Singapore questions;

I’m going to Singapore for the first time this fall with my partner. I was wondering two things,
First what is the USD worth as opposed to the Singapore D? And what is the cheapest/
most convent way to get into town form the airport?

First:
http://www.xe.net/ucc/

Second:
Taxi (just head out to the taxi stand (very efficient))

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by rpmkwpw:
First:
http://www.xe.net/ucc/

THX!

Second:
Taxi (just head out to the taxi stand (very efficient))</font>


How much to downtown??

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by thommsf:

How much to downtown??</font>

If I recall correctly, it was about S$30-35. You might try a search of the Mileage Run or UA forums, or check FT Travel for a more reliable answer, however I think that's a good estimate.

To make this thread more relevent to the GLBT board......

What is the gay scene like in Singapore? I might be going there this winter.

thommsf, you can also take the air-conditioned and clean metro directly from the airport to and around most of the country. On our recent trip to SIN last month, we went on a 4-day side trip to Bangkok and took the metro to the airport. It was quite convenient and inexpensive, though the cab ride was not terribly expensive either. At night, there is a surcharge for taxis as well, though again, it is not too much money. The new metro station at the airport is of quite interesting design, a huge saucer hovers over the platform and actually deflects so much of the intense heat, that the platform is considerably cooler than the area outside the saucer.

I recall that the US dollar was a little stronger than the SIN dollar, however, we didn’t really take advantage of it, as we didn’t really buy anything. We missed the huge Singapore Sale on Orchard Street by 2 days; apparently, it is a huge sale event.

On a slightly different note, try to pick up the current copy of Food & Wine, there is a pretty good article about SIN dining, aside from the various Hawker Centers that are fun to go to as well.

Don't miss the night zoo, very neat attraction, but you'll need to take a cab ro get there.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by WinginIt:
To make this thread more relevent to the GLBT board......What is the gay scene like in Singapore? I might be going there this winter.</font>

Happily partnered for 14 years, we didn't venture in any of the clubs, many which are in Chinatown. Just look for the rainbow flags. Since homosexuality is technically illegal in Singapore, there are no Gay Pride type events and few clubs and as a result, there is a rather large underground cruising scene. One of our Singaporean friends, who we were visiting, mentioned that there are ... what shall I call them ... special spots I suppose where one can meet others. We noted that the popular Raffles Place Shopping Center atrium was crawling with lonely gays looking for a date.

Other than that and an underground Gay Christian Group that meets a few times a month, we didn't actively look for clubs or for the Gay scene.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by raffy:
Don't miss the night zoo, very neat attraction, but you'll need to take a cab ro get there.</font>

actually, you can get to the night safari using public transportation.....there are brochures in all the hotels with directions for the MRT/bus link.
it's really worth seeing!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by WinginIt:
To make this thread more relevent to the GLBT board......

What is the gay scene like in Singapore? I might be going there this winter.</font>

Everything Raffy had to say was accurate. In fact, I would go further and say be very careful about cruising. Seems to me before my first trip I read a warning about people getting themselves into legal trouble that way.

Now onto the fun: the club scene is great! I ventured out slowly my first night at the Hyatt. I can't remember the name of the bar, but it was basically downstairs from the Hyatt and was great. Mind you, this is not a gay club, but it was a blast!

The second night was superb at Centro 360 (I think!). Big fun, great music, excellent bar all around. You'll find it across the street from the Fullerton Hotel. Make a point of getting there.

I know there are several other places, but start at Centro and ask around, or check a guide for tips.

Enjoy

The new MRT line to the airport between the 2 terminals just opened and is quite fast and convenient. Only about SIN$3 one way and it's air conditioned too.

If you're heading to or staying at the Sheraton, the stop is NEWTON.

Taxis are reliable too if you have a lot of luggage. Depending where you're going, it'll cost at least SIN$20 to get into town, but be aware of additional charges (eg. night charge, etc.).

Keep in mind that this is a country/city where 'caning' is acceptable punishment for vandalism (ie. spray paint on a car).

If homosexuality is illegal in Singapore, then has anyone gone to any of the "spas/gyms" like Rairua, RAW, or V-Club (just found these online as I will be in Singapore briefly next month)? Is it unsafe from a constant fear of being raided?

Is it so risky as to not be worth it, or is it one of those things that is like the law in Texas that never caused me a moments worry? Although a nice caning... hmmm... http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

Has anyone been to any of these and would like to email a review?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Although a nice caning... hmmm... </font>

Robb http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by robb:
Is it so risky as to not be worth it, or is it one of those things that is like the law in Texas that never caused me a moments worry?</font>

Two guys got arrested in Texas on a class C misdemeanor for having sex in one of their own homes in 1998...

Anyway, back to Singapore - is it illegal to have sex, hold hands in public, or just appear to be gay? What's the nature of the law?

d

I understand that people were occasionally arrested in Texas, but I guarantee you I wasn't looking over anyone's ankles, I mean, my shoulder http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif for the cops when I lived there.

The cases you heard about were when the police entered a residence for other law enforcement reasons, and also arrested the couple for having sex. There were still bath houses and bookstores, and nobody really worried about the cops.

My question is "Is Singapore the same sort of thing, or will they really arrest people aggressively?"

Singapore is great. I lived there for three months a couple years back. The government policy is to leave people alone, unless there is complains... Keep it a little discrete and no problems. Check out the internet websites for singapore like utopia-asia or fridae if you'd like more details! And enjoy, its a fantastic place in my opinion!

Having been to SIN myself, I can tell you that it's not as conservative as you might think! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif

Please see also:
http://www.sgboy.com

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by circuitboy:
Singapore is great. I lived there for three months a couple years back. The government policy is to leave people alone, unless there is complains... Keep it a little discrete and no problems. Check out the internet websites for singapore like utopia-asia or fridae if you'd like more details! And enjoy, its a fantastic place in my opinion!</font>

What about getting one bed in a hotel room? Is that going to lead to an unwanted caning?

d

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Doppy:
What about getting one bed in a hotel room? Is that going to lead to an unwanted caning?

d</font>

No. No. No.

Here is another site for gays in Singapore, however, it appears to be more of a social group, but it might be fun nonetheless.

www.menafterwork.com (http://www.menafterwork.com)

I go to Singapore every 6 months. Its a great place to visit and enjoy the people and places. They now have a ride on a Vietnam era "DUCK"? one of those boats that has wheels, land and sea. You get it at SunTec City mall in the main lobby, drive down to the Singapore River and drive right into the river. Really a fun trip, cost about S$30.

Meeting guys is not very difficult, depending on what you want to do. The malls, especially Raffles 2nd and 3rd floor are busy. MRT stations are good, walking down Orchard in the early or late evening. Being of the age that clubbing doesn't appeal to me anymore I find those venues much more enjoyable. If I suceed, great. If not, that's OK also.

------------------
UA 2P
Flying UA since
1963

Any guys in Singapore these days? I'll be there Feb 1 - Mar 5.

I should be passing through at least thrice between the times you are there.

Are you there for work? Or holidays?

I may or may not be passing through there. I was thinking about going through Bangkok or Hong Kong this time around. My next trip to Bangalore will be sometime in February, but probably closer to the end than the beginning.

I'm still curious about the safety of commerical sex clubs. There seems to be a few, but despite the evocative imagery behind a caning, I'm pretty sure I'd rather not be arrested and tried in a foreign country known for strict punishments.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by thommsf:
And what is the cheapest / most convent way to get into town form the airport?

</font>

The airport shuttle costs a mere 7 SGD and will drop you at any hotel in Singapore. The vehicle holds about 6 people plus luggage, and if you're staying at an hotel around Suntec City you'll be dropped off first.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by WinginIt:
What is the gay scene like in Singapore?
</font>

Take a look at http://www.fridae.com

Hi all,
I'll be in SIN (and BKK & HKG) between Mar 23 - Apr 5th.

As far as SIN goes, I was wondering if anyone had actual first hand http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif experience meeting guys. I read about the Raffles City mall etc in the above posts. Any tips...

BTW I'll be at the Sheraton in SIN. How conservative are SIN hotels generally.

cheers
AJ