Discussion
b
hstewie said:
hstewie said:peter tdci said:
It's very easy. Get an EZ-Link card at Changi and you're good to go (I got a Tourist Pass - which is the same, but includes some credit).
You'll have to change trains at Tanah Merah though - from the Changi line (CG) to the East West (EW) line (green and white to green on the map)
Thank you, I guess what I'm really asking is "Is the MRT system in English" as if so it should be just sorting a train here.You'll have to change trains at Tanah Merah though - from the Changi line (CG) to the East West (EW) line (green and white to green on the map)
Incidentally I found that Three have Singapore on their Go Roam so even with PAYG it's UK rates which is staggering in a good way.
Also I would take cash for things like the MRT, that sometimes dont like foreign cards when putting credit on the card, try card first then have cash in substitute.
If getting a taxi from the airport, dont be worried about telling taxi rank supervisor that you dont want a white cab (limo expensive cabs) they will happily send you to a normal one.
When going home... whilst its a very weird thing to say.... Go to the Airport an hour or two earlier than normal and depending on your terminal:
T3 -
Butterfly garden
T2 -
Orchid park and koi pond
Enchanted garden
Sunflower garden
T1 -
Rooftop swimming pool
Drink in the cactus garden
All -
Free massage chairs that are nice at all terminals
Food streets are better than MacDonalds, etc
Indoor waterfall
Shopping is great
bhstewie said:
hstewie said:peter tdci said:
It's very easy. Get an EZ-Link card at Changi and you're good to go (I got a Tourist Pass - which is the same, but includes some credit).
You'll have to change trains at Tanah Merah though - from the Changi line (CG) to the East West (EW) line (green and white to green on the map)
Thank you, I guess what I'm really asking is "Is the MRT system in English" as if so it should be just sorting a train here.You'll have to change trains at Tanah Merah though - from the Changi line (CG) to the East West (EW) line (green and white to green on the map)
Incidentally I found that Three have Singapore on their Go Roam so even with PAYG it's UK rates which is staggering in a good way.
Fun fact: as you are driving on the road from the airport you may notice that it's dead straight, very long & seems to have big planters in the middle. I was told that it was built as an emergency military runway: remove the planters, take a chainsaw to the plam trees down the side & land your Hercs. Hopefully no-one's going to tell me it's an old wives tale.
They use British 13A plugs as well.
schmalex said:
Hotel Jen (the old Traders) on Cuscaden Road is a good place to stay. It’s part of Shangri-La group so decent quality, yet is not crazy expensive at all (particularly if you book a club room with breakfast and evening happy hour included) and only a 5 minute walk to Orchard Rd.
I know the OP has accommodation sorted, but I case anyone is searching this thread for info in the future, then I agree with this.We went in Feb and stayed there.
Had a great time. They have a great feature of free to use hotel smartphone which allows free unlimited internet access and free calls to/from many countries (including UK). Great discounts for local attractions, too.
Anyway, back on thread, b
hstewie .One place that I think hasn't been mentioned in this thread and was the highlight of our holiday is a visit to Pulau Ubin Island. If you're into nature and want to escape the highrise part of Singapore, it was fantastic.
https://www.theislanddrum.com/day-trip-pulau-ubin-...
We spent the day there, hired bikes and saw loads of wildlife - got surrounded by a troop of monkeys, saw loads of wild boar and giant lizards.
Oh and as many have said, don't underestimate the weather - it's VERY HOT AND VERY HUMID.
Buses and MRT are easy to use and very frequent and spotlessly clean.
If your trip does go ahead, then have a fab time.
I go every few weeks for work at the moment, so spend a lot of weekends there! Still not run out of things to do yet - ignore the nay sayers!
Most things I'd suggest have been said already, but my highlight recommendations are:
Eat
- Lau Pa Sat. In the evening with the satay street is fun, I also go during the day at the weekend when it's very quiet after a walk around China Town.
- A hawker center. To avoid the overly touristy ones I go to Newton. Good place with a few work mates after a day's work.
- Eat chilli crab. Some places are better than others, but anywhere will be decent. Pepper crab also nice.
- All other food places are decent and safe to eat at, but could be anywhere. I usually spent a night in little India and another in Arab street area - both walkable from where you are staying.
Do
- Gardens by the bay, cloud dome, light show, etc.
- walk around MacRitchie reservoir. Long walk and very warm to get right around, so only if you are in to that sort of thing.
- Ford Factory Museum in a morning, followed by a bunker tour at Fort Canning in the afternoon (or vice versa). This will show you first hand the history of Singapore in the war from the British/Allies and Japanese sides. Guided tour of the Ford factory is worth timing your visit for.
- Walk / run / cycle / roller blade (yes, thats still a thing) along East Coast park. Always busy at the weekend, catches the sea breeze, and you'll feel like a 'local' just hanging out. I sometimes rent a proper bike and cycle all the way to Changi beach and back - if you're in to cycling then nice to do.
- Heritage house in Chinatown - nice small museum that gives you a good idea of the history of the Singapore 'shop house' you see everywhere.
- Just walking around in the day or evening, so many people around and atmosphere.
Get around
- Mrt to get in and out main areas. From the airport to town takes ages (up to an hour) so don't bother that time.
- Grab
- Local taxi - my preference. Note the Blue and yellow ones take credit cards, including Amex, only some of the red ones do (the rear passenger side window always has a sticker clearly showing payment methods accepted). I also use the local app (ComfortDelGro) to get them when not near a rank.
Other
- Safety - my partner sometimes goes on her own, she walks around at night alone anywhere, even in random burbs and industrial estates (which work sometimes has her doing). At the Lau PaSat food court during the week it's bustling with city workers, so you reserve you seat before going off to get food - fast people do this with a pack of tissues, but you can (and I have) used my phone or wallet - it'll still be there in 10 mind when you come back with your food!
- Money - I rarely use or need cash. I think the only place I even need it is some of the hawker food places. No where else.
- I use a Mrt card a lot - "Flash pay" which you get at the window at a Mrt station and charge in the machines there. Works on the Mrt, buses (which are dead easy to use - just use Google maps public transport directions) and in the blue and yellow taxis (which is faster than a credit card and reduces my number of expenses claims from work!)
- Yes it's warm. If you wear cotton t-shirts then you will nuke one just in a short evening stroll. I most wear merino tops as they'll last better. Hotel laundry is comically expensive and there are few few self laundrets.
Iain
Most things I'd suggest have been said already, but my highlight recommendations are:
Eat
- Lau Pa Sat. In the evening with the satay street is fun, I also go during the day at the weekend when it's very quiet after a walk around China Town.
- A hawker center. To avoid the overly touristy ones I go to Newton. Good place with a few work mates after a day's work.
- Eat chilli crab. Some places are better than others, but anywhere will be decent. Pepper crab also nice.
- All other food places are decent and safe to eat at, but could be anywhere. I usually spent a night in little India and another in Arab street area - both walkable from where you are staying.
Do
- Gardens by the bay, cloud dome, light show, etc.
- walk around MacRitchie reservoir. Long walk and very warm to get right around, so only if you are in to that sort of thing.
- Ford Factory Museum in a morning, followed by a bunker tour at Fort Canning in the afternoon (or vice versa). This will show you first hand the history of Singapore in the war from the British/Allies and Japanese sides. Guided tour of the Ford factory is worth timing your visit for.
- Walk / run / cycle / roller blade (yes, thats still a thing) along East Coast park. Always busy at the weekend, catches the sea breeze, and you'll feel like a 'local' just hanging out. I sometimes rent a proper bike and cycle all the way to Changi beach and back - if you're in to cycling then nice to do.
- Heritage house in Chinatown - nice small museum that gives you a good idea of the history of the Singapore 'shop house' you see everywhere.
- Just walking around in the day or evening, so many people around and atmosphere.
Get around
- Mrt to get in and out main areas. From the airport to town takes ages (up to an hour) so don't bother that time.
- Grab
- Local taxi - my preference. Note the Blue and yellow ones take credit cards, including Amex, only some of the red ones do (the rear passenger side window always has a sticker clearly showing payment methods accepted). I also use the local app (ComfortDelGro) to get them when not near a rank.
Other
- Safety - my partner sometimes goes on her own, she walks around at night alone anywhere, even in random burbs and industrial estates (which work sometimes has her doing). At the Lau PaSat food court during the week it's bustling with city workers, so you reserve you seat before going off to get food - fast people do this with a pack of tissues, but you can (and I have) used my phone or wallet - it'll still be there in 10 mind when you come back with your food!
- Money - I rarely use or need cash. I think the only place I even need it is some of the hawker food places. No where else.
- I use a Mrt card a lot - "Flash pay" which you get at the window at a Mrt station and charge in the machines there. Works on the Mrt, buses (which are dead easy to use - just use Google maps public transport directions) and in the blue and yellow taxis (which is faster than a credit card and reduces my number of expenses claims from work!)
- Yes it's warm. If you wear cotton t-shirts then you will nuke one just in a short evening stroll. I most wear merino tops as they'll last better. Hotel laundry is comically expensive and there are few few self laundrets.
Iain
Well it's happening. Oddly it feels as if it should almost be easier than going to London and trying to get a tube.
"Get plane to Singapore"
"Get taxi to Lavender"
"Do stuff I need to do"
"Look around a couple of days"
"Get taxi to Airport"
"Get plane to UK"
Funny how the world is shrinking
Any customers or etiquette type things to know? I'm Googling but when I went to Japan I didn't know eating in the street is frowned upon for example.
"Get plane to Singapore"
"Get taxi to Lavender"
"Do stuff I need to do"
"Look around a couple of days"
"Get taxi to Airport"
"Get plane to UK"
Funny how the world is shrinking
Any customers or etiquette type things to know? I'm Googling but when I went to Japan I didn't know eating in the street is frowned upon for example.
Edited by bhstewie on Monday 6th May 13:52
hstewie on Monday 6th May 13:52bhstewie said:
hstewie said: Any customers or etiquette type things to know? I'm Googling but when I went to Japan I didn't know eating in the street is frowned upon for example.
Not really. It's a perfectly normal place for ordinary civilised people & it's only when you get pissed, grab women, spray graffiti on tube trains or act like a ahole that they get annoyed. Don't gob in the street unless you are Chinese & don't put your feet on the toilet seat.The one thing you might come across is different cutlery for Muslims/vegetarians & I only saw this at a works restaurant. Just have a peek if there's some with different handles which might give a clue. It's a cultural & racial mix of a place which means you can see every festival from Hari Raya to Hungry Ghost to Christmas so check to see if anything is on while you are there.
Just check that Ramadan isn't still in place - it runs from Monday 6th May to Tuesday 4th June. If you have any Muslim colleagues you may well find them fasting during the day so be a bit courteous around eating & drinking in front of them (don't ask them if they want a tea or coffee!). However, since it's not solidly Muslim like the Middle East it's not as if the place closes down.
I did two nights at the mandarin, had their S class from the airport, any mandarin I stay , a must. Really liked Singapore on the whole, the oyster bar in the mall towards the “ship in the air” had probably the best oysters I have had anywhere in the world. . Iam afraid I could not eat anything at the “supposed “ Michelin in the food hall, moved it around the plate until the local guy sat opposite , left. Then we left.
Had to do raffles for a Singapore sling, um !
For my next birthday probably going to be Singapore.
Had to do raffles for a Singapore sling, um !
For my next birthday probably going to be Singapore.
[
Fun fact: as you are driving on the road from the airport you may notice that it's dead straight, very long & seems to have big planters in the middle. I was told that it was built as an emergency military runway: remove the planters, take a chainsaw to the plam trees down the side & land your Hercs. Hopefully no-one's going to tell me it's an old wives tale.
[/quote]
An other road built for a runway too
https://www.google.com/maps/@1.379408,103.6966736,...
Fun fact: as you are driving on the road from the airport you may notice that it's dead straight, very long & seems to have big planters in the middle. I was told that it was built as an emergency military runway: remove the planters, take a chainsaw to the plam trees down the side & land your Hercs. Hopefully no-one's going to tell me it's an old wives tale.
[/quote]
An other road built for a runway too
https://www.google.com/maps/@1.379408,103.6966736,...
I went a few years ago and really enjoyed it. The best bits for me were a cycle tour with singapore urban adventures. This was great, the guy was super knowledgeable, you got to see lots and get your bearings and we had some great food. It was humid but being on the bike you created just enough wind to stop sweating.
The food center by china town is amazing. Arrive hungry and go for it. Its super cheap and the quality is great - just go to the busy stalls or where locals are aiming for. I enjoyed it although I didn't really do any of the glitzy stuff.
I'd go back particularly if on my way through to somewhere else in Asia.
The food center by china town is amazing. Arrive hungry and go for it. Its super cheap and the quality is great - just go to the busy stalls or where locals are aiming for. I enjoyed it although I didn't really do any of the glitzy stuff.
I'd go back particularly if on my way through to somewhere else in Asia.
Du1point8 said:
bhstewie said:
hstewie said:Du1point8 said:
Language is fine.
Safety is another level, if you see a laptop or a id card on an empty table is because they can and it means the table is taken and they are getting a drink, etc. Mugging, etc is taken very seriously there and as such it doesnt really happen.
Do not get into anything that could be seen as a crime (hideously drunk, etc) as the expat you are guilty and they are strict, I have known people lose the right to work in Singapore over a disagreement which turned into a fight.
Thank you, that's the kind of thing I wanted to hear. I'm not a pissed up expat so that isn't an issue, I've been to Japan but it's my first time in that part of the world and being it's business it's just me until I reach the venue hence a little nervous (or am I not supposed to admit that Safety is another level, if you see a laptop or a id card on an empty table is because they can and it means the table is taken and they are getting a drink, etc. Mugging, etc is taken very seriously there and as such it doesnt really happen.
Do not get into anything that could be seen as a crime (hideously drunk, etc) as the expat you are guilty and they are strict, I have known people lose the right to work in Singapore over a disagreement which turned into a fight.
).Cheesy tourist dinner at Boat Quay by the river very expensive seafood (could do jumbos in clarke quay instead)
Drinks in Clarke Quay/Robertson Quay
Stare at electronics at Funan Mall
Singapore Zoo
Shops at Orchard Road
Sentosa/Mount Faber
Drinks on Club Street.
Night Safari
Little India/little Thailand
Satay street after 8pm
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g2...
Parks and stuff:
https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature
Long Bar in Raffles for a Singapore Sling, though it is rubbish, overpriced and boring. Sorry, but it is the 'thing' to do and remember to throw peanut shells on the floor.
Go to top of Swisshotel for a few drinks:
http://www.swissotel.com/hotels/singapore-stamford...
Champagne all you can drink and eat
https://www.fullertonhotels.com/the-fullerton-hote...
Liao Fan’s Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle
https://guide.michelin.com/sg/liao-fan-hong-kong-s...
FYI - funan gone, he means Sim Lim (soon to be gone)
robwilk said:
said:
Fun fact: as you are driving on the road from the airport you may notice that it's dead straight, very long & seems to have big planters in the middle. I was told that it was built as an emergency military runway: remove the planters, take a chainsaw to the plam trees down the side & land your Hercs. Hopefully no-one's going to tell me it's an old wives tale.
An other road built for a runway toohttps://www.google.com/maps/@1.379408,103.6966736,...
Edited by XJSJohn on Friday 24th May 09:10
edit edit - quoting has gone all odd there ....... (and yup - cahi chu kang is also a runway / unoffical street racer's road.
Edited by XJSJohn on Friday 24th May 09:12
XJSJohn said:
FYI - funan gone, he means Sim Lim (soon to be gone)
Noooo not Sim Lim Square as well! Where will all the tourists go to get ripped off buying cameras & electronics with no warranty?Actually I preferred Sim Lim Tower which wasn't as well known as it's mainly industrial electronics. There was/is all sorts there includng a little old bloke who spent his days repairing & selling valve audio amplifiers.
Mr Pointy said:
XJSJohn said:
FYI - funan gone, he means Sim Lim (soon to be gone)
Noooo not Sim Lim Square as well! Where will all the tourists go to get ripped off buying cameras & electronics with no warranty?Actually I preferred Sim Lim Tower which wasn't as well known as it's mainly industrial electronics. There was/is all sorts there includng a little old bloke who spent his days repairing & selling valve audio amplifiers.
It actually cleaned up after the china mobile phone scammers where outed and the police started watching things a bit more seriously, but agree, Sim Lim Tower was always better / more useful.
Only just spotted this thread - how did you get on, OP?
I've been to SG twice this year on business and going back again for 2 more weeks in a month's time. I'll try to do a bit more myself on this next trip; was too busy and tired to do much on previous ones, so I'll refer to this great thread.
Good shout on hotel Jen in Tanglin, whoever it was. I stayed there last trip and had a club room. It was great.
Oh, and on the first trip I visited Four Floors by accident (honestly!) when looking for an ATM. I was staying at the Orchard Hotel opposite - I wasn't so impressed by that one.
I've been to SG twice this year on business and going back again for 2 more weeks in a month's time. I'll try to do a bit more myself on this next trip; was too busy and tired to do much on previous ones, so I'll refer to this great thread.
Good shout on hotel Jen in Tanglin, whoever it was. I stayed there last trip and had a club room. It was great.
Oh, and on the first trip I visited Four Floors by accident (honestly!) when looking for an ATM. I was staying at the Orchard Hotel opposite - I wasn't so impressed by that one.
PorkInsider said:
Only just spotted this thread - how did you get on, OP?
I've been to SG twice this year on business and going back again for 2 more weeks in a month's time. I'll try to do a bit more myself on this next trip; was too busy and tired to do much on previous ones, so I'll refer to this great thread.
Good shout on hotel Jen in Tanglin, whoever it was. I stayed there last trip and had a club room. It was great.
Oh, and on the first trip I visited Four Floors by accident (honestly!) when looking for an ATM. I was staying at the Orchard Hotel opposite - I wasn't so impressed by that one.
UsernameI've been to SG twice this year on business and going back again for 2 more weeks in a month's time. I'll try to do a bit more myself on this next trip; was too busy and tired to do much on previous ones, so I'll refer to this great thread.
Good shout on hotel Jen in Tanglin, whoever it was. I stayed there last trip and had a club room. It was great.
Oh, and on the first trip I visited Four Floors by accident (honestly!) when looking for an ATM. I was staying at the Orchard Hotel opposite - I wasn't so impressed by that one.
Four floors
Ok
Sorry, I missed this.
I went, enjoyed it but I'm not sure it's somewhere I'd go again if it were my own money paying for it.
Admittedly it was a quick trip with a little personal time thrown on the end but as someone said, and a few people I've spoke to who have been said this, it just felt a little bit sterile.
Very clean, very safe, but I just didn't get that "go explore" vibe I get in some places.
Most of the free time I had was spent around the Bay/Marina/Gardens area and I'm sure that with more time there would have been much more to see and do but I just came away a little bit underwhelmed if I'm honest.
Probably me
I went, enjoyed it but I'm not sure it's somewhere I'd go again if it were my own money paying for it.
Admittedly it was a quick trip with a little personal time thrown on the end but as someone said, and a few people I've spoke to who have been said this, it just felt a little bit sterile.
Very clean, very safe, but I just didn't get that "go explore" vibe I get in some places.
Most of the free time I had was spent around the Bay/Marina/Gardens area and I'm sure that with more time there would have been much more to see and do but I just came away a little bit underwhelmed if I'm honest.
Probably me
bhstewie said:
hstewie said: Sorry, I missed this.
I went, enjoyed it but I'm not sure it's somewhere I'd go again if it were my own money paying for it.
Admittedly it was a quick trip with a little personal time thrown on the end but as someone said, and a few people I've spoke to who have been said this, it just felt a little bit sterile.
Very clean, very safe, but I just didn't get that "go explore" vibe I get in some places.
Most of the free time I had was spent around the Bay/Marina/Gardens area and I'm sure that with more time there would have been much more to see and do but I just came away a little bit underwhelmed if I'm honest.
Probably me
Not just you.I went, enjoyed it but I'm not sure it's somewhere I'd go again if it were my own money paying for it.
Admittedly it was a quick trip with a little personal time thrown on the end but as someone said, and a few people I've spoke to who have been said this, it just felt a little bit sterile.
Very clean, very safe, but I just didn't get that "go explore" vibe I get in some places.
Most of the free time I had was spent around the Bay/Marina/Gardens area and I'm sure that with more time there would have been much more to see and do but I just came away a little bit underwhelmed if I'm honest.
Probably me
As I said, I didn't do a lot of exploring on my previous trips. Yes I was busy, and tired, but I do agree it doesn't seem the sort of place that inspires me to explore.
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