8 - 16 May 2022

Switzerland is well-known for its stunning view with lakes and mountains. It is indeed SCENIC wherever you go. It is a beautiful country and well-connected with train from intercity to interstate - the best Europe country to travel by train to see more of its natural beauty. We came across country-side view during train trips. Therefore, those who enjoy scenery, it is a good time to enjoy the view (make sure you don’t sleep in the train).

Most of the people speak various languages - Swiss German (more common), Swiss French, Swiss Italian & Romansh depending on which county border the neighboring country borders. Generally, they can speak English or if can't they, they still can understand English. The larger restaurant’s menu will have various languages including English. If they don't have, please ask them for English menu or even ask the staff to recommend some Swiss food. Recommended food to try is Rosti (Swiss hash brown) and cheese fondue.

As Switzerland is well-connected with trains, it is best to go around Switzerland with train. We see the country more compared if we took bus/van to travel. We purchased Swiss Train Pass to use throughout our trip which can be used for train, buss, and cruise as well. Stunning views must not be miss and our cameras always to be on standby-mode (always try to get window seat). We must press “open button door” as none of the door will open automatically. There will be button to press from inside and outside of the train. Most of the trains have toilets and some trains even have dining area. There are first class and standard seat. Most of the train is free seating except Glacier Express.

The wonderful thing in Switzerland is that water can be drink from tap unless stated not drinkable. We save a lot of money by drinking from tap. Of course, water can be purchased at supermarket if not used to drink water from tap. We came across people filling their water bottle from toilet’s tap and also from fountains.

The weather can be quite unpredictable especially visiting the mountainous area (if there is wind, it can be very cold). At the same time, the UV sun is very strong that even the usual sunscreen may not be helpful and some of us get sun burn easily.

It is very common to see the locals bring their dogs go out with them even on train and cable car rides. The dogs are well-behaved.

It is safe place to go around even alone. The safety index is even higher than Singapore. There might be some pick pocket in city compared to country side. The locals are seen not to care too much of their belongings – they put their bags openly in public even it is crowded. Nevertheless, always be careful with our belongings.

It is also a very clean country. Even the public washroom which is high traffic but only slightly wet but all washrooms be it in anywhere public be it in tourist area, in the train, mall, airport are quite clean. It is very comfortable and feel safe to use the washroom. Toilet paper is provided. Best part all this is free. Some public washroom in Europe need to pay to use but in Switzerland is totally free with all the utility provided.

Some of the highlight of the places which we visited:

Promenade of Montreux