How many days to see Singapore?
Jun 17th, 2004, 12:26 PM
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How many days to see Singapore?
We will be 2 weeks in Asia between Singapore and Tokyo. Right now I have 6 days in Singapore, 1 day for travel to Tokyo, and 7 days in Tokyo. Is 6 days enough or too much? I've been to Japan many times but this will be the first time to Singapore. Thanks for your advice.
Susie
Susie
Jun 17th, 2004, 08:14 PM
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I've been to Singapore once and felt that my 3 days were enough. I didn't go to Bintan in Indoneasia during that time, so that area may be an option for spending some of your 6 days.
Somebody said "perfect", but I'd say a little "too long".
Not knowing your situation (your first time to Southeast Asia, you've already been 7 times to Thailand already, don't like the beach, really enjoy the beach, want nightlife, love cities, etc.) it's hard to recommend what's too long for you.
If you've been to Southeast Asia often, but never Singapore, then you can spend 6 days (with side trip to Bintan if you like beach/resorts.)
If it is your first time in Southeast Asia, then I'd try to find a way to take in Thailand too and spend less time in Singapore. Honestly, I am glad I went to see Singapore once, but I personally don't plan to go back. It didn't seem very exotic to me in comparison to the surrounding countries.
By the way, I live in Tokyo and hope you enjoy your time in Japan again.
Somebody said "perfect", but I'd say a little "too long".
Not knowing your situation (your first time to Southeast Asia, you've already been 7 times to Thailand already, don't like the beach, really enjoy the beach, want nightlife, love cities, etc.) it's hard to recommend what's too long for you.
If you've been to Southeast Asia often, but never Singapore, then you can spend 6 days (with side trip to Bintan if you like beach/resorts.)
If it is your first time in Southeast Asia, then I'd try to find a way to take in Thailand too and spend less time in Singapore. Honestly, I am glad I went to see Singapore once, but I personally don't plan to go back. It didn't seem very exotic to me in comparison to the surrounding countries.
By the way, I live in Tokyo and hope you enjoy your time in Japan again.
Jun 17th, 2004, 09:01 PM
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I could certainly find plenty to do in Singapore for 6 days. I've been there at least a dozen times, and I always enjoy going back. If you are a city person, 6 days will be great. No need to head for Bintan (or Sentosa for that matter).
Jun 17th, 2004, 10:19 PM
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Singapore is interesting, but I wouldn't spend 6 days there. It's just a big city, extremely well run mind you, but it's still a city. I've been there a few times because it's an important hub if one's traveling from West Coast to SE Asia, and the schedule tends to necessiate staying over. After two full days in Singapore, I'd head out to Malacca or somewhere close by.
Jun 19th, 2004, 02:01 PM
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Susiesan-What kinds of things are you interested in? I still say 6 days in Singapore would be perfect.I've stayed there for nearly two weeks and still haven't seen everything. I've been there several times and will return again in August...along with returning to Thailand which I've also been to several times. I love both places for different reasons. In Singapore I shop and eat...and there's some great shopping...like the Tanglin Mall...the one with the antique stores...there are other Tanglin shopping complexes...and the interior design center...Park Mall...at the Dhoby Gaut MRT(subway)next to the YMCA Hotel at 1 Orchard Road...and all the great restaurants at Clarks Quay...especially Thanying Thai restaurant...and on Club Street...Indochine restaurant and more gorgeous interior design stores.. or the Indochine restaurant in the beautiful Asian Civilisations museum.Plus all the areas like the Indian area, and China town area, and Muslim area..with the mosque and great shops selling textiles...batik..etc..And the Chijmes comlex with restaurants and boutiques and Lei Garden Chinese restaurant which is a very popular restaurant...plus Raffles' bar and the Singapore sling...It goes on and on...Happy travels!
Jun 22nd, 2004, 01:49 AM
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6 days in Spore is waaaaaay to long!!! It's tiny island with really nothing much to do other than shop, shop, shop AND shop!!!
But then again, it depends what you are after. I've known friends who just spend days lounging by the pool of their hotel!!
Other than shopping, you can ( I suppose) visit their zoo, or better still take the Night Safari. There is Sentosa Island but I think Batam Island is a much better bet.
At the end of the day, if you are after more exotic destinations, Spore is not really the place to be. It's a huge indoor shopping mall on an island. I would rather pop over to Malaysia to see more of au-natural South East Asia eg: Malacca.
Have fun!
But then again, it depends what you are after. I've known friends who just spend days lounging by the pool of their hotel!!
Other than shopping, you can ( I suppose) visit their zoo, or better still take the Night Safari. There is Sentosa Island but I think Batam Island is a much better bet.
At the end of the day, if you are after more exotic destinations, Spore is not really the place to be. It's a huge indoor shopping mall on an island. I would rather pop over to Malaysia to see more of au-natural South East Asia eg: Malacca.
Have fun!
Jun 22nd, 2004, 03:59 PM
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Oh, I forgot to add that in the Impact guide called Treasures and Pleasures of Singapore/Bali...see my post on shopping books...there's a list of 101 things to do while in Singapore...some really great ideas...especially for those first-timers or those who might not feel that Singapore is as exotic/interesting a destination as other places. Happy travels.
Jun 22nd, 2004, 05:16 PM
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We stayed in Singapore 2 years ago...4 Nights on the way to Thailand and 1 night on the way back...I still could have stayed another night..There is tons to do other than shopping, and after a long flight from Canada...it was sure nice to have some relaxation time...My fav's were the Jurong Bird Park and the Night Safari...I would love to go back again some day..And the food is fabulous as well...
Jun 23rd, 2004, 07:01 AM
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Hi Susie - Here's something I shared in another post. Might be useful for you if you haven't seen it yet. There's also a good website to vist mentioned below:
1. FOOD
(i) Hock Lam Beef Noodles, Purvis Street: very good beef noodles done the traditional way complete with family feuds about who owns the original recipe.
(ii) Wanton Noodles: Any food court or hawker centre will have this ubiquitous Chinese noodle dish. It's basically yellow thin noodles and meat dumplings. Have it sphagetti style, i.e. dry, or with soup.
(iii) Local feast at Geylang: Check out this website for local recommendations and addresses http://www.the-inncrowd.com/geylang.htm
(iv) Porridge/Congee: Hop on the subway/MRT and drop off at Outram Station. You'll find yourself in Chinatown. Find your way to Tiong Shian Porridge Centre, 265 New Bridge Road, Ground Floor, Business Hour : 7am - 2am
(v) East Coast Seafood Centre: Most well known place to enjoy reasonably priced seafood.
(vi) Japanese Fusion: Lovely japanese food by the head of the Singapore river - Haru, 1 Fullerton Road, One Fullerton #01-07. There's a row of fine restaurants here so if Japanese isn't your thing, there're also steak houses to try.
2. SHOPPING
(i) Clothes etc: Skip Orchard Road, the shopping belt, hop onto an MRT (the subway) and hop off at Toa Payoh or Ang Mo Kio. Wander around the neighbourhood shops to find reasonably priced clothes. Some shops stock extra large sizes and these are great for bigger folks like me.
(ii) Electronics: Travel to City Hall MRT Station and ask your way to Funan Centre. Known for computers and electronics. Or if you've heard of Sim Lim Square and want to go there instead, take the MRT to Bugis Station and ask your way there.
3. MUSEUMS
(i) Singapore Art Museum: Situated along Bras Basah Road, this place I feel, is a must visit. It makes good its objective to make the arts accessible to Singaporeans and has free admission after 6pm every Friday. It brings in quality shows and has hosted a tour from the Guggenheim for e.g.
1. FOOD
(i) Hock Lam Beef Noodles, Purvis Street: very good beef noodles done the traditional way complete with family feuds about who owns the original recipe.
(ii) Wanton Noodles: Any food court or hawker centre will have this ubiquitous Chinese noodle dish. It's basically yellow thin noodles and meat dumplings. Have it sphagetti style, i.e. dry, or with soup.
(iii) Local feast at Geylang: Check out this website for local recommendations and addresses http://www.the-inncrowd.com/geylang.htm
(iv) Porridge/Congee: Hop on the subway/MRT and drop off at Outram Station. You'll find yourself in Chinatown. Find your way to Tiong Shian Porridge Centre, 265 New Bridge Road, Ground Floor, Business Hour : 7am - 2am
(v) East Coast Seafood Centre: Most well known place to enjoy reasonably priced seafood.
(vi) Japanese Fusion: Lovely japanese food by the head of the Singapore river - Haru, 1 Fullerton Road, One Fullerton #01-07. There's a row of fine restaurants here so if Japanese isn't your thing, there're also steak houses to try.
2. SHOPPING
(i) Clothes etc: Skip Orchard Road, the shopping belt, hop onto an MRT (the subway) and hop off at Toa Payoh or Ang Mo Kio. Wander around the neighbourhood shops to find reasonably priced clothes. Some shops stock extra large sizes and these are great for bigger folks like me.
(ii) Electronics: Travel to City Hall MRT Station and ask your way to Funan Centre. Known for computers and electronics. Or if you've heard of Sim Lim Square and want to go there instead, take the MRT to Bugis Station and ask your way there.
3. MUSEUMS
(i) Singapore Art Museum: Situated along Bras Basah Road, this place I feel, is a must visit. It makes good its objective to make the arts accessible to Singaporeans and has free admission after 6pm every Friday. It brings in quality shows and has hosted a tour from the Guggenheim for e.g.
Jun 23rd, 2004, 07:48 AM
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Singapore has a number of delightful museums. I highly recommend the Museum of Asian Civilizations, bith branches (the renovated Empress Place has now reopened) and the charming museum in Raffles Hotel.
I always visit the Orchid Garden at the Botanical Gardens (and splurge on a lunch at Les Amis Au Jardin - very pricey, but exquisite).
Others have mentioned the zoo and the Jurong bird park. There is also a rainforest park to hike in - sorry, I can't remember the name.
Wander through Little India; look at high end antiques at the decorator shops at Dempsey Road (old Army barracks filled with interesting antiques, carpets, etc.).
I always enjoy Singapore, but I really don't think it's very good for shopping. There are relatively few crafts (my primary interest) and the prices on high end goods is about what you'd pay elsewhere. I have only occasionally made major purchases in Singapore (two large carpets I shipped back years ago).
I always visit the Orchid Garden at the Botanical Gardens (and splurge on a lunch at Les Amis Au Jardin - very pricey, but exquisite).
Others have mentioned the zoo and the Jurong bird park. There is also a rainforest park to hike in - sorry, I can't remember the name.
Wander through Little India; look at high end antiques at the decorator shops at Dempsey Road (old Army barracks filled with interesting antiques, carpets, etc.).
I always enjoy Singapore, but I really don't think it's very good for shopping. There are relatively few crafts (my primary interest) and the prices on high end goods is about what you'd pay elsewhere. I have only occasionally made major purchases in Singapore (two large carpets I shipped back years ago).
Jun 24th, 2004, 10:53 PM
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No body mention Mustafa Center. If you are shopping, they have everything under one roof and it is much cheaper than elsewhere. They even have an hotel in thier maill. www.mustafa.com.sg
Oct 20th, 2004, 01:55 PM
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The trip was changed to April, but same amount of days. We like to see museums and temples, to shop, to go to the beach, to eat. Been to Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam in the area so going elsewhere for a few days wouldn't be feasable. Taking a cooking class would be fun as I love making Asian food.
Oct 21st, 2004, 04:19 AM
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I agree wholeheartedly with posters saying 6 days is perfect. I've been there, alone, 4 times for stays of 2 to 5 days and have done and seen most everything.
In March I will take my wife for 6 days and have almost every hour planned already. It will be perfect for her.
We are jumbling things up a bit as arrival will be from KL by train.
In March I will take my wife for 6 days and have almost every hour planned already. It will be perfect for her.
We are jumbling things up a bit as arrival will be from KL by train.
Oct 21st, 2004, 05:24 AM
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Hi susiesan!
If you are interested in taking cooking classes both the Raffles Culinary Academy (at the Raffles Hotel Arcade) and the Coriander Leaf Restaurant offer excellent cooking classes that I would highly recommend during your stay in Singapore.
As you probably know Singapore isn't terribly "beachy" but both Sentosa and the East Coast have public beach areas. Sentosa also has a new spa that is terrific although aside from the spa and,if you have children, Underwater World it doesn't have much to offer. Have a great trip!
If you are interested in taking cooking classes both the Raffles Culinary Academy (at the Raffles Hotel Arcade) and the Coriander Leaf Restaurant offer excellent cooking classes that I would highly recommend during your stay in Singapore.
As you probably know Singapore isn't terribly "beachy" but both Sentosa and the East Coast have public beach areas. Sentosa also has a new spa that is terrific although aside from the spa and,if you have children, Underwater World it doesn't have much to offer. Have a great trip!
