As we love to travel, we thought it fitting to have a blog to document all our travels and provide insightful holiday travel tips. At the same time, this may serve to assist others who might have the same interest in getting good travel deals for a well-planned vacation and cheap holiday travel.
Singaporeans moan that besides shopping, dining and the movies, there's
not a lot you can do here. Ignore them. The must-see list for the
one-day visitor to Singapore, especially the first-timer, is absorbingly
long. There is very little chance you'll get bored. Most tourists tend
to gravitate first towards the famed retail stretch of Orchard Road.
Fine, get your fix of bold-faced names like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and
every other couture label under the sun. When you've gotten that out of
your system, dump your purchases back at the hotel and head out into the
'burbs where the real charm of Singapore lies. We're here to guide you
to the top 10 places where tourists don't normally go; in short, the
places where Singaporeans in the know live and play.
1. Singapore Botanic Gardens
So, you've arrived. It's early and nothing really opens for business
until around 11 a.m., so how are you going to kill time? Slip on the
trainers and head out to the Botanic Gardens
(open 5 a.m. to midnight). At this time of the day, downtown
Singapore's last remaining green lung is a cool, bucolic retreat filled
with joggers, dogs and tai-chi practitioners. Wander through the swaths
of virgin rainforest (the main boardwalk through it is entered from
Upper Palm Valley Road) and then take in the National Orchid Garden's
many-colored collection of 1,000 orchid species and 2,000 hybrids. When
you're done, drop into the food court near Tanglin Gate for a
traditional local breakfast of soft-boiled eggs, coffee and toast
slathered with coconut jam.
It may seem a little strange to head to a hotel to look at artwork, but the Ritz-Carlton
is no ordinary hotel. The massive three-ton Frank Stella installation
at the entrance and the pair of Dale Chihuly crystal glass sculptures
that anchor both wings of the building kick off one of Southeast Asia's
finest (and under the radar) collections of modern and contemporary art.
The majority of the pieces were specially commissioned for the public
spaces and guest suites. The treasures on view include Andy Warhol and
David Hockney's exuberant colors, Rainer Gross's geometric compositions,
Henry Moore's restrained monochromatics and the lush botanicals of
Robert Zakanitch. It's all free to view, and you even get an iPod-guided
tour.
Let the other tourist hordes charge over to the newly minted Peranakan Museum or the gloomy Asian Civilisations Museum. If you do only one cultural thing during your 24-hour Singapore layover, it must be a tour of the unheralded Chinatown Heritage Centre,
where entire sets of bedrooms, kitchens and street scenes from the
late-19th century and early-20th century have been faithfully recreated.
It's an authentic slice of Singapore's history that's made all the more
fascinating by the gleaming skyscrapers just a few blocks away. And if
you must, pick up a kitschy souvenir from the gift shop on your way out.
In case you missed the memo, the place for plastic surgery is Asia.
While many people head to Bangkok and Seoul for assorted nips and tucks,
the locals make a beeline for the ultra-swish, Richard Meier–designed Camden Medical Centre.
You may not have time for a full makeover, but squeeze in a spot of
Botox or a non-surgical facelift with local celebrity surgeon Woffles Wu. And then adjourn downstairs for snapper pie and Pavlova at Whitebait and Kale.
Tokyo may have the latest in electronic gadgets, but Singapore has
the widest range, and luckily for the time-pressed shopper, they're all
clustered in two massive multistory emporia. Handicams, portable DVD
players, mobile phones, hi-tech cameras, MP3 players and laptops in just
about every imaginable configuration are up for grabs at Funan Digitalife Mall and Sim Lim Square.
The prices are usually about 10% to 20% cheaper than at other
commercial outlets. At Sim Lim Square especially, good deals can be had
with some serious haggling, and many retailers will knock off a few
extra dollars if you pay in cash.
This tiny lane, hidden away in the heart of the Muslim quarter, is a
fashionista's paradise. With very little fanfare, the collection of
narrow shop-houses have, in less than a year, been transformed into an
aggressively hip retail stretch recalling Le Marais in Paris or New
York's Meatpacking District. Know It Nothing
is a stylish industrial space that stocks beautifully tailored dress
shirts stitched with silver skull buttons by Japanese label Garni. Next,
pop into Pluck for
its shabby chic collection of Austin Powers–inspired cushion covers and a
cute ice-cream parlor. A few doors down, Salad boasts a range of home
accessories like laser-cut table mats and Hong Kong–based Carrie Chau's
quirky postcards. If you're feeling peckish, have an authentic Middle
Eastern lunch around the corner at Cafe le Caire.
The 165-meter-high Flyer
is Singapore's answer to the London Eye. For the moment, it is the
world's largest observation wheel (that title will go to Las Vegas' High Roller when
its version opens in 2013). Despite much fanfare and hype, the locals
have never really taken to the Flyer, grousing that it's too far from
anywhere (it's not) and S$29.50 is a lot of money to pay for a 30-minute
ride. Lucky you, since this means you'll almost never have to wait in
line. The best time to hitch a ride is at dusk when the entire row of
downtown skyscrapers is softly lit. Back on the ground, head for a
dinner of chili crabs at Seafood Paradise.
Back in the '50s, Dempsey Hill was home to the British Army. These
days, the former barracks, set amidst lush jungle, have been transformed
into a fine collection of restaurants, bars, art galleries, epiceries
and spas. Recently, the long abandoned garrison church was reopened as
the White Rabbit,
a restaurant and bar serving up Euro comfort food. After extensive
renovations, its lofty interiors are now a mood-lit bolt-hole that
heaves with tout le monde. When people aren't busy air-kissing
and waving to one another across the crowded dining space, they're
tucking into chef Daniel Sia's cleverly re-imagined classics, like
macaroni and cheese drizzled with truffle sauce and a deconstructed
Black Forest cake. After dinner, head up the hill for a chilled mojito
at Margarita's.
Once upon a time, Bugis Street was Singapore's premier red light district (and forever immortalized in Peter Bogdanovich's Saint Jack),
but the crown has long since passed to Geylang, an atmospheric quarter
on Singapore's east coast that bristles with great period architecture,
leggy street walkers and some of the best local food on the island. On
offer is a greedy grab of Peranakan, Indian, Malay and regional Chinese
standards including the coconut rice and curry chicken at Bali Nasi
Lemak, spicy noodles with roast pork and prawns at Kuching Kolo Mee and
the Hakka favourite of rice, vegetables, tofu and peanuts in a tea-based
broth at Lei Cha Fan.
Despite its prim, straight-laced reputation, Singapore's nightlife is
actually quite racy, though compared to Barcelona or New York, the
party ends early (around 3 a.m.). After nearly two decades, Zouk
is still the throbbing heart of the action. The pulsating institution
is a strobe-lit, rambling warren of dance floors, figure-hugging
outfits, swagger and seasoned moves. For many of the pretty young
hipsters here, it's a rite of passage. If it isn't enough to satisfy
your urge to groove, drop into the mammoth Ministry of Sound for a quick shimmy.
Zouk 17 Jiak Kim Street, Singapore169420; 65-6738-2988zoukclub.com
Views of the uniquely designed Marina Bay Sands Hotel
Marina Bay Sands Hotel - world's most expensive standalone casino
Here are some pictures of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, one of two integrated resorts in Singapore. Considered a 5-star hotel, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel comprise a world-class casino within its premises as well as the magnificent sky park Marina Bay Sands where you are treated to breath-taking and amazing views.
Check out the world's largest public cantilevered platform and
the design that was inspired by a deck of cards
Marina Bay Sands Skypark
Interestingly, we were up at the sky park Marina Bay Sands in the evening and managed to capture these two unusual shots of the hotel's silhouette.
Marina Bay Sands silhouette
Interesting view of Marina Bay Sands silhouette upon the newly opened Gardens By The Bay
Whilst at the 340 metre long Marina Bay Sands skypark, we managed to capture some interesting shots as well as popular Singapore tourist attractions.
The largest Supertree at the Gardens By The Bay
Some of the Supertrees at the Gardens By The Bay with the aerial walkway
Close-up of another supertree, which is in fact functional chimneys
City view from the skypark
150 metre infinity swimming pool atop the Marina Bay Sands Skypark.
Marina Bay Sands Pool
The Singapore Flyer, another top Singapore tourist attraction
The 2 iconic cool domes at the Gardens By The Bay
Singapore esplanade theatre
Soak in the jacuzzi and enjoy the magnificent views
Sea view
With the three hotel towers, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel has a total of 2,500 rooms and suites.
Marina Bay Sands Hotel Grand Room cover 79 square metre.
The very spacious bathroom
Shower area
Huge bathtub
This television basically separates the bedroom from the living room area and gives the room a junior suite feel.
42 inch flat screen television with swivel
Working desk area with complimentary high speed internet access
One of the popular Singapore tourist attractions, the Singapore Flyer is currently the tallest Ferris wheel in the world with a total height of 165 m (541 ft), outshining the London Eye by 30 m (98 ft). Located in Marina Promenade, on the southeast tip of the Marina Centre reclaimed land, the Singapore Flyer offers breathtaking 360 degree views of the Singapore's city centre and beyond.
Awarded the Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor
Savour a unique experience on board the world's largest observation wheel. With 28 air-conditioned capsules taking thirty minutes to complete a full circle, you can even opt for the awe-inspiring sky dining packages on board the Singapore Flyer.
View of the Singapore Flyer from Marina Bay Sands skypark
Inside the capsule (from Wiki)
Each capsule can take up to 28 passengers, thus making it a great outing for the whole extended family and close friends. The capsule is also able to hold up to five wheelchairs and is wheelchair friendly.
The official grand opening of the Singapore Flyer was held on 15 April 2008 and tickets for rides on the first 3 nights were fully booked even at the rate of SGD8,888 (USD6,271), an auspicious number in Chinese culture.
Holiday Travel Tips:-
Booking your tickets online can save you
time as well as money as there may be online specials where you can
enjoy discounted prices. :)
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore as seen from the Marina Bay Sands skypark
The following pictures of the Singapore Flyer were taken from Lions Bridge which connects Marina Bay Sands hotel to the newly opened Gardens By The Bay.
Night view of the Singapore Flyer
Check out the various colours
It sure is heavy!
Against a backdrop of beautiful blue sky
Do check out the Singapore Flyer, one of the more popular Singapore tourist attractions. Even if you do not have the time to go on the ride, at least take some memorable picture of it and with it. :D
One of the newest Singapore tourist attractions, Gardens By The Bay, recently opened its doors to the public on 29th June, 2012. Although a difficult decision to make as 101 hectare of prime land had to be set aside in the heart of Singapore's new downtown Marina Bay, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong believed that the iconic green space would add tremendous value to Singapore and be to Singapore what Hyde Park is to London.
Beautiful
Flora
Orchid
Covering 101 hectares, Gardens By The Bay is set to transform Singapore from a 'Garden City' to a 'City in a Garden' as well as enhance the flora and fauna in the city, thereby increasing the quality of life.
The largest of three gardens, Bay South Garden prides itself with a diverse range of plant life from every continent except Antarctica. Showcased here is the best of tropical horticulture and garden artistry.
You can get up close with exotic species in the Cooled Conservatories
situated along the Marina Reservoir, marvel at towering vertical gardens
or learn about the intricacies of plant life in the themed gardens.
The two iconic Cooled Conservatories
The two Cooled Conservatories comprise the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. The Flower Dome, the larger of the two, sits on 1.2 hectares, whereas the Cloud Forest is only 0.8 hectares. What is interesting about these two iconic Cooled Conservatories is that they do not have a single air-conditioner, but are instead cooled by a bio-waste system.
The bio-waste consists of all the fallen leaves, branches and grass clippings from the various parks around Singapore being sent to the Gardens by the Bay and burnt in the in-house furnace. Heat from the furnace creates steam which powers the in-house turbine which then generates electricity that chills the recycled water and is used to cool the domes. This helps to achieve at least 30% saving in energy consumption as compared to conventional cooling technologies.
Supertree Grove
Hours:
05:00 AM - 02:00 AM daily
Admission:
Free
Supertree Grove
These Supertrees are very unique. Spanning between 25 - 50 metres in height, the Supertrees provide much needed shade in the day. At night, they fill the area with a light and sound display.
Beautifully lighted up
Night view of the Supertree Grove
A total of 18 Supertrees can be found with 12 clustered together at the Supertree Grove. Reaching a height of 16 storeys, these Supertrees add height to the Marina Bay Gardens against a backdrop of the tall buildings in the Marina Bay area.
The Supertrees against the backdrop of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel
If you wish to have a different view of the Gardens, you can take a stroll along the 128 metre OCBC Skyway which connects two Supertrees at the Supertree Grove.
OCBC Skyway
Hours:
Opens 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM daily
Monday - Friday
Last ticket sale at 08:00 PM
Last admission at 08:30 PM
Weekends & PH
Last ticket sale at 07:00 PM
Last admission at 07:30 PM
Admission:
Adult
$5
Senior Citizen*
$5
Child**
$3
* Senior Citizen (≥ 60 years old)
** Child (3 – 12 years old)
The OCBC Skyway connecting two Supertrees
The largest Supertree reaches 50 metre and has a top bistro where one can enjoy great views of the Gardens By The Bay.
King of the Supertrees
11 of the Supertrees are embedded with environmentally sustainable functions like photovoltaic cells to harvest solar energy.
Ability to harvest solar energy
The Supertrees are also vertical gardens where more than 200 species of bromeliads, orchids, ferns and tropical flowering climbers can be found.
The vertical garden
If you are at the Marina Bay Sands area, you can cross the Lions Bridge over to the Gardens By The Bay.
Lions Bridge
Dragonfly Lake
Dragonfly
Water spouting from a lion
View of part of the Gardens By The Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a huge green lung in the centre of the city and has become one of the more popular Singapore tourist attraction. Here, you will experience a peaceful oases amid the tropical concrete and expressways in the city of Singapore.
Hi, I'm Veronica and together with my partner Patrick (hence the name ViP) we spend whatever spare time we have baking cakes and cookies and even creating our best seller chocolate rocher.
At the same time, we love travelling all over and we shall also be sharing our travel experiences.
If you have any questions or comments, do feel free to post them and will try to answer them as best as possible.
Thank you for visiting.
