MY SINGAPORE

This vibrant city-island-nation can be something of a sensory overload, with the humid climate, multiple languages spoken and a plethora of gastronomic options. Resident Ch’ng Poh Tiong is the ideal local guide

- Ch'ng Poh Tiong

Singapore was blinged onto the world stage in 2018, when Crazy Rich Asians was flashed across the world’s cinema screens. I haven’t seen it, but can assure you that one doesn’t need to be unduly rich, nor remotely crazy to have a great time in the Lion City, or Singapura, as my country is known in the Malay language.

Just two degrees above the equator, the bonus to coming here is you can travel super-light. Humidity being even higher (80%-90%) than the thermometer readings, all public transportation – buses, underground MRT and taxis or Grab (which bought out Uber) – is air-conditioned. Almost every shopping centre will have free wifi connectivity.

Singapore makes a great base for exploring the rest of southeast Asia. Our award-winning airport – served by international and budget airlines – will readily patch you on to other exotic destinations in the likes of Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Being a former British colony – we became independent on 9 August 1965 – English is spoken and understood practically everywhere. We drive on the left, the same side as the UK, which makes crossing roads easier to navigate. British electrical appliances will fit snugly into the same kind of power socket.