In Singapore for two weeks

Posted on 27. Dec, 2009 by Brandon in Singapore, Travel

We’ve enjoyed a very different type of Christmas this year in Singapore. Laying low and enjoying some downtime has been the key priority. Our wonderful friend who works at the Singapore American School was kind enough to offer her beautiful apartment just near Orchard Rd.

We’ve spend time in Singapore on previous trips, but never two weeks solid. I did forget it was the rainy season here, so the weather has been a bit drab, with a bumpy flight in. Novita’s sister, Nana, is also joining us and the two of them have been shopaholics, excited to see the pre and post Christmas sales. I will say that between Novita and I, I’m the one who spends much more money, so this trip is all about role reversal.

I’ve forgotten just how expensive Singapore is for things like food. A crappy pizza and distasteful pasta set us back over $45 SGD. We’ve become spoiled living in Jakarta and Manila all these years.

Besides walking around, shopping, and the zoo, what else do you recommend we try to do/see while in Singapore for still another 6 days?

  • Take Singapore River Cruise from Clarke Quay to Marina Bay at night
  • Rika - is it just a cruise or does that include any dinner/drinks?
  • Just the cruise :)
    Along the river you could see some interesting statues (like jumping boys and Sir Raffles), Fullerton Hotel, Esplanade, Little Merlion, Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Floating Point, Asian Civilization Museum... (now I'm acting like the cruise tour guide haha)... and passing below old historical bridges.
    You could choose to alight at Little Merlion or Raffles statue or return trip back to Clarke Quay. The whole trip takes 30-45 minutes. It's more beautiful at night because of the lights.
  • Urs B.
    go to the 2902 photo gallery at "Old School" - Mount Sophia. And walk on the Marina barrage at night.
  • The marina sounds interesting. I'll look into that.
  • Bring your nice camera to the top of the Swissotel - New Asia Bar (on top of City Hall MRT) for a 70th floor view of Singapore and some great panoramic views.

    Eat Chili Crab at No Signboard Seafood in Geylang for an authentic experience of Singapore's national dish

    Eat at Delhi Restaurant (60 Race Course Road - next to Little India MRT) for some excellent, and affordable Indian food
  • Mike - checked out your blog; great travel stories and pics. Didn't realize the hidden caverns in Vietnam were that tiny. I'd get stuck for sure. ;)

    The Swissotel view - is that better at night I'm guessing?

    Indian food sounds great. We had a different place last night but it was less than tasty.

    Thanks for your suggestions. Cheers.
  • Those caverns in Vietnam are actually widened for tourists... you should see the original ones!

    The Swissotel view is better at night - but I'd recommend going up to the top floor at around 6ish... that way you can catch daylight, sunset, and then night together. There's actually a few places up there - Equinox (restaurant - not worth the $$), New Asia Bar (hip lounge with heavy techno music) and CitySpaces - more relaxed bar. Each with a different view - there's also a helipad up top with an unbelievable 360 panorama - but you need special access/permission to get up there. i haven't been able to manage that... yet

    Other things that come to mind - I'm not sure how interesting Pulau Ubin/MacRitchie/East Coast Park will be for someone that has spend 7 years in Indonesia/Philippines - but it's the best nature/outdoors we have in Singapore.

    Go for a walk in the evening in Chinatown right off the MRT stop for some interesting people watching/shops/restaurants.

    The river is a great walk - and pretty lengthy if you start from Robertson Quay, pass Clarke Quay, hit Boat Quay, and then end at the Merlion/One Fullerton.

    Catch Avatar in 3D at the VivoCity gvMax cinema - largest screen in Singapore (we don't have an IMAX).

    Since you are at Orchard, head to the rooftop of the new Orchard Central mall for some excellent views - there's a bar on the 8th floor called Heaven's Loft that overlooks Orchard, and also a rooftop garden.

    If you want a good hawker centre - don't visit the touristy one at Newton Rd, head to Maxwell Food Centre for Tian Tian Chicken Rice (consistently longest queue = best food), or some other local specialties.

    That ought to keep you busy...
  • ranti
    changi village for the nasi lemak and the more 'natural' beach. you can also hire a boat to go to pulau ubin from here.
  • I think Novita's ears pricked up when I mentioned your suggestion. ;)
  • silverlines
    What about Esplanade? They have great shows some times. Also Night Safari and Bird Park is a must visit ;-)
  • Been to both the zoo and Esplanade, but I think we'll do both again. ;) I prefer to be outdoors more, even if it's urban walking and both those locations fit that criteria. Never done the zoo at night though - is it better than daytime?
  • As a photographer, you might want to visit Pulau Ubin (Ubin Island).
  • Thanks, we'll see if it's feasible.
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