Wow Singapore is Amazing.

After 26 plus years in travel this was my first visit to the Far East and what an amazing experience. I have booked so many guests over the years and only thought of Singapore as an expensive overnight pre cruise stop over. How wrong was I.

For our first night we stayed in the Financial District as only a short taxi ride from Marina Bay Cruise Terminal. The hotel was The M Hotel Singapore on Anson Road a lovely 4 star property with lovely contemporary rooms an enormous bed, which is just what you need after a long haul flight and a gym and pool on the 12th floor. We could even see the ship when we finally woke the next morning. I had the idea that we could do Gardens by the Bay on that day so we would not have to venture over this part of the city again. However everything is so close together it would not matter where you stayed.

After our cruise we returned for a further 3 nights and based ourselves at the Swissotel Merchant Court right in the heart of Clarke Quay, a buzzing entertainment area with so many bars and restaurants even the most picky would be spoilt for choice.
The Hotel was modern and immaculate again with large room with office facilities and a very luxurious bathroom.
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We purchased a hop on hop off ticket and headed for the Botanical Gardens but seeing the shopping metropolis of Orchard Road en route. The Gardens were tranquil and so peaceful even though in the middle of the city. Entrance is free but there is a small charge to go into the Orchid garden this is a must.

That evening we decided to stay on Clarke Quay as we had been told about the amazing crab dishes a special Singapore dish. Yes very expensive but the experience and ambiance was worth every penny, or pounds I should say.

From our base we found it really easy to get around on foot as well as bus and the MRT which everyone should try. Nothing like the undergrounds we know and hate. We could see the Sands Hotel and the Singapore eye from just outside our hotel. If Clarke Quay is too busy as it did get very lively in the evenings Robertson Quay is only a 6 to 7 minute stroll away and that had another good calm feel about it. It was only a 15 min stroll up into
China Town.

The whole city had an amazing safe feel about it and when we arrived in China Town that too lived up to expectations. With the bustling night market and food street the atmosphere was enchanting. Do no be afraid of eating the street food. It was delicious and excellent value. It is one long street with lots of stalls cooking various foods with tables scattered around and you just chose what you want and sit down. We tried several dishes and found the cost a quarter of the price we had paid the night before.

Now a trip to the iconic Raffles hotel was also on my agenda and I did not realise how big the hotel actually is. Most of it was undergoing a refurbishment so we could not go into the famous long bar. However we still managed a Singapore Sling and peanuts in the cocktail bar.

Our final day was spent across on Sentosa Island a playground for tourist and the millions of residents. We travelled across on the cable car from Mount Faber as we were told this is the best view point. Wow it was. The view over the city was breath taking not to mention the harbourside and Sentosa beyond.

We walked around forest tails, wandered along the man made beach and watched the more adventurous sky dive, bungee jump and abseil from one part of the island to the other. Not for me though. We then went across to what seemed a bit like Disneyland without Disney but it did have Universal Studios, water parks, shops, casinos and plus hotels a real party feel.

So much more to see and do so I can assure you we will return one day I hope.