Singapore and the Maldives

Singapore and the Maldives

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AshBurrows

Original Poster:

2,552 posts

161 months

Thursday 18th May 2017
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2 questions really as booked a 2 destination/3 week holiday for my 30th birthday in August:

Singapore

Recommendations for stuff to do in Singapore? Nightlife and day stuff too as well as food. We love cocktails and views so 1-Altitude and the top of the Marina Bay (although I hear the latter can be irritatingly busy?). The Library speakeasy looks cool too. Booked in for restaurant Andre one evening but only booking we've made so far. Raffles is obvious and we'll go get a cocktail there. Is it actually a nice place location wise etc? Iconic but I don't know much about the experience.

We're staying at the Pan Pacific which seems very well located. Is there uber in the city if we want to get out to go clubbing in an evening? What's safety like, I assume we can wander everywhere with no bother? What are good clubs if you're not 18?

The Mrs wants to do Universal Studios and I really fancy the Gardens and Zoo. Outside of that I'm lost for daytime ideas that don't involved me putting on a few stone!

Maldives

Has anyone been in August before? How was the weather? Friends say should expect sporadic evening downpours but still plenty of sun.

We're staying in Kuramathi because we loved the idea of a la carte dining AI option and we love food and drink. Anyone been? Advice on stuff to do? I'm incredibly excited to go snorkeling there and relax.

K50 DEL

9,227 posts

227 months

Thursday 18th May 2017
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Loads to do in Singapore, I lived there for a month waiting on a contract so did almost everything touristy there is to do.

Raffles is lovely, if you afford to stay there, do so. I went back on holiday a few years after my month and split my stay between Raffles and Marina Bay Sands, both are great but Raffles just oozes class and history.
If you can't stay there then the next best thing is a steak dinner in their restaurant, washed down with their own label champers (A champers so nice that we actually bought some home).

Sentosa Island is OK, take the cable car to get there, the views are cool. The island itself is a little cheesy in parts but the evening show is good fun and a walk along the beach will take you to the Southernmost point, nice to watch the sun go down there.

The night safari is worthwhile, I don't like zoos so didn't do it.

Gardens by the bay is nice for a stroll, the cloud forest and flower domes truly are spectacular

There's a decent bus tour that comes with a free boat trip that's worth the time

Depending on who you're going with then sitting outside Harry's at Orchard Towers and watching the evening "scenery" is always entertaining, there are some great bars inside the 4 floors as well if you're feeling brave lol

A little out of the centre, the Changi museum is a short bus ride away but a very moving morning, one of the highlights of my trip, combined that with going to Sembawang as well, closer to old Singapore and worth a wander around.

Hopefully that gives you some idea, enjoy yourself, I love Singers..... oh, and use the SMRT to get around, it's fast, cheap, clean, reliable and you won't believe how busy it gets at rush hour!

AshBurrows

Original Poster:

2,552 posts

161 months

Thursday 18th May 2017
quotequote all
Brilliant, thanks! Raffles is undergoing a full on refurbishment at the time otherwise we would have. Pan Pacific is what our Kuoni rep recommended instead. So hopefully still good!

Long bar is closed and cocktails are being served in the "Billiards Room." I hope it's still good otherwise I'll be a little disappointed.

Why brave about orchard towers? Is it just crazy? I'm going with my fiancee.

I'll dig into those suggestions now, thanks again smile

robwilk

818 posts

179 months

Thursday 18th May 2017
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What are good clubs if you're not 18?

Unfortunately they are quite strict on entry to places underage, we had my son with us who was 17 at the time and he was not allowed in the bars at Clarke quay so I guess clubs will be the same.
He could sit outside but he was not allowed into the building.
The towers has another name of the four floors of wes so i think you can work out what he means, watch out for the lady boys!

AshBurrows

Original Poster:

2,552 posts

161 months

Thursday 18th May 2017
quotequote all
robwilk said:
What are good clubs if you're not 18?

Unfortunately they are quite strict on entry to places underage, we had my son with us who was 17 at the time and he was not allowed in the bars at Clarke quay so I guess clubs will be the same.
He could sit outside but he was not allowed into the building.
The towers has another name of the four floors of wes so i think you can work out what he means, watch out for the lady boys!

No I mean we're 30 and don't want to be surrounded by pissed up kids haha! I hate feeling old.

Ah I get it! Sounds good. Don't think the mrs would agree. Hahaha.

RegMolehusband

3,958 posts

256 months

Thursday 18th May 2017
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I like Kuramathi a lot! We've been twice now.

You do get the feeling that you're in the middle of the Indian Ocean, especially if you walk out onto the spit. Though they have spoilt the spit somewhat by building water bungalows adjacent to it, which is a great shame.

The themed restaurants are wonderful, I think we did nearly all of them.

I can't vouch for the weather in August though as we went between Christmas and New Year.

AshBurrows

Original Poster:

2,552 posts

161 months

Friday 19th May 2017
quotequote all
RegMolehusband said:
I like Kuramathi a lot! We've been twice now.

You do get the feeling that you're in the middle of the Indian Ocean, especially if you walk out onto the spit. Though they have spoilt the spit somewhat by building water bungalows adjacent to it, which is a great shame.

The themed restaurants are wonderful, I think we did nearly all of them.

I can't vouch for the weather in August though as we went between Christmas and New Year.
This is great to know! We booked select AI so that we could eat in all the restaurants!
Did you ever have any trouble booking the restaurant you wanted? Some people on tripadvisor mention this but I get the impression they're miserable old people who insist on eating at 6:30 on the dot whereas we are very flexible.

Did you stay in a beach villa? How was it?

I'm so excited!

fido

16,752 posts

254 months

Friday 19th May 2017
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I didn't get to try the new kart circuit in Singapore but will visit it the next time I go.
http://kf1karting.com/ - limited to 50kph but it's something to do!

Equilibrium25

653 posts

133 months

Friday 19th May 2017
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Most stuff is covered, just to add...

A wander around chinatown is quite good fun, I'd say essential as a counterpoint to most of Singapore.

If you're in the business district, Lao Pa Sat food hall is one of the better ones. Loads of choice from different stalls and very cheap. Sitting in adjacant Satay Street in the evening with a jug of beer or two is good too. They close the road to traffic and a load of Satay stalls spring up.

Taxis are dirt cheap. Journeys are very fast, by the standards of most big cities.

Hiring a bike on the east coast and cycling up to Changi is a good way to spend an afternoon. Speeding through the air is refreshing, sweating when you stop less so!


RegMolehusband

3,958 posts

256 months

Friday 19th May 2017
quotequote all
AshBurrows said:
This is great to know! We booked select AI so that we could eat in all the restaurants!
Did you ever have any trouble booking the restaurant you wanted? Some people on tripadvisor mention this but I get the impression they're miserable old people who insist on eating at 6:30 on the dot whereas we are very flexible.

Did you stay in a beach villa? How was it?

I'm so excited!
Yes, you should be. Upon arrival, I found the experience of walking down the jetty towards the open-sided reception whilst soft music played almost magical. All this while black tip sharks were swimming about in the clear water off the jetty.

Mrs Molehusband tends to do all the restaurant booking often some weeks in advance, it's a hobby of hers smile The restaurants weren't that full though we do prefer to eat earlier having a 9 year old. You shouldn't have any problems but it's best to check in advance I suppose.

Such is Mrs Molehusband's planning, that we arranged for a beach villa for a few days and then a transfer to a water bungalow. The latter was probably better appointed, but both were great. It feels a bit weird taking a shower looking up at palm trees in the beach villa.

Jakarta

566 posts

141 months

Friday 19th May 2017
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As you're staying at the Pan Pacific, if you are there on a Sunday you should do the Brunch. They open the buffet with all the staff lined up either side of the entrance, each with a bottle in hand. A coordinated flurry of champagne bottles and brunch is open. Cocktails are available too, you will leave fat and pissed as the food is also superb.

After that, head to the Irish Bar under the Orchard Parade Hotel, Muddy Murphy's. If you're still going after that, head over the road to the Orchard Towers to see some of the more interesting wildlife that comes out after dark as mentioned above.

If you're with your fiancee the girls (and boys) will leave you alone but will try to make subtle eye contact.

AshBurrows

Original Poster:

2,552 posts

161 months

Friday 19th May 2017
quotequote all
RegMolehusband said:
Yes, you should be. Upon arrival, I found the experience of walking down the jetty towards the open-sided reception whilst soft music played almost magical. All this while black tip sharks were swimming about in the clear water off the jetty.

Mrs Molehusband tends to do all the restaurant booking often some weeks in advance, it's a hobby of hers smile The restaurants weren't that full though we do prefer to eat earlier having a 9 year old. You shouldn't have any problems but it's best to check in advance I suppose.

Such is Mrs Molehusband's planning, that we arranged for a beach villa for a few days and then a transfer to a water bungalow. The latter was probably better appointed, but both were great. It feels a bit weird taking a shower looking up at palm trees in the beach villa.
Awesome.

Apparently you're only able to book up to 2 days in advance now, and some people say you need to go to reception at 6am to get in. If that's the case I'll be asking for my money back I think. Hopefully all is fine and don't need to worry.

Did you do much snorkeling? Did you see much? When they say they have "snorkeling channels" what does this mean? Is it buoys to follow or similar to see the best bits?

Jakarta said:
As you're staying at the Pan Pacific, if you are there on a Sunday you should do the Brunch. They open the buffet with all the staff lined up either side of the entrance, each with a bottle in hand. A coordinated flurry of champagne bottles and brunch is open. Cocktails are available too, you will leave fat and pissed as the food is also superb.

After that, head to the Irish Bar under the Orchard Parade Hotel, Muddy Murphy's. If you're still going after that, head over the road to the Orchard Towers to see some of the more interesting wildlife that comes out after dark as mentioned above.

If you're with your fiancee the girls (and boys) will leave you alone but will try to make subtle eye contact.
Annoyingly Monday to Saturday I believe! I think they do normal champagne breakfast every day though so will treat myself.

Will definitely have a wander round with the Mrs then. Sounds like a laugh. I quite enjoy seedy, just not a fan of getting mugged/murdered.

Muddy Murphy's looks like the perfect place to watch some sport and have a pint. Will check it out.

Mr Pointy

11,145 posts

158 months

Friday 19th May 2017
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Personally I wouldn't get too be too hung up about Raffles; it was always a tourist trap when I was there & the Singapore Slings were premade in gallon containers under the bar. The Swisshotel has a bar on the 77th floor (I think) which is good for night time views. There's a restaurant as well, but you need to book ahead.

Get a travel card (like an Oyster card) for the Tube (MRT) - you can get them at the airport or at most of the Tube stations. Travel is cheap so don't put more than $10-$15 on it. I used the MRT a lot as it's efficient & covers the central area very well. It does stop running around midnight though.

Taxis are also plentiful, although being squeezed by Uber. There's a weird phenomenon where they all disappear around 9pm but at 2pm when you come out of the club there will 50 of them waiting, all moaning about having no business.

Little India is well worth a visit as well as Chinatown. Loads of places to eat. Night Zoo & the Gardens have already been mentioned. Clark Quay & Boat Quay are where most tourists go for a promenade - some of the clubs are in that area as well. Circular Road behind Boat Quay is interesting at night. Just don't go in any bars where there are nice ladies outside. There's a pub at the end of Boat Quay which is expat central - I can't remember the name.

Forget buying anything like electronics or cameras. It's cheaper to buy stuff from Amazon here & you get a warranty.

Jakarta

566 posts

141 months

Friday 19th May 2017
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AshBurrows said:
Will definitely have a wander round with the Mrs then. Sounds like a laugh. I quite enjoy seedy, just not a fan of getting mugged/murdered.
Common sense should prevail, as it should on all travels outside your front door.
You'll have no problems in Muddy Murphy's with your Omega watch and Mont Blanc wallet, walking around town will be of zero concern too. Just be a little more sensible when you get to areas on the darker side of life. If you're in the Four Floors, just keep your wits about you. Incidents in the bars are very rare, I'm guessing because punishment is quite severe and also the girls would be banned from returning. Singapore is where they make the good money so the girls don't like to be kicked out of the country. Orchard road is still quite busy late into the night and remains safe.

You're more likely to experience the more unpleasant side of things if you bring a newly acquired friend back to your hotel. As you're travelling with the future wife, this shouldn't be on the agenda.

Another place to visit that hasn't been mentioned, Clarke's Quay and Boat Quay. Lots of bars and restaurants, quite expensive too.
If you're runners, bring your trainers and join the local hash group to see some countryside and meet some locals and expats.

Puggit

48,354 posts

247 months

Friday 19th May 2017
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I've been to the Maldives in late July. Standard tropical sharp shower, once per day.

RDMcG

19,093 posts

206 months

Friday 19th May 2017
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The infinity pool on top of the Marina Bay complex is interesting..and the view of the area from Jaan restaurant is amazing...




Byff

4,427 posts

260 months

Friday 19th May 2017
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RDMcG said:
The infinity pool on top of the Marina Bay complex is interesting..and the view of the area from Jaan restaurant is amazing...
You can only access the pool at the MBS if your a hotel resident, which is the reason why we stopped there for 1 night and Raffles for 4 nights.

I found Singapore very expensive for basic stuff but taxi's and the trains aren't too bad and getting around is easy enough. Universal Studios is like a little version of Florida, enough to entertain you for a day but very busy.

It was really hot and humid in May, you couldn't walk very far before being drenched in sweat.

magooagain

9,908 posts

169 months

Friday 19th May 2017
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The Singapore zoo was enjoyable and they do a night visit there also,which is apparently very exciting.
The train service is first class and we found the whole expierience there enjoyable and safe.

Maldives is fantastic and you should love the snorkeling.

TheGuru

744 posts

100 months

Sunday 21st May 2017
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The Pan Pacific is my favourite hotel in Singapore, great design and service. Try and get a room on level 23 or above so you get to take the external glass elevators.

As above, Raffles is a overpriced tourist trap. The Long Bar is not even the original and the Singapore Slings are premix and cost $30. Total joke.

For a good view of the Marina Bay and nice drinks/food you can go to Level 33, it's in Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1. Has it's on microbrewery on the 33rd floor, best views of Marina Bay and surrounds. Go for a drink or meal.

As for nightclubs, you don't really get drunk 18 yo's, that's not the scene. In fact quite a few clubs have high age restrictions like 23-25 for males. Also you'll find in Asia nobody cares how old you are and most people are friendly. If you have the money you can party basically.

AshBurrows

Original Poster:

2,552 posts

161 months

Sunday 21st May 2017
quotequote all
Great stuff. Thanks guys.

Glad to hear pan pacific is good. Last time we did a city thing it was Hong Kong and RC, but this time our agent suggested we tried pan Pacific so we have. Hopefully it's as good! I told them it was my 30th so interested to see if they do anything special.

That level 33 looks right up my street. Will definitely book for a meal one night. Awesome smile

Really disappointed to hear about raffles to be honest. Will probably still go as I think it's on the mrs bucket list. But just have one and then sack it off. What a shame.

Good to hear about the clubs. Any in particular amazing?