A Warm Welcome: My First Evening Alone in Singapore

Part 01

My First Evening in Singapore: From Cold Istanbul to the Warm Heart of Asia

After leaving the chilly winds of Istanbul behind, I landed in Singapore in the evening, traveling via Mumbai on an Air Indigo flight. The moment I stepped out of the plane, I could feel the dramatic change in weather—it was warm, tropical, and quite different from where I had come. I was wearing a travel suit more suited for cold weather, but inside the airport, the temperature was comfortable enough.

As I entered the terminal, I found myself confused and amazed. I couldn’t tell if I had arrived at an airport, a luxury shopping mall, or a futuristic garden. If I remember correctly, the place was called Changi Airport—one of the most beautiful and advanced airports in the world. The design, cleanliness, and peaceful environment instantly made me feel safe and welcomed.

After dropping my luggage at a designated spot, I decided to explore the airport before heading to my hostel. I followed the signs and soon found myself standing in front of the famous indoor waterfall, which looked nothing less than magical. Tourists were taking pictures, enjoying the view, and some just sat there admiring the beauty. I took a few moments to take it all in—it was unlike anything I had seen at an airport.

After spending a couple of hours wandering around, I headed toward the metro station to get to my hostel. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system in Singapore is underground, clean, and very efficient. I purchased a tourist metro pass for 25 Singaporean dollars, which gave me unlimited travel for three days—a decision I would later be very thankful for.

As I emerged from the metro station near my hostel, I was struck by the cleanliness of the city and the towering, futuristic buildings. For a moment, I just stood there, trying to absorb the atmosphere. Everything was in perfect order—the roads, the people, the architecture. Using Google Maps, I navigated my way to my hostel.

However, upon reaching the reception desk, I was told something unexpected. They hadn’t received my online booking confirmation. I was a bit nervous, especially since I was tired and just wanted to rest. I asked politely, “So now what should I do?” Thankfully, the manager was understanding and replied, “Don’t worry, we’ll arrange a bed for you.”

When it came time to pay, I realized I had a problem. I had only exchanged 100 US dollars at the airport, thinking I’d exchange more later since airport rates are usually high. Between the SIM card and the metro pass I had just purchased, I didn't have enough Singaporean dollars left to cover the hostel rent.

I asked the manager, “Can I pay in US dollars?” He smiled and replied politely, “Sorry, we only accept local currency.” I asked if he could guide me to a nearby money exchange, and he kindly gave me an address—though he wasn’t sure whether it would still be open at that hour.

Fortunately, I took the risk and found a money exchange shop that was still open. I exchanged some US dollars and, finally, had enough to pay for my room. Hunger had also started to hit me by then, so I went in search of halal food. I was relieved to find a KFC nearby, and when I asked, they confirmed that everything on their menu was halal. I had a comforting meal, feeling a little more at ease in this new city.

Back at the hostel, I paid the rent and was shown to my bed on the third floor. The setup was a bunk bed—two beds stacked one above the other. I was given the top bunk. Climbing up quietly, I tried to be careful not to disturb the person sleeping below. It was a bit challenging, especially after a long day, but it was part of the experience.

After a refreshing shower, I lay in bed and began searching for places to visit the next day. I felt a mix of excitement and satisfaction. It had been a long day full of unexpected turns, but every moment added to the joy of traveling. With the soft hum of the air conditioner and my mind full of tomorrow's plans, I finally drifted off to sleep, ready to explore what Singapore had to offer.