Why Singapore Left Me Speechless: A Traveler’s Honest Reflection

A Memorable Goodbye to Singapore and a New Journey to Sarawak

On the third day of my trip, I bid farewell to the vibrant and beautiful country of Singapore. I took a commercial flight operated by AeroAsia, heading toward the Malaysian state of Sarawak. As I sat on the plane, watching the island city-state fade into the clouds, I found myself reflecting on how deeply impressed I was by Singapore’s uniqueness—not just in terms of its natural beauty, but its strong values, order, and cleanliness that leave a lasting impression on every traveler.

One of the most surprising things I discovered in Singapore was its strict policy on smoking. Unlike most countries where people smoke openly on sidewalks, in Singapore, smoking is allowed only in specially designated zones. These zones are clearly marked across the country, and stepping outside them with a lit cigarette can result in a heavy fine. It’s not just about rules—it’s about respect for others and for public health. This thoughtful policy helps maintain clean air and makes public spaces more enjoyable for everyone, especially families and children.

But it doesn’t stop there. Another rare rule is the complete ban on chewing gum. Yes, chewing gum is not available anywhere in Singapore. This may sound strange to outsiders, but it plays a major role in keeping public areas clean. You’ll never see gum stuck to the pavement or under tables. Singaporeans take cleanliness seriously, and their government supports this value with laws that promote shared responsibility.

Even something as simple as drinking water reflects the country's commitment to sustainability. You won’t find water sold in plastic bottles as commonly as in other places—instead, water is offered in reusable glass bottles, encouraging people to avoid single-use plastics. It's a small yet powerful example of how the country puts environmental consciousness into everyday practice.

Walking through the streets of Singapore, I noticed how clean the surroundings were. The sidewalks, public parks, and train stations were spotless—so clean, in fact, that I didn’t see a single piece of trash or even a candy wrapper. It felt more like walking inside a home than walking through a city. Everyone respects public property, and it shows in every corner of the country. I couldn’t help but admire how order and discipline are a natural part of daily life here.

Safety is another area where Singapore truly stands out. Whether day or night, I always felt completely secure. As a tourist, this is something you don’t take for granted. In many popular travel destinations, scams and petty crimes are unfortunately common. But in Singapore, I never had to worry about being overcharged, misled, or harassed. Tourists are treated fairly and respectfully. It’s a place where you can move freely and explore without fear, making it ideal for solo travelers, families, and first-time visitors.

One of the most futuristic and seamless experiences I had was at the airport. There were no long immigration lines or officers stamping passports. Instead, everything was handled through automated scanning. You just scan your passport at the gate, and an email with your travel details is sent to you—no physical stamp on your passport. There are staff members nearby if anyone needs assistance, and they were incredibly polite and helpful. It felt more like checking into a high-tech hotel than going through airport immigration.

Singapore’s hospitality left a deep impression on me. The people are kind, disciplined, and respectful. The system works not because of pressure or fear, but because of mutual understanding and shared responsibility. From public transportation to local eateries, everything runs smoothly. And even with hundreds of tourists around, there’s a strong sense of order and peace.

As I landed in Sarawak and began the next leg of my journey, I carried with me the memories of a country that had welcomed me with open arms and taught me valuable lessons through its example. If I ever get the chance, I would love to visit Singapore again—Inshallah. It’s not just a destination, it’s an inspiration. A place where discipline and harmony meet innovation and kindness.

For anyone who dreams of visiting a clean, modern, and safe country with a unique blend of cultures and world-class infrastructure—Singapore is the perfect choice.