Singapore - Beach Road/Bugis Street area

[kingwilly]

how's the gray hairs coming along then fatboy?

[slimboyfat]

how's the gray hairs coming along then fatboy?

actually they are white not grey, but my daughter has the job of finding them and pulling them out. would you like me to save them for your wig?

[kingwilly]

oh u fcker! i aint got any hair loss or grey hair problems!

[sabang]

Shopping's great in Singapore but I prefer Hong Kong - most electronics are cheaper there and the food to my taste is better too.

Singapore is one big sterile place to be - even the shipyards are tidy!

I have permanant right of abode in HK- I know the place well. It's one hell of a place, nothing else like it in this world.
Then again, if your Singapore is the tourist/ cloistered expat areas of Downtown, Orchard Rd and a few other choice sterile areas, then sterile it is. But theres much more to Singapore than that.

I used to always stay at the Albert Court hotel in Singapore, basically in between Bugis St and Little India. I could have stayed in 'better' hotels like the Westin or Shang, but I much preferred it here.

The first reason was, try standing in a suit and tie in Singapore's sodding humidity trying to get a taxi in peak hour. There ain't none, unless your lucky or stand in a gawdamn taxi queue for the better part of half an hour, maybe more (this is my pet hate about Singapore). HKer's are not noted for their patience, but Albert Court was next to a road that was sort of a back way from Orchard Rd to the CBD, so taxi's were much less of a hassle to get.

The other reason was it was just a short walk to Bugis St area, which still has some character although a shadow of it's former, raunchy self, and Little India. Both good places to eat and drink with locals, at local prices.
If I had a night to myself, this is what I preferred mostly to Orchard Rd, Clarke or Boat quays. But Orchard towers, if it is indeed going, will be sadly missed. Good sleazy fun, but I have to say if you know the ropes HK's mongering is much better.

Then there's Holland Park- had an upmarket western suburban precinct feel about it, and nice for a change, especially for one living in HK- nothing like that there. Old Changi Village was good for some pub beers and seafood, and of course sleazy old Geylang- which I wished I'd got to know better. I like sleazy and bohemian areas. Of course there's much more- I doubt I know most of it. I heard People's Park was a good place to seduce an off duty Filipina maid, never went there.

What I'm saying, and this from a HK'er, is that the Singapore stereotype does not do it justice. It's like spending a few days in HK in Central and Nathan Rd areas shopping and eating, maybe a trip to Disneyland or Ocean World, then saying you know HK.

[Butterfly]

Going to Singapore in the next 2 weeks, so I am glad I find this thread. Looking for a cheap SGD 100 Hotel (50 USD), not far from shopping area or MRT

Despite what many are saying, Singapore is still good value.

Love Middle East food, can't wait to try those Arab street restaurant. Priceless.

[sabang]

^ The Albert Court is about a 5-6 minute walk to bugis MRT.
Well located for Bugis & Little India, not far from Orchard- 5 minute cab ride. 15 minute walk to Boat & Clarke Quay.
Might be a bit over budget, I think they go for $120 or so. Nice place though.

http://www.albertcourt.com.sg/index....A8F0605CE5D21F

[slimboyfat]

Singapore Hotels & Resorts Reservation Service - Asia Travel

this is a good site for singapore hotel bookings.

and yes albert court hotel is quite nice but maybe a problem accommodating a ladyboy army.

if you want somewhere with 'no questions asked then probably Hotel 81 is a better bet, and they have some nicer locations these days, like the one in Chinatown

[Butterfly]

I am trying the Hotel81 on New Bridge Road at 129 NET which is not bad

The Albert Court is quite nice but for the same price (SGD 200) I would stay at Park Hotel Orchard on Orchard. This is a great place and has a very a very good Breakfast buffet, with the best French Pastries I have eaten for a long time (even better than in Paris)

But the Albert Court seems to have nicer rooms and is more charming but not as centrally located as the Park Hotel, still very nice

[sabang]

^ It's been a few years since I've stayed there, but the AP was often pretty full. If they're asking those stupid prices they're probably close to capacity then.
Agree you should choose elsewhere.

[Butterfly]

Found those from Slimboyfat links, very good value:
Summerview Hotel Singapore - Asia Travel Hotels Resorts Reservation

I took an option on that one as Hotel81 might be full already (short time):
Robertson Quay Hotel Singapore - Asia Travel Hotels Resorts Reservation

[slimboyfat]

robertson quay hotel is ok, nice location - walking distance to river valley road pubs and clubs and also clarke quay. unfortunately the rooms are rather small.

[Butterfly]

^ I quite like that area even if it's dead at nights during the week.

[bjsanook]

SBF,

It'd been a few years since I visited and I am planning a trip in July with the TGF.

Coming into Changi- They have duty free before you go out the same as King Power? I have always come in via a ship so obviously don't know for sure and I figure some duty free would be wise compared to buying in town.

Any clue on Summerview? I hear they have a in-house Thai restaurant. Is the location too far off the transit to outweigh the benefit of easy food for a hungry Thai lady?

I've stayed at the Clark's Quay Hotel and agree it is very small but there seemed to be quite a few places within walking distance. Better choice than Summerview?

I'm planning the Zoo & Night Safari thing. Sentosa and the laser show. Then not sure. I went to Johore Bahru years ago but there wasn't much going on. Just walk around Orchard and Chinatown enough to keep an Isaan gal occupied?

Probaly go to the Navy Base and eat at the Terror Club one day.

She likes a bit of the nightlife as well. Any suggestions for an affordable night out and show? Or is it just Hooters? (Big Milk!) Ha!

Are you able to buy/find discounts or deals like MRT, or shows or whatever? I guess I'm asking is it worth finding their version of TAT?

Thanks for any info.

BJ

[slimboyfat]

SBF,

It'd been a few years since I visited and I am planning a trip in July with the TGF.

Coming into Changi- They have duty free before you go out the same as King Power? I have always come in via a ship so obviously don't know for sure and I figure some duty free would be wise compared to buying in town.

Any clue on Summerview? I hear they have a in-house Thai restaurant. Is the location too far off the transit to outweigh the benefit of easy food for a hungry Thai lady?

I've stayed at the Clark's Quay Hotel and agree it is very small but there seemed to be quite a few places within walking distance. Better choice than Summerview?

I'm planning the Zoo & Night Safari thing. Sentosa and the laser show. Then not sure. I went to Johore Bahru years ago but there wasn't much going on. Just walk around Orchard and Chinatown enough to keep an Isaan gal occupied?

Probaly go to the Navy Base and eat at the Terror Club one day.

She likes a bit of the nightlife as well. Any suggestions for an affordable night out and show? Or is it just Hooters? (Big Milk!) Ha!

Are you able to buy/find discounts or deals like MRT, or shows or whatever? I guess I'm asking is it worth finding their version of TAT?

Thanks for any info.

BJ

Changi airport - yes you can buy alcoholic drinks on arrival at duty free after passing immigration. Make sure you keep your boarding pass stub though because they will want to see that at the checkout, along with your passport. Each adult is allowed 1 bottle of spirits, a bottle of wine and 3 small cans of beer. There is no duty free allowance for cigarettes and there is a heavy fine if you get caught - beware - customs usually use the old x-ray machine for the hand luggage bags of people arriving from Thailand.
As soon as you are past customs look for the 'taxi' sign and join the queue. Dont take the limousine taxis that will be offered to you - they are a real rip off. Or you can take the mrt into town if you like but i imagine that would be a too much of a pain and an extra hassle just to save 10 bucks or so.

Unfortunately i have never stayed at Summer View. I have limited experience of Thai girls but what i do know is that they dont really like the Singapore style Thai food much anyway. Better go to Golden Mile where some other Isaan person is cooking it the way they like it. Or ask her to be a bit more adventurous.

Nightlife? I dont really go to clubs but people seem to like Ministry of Sound which is at Clarke Quay or Zouk. I dont know what you consider affordable but anyway i guess you dont come here everyday so you might as well give them a try. Personally that kind of thing is my idea of hell.
There are a few nice pubs at Emerald Hill (just off Orchard Road) - but if you dont know its there you will never find it.
Probably best to stick to Clarke Quay/Boat Quay/River Valley Road if you want to have a good selection of places to eat and drink/dance - but dont expect anything to be cheap.

If you are going to Sentosa and you also like shopping you might like to try the huge new shopping complex nearby - its called Vivocity. Doubt you will get any bargains there but its worth a look as you will be in the area.

Is your partner into Buddha? There has been a rather large Buddhist museum just opened in Chinatown, which amongst other things is supposed to house one of Buddhas teeth. The building now dominates this area of chinatown.
Welcome to Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

Afterwards you can try the food from a hundred or so stalls at Maxwell food court which is just opposite. They have everything from pigs brain soup to hungarian ghoulash (not from the same stall obviously). The thai girl i was with particularly liked the chicken porridge (or soup rice as she called it)

The zoo is nice to visit. Have never tried the night safari. I did do a thread on Jurong bird park a while ago, which is ok if you like birds.

https://teakdoor.com/travellers-tales...-birdpark.html

another idea if you feel up to it is to visit changi village and pulau ubin.
changi village is quiet, has lots of nice food. you can get a boat from there to pulau ubin, maybe rent a bicycle and take a tour of the island.

Pulau Ubin, Singapore: how to get there, what to see, do and more

another option if you like nature and green stuff and damn monkeys is Bukit Timah nature reserve - the last bit of rainforest here

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve: on wildsingapore

(important note -this kind of thing will require sensible shoes)

If you just like to see a few different sides of singapore and do some shopping for bits and pieces you cant go too far wrong by walking around chinatown, little india https://teakdoor.com/travellers-tales...tle-india.html and kampong glam (arab street area and whats in this here thread basically)

and thats about all i can think of for now. i have work to do, goddamnit!

PS- i have no idea what TAT is so cant help you there. If you want to buy a card you can use on buses and trains then buy an EZlink card. If it will save you money or not depends on how much you use it I guess.

consider your options here: EZ-Link ::::::

[bjsanook]

SBF,

Thanks for that! Sorry to keep you from your work and I appreciate the gouge.

TAT is Tourism Authority of Thailand. They do specials and discounts throughout Thailand. I did it in Pattaya my first visit in 96 and got a room at Woodlands and 3 days of golf all for under $100.00. (Can't do that anymore, thanks to Mr. Bush).

I am with you on the Clarkes Quay area, I think I'll stay there and hit the places around there. Then cab it up to Golden Mile for the somtam fix. The TGF has never been there so it's all good. She just travelled to Korea with me recently and everything is new obviously, thru the eyes of babes!

Kao tom gai (rice soup chicken) is one of our favorites and that is good to know you can get it over there as well.

You do a great service with all the links and I'll toast one to ya the first place we decide to drink at,

Thanks again,

BJ

[slimboyfat]

you are most welcome.

anything else you need to know please ask and i will help if i can

[nevets]

I stayed at the Landmark Hotel in Bugis when i stopped over on the way back when swompy was closed. Sing is very nice would like a week there , i was disappointed with the Raffles Hotel the old one would have been great to see if it had not burned down.

[porno frank]

Pretty cool pics of spore.