Everyone tends to have a favourite Asian city. Some prefer the frenetic and sometimes
frustrating energy of Bangkok, while others enjoy the mix of colonial and Chinese traditions
under the looming glass towers in Hong Kong, but for many it is the stately elegance of
Singapore, the seemingly perfect recipe of East meets West that receives top marks for repeat
travellers to Asia.
Singapore often anchors one end of your Asian cruise, especially when you’re looking at a
voyage through Vietnam. It offers loads to see, do and experience and I’d recommend you stay
at least two nights, however, three would be better.
There are two cruise terminals in Singapore. The first, the Singapore Cruise Centre is nearby
famous Sentosa Island. It’s extremely busy with ferry traffic and an array of shops over a couple
of levels and good transport links, but the walk to the ship is very long. The brand new Marina
Bay Cruise Centre is located much closer to Colonial Singapore, the striking Marina Bay Sands
Hotel and the innovative Gardens by the Bay. Boasting just a few shops, it is a nice space with
easy access to taxis to get you further afield. There’s free wireless internet, currency exchange,
and traveller information.
To get around taxis are reasonable in cost and there’s also a great metro system. The city
offers good budget hotels, plus some of the finest hotels you’ll find anywhere in Asia including
Raffles and the new Marina Bay Sands Hotel, which is a tourist attraction in itself with its spaceage
looking roof-top observation deck and infinity pool.
Orchard Road downtown is where you’ll find endless shopping. Designer name clothing and
electronics are the go here, as well as some traditional crafts. Close by is Little India and also
Chinatown, both of which are well worth your extra attention and showcase Singapore’s diverse
cultural roots. 2013’s new attraction is Marina Bay Gardens celebrating everything ‘clean’ and
‘green’, an environmental walk by day and a dazzling light display by night. I’d also recommend a
visit to the beautiful Singapore Zoo and a separate visit to the Singapore Night Safari, where all
manner of night creatures can be seen.
Roger’s Quick Tips
Best Months: Year-round – Dec-Jun particularly good
Don’t Miss: Afternoon tea or Singapore Sling at Raffles
Tour or Not: Do it on your own
Sightseeing: Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, Little India
Food: Everything from Asian to French
Language: English, Chinese, Malay, Tamil
Shopping: Orchard Road
Cash or Card: Credit card or cash
By Roger Condon, cruise sales manager, Discover the World Market ing – with 15 years at sea
