At the heart of Lokafy lies a mission to bridge cultures and cultivate enduring connections.This time, we're taking you on a journey to Singapore to meet one of our Lokafyers, Peer, a German expat who has embraced the Lion City as his own. As we continue our series of exploring the world through the eyes of Lokafyers, you'll witness how connecting with locals like Peer can transform your travel experience. In Singapore, where the natural world and modernity coalesce, Peer's passion for this city shines as he unveils its hidden wonders, inviting you to experience Singapore's unique charm through the eyes of a Lokafyer.
Keep reading to know what made Peer fall in love with Singapore and what his experience as a lokafyer has been.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I am a German expat in Singapore, now 61 years old. I consider myself as a young retiree. However, I love to be active and do all sorts of things, like acting, giving language tuition, playing Santa Claus in December or being a tour guide. Singapore keeps me going.
How long have you been living in your city and what do you love about it?
I’ve been in Singapore since 2005, that's 18 years now. Singapore is a very clean, safe, organised and stunning city. One has the impression that daily things are thought through and taken care of in this buzzling metropolis. For such a busy and densely populated city that constantly upgrades itself we still can enjoy places of tranquility. Although a visiting tourist will probably not find them without internet research or a tip of an insider.
How did you discover Lokafy and what made you want to become a Lokafyer?
I was approached directly by Lokafy quite in the beginning of their start-up business. Since I love to be with people, the idea of showing visitors around, telling them about daily life from an expat's point of view and making friends in the process was a no-brainer to me.
What are some of the most memorable experiences you've had with travelers through Lokafy?
There are plenty of them. Most memorable are the tours that diverted from ordinary sightseeing, like walking through the jungle, taking a guest on a motorbike tour through areas usually unseen by tourists or visiting places that are worth seeing but not in the center area. Of course such extravagance requires time.
How has Lokafy changed your perspective on travel and culture?
It didn't. As a scuba diver instructor previously I always got to know people and visited some of them later in their own country. In this way I perhaps missed some tourist attractions but got deeper and unforgettable impressions about their culture in return.
What are some of the tips or advice that you would give to someone who wants to travel like a local?
Like a local, go for the hundreds of places that offer good and widely affordable local food. The variety is amazing! The other most loved activity is shopping. So, follow them to visit some of the most famous shopping malls, like Vivo City at Harbour front or Plaza Singapura near the famous Orchard Road.
When you’re not working for Lokafy, what do you like to do for fun?
All the activities mentioned above. Other than that I keep myself fit with swimming and also love to make my ways via motorbike.
Any final comments for travelers visiting your city?
Come and experience a city full of must-sees and surprises. If possible, plan more time for a walk around. Not so much to visit more attractions but rather to let the sights and stories sink in. Singapore is small, yet not to fully explore in one day.
Peer's journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of connecting with locals during your travels. From scuba diving instructor to Lokafyer, his diverse experiences have enriched his life and those of the travelers he guides. Travel holds different meanings for each of us, but the ability to connect and learn from diverse perspectives is a priceless gift. As you embark on your own adventures, remember that meeting and connecting with locals can elevate your travel experience to something truly extraordinary, just as it did for Peer in Singapore.
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