Snapshot of Singapore

Singapore is a very clean and safe city with restaurants and shopping galore! There are shopping centers on every corner with high end shops such as Tiffany, Gucci and Coach. Singapore has many sit down restaurants, American fast food, such was McDonald's, Burger King and Starbucks and local Hawkers Markets. It is safe to eat just about anywhere, as there are strict rules for dining establishments. It is also very easy to get around Singapore is also very easy to get around by MRT, bus or walking.

To taste the local dishes at a local price, try one of the many open-air Hawkers Markets, which are packed with locals eating from the many food stalls, much like the American Food Court. The Hawkers Markets are clean and inexpensive with dishes such as fried noodles, BBQ pork and rice, chicken and rice, mutton dishes and drinks for anywhere from $1-$5 SIN. Maxwell Market near Chinatown has a food stall selling delicious sweet treats at stall #76, Fried Sweet Potato Dumplings! These golf ball sized treats are deep fried, sweet , delicious and addictive. The sweet potato dumplings are $.40 each and the Pandan Coconut is $.50 each, both are worth a try! The Hawkers Markets have people who bus and clean the tables, which have a high turnover, so be prepared to share a table and when you find a seat, grab it! There are no napkins available at the Hawkers Markets, but you will find people selling packets of tissues for a fee. There is also a charge to use the restrooms at the Hawkers Markets. Keep in mind that all stalls are not open every day.

For a less hectic and slightly 'higher end' food court, try the Kopitiam. Kopitiams are indoors and air-conditioned, but have a more limited number of food stalls than the Hawkers Markets. Kopitiam also offer a American style breakfast of eggs and toast or French toast, which is not available at the Hawkers Market. Again, there are no napkins offered, but the tables are bussed and cleaned for you. The food at both the Hawkers Market and Kopitiam give an inexpensive way to sample and experience the local cuisine.

The Rockery at Albert Complex near Bugis is a well acclaimed local noodle shop, just a few blocks from the Hawkers market near Bugis and the Albert Complex. A bowl of noodles with pork and soup is $3. Although the noodles are a bit bland (which is the norm), the pork is sweet and flavorful. The Rockery is always busy and the ladies are friendly!

For some nice dining options in Singapore, the Banana Leaf Restaurant in Little India is a great option for an air-conditioned Indian dining. Meals are served on a banana leaf place mat and although the prices are a bit higher than in the 'food courts' or some of the smaller, local restaurants, the food is good and offers a unique dining experience enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The butter chicken for $11 SIN is a small serving of chicken with plenty of delicious makhani sauce, requiring extra naan to enjoy! Beer at sit down restaurants is a bit expensive, costing about $7-$8 SIN per can/bottle.

Another dining option that is popular with the locals is Itacho Sushi located on level B2-18 of ION Orchard shopping complex, located at the Orchard Road MRT stop. Itacho Sushi always has a line, whether dining at a table or at the counter. Sushi/Sashimi is ordered by the piece (most orders are 1-2 pieces) for $1-$4 per order. Again, cans of beer are about $8 SIN. The sushi is good, but most is topped with mayonnaise offering a rich flavor.

Hotel options in Singapore are numerous. Near the airport, the Changi Village Hotel is a nice hotel, near the marina and outside of the city. Changi Village Hotel is not on the MRT line, but does offer a complimentary airport shuttle. Changi Village Hotel is clean, comfortable and quiet. The Changi Village Hotel offers a wireless Internet for a fee of $5.5 SIN per 15 minutes. There is a restaurant at Changi Village Hotel offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is an international buffet offering Asian, English and America breakfast options for $20 SIN per person. The rooftop pool at Changi Village Hotel offers a view of the ocean and the walking trails along the water located across the street. The Internet rate at the Changi Village Hotel runs about $130 USD on Hotels.com in November 2010.

The Rendezvous Hotel located near the Bras Basah MRT stop in Singapore is located walking distance from Little India, the Hawkers Market near Bugis and Albert Complex and across the street from the Kopitiam on Bras Basah and Bencoolen. The Rendezvous Hotel at about $180 USD per night on Hotels.com is easy to get to via MRT from the airport for abut $2.4 SIN or by the #36 bus. Both the MRT and bus take about 45 minutes to 1 hour to get to/from the airport. The MRT stop is about 2 blocks from the Rendezvous Hotel, but requires 2 transfers. The bus stops right in front of the Rendezvous Hotel.

The Rendezvous Hotel has a pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and work out room available to guests. A room key is required to access the guest room floors and the pool and work out areas. The restaurant at Rendezvous Hotel offers an international buffet breakfast for $19 SIN and an afternoon tea for $34 SIN

The dress in Singapore is anything goes, but generally longer shorts, pants or skirts for the ladies. The weather can be very warm and in November, showers are frequent. An umbrella is preferred to a rain jacket due to the heat and humidity.

Christmas time in Singapore brings the Orchard Road area to life with lights and Christmas music, along with the normal hustle and bustle of the city. The harbor in Singapore has many restaurants, interesting architecture, canal/river boat tours and the Singapore Flyer. There are other activities geared to the tourists, such as the Clarke Quay area, Sentosa Island, the Singapore Zoo and several gardens, which are all easy to access by MRT or bus.

The Singapore airport is fully equipped to accommodate long layovers! The Ambassador Transit Hotel is located inside of customs with rates by the hour, up to 6 hours. The Ambassador Transit hotel is simple but clean and allows for sleep and a shower for longer connections or early arrivals. The Singapore Airport is complete with shopping, food, activities for kids, free Internet, free wireless Internet (just ask for a pass-code at one of the many friendly service desks), a movie theater in terminal 3, quiet lounge areas with reclining chairs and even some live strolling entertainment!

Singapore is a great place to visit for those who enjoy Asian food, shopping and busy city life. Singapore is a convenient city and is a great place to visit if transiting to other parts of Asia.