4.5 days in Singapore
 

I will soon be leaving for a trip that starts with 4.5 days in Singapore and I would welcome comments, suggestions, and tweaks. Many thanks to all who have responded to my earlier threads!
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...-bali-plus.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...and-hakone.cfm
After I leave Singapore, I will visit Java and Bali – if those plans make a difference to your comments about my plans for Singapore, or if you care to comment on my plans for those locations, just click on my screen name to find the relevant threads.

As some of you know, I am a solo female traveler who is not looking for relaxation (although I'm sure I'll have some wonderfully relaxing moments) -- instead I am hoping to take full advantage of every moment I have in this enticing part of the world. In what follows, I've outlined my current priorities, but please feel free to offer your comments on ANYthing -- what I’m considering, what I’m skipping, what I might want to reconsider, etc.

One last preliminary note: I’ve never crossed so many time zones, nor have I ever been so close to the equator (but know that I am sensitive to heat :-( ), so I’m not at all sure how jet lag or heat will affect me on this trip. I’m trying to leave a bit of latitude for my time in Singapore to allow myself to make the adjustment.

Priorities for my 4.5 days in Singapore include:
• The Botanic Gardens (including, of course, its Orchid House);
• Various museums – the National Museum, National Gallery Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, Peranankan House, maybe the Baba House;
• Various ethnic neighborhoods and their key sites (Little Inda, Arab Street, Chinatown and their associated temples, mosques, markets, etc.);
• “Modern” Singapore, including the Gardens by the Bay;
• the Colonial district;
• the Zoo, and almost certainly its night safari (unless anyone wants to dissuade me); and
• having a drink while watching a glorious view of the sun setting over the city – it seems like there are several places from which I could do that, so help me decide! And maybe a second place for a late night drink with a stunning, but different, view over the city in its night-time glory?

While in Singapore, I hope to savor some of the local cuisine:
• I definitely want at least one, if not two, dinners based on baba nonya cuisine; I’m thinking of Blue Ginger and/or Candlenut, but am certainly open to suggestions and comments!
• I would welcome suggestions for dinner restaurants in Little India, Arab Street, or Chinatown. I’m seeking places that capture the Singaporian take on the “original” cuisines, feature fresh and (if possible) locally sourced ingredients, and are on the casual (and not too expensive) end of options. The settings do NOT have to be "western" -- sitting on the floor, dining under bright lights, etc. are all fine with me if the food justifies the experience. :-)
• I am well aware that Singapore is known for its cutting edge food scene, but don’t think my budget is up to snuff. Still, if there’s a place you think I should consider, even a place worthy of my ONE AND ONLY major dining splurge for this one-month-long trip, let me know!

Thank you in advance for any comments or suggestions!

Warm greetings again kja from a place you know, Seoul, and congratulations on future stay in our lovely home of Singapore. So appreciate SIN for family, work, residence. (And thanks again for your wondrous trip report on South Korea. Am back in Seoul for a few days of meetings before flying home to Singapore later this week.)

You already have a fine selection of potential activities in our city-state. A bit rushed in Seoul at the moment, so will have some additional suggestions for you later this week. I assume you have your SIN lodging sorted. If not, pleased to offer options. Never a dull moment in our ever-evolving Singapore hotel trade.

Happy for you, kja. Best from Seoul and soon, Singapore,

robert


... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

Well we spent 5 days there in Feb. so for a great view and a drink try the Marina Sands Bay at the restaurant on top on the 57th. floor. This view will knock you out to be sure. You can eat there too and its costly but for treat its worth it.
http://www.marinabaysands.com/restau...sky-on-57.html.

I haven't been to the Marina Bay Sands, but it seems very popular for over-priced drinks. The place I've enjoyed is the restaurant/bar atop the Swissotel The Stamford. It's a revolving restaurant, so you get the whole view. The restaurant (years ago) had the best seafood buffet, but when it was taken over by the Swissotel people, they changed it and I think it is now a pan-asian buffet. I can't recommend that, but they do still have a nice bar.

You are absolutely spoiled for choice on restaurants. In Little India, we ate at Banana Leaf, which was very good. But we had better food at the Indian restaurant inside Raffles Shopping Center. I know, it sounds odd, but we were the only non-Indians there and the food was fabulous. Sorry, I don't remember the name of the place.

I think you've made a nice list of things to see/do in Singapore. One thing we enjoyed was the Jurong Bird Park, particularly the lovely atrium where the birds fly free inside a beautiful habitat. I admit I've never been to the zoo, but it gets great reviews.

My friends in Singapore said there are four seasons, Hot then hazy and then monsoon then followed by hottest. In March when we disembarked from our cruise in Singapore the cabdriver said his car temperature recorded 97° that day so yes it is hot though it did not seem oppressively humid or at least not when we were there. So I suggest you plan on having very warm temperatures and address accordingly and drink a lot of fluids and where a hat that will let your head breathe. Baseball style caps I do not recommend as I think they tend to hold the heat in.

Don't forget to see Singapores iconic Merlion. MSB is another Singapore icon and is very close to Gardens by the Bay. Dinner, two drinks and two desserts at the Sky on 57 was $225.00 and yes I know that's costly but then again compared to a similar setting in Chicago it's pretty close to par.

Larry was the $225 US dollars or Singapore dollars?

USD. The funny thing was the concierge at our hotel who made the reservation said dinner there is a minimum of SGD. When I saw her afterwards I chuckled how easy it was to do that. :D.

Sorry it was a minimum of 100 SGD.

Yipes! I knew it was expensive, but didn't realize it was THAT expensive. Thanks for the info, Larry.

Kathie that was our big treat and the views of Singa. at night from the wrap around terrace were unforgettable. So was the bill. :D.

lol.

I recall one other nice meal we had which was at the Rang Mahal Indian restaurant in our hotel the Pan Pacific. There are several RM's in Asia including one in Bangkok which unfortunately we did not get a chance to go to as my wife was ill during our stay there. Anyway IIRC this one was about roughly say $120.00 USD so way less. The food and service was very good but you did not have that fantastic view like from Sky on 57.

How I love Fodorites! So much helpful information. :-)

@ Robert / AskOksena: Yes, I do have a hotel lined up in Singapore -- the Adonis, which sounds like it should meet my needs well enough, and even meets my budget (if just barely). As I recall, I came upon it while researching one of the places you recommended, so indirect thanks! If you have a chance to send some thoughts on dinners, timing, sightseeing, etc., I know it will be great advice. If not, I appreciate that you touched base and hope you will raise a glass to my wonderful experiences in Seoul while you are there.

@ jacketwatch: Wow, the Merlion had escaped my notice – thanks for bringing it to my attention! As for Sky – I’m very glad that you were able to enjoy a special meal there. I think I’m going to settle for living vicariously through you. ;-) I’ve taken grateful note of the Rang Mahal. Breathable, UPF-protecting, wide-brimmed hat, complete with chin tie (I lost my last one to an unexpected gust) ready to go. I’m sure I will find being in that climate dreadful; I’m also sure that my memories of what I enjoy will persist LONG after memories of the weather have faded.

@ Kathie: The revolving restaurant atop the Stamford sounds perfect for a sunset drink – thanks so much! I appreciate your suggestions of the Banana Leaf and Indian restaurant in the Raffles complex, too. Oh, and good (and much appreciated) catch on the Jurong Bird Park! I do want to see it, and don’t know how it slipped off my list.

Do enjoy your stay there and I am sure you will be impressed.

I think there is a HOHO bus but really public transportation is cheap.

There are plenty of places to eat economically and hawker centers are clean, just like Singapore itself.

There is a mega store in Little India called Mustafa. It's packed with just about any kind of merchandise you can imagine.

Be wary of the bike cabs. That's the only hassle we had. We were a bit confused about how to find Raffles City Mall and this guy offered a ride. B4 getting on I asked the price and he said "don't worry about it." Then we went one block to our destination and slick asked for $70.00! I gave him $20.00, more than enough and basically told him to get lost. However you will find most people there are very polite.

Cheers, Larry.

If you're flying to Singapore on Singapore Air, the Hop On, Hop Off bus is really cheap. Just show your boarding pass to the conductor after getting on the bus and pay him there. It was only S$8.00. The discounted price is good for one month after flying on Singapore Air.

I fly from L.A. to Singapore, but do other countries in Asia first and then do about a week in Singapore at the end before flying home. In January 2016, I flew back to Singapore, on Singapore Air, from Kuala Lumpur. That's the boarding pass that I used for the Hop On Hop Off bus.

Although I've been to Singapore a lot, I tried the Hop On Hop Off bus for the first time in January 2016 and enjoyed it. It was also great to just sit and ride after long days of walking around as I'm usually there on vacation for about a week at a time. Plus, there's a Hop On Hop Off stop directly across from the Four Seasons Hotel where I was staying part of my stay.

Happy Travels!

Thanks again, Fodorites!

@ Larry / jacketwatch: Thanks for the warning about bike cabs! And kudos for managing your situation effectively. :-)

@ Guenmai: I will definitely consider the HoHo option – thanks for suggesting it!

Have a great time!

Happy Travels!

Yes, have a great time. You will enjoy it!

“Modern” Singapore, including the Gardens by the Bay are at the top of my list.You will be in culture shock - Singapore and then Bali. The only thing in common is Hot! Hot! Hot!

@ Guenmai & jacket watch -- thanks for the good wishes!
@ dugi_otok -- and none will be much like Croatia, I'm going to guess!

Although it's been 8 years since my last visit, I used to travel to Singapore frequently on business. Going there is one of the few things I miss in retirement.

Sounds like you have plenty to do in your 4.5 days, but I'll add two Indian vegetarian restaurants that have been there for 30+ years, which maybe says something. I took quite a few meat-and-potato loving American coworkers there with 100% repeat visits, even when they were in S'pore without me!

1) Madras New Woodlands on Upper Dickson Road in the heart of Little India.
https://www.yelp.com.sg/biz/madras-n...ands-singapore

If you can't decide just order the set thali plate, I found a photo, I'm getting hungry...
https://www.yelp.com.sg/biz_photos/m...a7j770hATRH6-Q

2) Annalakshmi on Havelock Road, they have changed locations since I was there. An interesting concept, you pay what you think the meal was worth. The links on their website seem badly broken, but if you are nearby don't let that stop you.
http://www.annalakshmi.com.sg/

Have a great trip!

@ Nelson -- That one thing you miss about retirement is spending time in Singapore may be one of the nicest compliments a city could get!

Thanks so much for the restaurant suggestions -- both places look awesome and have been added to my list of options. And what a fascinating option -- pay based on perceived merit!?! I must admit that I find the idea delightful, but daunting, as I have no idea what comparable food would cost in Singapore!

Singapore has several hawker food courts that are very good. Our favorite is Newton Circus, which is closest to the metro stop of the same name. I like to walk around and look at all the food before deciding who to order from.

@ Rich -- great option! Thanks for highlighting it for me. :-)

Warm Sunday morning greetings from our fine home of Singapore to you, kja; you have received some fine SIN suggestions.

Well done on choosing the Adonis for your lodging. Can personally vouch for some fine individuals who are involved with that property. Upon your Adonis arrival, don't hesitate to enquire about various SIN activities; you should receive good recommendations from the helpful hotel staff. Love properties of that size and quality. Enjoy.

As I mentioned in an earlier thread you started, the relatively new National Gallery Singapore is a treat. Have been back a few times since attending an evening reception and tour during her grand opening festivities; great venue.

Concerning dining and libations, will mention an old family sentimental favourite, Raffles. My beloved sister #1 and her friend stayed there a few months back; they thought it as fine as ever. One weekend afternoon we joined them for tea at Raffles; special place.

You may not have time for the following, but will give a promotion of an organization we enjoy supporting, the Nature Society Singapore. Numerous activities during the year; good cause.

Savour your planning, kja; should be a wonderful holiday. Best wishes from Singapore,

robert

@ robert / AskOksena - greetings to you, too! I have received some wonderful suggestions, haven't I? Fodorites are an awesome group! And you have just added to those inspiring ideas -- thank you so much!

I'm very pleased to learn that you know of the Adonis and are willing to vouch for some of those involved with it -- I know no promises come with your words, but even so, I feel much more comfortable with my choice in light of your personal knowledge of it. :-)

I very clearly recall your mention of the opening celebrations for the National Gallery Singapore, and remain <s>incredibly jealous</s> very glad that you were able to enjoy such special moments. I've been reading wonderful things about both the collection and the building, and promise to send a smile to you when I have the opportunity to make it part of my experience, too.

Although I plan to at least walk through it, I fear that Raffles may be beyond the reach of my budget for even the tiniest bit of refreshment. :-( I'll certainly keep it in mind, though, perhaps as one of my rare splurges -- or maybe there's a reasonably affordable option that I've failed to notice?

I don't see any activities sponsored by the Nature Society Singapore for my dates in the area, but it looks like a great organization. Kudos for supporting it!

Many thanks, robert -- I look forward to visiting this city that I know is dear to your heart and appreciate your thoughtful comments.

Be sure to visit the Long Bar at Raffles -- for a Singapore Sling or just for a look. It's part of the hotel, but is in an adjacent building so it's easy to miss.

My current favorite Western restaurant in Singapore is the Moosehead Kitchen-Bar. Not cheap but not exorbitantly pricey either -- good innovative food in a lively and friendly atmosphere.

A sling at the Long bar is like $31.00 SGD.

Yes, and much too sweet for my tastes. You can always get a G&T instead of a sling if you just want a cocktail there. I stopped going to the Long Bar after the remodel when they moved it to the new air conditioned location that marmot mentions. But now I'm just an old-timer pining about the good ol' days. Raffles is still worth a walk-through, and stopping for something if the mood is right.

You haven't mentioned seafood on your food list: chili crab and/or pepper crab in particular. You can get that at Newton Circus mentioned by Rich (fun place), but we always liked going out to the East Coast Seafood Centre group of restaurants. Our favorites were Long Beach and Red House. I convinced the owner of Red House to give me one of the staff's polo shirts, which I proudly wore for many years. For chili crab wear some easy to wash clothing. :)

I don't know the restaurants you mention for Peranakan food, they are probably great. We used to go to Geylang for that. Note, however, that it is also a red-light district. But the food out there is (was) superb.

Go to the Botanic Gardens early in the morning, the Orchard House is incredible. The Asian Civilizations Museum is fantastic, as are the other museums on your list. They all seemed to be constantly improving over time.

Goh Chok Tong took over the prime minister-ship after I started going there (my first visit was 1985), and was in charge for all the time I spent there until Lee took over. Singaporeans said they were ruled by "the father, the son, and the holy Goh".

You'll have a great time there. Hopefully my dated info still applies.

@ marmot, jacketwatch, & Nelson - I don't think I need to pay 31 SGD to be reminded of the errors of my youth, but I will at least take a peek at the Long Bar and am adding these restaurants to my list. Thanks so much!

As many times as I have visited Singapore (and Raffles), I've never gone into the Long Bar. I'm not a fan of the drink (too sweet for me). There used to be a delightful restaurant in Raffles called Doc Cheng's that we very much enjoyed. I know it closed a few years ago and I'm not sure what replaced it.

One thing that is worth stopping by Raffles is their tiny museum. It has fascinating remnants of the past - one time it showed luggage tags from the last half of the 19th century, or another time they showed the china used in the hotel in different eras. I found it fun and interesting.

@ Kathie: Good to know - thanks!

I took the plunge and had a Singapore Sling.

https://www.menumodo.com/app.php/vie...lang=en&tags=b

@ dugi: living large!

When went to the Long Bar which is outside it was like 96F. Then we sat and waited quite a while and no service so we left. Not impressive. Then when we wanted to sit inside we were refused. The man said we have to order a meal as we are not hotel guests. All we wanted was a sling. Not impressed again. Then the doorman did not get a cab for us. He just moved like three muscles to nod to a sign. Extremely not impressed. I sent an email to the manger after we got home and mentioned all this and how I regretted spending money there for T's and polos from an earlier visit. He apologized and said if we are ever there again contact him and he would see we are comped a tea service. Thats cool. I hope this is atypical but actually there are some similar reviews on Trip Advisor.

@ jacketwatch : If you would like me to test how well they follow through on their promise, just let me know. I would do that for you! Just send full details on how to claim it. ;-)

I wish I could. :S-.

My first visit to Singapore back in 2002 I went to the Raffles for afternoon tea. It was the most amazing spread, both western and eastern. But I see it's now 45 USD...

@ thursdaysd: Sounds like a nice memory!

I have been to Singapire a lot and am often on my own ( female) as I visit my friend who will be working at times.
For a great setting I really like the Lantern Bar on top of the Fullerton Bay hotel ( don't get it confused with the Fullerton)
Black pepper crab is almost like a national dish, best place I have had it is at Jumbo at Dempsey hill ( you could combine the botanical gardens , shopping at Dempsey road warehouses and then have an early dinner here... )
In a city full of malls I really like the cute independent shops on Hajji Lane.

If you want to go on the Singapore Flyer go late afternoon, I got a whole capsule to myself....
For a real taste of Singapore try the Lau Pa Sat Hawker centre close to China Town.

jacketwatch - Raffles must have been having a bad day, we stayed there ( granted it was a few years ago) but it still ranks as some of the best service we have received anywhere.....