WHAT TO DO IN SINGAPORE IF YOU HAVE 4 DAYS
Mar 22nd, 2004, 07:24 AM
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Do a search on this site. There have been dozens of threads about what to do in Singapore. It really depends on what your interests are. The range includes visiting the Orchid Garden in the Botanical Gardens, the Asian Cultural Museum (I believe both locations are now open), a tiny museum in Raffles Hotel, perhaps a visit to the Zoo (breakfast with the orangutangs or the night zoo), Jurong Bird Park, or a hike through the rainforest park.
If you give us some idea of your budget, many people can recommend hotels. Singapore may have the best selection of excellent hotels in the world.
Singapore is also known for its excellent restaurants. Again, give us an idea of what you are looking for and people can recommend anything from a $200 lunch to hawkers stalls. Are you looking for a special occasion spot? inexpensive? what kind of food?
And what is it you want to shop for in Singapore?
If you give us some idea of your budget, many people can recommend hotels. Singapore may have the best selection of excellent hotels in the world.
Singapore is also known for its excellent restaurants. Again, give us an idea of what you are looking for and people can recommend anything from a $200 lunch to hawkers stalls. Are you looking for a special occasion spot? inexpensive? what kind of food?
And what is it you want to shop for in Singapore?
Mar 22nd, 2004, 09:16 PM
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Hi
Check out the page http://www.the-inncrowd.com/. They have quite a lot of info on what to see, do, eat etc in Singapore.
Regards
Gard
Stavanger, Norway
www.gardkarlsen.com
Check out the page http://www.the-inncrowd.com/. They have quite a lot of info on what to see, do, eat etc in Singapore.
Regards
Gard
Stavanger, Norway
www.gardkarlsen.com
Mar 22nd, 2004, 11:49 PM
#5
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I want to thank you all for your advice.
Kathie,
you asked me to be more specific: do you know a good hotel at the $200 a night. Good resturants for $200 for two. As far as shopping is there anywhere you would recommend for jewellery.
Kathie,
you asked me to be more specific: do you know a good hotel at the $200 a night. Good resturants for $200 for two. As far as shopping is there anywhere you would recommend for jewellery.
Mar 23rd, 2004, 05:33 AM
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Shag, for hotels, at $200 a night, you'll have your pick of some really wonderful hotels. You probably can't get Raffles for that price, but most of the best hotels in Singapore will have some rooms at that price. I'd suggest that you browse through the options at www.asia-hotels.com Here are some I would recommend considering: The Grand Hyatt Singapore (the Grand rooms are all suites, lovely, and just redone), the two towers at Raffles Place - The Rafffles Plaza (rooms are bigger) or the Stamford Swisshotel, the Four Seasons, the Ritz-Carleton (though I seem to remember that the location isn't as convenient - someone here can comment on that). Do choose a hotel that has easy access to the MRT, as it's the quickest way to get around.
For restaurants, you'll generally be hard-pressed to spend $200 for 2 people (unless you're choosing very expensive wine). But here are a few of my favorite high-end places: I love Les Amis au Jardin, a lovely French restaurant located in the Botanical Gardens. I prefer to eat lunch there, as you'll have the advantage of the view. You MUST have reservations. At Raffles Hotel (note this is the real Raffles, not Raffles the Plaza), my favorite place to eat is Doc Cheng's for fusion cuisine. Tiffin's and The Grill are other options at Raffles. A serch on this site will reveal many other ideas.
Singapore isn't the best place in Asia to buy jewelry. It doesn't have the bargains of Bangkok. There are many excellent jewelry stores, but do know the prices at home before you shop. Expect to save a little money, but not much.
Singapore Tourist Board has wonderful literature. Locate them on the web, and they will gladly send you their publications. They will give info on the main attractions in Singapore and may have some jewelry store recommendation, as they do have recommendations for tailors that meet the highest standards.
For restaurants, you'll generally be hard-pressed to spend $200 for 2 people (unless you're choosing very expensive wine). But here are a few of my favorite high-end places: I love Les Amis au Jardin, a lovely French restaurant located in the Botanical Gardens. I prefer to eat lunch there, as you'll have the advantage of the view. You MUST have reservations. At Raffles Hotel (note this is the real Raffles, not Raffles the Plaza), my favorite place to eat is Doc Cheng's for fusion cuisine. Tiffin's and The Grill are other options at Raffles. A serch on this site will reveal many other ideas.
Singapore isn't the best place in Asia to buy jewelry. It doesn't have the bargains of Bangkok. There are many excellent jewelry stores, but do know the prices at home before you shop. Expect to save a little money, but not much.
Singapore Tourist Board has wonderful literature. Locate them on the web, and they will gladly send you their publications. They will give info on the main attractions in Singapore and may have some jewelry store recommendation, as they do have recommendations for tailors that meet the highest standards.
Mar 23rd, 2004, 10:03 PM
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Kathie:
Thank you so much for your help. Do you think the Peninsula is a good choice for hotel. My husband thinks it might be more centraly located. Please let me know if you think your suggestions are preferable.
Thank you so much for your help. Do you think the Peninsula is a good choice for hotel. My husband thinks it might be more centraly located. Please let me know if you think your suggestions are preferable.
Mar 24th, 2004, 05:40 AM
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Well, the Peninsula is a 5 -10 minute walk from the City Hall MRT. It's not a terrible location, but I prefer something in the Orchard Road or Raffles Place areas. I guess it depends on where you are going. I checked with www.asia-hotels.com and it indicates that there is currently construction going on at the Pen. Do check that website for prices and reviews of hotels. (By the way, I've booked through them many times and have had excellent service.)
Mar 25th, 2004, 12:54 AM
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A bit of advice from readers who know Singapore: back in the Dark Ages (the 1970s) I stayed at the Ladyhill Hotel -I think it was on Orange Grove Road? I found it a very pleasant place, not at all like the standard international glass box over the road (the Shangri-La). Has anyone stayed there lately, and how did you find it?
BTW, Shag, using caps is a bit disconcerting, like shouting - if you hit the key marked "caps lock" that'll fix it. Thanks!
BTW, Shag, using caps is a bit disconcerting, like shouting - if you hit the key marked "caps lock" that'll fix it. Thanks!
Mar 31st, 2004, 01:42 PM
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I agree with Kathie, Singapore is not the best place for jewelry as the prices are very similar to here.
However, gold IS a good deal because it's sold as it is all over the rest of Asia by the gram.
I bought a necklace in Little India last July. Don't worry about the language, most people in these shops speak English or have someone nearby who does. And besides, all things are possible with a calculator and pen and paper!
However, gold IS a good deal because it's sold as it is all over the rest of Asia by the gram.
I bought a necklace in Little India last July. Don't worry about the language, most people in these shops speak English or have someone nearby who does. And besides, all things are possible with a calculator and pen and paper!
Apr 2nd, 2004, 04:04 AM
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What to do in Singapore? - well, shopping of course. But it's easy just to spend a day walking checking out Raffles, the Harbour, historical remnants. Also the National Museum. And go to Changi Prison Camp and remember.
Apr 2nd, 2004, 04:11 AM
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I was there last year for 4 days & stayed at the Shangri La hotel on Sentosa Island. Which is great bcoz you can mix shopping with lazing about on the beach. It's so near to the city that every night but 1 we went into the city for dinner.
Apr 6th, 2004, 03:10 AM
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Hi,
In Singapore you have to eat!!!! Bring lots of Eno to help you digest.. Places to try are :
Boon Tong Kee for Hainanese Chicken Rice
(at 401, Ballestier Rd)
Crystal Jade Palace for Chinese Cuisine
(at Paragon Shopping Centre on Orchard Rd)
Brewerkz for good wholesome beer and ambience (at Riverside Point opposite Clarke Quay)
Go to Fullerton Hotel's Long Bar for their Lychee Capiroshka and gaze out at the Merlion
Moomba for asian fusian/aussie cuisine
(at boat quay)their wine selection is one of the best
If you are feeling adventurous...go to Geylang and try the king of all fruits...DURIAN!!! You will smell them before you see them...There are different quality of durians..your best bet is D24 durians!!!
The Lord of the Rings exhibitionwill still be on..the only one in Asia..
awesome if you are a diehard fan..well worth the $$$$
Happy eating!!!
Oh..and ...whatever you do, don't miss the Night Safari...and also the day zoo...
In Singapore you have to eat!!!! Bring lots of Eno to help you digest.. Places to try are :
Boon Tong Kee for Hainanese Chicken Rice
(at 401, Ballestier Rd)
Crystal Jade Palace for Chinese Cuisine
(at Paragon Shopping Centre on Orchard Rd)
Brewerkz for good wholesome beer and ambience (at Riverside Point opposite Clarke Quay)
Go to Fullerton Hotel's Long Bar for their Lychee Capiroshka and gaze out at the Merlion
Moomba for asian fusian/aussie cuisine
(at boat quay)their wine selection is one of the best
If you are feeling adventurous...go to Geylang and try the king of all fruits...DURIAN!!! You will smell them before you see them...There are different quality of durians..your best bet is D24 durians!!!
The Lord of the Rings exhibitionwill still be on..the only one in Asia..
awesome if you are a diehard fan..well worth the $$$$
Happy eating!!!
Oh..and ...whatever you do, don't miss the Night Safari...and also the day zoo...
Apr 6th, 2004, 08:52 AM
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The Shangri La on Orange Grove road is a wonderful hotel and far from your typical glass boxes. The hotel has recently had a complete top to bottom refurb.
For a splurge go for their beautiful tropical garden wing rooms - they have balcony's overlooking probably the best pool in Singapore. For a mega splurge go for the newley reopened Valley Wing rooms (free Champagne all day long!)
For restaurants - I find the restaurants around Clarke and Boat Quay, whilst exciting, the quality is very hit and miss.
I really enjoyed the Tiffin room at Raffles hotel, it does a lovely curry buffet in the evening. If white marble and colonial things are not your cup of tea, however, you should avoid the tiffin room like the plague.
A sunset drink at the top of the Swisshotel (some 80 or so stories up) is also worthwhile, but expensive.
The Night Safari is certainly worthwhile. If there is more than 1 of you go by taxi, otherwise it will probably be cheaper to book the excursion via your concierge.
For a splurge go for their beautiful tropical garden wing rooms - they have balcony's overlooking probably the best pool in Singapore. For a mega splurge go for the newley reopened Valley Wing rooms (free Champagne all day long!)
For restaurants - I find the restaurants around Clarke and Boat Quay, whilst exciting, the quality is very hit and miss.
I really enjoyed the Tiffin room at Raffles hotel, it does a lovely curry buffet in the evening. If white marble and colonial things are not your cup of tea, however, you should avoid the tiffin room like the plague.
A sunset drink at the top of the Swisshotel (some 80 or so stories up) is also worthwhile, but expensive.
The Night Safari is certainly worthwhile. If there is more than 1 of you go by taxi, otherwise it will probably be cheaper to book the excursion via your concierge.
Apr 6th, 2004, 10:58 AM
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One other thing, if you are in town on a Sunday, DO NOT miss the Sunday Brunch at the Ritz. Live quartet, lobster, sushi, made to order chocolate souffle, Moet & Chandon White Star bubbly, etc. The list goes on.
I've been to pricey brunches all over the place including L.A., Vegas, Bangkok, etc. and this one is hands down the best I've ever had. And at $50 a person it is a BARGAIN.
They only have 2 seatings because people linger so long. We were there for almost 3 hours. It was incredible. And if you don't see what you want, ask. They had cracked lobster claws (on ice) but I wanted mine with butter so I asked the chef and they immediately brought me a bowl of melted butter to the table. Yummy!
The service is superb.
I've been to pricey brunches all over the place including L.A., Vegas, Bangkok, etc. and this one is hands down the best I've ever had. And at $50 a person it is a BARGAIN.
They only have 2 seatings because people linger so long. We were there for almost 3 hours. It was incredible. And if you don't see what you want, ask. They had cracked lobster claws (on ice) but I wanted mine with butter so I asked the chef and they immediately brought me a bowl of melted butter to the table. Yummy!
The service is superb.
Apr 6th, 2004, 11:35 AM
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One more thing I just remembered! LOL
Go to the outdoor food stalls in Chinatown (I forget the name of the street but it's a major place, you'll find it) and have some stingray! It was delicious.
If you would like to see a picture of the lobster claws and stingray, go here....
http://www.ilovelowcarb.com/lobster-stingray-combo.jpg
Go to the outdoor food stalls in Chinatown (I forget the name of the street but it's a major place, you'll find it) and have some stingray! It was delicious.
If you would like to see a picture of the lobster claws and stingray, go here....
http://www.ilovelowcarb.com/lobster-stingray-combo.jpg
Apr 6th, 2004, 01:58 PM
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Another vote for the night Safari at the Zoo.
Try Peranakan (Nonya) cuisine, unique to that area.
Best place to shop for gold - ..... Bridge Building - help my decaying brain cells here! Why can't I remember the name? I can even see some of the stalls inside!
Try Peranakan (Nonya) cuisine, unique to that area.
Best place to shop for gold - ..... Bridge Building - help my decaying brain cells here! Why can't I remember the name? I can even see some of the stalls inside!
Apr 7th, 2004, 03:26 AM
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Singapore is known only for ONE thing-SHOPPING! below are the more famous shopping place:
ORCHARD RD- you can't get away from this place. It's the heart of Singapore. From Cartier to Hermes, this is the place to shop for your famous brands. You can re-claim your GST (at Changi Airport) if you spend more than SIN$300 in the same store.
I live in Australia and when I compare the prices, even things like the Shu Uemera eyelash curler is SOOO much cheaper!
SIM LIM SQUARE- if you are into electronics, this is where the locals go to get their gadgets. Do bargain! 10-20% is doing pretty well.
CHINATOWN + BUGIS- here is where one can get silk pyjamas for 15 bucks. More local designs. Think outdoor markets.
FOODWISE- You will have NO end of choices. I personally recommend some of my favourites:
LEY GARDEN- fantastic Chinese!!! (more so-Cantonese cuisine). I've eaten Chinese all over the world and this place serves the good ol favourites in re-freshing new ways. Very tasty indeed. A bit more pricier but worth it. Also requires bookings. Ask your concierge.
BREAD TALK- this local bakery when first opened its doors, had a line snaking the building in Paragon!! Now, one can find an outlet almost everywhere. Must try is the Pork/Chicken Floss buns. Yummy-you won't regret it.
BOAT QUAY and CLARKE QUAY- for night life and food, ask the locals directions to get here. They are basically re-done pre-war shop houses now very popular at night for food, karaoke and just to walk around.
hope this helps. Singapore is a very easy city to get around in as it's really compact. Just walk and take the local train-MRT. It will get you EVERYWHERE. Other than that, there is really nothing much to offer besides the shopping and food. Forget her beaches and nature stuff. I found them way too "fake" and touristy for my liking.
ORCHARD RD- you can't get away from this place. It's the heart of Singapore. From Cartier to Hermes, this is the place to shop for your famous brands. You can re-claim your GST (at Changi Airport) if you spend more than SIN$300 in the same store.
I live in Australia and when I compare the prices, even things like the Shu Uemera eyelash curler is SOOO much cheaper!
SIM LIM SQUARE- if you are into electronics, this is where the locals go to get their gadgets. Do bargain! 10-20% is doing pretty well.
CHINATOWN + BUGIS- here is where one can get silk pyjamas for 15 bucks. More local designs. Think outdoor markets.
FOODWISE- You will have NO end of choices. I personally recommend some of my favourites:
LEY GARDEN- fantastic Chinese!!! (more so-Cantonese cuisine). I've eaten Chinese all over the world and this place serves the good ol favourites in re-freshing new ways. Very tasty indeed. A bit more pricier but worth it. Also requires bookings. Ask your concierge.
BREAD TALK- this local bakery when first opened its doors, had a line snaking the building in Paragon!! Now, one can find an outlet almost everywhere. Must try is the Pork/Chicken Floss buns. Yummy-you won't regret it.
BOAT QUAY and CLARKE QUAY- for night life and food, ask the locals directions to get here. They are basically re-done pre-war shop houses now very popular at night for food, karaoke and just to walk around.
hope this helps. Singapore is a very easy city to get around in as it's really compact. Just walk and take the local train-MRT. It will get you EVERYWHERE. Other than that, there is really nothing much to offer besides the shopping and food. Forget her beaches and nature stuff. I found them way too "fake" and touristy for my liking.
