![Traveling](/images/icons/icon_traveling.gif)
![2-Hour Detention at Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority](/2016/aug/detained/thumbnails/detained.jpg)
2-Hour Detention at Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority
GPS waypoint: 1°17'02.5"N 103°51'34.7"E
Location: Singapore
From Malacca, I wanted to proceed to Singapore for a few reasons:
- I lost my phone in Malacca and needed to get another one
- I needed a direct flight to Davao, Philippines and Singapore is the only international destination connecting Davao
- It would be good seeing Eunice again, a strong yogini I met in Bali
- I love Singapore having lived a magical 30 days here a year ago
![2-Hour Detention at Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority](/2016/aug/detained/images/detained.jpg)
The Snag
The bus trip from Malacca Sentral Bus Terminal to exiting Malaysia was painless and went smoothly like clockwork. However, at Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), it hit a snag. For the life of me, I completely forgot to book a hotel and an onward flight, although I was spending the last few days looking for the cheapest deal.
Detained
Not surprisingly, I was detained for 2 hours causing me to be left by my bus. Although unnerving, I welcomed the experience - because it's a new experience. I wasn't nervous. There was nothing to be nervous about - I didn't steal, lie or kill. I just arrived with no booking. That's hardly a crime. After explaining myself to the immigration officer, I was immediately released. They're smart and quick to tell that I was not a threat in any way. I took another bus that brought me to Bugis District where I had to start the new challenge of finding a cheap hotel.
Change of Feelings?
But I would like to focus on what happened at Immigration. I returned to Singapore because I sincerely admire and love this country. It's the one destination that impressed me the most in Southeast Asia. And now, I get detained and had to scurry for a bus to the main city, having lost precious time. How do I feel now about Singapore?
Respect and Admiration
It may seem odd, but this incident only fortified my admiration and respect for the country and the people who run it. Here's why:
- I didn't do my job. It was really my bad and had nothing to do with them. They were just doing their jobs.
- being non-compliant to their rules, I was vulnerable. In other countries, the officials would have applied the 'squeeze' to pressure me into bribing them. Or, perhaps play God and power trip on me. But ICA was respectful the entire time, even managing a pleasant smile at times. There was absolutely no power play. They were the consummate professionals.
- as punishment, they detained me for 2 hours and made the bus leave without me as a consequence. Honestly? I think my slap-on-the-wrist punishment fits the low-level crime. Again, they could have given stiffer penalties, like an overnight jail time or be sent back to Malaysia. They could have made that as policy. But no, they just gave me enough punishment to teach me a lesson. In fact, if I were in their shoes and I have to be fair but act from a position of power, I would have done exactly the same - teach the guy a lesson without brutalizing him.
Ending Thoughts
Working at ICA is probably a thankless job - you bear the brunt of everyone who has been detained, delayed, interrogated, let alone whose contraband has been confiscated or those committng illegal entries. All this aggravation when you're just doing your job. Compare this in sharp contrast to a country club manager whose job is to ensure people are having the best times of their lives. In return, they get thanked, gifted, friended and invited to be hosted when visiting the traveler's hometown, etc. But just the same, they were just doing their jobs. Something to ponder about.
This experience certainly adds dimension to Singapore for me - an unpleasant but needed one. The more I know about Singapore, the more I admire it. I can't wait to see what else is in store for me.
--- TheLoneRider
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Reader Comments:
![Immigration & Checkpoints Authority](/images/thumb/singapore_ica.jpg)
(Aug 17, 2016) Hi Gigit, thank you for sharing your experience and understanding the need for additional checks. Wish you a very pleasant stay in Singapore!
![Mothership.sg](/images/thumb/mothership_sg.jpg)
(Aug 19, 2016) Man gets detained in Singapore for 2 hours, somehow ends up becoming the best spokesman for ICA! (
![FB shares](images/shares.gif)
![Sheryl Nivag](/images/thumb/sheryl_nivag.jpg)
(Aug 19, 2016) Hats off. A tourist understanding us.
![Perpetua Ng](/images/thumb/perpetua_ng.jpg)
(Aug 19, 2016) most would be angry and be upset at the perceived 'strictness' of our country.... but this guy is calm and collected and rational enough to understand why our Guardians do what they do.
![Kelwin Koh](/images/thumb/kelwin_koh.jpg)
(Aug 19, 2016) They work at a thankless job so that we stay safe. Thanks guys & gals in ICA.
![Brandon Lin](/images/thumb/brandon_lin.jpg)
(Aug 19, 2016) What does he expect?! As a guest into the country, the host need to know when you are leaving. Having a cashless, helpless and stranded guest is not something pleasant. Pre-planned your trip, with the heighten security climate he might denied entry
![Nis Razali](/images/thumb/niz_razali.jpg)
(Aug 19, 2016) Great article...
![Roselyn Merlin](/images/thumb/roselyn_merlin.jpg)
![Philippines](/images/flag_philippines.gif)
Surigao City Tourism Office
(Aug 15, 2016) You are really blessed.
![Andrew Mitchell](/images/thumb/andrew_mitchell.jpg)
![Canada](/images/flag_canada.gif)
(Aug 15, 2016) Sounds like you handled yourself very well in a potentially frightening situation. I like your positive attitude about it.
![Molly Mallari](/images/thumb/molly_mallari.jpg)
(Aug 15, 2016) Good for you Git. The last time I went thru Sg immigration it was not a very good experience. :(
![Vince Cruz](/images/thumb/vince_cruz.jpg)
(Aug 15, 2016) Security without terror. Buti nakauwi ka din ng maayos Gigit. Ay hahaha oki. ingats big brother is watching lol
![Leona Dinopol](/images/thumb/leona_dinopol.jpg)
(Aug 15, 2016) I had the same experience. Detained for about half an hour because I failed to provide a hotel booking (even though my onward flight was just 5 hours away). They even asked how much cash I was carrying, and asked to see it. Haha gotta love Sg. And that's why they now have an Olympic gold medal. Because they actually do their jobs
![Minerva Benzonan](/images/thumb/minerva_benzonan.jpg)
(Aug 15, 2016) My niece got detained at the border going to KL Kay nag selfie.... lol
![Nichole Kerle](/images/thumb/nichole_kerle.jpg)
(Aug 15, 2016) Love your attitude! It makes something that could be upsetting, tolerable. Mostly love that you claim your own personal responsibility.
Next stop: Getting my Xiaomi Redmi Note3 Smart Phone
Singapore
![tourist attractions in Singapore](/images/icon/travelinfo.gif)
Little India - Little India is the main tourism hub in Singapore. Friday and Saturday nights become animated with the night market
Chinatown -colorful and animated with Chinese ware shopping, sumptuous street food and hawker-style eats, try Ah Balling Peanut Soup
Orchard Road - upscale shopping and glitzy night life
Arab Street - backpacker dorms, shisha smoking with Middle Eastern atmosphere
Singapore Zoo - experience the night zoo, S$38
Fountain of Wealth - at Suntec City, largest fountain in the world (Guinness Book of Records in 1998), shop-til-you-drop
The Southern Ridges - best trekking trails in Singapore extending 10kms through lush forest canopy. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat
Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery - biggest Buddhist temple in Singapore
Marina Bay Sands - Singapore's most iconic building and most expensive at US$5.5B. Imagine a surf board on top of three skyscrapers
![hotels in Singapore](/images/icon/hotel.gif)
Arcadia Hotel - stylish, modern, urbane, cool and confident. Jalan Besar district
32 Hamilton Road, Singapore 209201
+65 6718 0700 | enquiries@arcadiahotel.com.sg | 1°18'42.0"N 103°51'41.1"E
USEFUL INFORMATION
Singapore Tips
- always ascertain the price of a dish before making an order - the price of a dish and the humble appearance of a small eating place could vary significantly
- be familiar with the MRT (train) as it is the most efficient mode of transport - no traffic. Save this image
- negotiating for a 10% discount is acceptable in reputable places, but in places like Lucky Plaza or Sim Lim Tower, you can bargain as low as you want
- tipping is not part of the culture...you can skip this part and save yourself some cash
- most establishments (including taxis) accept credit cards, so no need to carry an insane amount of cash with you
- keep your receipts as you may be able to get a refund of the 7% GST before your departure
- MRT shuts down at 11pm. You may end up taking a cab at night which is expensive to begin with, but at night, there is even a 50% surcharge. And you pay an even higher rate if you take a Mercedes Benz cab
- carry coins in case you need to use a public toilet
- if you are stationary on the escalator, stay on the left side. The right side is for people who walk up or down
Things to do, Places to go in Singapore
- Little India - along Serangoon Road, try fish head soup, lively painted shophouses, saris, gold bangles, spices and incense
- Chinatown - colorful and animated with Chinese ware shopping, sumptuous street food and hawker-style eats, try Ah Balling Peanut Soup
- Orchard Road - upscale shopping and glitzy night life
- Arab Street - backpacker dorms, shisha smoking with Middle Eastern atmosphere
- Singapore Zoo - experience the night zoo, S$38
- Fountain of Wealth - at Suntec City, largest fountain in the world (Guinness Book of Records in 1998), shop-til-you-drop, http://www.sunteccity.com.sg/fountain_of_wealth.php
- The Southern Ridges - best trekking trails in Singapore extending 10kms through lush forest canopy. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat (nparks.gov.sg)
- Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery - biggest Buddhist temple in Singapore
- Marina Bay Sands - Singapore's most iconic building and most expensive at US$5.5B. Imagine a surf board on top of three skyscrappers
Singapore Etiquette (do's and dont's)
- remove shoes when entering someone's home or entering a mosque or temple
- to be on the safe side, address people as Mr. or Ms. and the surname. Don't adddress them by the first name, unless expressly permitted to
- when dealing with Malays, who are generally Muslim, do not offer alcohol and offer a gift when departing - not upon arrival
- when dealing with Chinese people, initially refuse a gift before finally accepting it. It shows you are not greedy
- do not immediately open a gift in front of the giver. Do not wrap a gift in white - white is for mourning
- when dealing with a Muslim, use your right hand to shake hands, to offer anything, to eat
- refrain from talking politics or religion. Singapore is multi-cultural and there's a thin line when you cross that divide
- do not touch the top of someone's head. The head is considered sacred
- don't show the bottom of your foot as it is considered dirty
- don't point with your index finger as it is deemed rude (use your thumb to point)
- if you see a packet of tissue paper on a table in a hawker-style eatery specially during peak hours, it means it's reserved - look for another table. Sometimes they use an umbrella
- if you're a backpacker and look the part, try to dress up more appropriately. Your beach wear and dreadlocks may be out of place in this cosmopolitan city
- don't litter, don't chew gum, don't vandalize, don't write grafitti, don't smoke in public where prohibited, don't do drugs as you can be fined by plain clothes policemen or caught on CCTV cameras which are all over the city. Even a direct plea by the president of the United States may not help you! (Michael Fay incident)
Singapore Freebies
- Baba House - restored house of a wealthy 1920s Singaporean family. Free tour by appointment - Mondays 2pm, Tuesdays 6:30pm, Thursdays 10am and Saturdays 11am. (babahouse@nus.edu.sg)
- Southern Ridges - free use of the best trekking trails in Singapore extending 10kms through lush forest canopy. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat (nparks.gov.sg)
- Haw Par Villa - a theme park of Chinese mythological creatures created by the guys who brought you Tiger Balm! 262 Pasir Panjang Rd, +65 6872 2780, Hours: 9am-7pm, Ten Courts of Hell exhibit 9am-6pm
- Casinos - if you are a non-Singapore passport holder (read: a foreigner), you get to enter the 2 casinos free - Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands. Inside, you also can get free water, tea or coffee
Recent History of Singapore
Singapore is a small city-state 707.1 km2 and one of the youngest countries in the world with no natural resources. After WWII, it suffered from decaying infrastructure, social unrest and sluggish economic growth. Now, barely 60 years later, it ranks #3 in global GDP per capita, outranked only by Qatar and Luxemburg (2013 data from International Monetary Fund and the World Bank). For the last 16 years, it is voted the most liveable city in the world by ECA International. What exactly took place to make this a reality? Below is a recent history...in a nutshell:
- 1818 - British Governor General of India appointed Lieutenant General Sir Stamford Raffles to establish a port of call for the British East India Company on the tip of the Malay peninsula to provide logistical support to their merchant fleet in their expanding trade between India and China. Singapore became the logical choice
- 1832 - Singapore became the center of government of the Straights Settlements, which included 2 earlier acquisitions, Penang and Malacca, after becoming an important commercial and military center of British India
- 1942-45 WWII - the Japanese occupied Singapore after the British capitulated
- 1945 - Japan was defeated and the British regained control of Singapore. There was economic unrest, slow economic growth, high unemployment rate, labor strikes and decaying infrastructure. Singaporeans faced a housing shortage which would continue for a decade. This became breeding ground to a nationalistic awareness of the people, specially after realizing the British were not that invincible after their capitulation in WWII
- 1959 still within the British Empire, Singapore became autonomous with Lee Kuan Yew as Prime Minister.
- 1963 - Singapore unilaterally declared independence from Britain and joined the Federation of Malaysia along with Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak
- 1964 - with simmering racial tension between the Chinese and the Malays, 2 race riots erupted in July and September killing 36 and injuring over 500. This was a wake-up call for Singapore to address racial issues. No one wanted a repeat of this. The peaceful co-existence of the Malays, the Chinese and the Indians of Singapore today stems from the hard lessons learned from this painful episode.
- 1965 - Singapore left the federation after ideological conflict with member states. It gained full independence from the British with Lee Kuan Yew remaining Prime Minister
- 1967 - Singapore becomes founding member of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)
- 1968 - Britain pulls out of Singapore resulting in a 20% job-loss. This is aggravated by losing Malaya's economic support due to Singapore's departure from the federation. Economic prospect was bleak for Singapore. It was a trying episode in the country's history. With Lee Kuan Yew's strong leadership, Singapre took advantage of its strategic location and attracted foreign inverstors
- 1960s - this decade saw the aggressive construction of public housing to address the long-standing housing crisis. High-rise low-cost housing complexes were built. Today (2015), up to 90% of Singaporeans live in these developments. New complexes are continuously being constructed in anticipation of population increase.
- 1970s - USA and Japan made sizeable positions in Singapore's economy as the manufacturing sector continued its ascent with foreign-owned or joint-venture companies. Singapore's economic boom contunued unabated during the rest of the 1970s
- 1980s - Singapore shifted its focus from labor-intensive manufacturing to high-tech high-value industries, becoming the leading producer of disk drives and parts, accounting up to 30% of its GDP from manufacturing. In the late 80s, it pushed its financial services sector as well to become top 3 as Asia's most important financial centers, together with Japan and Hong Kong. This shows how nimble Singapore is in adapting to emergent trends and technologies to keep its global competitive edge
- 1990s - Singapore is now home to more than 650 multinational companies and a few thousand financial institutions. Goh Chok Tong succeeded Lee Kuan Yew
- 1994 - Michael Peter Fay, an 18 year old American is caned for theft and vandalism. His sentence was reduced to 4 instead of 6 as a way to give face to American president, Bill Clinton, who asked for leniency. Proceeding with the caning despite a personal plea by a US president sent a strong statement to the international community that Singapore is not one to buckle down under American pressure. It gained Singapore global respect for its political resolve.
- 2003 - Singapore is hit with the SARS virus outbreak as it spreads across Asia and parts of North America and Europe
- 2004 - Lee Hsien Loong became Singapore's third prime minister. He is Lee Kuan Yew's eldest son
- 2008 - recession hits Singapore as the US-caused sub-prime market meltdown ripples through the global financial landscape resulting in bank failures worldwide
- 2010 - Marina Bay Sands opens to the public as the 2nd most expensive building in the world at US$5.5 billion (land included). Its stunning and unique architecture gives Singapore a globally identifiable iconic signature landmark similar to the Eiffel Tower of Paris, the Petronas Twin Towers of Malaysia and the Empire State building of New York
- 2013 - Singapore suffers its worst haze, reaching 401 PSI due to uncontrolled forest fire in Indonesia
- 2015 - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong imposes tougher measures against corruption after a number of high-profile graft scandals rocks the political landscape
- Mar 2015 - former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew passes on, ending an era of transition from third world to first world
Cost Index
US$1 = S$1.38 (Singapore dollar) = Php 44.10, as of Mar 7, 2015
Discounted Tour Prices (provided by Ideal Backpackers, tel 6846 4741)
As a general rule, you get tickets cheaper if you buy them outside the venue. Purchase the tickets through your hotel or travel agencies. Chinatown has numerous travel/tour agencies where you can buy tickets cheaper.
- S$ 72 Universal Studios Singapore
- S$ 30 Singapore Flyer (big ferries wheel)
- S$ 33 Night Safari
- S$ 25 Singapore Zoo
- S$ 23 Jurong Bird Park
- S$ 15 Tiger Sky Tower
- S$ 30 Duck Tour
- S$ 35 SEA Aquarium
- S$ 26 Underwater World Singapore / Dolphin Lagoon
- S$ 35 Adventure Cove
- S$ 25 Jewel Cable Car, 2-ways
- S$ 31 Hippo City Sightseeing Tour
- S$ 18 Singapore River Explorer
- S$ 25 River Safari
- S$ 8 Merlion Cove
- S$ 5 National Orchard Garden
Singapore Cost Index at backpacker places
- S$ 1.50 1.5 liter drinking water
- S$ 3-4.00 noodle soup with meat or rice meal at food courts in housing developments, otherwise S$ 5 in regular eating places
- S$ 1 tea
- S$ 22 dorm bed
- S$ 1.5 sugar cane juice
- S$ 3.20 flagdown, 22 cents/400m taxi, surcharge of 50% at night, additional surcharge if M Benz taxi
- S$ 5 per 11kg load coin operated laundry
- S$ 1 per 5 mins coin operated laundry dryer
- S$ 1-2 internet cafe, usually it's $1.80 with no membership
- S$ 2/k banana
- S$ 35/session yoga, non-member drop-in
- S$ 3.50 nasi goreng
- S$ 22 40-min river cruise on Marina Bay
- S$ xxxxx ticket
- S$ one hour massage
- S$ one mug draft beer
- S$ bicycle rental
Price Busters
The best deals are usually in the big national groceries/supermarkets like Giant, Seng Song and Fair Price . They always have promos that are price busters!
- S$ 2.70 2 veggies + 1 meat viand + rice at Rice Garden (in food courts within a housing development)
- S$ 1.20 three 1.5 liters of Alpha Water at Fair Price grocery with promo
- S$ 2.00 Roti Prata + tea, at regular Malay eating places, best value breakfast meal
Singapore Blogs by TheLoneRider
- Mini-Life in Singapore August 8-22, 2016
- Peoplescape of Singapore Aug. 8-22, 2016
- Discovering the Neighborhood Cafes of Singapore Aug. 8-22, 2016
- Biological Cell Regulation (BCR) Therapy at Chang Wellness Aug 16, 2016
- Getting my Xiaomi Redmi Note3 Smart Phone Aug. 9, 2016
- A Roof Over my Head in Singapore Aug 8-22, 2016
- 2-Hour Detention at Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority August 8, 2016
- Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew Mar 23, 2015
- Life Hacking in Singapore Mar 22, 2015
- Exploring More of Singapore Feb 21 - Mar 22, 2015
- Power Yoga Class at Yoga Inc., Singapore Mar 21, 2015
- Touring Marina Bay Sands Mar 17, 2015
- The Singapore Magic Mar 16, 2015
- Singapore Yoga at Yoga Inc. Mar 8, 2015
- Singapore on a Shoe String Feb 20, 2015
- Sex in Singapore? Oct 20, 2013
- Singapore Girl July 21, 2013
- Lee Kuan Yew and Ferdinand Marcos Jan 26, 2003
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