On Our Way to Singapore

8th March 2017

After a very early start (out of bed at 4am), we took off for Singapore at 9.05am on a very comfortable and quick flight on Singapore Airlines. It didn't take me long to realise why I still rate them as one of the best in the World.

Arrival in Singapore was at 2pm (a bit ahead of time) and we were at our accommodation by 3pm. It is 30 C and not too humid. Having stayed there once before, we again chose the Singapore Recreation Club, which may not be the flashest accommodation in town, but certainly has character and one of the best locations.

Once settled in, we went for a walk to stretch our legs after being seated on a plane for around 8 hours. Raffles Hotel is a short walk away, and our travelling companions, Sharon and John, have not spent much time in Singapore so a visit to Raffles had to be on the agenda.

Carole, Sharon and John outside Raffles

Sadly, in recent years, it has always been undergoing renovation, and much of the hotel is inaccessible. The Long Bar is closed, so the famous Singapore Sling is now served in the Bar and Billiard Room.

Walking around the outside of the courtyard 

As neither Sharon or John had tried one before, we decided we should indulge and the custom of serving raw peanuts and throwing the shells on the floor is still alive and well. The cost of the Singapore Sling has escalated to $31 ++ which is a huge ripoff, so I suspect there is not a lot of return business, but there is a certain atmosphere about the place.

The Girls enjoying a Singapore Sling

After exploring the parts of Raffles that were not being renovated, we continued on foot to circumnavigate the block and ended up at Chijmes, and old convent that was converted some years ago to a very smart restaurant and bar complex. It has greatly improved since we last visited.

Chijmes

Our walk finally ended up at Boat Quay, and it was time for a well earned drink, and an early dinner.

We selected a Japanese restaurant along the river front and had a very nice meal and a few cold beers.

The food was great

By the time we left it was dark and the waterfront was well lit up, and the tourist boats running up and down the river laden with tourists.

Boat Quay by Night

Laser Light Show from the Marina Sands Casino

It was an early night and we were in bed by 9pm (midnight Sydney time).