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I stroll around a bit more, waiting for sundown and for the nightlife to begin. Clark Quay, as the area is known, soon springs to life, abuzz with activity and people looking to have a good time. Catch up with our Nandu, who’s on his way to becoming a pilot for Singapore Airlines – the fellow’s as delightfully ditzy as ever. We spend the evening at the Crazy Elephant, one of the best blues bars I’ve been to yet, and then head over to one of Singapore’s ‘hawker centres’, where you get the most fabulous street-style food imaginable, all served up fresh off the coals. Almost too delicious to even describe, so suffice it to say it’s got to be experienced first hand. What a superb end to a Singapore day! Great food, good company and the promise of more to come on the morrow. As for the city – well, it’s best summed up thus. At the end of my first day there,I felt like I’d been living there for years. It’s not the most picturesque city, and certainly not the place for much cerebral activity, but it puts you at ease immediately. That’s got to count for something, eh?
TRAVEL LOG
Get one thing straight. If you want a holiday filled with culture, sophistication and subtle nuance, Singapore is not where you should be headed. If, on the other hand, you want great food, lots of colour, a lively night scene and (of course) a shopping bonanza, it’s the ticket, and it makes no apologies for it either. There can be few places that are as family-friendly as Singapore – there’s literally something for everyone here. Sentosa Island, for example, has a wonderful marine aquarium and innumerable rides, including a great cable car to the mainland. The Singapore Zoo is excellent, and the night safari, although slightly cheesy, is worth a go. Jurong Bird Park is lovely as well, for those with an interest.
You absolutely must get on the Singapore Flyer, a giant… er, giant wheel that gives you superb views of the city, especially at night. The Reverse Bungy at Clark Quay is a must as well, for a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart. Food? Go to any hawker centre and you won’t be disappointed – and do try the simple but delicious Hainanese chicken rice. The Indian restaurants in Little India are very good too, for the most part. Shopping? Well, there’s really no need to tell you more – your woefully empty wallet will bear testimony to the city’s shopping culture.
As far as hotels go, there’s no shortage in Singapore. Cheap and best options include the Fragrance (www.fragrance.com) and Hotel 81 (www.hotel81.com.sg) chains, starting at S$50 per night. The Raffles Hotel (www.singapore.raffles.com) is the ultimate splurge, at S$900 per night onwards.
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