wangeling gal
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Posts posted by wangeling gal
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Lonely Planet has just voted Singapore the best country to visit in 2015. Singapore celebrates it's 50 years of independence next year with many events planned to show case this fabulous island state.
It really is a great place to visit and no matter how many times we do, we always managed to find something new, exciting and fun to do. Hoping to get there in July/August.
Love it!! :D
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We loved the three in a row sea days we had on our cruise to India last year. We like to party and get out and about, but we found plenty to keep us happy as well as learning to relax and enjoy our time together. We had a fabulous time.
Whatever you decide have a wonderful holiday
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While in Singapore we're staying at the Swissotel Merchant Court hotel near Clarks' Quay. Does anyone have advice on how safe it is to walk from Clark's Quay to Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Gardens by the Bay? Any other way to get to and from these places?
Thanks!
Hey Boogs,
To walk from Clark Quay to Marina Bay, is totally safe. It is a lovely walk with plenty of restaurants and bars along the way as well as passing all the lovely civic buildings, pailiemant house, Raffles landing site and the Asian Arts building. You can also visit the famous symbol of Singapore, the Merlion, which gives you great views across Marina Bay to the Skypark. There is also the beautiful wrought iron Cavanagh Bridge you can cross. There would be a chance to grab some ice cream from a vendor there who must be the popular fella in Singapore. Lots of markers telling you the history of Singapore. This walk also show cases the beautiful old shop houses at Robinson Quay. Love walking around this area :D
About the hardest thing maybe, would be how hot it could be, but plenty of water, a good hat and sunscreen will be a big help. As mentioned there are always the cheap and plentiful taxis, or the super efficient MRT.
Whatever you decide to do may you have a wonderful stay in Singapore. :)
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Hi Trend,
We would talk to one of the many drivers that would be parked outside the port looking for a fare, or in the streets of Kuta, Legian or Sanur. Have never been let down yet, and for early hours like yours seems to be, an offer of good renumeration would make it a done deal for you. I suppose it depends on what your plans for the day before you leave are as to whether you have the time/opportunity to organise this way.
Or, if you have organised a private tour for your time in Bali, the tour guide/company or your driver will surely know someone to help.
It does sound wishy washy and rather fraught with problems, but the Balinese people are very honest and need the work we can give them. But as I mentioned we've always had great service from theses guys.
I have got the names and contact details of a couple of drivers family and friends use when they travel to Bali, if you wish to have them
Good luck with your planning:D
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Awesome guys thanks for the information and directions
Cheers :D
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G'day
After some information on whether Dawn Princess docks or tenders in the following ports
Bali
Penang
Phuket
Langkawi
Port Klang
Also where in Singapore does it disembark -the Singapore Cruise Centre or the new terminal at Marina Bay?
If you know the answers or can point in the right direction for the answers, I would be most grateful
If you're cruising soon may you have a wonderful and safe holiday :D
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So forgive me for being slow on the uptake, but as I understand from this thread
On a formal night you must be in at least a jacket and tie to dine in the MDR.
On normal nights, dress pants and long sleeve shirts are a minimum. (Are short sleeve dress shirts acceptable?)
At the buffet you can be dressed in a 'respectable' but casual way anytime to eat, even on the formal night, if you don't wish to attend the event.
Have any of you found that certain cruises ( eg: those originating in say, Australia ;)) that fellow cruisers tend to be a little more casual in their attitude and dress on formal night, or are they in boots and all?
Cheers
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The Oberoi at Legian Beach.
It's well away from all the drunk Australians at Kuta, and still retains the culture of
If you want a Family resort with a couple of pools, wifi, breakfast included, plenty of restaurants and bars outside the front gates, yet quiet in the hotel grounds and on the beach, the Padma Resort, Legian is a good starting point.
The Griya Santiran at Sanur is lovely (3 pools,breakfast, wifi, beach) with Sanur a lot quieter than Kuta or Legian. With many hotel booking sites you can put in your wish list and narrow it down, then check on Tripadvisor to see how people rate them. Just depends on whether you want away from it all, almost unspoiled tropical beauty, or the fun of the built up centres, within easy reach of the countryside.
And don't let the thought of drunken Aussies worry you, they will still be a lot more friendly, easy going and less stuck up than many others who visit Bali, say for example those from, oh I don't know.........France maybe.............
Whatever you decide may you have a safe and fabulous holiday :D
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What do you mean about food being "packed" in a restaurant?
We will be there on Quest Feb 15 and 17 th. Also for visiting do you need to where long covered clothes in the heat for the places like Tanah Lot?
Hi Trend,
Sorry for the confusion with my post. What I meant was if a restaurant was busy, (packed), especially with tourists, it can be a way to measure if it is a good place to eat. Bali has many returning visitors (especially Aussies) and many tend to return to their favourite restaurants and bars, especially if the food, service, price and their particular ambiance is right for them.;) in all our travels to Bali, I have been lucky enough not to have any tummy problems and I'm the sort of person who just needs to look at a germ to catch it lol.
As far as Tanah Lot goes there was no particular dress code, the men in shorts and shirt, ladies in 3/4 length pants and either short sleeved tops or with a small sleeve. But at other temples the rules can vary, and I always research before I visit. Tanah Lot has some cafe/bars where you can have a drink or snack as you watch the sun go down -some people think it's a tourist trap, but I have always enjoyed a cold Bintang overlooking the beautiful temple and the glorious sunset.
Hope this helps:D Enjoy your cruise and holiday
Wangeling Gal
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Suggestions for a pre-cruise hotel in Singapore ? Not looking for very high end nor low budget..not knowing perhaps I'll say in the $200.00 range :confused::confused:. Location to restaurants (again not upscale but western type food..we're simple diners) and shopping areas (I am a shopper). Thanks for some much needed help :)
And yes I have looked at TripAdvisor but am looking for the folks on this boards suggestions since I had such a great recommendation for my last visit to Shanghai (Grand Central Hotel) I was hoping for something similar for Singapore.
Hi Ashland,
For our last visit to singapore we stayed at the Village Bugis Hotel. It is a fabulous location, about 500m from Bugis St. shops and markets, overlooking the Arab quarter with all their fabulous shops, restaurants and bars. The MRT is also right there which is a cheap and easy way to get around Singapore. It is not a pretty building from the outside, and we stayed in a basic room, (student child lol)which was clean and comfortable, good wifi , with an air conditioner that was adjustable and fridge that got your drinks cold, but the higher priced rooms look lovely. For me it's all about location when travelling. I did do a trip advisor review if you were interested. Found good bargains on the various hotel booking websites.
The Rendevous also looks lovely and is in a great location, and if the Village Bugis hadn't worked out I would have tried there on my next visit.
There is an abundance of mid range hotels in Singapore and I'm sure everyone has their favourite :) I don't think you will go wrong whatever you decide.
I hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday!
Cheers
Wangeling Gal
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Bali is a small island with 3 million people living there. Add to that the thousands of tourists that arrive there everyday, it can seem pretty busy. But once through the front doors of your hotel, it's normally a quiet oasis, and you forget that it is hustle and bustle outside. As Bronte2 said there are quieter areas you can stay at, outside of the Kuta/Legian/Seminyak areas. The hotel you are interested in does look very nice, but I would research the Nusa Dua area to make sure it had plenty of what you want from a holiday. It looks like a family hotel, which normally means lots of kids. My personal preference is Sanur (and yes the beach there is lovely).
Have you thought about getting a villa? There are many of these on Bali. Most come with their own private pool, someone to service it everyday and a lady who comes in to make your breakfast. Many offer transfers within their prices. These can offer you all the peace and quiet you could want, yet still be in the middle of the action.
The only true way to get away from them 'masses' in Bali, would be to look at the outlying areas and choose what would be right for you..........though these are getting more and more popular all the time.
Have a wonderful and safe holiday :D
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I spent a week in Bali a few years ago on the way to Australia and the beauty of the place was only surpassed by its people. You'll know the Balinese on the ships because they all have that same wonderful smile. Go exploring the interior, up to Ubud and Kintamani. Visit some of the larger temples. Would love to go back one day.
Phil
Exictedofharpenden said it so well when he mentions how lovely and friendly the Balinese people are. They are warm, easy going, helpful and fun. I have fond memories of Kutut at the Sunset Bar on our Journey cruise last year. He was eagerly awaiting the birth of his first child. He was the best G&T maker EVER, and practically had them ready before I sat down. I do hope his family are doing well.
Ubud and Kintamani are beautiful places, and I always enjoy Tanah Lot at sunset (if you can forget the crowds) it is such a quintessential Bali scene. Once away from busy Denpasar, the real Bali is so beautiful :)
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We're also going on the February 17th cruise - and spending 5 additional nights in Bali prior to the cruise.
Does anyone have recommendations for what is safe to eat and drink while in Bali from experience there? The CDC gives the standard 3rd world warnings.
And yes Bonnie - join us on this adventure. It's a great itinerary.
We were lucky enough to be in Bali in July. Like anywhere standard hygiene precautions are always best. As you will be there in February please remember that it will be very hot and sticky so good hydration will be a must. And of course if you are coming from a northern winter it will be a huge change for you to get used too. Bottled water is so very cheap to buy at the abundance of convenience store or supermarkets. And when I say cheap I mean cheap. Every hotel we have ever stayed at in Bali always had two bottles of water for you on arrival and they replenish them everyday. Bali bars and restaurants have learnt that travellers like their drinks cold and yes with ice at times and most of them use a well run company for drinking ice. But that of course is a personal choice that only you can make.
As for food, Bali has some of the best restaurants you could wish for in Asia. The saying goes ' if it's packed it must be good' and we have never had a tummy disaster yet following this motto. And I will bet my sheep farm that if you see a sign outside an eatery that says 'West Australian lamb or beef' you can be certain that it is a very nice cut of meat;) I always reccomend Nasi Georing (chicken fried rice) as a good introduction to Balinese cuisine. Every restaurant makes it differently. And as Bali is a Hindu Island they make a very nice Baba Guling (roast pig on a spit) best eaten up in Ubud.
In all our trips to Bali, we have never had any vaccinations, but I do recommend a good mosquito repellent and at one of the shops buy an electric mozzie repeller that you can plug in just for peace of mind.
Bali is a real holiday destination now and there are every mod con that a traveller could wish for. Most restaurants and bars have free wifi. Especially in the Kuta/Legian/Seminyak and Sanur areas. These are very westernised now and full of bars, restaurants, shops and markets. But out in the countryside you can get a real taste of what the magical kingdom of Bali can be.
All those cruising and travelling soon may you have safe and wonderful adventures:D
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I apologize if this has been asked and answered before but I can't find it. We are considering a Mediterranean cruise on the Journey in July, 2015. Since this is a port intensive (no sea days) trip, how important is a balcony? I expect to be gone all day from the ship so I just wonder if it will be worth it to have a balcony not being there that much.
We just returned from an Alaska cruise and didn't have one and never felt we missed it. We preferred being on the various decks and bars for the scenery and not feeling we needed to be on the balcony we paid for.
I do know that on our cruise to India, it was fabulous to be on our balcony as we came into Cochin to see the Chinese fishing nets, right there so close, and as we sailed into Mumbai there was the Gateway to India, welcoming us, as it has many travellers for a 100 years. Very special and well worth the extra cost.
I think I would also get one for the Mediterranean, especially a cruise that docked in Venice, that would be totally awesome.
Those cruising soon have a wonderful time:D
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I was just thinking that if Azamara were ever to purchase a third ship, that maybe they could use that vessel for their charters, and leave the Quest & Journey to those who love to sail, explore and holiday upon them to be able to do just that.
This could possibly be a way to have a win/win for eveyone:D
Just a simple thought while dreaming of our next cruise;)
To all those cruising soon have a wonderful time:)
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Totally fabulous review Deidre, thank you for taking the time to share your holiday with us all.
Can't wait to sail on Journey again, one day.
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Embarking in Denpasar Bali next March for a cruise.
How much days pre-cruise can you recommend for seeing some of the highlights in Bali ? Ubud, maybe Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple, ...
What's best - staying in Ubud or Denpasar (Benoa beach, Seminyak, Jimbaran) ?
Hi Nast,
Bali is a fabulous place to visit, which has a little bit of everything for everyone, depending on what you want. You can have the hustle and bustle of Kuta & Legian, with all their shops, bars, clubs, restaurants and markets or the quiet, more traditional areas of Ubud or Candi Dasa. These places also have shops, bars restaurants and markets but are less busy. Day trips to any part of the island are easy to organise either through your hotel or with the plentitude of drivers you will find on the street outside your hotels. These guys are reasonably priced and honest and if you build up a good rapport with them they will go the extra mile for you:D
As you are coming out of the cold of an European winter to a tropical climate, I would think at least 3/4 days to acclimatise would be a minimum. Of course this will depend on how much time you can spare.
Depending on your budget, you can find hotels in any price range from the most basic clean accommodation to the luxurious 6* hotels. We like to stay at Sanur, which is a good mix of plenty to offer, but with a quieter vibe. It is also popular with people from Europe.
When arriving in Denpasar (if it is your first time) it can be a little overwhelming when you first come out of the airport and the one thing I would recommend is to have organised a driver before you arrive as it can be a mad house.
It is true that there is rubbish around, but there has been a concerted effort in recent years to clean it up. Of course the more built up the area, the more untidy it looks, but once out in the countryside it is beautiful. The best thing about Bali is the beautiful people, who seemingly can never do enough to help.
Like any holiday, Bali will be what you make of it. If you go there thinking you are going to get a remote tropical island, untouched by the western world you will be disappointed. In the tourist areas it can be modern, busy, loud and touristy but out in the country there is a peaceful and relaxing vibe.
If I can be of any more help please don't hesitate to ask.
I wish you the most wonderful holiday and cruise:)
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Anyone take Cochin Magic Kerala day backwater tour,including meal on board? Any gut problems? Is it safe? Thanks
Hi bruce23,
We did this tour with this company in April 2014. We had a fabulous day. In the morning we visited Fort Kochi visiting the Chinese fishing nets, a spice shop, a wet market selling fresh produce and St Frances church the original resting place of the explorer Vasco da Gama. As we needed a pit stop before the trip out to the Kerala backwaters we were taken to a shop selling beautiful handicrafts - but it wasn't a high pressured selling place and they were very welcoming. The trip out to the backwaters was an experience in itself but great fun. There were 8 of us in the group (I had organised on our roll call) and we had a great afternoon. It was truly beautiful. The food was delicious and none of us had any problems. If you want a beer with your lunch you can buy at the office there but they won't be freezing cold, or you might be able to have that included in the price.
In dealing with Cochin magic, I found them very agreeable, reasonable and produced what they promised. if you are the organiser then only you can change the days' itinerary but they deal with all monies from other travellers separately. Very professional. (I did try to use them in Mumbai and they weren't nearly as flexible or friendly) If I still have some of my correspondence with them I could send them to you if you wish.
It really was a wonderful day trip and an experience to remember.
May you have a wonderful holiday:D
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Just returned from Bali yesterday. What a great place to holiday.
We enjoyed the 5star Padma resort, Legian and the lovely Griya Santrian in Sanur.
The Ramada Bintang, Kuta is also very nice.
Have a wonderful holiday.:D
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Clarke Quay is definately a lively place for those wanting fun. Also close by is Robertson Quay with some fabulous restaurants lining the Singapore river.
Don't discount the Arab Quater with some trendy restaurants and bars as has Holland Park. All areas are easy to get to by MRT or taxi both of which are cheap, clean and plentiful.
Just search these areas on trip advisor to see whats on offer.
Have fun:D
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Does anybody have experience with Gardens by the Bay in Singapore? It is very new, and it is hard to find information about it. Thanks.
Hi Tina G,
I just had a look on Tripadvisor. Type Gardens By the Bay in the search engine and it will pop up. You can look at everyones reviews and up the top is a website line and if click on that it will take you too their website and this has a heap of information on it. Hours of operation, admission, how to get there and what the different pavilions have to show you. It looks like you would need quite a few hours to see it all, so this information may help you to choose what you really want to see.
Hope this helps and I wish you a fabulous time in this wonderful city.:D
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Insidecabin,
I can understand and agree on most of your points but the one that said
Promote only to existing customers of RCCL they have enough to fill the beds on two ships if the price/product is right
Is one I can't agree with. (but can understand)
We had the most brilliant cruise and holiday with Azamara, one where the experiences and memories will last a lifetime. This could not have happened if it had only been promoted to existing customers of RCCL.
I just wish the powers that be would listen to what the most loyal of their customers are saying. If there is one thing that I have come to the conclusion of is that they don't give a toss about what anyone thinks or says. They just don't. The crew and officers are beyond fabulous as is the experience, but shoreside just don't care and it's never going to get any better.
Make the most of Azamara while we can, coz I reckon they won't be the Azamara we know and love in the fture
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Totally agree with daisyaday46 regarding the hop on hop off bus. This is a great way to see all the 'famous' sights of Singapore, which you can then get off and visit at the time, or later on. There are two routes red and yellow. Both are included in the price of your ticket which is about 26$ for one day or approx. $50 for a two day ticket which also includes a Singapore River boat ride. Tickets can be purchased from Sun Tec City, where tours originate, but there are many stops around the city, and they give you a map to show you where. Sun Tec is easy to get to by MRT. Just google Singapore hop on hop off Suntec and the information will pop up.
The HO/HO bus take you through all the major areas - Little India, Kampong Glam, Chinatown, Orchard Road, Raffles precinct, Marina Bay, the modern city, and lots more.
Depending on where you are staying in Singapore, chances are there will be a stop near you.
I love visiting Little India, Kampong Glam and Chinatown, especially in the evenings, and they are so easy to get to via MRT. But then again Clarke Quay and the heritage precinct are also great. When you first arrive in Singapore as you go through customs and immigration there are plenty of free maps of Singapore which are easy to use and understand. They show all the major landmarks, MRT stations and hotels on them.
Hope you have a fabulous visit to Singapore and wonderful cruise:D:
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Azamara definitely sails from the older Singapore Cruise Terminal. This is a great place to leave from as it is connected to one of the largest shopping centres in Singapore, which is very handy if you have forgotten anything, or if you want a break from the ship, but aren't comfortable to go to far.
It has an MRT which makes it super easy to get to the rest of the city and plenty of taxis (follow the signs).
We found there were plenty of people there to help, and boarding was a dream.
Hope you have the most amazing of cruises:D
Singapore River walking safety
in Asia
Posted
We rode the MRT from Suntec to Marina Bay in the front carriage. Turned out to have a huge window at the front so you could see the tunnel ahead. I found it quite fascinating, yet a little disconcerting knowing I was standing where the driver would normally sit!
Love using public transport when travelling.