Phuket To Singapore

[petercallen]

We are thinking about going to Singapore for a holiday.

We are Thai/Australian does anyone know if either of us will need a visa or is it a automatic

visa on arrival for a short period.

Also i would like any recommendations from local Expats about the best area to stay in and reasonably

priced comfortable accommodation and whats worth seeing there.

Thanks in advance.

[jocko]

You will both get visa at airport on arrival i went last year with the the wife(Thai) we stayed at the Rea hotel which is near china town good eating at reasonable prices plenty of info on where to go when you get there Singapore caters well for tourists .

Have a nice time'

[Zpete]

Singapore is a ripoff and deadly boring after 3 nites.

[MisterMan]

Singapore is fun .. unless you are looking for the Bangla road type nightlife.

I am going this week. Me and the Thai partner are staying at the IBIS. There is no reasonably priced accommodation. Agoda.com will give you a good idea of the prices. THere is also hostelword.com for lower end accom.

I got a 50% discount from a special Accor was having so check them out.

It will be the first time out of the country for the the mrs man.

We will go to China town, little india, the cinema, shopping, Mustafa Center for general shopping/electronics/like a big c but cheaper I think.

Of course to Orchard road the main street, a look see at the Thai Embassy ideally when all the farangs are waiting for their visa so the mrs can see the suffering, arab food, chinese food and indian food. Trip to a real health food store.. and a good selection of cinemas.

Perhaps Simlim for a hard drive and wireless mouse.

Plenty to do for a few days!

Plenty of cheap places and food hawkers to eat at too.

Civil obedience can be refreshing!

Edited May 15, 2010 by MisterMan

[ALFREDO]

For Thais-take the cablecar-Austrianbuilt, over the harbour the cruisingships to SENTOSA ISLAND-many things to do and to look, worth a visit, Disneystyle.

For the adventures falang who likes history, there is the not so much visited, I think, BATTLEBOX, the Bunker in the heart of Singapore where the Commanders had been sitting threw the Japanese Invasion-with Madame Tussaud style waxfigures and sound-I liked it-I childesh?

There is, or was the highest Hotel in Asia-some Years ago in Singapore, 70 something floors, must not sleep there, but can have drink, snack or dinner in the topfloor restaurant-Bar with special few-something similar-only more 5 Starstyle as the visit of Bayoke sky tower in BKK.

[petercallen]

Thanks for the information posted its definitely worth a visit.

As usual there are people who rubbish every where and everything on the forum

whose idea of a holiday is sitting in a bar on Bangla road and talking b/s,

they are the type you ignore so they will go away.

[Atmos]

We holidayed in Singapore in March, worth scanning a few accomm websites as MisterMan suggested, also Trip Advisor if you can find one with a recent review.

Our mistake was not staying close enough to the train system - we had a 20min walk to nearest station. Once we got there though the trains are brilliant, outside the commuter hours practically empty, very inexpensive, clean, and never more than a few mins wait.

We did a river cruise - wouldn't recommend I think it was $20 for 40min, dreadful commentary (taped) played out of synch with where we actually were. Was better to walk the riverside, we had a leaflet on some historic places of interest and it's a nice way to spend an afternoon.

Maybe we were just unlucky - our only bad memories are having three disputes over incorrect change. We had $50 notes from the currency exchange these seemed a magnet for people to try to short-change. One counted out the notes but slipped two fives between two tens handing over 30 rather than 40. And this in a Orchard Rd shop, not a streetside market.

Personally we both prefer KL, but pleased we went. Enjoy your trip.

[seaeagle]

Silk Air often do 3 / 4 night packages through local agents. This way, you'll get a decent hotel in an all-inclusive cost. Check out to see if any are available at the moment.

A few years ago, we had 4 nights at a nice hotel on Orchard Road. Sorry, but can't recall its name, but was part of a Silk Air deal.

I like Singapore - bit of 'class' attached to it when compared with this place. Proves that if encouraged properly, Asians can drive on the correct side of a road, and keep between white lines!!

[SGhawker]

Singapore is a ripoff and deadly boring after 3 nites.

hmmm... have you been in a Phuket taxi any recently to measure real rip-off?

I stopped counting ppl thinking Singapore is boring. Their problem is they never left their condos. Please tell us which Asian capital is more diverse and interesting?

Singapore is smaller then Phuket, but there are much more things to do in the red dot (especially for/with someone being on first holiday abroad).

[petercallen]

Silk Air often do 3 / 4 night packages through local agents. This way, you'll get a decent hotel in an all-inclusive cost. Check out to see if any are available at the moment.

A few years ago, we had 4 nights at a nice hotel on Orchard Road. Sorry, but can't recall its name, but was part of a Silk Air deal.

I like Singapore - bit of 'class' attached to it when compared with this place. Proves that if encouraged properly, Asians can drive on the correct side of a road, and keep between white lines!!

I cannot find any packages on the Silk Air web site.

Did you book the package with a travel agent in Phuket if so could you tell me

the name of the company please.

[mikebike]

Quick thoughts.

Stay near the Skytrain. Cabs are easy - just call 6-DAIL-CAB and one shows up wherever you are. Call the driver "uncle".

Cheap but nice accoms in a very interesting part of town with organized walks (food walks, architecture walks, pub crawls) can be found at The Bettle Box.

Do the Zoo, Night Safari and Bird Sanctuary.

The Hippo Tour is fun if you've never been (much better than the river tour). Its a chop-top double-decker tour with live guide.

Shopping's great if you're into that.

Culturally the National Museum of Singapore, the Asian Civilizations Museum, the Singapore Art Museum and the Science center are worth the cost of admission.

And you can go to the casino of course.

Sentosa and the big wheel don't do much for me...

Have fun!

[ALFREDO]

Yes, I forgot to mention the new BIG WHEEL-I childesh, yes?! Was not built when I was there last time-but I will look it on a daytour Visarun from Phuket on the 25.5.

And yes, the NIGHTSAFARI or the ZOO, I was at the nightsafari was a new experience and ok.

Look, http://www.airasia.com for package tours in the Internet, or TIGER airways and offers from another low cost carrier, JETSTAR.

Edited May 17, 2010 by ALFREDO

[petercallen]

Yes, I forgot to mention the new BIG WHEEL-I childesh, yes?! Was not built when I was there last time-but I will look it on a daytour Visarun from Phuket on the 25.5.

And yes, the NIGHTSAFARI or the ZOO, I was at the nightsafari was a new experience and ok.

Look, http://www.airasia.com for package tours in the Internet, or TIGER airways and offers from another low cost carrier, JETSTAR.

I have checked the web sites and have not been able to find any packages.

It seems easier to book the flight and LATE STAYS have plenty of hotels to pick from.

[sadman]

I would recommend a visit to Haw Pa Villas, with its illustrations of the 10 circles of hel_l. It hasn't changed much in 45 years, when my wife was growing up there (her dad was in the British Army).

It might sound a bit dull and Disney it ain't, but it's well worth seeing, IMHO. Take 2-3 hours to wander round.

[petercallen]

Quick thoughts.

Stay near the Skytrain. Cabs are easy - just call 6-DAIL-CAB and one shows up wherever you are. Call the driver "uncle".

Cheap but nice accoms in a very interesting part of town with organized walks (food walks, architecture walks, pub crawls) can be found at The Bettle Box.

Do the Zoo, Night Safari and Bird Sanctuary.

The Hippo Tour is fun if you've never been (much better than the river tour). Its a chop-top double-decker tour with live guide.

Shopping's great if you're into that.

Culturally the National Museum of Singapore, the Asian Civilizations Museum, the Singapore Art Museum and the Science center are worth the cost of admission.

And you can go to the casino of course.

Sentosa and the big wheel don't do much for me...

Have fun!

I checked the web site and it sounds great for Backpackers, i am getting a bit long in the tooth

and like my own comforts nowadays but i would recommend it for younger people.

[petercallen]

Thank you for the information we are planning to go for 7 days, do you think that

is long enough or should we make it longer there seems a lot to see.

[ALFREDO]

For me 7 days would be just fine, you must not see all, do what you prefer.

Sure, if you go 10 days, you can look nearly all and you even can make a day or two rest, there is a beach? (custom made?) I think on Sentosa Island and there should be a day trip be offered to real Paradise island offshore.

[SGhawker]

Thank you for the information we are planning to go for 7 days, do you think that

is long enough or should we make it longer there seems a lot to see.

7 days is good enough to see pretty much all main atractions, wonder around central areas, museums, zoos, shopping and probably have a mid-week afrernoon break on the beach.

Sentosa has best beach itself and facilities are kinda Disney, many cafes, artificial surf wave, park, also new Universal Studios (expensive) and casino/shopping resort are next door. Definitely go to the laser/fireworks show (starting at 7:30 and 8:30) - it is a bit childish but great, your wife will love it. Go by MRT to Harbourfront station and then small train to Sentosa.

East Coast park runs for miles along the beach and great for a leasure walk at pre-sunset time, lots of places to eat/drink, you can rent skates/bicycles. There are several areas with the restaurants and bars. East Coast Seafood centre is recommended for chilly/blackpepper crab (Singapore speciality). Jumbo restaurnt is best place there and just next to the water front.

You will need to get a taxi to get to EastCoast park but it will cost under 10 dollars from Citihall. Get taxi-driver to drop you at MacDonnalds or Splash - they will know. It will be accordingly 1 or 2 miles walk (go left/east) from those areas to Seafood Centre where you can have a good dinner and cold beer. There are some places to eat and drink in between.

Just after Seafood centre there is a laguna with waterski park. Great fan if you are after it or just watching. Further on there is large foodcourt if you are on the budget.

The water is certainly a bit murky (not Ko Racha quality) but it is clean and safe to swim, especially in Sentosa, despite lots of ships in the outside moorings.

[petercallen]

Thank you everyone for the information, we have booked a 7 night package with Airasia

stopping at the hotel Re and there is plenty for us to see and do.

I expect other people appreciate the information given to.

Have a great day, peter

[dwoon]

I'm afraid the Haw Par Villas theme park closed down many many years ago....... you can still go there to visit as there's a restaurant inside the premise. Not sure what is still accessible though.

Be careful when shopping at Lucky Plaza as there's many cases of over-charging of tourists. You can get better deals elsewhere anyway.

Sim Lim Square for electronic goods.... but just be careful and check the receipt carefully before you part with your money. There's heaps of shops selling almost the same stuff.... so best to check out a few before commiting.

7 days is just about right, depending on what one intends to do. There's the new Casino & theme park, Zoo & Nght Safari, Bird Park and such.... but be prepared for prices that are not exactly cheap.

Again, be careful when at Newton circus hawker food.... ask for prices before you order...... similarly at eateries that do not exhibit prices clearly (but check anyway as there's a couple of bad eggs around)

Any specfic things you might want to do, let me know and I'll try my best to advise.

I would recommend a visit to Haw Pa Villas, with its illustrations of the 10 circles of hel_l. It hasn't changed much in 45 years, when my wife was growing up there (her dad was in the British Army).

It might sound a bit dull and Disney it ain't, but it's well worth seeing, IMHO. Take 2-3 hours to wander round.

[petercallen]

I went to the bank yesterday to get some SGD but they only had $ 1000 SGD bank notes which

works out about 23000 baht or 800 AUD value for each one and i cannot see a taxi driver in

Singapore being able to change one.

If i cannot get any SGD at Phuket airport are there money changers at Changi airport, are there

plenty of money changers Singapore, where do you get the best exchange rates and is it easier

to exchange Baht or AUD.

Thanks in advance for any reply's.

[LivinginKata]

Usually they have smaller S$ notes at Phuket airport.

Just after the baggage collect in Singapore airport there are plenty of bank money changers, they will take Baht or AUS$. Rate seems to be much the same at the bank changers.

[SGhawker]

I went to the bank yesterday to get some SGD but they only had $ 1000 SGD bank notes which

works out about 23000 baht or 800 AUD value for each one and i cannot see a taxi driver in

Singapore being able to change one.

I would love to see one (and the face of taxi driver when you will pass it to him after a short ride)

Most Singapore taxis (except some, you will see credit card labels on the rare door window, or just ask the driver) actually accept credit cards and give receipts, no problemo. It is quite boring here, simple little things just work

[jumpybongo]

try the hop on/hop off bus great for an all day tour to get ur bearings think its called hippo

also an amphibious tour on ex vietnam war duck type vehicle.

enjoy

[ALFREDO]

I just came back on Tuesday from my day trip Visarun with JETSTAR Airways, about 6 weeks ago I made a similar trip with TIGER Airways.

The difference was. that Tiger A. uses the Budget Terminal and Jetstar and also AIR ASIA as I saw use the Terminal 1 at CHANGI Airport.

All Terminals are connected with a small people mover train or with Buses. Easy.

Arriving at terminal 1, you can go to the city-your Hotel with Taxi, about 20-35 Singapore Dollar, depending where you staying

or withy the MRT trains, but first you have to change to the Terminal 2 with the small people mover train.

MRT-good system, about 2,50 Singapore Dollar p. person, but you have to check out the circumstances.

Money you can take from ATMs (50 S-Dollar bills) at the Airport or Cash-Creditcard-Changing Boxes.

I went to the SINGAPORE FLYER-big wheel with MRT, had to change trains two times-

Beware, coming from the Airport, you have to change the train already after a short ride-walk only to the other side of the station-some meters and enter the train on the other side to the city.

Airport to Singapore flyer with MRT, some walking included, about 1hour20min.

No problem, I went up the High wheel and it is an ok trip, I had the waggon for me and my family alone-but not cheap, 600.- Baht p. adult!

Took an also expensive-but very good Italian ice cream at the Singapore flyer, after the ride

and drove back by Taxi, late afternoon-early evening+charged 27 Singapore Dollar about 25 minutes ride.

Terminal 1 is the old Changi Airport and is under repair and construction, you have to come to the new terminal 2 to see the really nice side of the Airport.

The Budget terminal, is clean and new, but is BUDGET!

Have a nice trip.

Edited May 26, 2010 by ALFREDO

[petercallen]

If you are going to Singapore to shop forget it.

I checked out a range of items from cameras to electronics to brand mane clothes,

You can buy equally well in Phuket and generally get a lot better price here

without going to Bangkok where you would get even better prices.

Also most items do not have international warranties.

[madmitch]

If you are going to Singapore to shop forget it.

I checked out a range of items from cameras to electronics to brand mane clothes,

You can buy equally well in Phuket and generally get a lot better price here

without going to Bangkok where you would get even better prices.

Also most items do not have international warranties.

You are right about the prices generally but there are places where you can barter and get the prices down but there is a real misconception about electronics being cheaper in Singapore and Asia in general. That's just not the case. Europe and the USA are now usually cheaper than Asia and have more up to date products than you'll find in Thailand and neighbouring countries. That is especially true of computers.

One thing Singapore does have over Thailand is that if you want to buy, for example, a camera, then the staff in the specialist shops, which are similar in price to the larger electronics stores, often with a few freebies thrown in, are generally much more knowledgeable about their products than their Thai equivalents, plus there's a better choice of equipment available.

[classix]

Singapore is a ripoff and deadly boring after 3 nites.

I am with you.

[ALFREDO]

Shopping, maybe right, but Singapore is nice and clean compared to TH. So its an eye opener to go there with a Thailady.

A completely other standard and has some Tourist spots, sophisticated, Thailand not has.

I would not go alone there without companyionship and not for long, some days are just ok.

[petercallen]

Shopping, maybe right, but Singapore is nice and clean compared to TH. So its an eye opener to go there with a Thailady.

A completely other standard and has some Tourist spots, sophisticated, Thailand not has.

I would not go alone there without companyionship and not for long, some days are just ok.

Thailand is the land of smiles, in Singapore most people walk around looking like

they have the worry's of the world on there shoulders.

In Thailand if you book a tour and there is plenty to see for a first time tourist here

you are not rushed around like a mob of sheep and given plenty of time to see everything.

In Thailand if you price an item in a shop and you want to check the price elsewhere the sales

staff do not become rude and abusive which happened to me in Singapore, its my right to buy

where i want to and bad mannered people i will not buy from even if they were cheaper for the

same item.

Sophisticated means ( to be wise and experienced in the interests and pleasures of the world )

i found Singaporeans to be no more sophisticated than Thai people.

When people have a holiday in Thailand they regularly return again, i doubt many people would

return to Singapore again certainly among the tourists i talked to.

Give me Thailand any day, we are all entitled to are own opinion.