Up at 5.30am and packed up, the clothes that were still damp yesterday having thankfully dried out. We’re a bit more confident in the process now with flying so we weren’t panicking about being really early
Still, we were down for breakfast, the place was swarming with people in their golf gear and we had a nice breakfast. Easily the most impressive place so far on our trip!! Shame we couldn’t be there longer.
Got a Grab to the airport and all sorted quickly.
Caught up on the socials, loads of comments and likes on the Mount Kinabalu post from yesterday. It’s pleasing that so many people are enjoying following us and our updates, you’re never sure if you’re upsetting people or winding them up by showing off what we’re doing. Thankfully it’s being seen in a positive way I think, some people had done the climb too.
Arrived at Singapore Airport and it just immediately hits you that this is a country of wealth and comfort and well-being. The arrivals lounge was huge, clean and so easy. We got a Grab (more expensive here) to the hotel and the trees lining the road looked fantastic. So much greenery and growth wherever you looked. Felt like botanic gardens just on the streets.
Hotel is very nice, ice cream on our arrival and very friendly people and great facilities. We chucked stuff in the room, checked out the pool and gym and then went for a walk. Tash had planned this so it was good to follow her instructions.
We went straight down to Orchard road and you’re immediately on a road that has designer shops for as far as you can see, and they’re all massive superstores. After walking for a few minutes you could only compare this to Dubai for the wealth on display. Not by the people themselves, just what was around us.
It was hot there and we saw some of the sights like museum and church as we made our way to the main attraction that was Raffles Hotel.
When we got there we took some photos and then had to queue for 40mins to go into the Long Bar. It’s an iconic place with huge historical reference in Singapore and the main thing about it is this is where the Singapore Sling cocktail originated so the touristy thing to do is have one in the bar and relax.
So we did!
There is also a tradition that’s encouraged whereby you eat the monkey peanuts and simply sweep the shells onto the floor. There’s different stories behind the tradition but everyone does it and we were sat at the bar (which we were very happy about) and below our stools the floor was just littered with shells. Same as underneath every table, they don’t clear them up until the end of the day!!
Got some good photos and with taxes and service the cost of two cocktails was £52.00! We decided to only had one each…
We couldn’t be bothered to walk home, our legs hurting so much from the hike so we lazily got a Grab and the driver suggested we get the underground (MRT) in future as it’s cheaper. Ever heard a taxi driver suggesting and alternative before!!?
Bit of a relax for an hour or so and then dressed up nice and smart and went downstairs for our complimentary drinks and canopies, it was lovely and a great start to the night. We called the kids and caught up with that which was great.
As suggested we got the MRT to the Marina Bay and just stared at the height of all the building last towering above us. Everything lit up like a Xmas tree. The Bay itself is dominated by the Marina Bay hotel which has a very distinct design to look like a boat at the top and is about 57 floors high.
We got a burger and chips from a van and found a good place to get to watch the water/light show for 9.00pm. Food was good, water show even better and worth it. It was done well and combined with music was an understandable attraction at the waters edge. When that was done we then took our time to walk around and take in the sights.
Within the hotel it’s a shopping mall and casino and everything else. Absolutely massive, it really was. We went up to floor 57 as there is a bar and infinity pool overlooking the bay but residents only for the pool, which we knew, and we decided we didn’t really need to drink there.
So we sneaked a photo and went back out and went looking for another recommended bar called Level 33. It was a bit bloody difficult to find as it was “hidden” within a tower/office block. No signage or anything, we had to ask to find it.
We went up the lift with another couple and there was a sign saying “We’re full, no walk-in” which was disappointing but we still asked and they said no problem, come in!! Very odd.
So we went to a table inside and ordered and took a few photos outside too. After a bit I noticed there were empty tables so thought “nothing ventured, nothing gained” and asked if we could go outside, yep no problem. It was great, so refreshing and the opportunity for great photos.
Left there and made our way to the subway, that was a bit of a trek as it was miles to the station we needed but we got back to Orchard street (the wrong side) so more walking. Absolutely knackered by the time we got home to bed but a good day.
Before crashing out, it was midnight, and we managed a FaceTime call with Charlotte as she was at Derek’s for his birthday along with Sue, Simon and Mum. It was nice we could call and he seemed pleased to hear from us. He’d had a cake and singing and party hats.
First impressions of Singapore and we really like it here from what we’ve seen so far.
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