When: 01/03/2012
Where: Singapore
Stayed: Mandarin Oriental
Singapore knocked us for 6. Who knew that such a tiny city is actually one of the most progressive and cosmopolitan cities in the world?! Not a fishing village in site! I’ve heard Singapore be described as a ‘world class living environment’. It wasn’t until we arrived that I realized what that actually meant.
Ruthless efficiency at the airport, building architecture that’s out of this world, spotless streets, ability to loosen your grip on your handbag and a veritable melting pot of cultures. Chinese, Indian and Malay along with around 20% of the population being made up of expatriates from all around the world. The result is a feast of cuisines, a beautiful looking city and a type of harmony that only comes from multiple cultures co-existing in peace. Ahhh the serenity.
There are however distinctly two sides to Singapore. The ‘new Singapore’ sits on the Marina and if you breath deeply you’ll catch the scent of cash wafting off the water. Extraordinary architecture, designer brands tottering on stiletto heels and 5 star hotels oozing business men with big job titles. The Marina Bay Sands – a 5 star hotel / shopping centre / entertainment venue – wreaks of luxury and exclusivity and dominates the Marina scene. Shopping centre doesn’t really conjure up the right kind of image – think more designer brand exhibition. Felt like I should take my shoes off and put on a cocktail dress before entering the centre. Put it this way, Louis Vuitton thought it fitting to open a floating glass and steel crystal pavilion display in front of the centre… yup another world. Just take a look at the architecture of the building with it’s panoramic views, 3 hotel towers and a Sky park sitting 200m in the air – say no more. No wonder it’s touted as one of the most complex establishments ever built in the world.
Speaking of architecture, the helix bridge which takes you across to the Marina Bay Sands is the world’s first curved bridge. Inspired by the yin and yan concept, the design represents the structure of DNA and is said to bring wealth, happiness and prosperity to Marina Bay. Well it’s certainly ticking the first box.
Both of these captivating landmarks were clearly visible from the window of our hotel. Lucky little puppies to be staying in the Mandarin Oriental which is one of the more prestigious hotels in Singapore. Justin and I kept cutting laps of the hotel just because we liked being greeted in such a friendly way by the staff. It was such a pleasure to be in a country where people were smiling and genuinely hoping they could assist you. I asked one of the staff for directions to the shopping centre and she nearly jumped out of her skin with sheer delight, tripping on her traditional dress. From that I made a sweeping generalization that Singaporeans were the friendliest people we’d come across. My mate Jo (who has lived there for 4 years) quickly reminded me that we were staying in a 5 star hotel and probably not getting a real taste of the culture. How quickly we forget.
The shopping in Singapore was outstanding. In most of the other cities we’ve visited, shopping centers have been a pretty good barometer for the demographic in an area. However in Singapore, designer brands seem to be found on every corner you turn. It’s hard to believe many of these stores actually make money!
Orchard road, a famous shopping strip that stretches further than the eye can see is home to pretty much every major brand on earth. My heaven and Justin’s worst nightmare. The cabbie dropped us off at The ION Orchard centre – a complex with 8 levels (yes 8!) of shops. Love at first sight for at least one of us.
In a bid to sample some of the local cuisine from the original Singapore, we ventured to Lau Pa Sat – a street food market. Dinner for only a few Singaporean dollars – nice – and a sharp contrast to the eye watering prices we’d been paying around the Marina. Crispy carrot cake and Nasi Goreng were tasty but unfortunately we were punished with tummy pains all night. Needless to say, it was a short lived foray into street food. Straight back to 1 Altitude Bar with it’s million dollar views across the entire city. If you can cope with handing over your first born in order to get up there, you’ll be greatly rewarded. Simply magnificent city views and a vantage point that takes in all the highlights of Singapore.
There’s certainly a lot to like about Singapore. Despite the rising cost of living in the city and the somewhat suffocating humidity, it’s easy to see why there’s such a large expat community. If the safe, clean, modern, culturally diverse, friendly nature of the city doesn’t do it for you then the cheap cabs most likely will! Especially if you currently live in London…!
Cathy & Justin Abroad 