Imagine telling a Singaporean that you walked from one end of the island to the other – “That sounds crazy,” they might exclaim. Yet, for globetrotters Kara and Nate, the idea wasn’t too far-fetched. With the goal of immersing themselves in Singapore’s culture and cuisine, the American travel vloggers decided to journey on foot from Woodlands to MBS (Marina Bay Sands) of Singapore to truly experience the heart of the country.
In a captivating YouTube video published on July 1, the couple chronicled their expedition, complete with stops at diverse makan spots spanning from Chong Pang to Little India. While the grand finale of their epic trek would be a stay at the opulent Marina Bay Sands, their primary motivation was to intimately explore the nation they had come to admire.
Nate shared, “This [walk] is something that I wanted to do ever since we first visited Singapore as broke backpackers back in 2016. It’s forcing us to see more of the country.”
Their remarkable journey commenced at Woodlands Park at 9:20 AM. According to Google Maps, the 29.3km distance should take around six hours to traverse. However, the couple acknowledged that their multiple planned stops, fueled by the desire to savor Singaporean culture and cuisine, would likely extend the duration significantly.
Under the unrelenting Singapore sun, Kara and Nate faced the notorious heat and humidity, leading Nate to humorously comment, “Literally (have) sweat dripping into my eyeballs.” Seeking refuge from the heat, they even ventured into a school to enjoy the cool air-conditioning.
Their strategic pit stops included a dip at Sembawang Hot Springs to soothe their weary feet, followed by a satisfying lunch at a Chong Pang City coffee shop. Eager to taste iconic Singaporean dishes, they ventured to try dim sum and rojak. Nate bravely embraced century egg, while Kara found the rojak’s spiciness a bit overwhelming.
By 3 PM, having covered approximately 15km, the strain on their bodies was evident, with Kara nursing a blister on her toes. By 7 PM, they reached Toa Payoh and realized the journey was proving lengthier than anticipated.
As they pressed on, Little India welcomed them with its vibrant atmosphere and appetizing scents. They couldn’t resist a stop for garlic naan, reminiscent of their first-ever Indian food experience in Singapore.
Along Haji Lane, Nate marveled at Singapore’s remarkable diversity, observing, “We were just in a Hindu temple, and now we’re walking past a huge, beautiful mosque. There are different pockets of the world represented in every part of the city.”
After a demanding 11-hour journey spanning approximately 36.5km, the iconic boat-shaped silhouette of MBS emerged on the horizon. With the finish line in sight, the pair eagerly anticipated their check-in and a refreshing dip in the renowned infinity pool.
As they concluded their extraordinary expedition, it was clear that Kara and Nate’s adventurous spirit and dedication to experiencing Singapore in a unique way had truly paid off.