Flying out and arriving in Singapore

  Lincoln, United Kingdom
Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Arriving in Singapore to a balmy 32 degrees was absolutely wonderful after we left cold and snow behind. Changi Airport is a really nice airport and easy to find your way around. A taxi met us and took us to our hotel very promptly and efficiently.

The Furama City Hotel didn't get rave reviews on Trip Advisor but the guy at TravelBag assured me he had stayed there and it was a good hotel so I took his advice and we went for it.I have to admit it was quite nice! Our room wasn't ready when we arrived but then it was 7.00am in the morning when we landed on their door step. We went wander until later that morning to get our bearings and went back at which point our room was prepared and our bags had been taken up. The room was immaculately clean, twin beds, nice bathroom and a view over the hotel pool. Down the hall was a gym and entrance to the pool.

Furama City Hotel Pool

As with most hotels in Singapore the ground floor was shops ans some of the upper floors were offices, not uncommon in this part of the world.

Be prepared! I had taken comfortable walking shoes with me but the humidity soon made my feet swell and those comfortable shoes became a nightmare to walk in. I suggest you take a foot cooling spray with you, I wish I had!!
The river boat trip is worth making time for and a nice way to see some of the life along the river side and the various touristy spots

Boat and Clarke Quay are only a 10 min walk from the hotel where we ate both nights we were there and boy was the choice difficult! the Quays come alive at night time with bright lights and music and street performers. There must have been several dozen places to eat on the Riverside but they do get full quite quickly so go early or be prepared to wait.

Clarke Quay

  

Boat Quay

China Town is also just a short walk from the hotel and a nice place to wander but do keep a check on your wallet or handbag...........just in case. Gifts galore and small business where you can have a suit made to measure and ready the next day, how's that for service.

We did take advantage of a half day city tour which took us around all the highlights of the City : The Gem Factory, National Orchid Gardens, Little India, The Merlion, Raffles etc. All worth a visit in my opinion.

National Orchid Gardens

National Orchid Gardens

National Orchid Gardens

Merlion

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Gem Factory Picture

Taxi's are very cheap and shopping malls plenty so you can get about easily.

We thoroughly enjoyed our few days and would highly recommend it to anyone considering Singapore as a stop over. It's an incredibly safe city and so clean!