Singapore – Woke and Awake Travel

To & From

As one of the key Far Eastern air bridges connecting Australasia to the rest of the world, there are many flight options to Singapore from Dublin, nothing direct but only one stop is required

Flight and time differential (7 hours GMT) generally means a 24- hour overall journey time, most airlines have afternoon landing slots, and return overnight, which makes for easy travel.

Climate is hot Tropical with no dry season, so you will get rain but always heat.

Woke Tip: BA are competitive on this route, so if you can cope with Heathrow a good option.

Awake Tip: Singapore is expensive, be warned.

Arrival in Changi airport is an experience, with a fresh green look you instantly realise you are in a new world. The MRT train is probably the best option to go downtown, might be slightly faster by Taxi but way more expensive.

Singapore is a small city state located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula on the Strait of Malacca, consisting of one large island encircled by several smaller islets.

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We had chosen the Fairmont Hotel, which is central to all things atop a shopping centre and City Hall MRT station. Transfer time around 40 minutes.

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Day 1

Where better to start a trip to the Lion City than at the Merlion itself, a mythical half-fish, half lion guarding the Singapore river as it opens into Marina Bay.

Figure 1 Merlion

The Singapore river meanders through the heart of the city flanked by many of the City’s main attractions, the towering skyscrapers dominate the South side the stately colonial building the North.

Plenty of river cruises depart from several piers along the bank, but the area is compact enough to talk a stroll around the boardwalks.

The contrast between the architecture is striking the Fullerton and Marina Bay Sands Resort share the same view over the River.

Figure 2 Fullerton Hotel at the Rivers Entrance

Figure 3 Marina Bay Sands Resort with Art & Science Museum

Behind the Marina Bay, you will come across the Gardens by the Bay, with its landscaped gardens and conservatories hosting over 250,000 plants divided into three spaces, Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central, don’t miss the OCBC skyway, a walkway that affords a birds eye view of the gardens and the Marina bay area.

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Figure 5 Louis Vuitton Island

Over the Helix Bridge If you have a spare 30 minutes the Singapore flyer, the world’s largest observation wheel, is set on the edge of Marina Bay, providing a great panoramic view of the City, Marina Bay and beyond.

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Tough going in the heat, so indoors to Millenia Walk –some familiar shops, but great place for some reasonably priced food and drink.

Figure 6 Some Familiar Names

Day 2.

Good breakfast in the Fairmont and out to finish the loop around Singapore River, just behind the Fairmont is Raffles hotel, well worth an explore, it opened in 1887, and has entertained some very famous guests who no doubt enjoyed a Singapore Sling or two at the Long Bar. There is a small Museum in the hotel revealing some the buildings history.

Heading back towards the river past St Andrew’s Cathedral you will come across the Padang, the heart of Singapore’s colonial district, and as a reminder the field has hosted cricket since the 1830s.

Sir Stanley Raffles of the British East Indian Company landed in 1819, Singapore became a wholly independent nation in 1965.

Figure 7 Sir Stamford Raffles Statue.

The original bronze statue was replaced by above, the original now stands outside the Victoria Concert hall

Other landmarks in the area are the Old parliament House, and supreme court.

Figure 8 Supreme Court

National gallery is a great place to spend the rest of the day out of the heat.

Later head to Boat Quay for some great options for food and drink overlooking the river.

Day 3

After all the history and art head to Little India and Orchard Road for shopping & Indian dinner ! You can catch the MRT-conveniently located at the hotel Fairmont, and go to Little India Station , one of Singapore’s most historic shopping districts. Kampong Glam is the focal point of Muslim life, do not miss Masjid Sultan Mosque. Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple is the Hindu temple.

Stretching from Tanglin Mall to Plaza Singapura, Orchard road is a marvel, shops, malls and all the hustle and bustles that comes as part of it.

When you are done head back towards Little India MRT where you will find numerous Indian restaurants, some may be too authentic but Delhi on Race Course Road comes up trumps.

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Singapore certainly worth a visit however probably one to take in en route to somewhere else as we did!

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