Author: Milindu Kumarage

On February 2nd, 2025, my wife and I embarked on a memorable journey to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, nestled in the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown at 288 South Bridge Road. The temple’s majestic architecture, inspired by the Tang Dynasty, stood as a testament to Singapore’s rich cultural tapestry.

Upon arrival, we were immediately enveloped by the temple’s tranquil ambience. The intricate designs and sacred artefacts provided a deep sense of peace and reverence. We captured numerous photographs, each frame reflecting the temple’s serene beauty and our shared moments of wonder.

Our exploration led us to a delightful surprise beneath the temple: the Lian Xin Vegetarian Food Court. This hidden gem offers a diverse range of vegetarian dishes, from mixed rice to noodles and desserts. The affordability of the meals, with options starting as low as S$4, was truly commendable. The food court operates daily from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, making it a perfect spot for both early risers and those seeking a hearty lunch.

Travelling to the temple was a breeze, thanks to Singapore’s efficient MRT system. We boarded the train and alighted at Maxwell MRT Station, which is just a short walk away from the temple grounds. The convenience of public transport added to the overall ease of our visit.

As dusk approached, the temple transformed into a luminous spectacle. Lanterns of various hues adorned the exterior, casting a warm and inviting glow. We learned that these lanterns are often hung by devotees and visitors, symbolizing wishes for luck, love, and good health. The sight of the temple bathed in the soft light of countless lanterns was nothing short of magical.

During our visit, we encountered fellow visitors dressed in traditional attire, capturing the essence of their heritage against the temple’s backdrop. They graciously invited us to join them for photographs, allowing us to partake in a shared cultural celebration. This spontaneous interaction added a personal and heartfelt dimension to our experience.

No travel in Singapore would be complete without indulging in its famed local delicacies. Just a stone’s throw from the temple, we stumbled upon a roadside stall offering fresh durian. The rich, creamy texture and unique flavour of the fruit provided a delightful conclusion to our day.

Our visit to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum was a harmonious blend of cultural immersion, spiritual reflection, and culinary adventure. The memories we created, from the temple’s serene halls to the vibrant street-side experiences, will remain etched in our hearts. We wholeheartedly recommend this destination to anyone seeking to explore the multifaceted charm of Singapore.

For those planning a visit, the temple welcomes guests daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Whether you’re a local or a traveller, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple offers a sanctuary of peace and a glimpse into Singapore’s rich heritage.

This evening was a truly memorable one. As a proud member of Google Developer Group (GDG) Singapore, I had the incredible opportunity to speak at GDG Singapore August Meetup 2022 on a topic I enjoy the most: “Open to REST of the World with Google Cloud Endpoints.”

Speaking to a room full of developers, engineers, and cloud enthusiasts, I walked through how Google Cloud Endpoints can empower API developers to build, manage, and scale their services securely and efficiently. The session was packed with demos, real-world use cases, and insights from my projects.

Key Highlights from My Talk

• Introduction to Cloud Endpoints
  I started with the basics, explaining what Google Cloud Endpoints are and why they matter in modern API development.
• Design First vs Code First
  I shared approaches to designing APIs, how to document them effectively using OpenAPI specs, and how Cloud Endpoints fits into both workflows.
• Authentication & Monitoring Made Easy
  One of the standout features is the built-in support for JWT-based authentication and Stackdriver monitoring. I demoed how developers can get real-time visibility into their API’s usage and health.
• Live Demo: Deploying and Securing an API
  I showcased how to deploy a RESTful API on Cloud Run, secure it with Cloud Endpoints, and monitor traffic, all in under 15 minutes.
• Q&A and Community Vibes
  The Q&A session was buzzing with great questions, and I loved the energy from fellow developers. We discussed best practices, pricing, and even how Cloud Endpoints compares with API Gateway.

Why This Talk Matters

APIs are the connective tissue of modern software. And as developers, we need to ensure they are secure, well-documented, and scalable. Google Cloud Endpoints is a powerful yet often underutilized tool that helps achieve just that, without the heavy lifting.

By sharing this talk, I hope to inspire more developers in Singapore (and beyond) to embrace the power of managed APIs, and to explore how Google Cloud can simplify their backend operations.

Gratitude

Huge thanks to the GDG Singapore organisers for putting together a fantastic event, and to Google for hosting us at their amazing office. Always a pleasure to speak with such a vibrant and passionate developer community.

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Stay connected. Build openly. Be RESTful.
See you at the next GDG Singapore event!

– Milindu

In November 2020, I made a big move; I moved to Singapore for work, right in the middle of the global COVID-19 pandemic. It wasn’t your typical arrival in a new country. The moment I stepped off the plane, which was only half full due to strict distancing measures, the reality of pandemic travel hit me.

After clearing customs, I was immediately transported to my designated quarantine facility: Hard Rock Hotel, Sentosa. That’s where I would be spending the next 14 days — confined to a single room, isolated from the outside world, and adjusting to a new beginning.

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Life Inside Quarantine

The experience, though restrictive, had its silver linings. Meals were delivered three times a day, neatly packed in bento boxes and left on a rack outside my door. No knocking, no human interaction — just quiet, contactless service. The food was surprisingly good — a nice mix of local flavours and international dishes. Mealtimes became little events I looked forward to.

My room had a large window with a stunning view of Sentosa. During the day, I could see the lively surroundings in the distance, and at night, the view turned magical. The Singapore Cable Car gondolas, glowing as they glided across the skyline, were a treat to watch. Just beyond, I discovered something special — a dolphin pool within view. I often spent time just observing the dolphins swimming, playing, and getting fed. It was an unexpected joy that added warmth to the otherwise quiet days.

To pass the time, I leaned into the hotel’s cable TV, watching movies and catching up on old favourites. When I wasn’t in front of the TV, I stayed connected with the world through my phone — reading news, scrolling social media, and checking updates thanks to the hotel’s reliable Wi-Fi. The mix of screen time and scenic views helped the days pass more smoothly than I’d expected.

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First Taste of Freedom

After 14 days, I was finally released from quarantine. Although restrictions were still in place city-wide, just being able to step out and feel the fresh air was liberating. To mark the occasion, I headed straight to Sam’s Curry for a comforting plate of Biryani. After two weeks of isolation and boxed meals, the burst of spices and flavours felt like a celebration.

But that was just the beginning.

In the days that followed, I dove headfirst into exploring Singapore’s unique food culture. I tried the fiery, tongue-tingling Ma La hotpot, the spicy and satisfying Chilli Ban Mee, hearty bowls of Bak Kut Teh (a peppery pork rib soup), and various types of delicious Japanese food tucked into hawker centres and mall food courts. Each dish told its own story — of Singapore’s multicultural identity, of comfort, and of culinary boldness.

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A Quiet Goodbye to Quarantine

On the morning of my release, I stood by the window one last time, soaking in the serene view of Sentosa from my hotel room. The gondolas of the Singapore Cable Car floated quietly across the sky, and the dolphin pool below rippled with life — a peaceful, almost cinematic end to my 14-day quarantine. I took a few last photos to remember the quiet, surreal isolation that marked the beginning of my Singapore chapter. It was strange how quickly the space that felt like confinement had become a small, comforting bubble. With my bags packed and a negative COVID test in hand, I walked out of the room into the humid Singapore air, ready to embrace the city — cautiously, yet excitedly.

Looking Back

Quarantine was challenging, but also reflective. It gave me time to settle my thoughts, ease into a new phase of life, and take in Singapore — even if just from a window. It’s not how I imagined my journey would begin, but in many ways, the peaceful start at Hard Rock Hotel gave me a gentle, memorable welcome to this incredible country.

Leaving my home country for the first time as a university student was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. As I stepped off the plane at Changi Airport, I was filled with anticipation. It was December 2016, during my final year of university, and I arrived in Singapore to attend the Strata + Hadoop World Conference—an event that promised to be a turning point in my professional journey. The conference, held from December 5th to 8th, was a global gathering of data enthusiasts, engineers, and thought leaders, and I was eager to immerse myself in this world of innovation. However, beyond the conference halls, Singapore itself left an indelible mark on me, shaping my aspirations and setting the stage for a future I hadn’t fully imagined.

From the moment I arrived, Singapore’s efficiency and modernity struck me. The airport immigration process was seamless, and within minutes, I was on the MRT, heading toward my accommodation in Kovan. The cityscape unfolded before me—a blend of sleek skyscrapers and lush greenery, all impeccably organized. As a tech professional, I appreciated the seamless integration of technology into everyday life: cashless payments, real-time transport tracking, and an underlying sense of order that made navigating the city effortless.

The Strata + Hadoop World Conference in Singapore was an enriching experience. Walking into the conference hall, I was surrounded by professionals from diverse backgrounds, each engaged in discussions about big data, machine learning, and emerging technologies. The sessions were intellectually stimulating, covering topics from real-time IoT analytics to high-efficiency AI and machine learning distributed systems.

One of the most memorable moments was attending a keynote on developing a modern enterprise data strategy, where industry leaders shared insights into how large-scale companies manage data at an unprecedented scale. The knowledge I gained from these discussions was not just theoretical—it had direct applications to my work in software engineering. The conference also provided me with the opportunity to network with experts and potential mentors, some of whom I still stay in touch with today.

Despite a packed schedule, I made it a point to explore Singapore beyond the conference. I visited Clarke Quay, Google Singapore, Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Flyer, and the Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck. During my time in Sentosa, I enjoyed exciting activities such as the Sentosa Segway ride, exploring the SEA Aquarium, and visiting the Wax Museum.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Sri Lankan crab is considered a delicacy in Clarke Quay. The unique spices and cooking techniques used to prepare it truly highlight the vibrant food culture of the region. It was fascinating to see how crabs from Sri Lanka had found their place and admiration in CQ, showcasing the beauty of cultural exchange through cuisine.

My first stop was the iconic hawker centers, where I had my first taste of local kopi and kaya toast—a simple yet delightful combination that resonated with my love for coffee culture. As I explored the different kopi variations, I realized how helpful it would be to have an app guiding people through Singapore’s diverse kopi culture. This idea stayed with me, and years later, I brought it to life by creating my own kopi guide app, Kopi Today. The app now helps visitors explore Singapore’s kopi culture with confidence, making it easier for them to discover and enjoy the many variations of this beloved local beverage. The multicultural vibrancy of the city was evident in the variety of cuisines available, from Hainanese chicken rice to Indian roti prata, all in one place.

Walking through the streets of Chinatown and Little India, I was fascinated by how different cultures coexisted so harmoniously. The meticulous urban planning ensured that historical shophouses stood side by side with modern developments—a testament to Singapore’s ability to preserve its heritage while embracing the future.

One of the most memorable dining experiences I had in Singapore was at Ocean Restaurant. Located within the SEA Aquarium, the restaurant offered a stunning underwater view, making for a truly unique atmosphere. Enjoying a meal while surrounded by marine life was a surreal experience, blending fine dining with the mesmerizing beauty of the ocean. The fresh seafood and expertly crafted dishes further enhanced the experience, making it one of the highlights of my trip.

Visiting Google Singapore was an incredible experience that I will always cherish. As I stepped into the sleek, modern office, I was immediately struck by the vibrant atmosphere and innovative design. The collaborative spaces and cutting-edge technology showcased Google’s commitment to fostering creativity and teamwork. It was inspiring to see how the company operates, and I enjoyed learning about their various projects and initiatives. The visit not only deepened my appreciation for the tech industry but also motivated me to explore new possibilities in my own career.

By the time the conference ended, I realized that my connection with Singapore had grown beyond just attending a professional event. The city’s emphasis on innovation, its tech-forward mindset, and its commitment to sustainability resonated deeply with me. It was more than just a great place for a conference—it felt like a place where I could see myself thriving in the long run.

Fast forward a few years, and Singapore is now my home. That initial visit to the Strata + Hadoop World Conference played a significant role in shaping my career trajectory and personal aspirations. What started as a short trip for a tech event eventually led me to build a life in this dynamic city, embracing the opportunities it offers.

Looking back, my first visit to Singapore was more than just a professional milestone; it was the beginning of a journey. It taught me that sometimes, a single event or experience can set off a series of life-changing decisions. If you ever get the chance to attend a conference in a new city, take it—not just for the knowledge but for the unexpected doors it may open.

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Cover Image attribution: https://flickr.com/photos/oreillyconf/31344044840/in/album-72157675768107092