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Saturday, November 3, 2018

Singapore (Singapore) - I want it that way

SINGAPORE (Singapore)
03 November - 05 November 2018


I'm not even sure where the genesis of this getaway formed. I know that the Melbourne Cup public holiday offering made this week in November attractive for the 'buy 4 get one free' proposition, and perhaps Thailand, with its beaches, palm trees and generally higher rates of attractive features somehow quickly became the ideal location in Inga's mind and entered mine with a bullet as my memory of Thailand was limited to what I experienced in Bangkok as a three year old.

The cheapest way to Thailand was through Singapore, which for us was the perfect option. Another stopover and another country for Inga to add to her ever expanding list, which now stands at a highly admirable 57! Putting runs on the board that girl!

Jln Pinang Street - Singapore

I'd been to Singapore three times previously but considering the last occasion was in '95, and also considering that this city only stands behind Dubai in terms of growth and construction, a near 25 year hiatus would be like landing on the moon to find it colonised (not a great analogy but you get the meaning).

Basing ourselves at a sister hotel of the Pan Pacific (Melbourne), as we were graciously provided discounts through Inga's place of work, we were located across the road from Arab Street. An area filled with textile shops, cafes and more textile shops. Although explore a little further and you'll discover Jln Pinang Street and Jln Pisang, which both deliver bars and restaurants in abundance. Unwittingly we landed in a cool hotspot, (that's got to be a contradiction, right? :))

Hard Rock Cafe - Sentosa Island - Singapore

OCBC Skyway - Singapore

Marina Bay Sands - Singapore

Marina Bay Sands - Singapore

Our second day we spent at Universal Studios on Sentosa island and followed that up with a visit to the downtown core, interrupted by a karaoke booth stop to sing the Backstreet Boys classic, I want it that way, which is the common thing to do when the sky is ripped open and the rain comes down, pelting the woman and children.

Merlion - Singapore River - Singapore

Merlion - Singapore River - Singapore

Anderson bridge -Singapore River - Singapore

Merlion - Singapore River - Singapore

Singapore River - Singapore

Singapore at night is a completely different proposition to its daytime demeanour. The night lights offer a completely different dimension to the city, so the area from the mouth of the Singapore River, across to the Marina Bay, simply lights up. Notable in the skyline is the three tiered platform hotel of Marina Bay sands. The location of many Instagram photos, the inspiration of which is the mighty infinity pool, it stands as a reminder that Singapore has lofty ambitions of its own, and it will act upon those.

Marina Bay Sands - Singapore



Supertree Grove light show - Gardens by the Bay - Singapore

Supertree Grove light show - Gardens by the Bay - Singapore

Supertree Grove light show - Gardens by the Bay - Singapore

Supertree Grove light show - Gardens by the Bay - Singapore

Another absolute treat in the area is the Gardens by the Bay. A nature park in the heart of the city is a wonderful place to visit, and the Supertree grove, with its associated light show, provides an Avataresque type of experience that's not to be missed. A real highlight, even more so considering that entry here is totally free.