Singapore in a flash

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

EVER hada long stop-over in Singapore or maybe, decided to do a quick weekend getaway to this metropolis, known as the “Lion City”? Through the years, the world has seen this city roar into an economic success, receiving praises from many.

What makes Singapore even more fascinating is the diverse mix of cultures all living together in this tiny nation. The result can be seen in the cuisine, art, architecture and festivities incorporated into the lives of the locals. So, let me take you on a quick tour of this fascinating city as we explore Singapore in a flash.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

There are direct flights from Cebu to Singapore, and it is up to you which airline you prefer based on your plans, budget and preference.

When you plan a trip to Singapore, I suggest that you read up on some basic facts.

Then, there is the question of where to stay. Accommodations are plentiful in Singapore, so the only thing that matters is what is important to you when it comes to selecting what type of accommodation suits you. For more information, try to check out these websites, http://www.yoursingapore.com and http://www.stb.gov.sg.

When touring Singapore, I did what most of my friends would never do. I walked around the entire Singapore in a day. It is possible, even on a warm, humid day. With the vast number of malls, cafes and restaurants in the city, there is always a place to cool down to rest.

One could start at the heart of the city, which for me, would be Orchard Road. Since

I was not on a shopping trip, a nice leisurely walk along this extremely long road certainly gave me perspective on what the shopping experience could be like for the many tourists visiting, as well as for the locals. Try to take a quick peek at a few of them, like the Palais Renaissance, the Shopping Gallery at Hilton, Lucky Plaza, Centrepoint Shopping Centre, Paragon, Orchard Towers and Singapore Plaza, Takashimaya, Tang’s and ION Orchard.

Then, make your way to Chijmes (http://www.chijmes.com.sg), a former Convent of the Infant Jesus, which has been converted into a venue for restaurants, cafes and small shops. Nearby is the Singapore Art Museum and the famous, Raffles Hotel.

Just across this hotel is Raffles city, which has an underground area called the “City Link Mall”, connecting it to the Marina Bay, thus making your journey more fascinating and leisurely. When you exit, Suntec City, Marina Square and the Esplanade Theatres are all in this vicinity. For the culture and art lover, the Esplanade (http://www.esplanade.com) is a great place to see performances, exhibits and different shows.

At the Marina Bay (http://www.marina-bay.sg), there are several spots to see, like the
Marina Barrage, Merlion Park, Singapore Flyer, The Float at Marina Bay, The Fullerton Hotel and the Marina Bay Sands.

Try not to spend too much time here, because on foot, you can still make it to Boat Quay and Clarke Quay. The Asian Civilisations Museum can be found in the vicinity, if you would like to see more museums. If not, check out the quaint shop houses and bars across the water.

Finally, why not have a great dinner in Chinatown and do a little bargain shopping on the side. Before heading back to your hotel, you can see the Marina Bay light up the evening sky.

Like always, I would advise anyone going on a trip, to note some important facts about your destination, like telephone numbers and hotlines of the police, hospitals, banks, credit card companies, ports, airport, bus stations and the tourist office.

Singapore has always been a destination I enjoy coming back to, over and over again.

The variety and vivacity this city possesses are a few of the things I love about it.

I hope you too get to enjoy the many fascinating facets of Singapore.