Singapore Sling

In the midst of the current maelstrom unravelling with alarming speed around the world lurks a seemingly unstoppable monster, who is gobbling up entire financial systems without mercy. However, it's with a sense of relief I note that some things haven't changed despite the ongoing mayhem taking place in global stock markets. Singapore is still the can do island of South East Asia, and having just completed a 24 hour stopover the little city-state provides a sense of certainty in an increasingly uncertain world.

So despite all the chaos, the effortless efficiency of the Singaporeans comes as a great relief and helps reinforce the positive impression gained from a previous visit to this Asian tiger a decade ago. The beautiful and dynamic island state will always be the ideal stopover destination, and don’t think rocking up at midnight feeling tired and dishevelled will faze the locals for even a moment. Changi airport is open 24 hours and the super efficient Singaporeans had me booked in a hostel in Little India, shuttled to the hostel on the bus from the airport, checked in and hitting the hay with much gratitude before 1:00am. It's interesting to speculate on just how many world cities would have you sorted more efficiently, and life on the road only got better during the day exploring the city on the morrow.

I sprang out of bed like a seasoned travel dynamo the next morning, then staggered into the shower in a somewhat shambolic fashion to wash away the previous six months of work … which I eventually replaced while slipping into the familiar skin of an intrepid traveller. I emerged wet and bedraggled, but ready once again to explore! Alrighty then, it’s been a while since I got my race face on, so it’s time to put my hand up to have a crack at gaining fresh insights on this wonderful world we live in! Singapore airlines is just the ticket if stopping over in the country for a brief visit.

The SIA hop on hop off bus is an excellent bargain, and being pressed for time was simply the best. As a stopover passenger I paid six sing dollars for the all day pass, which loops around the major sights in this modern marvel of a city. The pressing concern was where to get off the comfy air conditioned bus, and my first port of call was pretty random, but happened to coincide with a major department store where from past experience there are wonderful culinary choices to experience at the food courts that help make the city famous. Weary travellers experience the full breadth of Asian cuisine for under ten dollars with super efficient service. Fortified by the ultimate fuel for travellers I was ready to rock n roll.

Feeling perky the next stop on the SIA bus was the most famous tourist destination in Singapore, which has sprung up since visiting Singapore ten years ago. Everyone loves a winner, and the Singapore flyer is the undisputed world champion when it comes to observation wheels. This mighty structure is a serious piece of engineering kit, and when you look at the specs topping out at a height of 185 metres, and then add the bill from Mitsubishi heavy industries which came in at a cool $240 mill this mighty structure muscles up big time. The flyer is an awesome ride with unparalleled views of the city and comes highly recommended.

From there it was fun to follow in footsteps imprinted from a previous visit. Boat Quay is still an amazing destination as is the famous shopping precinct along Orchard road, and a quick high five to the locals after visiting Singapore Botanic Gardens during this visit, it’s a spectacular travel destination that has been given the prestigious Michelin 3 stars. Go for a stroll dear reader, check out the Orchard garden and the rainforest; oh yeah ... it’s real spiffy!

One of the great pleasures of travel comes only with age, so instead of stressing about the passage of the years, instead one can enjoy the opportunity to revisit a previous travel destination. Singapore is an Asian tiger that still roars and,………….. basically all of you should be here now!

"He who would travel happily must travel light." Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Top 3 Hotels/Restaurants
Fragrance Hostel - Little India, Singapore
Star Inn Cafe - Little India, Singapore
Bismillah biryani restaurant - Little India, Singapore

Top 3 Sights/Activities
The Singapore Flyer - Singapore
Strolling at Botanical Gardens - Singapore
Strolling at Boat Quay - Singapore

As I continue my travels, until next time it's signing off for now.

Tom

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