Wednesday 4th April
An island republic at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, just 85 miles north of the equator. Singapore has come a long way since Sir Stamford Raffles founded it in 1819. Once symbolic of the mystery and romance of the Orient, it still retains its Eastern flavour. Famous for Raffles Hotel and it’s Singapore Sling Cocktail.
Once considered Britain’s key defence base in the Far East, lost to and occupied by the Japanese during WW2.
After independence from Britain a separate colony it then joined the Malaysian Federation and since 1965 an independent republic.
I don’t like to say it but it’s another very early start, not sure why all these shore days start so early?
Anyway joined our tour-group and boarded the bus. Nice ride round town passing all the sights described at length by our guide. One interesting fact we were told about life here is that among many decisions by their government is to not provide pensions or health care for the elderly but to make it illegal for their children not to pay for such things for their parents and to enable them to be sued if they don’t.
Went by the famous Raffles Hotel, closed for renovations, to the great disappointment of all those hoping to have a Singapore Gin Sling in the Long Bar.
Still it gives them an excuse to come back another time.
Quick photo stop at the Taoist Temple, Thian Hock Kheng.
Then to Clark’s Quay to catch our Bum Boat for a ride on the river going past Boat Quay riverfront area where old properties and wharfs have been turned into fashionable restaurants, etc.
Out on to the Marina Bay to view the sights, including a clever statue of boys jumping into the river, the bridges and the Merlion.
Next on for a quick stop in Chinatown and it’s market for a short visit to the shops and stalls.
In the market spotted Durian fruits on sale, they are very big and spiky, when opened the smell is absolutely dreadful, beyond description apparently. The opening of these in public, notably on the MRT, which is the Mass Rapid Transport, aka the underground, attracts a hefty fine. This is just one of the misdemeanours which have given Singapore the nickname of “The Fine City’ due to the many fines handed out for jay walking, chewing gum, smoking, eating in public places etc. all designed to keep the city clean, which works wonderfully.
Just time to look at the nearby Buddhist Tooth Relic Temple and the Sri Mariamamman Hindu Temple before rejoining the bus.
Buddhist Temple
Hindu Temple
Then on to the Singapore Flyer, a very large ferris wheel. Luckily it’s just reopened after a four month refit after “technical difficulties”. Each gondola now only holds 14, was 28 before, but as it happened the short queue meant we were only 4 in ours. Superb views all over the Marina Bay area.
Then back to ship for a quick snack.
Then ashore again to catch the MRT to the Bayfront Station to visit the Marina Bay Shops, just by the Marina Bay Hotel, full of designer label shops, an internal canal with boats and all sorts of fancy architectural and entertaining design features.
Out to walk across the Helix Bridge and then continued into the Marina Gardens.
Time to stop for a coffee. Then to the Giant Tree Grove and up to walk round the Skywalk.
Timed our visit so that we were there as dusk fell and all the lights were coming on.
Couldn’t wait quite long enough for the full music and light show as we needed to get back before the ship left. Train back to the ship in nice time for as late supper and to enjoy the sailaway.
Singapore a very nice clean city which felt very safe and welcoming.
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