We flew out of Heathrow on the morning of 6 July. After a 12 hour, 10 minute flight, we arrived in Singapore. After a three hour sleep in our hotel, we ventured out into the humid, steamy Asian city and explored. We found our way to Raffles and each enjoyed a Singapore Sling, that iconic drink developed in 1915 to allow ladies to drink alcohol because it resembled a fruit juice, and ladies were not supposed to drink alcohol.
After Raffles, we avoided the heat by taxiing to the Marina Bay Sands Shopping Centre, which overlooks the Marina Bay Sands, a body of water which is surrounded partially by the central business district, a few sporting and cultural facilities and the iconic Merlion (half lion, half fish). Nearby is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, on the top of which is the famous Skypark. Skypark is 200 metres high, and boasts stupendous views of Singapore. Jean wanted to go to the casino, while I went to Skypark.
Inside the Marina Bay Sands Shopping Centre is a 'river' on which people can take little boat rides. We had coffee and watched.
The legendary Raffles Hotel
The famous long bar in Raffles
Jean and I enjoying a Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling consists of 30ml gin, 15ml cherry herring liqueur, 120ml pineapple juice, 15ml lime juice, 7.5ml Cointreau, 7.5ml Dom Benedictine, 10ml Grenadine, a dash of Angostura Bitters, and a pineapple slice and cherry garnish.
This is a picture of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The Skypark is the 'ship' on top. Tourists not staying in the hotel may access only the tip at right. The hotel guests can access the entire surface.
Looking up at the Skypark from the ground.
The viewing platform at level 56, which offers superb views of the city.
At left are two constructions which resemble shells (Camino shells?). At right is the Cloud Forest which features a 35 metre tall mountain. At left is the Flower Dome, which houses trees from the Mediterranean.
Looking down on the Gardens by the Bay, which covers 250 acres. Note the shadow cast by the three towers plus Skypark.
This part of the Skypark is like the stern of a ship.
Standing here and seeing this cafe reminded me of being on a cruise.
Singapore might be one of the smallest states in the world, but really it is vast.
There's a sitting area up here, and you can see through to the hotel guests' swimming pool.
The swimming pool is only for guests. It is not possible for non-guests to access it.
I looked on with envy. We'll just have to return some time and stay here.
The swimming pool on the Skypark is an infinity pool. To the right is Singapore's central business district.
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