After you cross the entire country, you can still make it in time for work.
![](https://dereklow.co/content/images/2019/03/1-6.jpg)
Over the past few years, I've spent an insensible amount of time seeing the world by train. I've traveled thousands of miles across USA, Russia, Canada & Australia. I'm always on the lookout for my next big train journey until a realization hit me the other day...
I've never explored my own country by train.
Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world. Measuring 31 miles across, the cross-country journey can be done either as really long marathon or a short train ride. The Singapore MRT is one of the most cost-efficient public transport networks in the world and a coast-to-coast journey costs just US$1.54.
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On 1st April 2019, I decided to take the train across Singapore.
This is my trip in iPhone photos.
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I started my journey at Tuas Link. The station looks like one of those 200-year-old grand railway stations. Except, it is 2 years old.
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The station lies so far west that it's within walking distance to the border with Malaysia.
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I boarded the train at lunchtime with people who were either just laid off or really late for work.
![](https://dereklow.co/content/images/2019/03/4-3.jpg)
In the far west of the country, Singapore hides its heavy industry.
![](https://dereklow.co/content/images/2019/03/5-1.jpg)
Soon, we entered the heartlands of Singapore — government-subsidized public housing which 82% of the people live in.
![](https://dereklow.co/content/images/2019/03/6-2.jpg)
Between the stations of Chinese Gardens and Lakeside, there is a Chinese garden by a lakeside.
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You can stop off here to visit the locally-famous gardens. But it is better not to because it is a scorching 35°C / 95°F outside.
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As the train enters the Central Area, it goes underground and there is no view. Most people either contemplate in silence or play Angry Birds, as seen here.
![](https://dereklow.co/content/images/2019/03/8.jpg)
Above ground, there are views like this that we won't get to see.
![](https://dereklow.co/content/images/2019/03/14-1.jpg)
The train emerges from underground and passes over the Kallang River, with grand views of the Singapore Sports Hub, a gargantuan stadium used more for Maroon 5 concerts than sporting events.
![](https://dereklow.co/content/images/2019/03/9-1.jpg)
The stadium is the world’s largest free spanning dome, which I think it's special because not many things in this country are free.
![](https://dereklow.co/content/images/2019/03/16-1.jpg)
The remainder of the journey was mostly public housing. Did I mention that 82% of the country lives in one?
![](https://dereklow.co/content/images/2019/03/10.jpg)
Finally, I arrived at a place called Changi Airport S🔵pore on the map. It's the end of line and about as far east as you can go, before getting arrested for trespassing.
![](https://dereklow.co/content/images/2019/03/12-1.jpg)
There's a feeling of elation among passengers. Not because they've crossed the country like me, but mostly because they are flying off to their vacations.
![](https://dereklow.co/content/images/2019/03/11.jpg)
Changi Airport is an incredible destination. It's won Airport of the Year for seven consecutive years from 2013 to 2019.
![](https://dereklow.co/content/images/2019/03/20-2.jpg)
And in a few weeks, it's only getting better. A development project called Jewel Changi Airport is opening on 17 April, 2019.
![](https://dereklow.co/content/images/2019/03/17-1.jpg)
When it opens, it will be absolutely ridiculous. And I'm not paid to say that. Just look at it.
![](https://dereklow.co/content/images/2019/03/18-1.jpg)
It's almost as if this country is the same one from Crazy Rich Asians.
![](https://dereklow.co/content/images/2019/03/19-1.jpg)
But finally I boarded the train for my journey home. Another 1.5 hours.