In the vast realm of travel experiences, opinions about destinations can vary widely. For TikToker and traveler Matthew, Singapore stands out as the one country he vows never to visit again.
Matthew, who has explored 50 countries to date, took to TikTok on January 29 to share his “unpopular opinion” about the Lion City, dubbing it his “actual hell” in a now-deleted video on his TikTok page.
The Unfavorable Encounters
Matthew’s discontent with Singapore stems from consistent negative experiences during his visits. In a three-minute TikTok video, he highlighted four primary reasons contributing to his unfavorable perception of the city-state.
“It is an absolute concrete jungle,” Matthew expressed in his video, drawing a parallel between Singapore and his hometown, Sydney.
He described Singapore as a bustling metropolis with tall high-rises, vibrant but busy streets, and a continuous hum of activity. While acknowledging the quality of cuisine and certain attractions, he failed to find the city’s charm fascinating.
Despite visiting iconic spots like Marina Bay Sands and enjoying the view of Gardens by the Bay, Matthew felt these were only highlights in an otherwise underwhelming experience. He emphasized that, from his perspective, there are more enchanting destinations globally.
Unpleasant Encounters with Locals
Matthew went beyond the cityscape, expressing dissatisfaction with the perceived rudeness of Singaporeans. He claimed that in his interactions, people were blunt and not welcoming. Matthew recounted how he was denied entry into a couple of bars situated at Chinatown, who allegedly told him that they only served locals.
While acknowledging individual preferences play a significant role in travel experiences, Matthew’s controversial take on Singapore has sparked discussions on social media. Some may resonate with his sentiments, while others defend the city-state’s charm, diverse culture, and renowned hospitality.
Images source: @nomadmatthew on TikTok