thinking of 3 days in singapore en route to Oz, any tips?

[ironv8]

Visiting my son in Sydney and other rellies in Melbourne, got a month off work this Autumn. Wanted to visit another great city en route there or back , thinking Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai ?? Or any other suggestions welcome. I'm travelling alone so can rough it for a few days.

[Pilotguy]

I haven’t been since the early 00’s but Singapore was a good city to visit. The changes since then have been pretty big, so YPYMYTYC!

Try a couple of Hawker food markets for meals on the go, Malay, Singaporean and Chinese-style dishes.

Little India

If you like gardens the National Orchid Garden is located in the Botanic Gardens. Loads of parks and gardens across the territory.

For tech geeks like I was there are still several centres that cater wholesale to gaming nerds and techies. Funan, Peninsula and Mustafa.

Orchard Road for general retail therapy

The Night Zoo was a pretty enjoyable experience.

[AndrewCrown]

I think you’d have more fun in Bangkok, personally I think Singapore has gone a bit sterile.

[eliot]

also worth knowing about the outdoor pool at the airport if your stopover is only a few hours.

[MYOB]

AndrewCrown said:

I think you’d have more fun in Bangkok, personally I think Singapore has gone a bit sterile.

Agreed, Bangkok is more vibrant than Singapore.

[RichFN2]

I found Singapore to be ideal for anyone going to SE Asia for the first time and wants to be eased in gently. Everyone speaks English, it's extremely clean and easy to get around, it's extremely safe and allows you try all sorts of food from the region.

It is also very expensive and dare I say it a little boring/sterile. If your wanting a few drinks then the cost soon mounts up.

Bangkok is far more exciting from a sightseeing perspective, and the nightlife is crazy (Singapore was a little boring for that) the food is amazing and everything is far more affordable. Your probably looking at a 3rd of the cost when you include hotels etc. It is also far bigger and crowded.

I would also consider Kuala Lumpur, in terms of entertainment, attractions, cost etc it's somewhere in the middle when compared to Bangkok and Singapore

[ironv8]

Thanks for that, I’ve been looking at KL in more detail today, it could be worth a punt.

[Ynox]

Singapore is pretty good. Nice place but I'd agree it's a bit sterile compared to Bangkok.

BKK is crazy. Great city and good fun though.

That said, airline wise I'd rather fly Singapore Airlines over Thai or Malaysian. For London to Melbourne Singapore have pretty good flight times (I can leave London at 11am and get to Melbourne for 2030 the next day - a good way to avoid too much jet lag).

[WhiskyDisco]

top tip for those passing through Singapore airport - they have a swimming pool you can use.

[Screenwash]

Singapore is so easy for the infrequent or nervous traveller. Short cab ride from the airport to downtown, thousands of hotels to choose from, safe clean streets and lots to do. Plenty of nightlife too.

KL & Bangkok are bigger, more sprawling cities so allow more time to get around. Both should be considerably cheaper than Singapore though, and possibly more “authentic”…

[raucousV8]

The Fullerton Hotel, balcony room overlooking the bay and view over to Marina Bay Sands is a great one for a late evening, relaxing with a beverage.

Hawker centres are great for all sorts of food.

Bus tour is always interesting.

Head over to Raffles for a Sling.

The gardens behind Marina Bay Sands are really worth a visit, spectacular. Perhaps walk some of the F1 circuit.

But BKK is much more vibrant and all sorts of crazy.

Truth be told, I'd be hard pushed to pick one or the other; Few nights in Singapore, take the Orient Express to Bangkok and then some time in Thailand would be perfect - but that's not what you asked about