Off to Malaysia, part 5

Singapore, markets and back to Europe.

I’m back in Europe, and at this moment I’m writing from my home, so this post will be about my last days in Southeast Asia and some reflections on my trip. Before leaving Malaysia I went to visit the Masjid India Mosque, I went shopping in the Petaling Street market in Chinatown and I went to Singapore.

Before starting to tell you about last week I want to show you a street market that I visited with Lili a couple of times, and I wasn't able to add to the previous posts. I think it represents what a European has in mind when considering an Asian market: very crowded, with a lot of colours, noisy and with a variety of smells.

The paths between the stands were tiny, there were a lot of stands selling a variety of things, what I liked there were the vibes, how everything was moving fast, and the contrast between the umbrellas and the big flats that surrounded the market. A very interesting experience, if you love markets like me you should visit it at least once.

Last Saturday was my last day in Kuala Lumpur, I decided to go to visit a mosque and after, I went shopping to buy gifts and food to bring to Europe.

Masjid India Mosque is a prominent mosque in the bustling area of Jalan Masjid India. It is a historic mosque that has been a significant religious and cultural landmark in the city. It plays a crucial role as a place of worship for the Muslim community in the area and serves as a hub for religious activities and events. On some days of the week in the morning, some volunteers can guide you while you are visiting the mosque. I used this opportunity and had a guided tour of the mosque, in reality, there isn’t much to see in the mosque, it is quite empty, with no adornments or something to see. The talk with the volunteer was nice, he explained to me the history of the mosque and some facts about Islam I didn't know, but his main target was to convert me to Islam.

Vibrant markets and shops surround Masjid India, the area is also known for its lively atmosphere, but for my shopping, I went to Petaling Street. It is located in the heart of Chinatown, a renowned market with a plethora of stalls offering a diverse array of goods, from traditional Chinese herbs and medicines to imitation designer goods, electronics, clothing, and a wide variety of street food. Bargaining is a common practice, that adds an exciting element to the shopping experience.

I went there during the morning, some stalls were closed, but the market was pretty alive, in the evening it is more characteristic with its narrow lanes illuminated by colourful signage and the aroma of delicious street food wafting through the air.

I'm not a big shopper, so I didn't buy much there, some souvenirs and the durian cookies, I suggest trying the fresh one. I liked walking around the market, it was an interesting experience, but I didn't find very interesting things to buy, but maybe it's just my lack of interest in shopping.

On my free days, Monday and Tuesday, I went to Singapore, I took a bus on Sunday afternoon on the way to be in Singapore at night, it was a 7-hour ride. I visited it with an Indonesian friend, she flew from Jakarta. The last time we saw each other was in Japan, 4 years ago.

Singapore is a vibrant island city-state located at the crossroads of Southeast Asia. Known for its modern skyline, efficient infrastructure, and diverse cultural influences, Singapore has earned a reputation as a global economic hub.

The city-state is celebrated for its cleanliness, orderliness, and commitment to green spaces, with lush gardens and parks seamlessly integrated into the urban landscape. Despite its small size, Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, reflecting the harmonious coexistence of its multi-ethnic population. The blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences is evident in the rich tapestry of cuisine and traditions that define the nation's cultural identity.

Singapore's iconic landmarks include the futuristic Marina Bay Sands, the mythical Merlion statue, and the historic Raffles Hotel, but the first thing that we visited was the Botanical Gardens.

The Singapore Botanical Gardens is a lush oasis nestled in the city's heart, renowned for its stunning botanical diversity and serene landscapes. Established in 1859, it is one of the oldest tropical gardens in the world and holds the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When we arrived at the Botanical Gardens we were greeted by a breathtaking array of plant collections, including the National Orchid Garden, a swan-filled lake, and themed gardens like the Ginger Garden and Evolution Garden. The highlight is the Rainforest, a preserved primary forest that provides a glimpse into the region's natural biodiversity. Besides all these amazing plants and flowers, something that surprised me was that the gardens have free entrance so a lot of people are going to seek a peaceful retreat from the bustling urban environment.

In addition to its recreational appeal, the Singapore Botanical Gardens are important for their research and conservation efforts. It serves as a centre for horticultural education and plant research, contributing to the understanding and preservation of tropical flora.

If you are or will be in Singapore I suggest visiting the botanical gardens, it was nice to be immersed in nature, and a kind so different from the one I was used to, and to see also birds, big iguanas, chickens and roosters.

After the garden we went directly to the Merlion, one of Singapore's most iconic and recognizable symbols, serving as a mythical guardian at the mouth of the Singapore River. This half-lion, half-fish creature represents the city-state's history and folklore.

The Merlion statue stands tall at Merlion Park, in the heart of the city. Created in 1964 by Singaporean sculptor Lim Nang Seng, the original Merlion was a modest structure. Over the years, due to its popularity, a larger and more elaborate version known as the Merlion Park was constructed in 1972.

The Merlion's design features the head of a lion, symbolizing the lion that the city's name is believed to be derived from ("Singapura" means "Lion City" in Malay), and the body of a fish, representing Singapore's origins as a humble fishing village.

The Merlion has become a beloved icon, not just for its symbolic significance but also for its role as a picturesque landmark against the backdrop of the modern Singaporean skyline.

Passing from the gardens to this jungle of skyscrapers was a big contrast, it was a breathtaking view as the one I had before, especially when from Merlion I saw the Marina Bay Sands resort.

Marina Bay is an iconic waterfront district, renowned for its modern and futuristic skyline that defines the city's contemporary architectural landscape. Dominated by cutting-edge structures, Marina Bay is a symbol of Singapore's economic success and urban sophistication.

At the heart of Marina Bay lies the iconic Marina Bay Sands resort, a colossal integrated complex featuring a world-class hotel, a vast casino, luxury shopping, and the unmistakable Sands SkyPark perched atop three soaring towers.

The area comes to life in the evening when the cityscape is illuminated, and the stunning light shows at Marina Bay Sands and the Supertree Grove.

The Marina Bay area is also home to the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, an award-winning garden featuring the iconic Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome.

The Supertrees are towering structures ranging from 25 to 50 meters in height, resembling futuristic tree-like sculptures. These vertical gardens are not only visually striking but also serve several ecological functions, such as providing shade, collecting rainwater, harnessing solar energy, contributing to the park's energy needs and hosting a variety of plants.

Clad in a network of ferns, orchids, and other flowering climbers, the Supertrees create a spectacular display of colours and textures. In the evening, they come alive with a mesmerizing light and music show known as the "OCBC Garden Rhapsody," where the Supertrees are illuminated in a dazzling array of colours, synchronized with music. Since we are in Christmas time, the area had markets and the typical atmosphere of this period of the year, even the evening show had a Christmas theme.

The day after I didn’t visit much because it was raining and in the afternoon I had to go back to Kuala Lumpur, we went to just to check some shops to be safe from the rain. That day I went back to Malaysia with my friend and the day after, Wednesday, I had my flight back and Tami went back to Jakarta.

Singapore was very fascinating, It was a pity that I spent there just a day and a half. I will have to go back, but also to Malaysia, there is much more to see and learn. I can say it was a great experience, I loved discovering this culture through food, and also living and working with local people, Lili, her mom and Fred are very friendly people, smiley and positive.

I want to close this series of posts with two facts that for a Western person could be funny: in most of the restaurants I visited in Malaysia, especially the street food, there are no napkins, Lili had always toilet paper in her bag, considering that most of the food there is a soup, being without it can be a problem. Also, toilets are without napkins or a way to dry your hands, and most of the time they are without toilet paper, so just be prepared.

Now I’m at home dealing with the cold weather and the jet lag, I think I will take a break for Christmas and be back in two weeks talking about a trip I did just before Malaysia.

I hope you enjoyed it!

Happy Holidays

See you soon

Flavio