Singapore: Travel Tips, Trends? Ideas & Insights?

[JourneyJim]

That is nice to know, thank you, @agape01! We have an active and helpful community here.

[agape01]

7 hours ago, JourneyJim said:

That is nice to know, thank you, @agape01! We have an active and helpful community here.

You're welcome.

 

It's more to ensure that when one arrives in the country, one is familiar with the rules other than the gum ban.

[travelfan20]

Cash ...

 

I must say some great tips on this site 

We are spending a few days  in Feb 2024 before we board our cruise to Hong Kong . 

My question is it does not appear cash (Local Singapore dollars) is needed other than hawker centres 

Is this a reasonable assumption? Just trying to determine how much we need to convert for the countries we are visiting 

 

Thanks everyone who contributes 😀

[ChangeOrder]

39 minutes ago, travelfan20 said:

Cash ...

 

I must say some great tips on this site 

We are spending a few days  in Feb 2024 before we board our cruise to Hong Kong . 

My question is it does not appear cash (Local Singapore dollars) is needed other than hawker centres 

Is this a reasonable assumption? Just trying to determine how much we need to convert for the countries we are visiting 

 

Thanks everyone who contributes 😀

I didn’t get any Singapore Dollars based on everything I’ve seen. I do have Grab set up on my phone for transport, but also for the QR code payment option. That should cover everything needed, with my credit cards. 

[agape01]

8 hours ago, travelfan20 said:

Cash ...

 

I must say some great tips on this site 

We are spending a few days  in Feb 2024 before we board our cruise to Hong Kong . 

My question is it does not appear cash (Local Singapore dollars) is needed other than hawker centres 

Is this a reasonable assumption? Just trying to determine how much we need to convert for the countries we are visiting 

 

Thanks everyone who contributes 😀

 

As long as the business is accepting googlepay or applepay cash is not needed. But if you do need cash, ATM machines will work with foreign ATM cards but you will be paying a fee.

[cruisinqt]

We are visiting Singapore for the first time and have a dilemma. Our flight arrives early in the morning but our hotel check in is late in the afternoon. Are there any tour operators that would pick us up at our hotel or the airport (along with our luggage) to go on a tour for a few hours until our hotel room is ready? We thought about storing our luggage at the airport but we don’t want to have to make a trip back there unless we have to. I also thought about using stasher or something similar and walking around and doing our own sightseeing. But will be coming off of a direct flight from Los Angeles so we will be too tired to do much walking. Any experiences or suggestions?

[MVPinBoynton]

7 hours ago, cruisinqt said:

We are visiting Singapore for the first time and have a dilemma. Our flight arrives early in the morning but our hotel check in is late in the afternoon. Are there any tour operators that would pick us up at our hotel or the airport (along with our luggage) to go on a tour for a few hours until our hotel room is ready? We thought about storing our luggage at the airport but we don’t want to have to make a trip back there unless we have to. I also thought about using stasher or something similar and walking around and doing our own sightseeing. But will be coming off of a direct flight from Los Angeles so we will be too tired to do much walking. Any experiences or suggestions?

We just did that last month.  The hotel kept our luggage until our room was ready. They texted us while we were exploring and put it in our room, so it was there when we got back to the hotel. Very easy, no hassle. 

[cruisinqt]

4 hours ago, MVPinBoynton said:

We just did that last month.  The hotel kept our luggage until our room was ready. They texted us while we were exploring and put it in our room, so it was there when we got back to the hotel. Very easy, no hassle. 

Oh that’s a great idea. What hotel did you use? We are in the process of booking one right now and trying to decide where to stay. 

[MVPinBoynton]

47 minutes ago, cruisinqt said:

Oh that’s a great idea. What hotel did you use? We are in the process of booking one right now and trying to decide where to stay. 

We stayed at the Marina Bay Sands. Overpriced but quite an experience. 

[Dobby36]

We did something similar.  Got off the ship and dropped off bags at Ritz Carlton. Still expensive. But cheaper than Bay Sands, and only a short walk over the bridge from all the excitement of their casino and the Gardens by The Bay. They held our luggage for us and the bellhop helped arrange a car to take us to a hawker market and shopping area in Chinatown (we asked for that in general, but he chose the location and conveyed to driver) very easy and when we returned in a few hours with a full tummy and some shopping done, our room was ready and we napped.  
 

The Ritz is priced competitively for the luxury hotels in the area and we had the most incredible breakfast buffet there in the AM. Very memorable end to a great cruise. 

[cruisinqt]

2 hours ago, Dobby36 said:

We did something similar.  Got off the ship and dropped off bags at Ritz Carlton. Still expensive. But cheaper than Bay Sands, and only a short walk over the bridge from all the excitement of their casino and the Gardens by The Bay. They held our luggage for us and the bellhop helped arrange a car to take us to a hawker market and shopping area in Chinatown (we asked for that in general, but he chose the location and conveyed to driver) very easy and when we returned in a few hours with a full tummy and some shopping done, our room was ready and we napped.  
 

The Ritz is priced competitively for the luxury hotels in the area and we had the most incredible breakfast buffet there in the AM. Very memorable end to a great cruise. 

We were thinking about using our points at one of the Hilton properties. There’s the Conrad Singapore Orchard, the Hilton Singapore Orchard, the Conrad Centennial Singapore, and the Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Serangoon. We were leaning towards the Hilton Singapore Orchard based on price and location. The Conrad’s are nice but pricey. I’ll look into the Ritz Carlton maybe it won’t be too expensive. We are only staying a couple nights pre cruise before a 25 day transatlantic sailing. The Hawker market and shopping sounds nice. We are foodies so the variety is exactly what we are looking for. Maybe we could do that instead of a tour. Thanks. 

[SophieM]

Thanks so much to all who have posted so far! We will be there towards the end of April and can’t wait! I’ll look forward to reading more posts and adding my thoughts, too, after our visit. 
 

Jane

[MVPinBoynton]

1 hour ago, SophieM said:

Thanks so much to all who have posted so far! We will be there towards the end of April and can’t wait! I’ll look forward to reading more posts and adding my thoughts, too, after our visit. 
 

Jane

I have just posted my review of our Oceania Riviera SE Asia cruise that started in Singapore.  We stayed there 3 nights before the cruise.   I definitely recommend getting the Grab app.  It is just like Uber and made getting around so easy.  It also saved us a bunch getting to the port. I have lots of photos and some videos during our visit there in the review.  A link to my reviews is in my signature. 

[SophieM]

1 hour ago, MVPinBoynton said:

I have just posted my review of our Oceania Riviera SE Asia cruise that started in Singapore.  We stayed there 3 nights before the cruise.   I definitely recommend getting the Grab app.  It is just like Uber and made getting around so easy.  It also saved us a bunch getting to the port. I have lots of photos and some videos during our visit there in the review.  A link to my reviews is in my signature. 

Thanks for your post and link to your review! We, too, will be on the Riviera, having last sailed on her shortly after her refurb. Our itinerary is Singapore to Dubai. 

[MVPinBoynton]

45 minutes ago, SophieM said:

Thanks for your post and link to your review! We, too, will be on the Riviera, having last sailed on her shortly after her refurb. Our itinerary is Singapore to Dubai. 

Have a great time. 

[TLCOhio]

On 3/7/2024 at 5:27 AM, SophieM said:

Thanks so much to all who have posted so far! We will be there towards the end of April and can’t wait! I’ll look forward to reading more posts and adding my thoughts, too, after our visit.   Jane

 

Appreciate all of these great comments, sharing and follow-ups. As detailed below in my live/blog, we just got back last week from three days in Singapore.  Will share today a few visuals, plus more later.  See a more complete summary with more visuals as linked below.  

 

From the Wall Street Journal yesterday, they had this headline: “Can a Boring City Become Cool—With a Little Help From Taylor Swift?" with this sub-headline: "Singapore is trying to shake off its reputation for being dull and uptight.”

 

Here are a few of their reporting highlights: “When it comes to fun, Singapore’s government is super serious.  For decades, the manufacturing and trading hub had been known for being a city that was all work and no play. One quip went that Singapore was 'the world’s only shopping mall with a seat at the United Nations.'  Now Singapore is trying to shake off its staid reputation by positioning itself as a cultural hub and using a favored tool: pop concerts.”

 

While in Singapore Feb. 28-March 2, we caught a little of the "Taylor Swift excitement".  While doing the evening light show on Feb. 28, the sound track was her songs and she supposedly was doing that "live" as a warm-up for her six, sold-out concerts that happened in early March.  

 

Overall, we were very impressed with Singapore, its free-flowing traffic, the great mix of old and new architecture, its many cultural offerings, excellent gardens, great food, wonderful landscaping and greenery, etc., etc.  We stayed at the JW Marriott South Beach and loved its great design, nearby offerings and much more.  More details later.  

 

Here are more details from this WSJ news profile: "Singapore’s pop-star push is the latest in a long-term effort to make a city known for its efficiency, cleanliness and low income taxes a little more lively. For decades, Singapore has said that to attract global talent and forestall emigration, it had to emulate cities like Barcelona and become known as a rich cultural destination."

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/books/can-a-boring-city-become-coolwith-a-little-help-from-taylor-swift-2de2628c?mod=arts-culture_lead_pos3

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

India to Singaore 2024: Live/Blog with many visuals, including “Golden Triangle”, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2992045-live-terryohio-india-to-signapore-silver-moon-rising-pix’s/

 

Or, as an alternative use this five-term Google search

Live Terry/Ohio India Silver Moon

 

From our private tour with Danny L. of Tours-by-Locals, we explored various areas, including Little India, the Arab Quarter (including the Mosque shown below), lunch in Chinatown, going to the top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel that is the local architectural icon and also pictured below at the top-level pool.  Additionally, we are shown in front of a Buddha temple surrounded by nearby, newer high-rises in Chinatown.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

 

 

 

In the evening, it was the Gardens by the Bay and their spectacular light and music show.  Look amazing?  It was!!  At the right lower, is one of the three towers of the Marina Bay Sands complex with their roof-top pool we visited earlier, etc.:

 

 

Below was part of the view from our river ship in the Marina Bay area with the Sands in the background.  As mentioned, it was Taylor Swift music.  Live or recorded?  Not 100% sure, but it would be fun if she did do it live, as reported, for us sailing in this dramatic setting.:

 

Finally, here is their famed Lion spitting out water with some of the lighted architecture in the background along their waterfront.  Finally, we finished at the historic and highly-rated Fullerton Hotel for drinks (Singapore Sling, of course) before going back to the ship to finish packing and getting our luggage put out in the hallway.  Yes, the Singapore Sling was not invented at the Fullerton, but we still felt the history and enjoyed this luxury hotel environment.  Our JW Marriott is right across the street from the Raffles Hotel, where the Sling was invented.:

 

[oshuns42]

Greetings! 
I will be in Singapore for 2 nights (post cruise) 1/6/25 & 1/7/25. 
My sister & I were looking to stay at the Swissdotel Stamford.

Has anyone used this hotel before?

 

thanks, Kathy 
 

[agape01]

7 hours ago, oshuns42 said:

Greetings! 
I will be in Singapore for 2 nights (post cruise) 1/6/25 & 1/7/25. 
My sister & I were looking to stay at the Swissdotel Stamford.

Has anyone used this hotel before?

 

thanks, Kathy 
 

 

What would you like to know?

[oshuns42]

19 hours ago, agape01 said:

 

What would you like to know?

This hotel is offered as a post cruise stay from NCL - I wanted to be close to the waterfront.  Your information about Singapore is so helpful. 
I wanted to know if anyone has stayed at this hotel and what their experience is.  I would love to see the light show on the waterfront, the Garden light shows, the river cruise and basically everything you spoke about 😁

My sister and I will be there for 2 nights post cruise.  
We’ll be there in early January  

thanks, Kathy 

Edited March 13 by oshuns42

[agape01]

13 minutes ago, oshuns42 said:

This hotel is offered as a post cruise stay from NCL - I wanted to be close to the waterfront.  Your information about Singapore is so helpful. 
I wanted to know if anyone has stayed at this hotel and what their experience is.  I would love to see the light show on the waterfront, the Garden light shows, the river cruise and basically everything you spoke about 😁

My sister and I will be there for 2 nights post cruise.  
We’ll be there in early January  

thanks, Kathy 

 

The Swissotel Stamford is located in downtown. From where it is located, it would have spectacular views of the Singapore skyline provided that the room is facing Marina Bay Sands as its a 73 story building. As to what you would like to see on your bucket list, it would be about a 30min walk to see the Garden light show and the light show on the waterfront, as well as taking the river cruise.

All of this information can be found on google map when you key in Swissotel Stamford Singapore. 

[oshuns42]

23 hours ago, agape01 said:

 

The Swissotel Stamford is located in downtown. From where it is located, it would have spectacular views of the Singapore skyline provided that the room is facing Marina Bay Sands as its a 73 story building. As to what you would like to see on your bucket list, it would be about a 30min walk to see the Garden light show and the light show on the waterfront, as well as taking the river cruise.

All of this information can be found on google map when you key in Swissotel Stamford Singapore. 

Is there a hotel closer to or on the the waterfront that you would recommend? I looked at the Marina Bay Sands, but it’s too pricey.  

Edited March 14 by oshuns42

[Justpackingmybags]

15 minutes ago, oshuns42 said:

Is there a hotel closer to or on the the waterfront that you would recommend? I looked at the Marina Bay Sands, but it’s too pricey.  

One visit to Singapore we stayed at the Park Royal Collection Marina Bay. It’s a 10 minute walk across the Helix Bridge to Marina Bay Sands & Gardens by the Bay. There is a shopping mall with a good food court under the hotel. I found it to be an excellent location 

[agape01]

49 minutes ago, oshuns42 said:

Is there a hotel closer to or on the the waterfront that you would recommend? I looked at the Marina Bay Sands, but it’s too pricey.  

Anywhere towards the waterfront is pricey.

Best is to let me know what is your budget and perhaps, I could assist you offline.

My email is listed on the 1st page of this thread.

[TLCOhio]

On 3/13/2024 at 3:47 PM, agape01 said:

The Swissotel Stamford is located in downtown. From where it is located, it would have spectacular views of the Singapore skyline provided that the room is facing Marina Bay Sands as its a 73 story building. As to what you would like to see on your bucket list, it would be about a 30min walk to see the Garden light show and the light show on the waterfront, as well as taking the river cruise.

 

The Swissôtel Stamford Hotel in Singapore was right nearby to where we stayed earlier this month at the JW Marriott Beach Road.  Also, very close to the Raffles, etc.  

 

Below you can see a picture that I captured from the top of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel showing its soaring location and how relatively close it is to the prime Marina Bay attractions.

 

My cautions/suggestions?  With the heat and humidity of Singapore, things can be "close", but walking distances can get a little "taxing" as to what works and is most handy/time-efficient.  Plus, there are lots of nice and/or luxury hotel options in Singapore.  Depends much on your budget flexibility, personal needs, interests, etc.  As I recall, this Swissôtel is a part of the Raffles City Mall and close to other hotel options.  From TripAdvisor, this hotel gets good ratings, but not quite at the top, top highest levels.  Shop and compare for the best VALUE and location.

 

In this part of Singapore, there are a nice number of nearby dining and shopping places.  Much to see and explore here.     

 

From the top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel, here was my view in early March of these hotels and attractions from across the waters in Singapore.:

 

Does this help?  Added questions and info needs?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

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[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Daily Mail earlier this month, they had this headline: “Singapore - so incredible people struggle to work out if photographs of it are REAL: Can you tell if this image of the city was AI-generated? Over half get the answer wrong.” with these reporting highlights: “Singapore is so eye-catching, it would seem, that people can’t tell if pictures of it are real or not.  In a Singapore Tourism Board study, 60 per cent of people shown a striking image (below) of the Gardens by the Bay structures, home to 1.5million plants, believed the image was created by AI, despite this being a real image taken in Singapore.  Out of those polled, almost half (41 per cent) admitted to struggling to tell the difference between real and AI images.”

 

YES!!  Some parts of Singapore are amazing and not like what we might expect as "normal".  That's what makes Singapore so interesting and fascinating.  

 

Also detailed was: "The tourism board described Gardens by the Bay as one of several 'unreal and fascinating experiences in Singapore'.  It said: ‘The Gardens’ iconic structures are architectural marvels that reimagine nature with artistic finesse."

 

Full story at:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-13174141/singapore-changi-gardens-bay-tourism.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio 

 

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