Singaporeans splash the cash for Brazil World Cup dream

When Farhan Indra Ismail left South Africa in 2010, he was certain he would never have such a World Cup experience again.

After all, what could top the unforgettable memories and the “madness” of watching the world’s greatest sporting event in the flesh?

As it turns out, the answer was at the back of the Singaporean’s mind all along: watch another World Cup. “I knew the next one would be in Brazil… a perfect end to my World Cup pilgrimage,” said Farhan.

The 26-year-old has booked both flight and match tickets for Brazil along with two friends, and he is prepared to spend thousands more dollars on soaking up the atmosphere in the “motherland of football”.

Farhan and his friends are not alone. Yahoo spoke to other Singaporeans heading to Brazil to watch the World Cup, some of whom have set aside over S$10,000 each to realise what they’re calling a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Well worth

Newlyweds Low Yi Yang and his wife are one such example. To have their honeymoon coincide with the World Cup, they are forking out around S$8,000 each on flight and accommodation, and they anticipate spending another S$2,000 per person on miscellaneous travel expenses.

Some, such as Farhan, are attempting to cut costs by renting lodging through popular website Airbnb. “I believe that’s the best way to learn about local life and culture,” he said.

Nonetheless, throw in match tickets each costing over S$800 for premium hospitality packages, and you have yourself a very expensive holiday, said Natasha Shakireen Osman and Fadzli Hussen, another couple headed to Brazil.

But they are also convinced that it’ll all be worth it. “No better place than Brazil to watch the World Cup!” said the travel-blogging duo, who bought their tickets as far back as two years ago.

“I’ve always wanted to watch the World Cup and this is a dream come true,” said Lionel D’Souza, who is making the trip to South America alone. “Football is synonymous with Brazil. I’d probably choose watching a World Cup in Brazil than in either Russia (2018) or Qatar (2022).”

Uncertain

D’Souza, however, has yet to purchase his flight tickets or accommodation. The 24-year-old is concerned about the escalating spate of strikes, protests and general unrest in Brazil, decrying the World Cup’s crippling effect on the country’s resources.

“My match is in the second week of July, so I’ll book my tickets only after checking the security situation in the first round matches,” said D’Souza.

Others like Low and Natasha are equally concerned and nervous about the state of security, but all remain optimistic.

“I hope I come back with memories of football, and not of riots and unrest,” said D’Souza. “After all, it’s the World Cup, and football should be the main focus.”

And it is football, thankfully, that the Brazil-bound Singaporeans are still looking forward to most. Farhan and Natasha are already excited about seeing Portuguese megastar Cristiano Ronaldo “in person”, while Low is anticipating the promise of a World Cup experience to remember.

“I hope to leave Brazil with wonderful memories which we would keep with us forever,” said Low. “Perhaps also the impetus for us to start travelling to other World Cups.”

Ask Farhan, however, if he’s game to extend his “World Cup pilgrimage” to a third edition in 2018, and his reply is a vehement – but perhaps not 100 per cent certain – “no, no and no…”.

Follow Yahoo's World Cup coverage here, and make your match predictions here.