Singapore stopover-would recommend

by **bluealb1** on Sat May 13, 2006 18:55 pm

Singapore was the destination for a stopover on the way to Australia. This was an excellent decision choice especially for the children who thoroughly enjoyed their stay.After a long 12 hour flight from London we checked into the Hotel Excelsior.Very large well equipped rooms with a connecting door between them, which meant we could put the boys into a seperate room but still keep an eye on them.There were two swimming pools ,one on the roof with a birds eye view of the city the other overlooking reception. This was only a 3 star hotel but they certainly have higher gradings compared to the UK.

We travelled with Singapore Air so included in the stop over package was a free bus pass which could be used on the hop on/off buses throughout the city.A must for travelling about especially with a family.

We made a visit to the Night Zoo which was fabulous.I have never been to a zoo at night.You travel by trams throughout the zoo in the dark seeing the animals in their natural habitat but it is quite eerie. You can then go for a stroll through the woods again in the dark to explore several areas of the zoo.

We Spent the second day exploring China Town and the harbour areas of Singapore.The sights and the smells of the food markets, the fabulous shops, and the Orchid gardens were amazing.We even found a Man Utd shop which did impress my boys!!

Overall a good stopover location with plenty to see and do.

by **wilsonjenny** on Wed May 17, 2006 19:56 pm

I can second this. We stopped over on the way to Bali and on the way back from Australia earlier this year. Singapore has something for everyone and makes a good stopover point. We stayed at The Orchard Hotel (Orchard Road) and the Grand Copethorne Waterfront on the way home. Preferred the latter hotel as was close to Clarke Quay and Raffles. Would recommend the Botanical Gardens, Sentosa and Clarke Quay in the evening. The shopping is something else, if you have the money. The shops are full of expensive designer goods. I was amazed to see Marks & Spencers, Top Shop and some of the other High Street names along Orchard Road. Don't think I would bother with the shopping next time. Singapore Airport is one of the best airports I have been to and the shops are good - again if you have designer goods money. Drinks are expensive, but what the hell - you are on holiday. We also went to the Changi Jail museum and this gives you a very good insight into the hell the prisoners of war went through and the falling of Singapore to the Japanese. Probably not something of interest if you are under 40. Taxi's are cheap. Don't chew gum in Singapore or you could get arrested! Likewise make sure you cross the road at the designated crossings or you could be fined.

ccasion1