Smeagols off to Singapore, Lombok and Bangkok
Sep 6th, 2012, 11:55 AM
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Smeagols off to Singapore, Lombok and Bangkok
Well I am sat in the airline lounge waiting for my flight to BKK, where I will get my AA flight to Singapore. it's another solo trip as I have left Muffin at home to go and visit K who lives in SP. Saturday we will be leaving for Lombok and our much anticipated 5 night stay at Qunci villas. Then back to Singapire for 3 nights before spending a couple of nights in BKK.
Hoping to catch up with Pook,where I will visit a favourite restaurant (Gaggan) and a new Thai. (Issaya) also going to be trying a new hotel ( for me ) in BKK - Hansar. So very excited about catching up with old friends and visiting new places!
I dare say I will abandoned this trip report, way before the end, but I will try and do some live (ish) updates
.
Hoping to catch up with Pook,where I will visit a favourite restaurant (Gaggan) and a new Thai. (Issaya) also going to be trying a new hotel ( for me ) in BKK - Hansar. So very excited about catching up with old friends and visiting new places!
I dare say I will abandoned this trip report, way before the end, but I will try and do some live (ish) updates
.
Sep 6th, 2012, 12:31 PM
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Not sure yet Craig, usually leave it up to K. She has mentioned a nice bar called Ku De TA which I think has good views and a chilled vibe! A visit to Dempsey for a) black pepper crab B) a mooch around the furniture warehouses is a must!
Sep 7th, 2012, 11:18 AM
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I did not see earlier advice on BK but weekend market is still a draw based on 2009 stop we made. Arriving at 10 is ideal because 90+% of vendors are set-up and crowds are not normally there yet. We visited the market three times over the past 13-14 years and found it an experience each time even if only for 90 -120 minutes. Normally pay after negiotations 30-35% of initial asking price. If you buy 4-5 items from same vendors you can try for 25%. The heat gets to you and most of what you buy is most suitable for token gifts.
Sep 7th, 2012, 11:20 AM
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Made it to SP, I had to clear immigration in BKK collect my bag and check in for my AA flight to SP but thanks to Pook 
did it all in 1 hour. Singapore airport surpassed itself from landing to being in a taxi under 20 minutes....
brunch with friends in SP to tomorrow then off to Lombok in the afternoon.
Stan agree - did lunch in Raffles when we stayed there a few years ago, not sure I will make it back this time.
Pook, can't wait to try Gaggan again. BTW Pook, all your goods safely made it to SP.
did it all in 1 hour. Singapore airport surpassed itself from landing to being in a taxi under 20 minutes....brunch with friends in SP to tomorrow then off to Lombok in the afternoon.
Stan agree - did lunch in Raffles when we stayed there a few years ago, not sure I will make it back this time.
Pook, can't wait to try Gaggan again. BTW Pook, all your goods safely made it to SP.
Sep 7th, 2012, 06:18 PM
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Warm greetings Nicky and welcome back to SE Asia. And, many thanks for spending time (and funds) in our fine home of Singapore; special part of the world.
Can personally vouch for the rather unique Ku De Ta and its various environs, including the club lounge, sky deck and sky bar. If you time it right and the weather cooperates, some special sunset and dusk colours. I (we) never tire of witnessing the evening lights envelope SIN from various locations.
Will also give the continued highest praise of the Four Seasons Singapore. Not too many weeks back, our little Singaporean property underwent a few days of renovations, necessitating a move to alternate lodgings. My old SIN business travel hotel, the FS, came through once again. Such great staff and friends. Sounds as though your Singapore lodgings are sorted, but if you have time and are so inclined, the FS lobby, bar and restaurants have never disappointed.
Concerning Bangkok, have never personally stayed at the Hansar; she should work well for you. For a future BKK visit with your beloved, will wholeheartedly recommend The Siam. Stayed in a river view pool villa this past July (soft opening rates, to be sure) and what a magical place. Its restaurant, Chon Thai, was most acceptable to yours truly and his beloved. One of these days I'll get around to a proper review of the property. (I'm sure you can relate with your *always* completed trip reports!)
More BKK updates for you, Nicky, and all: the St. Regis was as fine as ever last month for meetings. (Check out its bar terrace sometime; sweet views and staff.) Pretty competitive corporate 'fare wars' presently going with some of the big names, including the BKK Four Seasons. Looks as though that all-time sentimental property will once again be my primary work hotel in Bangkok; great place and can't wait to return.
Have fun Nicky, sweet and smooth flights to you, and hope your future foray to California goes well. Speaking of the latter, will close with more praise of yes, Singapore Airlines. Flew into San Francisco about five hours back via the always delightful SQ 16. That 1-2-1 business class seating configuration, Book the Cook, and that service; well, no complaints from me. Will be in SF Bay Area for a few days of meetings and checking on the property before slowly working my way back home to Singapore. (Via SQ and one TG, for now.)
Signing off from a truly glorious and sunny San Francisco. Warm weekend wishes to you and all,
macintosh (robert)
... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
Can personally vouch for the rather unique Ku De Ta and its various environs, including the club lounge, sky deck and sky bar. If you time it right and the weather cooperates, some special sunset and dusk colours. I (we) never tire of witnessing the evening lights envelope SIN from various locations.
Will also give the continued highest praise of the Four Seasons Singapore. Not too many weeks back, our little Singaporean property underwent a few days of renovations, necessitating a move to alternate lodgings. My old SIN business travel hotel, the FS, came through once again. Such great staff and friends. Sounds as though your Singapore lodgings are sorted, but if you have time and are so inclined, the FS lobby, bar and restaurants have never disappointed.
Concerning Bangkok, have never personally stayed at the Hansar; she should work well for you. For a future BKK visit with your beloved, will wholeheartedly recommend The Siam. Stayed in a river view pool villa this past July (soft opening rates, to be sure) and what a magical place. Its restaurant, Chon Thai, was most acceptable to yours truly and his beloved. One of these days I'll get around to a proper review of the property. (I'm sure you can relate with your *always* completed trip reports!)
More BKK updates for you, Nicky, and all: the St. Regis was as fine as ever last month for meetings. (Check out its bar terrace sometime; sweet views and staff.) Pretty competitive corporate 'fare wars' presently going with some of the big names, including the BKK Four Seasons. Looks as though that all-time sentimental property will once again be my primary work hotel in Bangkok; great place and can't wait to return.
Have fun Nicky, sweet and smooth flights to you, and hope your future foray to California goes well. Speaking of the latter, will close with more praise of yes, Singapore Airlines. Flew into San Francisco about five hours back via the always delightful SQ 16. That 1-2-1 business class seating configuration, Book the Cook, and that service; well, no complaints from me. Will be in SF Bay Area for a few days of meetings and checking on the property before slowly working my way back home to Singapore. (Via SQ and one TG, for now.)
Signing off from a truly glorious and sunny San Francisco. Warm weekend wishes to you and all,
macintosh (robert)
... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...
