Singapore, a familiar yet foreign destination for me. Our affairs are so brief. A simple exchange of 'Hello & Goodbye' - that's been the extent of our encounter. Over the years I have learnt to navigate my way around Singapore Airport T3 like it is my second home. I know where to find my kaya toast with milk tea; to find the internet terminal with the least people; to find my favourite shops to satisfy my need to browse but not buy; to find a place to sleep on those brief stopovers. Routine and familiarity. 'Singapore', the city outside the confined space of an orderly and homely airport terminal - I've never known you too well. Although I have come to visit you on countless occasions, and experienced a close encounter of almost setting up life in Singapore 17 years ago, you have still been a stranger all these many years. This time, no. I am determined to venture beyond T3 and discover Singapore the modern Asian metropolis booming with activity under the hot equatorial sun.
I only just visited Singapore 6 months ago in
October; but it was a whirlwind visit where I didn't really have much time to explore. This time, I was determined to do a bit of sightseeing and exploring for once. Here are the highlights of my 48 hour stopover! (still a short trip!)
Raffles Hotel -
One of Singapore's most famous hotel and landmark, and for very good reason. After 20 or so years visiting Singapore, this was my first time walking 'inside' the hotel. It is a grand, gorgeous hotel that takes you back to the Colonial days of Singapore aka 1920s. In a city where the newest project always attracts the most attention and fanfare, this is definitely a welcome change from the modernity of Singapore. I arrived at this hotel to have lunch with my friend S whom I hadn't seen since Taipei 2009! She treated me to a lovely Nasi Lamak lunch with a Singapore Sling (invented at this very hotel around 1915 by Ngiam Tong Boon at the Long Bar) @ The Empire Cafe - a delightful 1920s style 'Coffee House' cafe with local dishes and some international dishes. You will not find 'value for money' here, but a colonial-Singaporean experience! I definitely recommend coming here during your Singapore stopover.
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| Raffles Courtyard |
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| Nasi Lemak @ Empire Cafe...HUGE servings! |
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| Tourists lounging @ Long Bar |
