Blogs from Raffles Marina, Singapore, Asia - page 7

On to Singapore on Singapore airlines, again the travel was trouble free an again it was at night and I was unable to sleep. Straight through passport control and customs without queues, delays or issues. Again I was met and collected for my transfer to the hotel. I arrived at the hotel in the marina area which is just by the F1 circuit, the Singapore Flyer and of course the marina itself. I spent the afternoon wandering around the area getting my bearings. Singapore is quite a change after Dubai, it's as if it's a finished version while Dubai is still a work in progress. They both have the new buildings and skyscapers both Singapore has much less building work and is far greener. It also feels much hotter due to the humidity. ... read more

They say the last wild tiger in Singapore was shot in the lobby of the Raffles Hotel. Not true. You can get a Tiger shot at the bar if you ask politely and are willing to pay. Talking of Raffles and of drinks, dressed in my finest three quarter lengths and striped long sleeved shirt (sleeves rolled up, buttons half undone) I bravely entered the Raffles Hotel foyer trying hard to give off a Colonial vibe that might put other guests at ease. Within 2 steps I was guided out by an Indian porter, advising me that there was a dress code for non guests and would I like to try the bar open to the public. So off I went in search of the fabled long bar and the drink that made Singapore famous. Turns ... read more

Hey folks. We finally made it and WOW its HOT!!! And when I say hot I mean HOT (40 degrees)!!! So the epic monster journey went without any hiccups. smooth as Bangkok airport was nice as and HUGE! It had all these shops and they were calling me but I refrained remembering I have many shopping days to come!I managed to go an entire flight (11 hours) without watching any movies! Ok let me enlighten everyone at this point...Jit did not sleep or watch films because he was too busy downing 8 dirty (for the folks at home - LARGE 7030 - Dad you would have been proud!) whiskeys and cokes during our 11 hour epic journey!!! I had one slurring on my left and the other calling for a flight attendant I mean check me ... read more

We arrived at 2am, dragged out from 11 hours from LA to Tokyo and then 7 hours from Tokyo to Singapore - but who can complain when you fly business class? Good food, movies, long sleeps and good company. Despite the brief meltdown in the airport and ensuing taxi ride we awoke to have a fun day's adventure in Singapore. Highlights: Being horizontal and sleeping in. FREE breakfast on the executive floor with great views and delicious asian delights. Walking the Marina, taking lots of pictures and just meandering without agenda or direction (or a map). Delighting in the little things (and Tamra suffering through the soupy heat). Tamra was VERY glad they had Starbucks. Singapore has very little soul, lots of shopping and food and is undoubtedly one of the cleanest cities in the world ... read more

We departed Tioman on the first ferry out and then waited for the next coach from Mersing to take us through Johor Baru (hope that's spelt right!) before carrying on into Singapore. We left with four friends but had to part at the bus station because there weren't enough seats. However we arranged to meet up that evening in Little India! The journey was painless and efficient. We had immigration cards given to us on the bus which we needed to complete before heading through Singapore Immigration. At JB we got off the bus, minus our luggage and got stamped out of Malaysia. We then got back on the bus travelled for a few more minutes before getting back off the bus, with our luggage this time and working our way through immigration at Singapore. Fortunatley ... read more