Singapore – My First Crazy Solo International Trip

It was 2017 and wasn’t exactly a banner year for my travel plans. I made many travel during this year but couldn’t execute any of them until the half year passed. In June 2017, dengue fever had me spooked, and a crushed European visa application left a bitter taste in my mouth. I was completely depressed with what happened since the start of the year and felt hopeless. Frustration simmered, but so did a stubborn wanderlust.

I craved a new adventure, a chance to escape the ordinary. After running through different options in my mind, I finally decided to visit this beautiful Southeast Asian country with no further delays. That’s when Singapore, a tiny island nation with a giant reputation, emerged as my unlikely hero.

Singapore – A Beautiful Island Nation

I asked my friends about this plan but none of them seemed aligned. Heartbroken again, I decided that I’d travel solo. Booking a solo trip can be daunting, but this time, it felt almost defiant. I devoured online resources, secured leave from work in a record time (bless my understanding boss!), and applied for the Singapore visa without any delays. Within two days, my Singapore visa (a breeze for Indians at a cool 2.5k INR) was gleaming in my inbox. Singapore provides EVisa to Indians and the documentation includes just your passport and a photo. Bam, I didn’t know it was that easy. Bags packed, a mix of nervous excitement bubbling in my stomach, I boarded the flight from Bangalore.

The immigration was a cakewalk which I didn’t expect being my first international trip. My heart started thumping fast as I couldn’t believe I was taking an International flight for the first time on my own. Four and a half hours later, I touched down at Changi International Airport, my first international gateway. Stepping into the cool, fragrant air, I was instantly captivated. The airport itself was a marvel – a futuristic wonderland with cascading waterfalls and gardens that whispered promises of the beauty to come. The aroma of dumplings and other exotic delights tickled my nose, a delicious preview of the culinary adventures that awaited. I was super excited as I looked at the board for foreign immigration.

Immigration was a breeze, fueled by a breakfast of airport pastries (hey, a solo traveler has to prioritize!). I claimed my baggage and stepped outside the airport with much anticipation. I was traveling alone for the first time so didn’t want to take any chance and that’s when I booked an Uber instead of taking a metro (Sigh! Had I taken a metro ride, I could’ve saved many bucks). Anyway, the Uber was expensive but I just wanted to reach my hostel as soon as possible and explore this beautiful country.

My hostel, nestled in Little India, was a haven of familiarity. The owner, a friendly Tamil man, greeted me with a warm smile and a cup of sweet, milky coffee. The entire area buzzed with the energy of the Indian community – shops selling familiar spices, restaurants with menus I could decipher without breaking a sweat. I carried my luggage to the 2nd floor, thanks to the electrician who didn’t show up to fix the elevator and settled my belongings on a dedicated bed in a 8-bed dormitory room. It wasn’t bad for 400 INR price per night.

After a quick rest and a chance to freshen up, the city beckoned. My first day was a whirlwind exploration on foot. The Gardens by the Bay, with its futuristic Supertrees looming large, left me speechless. I wandered through the Cloud Forest, a misty wonderland of orchids and ferns, and marveled at the Flower Dome, a kaleidoscope of vibrant blooms from across the globe.

Chinatown, a labyrinth of narrow streets and colorful shophouses, was a sensory overload. The cacophony of vendors hawking everything from dried chilies to silk scarves, the aroma of spices and cooking food, and the sheer energy of the place were intoxicating. My exploration ended at Bugis Street, a treasure trove of bargain finds, where I snagged a few souvenirs and practiced my haggling skills (somewhat successfully!).

By the end of the day, my legs ached and my feet throbbed, but my heart soared. This solo adventure was proving to be more rewarding than I could have imagined. The city was safe, the people friendly, and the sights and smells were a constant source of fascination.

The next day, fueled by a delicious bowl of vegetarian satay and rice, I set off for Sentosa Island. Renting an electric bicycle (a surprisingly fun and convenient mode of transport) added to the sense of adventure. Sentosa was a world away from the bustling city center – a resort island brimming with theme parks, Universal Studios being the highlight. The entire day was a blur of thrilling rides, fantastical shows, and the joy of being a kid again, albeit a slightly older, solo one.

The S.E.A Aquarium, with its mesmerizing underwater world, was a calming counterpoint to the adrenaline rush of the rides. As dusk settled, I reluctantly boarded the ferry back to the mainland, my head full of wondrous memories.

My final day was dedicated to the art of shopping (retail therapy, some might call it!). Orchard Road, a shopper’s paradise, beckoned with its luxurious malls and high-street brands. I indulged in a little souvenir splurge – gifts for friends and family, and a couple of treats for myself (because solo travelers deserve pampering too!). As I packed my bags, a tinge of sadness crept in. The adventure was coming to an end, but the warmth of Singapore and the memories I had made would stay with me forever.

Singapore, my first solo adventure, was a revelation. It was a leap of faith that paid off in spades. I discovered not just a beautiful city, but a newfound confidence in my ability to navigate the unknown. Sure, there were moments of loneliness, of wishing I could share the experience with someone. But there was also an immense sense of freedom and accomplishment. This solo trip wasn’t just about sightseeing; it was about self-discovery, about learning to embrace both the comfort of familiarity and the thrill of the unexpected. And as I boarded the plane back to Bangalore, I knew this wouldn’t be my last solo adventure.

To apply for Singapore EVisa, visit their official EVisa website here.

Read our other article on Tourists Visa Requirements for other countries.