Singapore: Travel Tips, Trends? Ideas & Insights?

[Donsyb]

On 11/26/2023 at 5:24 PM, TLCOhio said:

From Travel+Leisure magazine this morning, they had this headline: “I Stayed at 60 Hotels This Year — This Is the One I Can't Stop Thinking About" with this sub-headline:  "The iconic Raffles Singapore has more than 135 years of history — and it's one of the best hotels in Asia.”

 

Here are some of the reporting highlights by Katie Lockhart: “It's a hotel older than the country it sits in; if the walls at Raffles Singapore could talk, they would have lots of stories to tell. From bringing an orangutan to the pool to meet Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor to serving Rudyard Kipling cocktails as he penned “The Jungle Book,” Singapore’s grande dame has welcomed dozens of dignitaries, celebrities, and authors since it opened in 1887. ”

 

Here is more interesting history and background from this profile for this famed hotel: "It has come a long way since its days as a 10-room bungalow offering an elegant reprieve from the Southeast Asian heat. Today, it houses 115 suites, with an updated grandeur that suits its A-list clientele.  In 2019, after its 2015 acquisition by Accor, it got a chic top-to-bottom refurb, but don’t worry, it kept its timeless charm. The doorman still ushers guests into the grand, three-story lobby, where the famous grandfather clock has been chiming since the hotel opened."

 

Glad in late February 2024 that we will be staying across the street from the Raffles Singapore at the JW Marriott South Beach.  Close for us to visit, but where we are staying offers a better value/rate.  

 

From the hotel website and used in this magazine profile, here are two lovely visuals for the Raffles of its exterior and interior.  Looking classy and great??

 

 

Full story at:

https://www.travelandleisure.com/raffles-singapore-hotel-review-8405291

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

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Fun fact, the JW Marriott used to be the NAAFI when the British military still had a presence there.  They would go to Raffles over the road for a splurge for dinner/ drinks.

My dad was based there during the 60’s and we took him back a few years ago - his memory had a few gaps due to the alcohol 😂

[TLCOhio]

On 4/18/2024 at 10:58 AM, Donsyb said:

Fun fact, the JW Marriott used to be the NAAFI when the British military still had a presence there.  They would go to Raffles over the road for a splurge for dinner/ drinks.  My dad was based there during the 60’s and we took him back a few years ago - his memory had a few gaps due to the alcohol 😂

 

Love the above connection for the JW Marriott and the previous British military facilities at that location and nearby to where your father was based.  It was impressive as to how they preserved many of those older buildings along Beach Road and then constructed the new, high-rise hotel/condo/offices behind those old military buildings.  

 

From the London/UK Daily Mail in late June, they had this headline: “Tripadvisor names the best travel experiences and attractions for 2024.”

 

They had a top ten highlight being designated for Singapore's: “Gardens by the Bay”

 

Yes, we loved that attraction during our visit there in late February and early March 2024. Below are a few of my visuals.  Will post more and catch up by sharing much more to prove and verify as to how we super loved Singapore.  Very impressive City-State!!  More on the full live/blog connected below.  Happy to answer any questions.  Appreciate the earlier posts, pre-trip, that help me prepare for enjoying Singapore.  

 

Full Tripadvisor "Bests" story at:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-13575785/tripadvisor-world-best-experience-attraction-Portugal-USA-UK.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

India to Singapore 2024: Live/Blog approaching 20,000 views with many visuals, including “Golden Triangle”, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2992045-live-terryohio-india-to-signapore-silver-moon-rising-pix’s/

 

For our first Singapore evening, we visited and were amazed by the Gardens by the Bay.  It is a spectacular light and music show.  Look amazing?  It was!!  At the right lower, is one of the three towers of the Marina Bay Sands complex with their roof-top pool we visited earlier, etc.:

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Here are a few more visuals from our evening at the Gardens by the Bay and their famed night light show, the nearby Marina Bay Sands hotel, etc.:

 

 

 

 

 

At night on Marina Bay, here are some added views of the Fullerton Hotel, the Singapore Lion, etc.:

 

[TLCOhio]

Here is more "evidence" as to how and why we loved Singapore so much.  It was "Hot, HOT", there, however.  Be warned and prepared!   That was the one challenge, in addition to prices being high.  it is a "first-class" city with its price tag matching that level of quality.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

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First on our private tour in Singapore with Danny T of Tours by Locals, we explored various areas, including Little India, the Arab Quarter (including the Mosque shown below), lunch in Chinatown, going to the top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel that is the local architectural icon and also pictured below at the top-level pool.  Additionally, we are shown in front of a Buddha temple surrounded by nearby newer high-rises in Chinatown.:

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Here is one example of the river sailing through and around the Singapore financial district that is now considered third-ranking in the world.:

 

Below was part of the view from our river ship in the Marina Bay area with the Sands in the background.  As mentioned, it was Taylor Swift music.  Live or recorded?  Not 100% sure, but it would be fun if she did do it live, as reported, for us sailing in this dramatic setting.:

 

Finally, here is their famed Lion spitting out water with some of the lighted architecture in the background along their waterfront.  Finally, we finished at the historic and highly-rated Fullerton Hotel for drinks (Singapore Sling, of course) before going back to the ship to finish packing and getting our luggage put out in the hallway.  Yes, the Singapore Sling was not invented at the Fullerton, but we still felt the history and enjoyed this luxury hotel environment.  Our JW Marriott is right across the street from the Raffles Hotel, where the Sling was invented.  Lots more to see and explore here.:

 

[TLCOhio]

Here is part three from our adventure in Singapore.  Did I take lots of pictures?  YES!!  Can you avoid not wanting to capture so much that is interesting and exciting?  Is this too much "eye candy" to share?

 

These are from their highly-rated National Orchid Garden.  There is more than beautiful orchids there.  Plus, a large, indoor area to have and include orchids grown in higher-elevation, cooler climates.  All very spectacular and super well maintained.  Amazing!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio   

 

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This is an example of the older housing that has been preserved and maintained in Singapore.  These homes, once very cheap, now cost in the millions and millions of dollars to buy just one townhouse.:

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These are some highlights from the various buildings, shops, markets and more in Singapore's "Little India".  Quite a wide range of goods, merchandise, services, decorations, etc..:

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Below are few visuals samples from the "Arab Quarter" of Singapore, including a range of different dining places, jewelry and carpet stores, many fabric shops, etc.  In one of the pictures, Danny is explaining to my wife some of the history and options here.  The "action" started on a "hip and happening" street called Haji Lane. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Below continues our "overview" sampling of Singapore on day one.  Much to "soak up" and enjoy here.  

 

For the Marina Bay Sands, its opening was in 2010 and it is deemed the world's most expensive stand-alone casino property at US $6.88 billion.  The resort includes a 2,561-room hotel, a 1,300,000 square feet convention-exhibition space, plus much more.  At the top,  the Sands Skypark, spans 1,120 feet with a capacity of 3,902 people and a 490-feet infinity swimming pool, set on top of what Wikipedia calls the world's largest public cantilevered platform.  Seem big?  See below.  Plus, more at night later. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Summer 2019 Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska on Silver Muse, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Many visuals, Our firsts in these scenic areas!  Now at 20,825 views. Live/blog: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

 

This section starts with going to the "TOP" of Singapore's most famous icon/landmark.  That's the Marina Bay Sands.  Over 2,000 rooms in three towers caped by a vast swimming pool, dining, full-sized trees, etc., at the top.  Plus, a large casino and shopping area in its lower levels. Shown second is a sample of this hotel's large interior lobby.  Kind of cold and sterile, like an airport terminal, in my opinion for this part of the complex.  Happy to visit, not sure I would desire to stay here.:

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Here's another angle on the pool stretching across the tip top of this Marina Bays Sands.:

 

Here are just three examples of the views for different aspects of this city from this high level.  The second picture shows the double-domed Esplanade Theaters, Singapore’s performing arts theatre, plus to the right, our towering JW Marriott Hotel.   In the third picture, it gives a small sample for how very busy is this port and the large number of ships loading and unloading each day.:

 

 

 

From this vantage point, here is a high-angle view of the famed lion fountain and a nearly, historic bridge that we later walked across.:

[TLCOhio]

Here is a major shout-out and sharing for the famed Raffles Hotel in Singapore, right handy across the street from our two-night home at the JW Marriott hotel.  

 

History and class?  Both are there in style and standards at the Raffles.  

 

With all of the trees, greenery, etc., in Singapore and among a see of dramatic high-rises, you almost miss noticing the Raffles.  BUT, when you walk by and see the perfectly-maintained white stone walls, structures and surroundings, it stands out with its traditional, classic-styling and design.  PLUS, everything has been perfectly maintained at the highest, best levels.  "Amazing" is one wonder to describe the Raffles from walking around, seeing its various high-end shops, sampling its perfectly maintain grounds and structures, etc.  

 

Need proof, evidence and visual samples?  See below.  

 

Here's a little history on the Raffles.  This British Colonial-style hotel in Singapore was first established by two Armenian brothers in 1887.  It was named after the British founder of modern Singapore, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.  It is now owned by a Qatar-based, government-owned hospitality company that has the "deep-pockets" to have upgraded and maintained such a lavish, historic property.  Raffles Hotel Singapore started as a privately-owned beach house built in the early 1830's when Beach Road was located along the waterside before this area started doing all of its landfill to create added building areas. It started as a ten-room hotel, with added wings being built.  And, more!!  The Raffles was a favorite spot of celebrities such as author Somerset Maugham.  The Long Bar is notable for being where the national cocktail, the Singapore Sling, was invented,  Our skilled guide, Danny, shared with us the details for how and why this drink was created.  Great, fun story/background!!

 

Would we stay here?  Much would depend on cost.  Plus, this hotel not being a high-rise, is fairly sprawled and spread out.  Also, much of the charm of the Raffles are its attractive grounds and landscaping.  BUT, given Singapore's heat and humidity, can those be enjoyed as fully when the weather can be so challenging?  Glad we got to walk around and sample this "LEGEND".  We considered having dinner outside here, but it was a little too hot that day. Hope these pictures give a decent taste for the CLASS that is present at the Raffles.  

 

For those who have visited the Raffles, does this bring back memories?  Any other Raffles stories, details to share?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio 

 

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Here is a view of the front part of the Raffles, plus the second visual shows the wonderfully charming uniform and warm greeting provided when pulling up to this historic hotel.:

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These next Raffles visuals provide a sampling of the ground, greenery, design details, etc.  In the first picture at the top right, you can see part of the JW Marriott South Beach that towers over the Raffles.  As shown, this hotel is only, at its tallest, three-stories high.  Kind of "short" compared to the Marina Bay Sands and the many other luxury brands in Singapore?:

 

 

 

 

Here is another, closer look at the front of the Raffles with its traditional, British Colonial architecture and design.:

[TLCOhio]

YES, the Raffles is a unique experience, but much has changed with that hotel since 2005.  Different owners now, intense competition in Singapore for the high-end, luxury customers, etc.  Practically every "Big Name" hotel is there with offerings that are amazing and facilities to boggle the mind (and wallet). 

 

Part of our challenge last week was that the Raffles hotel is so super upscale and classy that my wife did not believe we were "dressed up" enough to do that much on the inside.  We are told that the Afternoon Tea is wonderful there.  Though their windows, we could see it being offered, but we did not seek to try that experience.  Given the heat and humidity in Singapore, getting too dressed up in long pants, nicer shirts, etc., can be challenging.  We found Singapore to be an awesome and unique mix of "old" and the NEW!! 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

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Many architectural and design elements are still there in Singapore going back to their British Colonial days, plus we are pictured in the middle of townhouses in the Chinatown area.:

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Chinatown in Singapore offers a wide variety of architecture and history going back to the "old days" in this City-State.  The fourth picture below show a model as to how Chinatown looked in the earlier days when this temple visited was located right on the waterfront where ships were unloaded, etc.:

 

 

 

 

 

The Marina Bay Sands and its nearby buildings and museum offerings illustrate a fast-changing skyline.  To the right above my shoulder you can see a round, black ball.  Understand that is an Apple store.  Clearly, Signapore has it "all"!:

[TLCOhio]

Doing pre-cruise research and planning for Singapore is vital.  Why?  There are so many different options to consider in Singapore that you cannot just go off of our ship, walk around, sample and understand it "ALL" that is there and available.  

 

Shopping is big, BIG in Singapore.  We did not do much of that as we do not need to stuff more in our overloaded suit cases.  Plus, we personally already have lots of "stuff" and we are trying to do some "down-sizing".  As you go around in Singapore, you will see the big, expected names for the various luxury brands . . . and more!!  Our skilled guide, Danny L., told us many of those shopping in these various stores are flying in from China where such "name" goods are highly valued and desired.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio  

 

Athens & Greece: Visuals, details from two visits in a city and nearby with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 67,374 views.

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From Singapore's Chinatown, here are some more visuals from the temple we visited.  Second is a picture of my wife with guide Danny L. who explained how a door was painted with military general to scare off the "evil spirits" and protect this place of worship.:

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On the outside of this Chinatown temple, one wall was decorated with a graphic to show how this area looked before landfill expanded Singapore.  As noted, this part of Chinatown used to be right along the waterfront where ship were unloaded.:

[TLCOhio]

From the Wall Street Journal in mid March 2024, they had this headline: “Can a Boring City Become Cool—With a Little Help From Taylor Swift?" with this sub-headline: "Singapore is trying to shake off its reputation for being dull and uptight.”

 

Here are a few of their reporting highlights: “When it comes to fun, Singapore’s government is super serious.  For decades, the manufacturing and trading hub had been known for being a city that was all work and no play. One quip went that Singapore was 'the world’s only shopping mall with a seat at the United Nations.'  Now Singapore is trying to shake off its staid reputation by positioning itself as a cultural hub and using a favored tool: pop concerts.”

 

While in Singapore Feb. 28-March 2, we caught a little of the "Taylor Swift excitement".  While doing the evening light show on Feb. 28, the sound track was her songs and she supposedly was doing that "live" as a warm-up for her six, sold-out concerts that happened in early March.  

 

Here are more details from this WSJ news profile: "Singapore’s pop-star push is the latest in a long-term effort to make a city known for its efficiency, cleanliness and low income taxes a little more lively. For decades, Singapore has said that to attract global talent and forestall emigration, it had to emulate cities like Barcelona and become known as a rich cultural destination."

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/books/can-a-boring-city-become-coolwith-a-little-help-from-taylor-swift-2de2628c?mod=arts-culture_lead_pos3

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

 

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Food and dining delights are big part of the appeal for Singapore.  As a part of our JW Mariott hotel complex, they had a dining option called the Beach Road Kitchen.  Here was one of many, many seafood offering for this huge, massive buffet with such an amazing variety of options.  Lots of excellent dining treats to enjoy on this evening!!  See more details at: https://www.beachroadkitchen.sg.  :

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Nearby to our hotel were some various historic, smaller-scale streets that have preserved much of the charm and character from Singapore's Colonial days.  This first visual gives a sampling.  Fun to walk along and explore here.  We dined for lunch at a wonderful Italian place called Garibaldi.  Very classy and good.  Below is my tasty seafood dish that I enjoyed.:

 

 

 

We were in Singapore a little after the Chinese New Year celebration.  BUT, a few colorful decorations were still up.  Fun!!:

 

Here is a short video sampling for the lights, music and "show" while our boat was on Marina Bay in front of the Sands Hotel/Casino.:

 

[TLCOhio]

Need more from Singapore?    Sorry there is so very much, but this is an amazing city-state.  Don't be shy with any and all comments, questions, sharing.  

 

Will double-check through my photo files.  Might have more "goodies" to share.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

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From the 18th floor pool level of our JW Marriott South Beach hotel, here are a couple of varied views of Singapore's amazing and soaring architecture.:

 

 

Here is an exterior view of our JW Marriott South Beach hotel.  Great location and this luxury hotel was nicely connected at its lower levels to the subway system, shopping, dining, etc.  This hotel design is very unique, but as you can see below, they preserved and utilized some older building in front of the hotel to connect back to and tie-in with the earlier Colonial/British periods of Singapore.:

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[TLCOhio]

Special shout-out and appreciation to agape01 for ALL of the earlier, helpful posts.  Sorry, we were not able to get together while in Singapore.  After our time in India and during our 15-day Silversea Silver Moon sailing, my wife and I kind of needed some R&R time to catch up and prepare for our final Japan time.  AND, the long flight home.  

 

Hopefully, there will be a future opportunity to re-visit Singapore and connect personally.  Keep it coming with your updates and insights from this amazing city-state.   

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

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[TLCOhio]

Just completed going through my photo files to mark what has been previously posted versus . . . "other" visuals that might be of interest/value to share and post.  

 

You are properly warned that "more" might be coming!!  Hope these are of interest to reflect so much of what we experienced, learned and enjoyed.  

 

As always, don't be shy with any questions, comments or sharing of your personal experiences and loves in these various areas.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

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From our JW Marriott hotel 18th floor, here is a view for a portion of the dramatic and high-rising Singapore skyline.  Lighted at the lower middle is the historic Fullerton Hotel.  That historic building was originally their General Post Office going back to the British/colonial days.  Opened in 1928, it was named after Robert Fullerton, the first Governor of the Straits Settlements (1826–1829).  Its site was a fort in the 1800's with much local history centered in and around this location.  We had drinks in that building and enjoyed its well-preserved historic architecture.:

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At several locations in Singapore, we saw "remote robots" in action like this one on the grounds of our JW Marriott hotel.  In some cases, the police use this new technology for "patrolling" with cameras located on the devices.  Lots of "high-tech" in Singapore!:

 

The architectural "details" in Singapore are many and very interesting.  Much of Singapore is both new and old!!  Very seldom boring and bland.  First below is a restored historical area at a dining location where we had a delightful lunch.   Second is another view from the top of the Sands hotel towers overlooking the famed Marina Bay.  Third is another angle for the soaring lobby inside one of the Sands Marina Bay hotel atrium lobbies.:

 

 

 

Here are three different visuals related to our JW Marriott hotel.  First, is the waterfall area in the car/cab drop-off area for accessing this soaring hotel.  Second is an angle on a portion of their large and sprawling seafood dining buffet called Beach Road Kitchen that is a part of the older NCO adjoining building.  Third is an example of the multiple levels of shops, dining, etc., that is connected with the hotel that goes down under to the subway lines, etc.:

 

 

[TLCOhio]

Have rechecked the rest of my pictures from our three days in Singapore and believe I have pulled out what is left of the "better ones".  Hopefully, maybe?

 

Any questions, comments, sharing of your recent Singapore experiences?  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

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https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

 

 

Here are two different angles/views of the Sultan Mosque or Masjid Sultan.  It was opened in 1929 and fully completed in 1932.  It is near and around Haji Lane shops, dining, etc.  Very large and impressive!:

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This one visual summarizes the BIG THREE of Singapore.  The old/historic . . . the new/dramatic . . . and the greenery/trees that are all around uniquely in such a large, urban city.:

 

In the Arab Quarter, here are a couple more views showing the various styles, design and colorful aspects.:

 

 

Looking out from the Sands Marina Bay, this visual illustrates as to how super busy is this port with ships waiting to either load up and/or unload.:

 

In the Chinatown area, here is another old versus new architectural contrast.:

 

For the Sands Marina Bay hotel, it is a far bigger "complex" than just its hotel and gaming facilities.  This wider view gives more of an overall perspective.  Part of the casino is actually down in the lower-level basement.  The convention hall areas are massive and shown on the right side.  Completed in 2010 and costly nearly $7 billion USD, it includes 2,561 hotel rooms, a 1.3 million square feet convention-exhibition center and a million square feet of shopping "opportunities".  At the top on the 57th floor, is the three-acre Sands Skypark, 1,120 feet wide with a 490 feet long infinity swimming pool, plus 250 trees and 650 plants.  Per Wikipedia, it is the world's largest public cantilevered platform.  It was designed by Moshe Safdie, who said his design was initially inspired by card decks. Also as a part of this development are a museum (in the shape of a lotus), indoor ice skating rink, etc.:

 

Our guide, Danny L., is pointing out a cute tee-shirt making the point that Singapore can be called "The Fine City".  Lots of things are prohibited and subject to fines or more serious punishment.  This includes smoking outside, littering, having fireworks, eating/drinking on the subway, etc.  Things are "orderly" in Singapore for a reason!!:

[TLCOhio]

In early March, famous people such as Taylor Swift and us visited and enjoyed Singapore.  Now, another "Big Name" will be headed to the "Lion City".  Who?  The Pope!!  

 

From the Catholic News Agency two days ago, they had this headline: “Vatican releases schedule for Pope Francis’ two-week trip to Asia and Oceania” with these highlights: “Pope Francis will travel more than 20,000 miles over the course of seven flights during his ambitious 12-day trip to four countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania this September.”

 

In Singapore, here are some of the details from their reporting: "Pope Francis will be welcomed to Changi International Airport on Sept. 11. He will meet President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Sept. 12 before presiding over Mass in Singapore’s SportsHub National Stadium. On his last day in Asia, the pope will preside over an interreligious meeting with young people in Singapore’s Catholic Junior College and visit a group of elderly people."

 

Doubt the Pope will be visiting and/or staying at the Sands Marina Bay Hotel and Casino.  Where does a Pope stay in Singapore?  Lots of options?  Maybe things being congested Sept. 11-13?

 

Full story at:

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/258199/vatican-releases-schedule-for-pope-francis-two-week-trip-to-asia-and-oceania

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Early 2020, many visuals and details from New Zealand/South Pacific in going from Auckland to French Polynesia.  This includes Bora Bora, Fiji, NZ experiences, etc:  Live/blog:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2735732-live-terryohio-“new”-regatta-south-pacificnz-pix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine late last month, they had this headline by Katherine Mclaughlin: “Most Beautiful Skylines in the World” with these highlights: “The world’s most beautiful skylines are more than just collections of buildings placed close together: They’re the façades of entire cities, the front doors to many of the earth’s most vibrant metropolises. It’s these man-made horizons that often offer the first impression to visitors and imbue a sense of home to returning locals."

 

Singapore was one of the top cities cited and they noted:  "Singapore’s skyline does not get its beauty from the sheer number of high rise buildings on its horizon, but rather from the unique and innovative quality of each. Moshe Safdie’s Marina Bay Sands and WilkinsonEyre and Grant Associates’s Gardens by the Bay are such examples, which demonstrate contemporary influence and were crafted to provide a distinctive image for the waterfront."

 

Full story at:

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/most-beautiful-cities-skylines?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=cnt&utm_mailing=CNT_Daily_Unpaid_071124&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5db3f99524c17c23c34ecf3e&cndid=6657468&hasha=e1ca3019f9f535a4b98389997c63b892&hashb=7daf2541a0de702392cfe60ed513a5c2d1d23598&hashc=f541a9e649534cc2931bd57d58d8c2cac2bb8c5d298f722bad5b05cc8ad5ece2&esrc=IDCONDENAST_REGGATE

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Canada 2022/2023: Scenic visuals, details from Canada Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island).  Plus, new from Aug. 2023, exploring historic/charming Quebec City.    Visual/Info Summaries:

www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

[jamesbauer]

I haave really enjoyed the 7 'pages' of information about, and tips for Singapore.

We have to wait 6 months to visit but are really looking forward to it.

Thank you, everyone, who contributed.

[TLCOhio]

On 7/15/2024 at 11:41 PM, jamesbauer said:

I haave really enjoyed the 7 'pages' of information about, and tips for Singapore.

We have to wait 6 months to visit but are really looking forward to it.  Thank you, everyone, who contributed.

 

Appreciate these kind comments and follow-up.  Sorry, you have to wait six months, but Singapore will be worth it.  Don't be shy with any and all questions.   

 

From Forbes magazine and this news website connected below yesterday, they had this headline: “Singapore is world’s safest city for tourists, Caracas is the most risky” with these highlights: “Singapore is the world’s safest city in 2024 according to a study by Forbes Advisor looking into the most and least risky cities for tourists to travel to this year.  The study compared 60 international cities, looking into risk metrics such as those related to crime, personal security or health security and relying on data sourced from the US Department of State’s 2024 travel advisories and The Economist’s Safe Cities Index 2021.  Out of 60 analysed cities, Singapore boasted the lowest natural disaster risk, and the second lowest health and infrastructure risks.  After Singapore, the study ranked Tokyo and Toronto as the next safest cities for travelers.”

 

Next safest in order were: Sydney, Australia, fourth and then in order Zurich, Switzerland; Copenhagen, Denmark; Seoul, South Korea; Osaka, Japan; Melbourne, Australia; Amsterdam, Netherlands.  

 

The top 10 riskiest cities ranked according to the study:  Caracas, Venezuela; Karachi, Pakistan;  Lagos, Nigeria; Manila, Philippines; Dhaka, Bangladesh; Bogota, Colombia;  Cairo, Egypt; Mexico City, Mexico; Quito, Ecuador.

 

Full story by WEENA TAN at:

https://ftnnews.com/travel-news/tours/singapore-is-worlds-safest-city-for-tourists-caracas-is-the-most-risky-forbes-advisor/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

India to Singapore 2024: Live/Blog over 20,400 views with many visuals, including “Golden Triangle”, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2992045-live-terryohio-india-to-signapore-silver-moon-rising-pix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From Sydney Morning Herald newspaper late last year, they had this headline: “20 things that will surprise first-time visitors to Singapore” with these highlights by author Paul Chai: “Singapore can seem a bit 'safe' if you have just jetted in from the commuter chaos of Hanoi or the temples-at-dawn wonder of Siem Reap, but the Lion City is a true slice of Asia if you know where to look. In amongst the abundance of signs telling you what to do and the forests of skyscrapers you also have plate-scrapingly-good meals for next to nothing, rich and varied history and pockets of lush jungle.”

 

Among a few things listed by the author that may surprise you:   

Visit a secret rooftop garden
"Anyone who has travelled through Asia knows that Buddha was pretty careless with his belongings and body parts, with temples to his handprints, robes and even teeth. The fourth floor of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum in Singapore's Chinatown is an oasis away from the shopping and eating down below."

 

The pepper crab is better than the chilli crab
"A pile of crustacean in a rich, red chilli sauce may be the poster child for Singapore dining but the black pepper crab is the go-to for those in the know. For a truly local experience head to No Signboard Seafood in Geylang."

 

You could stay for a long time and not get bored
"Often thought of as a quick stopover to somewhere more 'authentic' there is a reason that Singapore is full of expats. It is a great, safe and interesting place to explore so consider staying longer than a couple of days."

 

Full story at:

https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/singapore-travel-guide-and-things-to-do-20-things-that-will-surprise-firsttime-visitors-20211102-h1zjb2.html?collection=p5crxc&gb=1

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Love the Caribbean? Here are popular posts/links with Dominica having over 30,280 views. Much information for . . . .

Barbados:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2179164-barbados-50th-birthday-our-pixs-experiences-feb2015/page/3/#comment-65530134Or, Dominica:  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2169714-dominica-love-our-experience-pictures-etc/page/3/#comment-66637276

Edited August 10 by TLCOhio

[Suslor]

Thanks to everyone especially @TLCOhio and @agape01for all the information. We’ll be in Singapore in December before a 41 day HAL cruise through Asia.
We are booked at the Westin (HAL’s booking) and noticed no one mentioned staying there. Any information?

We have booked a 6 hour private car tour from Viator for the day after arriving and afternoon tea at Raffles the day before boarding. I have a long list of things to see so we’ll talk with our driver and guide to make it more manageable. We are more of arm chair tourists at this point in life. 
Looking forward to hearing about others experiences and comments. Thanks Susan

[agape01]

5 hours ago, Suslor said:

We are booked at the Westin (HAL’s booking) and noticed no one mentioned staying there. Any information?

 

The Westin is now located at the Marina Bay Financial Center area facing Marina Bay. Its within walking distance to the Marina Bay Convention Center and Casino.

This is the Google Map of the location just in case you didn't do a google search on it.

[Suslor]

6 hours ago, agape01 said:

The Westin is now located at the Marina Bay Financial Center area facing Marina Bay. Its within walking distance to the Marina Bay Convention Center and Casino.

This is the Google Map of the location just in case you didn't do a google search on it.

Thanks. I did do a search but can’t find where it is in relation to Raffles. I’ll do a Mapquest to get a better idea. Susan

[agape01]

40 minutes ago, Suslor said:

Thanks. I did do a search but can’t find where it is in relation to Raffles. I’ll do a Mapquest to get a better idea. Susan

Don't sweat it too much.

The distance is walkable.

[SusieKIslandGirl]

Quite a few of us from our cruise are staying at the Clarke Quay Holiday Inn Express. The location looks fairly good and the price is good. Hope we made a good choice.

 

[TLCOhio]

On 8/11/2024 at 12:13 PM, SusieKIslandGirl said:

Quite a few of us from our cruise are staying at the Clarke Quay Holiday Inn Express. The location looks fairly good and the price is good. Hope we made a good choice.

 

From our experience earlier this year in Singapore, keep in mind that is is a big, BIG sprawling city, but with many good transportation options and potentials.  

 

As this below Google map shows, your hotel is at some distance from Marina Bay and certain key attractions.  The large red dot on the left middle of this graphic shows your hotel location.  You will be near the Singapore River, but a number of blocks from many key attractions, including many fun sites/options along this river nearer to the amazing Marina Bay.  Unless you are young and super skilled, it will be challenging to walk from there to the Merion, Fullerton Hotel, Esplanade Concert Hall, etc.   

 

Given this location, be sure to research and plan ahead as to what are your highest priorities to see, do and experience.  

 

What's most important for you personally in Singapore?  Shopping?  Museums? Amusement parks?  Night light/music programs?  Dining variety?  Architecture?  Historic, nationality sections such as Chinatown or the Arab Quarter?  Music?  Nature?  Floral displays?  Street food?   The good news?  Lots of great options in Singapore!!  But, my guess is that your time is limited.  Right? 

 

How flexible is your budget?  Public transportation there is very good, but takes more time and logistics compared to having a private guide and driver.  For our first day there, having a skilled private guide and driver allowed us to see, do and enjoy much, much more.  PLUS, understand what we were seeing, knowing why it was important, get ALL of our questions answered, etc.  

 

I am sure agape01 can offer additional insights and excellent tips.  BUT, in my view, do not just arrive at your hotel and assume you can only "walk around" from that location in order to sample most of the 'Best of the Best" in Singapore.   

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

India to Singapore 2024: Live/Blog over 21,000 views with many visuals, including “Golden Triangle”, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2992045-live-terryohio-india-to-signapore-silver-moon-rising-pix’s/