Singapore Famil - Natalie Shackcloth
28 May - 2 June 2010
 Leaving Hobart behind at a brisk 10 degrees it was a pleasant surprise to arrive in Singapore 10pm local time and a balmy 28 degrees.
Anything and everything can be bought in Singapore. It is not the discount shopping/copies of Thailand and Hong Kong but rather the genuine article. Bugati Street is possibly the closest to the ladie's markets of Hong Kong but a very condensed version!
SINGAPORE FLYER
Opened in 2008, this is the world's largest observation wheel. On a clear day you can see Indonesia to the south and Malaysia the north. Capsules can be hired for private/corporate functions (can fit up to 28 people depending upon set up). They also have Moet & Chandon champagne 'flights' or signature cocktail flights - nice idea. Very romantic!
MARINA BAY SANDS
A destination within itself which is set to transform Singapore's waterfront. Owned by a Vegas conglomerate, the complex features a casino, convention and entertainment centre, shopping centre (to include a canal with sampans similar to in Vegas ) and a 3 tower hotel complex complete with a skypark spanning the 3 towers - absolutely amazing!
FYI - passports need to be shown to enter the casino. A fee of SGD100 per 24hrs must be paid by all Singaporean's wanting to enter the casino. This is the government's way of controlling gambling addictions - interesting.
SENTOSA ISLAND
 Home to the beaches of Singapore, Tiger Tower, Imbiah Lookout etc. and also the recently opened ResortsWorld Sentosa. This group features hotels such as Hard Rock and Festive - great for families. It is also the site for the first Universal Studios in Asia which is already proving extremely popular with locals and tourists alike. They will actually close admittance once a certain number is reached so as not to overcrowd it which is a very sensible idea. The day we were there I missed several rides because wait times were over an hour each time and our time was limited and it was not a weekend either. Only a soft opening - still more rides to open.
Songs of the Sea is the light show held twice nightly on Sentosa. A bit like Hi-5 at the start with the kids singing/acting but spectacular lighting (handy hint: the second show beats the crowds!).
On Sentosa we stayed at CAPELLA - in a word WOW! The hotel has been built around original colonial army barracks with a modern edge. All rooms have views, espresso machines, twin showers, complimentary minibar (only juices/waters though, not alcohol). Buffet breakfast is laid out for your choice, however hot food is cooked to order - no eggs waiting around in a bain-marie for hours here!
My pool experience was impressive .... as I sit by the pool (one of 3 infinity pools), water in an ice bucket by my side (we don't want you to dehydrate at our pool I was told).
SINGAPORE ZOO
 I don't think it matters how old you are, this zoo is a magical place. Having now done both the night safari and the breakfast one, my choice would be still be the day, purely as it offers a lot more animals than the night does. That takes nothing away from the experience at night zoo with fire-show etc - why not do both?!
CLARKE QUAY
On the waterfront is the happening area for bars, restaurants and nightclubs. One very interesting bar, worth a visit to see is The Clinic. Here tables are made from stainless steel hospital trolleys, wheelchairs are sprayed gold, and hospital beds have been cut in half to form couches . Staff are dressed in scrubs but the most interesting thing is the drinks - served in drip bags! Quite unique if not a little weird!
RAFFLES
 Of course, no visit to Singapore is complete without sipping on a Singapore sling (or several) in the famous Long Bar, complete with peanut shells on the floor.
HOTELS
Brief summary of the other hotels we stayed at or inspected - apart from Capella!
Shangri-la - very welcoming, large rooms, 10min walk to Orchard Road Traders, little cousin to Shangri-la, very busy, popular hotel.
Stamford - I had stayed here before, location great has MRT underneath for easy transport, nice rooms.
Fairmont (next door to Stamford) - very classy, free Nike shoes every day in some of the rooms. One of the suites had the most amazing shower in which all 12 of us fit comfortably for a photo!
Fullerton - another of my kind of hotel! Magnificent, originally the post office. They have purchased the two adjoining piers along the waterfront and almost complete is their new property, Fullerton on the Bay, which is built entirely over the water.
Merchant Court - rooms undergoing renovations. It is 17yrs since some of the bathrooms have been touched and is starting to show. New rooms - very nice and comfortable.
Mandarin Oriental - great location, Orchard Road is there! However staff here not overly friendly.
Raffles - of course, no visit to Singapore is complete without sipping on a Singapore sling (or several) in the famous Long Bar.
INTERESTING SINGAPORE FACTS
1.There are no cows!! How could there be, there is no where to put them!
2. Much of Singapore is built on reclaimed land - you have to wait for 25 years before you can build on reclaimed land.
3. The government imposes an additional tax on cars usually around SGD30,000. This is in an effort to control the traffic and encourage public transport system. This is also why the cars are often treated better than some wives according to our guide!
4. All boys, upon leaving school, must spend minimum 2 years in armed forces. First year is spent in Singapore then they are shipped off to Malaysia and often Australia for the final year.
5. Singaporean's favourite pastime is eating! The local fruit delicacy DURION is said to smell like hell but taste like heaven ... well let me tell you it tastes like hell too!
So, as I settle into my business class seat, Bailey's in hand and the 'Valentines Day' movie on my screen I am confident I will return to Singapore (and Capella) one day.
Singapore has definitely become much more than just a stopover city.
Natalie Shackcloth
Corporate Travel Consultant
Phone 03 6224 7444
Email natalie@travelstudio.com.au
|