Just Back From ...
Singapore
By Bill Lee
SINGAPORE – rekindling a love affair with the Lion City
Well I’ve just been proved wrong – Singapore has not become boring and you don’t have to spend your time there shopping! In fact we just had the best time there on north and southbound breaks en route to India. It helped that we stayed at 2 super hotels. Outwards at the 5 star Raffles the Plaza which is total luxury with impeccable service. And on our return trip the Swissotel Merchant Court which is now my personal favourite location wise – and what about that breakfast!
Our first exploration of rediscovery started at the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay which is a sort of Singapore answer to Sydney’s Opera House. Nicknamed ‘Durians’, as it’s architectural style resembles that pungent tropical fruit, it is quite beautiful. We walked through the lobby of the 5 star Fullerton Hotel which was originally the GPO – a superb example of how grand old architecture can be successfully incorporated into a functional alternative structure. Next door is Boat Quay, alive with every imaginable style of bar, café and restaurant. From here we hopped on a bumboat further downstream to Clarke Quay – a similar concept but not quite as jumping and a great spot for Satay at the Satay Club. Took the MTR to Orchard Rd for a ‘first time’ ride. Once we’d mastered the art of buying a ticket we were mega impressed. It is so efficient, so easy and so inexpensive they couldn’t keep us off it. We even took it out to the airport – simple! Anyway back to Orchard Road – it still has that buzz that can easily put you into a spending frenzy. A lunch stop, a bit of retail therapy (I lied about not shopping) then a bus back to Raffles City. I was thrown out of the lobby of the old ‘Raffles’ ‘We have dress regulations here Sir! which just added to our joy in the feel of the place, It’s beautiful, it’s unique, it’s history. Sentosa Island is having a huge and enormously expensive facelift but that didn’t detract from our enjoyment. It’s a ‘must do’ – whether to spend a day on the beach or visit the many attractions. The cable car ride over is awesome – more so if you’re scared of heights like yours truly! There’s so much to do here and everything is operated and maintained in that impeccable Singaporean style. Yes Singapore has the ‘wow’ factor, so whether you’re looking for a stopover or taking advantage of a bargain airfare for a holiday break you need look no further than the Lion City. Bill Lee – 03 May04 |
