Back from Singapore
Back from a 5 day hiatus in Singapore, it was fun yet fun. I was there with two of my office colleagues and we stayed at Bullion Park in Yio Chu Kang. Last March I was at Jurong West, who knows where I will be next.
I was there for a couple of reasons and I would say 5 to 7 days would be a good timeframe to fully enjoy the city state without hurting your soles. As with the last time I was there, there was a lot of walking, however, since it is summer, it was really hot and humid, March was cooler. I hope I get to try it on November and December so as I could compare the weather.
Anyways, I got to 3 museums this time around and was able to go full circle on Chinatown. I was also lucky (unlucky for some) to be there during the 2nd PC show of the year. Louie also treated us to Paulaner Brauhaus. On our 3 last days, Louie was with us and went around with us. Vanessa, Jeff’s flickr friend went around with us on the first day.
I got to travel around on the bus as well as visit Ipe at their new flat on Chua Chu Kang. This time around, I had a EZLink card and transportation going around the island was easy and hassle free.
Thanks to Vanessa, we learned that the Esplanade had a viewing deck on top with great views of the Marina. The Merlion this time around was already fixed and I was able to get a good shot at it, although it was already night so lighting conditions were not so good for my 5 year old camera.
I was also able to eat a couple of Singapore only dishes such as the famous chicken rice. Food is interesting and an adventure itself in the island, I targeted for a couple of western fastfood chains and I got 2 out of 3, subway and carls jr. will try to get popeye next time. I also missed the kaya toast breakfast from ya kun kaya as well as the chilli crab, will have to put this on top of the list next time.
Some of Borj’s friends treated us to a relaxing night cap at Blu Jazz Bar on Arab Street, amusingly full of Pinoys, even the band and staff. I missed the Egyptian dinner though. We did get to eat on little india after our quick mustafa runabout.
On my way to catchup with Borj and her friends on Arab street, I decided to not use the map and just trust the gut after getting off at Bugis MRT station. I wandered around for a while and I found a 2 block street full of shabu-shabu on the street. It was so full of aroma and I will have to include it on my must try list next time, will include arab street, little india, laksa, satay and chilli crab.
As it was the Great Singapore Sale time, a lot of shops were on sale and if you have the money, there are endless bargains available. We also learned that the outlet stores where in Queenstown and I will keep a mental note of that for my next visit.
I am also one Merlion statue shot shy, the one on Mt. Faber Park. Although I got to passby Fort canning park, We totally missed the Botanical Gardens and Chinese Gardens. More parks next time then.
will have to stay for 6 to 7 days next time, and will be there with the wife to have a leisurely vacation.