Pit stop Singapore (pt. 3)

It has certainly become a fairly relaxed place. One can learn that table dancing was approved in 2003, being seen as one of the initiatives that Singapore is opening up as a society.

 

Relaxation of rules for nightlife is another way to get Singaporeans to lighten up and enjoy life, and where the nation state beats for example Bangkok. Arriving with the impression that its Southeast-Asian counterpart has a much less strict curfew and several really big nightclubs allowed open until the early morning hours, there is good news: this turns out to be true! There is not really any curfew on nightlife compared to Thailand, where bars close 1 am and clubs with a dance floor are allowed to be open another hour within restricted areas.

 

Experiencing Zouk one theme night, it was the Very Pampered! event, as part of the Voilah! French festival. That night the event was packed already by 10 p.m by several thousand guests as the French group Nouvelle Vogue entertained with late 1970’s and early 1980’s cover songs. This strong and excited attendance said a lot to me about the Singaporeans’ interest and cultural knowledge.

 

And another bonus: Singapore turns also out as a welcome relief as they are much better at speaking English, which can certainly not be taken for granted all over Asia. So when the shop assistant can actually communicate, get to understand what you want, and who often also starts a friendly conversation – that can certainly put you in a good mood.

 

I also read a comment that Singaporeans remains a fairly conservative place though fashions are becoming more daring. I could not agree more, seeing all kinds of fashion brands and daring outfits in the shopping centres. And you will see that people wear these outfits too. Actually Singapore these days boasts quite a few local fashion brands that have made it into the fashion stores. Local brands like Island Shop also have their own brand stores.

 

And while the epitome of fashion once consisted in some department stores along Orchard Road (the oldest and most sophisticated upscale shopping street) – for instance French haute couture can be found at Paragon shopping centre – the city now has so many more venues to offer.

 

Specifically Thai women who also love being fashionable, will as visitors find plenty of venues and soon find themselves with too little time thanks to Singapore’s abundance of fashion stores and brands on the scene.

 

A good period to visit is during The Great Singapore Sale (from end of May to end of July).

 

For the combination of shopping and holiday, Le Mèridien’s hotel on Orchard road cannot be beaten in terms of a high-end hotel that delivers its trustworthy standard and service as well offering an excellent location for convenient shopping rendezvous

 

A memorable detail from a weekend stay at Le Mèridien I get a nice surprise in that I get to see a yellow tropical bird outside the window – in the middle of Singapore

 

And before leaving the topic of women, they get offered a very appealing choice at the signature hotel Naumi – a boutique hotel with a difference. There, women can enjoy a floor dedicated to female travellers – strictly women only here.

 

Situated in the business district, Naumi welcomes as an urban oasis with fragrant ginger and lime scent throughout the hotel and the rooms equipped with yoga mats, IP phones, iPod docks and steam rooms in shower. Naumi – a refreshing change to the city’s accommodation scene – promises unparalleled personalized services and unique facilities. That would be, in addition to what was already mentioned, a rooftop pool, secure communication Wi-Fi network throughout the hotel and the Naumi Bar – a connoisseur’s haven for exquisite malt whiskeys.

 

One good thing to know about accommodation in Singapore is that you get much better value for the money if you book a decent hotel and pay perhaps double. Stay in any budget hotel for less than 100 Singapore dollars and you will get very poor standards making you just regretting it. Just above that budget you will get a room at the new ibis hotel opening in 2009.

 

On another stop-over – just outside downtown’s more sophisticated regions – and a typical such stay, turns out to be a double mistake as the budget hotel (many of them are situated there) happens to be in the centre of Singapore’s seedier district, Geylang. Unsuspectingly visitors can end up in the middle of the city’s Red Light district, so you had better to stay away from this area, even though its street food restaurants are great. This is clearly a hidden secret not mentioned as a tourist gimmick in similar fashion to Bangkok’s Patpong.

 

Much better then is to aim for the city’s abundances of upscale fabulous hotels, including the arrival of the St. Regis brand, situated in the upper parts of Orchard road, minutes away from shopping. These are destinations in their own right; often leaving few reasons to venture outside the premises, though of course and abundance of those are given in this report.

 

One cannot emphasize enough: Singapore can be explored time and again as its returning events and venues will constantly have something interesting on offer to enjoy.

 

For another character hotel, try the Gallery Hotel, which is a unique and award-winning 223-room hotel with post-modern architecture and colourful interiors.

 

And while new attractions and hotels are competing to improve and excel in terms of experience and hospitality, InterContinental Singapore, as part of the historic shopping district Bugis is a perfect pit-stop, recommendable for its genuine true Peranakan experience. There you can experience some genuine Singaporean culture and get a sense of the past among streets synonymous with merchants in the 1920s and its early residents – the Peranakans. The hotel and especially its club lounge and rooms, featuring unique shop house suites, are devoted to this original culture and part of traditions kept alive.

 

So is the Peanakan Museum, celebrating the unique fusion of Peranakan culture through its intriguing artifacts, fine furniture, and exotic clothing.

 

Read the rest of this destination review:

Part I: Pit stop Singapore - booming development, vibrant-events, brimming with confidence

Part II: Pit stop Singapore: numerous vibrant events and festivals, cultural influx, global aspirations
Part IV: Pit stop Singapore - M Hotel, VivoCity, Keppel Island, Sentosa island

Part V: Pit stop Singapore - Amara Sanctuary Sentosa, National Musem, Tanglin Village, Clarke Quay, Equinox: New Asia Bar

 

See also Image gallery Singapore

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