STB responds to the ‘Singapore is boring’ claim with an erroneous video featuring typical tourist attractions

Screengrab from video
Screengrab from video

Just a couple days ago, it was announced that Singapore landed on Time Out‘s list of 32 most exciting cities in the world to live in and visit in 2018. Unfortunately, the fact that we almost hit the bottom of the barrel at 31st spot didn’t do us any favors. (Last place honors went to Istanbul.)

Besides being the worst rated city for culture, we were also the second worst for drinking (just behind Dubai), although we ranked decently for safety and, er, public transport.

Anyway, after all the fuss about Singapore being more exciting than the survey claimed, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) actually took the time to piece together a comeback video to refute the “Singapore is boring” claim.

That’s great and all, but couldn’t they have highlighted something other than Gardens by the Bay and Universal Studios Singapore for the gazillionth time? F1 obviously made it in there, alongside ZoukOut and Lau Pa Sat. The Merlion made an appearance as well, and Clarke Quay? But of course.

Don’t get us wrong; we love our garden city, but it’s got so much more to offer than the typical tourist traps attractions that we see in every single guide about the country.

Having said that, we do appreciate STB for sticking up for Singapore. Although we just have to point out a teeny tiny little mistake in the video…

Screengrab from video

Pretty sure the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple for god’s sake, is not in Little India (as stated on the Visit Singapore website). Just FYI.

Watch the video below for suggestions on where to mingle with tourists.



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Comments

  1. I think the STB is just plain LAZY to really ferret out and publicise the interesting places or there is an overarching requirement to be politically correct. What it has always been touting are the ‘formal’ and ‘official’ tourist spots which is not wrong, but it failed to really find out from locals and visitors what the they have personally found out and experienced places that offers interests other than the usual rig marole round of GBTB, LI, CT.

    Another factor seems to be the absence of night life life – there seems to be too few and variety, ie. a lack of depth. In this respect, what about the local bars and eating places. IMO, to be ably to ‘fly’ higher in the rating, more depth and breadth in offering, to cater to different visitors should be considered.

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