Singapore: Travel Tips, Trends? Ideas & Insights?

[fstuff1]

On 11/5/2023 at 11:20 PM, TLCOhio said:

Here is more: "Nature is the overriding design theme in the refreshed T2, with one of the star attractions being a 14-meter-high digital waterfall display. Surrounded by a vertical garden, 'The Wonderfall' is located in the departure hall and cascades over megalithic boulders."

 

Yup it was awesome!

 

T2 departure terminal at airport

Edited November 13, 2023 by fstuff1

[fstuff1]

 

This chain has cheaper beer than 7-11.

7-11 had 6 pack of Tiger on special for $20. ($3.33/each)

 

Everyday mart has it for $3 each regular price and a special this month of 3 for $8.50

Edited November 14, 2023 by fstuff1

[agape01]

On 11/13/2023 at 8:13 PM, fstuff1 said:

 

View from the sky lounge on top of the hotel.

 

That's the 15min harbor light show at 8&9pm everyday.

The colors of the buildings behind the light show are sychonized with the show. 😮

The funny shaped building on the lower left is the ArtScience museum.

 

Note:

You must have a club room or suite to access the sky lounge (22nd floor).

Your room key allows you to press the 22 button in the elevator.

 

For me, I got the cheapest room and got a free upgrade to club room because of my tier level at Wyndham.

 

Note 2:

You don't get the free food/drinks benefit at the sky lounge if you got it via an upgrade. 😞

 

I got to hang out with fstuff1 for a day and Yes, I took him around. Mostly attempted to do what I had mentioned in post #5 but the day turned out to be quite dark and rainy. 

Anyway, I thought of posting what the view would look like in the day from level 22 at the Peninsular Excelsior. 

 

[fstuff1]

3 hours ago, agape01 said:

 

Nice pic.

Panoramic stitch?

Or your dlsr does super wide-angle?

[agape01]

2 minutes ago, fstuff1 said:

Nice pic.

Panoramic stitch?

Or your dlsr does super wide-angle?

 

Even at 12mm, it is not wide enough.

This is 3 vertical shots to combine it into a pano and even then I had to crop because of the effects of distortion and fisheye effects.

[Dobby36]

18 minutes ago, agape01 said:

 

Even at 12mm, it is not wide enough.

This is 3 vertical shots to combine it into a pano and even then I had to crop because of the effects of distortion and fisheye effects.

It came out beautifully! So excited to be there in 2 weeks.  

[agape01]

3 minutes ago, Dobby36 said:

It came out beautifully! So excited to be there in 2 weeks.  

If you ever see a guy with a big black camera on the Millennium, that's me.

[TLCOhio]

7 hours ago, agape01 said:

I got to hang out with fstuff1 for a day and Yes, I took him around. Mostly attempted to do what I had mentioned in post #5 but the day turned out to be quite dark and rainy. Anyway, I thought of posting what the view would look like in the day from level 22 at the Peninsular Excelsior. 

 

Super appreciate this wonderful panoramic view for this portion of the dynamic Singapore skyline, other landmarks, etc.  

 

Am I understanding correctly that on the left is the tall, circular Swissotel The Stamford and near it being St. Andrew's Anglican Church?  At the right, is that round roof being the Supreme Court structure?  And, of course, in the more distant middle are the three towers of Sands Marina Bay.  I can also see on the left the unique roofs of Esplanade/Theatres on the Bay,   Right?

 

As I orient myself to Singapore, to the left of the The Stamford would that be the famed Raffles Hotel and the JW Marriott where we will be staying?  Am I starting get the "hang" of it for some of the key locations in and around Singapore?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 249,372 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

[agape01]

5 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Super appreciate this wonderful panoramic view for this portion of the dynamic Singapore skyline, other landmarks, etc.  

 

Am I understanding correctly that on the left is the tall, circular Swissotel The Stamford and near it being St. Andrew's Anglican Church?  At the right, is that round roof being the Supreme Court structure?  And, of course, in the more distant middle are the three towers of Sands Marina Bay.  I can also see on the left the unique roofs of Esplanade/Theatres on the Bay,   Right?

 

As I orient myself to Singapore, to the left of the The Stamford would that be the famed Raffles Hotel and the JW Marriott where we will be staying?  Am I starting get the "hang" of it for some of the key locations in and around Singapore?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 249,372 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

 

You won't get lost in the city as you well know where you are. 👍

[Miaminice]

My personal hotel tip for Singapore... Andaz Hotel Singapore

 

And a good option for a bit less: Pan Pacific Singapore

Edited November 16, 2023 by Miaminice

[TLCOhio]

From Condé Nast Traveler magazine five days ago, they had this headline: “Best Places to Go in Asia in 2024" with this sub-headline:  "From Sri Lanka's shores to Uzbekistan's Silk Road, Asia offers reasons galore to pack your bags and head east.”

 

Here are some of their opening summary: “It’s official, Asia is back—brighter, bolder, and more ambitious than ever. The region took longer than others to shake off pandemic-related travel restrictions and border closures, but has returned in full force, eager to remind international travelers what they’ve been missing.” 

 

They give a major focus for Singapore with an opening summary of "Go for: forest trails, new luxury stays, and Taylor Swift hype".  

 

Here are more specifics cited:  "Even by Singapore’s hyperkinetic standards, 2024 is shaping up to be an unusually livewire year. March will usher in Taylor Swift hype at the National Stadium in Kallang, as the pop star lights up the waterfront venue in her sole South East Asian stop. Hotel bookings have reportedly surged, right on the heels of a string of high-profile openings in 2023, including the much-anticipated Mondrian Singapore Duxton near Chinatown. Relaunches and openings will continue into 2024, with the Grand Hyatt on the plush Orchard Road-Scotts Road juncture unveiling a completely new look, and Raffles inaugurating its villa-style spa and resort on Sentosa Island. Singapore is also adding exciting accoutrements to its impressive green quilt. At Gardens by the Bay, the country’s landscaping masterpiece, the longest sculpture in the world—a 300-foot parade depicting 60 endangered animals cast in bronze—is on display until May."   

 

Need added, future options??: "Not to forget Singapore’s legendary glamour, Belmond returns with its long-awaited Eastern & Oriental Express, kicking off a new journey from Singapore to Malaysia and back in February. In September, the country has its annual date with Formula 1 at the iconic Marina Bay Street Circuit."   See the Belmond train visual below to help build up the excitement for Singapore: 

 

What else is upcoming and important in Singapore for 2024??

 

Full story at:

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/best-places-to-go-in-asia-2024?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=cnt&utm_mailing=CNT_Daily_AM_112023&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5db3f99524c17c23c34ecf3e&cndid=6657468&hasha=e1ca3019f9f535a4b98389997c63b892&hashb=7daf2541a0de702392cfe60ed513a5c2d1d23598&hashc=f541a9e649534cc2931bd57d58d8c2cac2bb8c5d298f722bad5b05cc8ad5ece2&esrc=IDCONDENAST_REGGATE&utm_term=CNT_Daily

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 246,392 views.

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

[TLCOhio]

From Travel+Leisure magazine this morning, they had this headline: “I Stayed at 60 Hotels This Year — This Is the One I Can't Stop Thinking About" with this sub-headline:  "The iconic Raffles Singapore has more than 135 years of history — and it's one of the best hotels in Asia.”

 

Here are some of the reporting highlights by Katie Lockhart: “It's a hotel older than the country it sits in; if the walls at Raffles Singapore could talk, they would have lots of stories to tell. From bringing an orangutan to the pool to meet Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor to serving Rudyard Kipling cocktails as he penned “The Jungle Book,” Singapore’s grande dame has welcomed dozens of dignitaries, celebrities, and authors since it opened in 1887. ”

 

Here is more interesting history and background from this profile for this famed hotel: "It has come a long way since its days as a 10-room bungalow offering an elegant reprieve from the Southeast Asian heat. Today, it houses 115 suites, with an updated grandeur that suits its A-list clientele.  In 2019, after its 2015 acquisition by Accor, it got a chic top-to-bottom refurb, but don’t worry, it kept its timeless charm. The doorman still ushers guests into the grand, three-story lobby, where the famous grandfather clock has been chiming since the hotel opened."

 

Glad in late February 2024 that we will be staying across the street from the Raffles Singapore at the JW Marriott South Beach.  Close for us to visit, but where we are staying offers a better value/rate.  

 

From the hotel website and used in this magazine profile, here are two lovely visuals for the Raffles of its exterior and interior.  Looking classy and great??

 

 

Full story at:

https://www.travelandleisure.com/raffles-singapore-hotel-review-8405291

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 108,773 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

[Dobby36]

I’m just back from my few days there post-cruise, so here are my return thoughts on Singapore, as promised:

 

cruise terminal was a disembarkation experience for us, and was not orderly. celebrity told us there would automated expedited gates used if we filled out a QRcode form ahead of time, they called it an arrivals card.  Once there, the gates all seemed to be not working and the agents were manually processing folks.  Long lines all around.  There were some construciton signs, so hopefully this is a short term renovation issue or something.  
 

the humid weather was true to its reputation, with frequent but brief heavy showers and temps in the 80s(f) almost 24 hours.  Umbrellas are a must. 
 

1/2….second post coming later, working on pics now!

[Dobby36]

Here is part two observations and some pics:

 

terry, the JW Marriott looks like a treat! We were just down the road at the Ritz, which was also great.  The Marriott has two gorgeous towers and was bustling with excitement when we walked by. 
 

Grab- if you are at all app-savvy, I’d highly recommend getting the app “Grab” downloaded.  When I logged into Uber in Singapore, it said “we’re not here, give Grab a try”.   But it’s so much more than a ride sharing app. You can not only order a van, a traditional taxi, etc. (and even pay in cash if you prefer!) but you can also order food, and pay for things at vendors and stores using their Grab QR codes. It came in handy at the hawker markets. 
 

Food- speaking of Hawker markets -we adored these! So fun and vibrant, cheap food, and very organized.  We tried dumplings, chicken, noodles, smoothies, and more over a few visits.  One was in Chinatown, the other was Maxwell.  
We also had sugarcane juice from a vendor by the bay, which was interesting and something I’d never seen before.  We tried an anime cafe, which was unique and fun.  The breakfast Buffett at the Ritz should be on anyone’s list if you like a solid hotel spread.  It had dozens of western foods, nice made-to-order Asian options, and endless fresh fruits and juices and seafood. Honestly, even if you aren’t a buffet person, the Colony is lovely.  
 

Marina Bay Sands is exquisite.  Be sure to bring your electronic entry receipt from immigration and your passport if wanting to visit the casino.  Security is tight! But it was fun once inside and huge variety of games. The mall is also gorgeous, and the evening light show worth seeing (on the mall side, not the gardens side or in the hotel itself)

 

Airport - the airport was incredibly efficient.  Make note of not only your airline but your “door” and “row” when you check in.  Ours was on the confirmation screen once checked in and they also emailed it to us.  Your driver will need that info to drop you off directly in the front of where you need to be. Once there it is so easy to navigate and clean and quirky. 

[Dobby36]

Also, once those pics posted I forgot to mention we certainly did do the iconic Gardens By The Bay! We were on the fence about the paid to enter portions (Cloud Forest and Flower greenhouses)  tu saw the Cloud Forest had a short term Avatar Movie tie-in.  It runs from 11/23 to early 2024. The entire greenhouse has flora and fauna from the Avatar films set up, and some interactive exhibits than you can take pics with yourself from your device for free, or try flying a banshee. Was pretty slick! And in addition to the usual signage and info about the specified plants and local weather, etc. 

 

a huge bonus to visiting this area (cost was almost $50 pp) was the entire greenhouse felt about 15 degrees cooler than the outdoors.  A huge relief from walking over there in the humidity for a mile or so.  

IMG_4384.heic IMG_4382.heic

[mil76]

On 12/1/2023 at 7:54 PM, Dobby36 said:

The breakfast Buffett at the Ritz should be on anyone’s list if you like a solid hotel spread.  It had dozens of western foods, nice made-to-order Asian options, and endless fresh fruits and juices and seafood. Honestly, even if you aren’t a buffet person, the Colony is lovely.  

 

This.  I stayed at the Ritz last time I was in Singapore in 2005, and that breakfast buffet is still one of the things I remember from that trip.  They had EVERYTHING western and Asian.  Glad to hear it's still great.

 

Leaving next week and staying at the Fullerton for the night before our cruise and the Conrad for a week post cruise.  We did the 6 day GoCity pass, so we hope to do just about everything.  So much is new in Singapore since we were last there.  This thread has been great!

[FlaggMary]

We are coming in on the Oceana Riveria in January. We just have one day in Singapore before we get off the ship and fly home. How far will Gardens by the Bay be from where Oceana docks?

[JimChar]

Singapore cruiser here. Reposting what I have shared in a roll call about Singapore

Basic Information about Singapore.

For those with pre & post cruise plans

 

Where to exchange foreign cash  ? Money changers everywhere in Singapore for this. Best rates in Singapore's Chinatown as there are plenty of competition there. If you forgot, at the cruise terminal has a booth there too. Local food centers, a highlight for my visiting friends, are mostly cash. The local cashless system requires a local bank account, so unlikely for you.
 

Most supermarket, restaurants and bars in Singapore will accept your Visa / Master card. Public transport i.e. subway and buses, also accepts your card - tap to get in, tap to get out. 

Is there Uber here ? No, but local version of this ride hail GoJek, Grab & Tada. 

How far from airport to cruise terminal ? By taxi 35mins+, by subway 1 hr (Marina South Pier station & a 10 mins walk under the shelter). Yes, you can bring luggage onboard the subway. Signages are in English and we all speaks English, so no worries about getting lost.

How far from hotel to cruise terminal ?  Depends on your hotel location. I guess it's about 15 - 30 minutes depending on traffic. 

Free Wifi ? At the airport, cruise terminal, most major shopping malls and your hotel

Public toilet ? We are better than Italy, free public toilets are everywhere (not behind the bush). In the malls, food center (which may charge you 20cents per entry), subway stations etc. 

Duty free imports to Singapore ? None for cigarettes & cigar. The alcohol part, see the chart. Booze & cigarette are expensive here due to the taxes.

 

Personal use recreational drugs / vapes ? Don't even think about this. It could be a nasty fine, jail or even death sentence. 

Plugs & Power socket

The power socket for Singapore is UK type 220V. Adaptors for your appliances easily available at the local stores for about a $1+ each. If you're buying, get the ones with the fuse (13A) for safety.

Singapore / UK plug

 

[JimChar]

56 minutes ago, FlaggMary said:

We are coming in on the Oceana Riveria in January. We just have one day in Singapore before we get off the ship and fly home. How far will Gardens by the Bay be from where Oceana docks?

 

By taxi, it is less than 10 minutes but you will get slap with a terminal pick up surcharge of S$8. Use the Grab/GoJek app (our local version of Uber) instead. 

Walk, possible, 30 mins.  - seen cruiser doing that. Streets are paved, with traffic lights and all. 

Is there any luggage storage on site? I recalled some coin lockers near the enterance driveway - you have to ask the staff for the exact location. 

 

[MVPinBoynton]

31 minutes ago, JimChar said:

Singapore cruiser here. Reposting what I have shared in a roll call about Singapore

Basic Information about Singapore.

For those with pre & post cruise plans

 

Where to exchange foreign cash  ? Money changers everywhere in Singapore for this. Best rates in Singapore's Chinatown as there are plenty of competition there. If you forgot, at the cruise terminal has a booth there too. Local food centers, a highlight for my visiting friends, are mostly cash. The local cashless system requires a local bank account, so unlikely for you.
 

Most supermarket, restaurants and bars in Singapore will accept your Visa / Master card. Public transport i.e. subway and buses, also accepts your card - tap to get in, tap to get out. 

Is there Uber here ? No, but local version of this ride hail GoJek, Grab & Tada. 

How far from airport to cruise terminal ? By taxi 35mins+, by subway 1 hr (Marina South Pier station & a 10 mins walk under the shelter). Yes, you can bring luggage onboard the subway. Signages are in English and we all speaks English, so no worries about getting lost.

How far from hotel to cruise terminal ?  Depends on your hotel location. I guess it's about 15 - 30 minutes depending on traffic. 

Free Wifi ? At the airport, cruise terminal, most major shopping malls and your hotel

Public toilet ? We are better than Italy, free public toilets are everywhere (not behind the bush). In the malls, food center (which may charge you 20cents per entry), subway stations etc. 

Duty free imports to Singapore ? None for cigarettes & cigar. The alcohol part, see the chart. Booze & cigarette are expensive here due to the taxes.

 

Personal use recreational drugs / vapes ? Don't even think about this. It could be a nasty fine, jail or even death sentence. 

Plugs & Power socket

The power socket for Singapore is UK type 220V. Adaptors for your appliances easily available at the local stores for about a $1+ each. If you're buying, get the ones with the fuse (13A) for safety.

Singapore / UK plug

 

Thanks so much for the info.  I have seen som before, but nice to see in one place.  I know I can use Grab, but is there a good transfer company to use from the airport to Marina Bay Sands?

[JimChar]

3 minutes ago, MVPinBoynton said:

Thanks so much for the info.  I have seen som before, but nice to see in one place.  I know I can use Grab, but is there a good transfer company to use from the airport to Marina Bay Sands?

Seriously, there is no need for the so-called airport transfer unless you wanted a Merc 300L or a RR for privacy, style & class. But if you want, there is Maxi cab for a fix fare (i can't recall how much, but I will never use them as I lived about 5 stations away from the airport).

Just use Grab/GoJek app will do. I use a few such app, for price comparison as Grab prices can be crazy at times. 

[TLCOhio]

On 12/9/2023 at 9:19 PM, JimChar said:

Singapore cruiser here. Reposting what I have shared in a roll call about Singapore
Public toilet ? We are better than Italy, free public toilets are everywhere (not behind the bush). In the malls, food center (which may charge you 20 cents per entry), subway stations etc. 
Plugs & Power socket  The power socket for Singapore is UK type 220V. Adaptors for your appliances easily available at the local stores for about a $1+ each. If you're buying, get the ones with the fuse (13A) for safety.

 

Super appreciate ALL of these great comments, info details and follow-ups, especially from JimChar and Dobby36.  All  very interesting and helpful!!  Keep it coming.   Good reminder as to bringing the right electrical connectors, etc.

 

From MSN News today, they had this headline: “Travel Guide: Discovering the Magic of Singapore" on a story by John Guanzon with these highlights: “Singapore, a vibrant and dynamic city-state in Southeast Asia, offers an enchanting blend of modernity and tradition. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, an architecture admirer, or a nature lover, Singapore has something to offer everyone.  From the clean and seamlessly functional infrastructure to the surreal and captivating cultural attraction, my time in Singapore almost felt like a dream. I can see why the city’s becoming a melting pot of cultures, filled with migrants, expats, and generations of locals, choosing to call the city home.”

 

On weather, the author shared: "Singapore’s climate is typically hot and humid year-round with an average humidity of over 80%. However, it’s essential to note that from November to January, the city experiences its rainy season, which brings cooler temperatures but more precipitation. The best time to travel for pleasant weather is between February and October."  Glad that our timing for Singapore will be Feb. 28-March 2, 2024.  

 

There are a wide range of food, drink and dining options outlined in this profile.  The excitement is building for our visit there in a little over two months.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/travel-guide-discovering-the-magic-of-singapore/ar-AA1lCGgZ

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 73,612 views:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Daily Mail this morning, they had this headline: “Every country's must-try food revealed on fascinating world map” with these highlights: “Food is often one of the most exciting parts of going on holiday, especially when it's something you can't find back home.   But what are the must-try dishes, snacks and drinks travellers need to tick off?  Every country's must-try local delicacy was established by analysing TikTok videos containing hashtags for over 2,600 delicacies in 177 countries. The number of views associated with each hashtag was tallied to produce a ranking.”

 

For the five upcoming nations we will be visiting next month, here are the most noted foods for each country from this "research" method: 

 

India: Biryani

Sri Lanks: Kottu

Thailand: Pad Thai

Malaysia: Nasi Lemak

Singapore: Laksa

 

As detailed by Wikipedia, "Laksa is a spicy noodle dish popular in Southeast Asia.  Laksa consists of various types of noodles, most commonly thick rice noodles, with toppings such as chicken, prawn or fish. Most variations of laksa are prepared with a rich and spicy coconut soup or a broth seasoned with sour asam (tamarind or gelugur).   Originating from Peranakan cuisine, laksa recipes are commonly served in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia."

 

Below is one of many options for how this dish might look and be served.  

 

Personally, I am big on the sauces and/or gravy that goes with and/or mixed in with the rice, meat, etc.  Will need to do more research and talking with Asian food experts.  But, this type of "soup" or broth can work well, too.  

 

Any insights or tips for these various dishes, country food loves, your favorites, best suggestions, etc.?

 

Full story at:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-12922347/Every-countrys-try-food-revealed-fascinating-world-map-fish-chips-UK-hot-dogs-U-S-pavlova-Australia.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Athens & Greece: Visuals, details from two visits in a city and nearby with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 61,592 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

[JourneyJim]

On 11/14/2023 at 7:42 AM, fstuff1 said:

 

This chain has cheaper beer than 7-11.

7-11 had 6 pack of Tiger on special for $20. ($3.33/each)

 

Everyday mart has it for $3 each regular price and a special this month of 3 for $8.50

Thank you for the tip on Everyday Mart. Will check if other items other than beer has better prices than 7-Eleven.

[agape01]

8 hours ago, JourneyJim said:

Thank you for the tip on Everyday Mart. Will check if other items other than beer has better prices than 7-Eleven.

 Please do note that after 1030pm, there is no longer sales on all alcohol products.