Around the World in Analogue: Singapore

Singapore is at the cusp of modernity and tradition as landmarks, sites, and other architectures create beautiful juxtaposition for the republic. Singapore's rich history and affairs with other countries have made it so diverse – ranging from Chinese, Malay, Western, and Indian cultures. A melting pot of all walks of life, experience, customs, and art. Lomographer Naudita Olivia a.k.a. nauditaolivia shares to us one of her last trips before the global pandemic outbreak went to the extremes with raw analogue.

Credits: nauditaolivia

It's been tough for us job-seekers to find a job during these days. I went to Singapore earlier this February after I graduated. I got nothing to do at that time and I heard my mom have to go to Singapore for a business trip for one night. I just got my very first analogue camera (Yashica FX-3 Super 2000). I want to take it on a trip with me and I think it was a very good opportunity. I booked my flight the night before so it's an impromptu trip! It's more of a solo trip because I basically went everywhere alone. I also extended my trip for one night so it's a two-night stay. It was my very first solo trip and I stayed in a capsule hotel on the second night.

I went to Singapore when the pandemic began. I know that traveling (and staying in a capsule hotel) during the pandemic was not recommended. If I stayed another extra night, I won't be able to go back to Jakarta because there were travel restrictions. Singapore is usually filled with tons of tourists but at that time, it was very empty. Orchard Road was usually packed with people but it was very quiet. I used to find lots of people queueing for ice cream along the road but there were almost no people.

I've been to Singapore several times. During normal days, going to Universal Studios Singapore is a must for my family. But since I traveled alone and I want to work on my photography skill, I went to some historical places and some other tourist attractions using the MRT.

Credits: nauditaolivia

The minute I landed in Singapore, I searched for the famous Jewel Changi Airport. It houses the world's tallest indoor waterfall which is surrounded by a terraced forest setting. I went to the city right after that and visited the Colonial District. A walk through the district allows you to take in some of the famous landmarks in the city. You can start at Raffles Place MRT station and see the towering skyscrapers of the financial district before you begin your walk back in time among the colonial buildings.

I strolled along the Singapore River towards the Fullerton Hotel. It used to house the government offices but opened as a hotel in 2001. You can walk across the Cavenagh Bridge, the oldest bridge in Singapore, and check out the Asian Civilizations Museum. You'll also find Raffles Landing Site next to the museum, where Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of Modern Singapore, is believed to have first stepped ashore on 29th January 1819. You'll also find the Arts House, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, Old Supreme Court Building, St. Andrews Cathedral, City Hall, and National Art Gallery in that area.

Credits: nauditaolivia

Getting around Singapore is super easy. Public transport such as MRT and busses are well connected and very accessible. They also have underground malls so we can move easily from one place to another. Singapore isn't that big but it's packed with fun and interesting things to do. It's got a lot of good restaurants and hawker stalls too. With so many hawker stalls to choose from, you can enjoy delicious Singaporean fare for just 5 SGD a meal.

The balance of modernity and cultural preservation is what makes Singapore so fascinating. Everywhere you look there seems to be a mural or interesting piece of architecture. You can look at the magnificent skyscrapers on the right and historical places on the left. You should visit colorful neighborhoods like Little India, Haji Lane, Chinatown, Arab Street, and Kampong Glam. Singapore is a futuristic urban center rich with experiences around every corner. Get to Gardens by the Bay early because it gets quite busy. The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are worthy to visit, then you can stroll along the promenade and enjoy the fascinating view of Marina Bay Sands. Make sure you pack several film rolls because there are so many interesting places to visit.

Credits: nauditaolivia

If I could travel right now, I would definitely go to Europe! I enjoy being surrounded by old buildings. There are so many cities I want to visit, but the Netherlands is one of my favorite countries to visit. A very historical country and you can do a lot of things there. Europe is my top priority place to visit after this whole thing became normal.


Want to take us Around the World in Analogue? Drop a line to ciel.hernandez@lomography.com with the subject Around the World in Analogue and share your unforgettable travels with the rest of the community! Read the guidelines here. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are hoping everyone's taking necessary measures to remain safe and healthy.

written by cielsan on 2020-08-21 #culture #places #around-the-world #singapore #around-the-world-in-analogue #apac

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