I have been very blessed with many opportunities to travel. In the past few months, I’ve been to Hong Kong, Macau, and Malaysia; but I had never been to Singapore. It didn’t even occur to me that I would be visiting this country one day. I mean, I’m not really a travel junkie; but when an opportunity comes, I grab it right away.
It just so happened that I got free passes for the Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 finale one day, which was to be held at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Mastercard Theater. Thankfully, my friends were ready to join me; so guess what we did next? We impulsively booked a round trip ticket for 5 days to Singapore through Traveloka (we got a great discount, btw!).
Outside Singapore Management University at Fort Canning Park
Our trip to Singapore was probably one of the most life-changing trips I’ve ever had. It was my first time there, yes… but I also learned a lot about myself there.
5 Lessons That Singapore Taught Me
5. Always be curious.
Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome
Whether you visit a place for the first time or for the nth time, always be curious. Look at things the way children marvel at everything they see. It will make you appreciate the places you’re visiting, the food you’re trying, and the moments you are in. I believe that there is no such thing as “nothing new”. There will always be something new; it’s just a matter of perspective.
4. Try everything at least once.
Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Whether it’s an exotic dish or something that you usually wouldn’t think of eating, always try something that is out of your comfort zone. For me, I NEVER EVER EAT SOFT BOILED EGGS. I ALSO NEVER DRINK ANYTHING WITH GINGER IN IT. But hey, it doesn’t hurt to try eating things that you don’t normally eat. I ate a soft boiled egg and tried ginger coffee while having breakfast at a local Kaya shop once and I’ll be honest… I didn’t really love it . But hey, I’m still alive and am actually happy that I tried it!
3. Talk to strangers (with caution, of course).
Singapore Art Muesum’s guided tour
Disclaimer: always check if a stranger is trustworthy or safe to talk to haha (practice your instincts). I learned this lesson from my friends. They made me ask strangers for directions in order to overcome my shyness and improve my confidence. Guess what? It actually worked! Don’t be afraid to talk to strangers. They can help you navigate your way; plus, you’ll be able to make friends from different countries and cultures. Besides, you can learn a lot from someone very different from the people you are used to. So, get out of your comfort zone, breathe in and out, and approach locals in the country you’re visiting. Lastly: be polite!
2. Appreciate the big (and most importantly, the small) things.
Singapore National Library
Marvel at that little trinket you saw in a thrift shop. Gush at how beautiful Gardens by the Bay is. Whether it is a big thing or a small thing, always appreciate the fact that you are alive and able. Being in Singapore for the first time made me master the art of appreciation.
I was amazed by the smell of their library. I loved how the person serving at a local hawker center placed different viands on my plate. I loved how I got to have a small cute to-go plastic bag every time I ordered a drink. It made me realize that the more I appreciate my surroundings, the more I get to hoard moments and memories stored in my brain and heart forever.
1. Trust yourself.
Universal Studios Singapore
Last but definitely not least, I learned to TRUST MYSELF. After all, you cannot trust anyone without trusting yourself first. Whether you get lost in a city’s wilderness or simply want to impulsively try something new, just trust yourself. You know you can do it. Get out of your comfort zone. Be brave. Be bold. Love yourself, live in the moment and have the best moments in every country that you visit.
Night out at Clarke Quay (our group played water pong!)
Next time you visit Singapore or any other country, here’s one thing that you should always remember: HAVE FUN AND LIVE IN THE MOMENT! BON VOYAGE!
What are the lessons that your past travels have taught you? Share them with us!
