Day 2: Exploring Singapore

Weather Update: Sunny periods. High of 33°C.

Arrival and Transition

We arrived around 7:30 am, and after breakfast, I transferred to the ferry terminal for the hour-long trip to Singapore. Though it didn’t seem far, it was actually 38 km. The ferry terminal resembled an international airport, brimming with places to eat and shop.

First Impressions of Singapore

I took the metro, which was fast, clean, and bustling with people. Exiting at the correct station, I was greeted by the sight of orderly streets with little traffic— a stark contrast to the chaos of the past two weeks. The controlled crossings, road rules, and sensible driving were a breath of fresh air. Due to the heat, I paused for a cool beer just down the road from my hostel.

Accommodation and Local Cuisine

The hostel Rucksack Inn is centrally located in an area known for Asian cuisine. For lunch, I enjoyed a $5 Kampua, a spicy pork dish with noodles, and chicken soup for NZD 6.39. The hostel, priced at $27 a night, exceeded my expectations, though the experience can vary depending on roommates. I met an Indian couple who have been married for two years and are here for a seven-day stay.

Time Zones and Reflections

Wellington is five hours ahead of Singapore, and at the time of writing, it’s 11 pm in NZ. When we arrived in Batam, it was one hour behind Singapore, despite being just 38 km across the bay. I’m here for three days before heading to Bangkok, Thailand