Republic of Singapore is that one Asian country where we can experience a little bit of everything from all the Asian countries. This is the fusion pot. With a population of just under 5.5 million it is a small but very well organized and lively city.
After departing Changi airport and the morning security drama there, it was a 30 minute taxi ride into the city.
Here is my 12 useful tips while in Singapore for a 72 hour layover:
1. Taxis: The taxis are quite cheap in Singapore and easy to get as well. From the airport it takes 30 minutes to the central and should cost between $18-$35 depending on the time you arrive as after midnight will creep into the thirty range. This is that one Asian country where the meters are running and no bargaining with drivers is necessary. If you need to organize something in advance try the companies below.
2. Geographical Breakdown: Selecting hotels should be based on this. The airport is on the east and not much happens here so skip the thought of staying here in Geylang or the east coast. Moving into the center you have the following options:
4. Shopping on Orchard Road: The shopping options here are unlimited. I will need a few more trips to discover all of them. However start of from north or south of Orchard road and find your way to ION mall. Everything you need from international brands and restaurants to keep you busy for several hours. Takashimaya is a Japanese mall that is interesting and fun that will take another 2 hours. Once you done with the malls and if you still have energy then carry on along the street. Did I mention the street is 2.2 km.
Buffets: This is a thing here in Singapore and requires an epic effort of man versus delicious food. Good recommendations for Lunch or Dinner.
Mandatory Requirement:
Conclusion:
Singapore is a foodie city. There are distractions of shopping, massages, gardens, and some cool lounges with views. It will take more than a dozen trips to discover the tip of the iceberg in the food culture but this only encourages one to visit this place more often. The Singapore formula 1 weekend is on my agenda for the next visit.
After departing Changi airport and the morning security drama there, it was a 30 minute taxi ride into the city.
Here is my 12 useful tips while in Singapore for a 72 hour layover:
1. Taxis: The taxis are quite cheap in Singapore and easy to get as well. From the airport it takes 30 minutes to the central and should cost between $18-$35 depending on the time you arrive as after midnight will creep into the thirty range. This is that one Asian country where the meters are running and no bargaining with drivers is necessary. If you need to organize something in advance try the companies below.
- Comfort or Citycab Tel: (65) 6552 1111
- Premier Taxis Tel: (65) 6363 6888
- SMRT Tel: (65) 6555 8888
- SMART Tel: (65) 6485 7777
- Transcab Tel: (65) 6555 3333
2. Geographical Breakdown: Selecting hotels should be based on this. The airport is on the east and not much happens here so skip the thought of staying here in Geylang or the east coast. Moving into the center you have the following options:
 |
| Singapore Map |
Marina Bay/ Financial District: This is where the big guns are like Raffles, Fullerton, Mandarin Oriental, Marina Bay Sands, Ritz-Carlton, Fairmont and Pan Pacific are based. The area is beautiful and having spent time at 5 of the hotels here it is highly recommended as part of the city break with its relaxing and beautiful atmosphere.
Chinatown, Little India, Arab Street District: For me this part of town was more of a visit area then stay area.
Burgis: There is several hotels in this area and it is a laid back area compared to Chinatown and Little India.
Clarke Quay: Another area just south of Orchard road and suitable for staying with a relaxing vibe in the area.
Newton: North of Orchard road and a laid back area hosting Sheraton towers and Oasia hotel which was a nice find.
Orchard Road: This is the heart of the city and has a lot of 4-5 star hotels. Outside of Marina bay this is where the rest of the 5 star big guns are situated such as Four Seasons, Regent, Shangri-La, Mandarin, Grand Hyatt etc. This is the shopping area as well and it is a long road with lots of malls, and places of interest. It is very busy and fast paced. Good way to spend half your day here to do some shopping but staying here can be interesting if you seek some quite time.
Sentosa Island: Tucked to the west, this Island is connected by a bridge and has several resorts. A different vibe to a country which is known for the city vibe. Good to visit and also suitable for a more relaxing stay with some green surrounding.
Things to do during the day:
3. Visit the Gardens: Gardens by the Bay is 101 hectares of garden that is a wonderland that needs to be experienced. Woke up to the view of the gardens from the Marina Bay Sands hotel and it is lovely to see this place from higher up as well. The National orchid garden and Singapore Botanic garden was lovely as well. Why is a grown up man hanging around gardens when he can be eating, shopping or getting massages, well this city is a concrete jungle and you will need that green zone after a day.
|
|
4. Shopping on Orchard Road: The shopping options here are unlimited. I will need a few more trips to discover all of them. However start of from north or south of Orchard road and find your way to ION mall. Everything you need from international brands and restaurants to keep you busy for several hours. Takashimaya is a Japanese mall that is interesting and fun that will take another 2 hours. Once you done with the malls and if you still have energy then carry on along the street. Did I mention the street is 2.2 km.
5. Spa: Besides the enjoyment of shopping and walking around, I still was missing something and with tired feet and sore shoulders carrying shopping bags, I took to the spas. the reflexology foot massage for an hour here is fantastic. In between shopping this is highly recommended. End of the day you can opt for a acupuncture, Chinese cupping massage or whatever you desire. They have all kinds of massages from the Asian region. Bigger hotels will charge more for Spa treatments compared to the other specialist places easily found all over the city.
6. Chinatown: The authentic Chinese experience is mandatory. Great places for souvenir shopping, massages, dining, and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells. Remember to bargain.
7. Little India: Once you have done the Chinese experience, time for the Indian adventure. Good to see some of the temples and markets. In the markets the smell is strong of all the spices so heads up. Also never look a shop owner in the eye more than 2 seconds as they will pursue you to the moon to sell something. So minimal eye contact and use back streets when it gets to crowded or intense. Remember to bargain if you buying goodies.
8. Raffles Hotel: If you have done all 5 activities prior to this, you will be exhausted by now but if you are breaking events over several days then make sure you go to Long bar at Raffles hotel. Home of the Singapore Sling and perfect place to be for after work drinks.
Things to do at Night:
9. Dinner: You have an infinity of choice here. There are many great restaurant options around Singapore and it will take me another dozen trips to experience a quarter of those options if I am lucky. However my recommendations are:
A la Carte:
A: Red House Seafood A local favorite located at East coast park. (Try the crab dishes)
B: Imperial Treasure Chinese food that speaks WOW (A bit pricey but worth it)
C: Moosehead Project Artistic and great vibe to add to the nice food.
D: Red Star Dim Sum Restaurant Dim Sum central, no reservations needed. You walk up and demand a table and prepare to over eat. It's busy, loud and crazy but the food is worth it.
E: Clifford at Fullerton Bay Hotel: Great cocktails to go with the great food.
E: Clifford at Fullerton Bay Hotel: Great cocktails to go with the great food.
|
|
Buffets: This is a thing here in Singapore and requires an epic effort of man versus delicious food. Good recommendations for Lunch or Dinner.
A: The Line at Shangri-La Hotel: The sea food station with Oysters and the never ending dessert line up.
B: Rise at Marina Bay Sands: I did this one for lunch actually and the international cuisine here was off the hook. Nearly missed my flight to Dubai because of this place.
C: Melt at Mandarin Oriental: Heavy emphasis on the Oriental cuisine so expect so mind blowing Indian tandoori dishes among the other international favorites. Did I mention dessert?
10. The Marina bay light show: To get a good view of this show at night you will need to get to Level 33. Get a reservation here for dinner or just drinks and enjoy the views & show. A lovely Craft brewery, restaurant & lounge not to be missed while in Singapore.
11. Kudeta Club Lounge: The spot on top of the Marina Bay sand towers. It is good for few drinks with friends and enjoy the view. Music is okay and food at the restaurant was great.
Also this is a good way to get up the sky park and see the big infinity pool. While I stayed at the Marina bay sands, I enjoyed the pool the first night but then I discovered that it is dirty with many suspended particles that I would rather not describe. Also it is crowded daily.
Also this is a good way to get up the sky park and see the big infinity pool. While I stayed at the Marina bay sands, I enjoyed the pool the first night but then I discovered that it is dirty with many suspended particles that I would rather not describe. Also it is crowded daily.
|
|
Mandatory Requirement:
12. Experience the Food Culture: This is a city where you will never get hungry. While ranked in the top 5 most expensive cities in the world, the food is relatively cheap here. There are few dishes which you have to try while you in town:
A: Chicken Rice: I have tried this at several places and no one knows where the best one in Singapore is because everyone is a food expert in Singapore and chooses to agree to disagree on the top 10 let alone the best one. So try them in the Food court in the malls and at the hotels.
B: Dim Sum: Good Quality all over the city so just enjoy it whenever you can.
C: Crabs: In Chilli or pepper
D: Laksa: Try the curry laksa(Singaporean style) and the asam laksa (Malaysian style)
E: Fish head curry: It tastes better than it sounds. Try with Biryani rice and Roti Prata.
F: Soup Tulang: Slow cooked lamb bones where the bone marrow rounds out the intense chilli and tomato. It tastes good but gets messy. Use a straw for the bones.
If you have time then do try a cooking course.
A: Chicken Rice: I have tried this at several places and no one knows where the best one in Singapore is because everyone is a food expert in Singapore and chooses to agree to disagree on the top 10 let alone the best one. So try them in the Food court in the malls and at the hotels.
B: Dim Sum: Good Quality all over the city so just enjoy it whenever you can.
C: Crabs: In Chilli or pepper
D: Laksa: Try the curry laksa(Singaporean style) and the asam laksa (Malaysian style)
E: Fish head curry: It tastes better than it sounds. Try with Biryani rice and Roti Prata.
F: Soup Tulang: Slow cooked lamb bones where the bone marrow rounds out the intense chilli and tomato. It tastes good but gets messy. Use a straw for the bones.
If you have time then do try a cooking course.
 |
| Chicken Rice |
Conclusion:
Singapore is a foodie city. There are distractions of shopping, massages, gardens, and some cool lounges with views. It will take more than a dozen trips to discover the tip of the iceberg in the food culture but this only encourages one to visit this place more often. The Singapore formula 1 weekend is on my agenda for the next visit.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please feel free to ask any further questions :)