4.5 days in Singapore
May 7th, 2016, 02:10 PM
#21
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!
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!
May 7th, 2016, 03:56 PM
#22
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@ 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!
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!
May 7th, 2016, 04:36 PM
#23
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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.
May 7th, 2016, 07:23 PM
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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
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
May 7th, 2016, 08:04 PM
#26
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@ 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.
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.
May 8th, 2016, 02:52 AM
#27
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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.
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.
May 8th, 2016, 06:43 AM
#29
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.
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.
May 8th, 2016, 07:35 AM
#30
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@ 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!
May 8th, 2016, 07:51 AM
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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.
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.
May 8th, 2016, 01:11 PM
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May 8th, 2016, 03:59 PM
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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.
May 8th, 2016, 04:16 PM
#36
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@ 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. ;-)
.
May 10th, 2016, 02:55 AM
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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.....
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.....
