Far East Adventure - Part 3, Singapore

This city has changed so much since I was there, once again checking into a Shangri-La hotel, the difference between Singapore and where my trip started in Bangkok is stark. This city is uber-clean. No litter, no smoking, no pollution. But still just as cultural, Singapore has a wide settling of all Asian cultures and is known as the Lion City or Garden City, the latter because of its many parks and tree lined streets.

Once a British colonial trading post, there is one instantly recognisable drink synonymous with this vibrant city – The Singapore Sling. Invented in 1915 by bar tender Ngiam Tong Boon, it is widely regarded as the national drink. The Long bar was once located at Cads Alley, in turn of the century Singapore, Raffles was the place to be and The Long bar was the place you would find gentleman nursing glasses of gin or whiskey, at a gathering of tables placed facing Bras Basah Road.

Since women were not allowed to drink in public there was also a wide variety of fruit juices and teas on offer, but this clever barman realised there was a gap in the market and revolutionised the options for women when he created what was to look like a plain old fruit juice, using clear alcohol leading people to believe it was a socially acceptable drink for women. Well done Ngiam – I thoroughly enjoyed mine when I was there.

When I wasn’t propping up the bar, I was making the most of the sights, taking in a half day tour around the city. In the colonial heart of the city, you will find views of Padang and the Cricket Club, onwards to Supreme court and City Hall, passing through Chinatown. I then went up to Mount Taber for an amazing panoramic view of the city. Coming back to a local handicraft centre before visiting the National Orchid Garden located in the beautiful Botanic Gardens.

My final stop was Little India before heading over to Sentosa Island and stopping at the amazing Rasa Sentosa Resort. Here there was just enough time to relax on the beach and use the facilities before watching an amazing laser light show in the fountains.

But, as I mentioned at the start things have changed massively over 20 years, because Singapore is a city that is constantly re-inventing itself. Now you can find 12 colourful neighbourhoods some old and some newly re-imagined, Sentosa – the state of fun and home to Universal studios, Civic District – A walk through the past, Joo Chiat – Home of the Perenakans, Harbour Front, Chinatown, Holland Village – where East meets West, Orchard Road – an absolute shoppers paradise, Marina Bay – modern luxury living, Dempsey Hill – Nostalgia reigns here, Kampong Gelam – modern meets tradition, Geyland Serai – full of markets and eateries and lastly Little India, this buzzing ethnic district is well worth the stop.

With a myriad of things to find and treasure such as Universal Studios, Marina Bay in the gardens and SEA Aquarium, Quayside Isle on Sentosa and even night safari’s, Singapore is not just for aging couples who have time on their hands and far-flung destinations on their to do list. There is something for everyone here from fun and adventure to heritage, history, and culture.

Oh, and did I mention the food?? My top tip – enjoy a Michelin star meal because you should – but then hunt out the hawker centres and sample the delicacies of the new generation of Singaporean Hawkers, who are fusing the modern and the traditional into a feast your taste buds will relish.

I really hope you have enjoyed reliving my trip with me and I hope it’s given you a taste of what you can experience on your very own Far East adventure.

Head over to my recreated itinerary and my offers page for more inspiration or better still, give me a call

Claire.x

**Photo Disclaimer - unfortunately there is only 1 image that has survived the last 20 years and countless house moves, I hope my tale of Singapore is enough to give you a taste of what you can see and experience in this cultural melting pot of the Far East.