Singapore FEELS like a DREAM! (but there are some downsides)

This might be the cleanest, safest, most efficient place we’ve ever visited, but there’s a catch...

In this video, we share our first impressions of Singapore, from its mind-blowing public transport and sleek architecture to the surprisingly strict rules that you need to know about.

It’s like stepping into the future...with a few things that surprised us.

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[tinglestingles]

Singapore’s model is a fascinating one: tight social discipline paired with high functionality, low corruption, and generally safe, well-run public systems. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s a kind of implicit social contract there: we’ll give you clean streets, excellent public services, and safety… but don’t spit your gum on the pavement, mate.

The idea seems to be: “We’re all stuck on this rock, so let’s not make life miserable for each other.” Which, when you think about it, is a very civilised position. It’s not so much about authoritarianism for its own sake it’s about clarity of consequence. Step out of line, and there will be consequences.

Compare that to some Western democracies, where people increasingly flout basic social norms and nothing happens. Everyone ends up annoyed, demoralised, and a bit feral.

It’s easy to confuse order with oppression, but maybe we’ve all been conditioned to treat freedom as the right to be inconsiderate. And perhaps, just perhaps some structure, like giving up your seat for someone, not shouting on public transport, or keeping things tidy, isn’t oppression. It’s just manners backed by a little more muscle.

[awwyen]

Hi! A Singaporean here. I’m glad you enjoyed your visit to our city. Just to clarify a couple of things you observed. When you were out walking at night, you were in the downtown city centre which is the business district, that’s why it’s so quiet once everyone has gone home for the day. If you ride the MRT to the suburbs (or ‘heartlands’ as we call it), you’ll find crowded trains and lots of people. After all, there are 6 million people living on this small island of just 284 square miles! That also means that there are traffic jams, especially on the expressways. Lots of people own cars despite the ridiculous prices, they just give up the cars when they can’t afford it any more. Anyone who moves here has to be prepared to be in crowds quite a bit, unless you’re a billionaire who can buy your own privacy. Though it’s not exactly a paradise, it’s still a great place to live.

[goldavidson]

I live in Singapore for two years. This video is a very accurate assessment. Great job! One thing to note is that eating at hawker stations is much less expensive than sit-down restaurants.

[janerkenbrack]

As a former merchant marine officer, I used to go to Singapore frequently. I loved the place, but was mindful of the martial nature of the rules. You didn't mention, and people should definitely be aware, do not bring or buy illegal drugs. Singapore has some of the strictest and harshest laws against use, and you could find yourself in prison for years for even a token amount. Trafficking is a capital offense.
On the other hand, a single woman can walk safely home even late at night with no fear of assault. Again, the penalties for such acts are extremely harsh.

Though I haven't been there since the 90s, my recollection is that nightclubs and restaurants were largely frequented by tourists, while locals tended to gather at food courts, where a bottle of beer and a bowl of soup would be much more affordable.
Most of the people live in high rise buildings, so unless you've got some serious scratch, forget about freestanding houses.

Singapore is a major shipping port, which is where a great deal of their wealth comes from.

Lastly, I hope you stopped at the Raffles for a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar.

[Rich-rdge]

I was there a year ago and actually feel your dark sides were actually shining stars. I loved the clean city, subways, and incredible airport.

[brianfeeley]

After living, working and traveling around S.E. Asia... I appreciate Singapore for all of the rules! Singapore Air used to run full-page adds in the Jakarta newspaper... "Singapore... an hour, yet a world away"! So true! Cheers!

[YangGQ]

There is definitely a daily DARK Side. Dark at 730pm to 6am. Some of the best times in Singapore are had in the dark. It is less hot, walking areas are artistically lit. The streets are safe at night.

[jameshaddan]

I was in Singapore in October and loved it. Yes, it was hot - though I adapted after a day or two. It was so nice to be in a large city and not feel like you needed to be in crime defence mode.

[juliamaxwellmarin]

Singapore seems absolutely great. Especially because it's pretty easy to avoid the excessive heat. But the perfection of life there is highly appealing to me.

[Brutushungwell]

I have been to Singapore several times. One of my favorite cities. Always a good vacation

[victormendez]

I have lived in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Singapore is heaven on earth, but it is pricey, hot and worth it!

[EasternDreamer]

Lovely video, I was in Singapore last night for a layover and enjoyed my experience. I previously visited in 2020 before the lockdowns. Singapore is a wonderful country and I look forward to my next visit. There's a certain sense of calm for me with that level of order.

[rickolson-]

I was in Singapore back in the 70s while in the US Navy... we were warned not to break any of their rules because
they are enforced even the $500 and three days in jail for littering rule. Even back then you did not see a cig butt anywhere.
Crime was almost none existent and I remember seeing a lot of people in the evening strolling and relaxing in public.
Think how much better our culture would be if we just enforced standing laws.

[deborahczepiel]

I used to live in Singapore in the sixties, loved it. I would like to go back and see how it has changed, the rules don't bother me, they are common courtesy.

[kennySg]

About the rules, I guess it is the value system. In Asia，we place society above self 'freedom'. With the highest population density in the world, imagine what SG will be like without those rules. Recently, we just updated some rules for commuting in public transport, commuters need to appear clean, not talking loudly etc. About the weather, it is to be expected given that we are near the equator. Normally, local people will walk in the shade or stay in an air conditioned area. You didn't mention canning, I thought this is what SG is famous for. Glad that u Enjoy your visit here。

[photopro]

I remember during my short time in Singapore it was very clean and quiet. Singapore does not tolerate gum on the ground (everyone knows) and no tolerance for drugs. On my flight into Singapore they warned about any drugs before we landed.

[jpurpleyou]

Lived in Singapore for 10 years without a car—the underground shopping that ran the whole length of Orchard rd is where the affordable stores are found. BTW foreigners can bring in gum but it is like smoking😂 and considered rude—I only left because I retired and could no longer afford the rent — sooo easy to live there

[knowbodysongwritinggroup]

Nice overview, guys! We stayed for a month, but rented a condo across the bridge in Johor Bahru aka JB. The condo was 350 for a month, includ water, elec & wifi. Then we just took bus to enjoy Singapore during the day. This is the best way to do Singapore :)

[jamescolyn]

Altho Singapore is expensive in many ways, one can live there relatively cheaply. If one avoids the outrageously pricey condos where most of the expat business-people reside, one can easily find monthly (1-bdrm) rentals for US$1500, or even less. I did. And my condo was centrally located, just outside of Chinatown, meaning that I rarely spent money on the subway (metro) or taxis.

Moreover, one can eat great meals at a hawker center for US$5-10. Those hawker centers are everywhere, and every one of them has a plethora of shops offering a wide variety of food. You can even sit there drinking beer for hours.

Besides top-end condos ... cigarettes, booze, and cars are also expensive. But if one can do without those "luxuries, " one can live quite reasonably in Singapore. It's definitely cheaper than cities in Switzerland and many other western cities.

[deborah]

The buildings with the plants everywhere is gorgeous. I was blown away by the cleanliness of the city, the lights at night, and the only people seen at night were on the metro. The map of it was interesting. The rules wouldn’t bother me at all. It’s different from any place I’ve ever seen, I would applaud the politics there. This is definitely a streamlined country. Thanks so much for the tour. P.S. I was told when I first came to Texas, the large towns like DFW (Dallas/Ft. Worth) has an underground complex. Shopping, restaurants, everything a person could want. Especially when it’s blazing hot outside.