Singapore - The Good Bits

I like character in a place. In search of this, I visited the following places in Singapore:-

1) Chinatown

It has been renovated to a large degree, removing that old ramshackle feel it used to have, but it is still well worth a visit. Just wander the streets, visit the Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple, and sample some fine Chinese cuisine.

2) Little India

My favourite! It still retains its distinct Asian charm. All the colors, smells and frenetic activity asail you as you walk along the cluttered sidewalks. And the food is great!

3) The Arab Quarter

This is now very small but worth a quick visit. It again, has quite a distinct flavour. The Sultan Mosque is good, with a lot of informative pamphlets available. The old Istana Kampong Glam is currently in the process of being renovated.

4) Raffles Hotel

It's got to be done! The quintessential colonial hotel oozes charm and style in a sort of romantically faded way. The museum is interesting, as it shows you how they once partied in the British Empire.

5) Orchard Road and the Financial District are modern, clean and could be anywhere.

Quick Tips:

The MRT system, (Metro), now extends to Changi airport. This offers a service every 12 minutes to the centre, costs .60, and takes about half an hour. It is excellent and runs between 5am and midnight.

After a long haul flight, it may be better to get a share taxi directly to your hotel. These are well marked and cost /person.

An interesting gift idea is some non-alcohol based perfume from Jamal Kazura Aromatics, just up New Bridge Road, from the Sultan Mosque in the Arab Quarter. The selection is wonderful and exotic, and there are small decorative perfume bottles to go with it.

I was unimpressed with the zoo. I can see they have tried to make it as humane as possible, but I guess I am not a zoo person.

The Battle Box in Fort Canning is interesting.

The birdsong contest at "Tiong Bahru Bird Arena" was a unique experience. So many birds in exquisite cages singing away. Get there at about 8am, this seems to be when the most birds are on display. A taxi is the easiest way to get there.

Best Way To Get Around:

The MRT system is fast cheap and easy to use.

Buses are also easy and inexpensive, but you need to have the correct change.

Taxis are cheap and cheerful.

But really, the interesting parts are all within walking distance of each other.

Since I had a few days in Singapore, I set up in the Bencoolen, then set off to find something a bit more local in character. The Hotel Bencoolen is a modern building, with a pool.

I checked a few of the more boutique places in Chinatown and Little India, such as the The Inn at Temple Street, Kerbau Hotel, and Perak Lodge. But the rooms were not that much nicer, and the prices were all above that of the Hotel Bencoolen. In the end I just stayed there for the whole stay. The staff are very friendly, and that pool is a pleasure to drop into after a hot day wandering around Sinapore. In terms of value for money, it was the one.

Excellent nasi padang restaurant! You can get a full rijstaffel here, but I opted for a mixed plate, requesting redang and a chicken dish I saw there. It was delicious, filling, and cost S$ 6.50. There were several vegetable and other dishes on a mound of rice. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and they have a dining room upstairs with overhead fans.

The view from upstairs is of the Istama Kampong Glam, which seems oddly sad, as it undergoes its renovations.

Fab food!