SINGAPORE: A 36-year-old Dutch traveller has taken to social media to express his deep admiration for Singapore, calling it a city that captivated him “from the first moment.” In a heartfelt post shared on the r/singaporehappenings subreddit, he reflected on the highlights of his recent visit, offering a glimpse into the unique experiences that left a lasting impression on him.

The traveller was particularly enchanted by the breathtaking Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay, which he described as “easily one of the best tourist attractions” he had ever encountered. He commented, "I got off to a good start with the Flower Dome, but the Cloud Forest just blew me away." Along with his visit to the iconic gardens, he found joy at Haw Par Villa and the Hell’s Museum, saying they were “great fun” moments during his adventures.

Little India also caught his attention with its vibrant atmosphere. “Little India was… intense (I got lost, even with Google), but fun to walk around for a couple of hours,” he wrote, noting his visit to Vinyl Kakis, a charming shop in the area.

Food experiences were a major highlight, too. He praised Xi Yin Vegetarian in Chinatown for its exceptional plant-based offerings, dubbing the dining experience "amazing." The traveller also expressed appreciation for the warmth and authenticity of the local people, stating, “You were great! Very friendly, but not in a fake way like the Thai. Sometimes a bit direct which is fine; I know where I’m at.”

However, not every moment was perfect. He admitted that the hotel he booked for his first four days did not meet his expectations and felt "not worth the money." Yet, he remained positive, saying, “No hard feelings about the hotel – the surroundings in Chinatown were beautiful. I enjoyed spending two days there, walking around and getting accustomed to the heat. I even discovered some amazing bookstores, like the Book Bar.”

Summarizing his trip, he expressed gratitude: “This is my experience in a tiny nutshell – there is so much more to tell but I don’t want to overwhelm you. It has been a blast! I want to thank everyone in Singapore because I had the best time!” His enthusiasm resonated across the subreddit, and his post garnered significant traction, with many locals responding with warmth and encouragement.

One local commented, “Thank you for taking the time to write this. It’s wonderful to hear you had an enjoyable experience in Singapore. Please visit us again soon.” Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing their own love for the city and wishing to hear more about his adventures.

Interestingly, amidst the praise, one user pointed out a contrast in perspectives between foreigners and locals when it comes to life in Singapore. He noted, “I see foreigners raving about Singapore, loving the heat and hawker centers, while locals often complain about the same things. It’s fascinating!”

In related news on Reddit, a Singaporean raised concerns about disclosing their below-market salary in upcoming job negotiations. This sparked discussions about salary transparency and negotiation strategies among users, revealing another common struggle faced by many in Singapore’s competitive job market.

Stay tuned for more captivating stories about Singapore and its visitors! You won't want to miss what else this vibrant city has to offer!