Sultery Singapore

Here is another destination i was lucky to visit back in 2015.The mere mention of Singapore, brings images of a sultry, exotic location steeped in far eastern oriental mystery. Not forgetting its undoubtfully impressive new world skyscrapers, that reach for the sky.

Singapore is the largest port in Southeast Asia and one of the busiest in the world. It owes its growth and prosperity to its focal position at the southern extremity of the Malay Peninsula, where it dominates the Strait of Malacca, which connects the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea. For foreign visitors Singapore is a popular jumping off point for exploring the Malay peninsular and nearby countries such as, Thailand Vietnam and the islands of the Indonision archipelego.

Along with Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan, Singapore is one of the Four Asian Tigers The city is a popular cruising port and destination, for many visitors. Getting around the city is quite easy with an excellent public transport system which is cheap and clean. If you want a mode of transport with more ambiance and excietment then use one of the many Tuk Tuck,s scurrying around the city.

One of the must do things in Singapore is have your photo taken with Singapores Mer-lion. Its name combines "mer", meaning the sea, and "lion". The fish body represents Singapore's origin as a fishing village when it was called Temasek, which means "Sea Town" in Javanese. The lion head represents Singapore's original name Singapura meaning "Lion City" So here i am at the waterfront doing just that.

My next port of call is the Gardens by the bay, these gardens are like nothing you have seen before.

I have been lucky enougth to have had the company of some fellow travellers whilst in Singapore and we are about to visit The Raffles Hotel for theire ledgendary Singapore Sling. The Long Bar in Raffles Hotel is well worth a visit, even if you only do it once, particularly if your a Hemingway fan.

The Raffles Hotel is a colonial remnant, with colonial service and uniforms for the rich and famous.A real reminder of the old colonial days of Singapore. There are rattan ceiling fans and the decor is reminiscent of the style of a 1920's tropical plantation.

Unique to the Long Bar are the peanut bags on each table and the peanut shells thrown onto the floor, and also the Singapore Sling cocktails served there which, whilst more expensive than most places, are very good.

This is one of the must do things in Singapore. It's not cheap, each drink is over £20, but to drink a Singapore Sling in Raffles must be on many people's bucket list. The atmosphere is crazy, quaint, yet somehow laid back. The sack of nuts on the table has to be tried, if only to be able to throw your shells on the floor.

I really enjoyed my time here in Singapore and it is definatly soewhere i plan to visit again.