Singapore
As with Thailand, Cambodia and India, we left Borneo promising ourselves a return trip some day. There is so much to see in this unspoiled land by way of virgin jungle, Mount Kinabalu, fantastic coastline and dozens of tiny islands to explore.
But now it was back to KL and then another transport adventure. This time we took the local express train (only 7.5 hours to travel 200 miles) to Singapore! It gave us a chance to see a lot of Malaysian countryside. Lots of Oil Palm plantations, but lots of little villages and farming communities.
And on arrival in Singapore we found ourselves in the best possible hotel location in the best possible bedroom. Our recommendation is to stay at the Swissotel, Merchant Court on Clarke Quay right on the Singapore River - and ask for Room 290!
When we got up in the morning and looked out the window, we thought we had arrived in Disneyland, with the candyfloss coloured buildings, the floating restaurant and pedestrian only bridges.
First of all a tourist boat along the Singapore River, with accompanying commentary,
explaining about the history and buildings ... certainly a good introduction to the place.
More shopping down the famous Orchard Road, but not much - and then the mandatory Singapore Sling in the Long Bar at Ra
ffles Hotel. 
Next day we took ourselves off to Singapore Zoo, world renowned for its free range natural habitat for the animals. And yes, we saw Tigers, white ones! We couldn't leave Asia without having seen a tiger after all. Doug was doing his Dr Doolittle bit again, this time making friends with a Boa Constrictor.
Then on the way back to town we stopped off at an Orchid Nursery... over 200 different shapes, sizes and colours.... stunning.
There were loads of good eating places along the river so we stayed fairly close to home at night, but on the final night had a particularly good Indian meal on Boat Quay with the river and all the buildings as a backdrop, and then headed off to a couple of jazz clubs. Doug again enjoying himself lost in the music.
And so our adventure in Asia came to a close and we headed off to the airport for Australia.... watch this space!
But now it was back to KL and then another transport adventure. This time we took the local express train (only 7.5 hours to travel 200 miles) to Singapore! It gave us a chance to see a lot of Malaysian countryside. Lots of Oil Palm plantations, but lots of little villages and farming communities.
And on arrival in Singapore we found ourselves in the best possible hotel location in the best possible bedroom. Our recommendation is to stay at the Swissotel, Merchant Court on Clarke Quay right on the Singapore River - and ask for Room 290!
When we got up in the morning and looked out the window, we thought we had arrived in Disneyland, with the candyfloss coloured buildings, the floating restaurant and pedestrian only bridges.
First of all a tourist boat along the Singapore River, with accompanying commentary,explaining about the history and buildings ... certainly a good introduction to the place.
More shopping down the famous Orchard Road, but not much - and then the mandatory Singapore Sling in the Long Bar at Ra
ffles Hotel. 
Next day we took ourselves off to Singapore Zoo, world renowned for its free range natural habitat for the animals. And yes, we saw Tigers, white ones! We couldn't leave Asia without having seen a tiger after all. Doug was doing his Dr Doolittle bit again, this time making friends with a Boa Constrictor.
Then on the way back to town we stopped off at an Orchid Nursery... over 200 different shapes, sizes and colours.... stunning.
There were loads of good eating places along the river so we stayed fairly close to home at night, but on the final night had a particularly good Indian meal on Boat Quay with the river and all the buildings as a backdrop, and then headed off to a couple of jazz clubs. Doug again enjoying himself lost in the music.
And so our adventure in Asia came to a close and we headed off to the airport for Australia.... watch this space!
posted by Doug and Diane at 2:27 AM
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