Singapore is a place that has always intrigued me, and after a short visit I can say it is a place that more than lives up to its clean and modern image. Here’s a quick overview of what I did and what I’d recommend for a short stay.
Where I stayed – Fairmont Hotel Singapore
Compared to most short stay destinations, Singapore is by no means a cheap place to stay – especially when looking for a hotel near the city centre. The Fairmont Hotel is fantastically well located, situated directly above an MRT station and has very good facilities and has very helpful staff – however this does come with a price. Whilst being far from the most expensive in Singapore, there are much better value hotels located further out around the city that are also quite well connected; so for a short stay where little time will be spent in the hotel they are definitely the way to go.
What to do
Marina Bay Sands Hotel
By far and away the most prominent and recognisable feature of the Singaporean skyline, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel is a must see for anyone visiting Singapore. The best views of the city can be seen from atop the Hotel, from both the viewing gallery and the roof top bar. Of the two I would recommend the roof top bar, as tickets include free drinks tokens – with a large seating area looking out over arguably the best of the view offered. I would recommend getting up there for late afternoon/ early evening to guarantee a seat in the seating area, as from there you get the best views of the sunset and the evening light show over the water. The show is, however just as good from ground level if you don’t get the chance to see it from the rooftop. Shows at 8pm & 9pm (and 11pm Friday and Saturdays).
Marina Bay Sands Shopping Centre (The Shoppes)
Now its not often I’ll recommend a Shopping centre as a place to visit when travelling, as shopping most certainly isn’t our thing – but not every Shopping centre is as spectacular as that at the base of the Marina Bay Sands. With Canals and Water features running its length, it is well worth the visit even as just a break from the heat – with the Louis Vuitton island store standing out in particular.
Gardens By the Bay (Rhapsody Light Show)
The Gardens by the Bay light and sound show is my absolutely most recommended attraction in Singapore. A free show at 7:45pm and 8:45pm, the artificial trees at the centre of the Gardens light up to perform a show choreographed to music that really is a unique experience. Sitting or lying anywhere under these artificial supertrees gives a fantastic view of the show. During the day the Gardens are a lovely place to wander around, with a number of smaller attractions and viewpoints dotted around – including the OCBC skyway.
Food and Transport
Food in Singapore is generally quite expensive and alcohol very much so, but again I’d recommend eating local for the best value food. The MRT system in Singapore is extensive providing access to all the main areas of interest across the city.
Singapore is a really interesting place that I would love to take Zoe to and show her around – and is most definitely worth a couple of days to explore, especially on a long haul layover.
Happy Travelling!
Zoe and David x
Written by David
Not-So-Trendy Travellers 