Singapore: A Fresh Perspective
Just back from an exciting week in Singapore, and I wanted to share my thoughts while the experience is still fresh in my mind. It was my first visit, and I had high expectations after hearing so much about the city.
The Barracks Hotel Sentosa
We spent four nights at The Barracks Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality, and it was honestly one of the best hotel experiences I've had. Tucked away on Sentosa Island, it feels like a different world from the main city. The building has a fascinating history, a British military barracks dating back to 1904. They've preserved much of the original character. Our room offered direct pool access, which was a welcome treat after long days of exploring. We found it and booked based on stellar reviews.
The unexpected tranquility of the hotel was a pleasant contrast to downtown Singapore. The Living Room provided breakfast and evening drinks, quickly becoming part of our routine. We'd venture out during the day and return for cocktails around 6 pm. The staff's service was exceptional; they remembered our names and preferences after the first day.
Getting into the main city was easy. The Sentosa Express monorail connects directly to VivoCity mall, with the MRT offering access to various locations. The hotel covered the island entrance fee, which was a nice bonus.
Exploring Sentosa and Beyond
A short walk took us to Universal Studios one day. It was fun but crowded on the weekend. The S.E.A. Aquarium exceeded my expectations. The main viewing panel is impressive.
Venturing off the island, we spent a day in Chinatown and Little India. The contrast between these older areas and the modern downtown is striking. Lunch at a hawker center in Chinatown—chicken rice and char kway teow for around 8 Singapore dollars—showed me the quality and value of the food.
Marina Bay Sands, a major landmark, was something we saw. We walked around the area at night. The free light show at Gardens by the Bay, happening twice nightly, was a bit cheesy but still impressive. The Supertree Grove looked even more remarkable in person.
We started one morning with a walk through the Botanic Gardens. The orchid garden section, worth the small entrance fee, was beautiful. The rest of the gardens are free, a rarity for such a well-maintained space.
Navigating Singapore
Transportation was straightforward once we mastered the MRT system. We got EZ-Link cards at the first station, topping them up as needed. Everything runs on time, and the stations are clean. It's the easiest public transit I've used in Asia.
Food and Weather
Food was a highlight. Beyond the hawker centers, we enjoyed a great meal in Tiong Bahru. We also enjoyed one fancy dinner near Clarke Quay. The riverside area is perfect for an evening walk, though the bars seemed a bit geared towards tourists.
The weather was consistently hot and humid, which I expected. I'd recommend planning indoor activities during the hottest part of the afternoon. We visited museums and shopping malls when it became too much.
Final Thoughts
Singapore delivered on what I hoped for. It is expensive compared to other Southeast Asia destinations, but everything is efficient and safe. The mix of cultures and neighborhoods made it interesting, and staying on Sentosa provided a peaceful base. I'd return, perhaps during a cooler period.
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