Travel vlogger says Singapore is a ‘boring’ country, sparks debate

SINGAPORE: A recent Instagram post by travel influencer “Nina” has stirred controversy as she shared her candid reasons for never wanting to visit Singapore again.

Despite its renowned cleanliness, Nina argued that Singapore lacked aesthetic appeal, labelling it as “not a beautiful country” in her eyes.

Her critique extended to the perceived monotony of the city-state, sparking both agreement and dissent among online communities.

Nina’s remarks, posted on 28 March alongside an image of herself at the iconic Merlion statue, highlighted her disappointment with Singapore’s urban landscape.

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A post shared by Nina | Travel (@ninas_travels_)

In her video caption, Nina bluntly stated, “I would never travel again to… Singapore.”

Despite acknowledging its cleanliness, she lamented the absence of what she deemed “real nature.”

“I found it very boring there, the most boring country where I was,” she said.

Her critique also touched on the city’s congested streets and towering skyscrapers, factors she felt contributed to her perception of boredom.

The controversy didn’t stop there, as Nina also criticized the cost of living in Singapore, expressing gratitude for alternatives like couch-surfing to mitigate expenses.

She concluded her assessment with a less-than-flattering evaluation of Singaporean cuisine, suggesting that the quality didn’t justify the price.

“It wasn’t even delicious for the price.”

Users defend Singapore’s charm and culture

While some netizens defended Nina’s right to her opinion, others vehemently disagreed, praising Singapore’s unique charm and cultural offerings.

One user dismissed the notion of visiting Singapore for its nature, likening it to grocery shopping at a shoe store, emphasizing the city’s urban character over natural landscapes.

Another user countered Nina’s complaint about traffic, highlighting the relative quietness of Singapore compared to other large cities and inviting her to explore the diverse cultural offerings and culinary delights instead.

In contrast, a different user who claimed to have lived in Singapore for two years challenged Nina’s assessment, asserting that she only experienced the typical tourist routes.

They extolled the city’s diverse array of attractions, from futuristic skyscrapers to historic shophouses and nature reserves, suggesting that Nina failed to delve into the true essence of Singaporean life.

One user defends Nina’s perspective, while others offer alternative destinations

In response to the debate sparked by Nina’s critique, one user defended her right to express her opinion, emphasizing that liking or disliking a travel experience is subjective and part of the vacationing process.

The user highlighted the importance of experiencing a country’s life, culture, and scenery, acknowledging that everyone has different expectations.

Nina responded to the comment, clarifying that while she didn’t hate Singapore, it simply didn’t resonate with her as a personal preference, asserting, “it’s just not my country.”

Offering suggestions to enhance Nina’s experience, some users recommended alternative destinations within Singapore.

One user suggested exploring the islands or Sentosa for a more nature-oriented experience.

Alternatively, the comment suggested visiting one of Singapore’s nature reserves for a closer connection with the environment.

Another user, a well-known Singapore FDJ, proposed Indonesia and Malaysia as alternative destinations for experiencing natural landscapes, implying that these countries might better align with Nina’s preferences for nature-focused experiences.