MM7

Hello,

I will be flying through Singapore on my way home from India next January. I have a one week stopover and am planning on spending most or all of that time in Bali (I will have to spend the last night in Singapore as my flight back to Canada leaves in the morning).

Is it worth spending a day and a half in Singapore (that would give me 4 1/2 days in Bali not including travel time) or should I spend all my time in Bali and come back to Singapore the evening before my international flight? I'd appreciate any opinions?

Thanks!

TracyB

Hi, a few years ago, we stopped in Singapore for 4 nights before going to Thailand..We really enjoyed it, there is alot to do, the food is great and it is so clean that you just can't believe it...Bali is also beautiful and how I would love to return 1 day, but if I were you, I would spend the day and a half in Singapore.

rhkkmk

singapore is not large and you could do most of it in a day and 1/2...but too bad to take away from bali...you have to be the judge...i don't like to leave flights to the last minute in case something goes wrong so i would be to singapore early for the transpacific flight...

christo

Too bad you don,t have more time for Bali!
Singapore is worth a visit as it is quite unique. A large immaculate asian city with an excellent airport,infrastructure,hotels, restaurants and shopping. I do not think of it as destination in itself but as an excellent hub worthy of a short stay. I agree with the earlier comment re allowing some insurance time before your long flight home.
Bon Voyage.

MM7

Thanks for the advice. I'll return to Singapore the morning before my international flight and have that day to explore the city.

A couple more questions about Bali... From other postings it sounds like Tjampuhan is a nice mid-priced hotel in Ubud. Is it worth splurging and spending a couple of nights at the Alila (Chedi)?

Also, a number of restaurants are recommended - are there any really outstanding restaurants in Bali (i.e., memorable dining experiences)?

Thanks

Dianne47

I have inspected Tjampuhan in Ubud and found the rooms to be tired, not very clean, and overpriced for what you get. Chedi, new name Alila, is quite far outside town and quite upscale, with high restaurant prices. Better choices are closer into Ubud, such as Kamandalu or Maya Ubud. Or be in the center of action right on the main street in properties such as Komaneka Resort, Ubud Village, or Pertiwi. For the latter two, choose one of the higher room categories. You can have a wonderful hotel experience in Ubud for $65-200.

Restaurants are plentiful in Ubud. Some of my favorites are Lamak, Indus (slightly outside of town), Batan Waru (try their ginger fizz drink---mmm). Overrated: Casa Luna (but OK for breakfast), Tutmak (noisy from street traffic), Murni's (blah food).

Don't forget the wonderful and inexpensive spas in Ubud. Choices are many but the three best are Spa Hati, Zen Body Holiday, and Nur Salon. Budget $10-15 per hour for these! Kamandalu has a wonderful spa and it's not overly expensive. The spas at the luxe resorts come with very luxe prices.

Guenmai

My best friend swears by the Kamandalu...mentioned above in Dianne's post.My best friend has stayed at the Kamandalu several times and will only stay there. While I was in Bali, I stayed at the Prada in Ubud which is a royal palace that has six guest rooms/mini houses rented out.It was relatively new when I arrived in Dec 1998. It's on the main street in Ubud. There's no pool...which I didn't mind. I liked it for the location and privacy. I was the only guest. As for Singapore, I love it. I've been there several times and will return in a few months. The longest I have stayed is about a week and a half and I still haven't seen everything. People usually don't give Singapore the time it deserves. Happy travels!

ClearBlueSky

Yes! Yes! Come Singapore. I'm a Singaporean and I agree with Guenmai Singapore is worth a longer stay. But don't do too much of the touristy things - I'm proud of our zoo and think Sentosa's fun. But the essence of the Singapore experience isn't quite found among animals and other tourists. Travel to the regular neighbourhood and join Singaporeans in what we eat, where we shop and live. Check out the underbelly of the city and visit places like Jalan Besar, Geylang (where there's fabulous food at night), and hip night places such as One Fullerton where you can enjoy fine dining by the sea, or proceed to the East Coast Seafood Centre, popular also with the locals.

If you're keen, I'll be more than happy to list suggestions together with addresses.

clear

Clearbluesky,

Please list your suggestions with the address. I appreciate your help. Since you are a Singaporean, which luxury hotels would you pick and why? Thank you.

Guenmai

I'm not Singaporean, but the Ritz Carlton, at the Marina, is THE luxury place to stay. I think a lot of folks, in this forum, will agree with me on that one.

welltraveledbrit

MM7
I think your plan to focus your time in Bali is a good one.

In terms of hotels we stayed at the Chedi (now Alia) visited the Kamandula and loved Ibah.

The Chedi is very lovely with a gorgeous view. The pool is stunning as is the restaurant, but you should know it is rather far from town. For me the whole place was rather concretey and rather monumental....somehow the modern concrete look wasn't in tune with the surroundings...though we love most modern architecture.

The Kamandula which used to be a Banyan Tree looked very nice and the staff were very friendly however our favourite was Ibah...a wonderfully intimate hotel...incredible design throughout...you feel as is the outdoors is indoores and vice versa with outdoor bathrooms and terraces etc. Buddhas everywhere and old stone walls throughout the complex... their website doesn't do the place justice. They have a shuttle that will take you into Ubud although you can walk...there are also wonderful walks out into the farming areas around and views over the river gorge.

Hope that helps!

Guenmai

Welltraveledbrit-Is Ibah, the new hotel across from the Kamandalu? The last time my best friend was on Bali, she said there was a gorgeous-looking place across from...or in the vacinity of...the Kamandalu.What are the approx. rates? Happy travels.

welltraveledbrit

Ibah has been open for some time...it's not next to the Kamandula but is down the hill near the river as you head out of Ubud.

It's worth checking out.

ClearBlueSky

Hello! Here are some suggestions and addresses:

1. FOOD
(i) Hock Lam Beef Noodles, Purvis Street: very good beef noodles done the traditional way complete with family feuds about who owns the original recipe.
(ii) Wanton Noodles: Any food court or hawker centre will have this ubiquitous Chinese noodle dish. It's basically yellow thin noodles and meat dumplings. Have it sphagetti style, i.e. dry, or with soup.
(iii) Local feast at Geylang: Check out this website for local recommendations and addresses http://www.the-inncrowd.com/geylang.htm
(iv) Porridge/Congee: Hop on the subway/MRT and drop off at Outram Station. You'll find yourself in Chinatown. Find your way to Tiong Shian Porridge Centre, 265 New Bridge Road, Ground Floor, Business Hour : 7am - 2am
(v) East Coast Seafood Centre: Most well known place to enjoy reasonably priced seafood.
(vi) Japanese Fusion: Lovely japanese food by the head of the Singapore river - Haru, 1 Fullerton Road, One Fullerton #01-07. There's a row of fine restaurants here so if Japanese isn't your thing, there're also steak houses to try.

2. SHOPPING
(i) Clothes etc: Skip Orchard Road, the shopping belt, hop onto an MRT (the subway) and hop off at Toa Payoh or Ang Mo Kio. Wander around the neighbourhood shops to find reasonably priced clothes. Some shops stock extra large sizes and these are great for bigger folks like me.
(ii) Electronics: Travel to City Hall MRT Station and ask your way to Funan Centre. Known for computers and electronics. Or if you've heard of Sim Lim Square and want to go there instead, take the MRT to Bugis Station and ask your way there.

3. MUSEUMS
(i) Singapore Art Museum: Situated along Bras Basah Road, this place I feel, is a must visit. It makes good its objective to make the arts accessible to Singaporeans and has free admission after 6pm every Friday. It brings in quality shows and has hosted a tour from the Guggenheim for e.g.

Phew. More another time.