Singapore woman says 'India gets so much bad publicity online', documents 'honest experience travelling in north India'

In a candid video, Tyen Rasif contrasts the negative stereotypes of India with her vibrant experiences: from the Taj Mahal to chaos and kindness.

In a digital landscape often dominated by cautionary tales and sensationalised travel warnings, Singaporean fitness influencer and content creator Tyen Rasif is offering a different perspective.

Singapore’s Tyen Rasif slams 'bad publicity' on India, shares glimpses of her vibrant trip to the country. (Instagram/ tyenrasif)

In a May 12 Instagram video about 'The India I was warned about vs the India I experienced', Tyen documented her journey through northern India, sparking conversation about the reality of tourism in the country. She said, "India gets so much bad publicity online. Especially growing up in Singapore, a part of me has always wanted to experience it for myself instead of just believing what I’d heard. Here’s my honest experience travelling through Northern India."

A tale of two Indias

The video began with Tyen’s 'warning about' reality: shots of her covering her face to shield against dust, the chaotic hum of north Indian traffic, and the sheer sensory overload that comes with navigating crowded urban centres. She candidly acknowledged the 'staring' from locals and the presence of litter on the streets, admitting that those seeking a 'chill, relaxing experience' might find themselves overwhelmed.

However, the tone quickly shifted as the reel transitions into a vibrant montage of her actual experience. Tyen showcased the breathtaking architectural heritage of India, featuring the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra, the intricate, Instagrammable corridors of Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal, the historical depth of Delhi’s Qutub Minar.

"It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen," Tyen wrote in her caption, adding, “There is history, culture, and story EVERYWHERE. I’ve never seen cities so vibrant and full of colour.”

Safety and the 'human element'

One of the most striking statements in Tyen’s post was her assessment of safety. Despite the 'bad publicity' India often receives online, she noted that she felt safer in India than in many 'developed' cities she has visited. She attributed much of this comfort to her support system.

While the trip wasn't a sponsored advertisement, she gave a heartfelt shout-out to her travel agency, Trinetra Tours, and specifically her driver, 'Mr Vijay'. "Our local guides... honestly acted like bodyguards and photographers at times," she shared, highlighting the hospitality and protective nature of the locals she encountered.

Social media reaction

The response to the video has been a mix of gratitude and social commentary. One international follower reminisced about their own 'eye-opening' trip 12 years ago, promising a return visit. However, some Instagram users pointed out the irony of social media algorithms. One commenter noted, "Notice how this reel hasn't gone viral? Hard pill," suggesting that positive portrayals of India often struggle to gain the same traction as negative ones.

Tyen Rasif’s 'honest experience' serves as a reminder that travel is often a dual-sided coin. While she didn't shy away from the grit — the dust and the chaos — she highlighted that the beauty, the people, and the cultural richness far outweighed the initial 'sensory overload'. For her, the trip was a lesson in looking past the headlines. Her final takeaway? She would 'absolutely come back to explore more of India'.

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

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