Marina Bay by Sands, Esplanade Theater, etc. there. Around the Marina Bay is the central business direct. The buildings are very modern and special. Another is Universal Studio, it’s definitely a good place for thrill seekers! You can hear the screaming from the roller coasters far far away.
If you love bars, Clark Quay is a great choice. Pubs for dancing, bars for watching the Rugby World Cup and live band shows. Do not forget to try the famous Singapore Sling cocktail! I cannot wait to explore more about Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Yuxing Zhang is a 3rd year in Beedie Business School concentrating in Finance. She is currently on exchange at Nanyang Technology University in Singapore. She loves outdoors activities, exploring the colorful world, and chatting with people with different backgrounds. Exchange is a good way to discover the world from multiple perspectives. She is happy to answer any of students’ questions about Singapore by email: heixxj@163.com.