picturesque: of glimpses and words: Singapore: Backpacking

Often called the city of fines, there are more things you can find in this country. Actually, the no smoking, no littering, no spitting and no jaywalking signs just add up to the fact that they have a more disciplined citizenry that they have absolute care for nature, safety and the lives of the people. I think everything is organized there. From the well-planned MRT routes to buses, there's a sense of well-planned structures and infrastructures. I think these are what the Philippines have to learn from Singapore.

More than this fact, Singapore is a shopping haven for designer clothes, shoes and bags. That is if you have the budget. It is better to commute around the MRT cheaper than the high rates of taxis and get yourself into the shopping malls of Orchard Road and Marina Bay Square. Actually, right beside or outside of an MRT station is a shopping mall. I wonder how they managed to put all those malls there! But if you're looking for budgeted shopping then go over to the Bugis Street. Especially for ladies clothes and the Filipino so-called "pasalubong", it's where you'll find the good deals. If you're up for gadgets or electronic devices, then check out the Sim Lim Square which you can find a street walk away from Bugis Street.

But Singapore is not all shopping! Check out the sites that is exclusively Singapore. Sentosa is one of the landmarks most visited. Just head on to Harbourfront near Vivo City Mall and take a shuttle towards Sentosa. In Sentosa, you'll find the Resorts World Casino, the theme park Universal Studios and other attractions like the Merlion replica, Imbiah Lookout and the beaches like Siloso Beach with free admission. There's also Marina Bay Square where a water show can be seen every 9:30 in the evening. Check also the famous Fountain of Wealth where you can through the walk way at around 7p.m. and touch the inner fountain and whisper your hopes of being wealthy. At around 8:30 in the evening the water, lights and music commune to give you a performance. Clarke Quay is the night life spot especially when you're near Singapore's only river. Take a deep breath and feel the fresh air go through your lungs. You can even have a short cruise over the said river. Singapore I think is the real city of lights.

Talk about the food and then you'll be in for a variation of Asian and Western cuisines. Just try to find something within your budget. There are expensive restaurants as well as budgetted food courts everywhere as there are malls there.

Special thanks to the accommodating owner Rajul Patel and the affordable stay at Smeet Home. It was fun living the backpacker's life.