stopovers: Far East

Far East

SINGAPORE

 

Singapore is not just one island but a main island with 63 surrounding islets.

The main island has a total land area of 682 square km.  The earliest known mention of Singapore was a 3rd century Chinese account which described Singapore as "Pu-luo-chung" ("island at the end of a peninsula"). Little is known about the island's history at this time but this matter-of-fact description belies Singapore's colourful past. By the 14th century, Singapore had become part of the mighty Sri Vijayan empire and was known as Temasek ("Sea Town").  

This was no less accurate than the 3rd century name. Located at the natural meeting point of sea routes at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore had long known visits from a wide variety of sea craft, from Chinese junks, Indian vessels, Arab dhows and Portuguese battleships to Buginese schooners. In keeping with its reputation as the "Garden City", Singapore is awash with lush gardens and parklands as tropical greenery carpets the landscape. Innumerable trees and flowering shrubs line the expressways and colourful plants hang from balconies and overhead bridges. 

Business dealings are facilitated by Singapore's superb communications network which links the Republic to the rest of the world via satellite, 24-hour telegraph and telephone systems. Singapore's strategic location, excellent facilities, fascinating cultural contrasts and tourist attractions contribute to its success as a leading destination for both business and pleasure.

 

Albert Court Hotel - 3 Star

Location:

Set in a tastefully restored street of pre-war shop houses that now contains this boutique style hotel, restaurants, shops, an alfresco dining  area and a pedestrian mall.  It is within walking distance of Little India and Bugis Village and easily accessible by taxi, bus or the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) to the other shopping and entertainment districts, the airport and the financial centre.

 

Accommodation:

The 136 rooms reflect an elegant mix of classic European charm and the mysticism of the East all with bath, shower, hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities and personal safe.  All rooms have unusual Perankan features and ceiling fans with attractive tiled bathrooms.  Rates are for standard rooms but clients may be upgraded to the slightly larger deluxe rooms if available. 

Facilities:

  • Variety of restaurants and bars in the nearby pedestrian courtyard

Dining:

  • Albert Cafe (Colonial style restaurant)

 

Hotel New Otani - 4 Star

Location:

On the banks of the Singapore River next to Clarke Quay entertainment area, just minutes from Orchard Road, Chinatown and the Business District.  The first five floors are a shopping complex and the hotel occupies the remaining upper levels.

 

Accommodation:

There are 408 spacious and well kept rooms with private balcony (access on request), bath, shower, TV with in-house movies,  tea/coffee making facilities, multimedia personal computer and Yukata robe. There are 18 suites with a sofa bed in the living room making them ideal for families as they can accommodate a maximum of five people.  

Facilities:

  • Lap style swimming pool
  • Sun deck
  • Fitness centre

Dining:

  • Award winning Japanese Restaurant
  • International Coffee shop

 

Traders Hotel - 4 Star

Location:

This modern hotel managed by the renowned Shangri-La Hotel Group is situated in the fashionable Orchard Spring area, just a 3 minute stroll to the shopping and nightlife on Orchard Road and next door to the Tanglin Mall shopping complex.

 

Accommodation:

There are 547 rooms each with a bay window and sofa, hairdryer, TV with in-house videos, tea/coffee maker, electronic safe, iron and ironing board, minibar and broadband access.  These rooms are not suitable for triple share but are compact, well designed and attractively furnished.  

Facilities:

  • Free form swimming pool
  • Fitness centre
  • Free shuttle bus to Orchard MRT Station

Dining:

  • Trader's Cafe
  • Ah Koi's Kitchen (Alfresco dining)
  • Rumpole's  (English style pub)

 

Conrad Centennial Singapore - 5 Star

Location:

At the heart of Marina Square area that is comprised of shopping malls, restaurants, offices, hotels, the Suntec Convention Centre and tourist attractions.  The hotel is also adjacent to Millenia Walk, populare with locals and tourists alike for it's boutiques, relaxed atmosphere and variety of restaurants and bars. Highly reccommended for it's location and service levels as well.  

Accommodation:

There are 509 elegantly furnished rooms in the 31 storey building offering views of the city skyline.  All rooms are well appointed and Attractively furnished with satellite TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities, in-room safe, phones with voice mail, a fruit plate (replenished daily) and a luxurious bathroom with a separate shower stall. 

Facilities:

  • Large lap style swimming pool
  • Fitness centre
  • St Gregopry Spa

Dining:

  • Oscar's Cafe
  • Lobby Lounge
  • Golden Peony (Gourmet Cantonese cuisine)

 

Shangri-La Singapore - 5 Star

Location:

The flagship of the Shangri-La Hotel Group and a landmark in the city, this hotel provides a peaceful haven from city life set in 6 hectares of landscaped gardens just 5 minutes from Orchard Road and 15 minutes from the Central Business District. 

Accommodation:

The hotel has 760 guestrooms divided between three wings, the Tower Wing, Garden Wing and Valley Wing.  Tower Wing have been redesigned and now have a bathroom with separate shower stall and have a very contemporary feel.  The recently renovated Garden Wing rooms are larger, more "resort" in style and have balconies cascading with Bouganvillea, while the Valley Wing offers a separate private entrance within more opulent surroundings.  

Facilities:

  • Free form swimming pool
  • Fitness centre
  • Tennis courts

Dining:

  • Blu Restaurant & Bar (Calfornian)
  • Nadaman (Japanese)
  • Rose Veranda (high tea mezzanine level)
  • Shang Palace (Cantonese)
  • Coffee Garden (International cuisine)
  • Lobby Court

 

Mandarin Oriental - 5 Star Deluxe

 

Location:

Overlooking Marina Bay, right in the heart of the central business district and linked to Suntec City and Millenia Walk.  Marina Square is one of Singapore's largest hotel, shopping and recreation complexes. 

Accommodation:

The Oriental, Singapore’s guestrooms are spacious and meticulously furnished to reflect an atmosphere of subtle splendour. It also offers spectacular views of the harbour, ocean and city. With a total of 527 guestrooms (non smoking rooms available), featuring large marble bathrooms with separate shower stall, colour TV with international channels, air-conditioning, internet access, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, 2 line direct dial telephones with voicemail, fax modem and computer dataports and in-room personal safe. 

Facilities:

  • 24 Hour room service
  • Oriental Spa
  • 25 metre outdoor pool overlloking the harbour
  • Fitness studio
  • Yoga studio
  • Tennis courts
  • Business centre

Dining:

  • Cherry Garden (provincial Chinese cuisine)
  • Pronto (poolside mediterranean with show kitchen)
  • Captain' Bar
  • The Gallery (light meals)
  • Wasabi Bistro (contemporary Japanese)
  • Morton's of Chicago
  • Cafe des Artistes


Raffles - 5 Star Deluxe

Location:

Declared a National Monument in 1987, one hundred years after it opened, Singapore's most famous hotel is located in the heart of the business and historic district. The Hotel has grown from strength to strength. With its restoration and re-opening in 1991, Raffles Hotel today stands as a jewel in the crown of Singapore's hospitality industry, renowned and loved for it's inimitable style and unsurpassed excellence in service and facilities. 

Accommodation:

Each of the 103 suites is equisitely decorated and has its own spacious parlour, bedroom, dressing area, en-suite bathroom together with a personal valet.  Period style furnishings, ceiling fans, timber floors and oriental carpets have been skilfully combined with the amenities of a modern day grand hotel. 

Facilities:

  • Swimming pool
  • Amrita Spa

Dining:

  • Tiffin Room (served curries served since 1899)
  • Raffles Grill (Fine dining)
  • Long Bar (famous for the Singapore Sling)
  • 17 other distinctive restauruants & bars

 

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