Singapore Sling – Part 1
Welcome to another post for Fabulous Journeys!
I’m writing this post in Singapore, while I visit some family and taking time to check out some of the new things that this island nation has come up since I last visited. It’s amazing how a small island can pack so much stuff in it, and also still have room to grow! The last time I visited Singapore was only 2 and a half years ago, and already so much has changed. Singapore is definitely one of Asia’s most dynamic city.
Flying Into Singapore
I booked my flight through Zuji, and flew on Singapore Airlines. This is one of the best (if not, the best) airlines in the world, and the service is just impeccable! I always try to get a flight on Singapore Airlines when I can, as their safety record is close to perfect, and I feel like I’m a very valued customer. Their pilots are also very experienced and well trained. The flight was not as full as I expected. Perhaps it’s due to the economic downturn that people have cut back on their travels. I wish more people would learn to trade the markets successfully so they don’t have to worry about such things as a recession! Anyway, it was great because I got the 3 seats to myself! 
My original intention for this trip was to see my sister and my little niece Zara who has grown up substantially since the last time I saw her. My sister and her family live in an apartment on the East Coast of Singapore. The property they live in is very close to the beach and to the East Coast Park. They have huge swimming pools, tennis courts and a gym and spa, and it really feels like being in a resort! It’s just an awesome place!
Some of the new things I’ve experienced in Singapore since I last arrived here are:
Vivo City
This is the biggest mall in Singapore, and is facing the resort island of Sentosa. Lots of great international brands and food places are in store, and they have a cinema at the top. There is a rooftop pool that children can play around and cool themselves off, and it offers a fantastic view of Sentosa Island.
Singapore Flyer
Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer is Singapore’s latest attraction, having opened about a year ago. This is currently the world’s tallest observation wheel, with the top height of 165meters. The Singapore Flyer has managed to beat the London Eye for this record by 30 meters. It offers a fantastic view of the city skyscrapers, the South China Sea. During the day, you can view some of the nearby islands of Indonesia and Malaysia. There is also an integrated resort (IR) being built at the moment, the biggest infrastructure project in Singapore since its independence in 1965, and the scale of the new developments can be viewed from the Singapore Flyer
Sentosa
Sentosa - Fort Siloso
The resort island of Sentosa offers a wide variety of facilities for entertainment, leisure and fun. This is where Singaporeans go to get away from the city, and to enjoy the beach. There are a number of resort hotels around the island, and great attractions like:
- Underwater World – an aquarium containing a great collection of marine life from the Pacific and South China Sea.
- Fort Siloso – a fort built to protect Singapore during World War 2, and is now a museum
- Universal Studios (currently under construction)
- The biggest Merlion statue in Singapore
- Musical Fountains
- Marina / Yacht Club
I was fortunate enough to have experienced going into the One Degree 15 Marina Club in Sentosa, which is a members-only marina club (my brother-in-law is a member of this club and took me there). They have fantastic facilities like a swimming pool, gym, a lounge bar, and a couple of good restaurants.
Arab Street/Arab District
Arab District - Singapore
The Arab district of Singapore offers a great display of distinctive shophouses that have been built at the turn of the last century, and have been preserved since. If you’re looking for great Malay or Middle Eastern food, this is one of the best places to go in Singapore. There are also many fabric shops in the area, and there is so much Islamic and Malay character to the place. One street that I particularly enjoyed is Bussorah Street. it is a partly pedestrianised street with all the shophouses, and at the end of the street is a beautiful mosque called Sultan Mosque.
Little India
Little India is buzzing with all things from the Indian subcontinent. The area has a lot of old shophouses that look similar to the ones in the Arab District, except that they are distinctly Indian. I had a chance to sample some great Indian food at this place called Apollo Banana Leaf. They have great South Indian curries, and this is its specialty. More recently, they have offered some North Indian cuisine, and they are really good as well! On top of great food, there are a lot of great Indian shops selling saris, Indian jewellery, Indian groceries, and anything you can think of. One great shop to check out is Mustafa’s. This is a 24-hour department store that offers anything and nearly everything, from grocery items to watches, electronics, furniture and clothing. Mustafa’s offer some of the most competitive prices in Singapore, and they are great value.
I’ll be writing more about my experience in Singapore in the succeeding posts. In the mean time, I’m off to the pool and enjoy the hot weather here in Singapore and having some Singapore Sling!
To more Fabulous Journeys!
