Shanghai

Revolution Cocktail in French Concession

Dinner at M1nt with Bund background view

Set on the east of China with a population of more than 24 million people, it is not that city you go for a quite break. It has a booming economy, it has so much to offer in terms of exploration for the curious and the daring tourist. The sights & smells offers you the good, the bad, and the ugly. You are guaranteed to have shock and awe to your perceptions of China in the first 48 hours but then you get past that phase and you start enjoying it. The city grows on you after time and this is when you get to enjoy Shanghai. To take things to the next level I decided to go in August which is the hottest month with temperatures between 35 and 40.

Here are my top 14 recommendations for Shanghai:

1. Location In Shanghai: Your selection of hotel has never been more important in a city. With the busy streets and craziness out in the city, you need a home base that offers you the comfort, cleanliness, calmness, and one kick ass concierge team. I chose Westin Bund Center for my trip which was close to the bund with a great view and hotel was fantastic. I also spent some time at The Langham Shanghai Xintiandi which is located in the French concession and definitely my preferred number 1 next time in Shanghai. My trusted sources have also informed PuLi Hotel and Spa as a great location. Go 5 star and spend the extra dollars when in Shanghai as you will need it.

2. Getting into Shanghai: 2. From Pudong airport you can get to the city by taxi/private driver which can take up to an hour and costs between 150-300 yuan depending on taxi or private car. However when of the must do event in Shanghai is ride the Shanghai Maglev Train. At 430km/h , this is a great ride especially when it hits the corner in the end run. The train costs 50 yuan ( 40 yuan with boarding pass) and takes 7 minutes to get to Longyard road station. You can take a taxi from this station to your hotel. Here is some more details regarding Train times

3. Moving around: 3. Travelling within the city is not as easy as it looks. Traffic is a bitch here and you can be stuck on a 100 meter stretch for 15 minutes. Drivers don’t like or simply respect the red lights and just hustle through the inner city traffic. Even when crossing on a green as a pedestrian there is a high chance of getting run over so eye contact and universal stop sign with your hand helps when crossing. So in terms of travelling within Shanghai, the metro is a good option off peak as it gets you there faster. Avoid it during peak hours as it is about a million or more people travelling. Taxi’s are great as well during off peak and quite cheap. Always get the hotel concierge to write your location down in Mandarin to show to the taxi driver. Also for metro services, get a top up card for 20 yuan and pay as you go. Each train ride costs about 3 yuan. Here is more details on the Metro Services

4. French Concession: : Start of at Xintinandi and work your way to Xiangyang Lu area. Yongkang Lu is one of the streets full of good bars and expats. It is a totally different vibe to the rest of the city especially over the weekend and a great place to make friends. Also while you there try the passion fruit mojito and Blood Mary’s at Revolution Cocktail.

5. SmartShanghai App: Google Services, Facebook and Instagram are not available in China unless you hook it up via a VPN. So to stay on top of things download the SmartShanghaiapp on your smart phone as it has most of the restaurants, clubs, bars and attractions listed on there with the address in Mandarin. It will save you time when navigating through Shanghai.

6. Day trips to other cities: If you have time make a day trip to neighboring cities Wuxi, Suzhou, Hangzhou, or Chnagzhou. However you will be travelling with a million plus people so count that as part of the experience.

Dinning & partying in the hot spots:

7. The Nest:Visit theNest for some great oysters, dining menu, and drinks. The place turns the music up later for some good partying.

8. M1nt Restaurant & Club: Visit theM1nt for dinner with a great view. However the food quality was below par for what I was expecting. So oysters and champagne is a good option at the mint before you visit the club next door, which is okay and overhyped. The music was too loud to speak to anyone and this was at midnight.

9. Bar Rogue: The main nightspot is Bar Rogueso expect a lot of good music and great views here close to the Bund.

Sight seeing:

10. Yu Garden and Markets: This is one of those more green areas of Shanghai with a beautiful garden but to get to it you will need to go through the markets. At peak time this area is chaos so go early. Opens at 8.30am and costs 30 Yuan to get in during the off season. The garden is a nice breath of fresh air and decent view of the garden. So it is worth it. However getting to the gardens can be a mission as it is inside the markets and easiest entry is at Gate 3 next to KFC. The markets are great as well but people are all up in your face. So go early to avoid the crowds. Bargain for everything in the markets, usually 40% off is a great deal.

11. Jing’an Temple next to the PuLi Hotel: Take a taxi here or the train to the Jinag’an stop. The area is quite nice with some malls as well. The entry fee for the temple is 50 yuan and take about 30 minutes to walk around and check it out.

12. Spa: There are many spa options in Shanghai, some are great and some are interesting with not enough information. If you going for a cheap and easy massage option then go with Green Massage. However these will require advanced booking as most tourists end up in the different branches of this company. If you want something more of a spa, try the Chuan Spa at Langham Hotel (Xintiandi) or the The Banyan Tree Spa at the Westin Bund. If you staying at the hotel then check for the discount voucher at reception of the hotel to get up to 20% off. The 2 hotel spas were amazing and worth the extra bucks.

13. Shanghai Museum and Nanjing Road: The museum is over 4 floors and offers quite a lot on Chinese history which is a good to take in between all the wining & dining. Takes about 30-45 minutes to get into unfortunately and can be done under an hour. Nanjing road is long and features a lot of things to see. Shopping is perfect on this street if you looking for mainstream shops. The markets like Yu garden is where you get the local produced goods and can bargain for. There is a West and East Nanjing Road subway station if you need to turn back or get away from walking in the heat. The green line also leads to Jing’an temple station.

14. Shanghai hustle: There will be people constantly approaching you in the streets offering you watches, suits, women, and all other sorts of crazy services. Ignore and keep walking. Watch out for personal belongings in crowded areas especially subways for pick pockets. Watch where you step as you may find all kinds of strange content on the pavements. Also avoid escalators when possible and take the stairs.

Westin Bund

Jing’an Temple

Dubai First timer's Guide

Madinat Jumeirah view

View from Shangri La Hotel

Dubai is one of my favourite cities as it is perfect for a short stay or long vacation. You are guaranteed good summer weather all year round, along with the great cuisine options, shopping, spa, and entertainment choices. Having a good time here is easy. Recently some friends were heading there for their first time for a 3 night stay and asked me for a quick guide of what they could do in 72 hours. This lead to me putting together the top 15 for a short stay. There is so much more to do in the rapidly evolving Dubai but hopefully this helps the first time travellers:

Sightseeing, festivities, and Culinary Experiences combined:

1. Burj Khalifa: To start things off go to the world’s highest building for a beautiful lunch and the great views. Atmosphere restaurant offers Lunch 12.30-1500 & Dinner 1830-2330. Book lunch here so you can enjoy the views from the top during the day. Formal dressing and reservation required.

2. The Palm: Saffron Located on the palm, right at the end. Buffet to die for. Gives you a chance to check out the palm and Atlantis hotel while you are there.

3. Mall of Emirates: The mall offers great shopping options placing Milan, Paris, New York and London fashion in one mall. Food court in Mall of Emirates (Old School but everything you need at a bargain). If you looking for some traditional international cuisine (Mostly Asian). I had some great Masala Dosa here in between all the shopping. By the way doing the full mall may take 6-12 hours.

4. DIFC: Roberto's Italian Restaurant. Make a reservation for dinner here. This is in the Dubai International financial center and is a nice area to check out as well day or night.

5. Downtown: To see the fountains, don't do the tourist thing and go up front and personal. Go to: Restaurant CALABAR at The Address Downtown Dubai Hotel. Get a table outside on the terrace at this premium cocktail lounge with a vibrant Latin vibe and spectacular views of Burj Khalifa from its terrace. A great place for savoury South American specialities and sundowners. Best view of the fountains.

So above you would have done the Mall of Emirates, Burj Al Khalifa,The Palm, and the Fountains.

6. Burj Al Arab: Jumeirah Beach Hotel Bar 360 go for drinks at 10ish and Enjoy views of this hotel and the famous Burj Al Arab.

7. The ACT Dubai:Shangri la hotel top floor: The ACT Bar & Club with show. Dinner options as well but the food is okay so I would recommend skip the food and go for the drinks & show.

8. Jumeirah Beach: Jumeirah beach to just chill and get some sun during the day. If you looking for music and sun then look at number 13 below.

9. Madinat Jumeirah: : Madinat Jumeirah (modern souk in amazing architecture) you can do beach and this on the same day.(9 above)

10. Dubai marina/ The walk: The walk in Jumeirah, near Dubai marina. Place to check out the Shopping, cars, restaurants, and people watching. (9,10,11 can be done on same day)

11. Sheisha time: Find an outdoor restaurant/cafe in the downtown area or Jumeirah, and smoke the hooka/sheisha pipe, have a lemon mint juice (local speciality). Enjoy a relaxing chill out session.

12. The Music Hall: If you want a special musical experience with drinks and food then check out The Music Hall(Near the Palm). A special night our group had here with all the music, drinks and locals.

13. Blue Marlin Ibiza: If you looking for a daytime party with poolside music and drinking then head down to Blue Marlin Ibiza.

14. China White: If you still carrying on strong from 13 above and looking to carry on into the night then head to China White.

15. Transportation: : From the airport you can take a normal taxi or a luxury taxi. The Luxury taxi costs twice as much and usually is a Lexus Sedan. Take the Luxury option and take the drivers name and number. Do this with the taxi options at the hotel as well. You can text or call this drivers later and they can help you get around the city much easier. For example after shopping or clubbing you can have the driver pick you up from the same sport where they would drop you off, this will save you time from all the taxi queues..

Events that you should build your trip around:

Dubai World Cup: The Dubai world cup is the biggest sporting and social occasion on the Dubai calendar, the US$30m Dubai World Cup day is held at Meydan Racecourse on the last Saturday in March every year. Get your tickets for the Apron views area. This is where the party is at, sip on the champagne, enjoy the fashion show, actually you can participate in the fashion show as well with prizes for Best Dressed Lady', ‘Best Dressed Man’, 'Best Dressed Couple’, 'Best Hat', ‘Most Creative Hat’ and ‘Most Elegant Lady’.

Formula One Abu Dhabi: Yas Island hosts another blockbuster event that needs to be done here. Abu Dhabi is an hours drive and a more relaxed city then Dubai. However during F1 week it is busy. You can get tickets to the actual races here, or simply rent out a yacht with friends and party.

Stay tuned for a more detailed Dubai guide in the future.

Dubai World Cup

Bar 360

Singapore

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.

• 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.

Gardens by the Bay Day View

Gardens by the Bay  Night view

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.

Crab curry in a Bag

Singapore Sling

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.

The Pools

Marina Bay

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. 

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.