On Wednesday, Jan 7, 2004, at 17:08 America/New_York, Stan Halpin wrote:
Ryan - thanks for the detailed reply! Rob, Bob, thanks also. All good information which I hope to have a chance to put to use. I am going (probably) for a three-day meeting, may get one day on front end, one day after the meeting, maybe a few hours to myself in the evenings.
I'll read your posts in detail and let you know if I have any specific questions.
Stan,
I just got back from Singapore.
Ryan has already given you a better description than what the tourist board puts out. :-)
A couple more things:
When you get off the plane, keep an eye out for the tourist brochures at the airport. The official map is useful and there is also a pamphlet of special offers for visitors. Some of the deals are pretty good.
Keep an eye out for discounts if you pay by certain credit cards: I came across a number of establishments that give discounts if you pay the bill using a credit card issued by certain banks. The discounts can be quite substantial (15% at one restaurant I went to).
The Asian Civilizations Museums (http://www.nhb.gov.sg/ACM/acm.shtml) are wonderful, although the technology in there doesn't work very well --- just don't let it bother you. The Empress Place location is right across the Fullerton Hotel and on the riverfront. You can spend several hours at the museum and then as evening approaches, either hang around the cafes at the riverfront or walk through the Civic District towards the Esplanade and soak in the changing colors. You could also try a ride on one of the bumboats.
The Duck Tour (http://www.ducktours.com.sg/) should give you a very brief overview of the Civic District and a pleasant hour-long sightseeing ride.
Chinese New Year comes early this year (January 22, I think) so the Christmas decorations have barely been taken down but the New Year ones are already up. The streets in Chinatown are lit up and the night markets are on. Have fun and shoot lots of photos. Watch out for pickpockets and wallet snatchers, though.
--jc
