Having made my way up the Malay Peninsula from Singapore to Bangkok, it was now time to continue my journey into uncharted territory. Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia had long been on my bucket list of must-see destinations, but it was with some trepidation that I contemplated the logistics of traveling through the rugged countryside, crossing multiple borders into communist countries, and arranging suitable transportation and lodging, all the while grappling with several different languages. As I was soon to discover, my concerns were all for naught. I was able to easily navigate my way through some of the most beautiful country on earth, inhabited by some of the friendliest folks I have ever encountered in my travels throughout the world. In upcoming articles we’ll visit the cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos; Hanoi, Hoi An and Saigon in Vietnam; and Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia. We’ll also explore two fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Ha Long Bay and Angkor Wat.
The Charming Colonial City of Luang Prabang, Laos
History and Culture
Historically, Indochina refers to the three countries of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia on the Southeast Asian peninsula. This region was known as French Indochina during the period when these countries were colonies of France from about 1884 to 1954. The Kingdoms of Laos and Cambodia were granted independence from France in 1949, but Vietnam would have a much longer journey to becoming the country it is today. The Indochina War was largely a conflict between France and the Viet Minh in the north of Vietnam and began in 1946 shortly after the end of World War II. It ended in 1954 with the partition of Vietnam into North and South. Enter the Americans one year later and the rest, as they say, is history! While the peoples of Indochina are quite separate from those of both India and China, the name Indochina can be attributed to the location of this region between these two larger countries. While each of the three countries comprising today’s Indochina is ethnically diverse, the Khmers can be identified as the majority in Cambodia and the Kinh (Viet) in Vietnam. Laos, on the other hand, is a much more diverse conglomeration of many tribes and languages.
Hoa Lo Prison Known as the Hanoi Hilton, Vietnam
Indochina Itinerary
The major sights of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia can easily be covered by taking a circular route beginning and ending in the gateway city of Bangkok, Thailand. I traveled in a clockwise direction, starting with the overnight train ride from Bangkok to Vientiane, Laos. What I thought would be a complicated border crossing over the Friendship Bridge at Nong Khai into Laos turned out to be quite simple and went exactly according to how it was described in The Man in Seat 61. You can purchase a visa on arrival for Laos there for $35. After an overnight in Vientiane, I took the 11 hour bus ride through the beautiful northern hill country of Laos to the incredibly charming UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang on the Mekong River. To save time and avoid the long, arduous bus ride over the mountains to Hanoi, I took the one hour flight from Luang Prabang to Hanoi the following day on Lao Airlines for $150. Arriving in Vietnam by plane also enables travelers to purchase a visa on arrival rather than applying for a visa in advance which is required at land border crossings. After two nights in Hanoi and a day trip to Ha Long Bay I took the overnight train to the ancient city of Hoi An via Da Nang for $45. Again to save time, I took the one hour flight the following day from Da Nang to Saigon on Vietnam Airlines. After a one day visit to Saigon I took a bus to Phnom Penh, Cambodia for $20 and was able to purchase a visa on arrival at the border for $25. The following day I took the five hour bus ride to Siem Reap for $12.00. After two days in Siem Reap with ample time to explore Ankor Wat, I completed the final leg of my circuitous journey by taking the nine and a half hour bus ride back to Bangkok for another $12. Hopefully, these details will be helpful for those planning an independent sojourn through Indochina.
Tree Growing from Ta Prohm Temple Ruins at Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Bargain Hunter’s Paradise
Hurry! These prices won’t last! At the risk of sounding like the proverbial used car salesman, I can’t stress enough that the price for everything from hotels to restaurants to transportation and shopping are incredibly low throughout Indochina, making it a true bargain hunter’s paradise. It’s no wonder that frugal students and backpackers flock to this region every year to take advantage of the great deals. Imagine a wonderful hotel with a pool and a fabulous breakfast for $50 or a delightful meal in a French restaurant for $7. Or how ‘bout a comfortable minibus ride from Cambodia to Thailand for $12 or a souvenir tee shirt for $1. As word gets out, prices are sure to go up, so if you are thinking of a trip to Indochina, now might be the time. In future articles we will explore this region in greater detail, so be sure to check back with us here at Blue Orb Travel for some great information on what to see and where to stay during your visit.
OK, now that I’ve got your attention, perhaps you’ve wondered about some of the place names in Thailand, like Bangkok and Phuket (and we won’t even mention Bang Sue, Dong Rak and Ban Pornpis). As you can well imagine, the way you pronounce them can make a big difference! So where did these appellations come from and what do they mean? Actually, the name for Thailand’s capital city came from the Thai word bang, meaning village on a stream, and ko, meaning island. This makes perfect sense, considering the vital importance of the many waterways in this region, especially the rivers and canals of Bangkok. The beach studded island of Phuket (Careful! It’s pronounced pu-ket.) off the southwestern coast of peninsular Thailand is a perennial favorite of American sailors who are attracted by the name, the girls and the bars, not necessarily in that order. The name comes from bukit, meaning hill, after the mountainous terrain of the island. So, in Thailand the names can be long, interesting and often amusing and this fascinating feature of Thai culture extends to family names as well. Just ask the famous Thai boxer, Terdsak Kokietgym!
The Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun, BangkokJohn at the Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand
Getting Your Bearings in a Very Big City
Bangkok is one of the largest cities in the world, both in terms of size and population, so it’s not surprising that I found it somewhat complicated trying to figure out how to get around. Fortunately, many shop owners, policemen and taxi drivers speak enough English to make communication fairly easy. As in my case, many visitors will arrive in Thailand at the huge Hua Lamphong Railway Station located in the center of Bangkok. In addition to the shops and fast food outlets within this 100 year old architectural wonder, I was also glad to find a convenient and reliable money changer. The lobby is continuously crowded with travelers making connections to the Malay Peninsula, Laos, Cambodia and other cities throughout Thailand. Bangkok has a great Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system connecting major points in the city, the Railway Station and the Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok International Airport). There’s one of those long names again! Just a half hour walk from the train station I found a wonderful place to stay, The Montien Hotel, which I will feature in the next article. Just a quick safety note…remember while you are walking through Bangkok, that it is important to stay hydrated. Although I found almost no MacDonald’s in Bangkok, there seemed to be a 7-Eleven every half a block! They turned out to be a great place to cool off for a few minutes while I bought another cold bottle of water.
The Hua Lamphong Railway Station, BangkokNot-So-Siamese Cats near the Standing Buddha
The Ubiquitous Tuk-Tuk
Walking this huge city is out of the question and you will almost certainly need to use the MRT, taxis or tuk-tuks to help you get from one district to another. This was my first introduction to the ever present tuk-tuk in its many forms found throughout Southeast Asia. The tuk-tuk is best described as a three-wheel rickshaw powered by either a bicycle or a motor scooter. Some seem almost to have been put together by the owner from spare parts, while others are the more substantial factory built models known as an auto-rickshaw. You will not have any trouble finding a tuk-tuk, as they are on almost every street corner and you will hear the familiar toot of the horn as you’re walking, ‘asking’ if you’d like a ride. The drivers are universally friendly and helpful, fares are generally reasonable and it’s a hoot driving through the busy streets in the open air. One word of caution…if the fare seems too good to be true, be prepared to make a detour to a jewelry store or tailor shop where the driver gets a commission, before getting to your destination. Speaking of friendly, the Thai policemen are also happy to assist tourists and I found the small police huts situated throughout the city to be a great place to get directions in a pinch. One evening when I was totally lost and exhausted, an officer actually came out of the hut and walked me to the nearest taxi stop, flagged down a taxi for me and gave the driver instructions to my hotel! All right, I know what you’re thinking, but honest, I hadn’t had a drop to drink!
Watch Out for Wild Tuk-Tuk Drivers in Bangkok!The Standing Buddha at Wat Intharawihan, Bangkok
The Grand Palace
Perhaps the most famous tourist destination in Bangkok is the Grand Palace, home of the world’s longest reigning monarch, His Majesty the King, Bhumibol Adulyadej. The construction of this 60 acre complex of temples, residences, courts and gardens on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River began in 1782 and while the current monarch resides in Chitralada Palace, the Grand Palace is still used for official functions. Surrounded by defensive walls, the inner courts are opened to the public every day from 0830 to 1530 and the entrance fee is about $13.00. This is a must see for every visitor to Southeast Asia and I think once you have been there you will agree that the palace rivals Versailles and the temples give the Sistine Chapel a good run for its money. Visitors will be dazzled by the ornate buildings, the splendid architecture and the unbelievable sight of more gold than you can imagine. One of the most famous structures within the complex is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew, dating back to 1785. Interestingly, the Emerald Buddha is actually made of jade.
The Grand Palace, Bangkok, ThailandInner Court at the Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand
Down by the Chao Phraya River
Many of the most important sites in Bangkok are located near the Chao Phraya River, which is an easy walk from the Grand Palace. Almost adjacent to the Grand Palace is the impressive Reclining Buddha in the Buddhist temple known as Wat Pho, which has been mercifully shortened from Wat Phra Chettuphon Wimon Mangkhlaram Ratchaworamahawihan! Covered in gold leaf and measuring 151 feet long, this Buddha will impress even the most jaded tourist. The entrance fee is just over $3.00. Next, go to the nearby pier and catch a water taxi crossing the Chao Phraya River to visit Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn. By now you have probably figured out that wat means temple in the Thai language. Wat Arun is probably the most recognizable landmark in Bangkok next to the Grand Palace and for an entrance fee of about $1.50 you can explore the grounds and gardens and climb the steep stairs to the top of the main prang or tower for a spectacular view back across the river to Bangkok. Crossing the river once again and heading up north, you can visit the 100 foot tall Standing Buddha, dating back to 1867. It is located within the temple Wat Intharawihan, affectionately known as Wat In, and admission is free. The Standing Buddha is kept company by an impressive array of cats which seem to have taken up residence on the grounds. Be sure to join us for our next article which will review a wonderful hotel near the center of Bangkok, The Montien Hotel.
The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, BangkokThe Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun, Bangkok
And you thought Georgetown was a chic district in Washington, D.C.! Named after King George III, the Malaysian version was founded as a trading post for the British East India Company in 1786. It is now the capital of the state of Penang in Malaysia and is considered the most livable city in that country. Located on Penang Island just off the northwest coast of peninsular Malaysia, it is easily accessible by ferry and is a worthwhile stop on your journey up the Malay Peninsula from Singapore to Bangkok. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique cultural and architectural features, Georgetown offers visitors a kaleidoscope of Islamic, British Colonial and Malay treasures.
Evening Street Scene, Georgetown, MalaysiaSt. George’s Church, Georgetown, Malaysia
Easily Walkable
Anyone in reasonably good physical condition should be able to easily walk to the major sights in Georgetown. I began my walking tour at the Hotel Sentral, a great place to stay which will be featured in our next Awesome Accommodations article. My first stop was the nearby Komtar shopping complex, which also houses the main bus terminal, located at the center of the city. The 65 story Komtar tower is the largest building in Penang and has four floors dedicated to a shopping mall with two department stores and many shops…a great place to look for some unique gifts and souvenirs. Some of the most popular items sought by tourists are Batik, a handcrafted fabric with elegant designs highly prized by fashionistas, ceramic pottery, beaded shoes for women and capal, the traditional Malay sandals for men.
School Boys in Penang, MalaysiaFort Cornwallis, Georgetown, Malaysia
Many Historic Sites
Heading east toward the waterfront you will come to the Ferry Terminal on the coastal road known as Weld Quay where you can catch a boat to Butterworth on the mainland. In this area you will find a conglomeration of architecture, including modern high-rises, Chinese temples and shops and historic European trading houses. The nearby Malayan Railway Building with its clock tower is a classic example of the heritage buildings that dot Georgetown. A little farther along is the Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Clock Tower and the remnants of Fort Cornwallis. The fort served as a British military and administrative conclave as far back as the 1700s. Heading west along the waterfront you will come to the Esplanade, a large grassy park often filled with boys flying kites. Looking across the green you will see the City Hall and Town Hall, both historic buildings dating back to the 1800s which help make Georgetown a world heritage site. Interspersed along your walking tour you will see many other historic treasures, including St. George’s Church built in 1818, the old colonial Court House Building, the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and the Kapitan Kling Mosque. If time permits, you’ll want to visit the Penang Islamic Museum and the Penang Museum and Art Gallery. As you can see, Georgetown on Penang Island off the coast of Malaysia is a cornucopia of culture that you will not want to miss during your visit to this beautiful country.
Queen Victoria Jubilee Clock Tower, GeorgetownColonial Building in Historic Center, Georgetown
The two Southeast Asia gateway cities of Singapore and Bangkok, which lie at either end of the Malay Peninsula, are connected by an efficient, inexpensive, safe and comfortable network of ground transportation. I had been wanting to check out this route for a number of years and finally had the opportunity to go by bus and train from Singapore in the south to Bangkok in the north, with overnight stays in the Malaysian cities of Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown/Penang. I met a number of other travelers, including solos, groups and families, following the same trail and it turned out to be a great way to experience the culture and history of this interesting region. As per my usual routine, I had made no reservations for transportation or lodging ahead of time, but had no difficulty in securing either along the way.
Bus Leaving from Golden Mile Complex, Singapore
Logistics
While travelers could just as easily start at the huge, but visitor friendly train station up in Bangkok and head south, I began my journey down in Singapore going north. The trip only took me three days, but of course it would have been nice to have had more time to explore some of the sights along the way, such as Melaka and the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia or Phuket on the Southern Peninsula of Thailand. After carefully researching all the alternatives I chose to take the bus from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and then from there to Georgetown. I then took the overnight train from Penang to Bangkok. A good starting point for planning your trip is a visit to the website, The Man in Seat 61, one of our featured links, which has all the details on ground transportation in Southeast Asia and throughout the world for that matter. I found that the detailed information described on this website was factually correct, reliable and up to date…spot on, as they say…and I used it as a guide during my entire trip through Southeast Asia.
Inside Bus from Kuala Lumpur to Georgetown, Malaysia
Booking Your Tickets
When visiting Southeast Asia, I recommend that you fly in and out with an ‘open jaw’ ticket, arriving in Singapore, as I did, and flying home from Bangkok, or vice versa. This precludes the need for backtracking, saving both time and money. While I was exploring Singapore, I stopped at the Golden Mile Complex on Beach Road, a shopping mall where there are many bus companies standing by to book your seat on a coach heading north. For $32 I reserved a seat on a bus with Five Stars Tours (Update: Five Stars Tours abruptly closed all operations in January 2014) leaving the next morning for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The six hour ride took us across the Straits of Johor and on through some beautiful country. Arriving in Kuala Lumpur around 3 PM gave me plenty of time to explore this city and get my bus ticket for the next day heading on to Georgetown/Penang. On that leg of the trip the five hour bus ride was comfortable and included rest stops along the way, including a stop at Ipoh near the Cameron Highlands. The train is an equally good alternative for traveling between Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown.
Ferry from Butterworth to Georgetown, Malaysia
A Town Called Butterworth in Malaysia?
Confused about Penang vs. Georgetown vs. Butterworth? Well, here’s the low-down. Penang is a state on the northwest coast of Malaysia which consists of an island, known as Penang Island, and a portion which is situated on the mainland. Butterworth (love that name!) is a city on the mainland part of the state of Penang, which has a bus and train station and a ferry landing all within walking distance of one another. Georgetown is a city on the Penang Island part of the state of Penang and it has a bus station and ferry landing, but no train service. The most popular way in and out of Georgetown on Penang Island is through Butterworth on the mainland. The 20 minute ferry crossing costs about 40 cents for pedestrians going from Butterworth to Georgetown and is free going the other way. Ferries leave every 10 to 20 minutes from about 6 AM to 1 AM.
Inside the Night Train to Bangkok, Thailand
Night Train to Bangkok
In my case I arrived in Butterworth from Kuala Lumpur by bus. I walked to the nearby train station to purchase my ticket on the night train to Bangkok for the following day. Then I took the ferry across to Georgetown for the rest of the day and overnight. The following day, I took the ferry back across to Butterworth to catch the train. The ticket for a sleeper on the train cost $34 and the train left at 2:20 PM, arriving at the Hua Lamphong Railway Station (the main station in Bangkok) at 12:20 PM the next day. So, what was it like spending almost 24 hours on a train traveling up the Southern Peninsula of Thailand? It was actually quite pleasant and relaxing with some spectacular scenery along the way. I enjoyed meeting a number of other travelers and had a good night’s sleep before arriving in Bangkok the next morning. It was also my first introduction to the sometimes painfully slow speed of the trains in Southeast Asia, compared to the express trains of Europe or the bullet train in Japan. While the departure and arrival times were reliable, there were times that the train seemed to be just pooping along. In the end this ate into some of my allotted time, which I eventually had to make up for by taking several unplanned in-region flights.
Scenery Along Train Route to Bangkok, Thailand
Coming Next: Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown with reviews of two Awesome Accommodations.
You can get to Singapore by train, bus or boat, but most visitors will arrive by plane at the spectacular Changi Airport, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. There you will be greeted by an efficient, friendly staff as you walk through the great halls festooned with live orchids and other exotic blooms. Going through customs is a breeze and almost 80% of the world’s countries can travel to Singapore without a visa! The Singapore Mass Rapid Transit subway or MRT is one of the best transportation systems in the world and you can catch the 30 minute ride from the airport into downtown for about $2. Although much of downtown Singapore can and should be walked, the MRT will be your best friend when your feet get tired or you want to explore some of the outer regions.
Changi Airport, Singapore
Along with Bangkok, Singapore is one of the two major gateway cities for Southeast Asia. For those heading north, I recommend taking the bus from the Golden Mile Complex on Beach Road where I got a ticket to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for $32. There are many bus companies to choose from there and I can recommend Five Stars Tours (Update: Five Stars Tours abruptly closed all operations in January 2014), which provided a safe, comfortable ride across the Straits of Johor and up the Malay Peninsula. In short, Singapore has transportation all figured out and tourists will appreciate the ease, comfort and convenience that this travel hub provides.
The MRT, Mass Rapid Transit, Singapore
2. Amenities Galore
When it comes to amenities, the city-state of Singapore is at the head of the pack. Whether it’s hotels, dining, shopping or top quality hospitals you’re looking for, Singapore has them all. The spectrum of available accommodations runs the gamut from five star hotels to budget hostels, but visitors will find few real bargains when it comes to looking for a place to stay. Perhaps a city with so much else to offer can be forgiven this one disappointment. On the other hand, Singapore is a diner’s paradise, particularly if you’re into street food. There are vendors everywhere, now mostly in well regulated centers, which is somewhat reassuring to wary visitors concerned about sanitary standards. Be sure to save some room in your suitcase or backpack, because nobody leaves Singapore empty-handed. The shopping is simply too good to pass up. In addition to toys, house wares and silk ties and scarves, I have purchased three custom tailored suits on my various visits to Singapore.
Merlion Park on Marina Bay, Singapore
Planning ahead regarding medical care is an important part of any trip and includes having adequate health insurance, medical evacuation coverage when appropriate and a contingency for where to seek assistance when needed. Singapore is fortunate to have several excellent hospitals, including Mount Elizabeth Hospital and Singapore General Hospital. It’s no accident that Singapore has one of the world’s highest life expectancy and lowest infant mortality rates. One tip to remember regarding medical care in any foreign city…you can always check with your embassy or consulate for advice or recommendations.
Clarke Quay, Singapore
3. Multicultural Diversity
Singapore is an outstanding example of how people from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds can live together in harmony, enjoying their differences, while at the same time supporting their commonality. There are many cities and countries throughout the world that could learn a lot here. One need only take a ride on the MRT to see people from all backgrounds in close proximity, interacting with one another on a friendly basis. Singapore actually showcases its diversity in its various cultural enclaves which comprise several of the downtown districts. Dating back to 1330, Chinatown is one of the largest and oldest Chinese communities in the world. It is home to a number of historic, cultural and architectural sites, not to mention the accommodations and dining experiences available there. Just across the Singapore River is Little India which features the Tamil culture and is a popular destination for visitors who appreciate curry, enjoy shopping and want to see some interesting temples. Rounding out the cultural panoply in Singapore is Arab Street. Perhaps you’ve heard the expression “The Arab Street” used to describe popular opinion in the Muslim world. Well this is the real thing…a neighborhood actually known as Arab Street, where you can experience the real Arabian culture, including ethnic cuisine, bargaining for your purchases in the souks, and Singapore’s largest mosque, the Sultan Mosque. With such a diverse array of cultures in Singapore, you’ll feel like you’ve had a quick trip around the world by the time you leave.
The Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple
4. Orchard Road
The Orchard Road area, known simply as Orchard by the locals, is one of my favorite spots in Singapore. As Singapore’s more homey answer to Tokyo’s Ginza, it is a hub of activity day and night with its shopping, entertainment, hotels, restaurants and parks. Now a one way street, it got its name back in the 1800s when it was the road that led to the orchards and plantations. Just take the MRT to the Orchard station and you’ll find yourself in the center of activity. Pedestrians will find it easy to navigate this tree-lined boulevard with its crossing bridges and walkways underneath the road. One could spend days wandering around this famous district, just browsing through the upscale department stores and shopping plazas and taking periodic refuge from the crowds in the Botanic Gardens, where admission is free.
Orchard Road at Night, Singapore
5. The Historic District
Considered the founder of modern Singapore, British statesman Sir Stamford Raffles sailed up the Singapore River in 1819 and developed a town plan for the future city-state that has endured to this day. Visitors can now get a glimpse of history by walking along the river from its outlet in Marina Bay all the way up to Clarke Quay. Before heading up river be sure to check out Clifford Pier, the original site of an old fishing village and stop by the Merlion Park with its statue spewing water from its mouth. Here you will also get a glimpse of the unbelievable Marina Bay Sands Resort, a series of three skyscrapers with what looks like a huge ship on top. Now going up the Singapore River, along the way you will see the Parliament House and Raffles Landing, the original landing site of Sir Stamford Raffles, now marked by his statue. A little farther north of the river are the St. Andrews Cathedral and the iconic Raffles Hotel. The Raffles is one of the most famous hotels in the world, patronized by the rich and famous including many literary giants and, thankfully, the hotel grounds are open to visitors. Finally reaching Clarke Quay, visitors will be delighted with the combination of historic buildings and modern pedestrian mall right in the heart of Singapore.
The Raffles Hotel, Singapore
6. Sentosa Island
Sentosa is an island resort just south of downtown Singapore which features a mile long beach, five star hotels, golf courses and many other attractions suitable for all members of the family. Visitors can enter Sentosa by a spectacular, albeit expensive, cable car ride from Mount Faber, by public transportation or by walking across the new Sentosa Boardwalk, where the admission fee is one Singapore dollar. Other attractions on this popular resort island include a Butterfly Park, another, bigger Merlion Statue and, my favorite, the Underwater World which is an underground aquarium with a horizontal escalator that transports you through a glass tube surrounded by water. You’ll feel like you are swimming with the fish without getting wet! Sentosa is definitely worth seeing if you have time during your visit to Singapore.
Sentosa Boardwalk, Singapore
7. Architectural Splendor
For students of architecture, Singapore is a veritable encyclopedia of building styles, reflecting various cultures and periods, while at the same time based on utility and the best use of limited space. Within the short span of a few city blocks you will see everything from ultramodern skyscrapers to Art Deco construction to Colonial Period buildings. As you wander the city you will be impressed with the number of places of worship that demonstrate the great diversity of the city, including Chinese, Hindu and Sikh temples, Jewish Synagogues, Islamic Mosques and Christian Churches. Over the years that I have visited Singapore, it seems that the city has been in a constant state of construction, with new skyscrapers and ever more dazzling buildings like the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay going up all the time. Fortunately, the city fathers have a great respect for the past and make allowances for the preservation of historic structures. While a signature building representing the city-state of Singapore has yet to emerge, this beautiful metropolis has definitely taken its place among the great architectural destinations of the world.
The Marina Bay Sands Resort, Singapore
8. Festivals and Holidays
On my first trip to Singapore I had the good fortune to arrive at the time of the Chinese New Year celebration. The spectacular nighttime parade down Orchard Road is something I’ll never forget. I have also experienced the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts during which deceased relatives are said to return to the realm of the living and wander the earth for thirty days. While they are making their rounds, living relatives make food offerings to prevent the deceased from performing acts of mischief. Because of the rich diversity of Singapore there are many other festivals, events and holidays for tourists to experience. In addition to having most of the western holidays, Singaporeans also celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, Teacher’s Day, Children’s Day and Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Christian holidays. Planning ahead is important because accommodations are harder to come by during these periods and costs are higher.
Cable Cars to Sentosa, Singapore
9. Temperate Climate
Singapore is located just 85 miles north of the Equator, so it’s not surprising that it would be hot and humid there. But ‘some like it hot’ and I happen to be one of them. With little variation in the temperature and steady rainfall throughout the year, there are no distinct seasons in Singapore. The wettest months are from November to January when it may rain for a time every day, usually in brief bursts in the afternoon, and the driest months are from May to July. Singapore is often described as having a tropical rain forest climate or having monsoon characteristics, but being a land of generally clement weather makes this a comfortable, pleasant place to visit year round. For those not used to humidity, you can seek refuge in almost any indoor facility, including the MRT, shopping arcades and underground walkways.
‘First Generation’ Bronze Statue on the Singapore River
10. Tiger Beer
I would be remiss if I did not mention one of Singapore’s most famous and popular products…Tiger Beer! While the name Singapore is derived from the Malay word Singapura, meaning Lion City, it is the tiger for which the city’s signature adult refreshment is named. And younger travelers will be happy to know that adulthood begins at age 18 in Singapore, at least where drinking is involved. In 1932 Tiger Beer became Singapore’s first locally brewed beer and it is now available in 60 countries worldwide. This pale lager comes in bottles with a strikingly attractive label which loses nothing in the translation when applied to souvenir tee-shirts and mugs. So, when you need a break from shopping and sightseeing on a warm afternoon in Singapore, what could be better than ducking into a pub and having a cold Tiger Beer!
