Report: Singapore

TheDriver

I visited Singapore as part of a stopover on the way to Australia and decided to spend a few days there. Its a pity most people just see the airport as Singapore is a lovely introduction into Asia and not painful at that. Singapore is a former British colony hence English is themost spoken language here with a perfect diction while all signs etc are in English. Western Food is easily obtainable but you can get your Asian influences very easily. It is a perfectly clean place with strict laws regarding littering.
So what about the City: A day walking around will get most of the city done, you should visit the Muslin Quarter along with Mosques and lovely small buildings along the streets. Little India has few Hindu temples also and has a real small village feel with a lot of Bangladeshi and Sri Lankans living there. Most of the city has big streets and highways. Theres a lovely regenerated quay in the middle of the city (even has a hooters restaurant!!) and lots of nice restaurants while CHinatown is below this again and worth a look for the hussle and bussle. Check out Raffles hotel for its lankmark status.
Singapore is a small Island and easily to get around it. Attractions to see would be the night safari (easy bus ride away) which is basically a zoo at night and is a bit different, lot of people travel to Singapore to see it. Also the day zoo and Sentosa Island which is a cheesy sun spot at south of the Island. YOu can also get to Bali and Indonesia or Malaysia from here very easily, a short boat ride will have you on the coast of Indonesia easily. No visa is required to enter Singapore for IRL residents either and the underground is a gift while the airport is what would be expected from a large hub.
People say theres nothing in Singapore and to a point I would agree but its nice to see it for 2-3 days and get a feel for Asia without having to battle a new language or inability to find food that you can eat. If the plane is stopping there, get off! And if you want to explore Bali etc, then Singapore is about the cheapest way to get to this part of the world.

S.M.B.

Heading to Singapore for a few days next weekend. Thanks for the info!

jmayo

Skip the night safari if I was you.
It is not really worth it and I don't want to see an elephant acting nuts be it night or day.
Also beware buying electronic goods, some of the dealers will try and sell you a pig in a poke, especially when it comes to cameras and lens.

Raffles is cool to spend a few hours just hanging out. Just wander around and try and take in the nightime view of all the buildings.

AngryHippie

If you want to sightsee, then thats all well and good, The city is sort of designed for it, But lurking underneath is a nightlife that'll put even the hardened paddy on his drunken arse in a hurry. If this is what you are after, Head for the hideout on Circular road, Its on the third floor. The top dog there is an aussie mauri by the name of Andre. I have to hand it to the dude, We met him in the cheesy Rav's nightclub across the road, and ended up drinkin in his bar until 10 in the mornin. He seems to like Irish people, and is probably the soundest Aussie I've met (so far). He gave us the low down on the city, where to go, where to avoid, what to do with my few days here. I'd advise a visit. Just tell him the big bald irish cnut sent ya....