Singapore
- Thread starter BobHatton
- Start date
aussie1
Vital Squad Member
Hi Bob, We have been to Singers 6 times over the past 15 years so here we go with suggestions.
1) Purchase 2 x a rail cards at a train station kiosk and put say $20.00 on each one. The system works like our Perth rail cards and reload with $'s should you need to.
2) Their train system operates on the same structure as the London Underground with different colour coded lines for where you wish to go and shows where you may have to change lines etc.
2A) To start your trip take the London type open top bus tour around Singapore to get your bearings of the place--I think it still works on the hop on hop off system. Obviously choose a rain free day. Your Hotel should be able to provide you with a free map of Singapore by the way.
3) The island of Sentosa is very interesting and minimum of 1/2 a day plus required. You can cross to the Island by cable car or by another train. Cable car is exceptional if you have a head for heights. The history museum would have to be your 1st stop followed by the butter fly house. Lots of other things to see and do on the Island and all within easy walking distance.
4) You must go to the Raffles Hotel and sample a few Singapore Slings in the Long Bar. There is a big shopping center next door to Raffles.
5) Beer can be a little expensive in the ground floor bars of Hotels(open to the public),($25 per pint) so look for smaller bars like "Harry's Bar" ($12 pints) with no Hotel connection.
6) Visit China Town--beer at it's cheapest in the few bars there but is a large mostly outdoor market shopping and eating area. Day or night.
7) Clarke Quay is a night spot area on the river. Loads of Bars and eating places--you will enjoy Hooters. Day or Night.
8) The main shopping district is the corner of Orchard Rd and Scotts Rd. The Ion (ION) Shopping Centre has a massive food hall on one of the basement floors and frequented by Singaporeans in the majority and Westerners that are in the know. Very reasonably priced food.
9) No eating chewing gum as it is banned and be careful where you smoke and don't drop any litter. I don't think you can take duty free cigarettes into Singers anymore either.
10) Avoid your hotel bar fridge as they charge like wounded bulls--buy your own chocolate, nuts, crisps, nibbles and beers etc at 7/11 stores and utilise their bar fridge. Better keeping separate to their expensive offerings.
11) Get over to the Marina Bay Sands Complex (3 tall Hotel towers connected across their tops by the biggest of swimming pools that looks rather like a slim boat joining the towers). Put it this way you can't miss it--it would be like missing Blackpool Tower. You can go to the very top by lift and enjoy the views. It will cost a few $ to board the lift but well worth it on a clear day. Plenty of shopping centers on the landward side of the Sands Complex.
12) Taxis are very expensive--better sticking with your rail card if you possibly can.
13) You are most unlikely to see any Graffiti or stickers anywhere as offenders face a certain number of lashes with a bamboo cane (Rattan) across their bare backs.
14) Shopping Centers are open every day and at night to about 9.00pm ish, (better check when they open and close Bob).
15) Don't give yer Mrs. your credit card. I'm sure she would like to use her own.
16) I think other big shopping stores may have food halls too.
17) Due to tropical downpours almost every day around 4pm you may be able to use your Hotels umbrellas. Some Hotels provide a couple of brollies in the wardrobe.
18) Most of all enjoy and you and Mrs. Hatton be safe. Very little crime in Singers m8. You could if you wish also take a tour of the old Changi Prison if it's not already been demolished. Just checked Changi Prison Tour is given 5 star reviews on TripAdvisor.
Cheers Aussie1
1) Purchase 2 x a rail cards at a train station kiosk and put say $20.00 on each one. The system works like our Perth rail cards and reload with $'s should you need to.
2) Their train system operates on the same structure as the London Underground with different colour coded lines for where you wish to go and shows where you may have to change lines etc.
2A) To start your trip take the London type open top bus tour around Singapore to get your bearings of the place--I think it still works on the hop on hop off system. Obviously choose a rain free day. Your Hotel should be able to provide you with a free map of Singapore by the way.
3) The island of Sentosa is very interesting and minimum of 1/2 a day plus required. You can cross to the Island by cable car or by another train. Cable car is exceptional if you have a head for heights. The history museum would have to be your 1st stop followed by the butter fly house. Lots of other things to see and do on the Island and all within easy walking distance.
4) You must go to the Raffles Hotel and sample a few Singapore Slings in the Long Bar. There is a big shopping center next door to Raffles.
5) Beer can be a little expensive in the ground floor bars of Hotels(open to the public),($25 per pint) so look for smaller bars like "Harry's Bar" ($12 pints) with no Hotel connection.
6) Visit China Town--beer at it's cheapest in the few bars there but is a large mostly outdoor market shopping and eating area. Day or night.
7) Clarke Quay is a night spot area on the river. Loads of Bars and eating places--you will enjoy Hooters. Day or Night.
8) The main shopping district is the corner of Orchard Rd and Scotts Rd. The Ion (ION) Shopping Centre has a massive food hall on one of the basement floors and frequented by Singaporeans in the majority and Westerners that are in the know. Very reasonably priced food.
9) No eating chewing gum as it is banned and be careful where you smoke and don't drop any litter. I don't think you can take duty free cigarettes into Singers anymore either.
10) Avoid your hotel bar fridge as they charge like wounded bulls--buy your own chocolate, nuts, crisps, nibbles and beers etc at 7/11 stores and utilise their bar fridge. Better keeping separate to their expensive offerings.
11) Get over to the Marina Bay Sands Complex (3 tall Hotel towers connected across their tops by the biggest of swimming pools that looks rather like a slim boat joining the towers). Put it this way you can't miss it--it would be like missing Blackpool Tower. You can go to the very top by lift and enjoy the views. It will cost a few $ to board the lift but well worth it on a clear day. Plenty of shopping centers on the landward side of the Sands Complex.
12) Taxis are very expensive--better sticking with your rail card if you possibly can.
13) You are most unlikely to see any Graffiti or stickers anywhere as offenders face a certain number of lashes with a bamboo cane (Rattan) across their bare backs.
14) Shopping Centers are open every day and at night to about 9.00pm ish, (better check when they open and close Bob).
15) Don't give yer Mrs. your credit card. I'm sure she would like to use her own.
16) I think other big shopping stores may have food halls too.
17) Due to tropical downpours almost every day around 4pm you may be able to use your Hotels umbrellas. Some Hotels provide a couple of brollies in the wardrobe.
18) Most of all enjoy and you and Mrs. Hatton be safe. Very little crime in Singers m8. You could if you wish also take a tour of the old Changi Prison if it's not already been demolished. Just checked Changi Prison Tour is given 5 star reviews on TripAdvisor.
Cheers Aussie1
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aussie1
Vital Squad Member
Bob, It would appear that any tours that you wish to go on may have to be pre-booked(on-line in Oz)--eg. Open double decker bus tour of Singers, Changi Prison and others but not for Sentosa. Perhaps avoid booking tours direct with the Hotel as they may load the actual cost. I also remember that when you make the trip over to Sentosa Island you can book multiple attractions for much cheaper than paying individually. Just something else to consider. I would add to the list, Singapore Zoo you can pay at the entrance. Also, consider boarding the Singapore Flyer(no need to book) a huge ferris wheel overlooking Marina Bay(the same size as the London Eye). If you go to the Raffles Hotel Long Bar, don't be surprised if the cost of a Singapore Sling seems steep at $25 plus each but are well worth it and after 2, cost becomes no object-lol lol. When in Singers Airport (airside) for your return trip, take note of the cost of alcohol before you order-- be careful and look at the beer menu charge etc. and they add 17% service charge and tax on top. It's in the small print on the menu. Last year I slipped up and we were charged all up $32 per pint. Thank goodness I only had the 1 pint. Look for a Harry's Bar or make sure you have your wits about you--same with airport food. Sometimes it's better to have Hungry Jacks (Burger King), McDonalds, Pizza Hut or Subway in the airport. Once bitten twice shy.
Cheers Aussie 1
Cheers Aussie 1
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