Day One | SingaRICH: The Switzerland of Asia
I know this is a wild title, but I had to do it! I spent three days and two nights on a bucket-list vacation to Singapore can only be described as extremely hot and humid, unfriendly and too expensive. It felt very much so like my trip to Switzerland last year. And as I sit here at Common Man Coffee Roasters (more on this place in the next blog) with my pancakes, eggs and mocha with oat milk (Who am I?) I reflect on why I came, what I’m leaving behind and what I’m bringing home.
I came to Singapore as a bucket list item. I was looking for the lavish lifestyle to feel worth it, and yet, during the daytime hours, I found the exact opposite. Hell, I even saw a rat run past my feet as I ate in a restaurant and a bird come on in at a popular Italian eatery. I was shocked and underwhelmed. But was this Singapore’s fault or my own expectations not being met. It’s kind of like when people come to visit me in Los Angeles and the Walk of Fame feels underwhelming. Sometimes we build something up before we allow the experience to earn our respect.
Ultimately, I felt let down. However, Singapore owes me nothing but a stamp in my passport, a bucket list item fulfilled and one souvenir that I have yet to purchase as I’m writing this.
Ok, back to the story. So, I flew to Singapore on Singapore Airlines. It’s about 2 hours and 45 minutes flight from Bali’s (DPS) airport. I flew economy. This experience was already going be expensive so I might as well pick the best and cheapest round trip ticket, right? Let me tell you this flight did not disappoint.
Sidenote: I only took my backpack and a carryon, so I didn’t need to stand in any long lines and check baggage when coming or going. It’s the one nice thing about short international trips; if you know how to pack, you can Entry into Singapore is incredibly easy with an American passport. The only thing I had to fill out was the Singapore Arrival card (SGAC.) After that, with an American passport, I am allowed to stay in Singapore for 90 days. There was no visa process for me as an American.
So, I headed straight to Immigration, showed my passport and boarding pass and headed, for an hour, to the Concordia Lounge before boarding. There, I did some work and got caffeinated and ready to fly. I had an aisle seat and no one sitting next to me. I enjoyed a delicious vegetarian meal that did not disappoint.
Second sidenote: If you want to get your meal before everyone else, order a specialty meal. I only order vegetarian on planes now as I have gotten food poisoning twice before from fish and poultry on a plane. And though they serve alcohol in economy as no extra charge, I found the gingerly just right for this journey.
And with my backpack and carryon, I was able to head outside of Chiang Airport within a matter of minutes of landing and ordered a Grab (the Uber of Asia) to take me directly to my hotel, M Social Singapore. My driver was incredibly helpful and friendly, telling me places to go and eat while explaining how expensive and ultra rich Singapore truly is.
Upon arriving to my hotel, as I checked in, my Bali family texted me safe flight wishes and called to make sure I truly had arrived. (When you travel solo, it’s a good safety practice to make sure someone has your location at all times.) In the chaos of the day, Ismail, the wonderful front desk worker who checked me in, upgraded me to a top floor. That man is going to get a great review from me.
Once I settled into my hotel room, I unpacked and showered to wash the travel germs from my body. After work on a business plan for a client. Finally, it was time for dinner. I went to dinner downstairs at the hotel restaurant. The eatery is called Beasts and Butterflies, which specializes in Asian fusion with a Western twist. It’s a mix of bold and delicate and though it is quite elegant; it’s not intimidating. It has a casual luxury feel to it.
I ordered the salmon with broccolini as well as one of their two signature drinks, the Beast. My drink of choice is an Old-Fashioned and so this choice complemented my natural taste buds. At dinner, the manager, Rahul, was so kind and friendly. He even sent me a complimentary mango dessert to try.
I took a walk along the Singapore River and instantly felt the fatigue of the day. Between it being a travel day, having lady time and the most wonderful and hot rain shower I had experienced in a long time, I went to bed full and peaceful.
I began to understand why I chose this place, the country, the hotel, all of it. I chose Singapore for the adventure. I wanted to live out of my comfort zone. I didn’t know what to expect and that was not only okay, but exciting. I wanted to choose my own adventure and try something new and different. Every trip and journey doesn’t need to be or feel life-altering; sometimes it’s just the joy or curiosity of the travel experience. It was really just an informative and fun experience. I look forward to what tomorrow holds…
But before I go, let’s talk about my rating system and what I rate the day.
1. Accessibility & Flow
How easy was it to be there — walking distance, navigation, transportation, overall flow?
7 of 10 – Easily walkable but do y’all not believe in crosswalks?
2. Humanity & Hospitality
Instead of “customer service,” this measures warmth, authenticity, and human connection — how the place made you feel welcomed, seen, or respected.
6 of 10 – It’s giving the bare minimum in acknowledgement, unless I code switch my voice. hmmm…
3. My Inner State (Well-Being Meter)
How did the experience affect your mood, energy, or spirit by the end of the day?
7/10 – Nothing especially good or bad. Nothing to write home about. Lacking culture for my artsy mind.
Good night and all my love,
Maya Lynne
