Singapore snapshots

It only takes an hour and a half to fly from Vietnam to Singapore, but you couldn’t get more of a contrast between two cities. Singapore feels all shiny and new, and no one tells you to take your necklaces off in case a thief wants to ‘borrow’ them (this actually happened in Ho Chi Minh). I’ve been to Monte Carlo and Carmel but Singapore must be the cleanest city in the world – there’s no rubbish AT ALL (littering is illegal), and no beggars (at least none that I saw).

That’s not to say it’s souless – it isn’t. What I really liked is that it’s a very familycentric city, with a relaxed, laidback atmosphere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the Marina Bay Hotel (left) – although it was 80F it was close to rain pretty much the whole time, but actually the colour of the sky makes the architecture look even more dramatic.

It’s not the most attractive building in the world, but at night, when it’s illuminated, it looks quite spectacular.

Of course we paid a visit to Raffles Hotel. The Long Bar where Singapore Slings were created is very touristy (and the only place you’re allowed to litter, albeit peanut shells), but the hotel itself is just beautiful.

At night the city, with its tightly-packed skyscrapers, is just stunning. This was the view from the Fullerton Bay hotel rooftop bar.

And this (top right) was the private jacuzzi for my suite, looking out on the river. I kid you not. *sighs wistfully*