Tourists make the best of visit to Singapore despite haze

SINGAPORE — They came to Singapore expecting clear blue skies and tropical sunshine, but were greeted instead by a gloomy grey landscape and the smell of smoke in the air.

Mr Jason Officer, 42, who came from Las Vegas to Singapore with his wife to celebrate their first wedding anniversary, was disheartened by the haze that has plagued Singapore for over a week now, and the couple has adjusted some of their holiday plans. Instead of sightseeing outdoors, they are turning to indoor attractions.

“We were expecting a feast for our eyes, but the weather turned out to be gloomy. We really wanted to go to the beach to suntan and dine at the top of Marina Bay Sands, but I guess we have to skip it cause of the haze,” Mr Officer said while walking along the Fullerton Bay area. The couple expects to enjoy the Formula 1 race as planned, but Mr Officer added: “We are more concerned for the drivers’ safety as it is very important during the race.”

With the hazy conditions, tourists in Singapore are gamely making the best of their time here while staving off the occasional eye, throat and nose irritations — common haze-induced conditions.

Mr Keith Dasmarinas, 35, from the Philippines, who was at Orchard Road, said the haze has caused some irritation to his eyes, and he may stay indoors or purchase masks if the haze worsens. However, he felt the situation was relatively tolerable compared to air quality in his hometown. “I am quite immune to this as the Philippines is also experiencing air pollution from vehicles,” he said.

Another tourist, Ms Ada Dyke, 23, from Nigeria, who was at the Fullerton Bay area with her husband and two-year-old son, said she has experienced difficulties breathing and has caught the flu. However, compared to Kuala Lumpur — the family’s stop before Singapore — she felt the conditions here were an improvement. “We came from Malaysia and the air here is so much better. In Malaysia, it was really painful to take in the air or even swallow. But, if the haze worsens, I may be staying indoors as I have a child with me,” she said.

Others were happy to carry on with their plans despite the discomfort brought on by the haze. Ms Caroline Hutterer, 21, a tourist from Germany travelling with her family, said they would visit Singapore’s outdoor offerings as planned. “The haze doesn’t affect us (for now). We will still have our (fair share) of exploring indoor and outdoor attractions such as Botanic Gardens and Gardens by the Bay.”

An Australian tourist, Mr Ricky Charylo, 64, who was at Orchard Road, said he was only spending three days here. Noting that the haze has been an annual problem, he added: “It is horrible needing to think of it and knowing that nothing much is done in Indonesia to put a stop to it every year.”