Singapore- A Visa Run- Singapore - April 2011

Recently Tom and I had to do a Visa run to renew our Malaysia visa. So we decided to go to Singapore because we both always enjoy being there. It is necessary to stay out of Malaysia for 3 nights so that is exactly what we did. We were lucky enough to get a nonstop flight from Langkawi to Singapore with Air Asia and that certainly made it much easier than having to go via Kuala Lumpur or Penang.

As usual we stayed at the affordable Hangsing Hotel on Jalan Besar close to the interesting areas in Little India and Bugis. We used the wonderful MRT system to go all over Singapore. This allowed us to re-visit some of our favourite areas as well as to discover areas we hadn't explored before and of course get to all the boating shops to pick up the "bits and pieces" Tom is always looking for! As usual we were also on the lookout for the beautiful old colonial buildings which are now used as shops and restaurants.
(Remember to click on the photos to enlarge them)

This Building was on One Corner

This One was on the Opposite Corner.

We always love to wonder around Little India to soak up the colourful atmosphere and aromas.

This time we discovered the delights of Bugis St. including the amazing Market, the smelly Durian on the fruit stall and the Gingsing and Birdnest stores.

We spend an entire day wondering around the river front where it all began in the 1820's. It is very interesting as it's a rather narrow river with several quays along the kilometre or so nearest the sea! Of course this is what you would expect thinking about the small ships in use back then. Also it would have been a very well protected port and anchorage. The cargo was moved around on lighters not much different in size and shape to the manly surf boats but sculled not rowed. Even in the 1920's there are photos that show the river jam packed with these things. It's only in the 1930's that the port has really moved outside the river.

Many of the old buildings remain but much modified. They are 2 and 3 story terrace houses lining the bank and stretching in a few blocks. Originally there were warehouses and businesses on the bottom and mostly accommodation on top. Now the businesses are restaurants and restaurants and more restaurants!

Tanks of Live Seafood Waiting to Be Chosen for a Meal!

The last time we had played tourists in Singapore it had teamed on us so we were pleased the weather was kinder this time. It enabled us to walk along the river band and to revisit Raffles landing Place and to view some of the incredible bridges. There is an impressive statue of Raffles at one of the quays where he originally landed and the plaque talks about his vision. If he ever imagined the hundreds of 300 metre long supertankers and container ships that use Singapore daily he was doing pretty well.

Tom Posing as Raffles!

Fran Assisting Raffles in Negotiations with the Local Tribesmen!

The Colonial Buildings Overlooked by the Super Modern!

One evening we were in one of our favourite Indian restaurants on the night Australian lost the cricket to India. It was so exciting as there were 20 to 30 onlookers, all Indian, standing in the doorway peering in at the big screen and cheering every time India scored a run. Tom and I and a couple of other Australians had such fun egging them on!

I must admit though we sneaked away before India finally defeated Australia!

This was a great trip and we look forward to more as Singapore is a transport hub for us travelling back to Australia. There is just so much more to see!