The Lion City Sojourn

A second visit to the "Lion City" since almost a decade and a half ago is definitely such a welcome idea. So as soon as I got the invitation to join some travel agents to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (a separate story on Kuala Lumpur will see print next week), sponsored by Philippine Airlines and Global Link Travel and Tours, I immediately said yes.

The idea of waking up at three in the morning to prepare and catch the five o'clock connecting flight via Manila to Singapore was such a nightmare. But because of all the excitement, all 16 of us made it! After all, the four-hour flight from Manila to Singapore is long enough to take a nap to recharge.

The moment we landed at the Changi International Airport in Singapore at around 12:15 pm, I felt rejuvenated and was ready for the long day ahead, the first day of our three-day Singapore tour. From the airport, the group proceeded to the Carlton Hotel along Bras Basah Road to check-in and freshen up a little bit before having late lunch. Carlton Hotel is a four-star business hotel situated at the buzzing epicenter of Singapore's heritage setting and towering cityscape.

At a little past two, the group then proceeded to Mount Faber for a cable car ride to the world famous Sentosa Park. Upon arrival, we then went directly to the Merlion, the largest re-creation of Singapore's national icon. Then we headed to the Images of Singapore where we experienced the history of Singapore, a place where legend, fact and folklore are creatively interwoven for guests to enjoy. Then, there was the Underwater World highlighting a spectacular assembly of sea creatures, big and small. Over 250 species of sharks, giant stingrays, eels and fish mesmerized us while taking the travellator. The 83-meter long see-through underwater tunnel took us to a journey that offers an amazing panoramic view of undersea life. Then it was time to try the Carlsberg Tower. Standing tall at 135m above sea level, Asia's tallest observatory tower, soars up into the sky in the air-conditioned cabin for an exhilarating 360 degrees view of Sentosa and the sorrounding islands, extending as far away as Malaysia and Indonesia. Such a heart-pounding experience, I must say!

Dinner time. It was eat-all-you-can shabu shabu and barbecue at he S.E.A. Village Restaurant which lasted for an hour and half, just in time to catch the Magical Sentosa Show at 8:40 pm. Such a magical treat - specially for the kids where everyone was held spellbound by Sentosa's fire, sound and laser extravaganza at the Musical Fountain. Synchronized to music, the beautifully lit up fountains made up the stage for an unforgettable multi-sensory show starring Kiki the monkey. In this half-hour spectacular, one will be transported into a colorful world of fantasy, with singing and dancing octopuses and jellyfish, topped by the siren song of the beautiful Princess Pearl herself.

DAY 2: After having breakfast at Carlton Hotel's Café Vic, we then headed for the Singapore River Cruise. A good way to see the city is to ride on one of the bumboats plying the busy stretch of the Singapore River. Bumboats are the traditional workhorses of the river. Before the days of containerized shipping, these vessels with eyes painted on the bows which symbolize good luck, plied cargo back and forth between ships moored in the busy port and many warehouses along the riverbanks. While cruising, one will see godowns and shop houses, now silent reminders of the past. There are also government buildings that hint at Singapore's colonial heritage, as well as imposing modern structures, which thrust boldly skywards. One can also see the Merlion, Singapore's tourism symbol, standing majestically at the river mouth and the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, the Lion City's latest premiere performing arts venue. Their version of Sydney's Opera House.

After that wonderful cruise, we went on to Singapre's most famous road, Orchard Road, a lively stretch which never sleeps. Orchard Road is packed with retail options - from luxury malls boasting of top international fashion labels, to shopping centers filled with local brand boutiques. One can find loads of high-end and mid-range restaurants, food courts, alfresco and indoor cafes.

Then it was dinnertime at the Coleman's of Peninsula Excelsior Hotel hosted by the hotel's Director of Sales and Marketing Angela Tay and Assistant Sales Manager Amy Khor. Coleman's offers a bold mix of East and West cuisine. After the hearty meal, it was time to check-in the hotel where we stayed overnight before heading for Kuala Lumpur. We strolled along Boat Quay, a stretch of bustling pubs and restos that offers myriad options to tantalize the taste buds and quench your thirst - just before going to bed. Further down the river is the newly revamped Clarke Quay, recently given a new lease to life as one of Singapore's premiere entertainment hubs. Singapore is truly a city like no other; a world of possibilities. With its friendly and warm people, state-of-the-art infrastructure and something new happening everyday, I wouldn't mind going back there more often. Of course, if time and logistics permits!