[majimekun]

Hello,

As I'm getting more and more interested in exploring Singapore during
several months, I'm trying to gather more information in order to make
sure that I will like the place. 3 months can become hell in a place you
don't appreciate.

Anyway, after a lot of Google pics browsings and Google Earth exploration,
I'm starting to be under the impression that Singapore has lots of traits similar
to Canada : very large roads/streets, gigantic shopping malls, infrastructure made
more for cars that pedestrians. Personally, I hope that I have it all wrong
because these were the characteristics that I hated while I was in Toronto.
Looking at some pics of HDB buildings' areas, it felt as if there are
no small shops/streets in the neighborhood ... much more like residential
areas which purpose is only to sleep.

So, tell me :
Will I be able to find humanly sized narrow streets almost anywhere or is it
mostly like the desription I made above? Are HDB areas also good for outdoor
activities and socializing with people or will I have to take the MRT for that?

Thanks a lot for sharing your views about how it is to live in Singapore and how
the urban plan is designed

[majimekun]

Don't be so secretful .............................

[kohht]

xD -laugh-

-Run away- lalala~

[rexleecorner]

Well I think you can visit Chinatown

Details from the web;
Chinatown Here amidst narrow streets of picturesque shop-houses and restaurants brimming with life, the temple idol carvers, herbalists, calligraphers, traders and trishaw drivers pursue a way of life that has changed little for generations. Incense stream from the old temples, the elderly spread their wares out on the pavement for sale and sea cucumbers, regarded as a delicacy, dry in the sun.

Much of Chinatown has recently been renovated, but the old traditions endure. A walk around the streets of Tanjong Pagar reveals local craftsmen at work making clogs, kites and traditional seals for stamping documents. During Chinese New Year, the whole of Chinatown is lit up and buzzes with activity as stalls sell a variety of festive goods.

Lots of small shop and venders where to you can try to strike a deal with the shops and get great prices so just about everything you can thing of. Most shops are open by 10am and stay open until about 10pm. Food places are open a bit later and the pubs in area close around 1 or 2 am.

Walking distance from Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, short cab ride from Orchard area or Marina Area and located at the Chinatown MRT Station on the North-east line it will place you right in the middle of all the action of Chinatown.

If you are in country during the New Year this is a “Have to visit” location to get the full effect of Singapore Chinatown.

The you may also drop by to Clarke Quay & Boat Quay ..^o^..

Holland Village also not bad..^_^..

This small area of Singapore still has the feel of a village about it, with its own wet market and shop-houses selling everything from straw brooms to valuable antiques. Holland Village is a microcosm of Singaporean life, a curious mix between old and new old coffee shops and hawker stalls jostle for space with ritzy new wine bars and restaurants. The Holland Road Shopping Centre is alive with busy shops, including some selling Asian arts, crafts and antiques. Electronics and factory outlet clothing are other good buys. Weekends are especially busy, when much of Singapore seems to gather at Holland Village to shop, chat and have a meal.

[Ah@Quan]

There are small shops around neighbourhood areas. It's just not every block will have one. Mostly, they are more to those markets or hawker centres. But Singapore is similar to the description that you have made.

[majimekun]

Thanks everyone
So, I guess I will have to concentrate more on the time spent with friends because street scenery will be "discovered" pretty quickly if I understand well.

[majimekun]

OK, I have a few more questions :

1. Are there a lot of public restrooms in Singapore? Are they for free?

2. Are there a lot of public water taps so that you don't have to constantly buy costly drinks?

3. Are the beaches/coasts clean?

4. Is it mandatory to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle?

Thanks

[Motor Insurance]

Originally Posted by majimekun

OK, I have a few more questions :

1. Are there a lot of public restrooms in Singapore? Are they for free?

2. Are there a lot of public water taps so that you don't have to constantly buy costly drinks?

3. Are the beaches/coasts clean?

4. Is it mandatory to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle?

Thanks

1. Restrooms are free.
2. Public tap water can be consumed, but there's a strong chlorine taste. What i mean is we won't die drinking it, but we'll probably puke. lol
3. The beaches are NOT clean, the water is without trash, but visibility is about 0.3-0.5m.
4. Not mandatory to wear helmet while riding bicycles.

Generally it's a very hot place with humidity reaching stratospheric levels. Be prepared to wipe the sweat off your brows when you go shopping outdoors. (like Bugis street)

[majimekun]

wow thanks for this fast reply

As for the beaches, it was the soil/sand cleanness that I wanted to know about ... sorry for the confusion

Anyway, the place looks promising ... I'm very impatient ( ) to go there!

[freezer_w]

haha... when will you be here in Singapore? perhaps u can even come for our outings!

[majimekun]

Originally Posted by freezer_w

haha... when will you be here in Singapore? perhaps u can even come for our outings!

I've planned to be there from January to April ... and yes, it will be cool to meet nice people

Originally Posted by Motor Insurance

...
Generally it's a very hot place with humidity reaching stratospheric levels. Be prepared to wipe the sweat off your brows when you go shopping outdoors. (like Bugis street)

There is nothing sexier than people covered with sweat! ahahaha

... and I have the advantage to be gifted with an almost non-existant body odour

[christmas_]

Singapore is a peaceful country...life is stressful though

there are shops around HDB estates

to get from one HDB estate to another, take bus or mrt...

hope to meet you soon, sir

[Ah@Quan]

Originally Posted by Motor Insurance

1. Restrooms are free.

Not all public restrooms are free.

[rexleecorner]

Originally Posted by Ah@Quan

Not all public restrooms are free.

Well shopping restroom are free la but not the hawker restroom You may need to pay 10 or 20 cents per entry