Have stayed at Raffles, was underwhelmed by the service and teh meals, won't stay there again nor would I return to have a meal there, but do recommend visiting the Long Bar for a Singapore Sling.

Do go to Sand's if possible.

In the hawker stalls, try chilli crab and satay. YUM! And don't forget to drink Tiger Beer.

Isn't it funny about different experiences, we had some of the best service we have ever encountered at Raffles and still remember it fondly. Only ate breakfast so can't really comment on the food, maybe we got lucky or when partyon stayed they were unlucky!

I like the east coast hawker centre, but nothing beats eng sent ( for me) re the black pepper crab!

Whatever you do Craig I am sure you and Jeane will have a fab time and your reporting will be top notch!

Some suggestions:

1) Chinese dim sum restaurant called "Red Star", its very good but go early to avoid long queues (note: do not expect 5* service).

2) 'Old Airport Road Hawker Centre' (accessible via the MRT Circle line) where alot of the local pioneer stalls are located.

3) Sentosa Island (if you have not already visited) is great for a full day out.

4) Zouk Club (Popular club with guest DJs from around the world) > Do try the 'Sour Plum Vodka' & 'Ginseng Vodka' at the wine bar!


People here in Singapore are friendly and you can approach anyone on the street and I'm sure you can get some help.

Taxis are safe but some areas in the City are no-flag-down zones so do keep a lookout for taxi stands.

I'm sure you'll have a good time in Singapore!

Oh and I'd avoid Tanglin Shopping Centre as there is nothing much in the building. I'd recommend a visit to Ion Orchard instead.

Also do Dempsey (various restaurants with foods ranging from local to italian to dessert joints), its a very nice place to hang out for dinner and drinks/desserts.

I can't imagine you and Jeane wasting your time going to Sentosa!

I haven't been in Tanglin since about 3 years ago, but there were some really nice antique shops at that time. I still regret not buying a piece I saw there.

Jeane is into more furniture (antique or otherwise) and I'm not sure if there is anywhere else on our itinerary where she can shop for that...

Always looking for recommendations: Kuching, Langkawi, Penang or Singapore.

Furniture? How about Dempsey Road?

Dempsey road is so great for furniture and I too regret not buying a price in Tangling .
Craig I have a small list ref Penang did I send it to you a while back I can't remember? GREAT little gallery/ jewellery shop on Armenian street in Penang

Kathie, Nicky - we'll check out Dempsey Road.

Yes, Nicky - you did send me your list. Thanks again.

Okay, trying to sort out Marina Bay Sands - I'm trying to keep our visit simple - this place is huge with tons of restaurants, etc. Do we want to bother to have dinner there? If so, where? Or otherwise, just pay the $20 to get to the viewing platform at sunset? We don't gamble at all so no desire to spend time at the casino. I would never stay at this place - it's too big, like a cruise ship as one tripadvisor reviewer noted...

Craig,

We leave for Singapore tomorrow and I almost booked a room at the Sands but then I got a room at the Four Seasons for 1/2 the price with breakfast - hard to beat! However, we will visit the Sands and let you know our opinion of the mall and the roof but will probably dine somewhere else nearby, perhaps at "No Signboard" seafood restaurant.

Pook, I need your help in convincing Maeng that she would like Singapore! We are going out of Thailand for a few days, probably around the 25th of this month, but have no tickets or plans just yet. I'd love to see S'pore. I would also enjoy Penang, I think.

Carol,

I think it's a very easy destination for Thais to travel to, short flying time but a bit expensive for hotels and food. The thing that might entice Maeng is perhaps the food there. Multi cultural and I'm sure she can pick up a few things for her own cooking.

Great! I'll tell her! I can get the hotel w/Marriott points, hopefully, so not a biggie.

IMHO Newton Circus is over-rated and is rather more for tourists and late suppers due to the proximity from the Orchard Road night spots. There's some decent food. If you decide to visit make particularly at the seafood bbq stalls make sure you ask for the prices.

I would prefer the Old Airport food centre as mentioned by disillusioned. It's near the Mountbatten and Dakota stations along the Circle line.

For dinner you've mentioned one good hawker center and one good restaurant. On one evening I think most folks would only be able to handle one. Usually locals when going for meals in groups/families at hawker centers would order food from different stalls for sharing at the table.

There's lots of info on restaurants and hawker centres here.
If you have questions you can pose them in the forum.

http://ieatishootipost.sg/