Where to stay in Singapore
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: Aeroplan, Delta, Starwood, Fairmount
Posts: 2,312
Where to stay in Singapore
Hi everyone...
I'll be in Singapore September 29 to October 4 as part of my mini RTW trip in F for just 120,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points - unfortunately non on SQ ...
I love to walk everywhere and as I am by myself on this trip not too interested in shopping - think of all the money I'll save hee, hee. I was in Singapore tweny years ago on my honeymoon but it seemed all we did was shop lol...
I am a photography buff and interested in seeing more "Asian" type sights than "Western" sights like temples, markets, neighbourhoods, nature trails etc. I also like nature photography such as flowers, butterflies, insects and will most definitely include a zoo visit.
Five questions:
1) I have been very succesful "bidding" on rooms through Priceline = The Barbizon Plaza in Amsterdam for $75/night and the Crown Plaza in Zurich for $100/night as an example on this trip...
Priceline offers the following six general areas for bidding on hotel rooms in Singapore. What area would be best for me to bid in taking the above in consideration?
* Bugis
* City Hall / Marina Bay
* East Coast
* Financial District
* Orchard Road
* Riverside
2) Any recommendations on what to see? I am an early getter upper and usually hit the sack by 9pm....
3) Are there any tours I "must" take or going independently is just as good?
4) I am a beer drinker - any recommendations for a pub?
5) Anything else I should know or be aware of?
Thanks!!!
I'll be in Singapore September 29 to October 4 as part of my mini RTW trip in F for just 120,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points - unfortunately non on SQ ...
I love to walk everywhere and as I am by myself on this trip not too interested in shopping - think of all the money I'll save hee, hee. I was in Singapore tweny years ago on my honeymoon but it seemed all we did was shop lol...
I am a photography buff and interested in seeing more "Asian" type sights than "Western" sights like temples, markets, neighbourhoods, nature trails etc. I also like nature photography such as flowers, butterflies, insects and will most definitely include a zoo visit.
Five questions:
1) I have been very succesful "bidding" on rooms through Priceline = The Barbizon Plaza in Amsterdam for $75/night and the Crown Plaza in Zurich for $100/night as an example on this trip...
Priceline offers the following six general areas for bidding on hotel rooms in Singapore. What area would be best for me to bid in taking the above in consideration?
* Bugis
* City Hall / Marina Bay
* East Coast
* Financial District
* Orchard Road
* Riverside
2) Any recommendations on what to see? I am an early getter upper and usually hit the sack by 9pm....
3) Are there any tours I "must" take or going independently is just as good?
4) I am a beer drinker - any recommendations for a pub?
5) Anything else I should know or be aware of?
Thanks!!!
#2
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,800
Dont bid for
- Financial
- East Coast
For Asian city sights, try Riverside.
Bugis is a nice area too.
Orchard is the main shopping area.
No Tipping anywhere!
Thank u!
Oh, check out the other threads here.
They give good recommendations on where to go.
- Financial
- East Coast
For Asian city sights, try Riverside.
Bugis is a nice area too.
Orchard is the main shopping area.
No Tipping anywhere!
Thank u!
Oh, check out the other threads here.
They give good recommendations on where to go.
Hi everyone...
I'll be in Singapore September 29 to October 4 as part of my mini RTW trip in F for just 120,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points - unfortunately non on SQ ...
I love to walk everywhere and as I am by myself on this trip not too interested in shopping - think of all the money I'll save hee, hee. I was in Singapore tweny years ago on my honeymoon but it seemed all we did was shop lol...
I am a photography buff and interested in seeing more "Asian" type sights than "Western" sights like temples, markets, neighbourhoods, nature trails etc. I also like nature photography such as flowers, butterflies, insects and will most definitely include a zoo visit.
Five questions:
1) I have been very succesful "bidding" on rooms through Priceline = The Barbizon Plaza in Amsterdam for $75/night and the Crown Plaza in Zurich for $100/night as an example on this trip...
Priceline offers the following six general areas for bidding on hotel rooms in Singapore. What area would be best for me to bid in taking the above in consideration?
* Bugis
* City Hall / Marina Bay
* East Coast
* Financial District
* Orchard Road
* Riverside
2) Any recommendations on what to see? I am an early getter upper and usually hit the sack by 9pm....
3) Are there any tours I "must" take or going independently is just as good?
4) I am a beer drinker - any recommendations for a pub?
5) Anything else I should know or be aware of?
Thanks!!!
I'll be in Singapore September 29 to October 4 as part of my mini RTW trip in F for just 120,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points - unfortunately non on SQ ...
I love to walk everywhere and as I am by myself on this trip not too interested in shopping - think of all the money I'll save hee, hee. I was in Singapore tweny years ago on my honeymoon but it seemed all we did was shop lol...
I am a photography buff and interested in seeing more "Asian" type sights than "Western" sights like temples, markets, neighbourhoods, nature trails etc. I also like nature photography such as flowers, butterflies, insects and will most definitely include a zoo visit.
Five questions:
1) I have been very succesful "bidding" on rooms through Priceline = The Barbizon Plaza in Amsterdam for $75/night and the Crown Plaza in Zurich for $100/night as an example on this trip...
Priceline offers the following six general areas for bidding on hotel rooms in Singapore. What area would be best for me to bid in taking the above in consideration?
* Bugis
* City Hall / Marina Bay
* East Coast
* Financial District
* Orchard Road
* Riverside
2) Any recommendations on what to see? I am an early getter upper and usually hit the sack by 9pm....
3) Are there any tours I "must" take or going independently is just as good?
4) I am a beer drinker - any recommendations for a pub?
5) Anything else I should know or be aware of?
Thanks!!!
#4
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: sometimes SIN, sometimes JFK/LGA
Programs: UA 1K, 1.6MM bis
Posts: 767
Hi everyone...
I'll be in Singapore September 29 to October 4 as part of my mini RTW trip in F for just 120,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points - unfortunately non on SQ ...
I love to walk everywhere and as I am by myself on this trip not too interested in shopping - think of all the money I'll save hee, hee. I was in Singapore tweny years ago on my honeymoon but it seemed all we did was shop lol...
I am a photography buff and interested in seeing more "Asian" type sights than "Western" sights like temples, markets, neighbourhoods, nature trails etc. I also like nature photography such as flowers, butterflies, insects and will most definitely include a zoo visit.
Five questions:
1) I have been very succesful "bidding" on rooms through Priceline = The Barbizon Plaza in Amsterdam for $75/night and the Crown Plaza in Zurich for $100/night as an example on this trip...
Priceline offers the following six general areas for bidding on hotel rooms in Singapore. What area would be best for me to bid in taking the above in consideration?
* Bugis
* City Hall / Marina Bay
* East Coast
* Financial District
* Orchard Road
* Riverside
2) Any recommendations on what to see? I am an early getter upper and usually hit the sack by 9pm....
3) Are there any tours I "must" take or going independently is just as good?
4) I am a beer drinker - any recommendations for a pub?
5) Anything else I should know or be aware of?
Thanks!!!
I'll be in Singapore September 29 to October 4 as part of my mini RTW trip in F for just 120,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points - unfortunately non on SQ ...
I love to walk everywhere and as I am by myself on this trip not too interested in shopping - think of all the money I'll save hee, hee. I was in Singapore tweny years ago on my honeymoon but it seemed all we did was shop lol...
I am a photography buff and interested in seeing more "Asian" type sights than "Western" sights like temples, markets, neighbourhoods, nature trails etc. I also like nature photography such as flowers, butterflies, insects and will most definitely include a zoo visit.
Five questions:
1) I have been very succesful "bidding" on rooms through Priceline = The Barbizon Plaza in Amsterdam for $75/night and the Crown Plaza in Zurich for $100/night as an example on this trip...
Priceline offers the following six general areas for bidding on hotel rooms in Singapore. What area would be best for me to bid in taking the above in consideration?
* Bugis
* City Hall / Marina Bay
* East Coast
* Financial District
* Orchard Road
* Riverside
2) Any recommendations on what to see? I am an early getter upper and usually hit the sack by 9pm....
3) Are there any tours I "must" take or going independently is just as good?
4) I am a beer drinker - any recommendations for a pub?
5) Anything else I should know or be aware of?
Thanks!!!
Singapore is a little schizophrenic - the 'man-made' stuff is what you will see, however the more natural things are there although you have to scratch beneath the surface to see them. In order to do this, some time with a good guide book (lonely planet comes to mind) as well as commentary from my fellow FT'ers on the Singapore subforum will help shed light on what may be of interest.
1) Bugis and City Hall areas (not Marina Bay) will give you local color within good walking distance of whatever hotel you choose in these areas. Don't stay in the Marina Bay area because this is where one of the new casinos is located (ie man-made stuff), unless the deal is irresistable.
2) Further the comment on doing homework by researching a good guide book, be sure to see what the Singapore Tourism Board suggests. I'm sure the website will give you lots of ideas. Personal suggestions (all off the beaten track except for the first): see the National Orchid Gardens in the Botanical Gardens, also see the wetlands areas in Sungei Buloh. There's working farms in the Lim Chu Kang area (can be combined with a visit to the Kranji War Memorial - this combination would make it a day trip because of it's relative remoteness). You might consider checking out the temples on Kusu Island; also see a piece of undeveloped Singapore on Pulau Ubin.
3) An organized tour is probably not necessary. However you might want to try out the Duck Tours for the novelty of riding in a converted amphibious troop carrier. Hippo Tours might be interesting - I think it runs on a fixed route that you can hop on and off at will during the validity of your ticket but you need to confirm that.
4) Paulaner Brauhaus, Brewerkz all have fresh microbrew beers - the kettle is in full display. I've heard that there is a new microbrewery at Chijmes but have not gone there - yet. For the local beer, Tiger - there is a historical exhibit at the St James Power Station (becomes a nightclub at night) where at the end of the tour you get a cold one. I also believe that at Tiger Brewery itself (this is the factory at Tuas, also way out in the boonies), there's also a tour; they're more generous with the beers there, if I recall correctly. The Brits seem to gravitate towards a place called The Brown Derby (or something like that) on Bukit Timah Road (haven't been to this one either). My own neighborhood pub is a place called Detention Class, on Havelock Road (warning: it's seriously local). Of course, you can just be really local and have a Tiger or Carlsberg at the hawker centers - these come in 640ml bottles and the proprietor will ask if you want ice in your mug.
5) You need to take care when you walk around. Singapore is in the tropics, but judging from your alliances and your handle, you're Canadian where it's a lot cooler. Chances are if you don't manage your walking (where and when), you might get worn out from the humidity, if not worse. Singapore also has really good medical care (cheap, too), but that's not the sort of thing you want to check out on a vacation. At all times of the year, Singapore is like North America in August: sticky and hot. So give your body a chance to acclimate. Carry water; wear your sunglasses, smear on sunblock if you burn easily. And don't be too ambitious. Be happy if you can do one big thing each day.
Last edited by dsgtc0408; Jul 2, 2010 at 10:06 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: Aeroplan, Delta, Starwood, Fairmount
Posts: 2,312
HawaiiO gave some good advice - with due respect to him/her allow me to offer some contrast.
Singapore is a little schizophrenic - the 'man-made' stuff is what you will see, however the more natural things are there although you have to scratch beneath the surface to see them. In order to do this, some time with a good guide book (lonely planet comes to mind) as well as commentary from my fellow FT'ers on the Singapore subforum will help shed light on what may be of interest.
1) Bugis and City Hall areas (not Marina Bay) will give you local color within good walking distance of whatever hotel you choose in these areas. Don't stay in the Marina Bay area because this is where one of the new casinos is located (ie man-made stuff), unless the deal is irresistable.
2) Further the comment on doing homework by researching a good guide book, be sure to see what the Singapore Tourism Board suggests. I'm sure the website will give you lots of ideas. Personal suggestions (all off the beaten track except for the first): see the National Orchid Gardens in the Botanical Gardens, also see the wetlands areas in Sungei Buloh. There's working farms in the Lim Chu Kang area (can be combined with a visit to the Kranji War Memorial - this combination would make it a day trip because of it's relative remoteness). You might consider checking out the temples on Kusu Island; also see a piece of undeveloped Singapore on Pulau Ubin.
3) An organized tour is probably not necessary. However you might want to try out the Duck Tours for the novelty of riding in a converted amphibious troop carrier. Hippo Tours might be interesting - I think it runs on a fixed route that you can hop on and off at will during the validity of your ticket but you need to confirm that.
4) Paulaner Brauhaus, Brewerkz all have fresh microbrew beers - the kettle is in full display. I've heard that there is a new microbrewery at Chijmes but have not gone there - yet. For the local beer, Tiger - there is a historical exhibit at the St James Power Station (becomes a nightclub at night) where at the end of the tour you get a cold one. I also believe that at Tiger Brewery itself (this is the factory at Tuas, also way out in the boonies), there's also a tour; they're more generous with the beers there, if I recall correctly. The Brits seem to gravitate towards a place called The Brown Derby (or something like that) on Bukit Timah Road (haven't been to this one either). My own neighborhood pub is a place called Detention Class, on Havelock Road (warning: it's seriously local). Of course, you can just be really local and have a Tiger or Carlsberg at the hawker centers - these come in 640ml bottles and the proprietor will ask if you want ice in your mug.
5) You need to take care when you walk around. Singapore is in the tropics, but judging from your alliances and your handle, you're Canadian where it's a lot cooler. Chances are if you don't manage your walking (where and when), you might get worn out from the humidity, if not worse. Singapore also has really good medical care (cheap, too), but that's not the sort of thing you want to check out on a vacation. At all times of the year, Singapore is like North America in August: sticky and hot. So give your body a chance to acclimate. Carry water; wear your sunglasses, smear on sunblock if you burn easily. And don't be too ambitious. Be happy if you can do one big thing each day.
Singapore is a little schizophrenic - the 'man-made' stuff is what you will see, however the more natural things are there although you have to scratch beneath the surface to see them. In order to do this, some time with a good guide book (lonely planet comes to mind) as well as commentary from my fellow FT'ers on the Singapore subforum will help shed light on what may be of interest.
1) Bugis and City Hall areas (not Marina Bay) will give you local color within good walking distance of whatever hotel you choose in these areas. Don't stay in the Marina Bay area because this is where one of the new casinos is located (ie man-made stuff), unless the deal is irresistable.
2) Further the comment on doing homework by researching a good guide book, be sure to see what the Singapore Tourism Board suggests. I'm sure the website will give you lots of ideas. Personal suggestions (all off the beaten track except for the first): see the National Orchid Gardens in the Botanical Gardens, also see the wetlands areas in Sungei Buloh. There's working farms in the Lim Chu Kang area (can be combined with a visit to the Kranji War Memorial - this combination would make it a day trip because of it's relative remoteness). You might consider checking out the temples on Kusu Island; also see a piece of undeveloped Singapore on Pulau Ubin.
3) An organized tour is probably not necessary. However you might want to try out the Duck Tours for the novelty of riding in a converted amphibious troop carrier. Hippo Tours might be interesting - I think it runs on a fixed route that you can hop on and off at will during the validity of your ticket but you need to confirm that.
4) Paulaner Brauhaus, Brewerkz all have fresh microbrew beers - the kettle is in full display. I've heard that there is a new microbrewery at Chijmes but have not gone there - yet. For the local beer, Tiger - there is a historical exhibit at the St James Power Station (becomes a nightclub at night) where at the end of the tour you get a cold one. I also believe that at Tiger Brewery itself (this is the factory at Tuas, also way out in the boonies), there's also a tour; they're more generous with the beers there, if I recall correctly. The Brits seem to gravitate towards a place called The Brown Derby (or something like that) on Bukit Timah Road (haven't been to this one either). My own neighborhood pub is a place called Detention Class, on Havelock Road (warning: it's seriously local). Of course, you can just be really local and have a Tiger or Carlsberg at the hawker centers - these come in 640ml bottles and the proprietor will ask if you want ice in your mug.
5) You need to take care when you walk around. Singapore is in the tropics, but judging from your alliances and your handle, you're Canadian where it's a lot cooler. Chances are if you don't manage your walking (where and when), you might get worn out from the humidity, if not worse. Singapore also has really good medical care (cheap, too), but that's not the sort of thing you want to check out on a vacation. At all times of the year, Singapore is like North America in August: sticky and hot. So give your body a chance to acclimate. Carry water; wear your sunglasses, smear on sunblock if you burn easily. And don't be too ambitious. Be happy if you can do one big thing each day.
I'll get the Lonely Planet guidebook. I have used Rick Steeves in Europe with great success.
As for the heat - I lived in Zambia for 25 years before moving to the Yukon and Alaska and now living in Fredericton, New Brunswick. I LOVE the heat hee, hee. Last time I was in Singapore in May 13 years ago and the heat/humidity did not bother me.
Can't wait to get there!!!
#7
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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