Snapshot of Singapore

The Tales and Travels of Taylor Made PA – Snapshot of Singapore

Published 21.12.2022

Hello!

Once again I am in Australia for Christmas visiting my Family in Melbourne.

But on the way I treated myself to a “snapshot of Singapore”.

Planning the Trip

I did my research before booking. But booked all my arrangements through Premier Holidays for piece of mind.

So on arrival in Singapore I was met by a private car. One of those people with a board when you come through arrivals.

He had all my arrangements and pick up details for all my time in Singapore.

Starting off in Singapore

The first couple of days of my trip was in “downtown” Singapore. Staying at the Carlton Hotel. Which is conveniently located next door to the iconic Raffles Hotel. Perfect to stop off for a Singapore Sling.

Arriving early. It was too soon for check in but after a quick freshen and change, I left my bags with the Concierge and headed off.

First up was a “Hop-On-Hop-Off” bus tour of the City. The start point was a short walk from the hotel. And I had a pre paid voucher to exchange.

With complimentary ear phones and commentary in all languages it was a great place to start the day. I stayed on the bus most of the way around. Getting off only to explore the Botanical Gardens.

Botanical Gardens

Entry to the Botanical Gardens was free. Showcasing some of the natural Rainforest of Singapore. One of the only cities in the world to have a Rainforest.

After walking the Rainforest trail. I headed up to the Orchid House. This does incur a small charge to enter.

With so many species of Orchid and Lily Orchid on display. There was so much to see. A VIP “House”, including the Orchids named after HM The Queen. Princess Diana, and William and Catherine, The Prince and Princess of Wales.

After cooling off in the Cool House, I headed back to meet the bus to complete the Yellow Route and join up with the Red Route.

Marina Bay Sands

After finishing the tour. I managed to check into my room at the Carlton. With a fabulous room on the 26th floor with spectacular views across to the Marina Bay Sands Resort. Which after a short nap, was exactly where I was heading for dinner!

Taxi’s are easy to get in Singapore and so reasonable!

Concierge hailed me a taxi and I set off to Marina Bay Sands for a dinner with a view. I had booked myself into “Ce La Vie” the roof top Bar & Restaurant at MBS (as it is known locally).

I sat at the Bar Seating. Which gave me a great perch to get up and wander and take pictures as the evening went on and the sun went down and the lights came on.

The food. Well the choice was minimal. Probably not the cheapest. But I had the Slow Cooked Brisket Burger and it was tasty and beautifully cooked. For drink. Well it had to be the Singapore Sling didn’t it?

But the views across the City from this vantage point were just amazing. Well worth the price of the viewing platform. Or Dinner. But to note. You do need a separate ticket for the viewing platform.

But at this point I was flagging. And I had a certain game of football to get up and watch at 3am…!

Yes, despite being in Singapore. I did get up at 3am to watch the World Cup Semi Final match against France. There was a Sports Bar open for the football in the complex over from my hotel.

Singapore Zoo

Next morning. Bleary eyed as I hadn’t really got back to sleep after the football. I had an early breakfast. And headed into Singapore Zoo. In the pouring rain. But in a short stopover you can’t let rain stop you. Right?

Singapore Zoo is meant to be one of the best in the world. But sadly I probably didn’t see the best of it in the pouring rain. But I did make the best of it and tried to see as much as I could. Including Asian Elephants. White Tigers. Orangutangs. Pygmy Hippos. Zebra. Rhino.

I did the Zoo Safari Truck around the park.

It was amazing. I just wish the weather had eased up!

After a quick stop off back at the hotel for a nap. The 3am start was taking it’s toll! I headed for an early dinner at the Iconic Raffles Hotel in their Courtyard Restaurant. Thankfully the rain had finally stopped! And another Singapore Sling.

Then at 6pm I was picked up to head back to the Zoo for their famous “Night Safari”. With so many animals being nocturnal, this gives you the opportunity to have a guided Zoo Safari around the Park in the dark.

But if I am honest. It was just too dark to really see. And the animals weren’t helpful and staying in the areas with lighting!

After taking on one of the walking trails with our guide. We headed into the Arena for the “Show” where some of the animals. The small ones! Are brought on stage to be seen closer up. All safely done. No “performance”. Did you know that otters love to clear up rubbish?

I may not have seen as much as I hoped but I am glad I went.

Sentosa Stay

Next morning I headed off early to see the Gardens by the Bay. And the famous Supertree Grove. With some superb scenic moments and views of Marina Bay Sands. It was a quick and final stop on Singapore before I headed to Sentosa Island.

Just a 25 minute transfer from the Carlton Hotel. I arrived at the Shangri La Rasa Resort. And it was like arriving in another world. Back by tropical gardens, the Rasa Resort was a beachside paradise. With a 7th floor sea view room. I was being spoiled. I wished I had longer than the 36 hours I had.

With my room ready. I was quick to change and head pool side. Sat down on the Adults section by the pool there was buzzers and apps to order food and drink to your sunbed. The gardens had peacocks and lizards roaming free. It was paradise. And just 25 minutes from the City.

But yes, if you looked out to sea you could see the Cargo Boats. And planes flew overhead. But for a stopover. I would definitely stay here again. In fact I wouldn’t stay on Singapore again. I would head straight to Sentosa and catch the train/tram into Singapore if I wanted to go.

After a few hours lazing around by the pool. I headed back up for a quick nap and heading out to explore. Sentosa has an amazing free tram network which takes you from our end of the Island to the other. It takes about 15 minutes! Stopping at all the key beaches and places to eat. But I decided I was in the best place!

So having seen the strip of Sentosa. It was time for an early night.

Universal Studios Singapore

After a fabulous breakfast. With breakfast “cakes” to die for. I headed to Universal Studios. Which is located at Resorts World on Sentosa Island.

If I am honest I was slightly disappointed in Universal Studios. I have always loved it when I have been to Florida. But think I set my expectations too high.

It “opened” at 11am. Yet some of their big rides didn’t operate until 1pm. I suspect to keep people there longer…! Yes there were rides I didn’t go on. But still 2 hours was enough time to get around and see the park. There was a whole section closed for redevelopment. From Madagascar to Minions. An experience, Waterworld, seemingly permanently close. And one of their major rides. The Mummy. Potentially late opening due to Technical failure. And this was one opening 2 hours after the park already.

But I did go on the Jurassic Park Rapids. Which was fantastic!

But that was enough. I sat down in Mel’s Diner to have my lunch. And headed back to my hotel paradise for an afternoon around the pool before my transfer back to Changi Airport and my flight to Melbourne.

In all I would definitely stop in Sentosa again for a few days when I next head back down under.

Would you like to stop off in Singapore?

Email me on jules.taylor@premier-travel.co.uk or book in a time to talk here.

Until next time…

Hello!