Singapore 20 -14 October
Well, here we are! We originally had no intentions of staying at a Singapore Marina at all. We wanted to go straight to Johor Bahru in Malaysia and do a few day trips into Singapore. Our broken alternator made us change our mind and we decided to go to Raffles Marina. They offered a discount for “Sail Indonesia” participants and another discount if you stay 10 days or more. Raffles was an excellent choice. It is not only a calm marina but also the nicest one I have ever seen at all. A free shuttle bus runs every two hours to the nearest train station and further on. The facilities are fantastic and the staff very helpful. The swimming pools have spas and a waterslide. There is also a billiard room, bowling alley and gym. The restaurants are good and the bar has cheap drinks on certain days. Our first hot shower despite the hot weather lasted a very long time. What a waste of precious water. I hugged and kissed the washing machine like it was a long lost friend.
We went to Singapore two years ago during a stopover for 2 days. This time we would have more time to see it all again and at a slower pace. The public train and buses are very good. Trains are running every 3-5 minutes. Our first visit was of course the famous Raffles Hotel were we had a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar. For the cost of $AS 26 each. Ouch!!
Well, here we are! We originally had no intentions of staying at a Singapore Marina at all. We wanted to go straight to Johor Bahru in Malaysia and do a few day trips into Singapore. Our broken alternator made us change our mind and we decided to go to Raffles Marina. They offered a discount for “Sail Indonesia” participants and another discount if you stay 10 days or more. Raffles was an excellent choice. It is not only a calm marina but also the nicest one I have ever seen at all. A free shuttle bus runs every two hours to the nearest train station and further on. The facilities are fantastic and the staff very helpful. The swimming pools have spas and a waterslide. There is also a billiard room, bowling alley and gym. The restaurants are good and the bar has cheap drinks on certain days. Our first hot shower despite the hot weather lasted a very long time. What a waste of precious water. I hugged and kissed the washing machine like it was a long lost friend.
We went to Singapore two years ago during a stopover for 2 days. This time we would have more time to see it all again and at a slower pace. The public train and buses are very good. Trains are running every 3-5 minutes. Our first visit was of course the famous Raffles Hotel were we had a Singapore Sling in the Long Bar. For the cost of $AS 26 each. Ouch!!
We especially liked China Town, Little India and Little Arabia. Trying out lots of Chinese and Indian food and buying souvenirs for the grandchildren. Singapore is exceptionally clean and beautifully landscaped. Many signs are in four languages. In Sim Lim Tower (called the toy shop for men) we bought new water proof binoculars.
During our two week stay we experienced some nasty thunderstorms coming late during the night from the west with heavy lightning and tropical downpours. I think they are called “Sumatras” and are very similar to some Brissi Storms. A fellow cruiser got hit with a lightning strike and lost a lot of his electronics.
Raffles Marina organised a free dinner for all “Sail Indonesia“ participants in their ballroom. About 30 boats attended and we had a wonderful night, fantastic food and life music.
Our alternator has been fixed and Mike bought a second one as a spare as well. Our last two days will be spent doing nothing and lazing around the pool and reading. May be we’ll visit the Bird Park. A fellow cruiser said it is something not to be missed. Provisioning can wait till Johor Bahru, our next stop only 8 nm away. Malaysia is supposed to be lots cheaper than Singapore.
On Friday we will be part of a small convoy sailing, or most likely motoring, across to Danga Bay were the “Sail Malaysia” Rally will take off. A lot of yachts are alredy there. For more information about this rally please log on to http://sailmalaysia.net/
Good bye Singapore- Hello Malaysia
Michael & Rosemarie
2 comments:
Finally we have figured out how to put a comment on your site! Great to hear from you at last, what a terrific time you are having. Thanks heavens you are technically competant, how do the technically illiterate survive?
Where are you heade next?
Kind Regards Nick and Lorraine Sweet Mango
Hello Rosi and Mike,
Good to hear from you and that you enjoy every minute. Sounds like lots of fun and a great adventure.
Enjoy your trip and continue to have lots of fun.
Cheers,
Birgit and Wolfgang
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