Pit stop Singapore (pt.2)

For example the story depicts how an initiative launched in 2002 encouraged commuters to stand on the left side of escalators at train stations, leaving the right lane free for those in a rush. However, this habit is hardly practised it says.

 

But on the contrary, travelling frequently on public transportation around downtown Singapore, I do on the contrary find that this is actually the case. In fact it is something I have already specifically taken notice of.

 

Getting a similar rule in Thailand would be welcome but Bangkok is light years behind when it comes to enforcing something like this and would really struggle to enforce it. It is not in the habit of Thais to change things. Often they must really witness the advantages before jumping on the train, so to speak.

 

To continue comparing a bit – while we are at it – there are a number of small but significant details that one notices, if coming from and being used to how things are in Bangkok.

 

Take for example the fact that there are proper wide paved walkways for pedestrians on the streets of Singapore, not to mention proper street crossings with red lights where the cars actually stop for you and not the opposite way around. And where there are not traffic lights they stop too, to let you across!

 

The pavements are also not full of holes, and not jam-packed with street vendors selling low-quality overprices copies of brand name products. This comparison exercise could go on and on…

 

These days it becomes clear that Singapore has become very modern; undoubtedly much thanks to the influx of trade and globalisation in general it has simply grown into a global city with many nationalities, a mélange of cultures in the mix. It is vibrant, in similar fashion as a place like Amsterdam – one of Europe’s most poignant melting pots known for its strong culture and art programme.

 

The Southeast-Asian equivalent also boasts a vibrant all-year-round agenda of cultural events and other activities. Contemporary art and music are dominating but classical music can also be found on the repertoire.

 

The recently built Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, with a façade reminiscent of the Durian fruit, constantly presents festivals, concerts with artists from all genres you can possibly think of. This icon venue houses four performance halls, two outdoor stages and visual arts exhibition space.

 

Then there are plenty of film festivals, nightclubs hosting international guests every weekend, plays and various exhibitions.

 

As a westerner in Thailand one can become rather starved on culture, a country with an entirely different perception of what entertainment and culture means, and with much less creative influx from outside. Think karaoke and very loud pop music that all sounds the same and you have the essence of culture Thai style (and at best you get some old stars passed the expiry date since long ago). Think international DJ:s, multicultural festivals, biennales, classical music etc. and you’ve got the other side of the coin.

 

Browsing through the calendar for the year ahead one can mark quite a few reasons for visits to this South-east Asian metropolis, for instance its chain of yearly festivals: Mosaic Music Festival, Singapore Sun Festival (inaugural took place in 2007), SINGfest (the largest music festival), and Singapore River Festival, in its first year in 2008, will shred anyone’s doubts.

 

This also includes a vibrant DJ culture with the prestigious Zouk club and the Zouk Out – an outdoor dance/club music festival attracting tens of thousands of people.

 

Just to give one example of the creative events occurring: With the audience on a bridge, Kyoto Jazz Massive from Japan held a concert in the spring 2008 from the stage on a pontoon on the river.

 

Thus, the lure of Singapore – at least when not living there but in nearby Thailand – is strong, especially as this is the unbeatable city in Southeast-Asia when it comes to experiences, entertainment and culture (anyone objecting are welcome to leave substantial comments to this feature).

 

Singaporeans are seeing the winds of change and there is apparently more energy and more culture than what was the case previously. There are efforts from the tourism board and other stakeholders to attract ordinary Singaporeans to art forms they may never have come across before.

 

The business and airline hub is on a joyride, enjoying a strong and increasing influx of visitors and tourism; gaining renewed confidence. It is seemingly attracting diverse people from all walks of life.

 

Suitably I am writing this part while staying at the new airport hotel, where I see plan after plane landing, while the monsoon rain is pouring down. The start of a Singapore-visit, especially if arriving on a long-haul flight, could hardly be better than a pit stop at this design and resort-like hotel – arguably one of the best airports in the world, adjacent to the new terminal 3.

 

Crown Plaza Changi could be just the right thing to wind down and restore balance from jet lag, by using the spa and the pool, before heading downtown to explore further what the nation-state has on offer.

 

That a country of the size of Singapore can have one of the world’s largest airlines and an airport with the capacity to cater to 70 million passengers says something about the number of people passing through here. It also shows Singapore’s confidence, having launched a new terminal that alone can handle a total of 22 million passengers a year.

 

Time Out Singapore magazine also has (August 2008 issue) as its theme: ‘Who is the new Singaporean?’ depicting the Lion City as very different from only a decade ago.

 

Read the rest of this destination review:

Part I: Pit stop Singapore - booming development, vibrant-events, brimming with confidence

Part III: Pit stop Singapore - nighlife, Naumi hotel, Peranakan at InterContinental

Part IV: Pit stop Singapore - M Hotel, VivoCity, Keppel Island, Sentosa island

Part V: Pit stop Singapore - Amara Sanctuary Sentosa, National Musem, Tanglin Village, Clarke Quay, Equinox: New Asia Bar

 

See also Image gallery Singapore

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