Sensational Singapore
Singapore has to be one if the world's most captivating cities, it' like no other destination I have ever visited, chewing gum is banned in this super clean city.
We were lucky enough to stayu in three incredible hotels; Shangri La Hotel , which is just a 5 minute walk to Orchard Road Shopping heaven, Orchard is more than just a street. This 2.2km stretch of road is flanked by the most visited shopping malls in Singapore. There’s Ion Orchard, an architect’s fantasy crammed with familiar shops: Apple have opened a concrete-clad flagship here. For something a little different, head to Far East Plaza on Scotts Road. At Christmas time, the over-the-top decorations in the region border on the ridiculous.
We also stayed at the Iconic Raffle HoteL, Raffles Singapore sits on the original plot of 10 bungalows at Beach Road that once overlooked sandy beaches and azure skies. However, with Singapore’s rapid development and land reclamation efforts, the hotel’s sea-facing view has been replaced with a view of the bustling malls in the heart of the city. It takes no more than five minutes to walk to City Hall MRT, Raffles City Shopping Centre and JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach. Both the Esplanade MRT station and newly renovated Funan mall are also just a 10-minute walk away.
And then we finished our amazing stay at Marina Bay Sands Hotel, This area of the city is dominated by the Marina Bay Sands hotel, designed by Moshe Safdie, who also dreamed up the nearby ArtScience museum. For a view over the bay, you can walk across the futuristic fritted glass Helix Bridge to the Singapore Flyer, a supersized Ferris wheel. Go on a clear night and try and count the city’s innumerable lights from 165m up. But be down in the Gardens by the Bay by 7:45pm or 8:45pm, when the daily light shows start.
We stayed clear of Sentosa Island out of choice, I have some SIngaporian friends, who said that the area was extremely touristy, and during our stay we really wanted to explore the real 'Singapore'. We did make the huge mistake of paying for a very overpriced meal whilst we were in the city, the best food we experienced the whole time we were here was in the many Hawker centres.
What I really recommend you do whilst you are in the city are : - If you can't afford to stay at Raffles Hotel, high tea in the grand lobby is an incredible experience, thic must be booked in advance, or drop into the Long Bar for a famous 'Singapore Sling' - Grab yourself a cocktail at the Marina sands Bay hotel bar , and live that 'crazy rich asian ' life - Singapore Duck tour is an incredible way of discovering Singapore
