A British traveller has sparked online debate after describing Singapore as the “worst country” he has ever visited, before later clarifying that he simply prefers a different style of travel.
The TikToker, known as “British_Bert”, shared a video on June 30 expressing his unpopular opinion, which quickly went viral and attracted reactions from both Singaporeans and foreigners.
Despite the headline-grabbing statement, he stressed that Singapore is still a great country and that his comments were based on personal preference rather than any major criticism of the nation itself.
In the original video, he said Singapore was “not even close” to some of the other places he had visited. However, he also praised the country’s food, people and skyline, adding that it remains a destination worth visiting.
@az_brown #travel #traveltok #singapore ♬ son original – 🎧🎶
According to him, Singapore simply did not offer the type of experiences he looks for when travelling. He suggested that visitors only need a short stay to experience most of what the country has to offer.
The comments section soon filled with differing opinions. Some viewers agreed that Singapore can feel less exciting compared to neighbouring countries, while others felt calling it the “worst country” was an exaggeration.
Several commenters also questioned whether Singapore’s high cost of living played a role in his opinion, with some suggesting affordability may have influenced his preference for other destinations.
In response to the backlash, the traveller uploaded a follow-up video where he doubled down on his views while making it clear that he respects Singapore.
He praised the country for its cleanliness, safety, healthcare system, education standards, diverse culture and economic opportunities. However, he explained that these factors are not his main priorities when deciding where to travel or stay.
Instead, he said he values nature, outdoor activities and interactions with locals. He felt neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia offered more of those experiences and were generally more suited to his lifestyle.
The traveller also claimed that people in neighbouring countries appeared warmer and more welcoming from his perspective, although he stressed that Singaporeans were “not bad”.
Another major factor was cost. He argued that his money stretches much further elsewhere in Southeast Asia, allowing him to enjoy more activities and a lower cost of living compared to Singapore.
His remarks have reignited a familiar discussion online about what makes a destination appealing. While Singapore is often praised for its safety, efficiency and modern infrastructure, some travellers may naturally gravitate towards countries that offer larger natural attractions, adventure tourism and lower expenses.
Ultimately, even the British traveller acknowledged that Singapore is a fantastic country. His argument was simply that it does not match the type of travel experiences he personally enjoys.