Singapore

Sadly, I have just been in Singapore for two days but it still was a blast. I am totally in love with the city and I suggest anyone travelling to Australia, to book a flight with a stop in Singapore! They even have a pool area at the airport!

#weather

Singapore Flyer

The only problem you will face in Singapore is the high humidity in combination with high temperatures. It is really though to be walking a lot. I was "lucky" when I was in the city. In the morning it was raining a little. That is why we were able to explore the downtown by foot. As soon as the rain stopped, we were barely able to move outside without sweating.

fun fact: the lowest temperature ever measured in Singapore was 19,4°C

Just a little reminder for all of you: The Singapore Flyer, a huge ferries wheel, closes if the weather is too bad (thunderstorms, wind, strong rain, etc.). So if you want to see the city from above, I recommend if the weather is not supposed to be too good, to go to the Flyer right in the morning! You will have a great view over the city!

And even if it is really hot outside: bring a little jacket if you want to go shopping because you will not be used to the extreme air conditioning inside buildings! brrrrr 

(to take a similar photo choose a wide-angle lens) 

(Flyer, Art & Science Museum, MBS)

#hotel

It might seem strange to you, that the second topic that I am writing about is the hotel we stayed at, but you will understand as soon as you are done reading. AND you WILL be grateful!!

If you EVER stay at Singapore, choose MARINA BAY SANDS as your hotel. Any other hotel would simply not make sands. (I hope this pun makes sense for native speakers) Like I am not even kidding... there is NO alternative!!! 

reasons to stay at Marina Bay Sands:

1) the infinity pool 

there is actually no argument, that could ever possibly beat the pool (it's great for your social media appearance, extremely relaxing, there is great service and you have THE BEST view over the downtown) but I will still list the other arguments

there is also no way to enter the pool if you are not a guest of the hotel (you have no choice)

2) the location

Marina Bay Sands is actually located on a kind of peninsula that was artificially added to the city. There are no skyscrapers around the hotel. That and of couse its hight are reasons why you have a great view from your hotel room and that the hotel can be seen from anywhere in the downtown.
(location see red cross in map)

3) the shoppes

is a mall that has great stores and it belongs to the hotel and is connected to the hotel by an underpass (see: #shopping)

it is also a great alternative to the pool if the weather is not so good

4) free WIFI

in rooms, pool, shoppes, ...

5) service

thumps up

...

#city

- no gum! it's prohibited by law
- city state
- few cars (it is really expensive to buy a car + you need a special permission which is also very expensive!!!)
- many tourists especially from Asia
- a lot of artificially won surface
- cultural diverse


#activities
 
 Due to my short stay I was not able to experience many activities in Sngapore but I would like to introduce you to two of them (both have an asian character!!!!): 

 

1) Gardens by the Bay - Light Show

Between the sea and the MBS is another part of the artificially won peninsula. It is called: Gardens by the Bay. In the Gardens by the Bay, there are tree-like sculptures out of metal. Daily there is a music and light show at 7.45pm and 8.45pm in the Garden Rhapsody.

 

If you are a visitor from a non-asian country the show will be different than you imagine it to be (I am not entirely sure if you will enjoy it). Even tho it was a new experience for me, I would recommend you to visit it. It is a good opportunity to get an idea of the asian understanding of beauty, music and light.

2) Art and Science Museum

The Art and Science Museum is actually a pretty cool spot - to look at from the outside. I'd like to be brutally honest. In june 2017 they showed 3 different exhibitions: human+ the future of our species, future world, the universe and art. One exhibition costs 17 SGD (=11€ = $12,50 US) and it is not worth the money! I have only been at the future world exhibition but I would not recommend you to visit the other ones as well. We spend not even an hour in the exhibition and if you knew my family you would know that this is really rare! It has been an exhibition of light. If you have children at the age 3-10 they will probably enjoy it so this is a good place to go to with children but you will probably not like it.

PS: a good way to get to know the city are the city tours with the hop on and hop off buses

#food 
 

As Singapore is an Asian country it is obvious that you should definitely eat Asian food during your stay. A good place to eat is the Telok Ayer Market/ Lau Pa Sat. They have any kind of Asian food and you will definitely find something you like!!

(location = red cross in map)
 

#shopping

As I said earlier the Shoppes is a great mall to spend time at. They got ever boutique from Michael Kors to Gucci! They even have a canel with little boats on it to relax between the shopping!

advice for tea-lovers: visit TWG Tea! 

#streetart

 just a few last impressions from Singapore:

Next post comming up tomorrow!!
Don't miss the special edition of Australia's wildlife!! Koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles, ... You will need to read it or you will regret it ;)