Singapore Slingers

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Wow, stepping out of the airport here was like stepping into a sauna, can definitely tell we're getting close to the equator now. Staying in the New 7th Storey Hotel which is a palace by comparison to our previous accommodation and the location is superb, right in the hub of the town located between Chinatown, Little India and the Arab quarter.

After a few technical hitches (like not being able to find anywhere open for breakfast) we headed for the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for our first taste of tropical rainforest, albeit in a dummed down fashion with marked paths and walks to follow. Still fantastic though to experience the noise, heat and sights in the flesh rather than through a TV screen. Managed to time it perfectly so that we got caught up in a tropical downpour as well. Got some good footage and pictures of various creatures and birds such as skinks, long tailed macaques, butterflies and birds. The noise from the cicadas (small cricket like insects) after the rainstorm was deafening.

In the evening treated ourselves to a full on meal in one of many hawker centres for a grand price of one pound, really stretching our budget. However it was a good choice as we followed our meal by chavvin' our way into Raffles Hotel (HUGE old colonial hotel) into the infamous Long Bar where it is reputed that the Singapore Sling was invented. Stereotypical setup with air conditioning provided by bamboo fans waving from the ceiling, wooden floors covered in monkey nut shells and old colonial types letting out overly loud raucous laughter (a bit like Chobham RFC :P ). Laura as always took on tradition and joined them by quaffing a "sling" before I could even ask how much.

Next day we checked out downtown Singapore, the original landing site of Sir Stamford Raffles and took a short trip of the harbour and quays in a converted traditional cargo boat. Had a scout round Fort Canning park and a small museum located in the hill called the Battle Box. This describes the events that took place immediately prior to the surrender of Singapore to the Japanese in WWII. Finally took a wander round Chinatown visiting the Hindu temple of Sri Mariamman and the Chinese temple of Thian Hock Keng before grabbing and our bags and heading for the airport (again). Phew. Next stop...Bangkok where some much needed chillout time is required.

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Comments

[China Mike]

Long Bar, Long Face, Long Shlo.....
Good day Monkeys, Great to see that you actually managed to get out of Woking, past the Cherstey roundabout and down the M25 to get your travels underway. Singapore is pretty cool huh - loads to do - did you get to the 4 floors of whoares on Orchard Street...no?? Just me then... Enjoy Bangkok, was there last month and I would recommend you get to the floating market as well as the weekend market at Chatuchat. Lumphini is also really good in the evenings and no doubt a trip to Super Pussy in Patpong is on the agenda - well...when in Bangkok:-) Thai Boxing - E...E...E...have a look and you will see what I mean. Best of luck and keep us updated. China

[Travellin Monkeys]

Once a slag, always...?
China, why does it not surprise me in the slightest you are well acquainted with the Patpong disctrict of Bangkok?