Expats, do you think Singapore is that boring place?

[EADG]

if you ask me, not really

just got back from NY - no forums there about it being boring, so one just needs to do the math

I haven't decided if I find your post pollyannish or constructively optimistic - judging by some of your posts you are more half-full where I'm more half-empty on these things...

There is no boring place in the world, there is either lack of interesting people or excess of boring people in that place. If both conditions exist at the same time, relocate immediately The reason why we call a place boring is because we can't find something interesting to do. But when people with interesting and different personalities meet such as here in this forum, there are always good ideas coming up to avoid boredom. We should be glad to have this forum to make Singapore a more interesting place. Don't you think so?

[SouthKiwi]

I’ve lived in several cities across Asia and met hundreds of expats – nobody ever moved someplace because it was “to be”

[sundaymorningstaple]

Touché!

[EADG]

know what you mean - I felt something similar after well over 10 years in Japan

odd that I don't get that feeling from Singapore

That said, Singapore is different to other Asian cities. I explored HK nearly every day I lived there (3yrs) and still left feeling I had only just acquainted myself with the place.

[franchy]

I live here almost 6 years (on and off) - went to the US for almost a year in between..... and it is a very boring place with lots of opportunities around Singapore.

now that i have a kid and soon another one, traveling around became diff' so we hardly travel in the area. before having kids we thought its the perfect place on earth, we traveled A LOT in Asia.

Now we are looking for things to do every weekends with our son and its hard to find any

[EADG]

well, one of the good things about Singapore, and I don't mean this in a bad way, is how convenient it is to get out of Singapore, and, that there are some good places nearby like Viet Nam, Thailand, Indonesia, etc. to visit.

[SouthKiwi]

well, one of the good things about Singapore, and I don't mean this in a bad way, is how convenient it is to get out of Singapore, and, that there are some good places nearby like Viet Nam, Thailand, Indonesia, etc. to visit.

That can be true for most Asian cities - I lived in Taipei for several years - absolutely loved the place - but had to "get away" for long weekends every 3 months or so . . . . it also helped that my wife worked for Cathy Pacific at the time (missing the perks now )

[monosoul]

Hi peeps,

firstly i should apologise for posting here because i am a singaporean.

No worries, im not like celinedede (please ignore him). He's just a kid.

The reason why i am posting here is that i believe not many people here understand how true singaporeans feel about their own country.

I am writing this because i hope that expats here can sometimes understand how we feel.

Believe me, MANY singaporeans would be very happy to get out of the country. Most of us are not doing so because we have obligations. We are trapped. Large amount of money is needed and this sum isnt affordable for ordinary singaporeans who work 7am to 7pm everyday just to pay for their pathetic 300k HDB flat.

We also know that Singapore is a VERY boring country. We are sick and tired of the stupid rules that we must obey (else we die of harsh penalties). 99.99% of the "places of interest" in singapore require some fees and are usually overcharged . Apart from that, there are additional charges after that. Please be aware that these places of interest are often boring and can sometimes be complete waste of time and money.

So what do we do?

We have no choice but to go shopping and watch movies during weekend. Why?

Yup, it isnt interesting at all but that is all we can do (affordable for most).

Oh the other hand, the only thing that keeps us alive is that we dont have to starve. Imagine Africa, many people there are suffering.

To live normally (i just cant use "happily") here, we have to feel contented for we have food and shelter.

If you've read this far, i thank you for your kind patience.

*cheers

[vandy]

As I am not there yet I can not comment on if it is boring or not. I can say that I hope to have fun there and hope that I will find it interesting and somewhat exciting. However the main reason that I am looking forward to moving to SG is its close proximity to the rest of SE Asia. I think it will be an almost ideal place from which to visit several countries I have always wanted to visit. I have always wanted to visit Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines, etc.

[sundaymorningstaple]

That is the biggest attraction of Singapore. It is a transport hub with Changi Airport being the link to all of the region. That and it's relative safety.

[reds]

I've been here for 4 months now and have to agree this is a rather boring place, but that's not too bad. What I'm really struggling with is how total UNFRIENDLY the average Singaporean is. I'm working for a multinational constructrion Company where 90% of the staff are Singaporean Chineese. There's about 4 expats out of 40 staff in my office. I find my colleagues don't even have the courtesy to greet when they're greeted! Also, they are totally inhospitable to visitors from our sister Companies or our headoffice.
At first I thought it was just me but speak to the other expats in my office and a few foreign visitors from our European and other Asian offices they've experienced the same rudeness from the Singaporeans during their visits. Is this normal or just this industry in this country? I have worked in Thailand, Indonesia and Phillipines and have visited construction companies in a few other Asian countries. Until coming to work in Singapore, I've always found the Asians to be very welcoming and hospitable (including the Singapore Airline staff -but I guess they're probably from surrounding Asian countries ). Perhaps the Singaporeans can learn a thing or 2 about hospitality from their poorer neighbours who they often look down on!

[Strong Eagle]

Seems like the odd company to me. As a contractor I have been into several MNC's in Singapore. I have found all the staff to be professional and courteous... and yes, friendly... regardless of race or origin.

I'd say one of two things are happening. a) There is an uncertainty as to how to deal with the expats there; simply not enough previous interaction to be comfortable... in which case you can step up and initiate the conversation, or b) some sense that you are "ang moh" in the negative sense of the word... arrogant, taking Singaporean jobs, etc, etc. Harder to overcome but still up to you to do. Engage these people.

Possible, your company had/has several expat assh*les who have already set the tone. Bigger challenge for you then.

I've been here for 4 months now and have to agree this is a rather boring place, but that's not too bad. What I'm really struggling with is how total UNFRIENDLY the average Singaporean is. I'm working for a multinational constructrion Company where 90% of the staff are Singaporean Chineese. There's about 4 expats out of 40 staff in my office. I find my colleagues don't even have the courtesy to greet when they're greeted! Also, they are totally inhospitable to visitors from our sister Companies or our headoffice.
At first I thought it was just me but speak to the other expats in my office and a few foreign visitors from our European and other Asian offices they've experienced the same rudeness from the Singaporeans during their visits. Is this normal or just this industry in this country? I have worked in Thailand, Indonesia and Phillipines and have visited construction companies in a few other Asian countries. Until coming to work in Singapore, I've always found the Asians to be very welcoming and hospitable (including the Singapore Airline staff -but I guess they're probably from surrounding Asian countries ). Perhaps the Singaporeans can learn a thing or 2 about hospitality from their poorer neighbours who they often look down on!

[revfeim]

I am doing some research & hope to tap some valuable feedback from any foreign expats working or living in Singapore.

Singaporeans, please do not comment. I seek only foreigners.

The boring question is: Do you find Singapore is such a boring place to you? If you think so, please do not mind to write a few of your opinion on where & why do you think Singapore is boring.

Thank you.

By the way, I am a working Malaysian here for the last decade. So, Singapore is not new to me.

Yes, after London and 3 months here, I can safely say I would rather be in Beijing!

[pixel8]

With the strong singapore currency, shopping or travelling is a hoot locally or regionally

[kimtaymour]

Singapore is great, so much things to do if you feel bored then its within you.... To me i'll compare the last city i was in and here where huge difference

Was in Dubai hell boring and unhuman you can become a monster because of the dead social life.. and seeing singapore its WoooooW

Try dubai and tell me