2 Nights In Singapore!

Last November my friend and I Flew to Singapore to join the Celebrity Millenium for a 12 Night Asia Cruise.

It was my first time in Singapore so we decided to extend our stay and enjoy 2 Nights in this wonderful city!

We flew out with Etihad who I have to say I was really impressed with. Immigration in Singapore was quick and efficient and before we knew it we we had the airport exit in sight. That is before we we’re asked to do one last bag scan. I always get nervous with these things as I’m always the one to be pulled aside and that day was no different. After scanning my bag I was asked if I had an electronic cigarette in my luggage. Having recently quit smoking I had bought with me a 0% nicotine electronic vape. I was asked to hand over the vape and a chap took the liquid off to be tested. He returned very stern faced, asked me for my passport and told me to follow him. He never said a word as he escorted me through the airport to a security office, not a pleasant experience I can tell you! When we finally reached the office he pointed a sign on the wall explaining all electronic cigarettes and vapes are banned in Singapore and bringing one in to the country can result in a £5000 fine. I honestly had no idea! So after some sweet talking it was agreed I would “surrender” my vape, sign some paper work and I could be on my way. The look of relief on my friends Kate’s face as I returned was priceless!

Our first night was spent at the stunning 5* Orchard Hotel. Located on the Orchard road and 5 minutes from the nearest subway station it’s in a perfect location. The rooms are a good size with a  super modern bathroom Including bath and walk in shower. Each room is also equipped with an I phone. It’s filled with useful information and discounts codes for local attractions which guests are invited to use for the duration of their stay or even to call home.

We spent our first afternoon exploring Orchard road, Clarke Quay before enjoying a few cocktails in China Town. On our way home we decided to try out the subway and we’re so glad we did. This is by far the quickest and cheapest  and safest way to get around Singapore.

The next day we were up early and after a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel we caught a taxi to the 4* Copthorne Kings Hotel for our second night.

As a 4* the Copthorne is not bad by any means, the hotel itself is very welcoming with a nice restaurant and on site Whiskey bar but I was disappointed with the rooms, they are pretty dated and the bathroom was very basic. For the small difference in price I would definitely recommend the Orchard over the Copthorne.

From the Hotel it was about a 20 minute walk to the nearest Subway station as we headed to the Marina Bay Area and the Gardens By The Bay.

Gardens By the Bay is a great day out for any one visiting Singapore. The variety of plant life entwined with modern art is very interesting we spent hours exploring.

That evening we joined a Singapore by Night Tour, Firstly we were taken to the China Town for dinner before spending a short time at the night market, before and finishing up at Raffles the home of the Singapore Sling! I loved  he Long Bar and apparently it’s the only place in Singapore where it’s legal to drop litter! The Singapore Sling was delicious but at nearly £30 a cocktail I think it will be my first and last visit!!

On our Tour we meet Patricia a lovely lady from New Jersey who was also joining the same cruise as us the following day. She was staying at the stunning  Marina Bay Sands Hotel and kindly asked us if we would like to go back and see the view from the 34th Floor bar. This is reserved for guests so we jumped at the chance. I’m so glad we did as the view was breath taking and I managed to get some fantastic pictures.

Singapore may be a strict county with things like chewing gum and as I found out Vapes being illegal. But over all I felt it was one of the safest countries I’ve ever visited and I for one can’t wait to go back.