Suggestions for Singapore?

[DaveB]

I get to spend a week in Singapore soon (early December, including when the Sydney Christmas Dinner is on) and while I've got some plans together already for things to do and things to photograph, I'm wondering if anyone here has suggestions for "must do" things for my itinerary.

Suggestions for where I should go "window shopping" for electronics and/or cameras? Places to avoid?

Thanks!

[digitor]

Don't expect to find any huge camera bargains in Singapore, but in general, the shops in Orchard Road are normally a bit dear (but fun though). For electronics, try Mustafa's (the cab will take you there) and there's a few arcades nearby where you will find some good prices for comp. gear as well.

Cheers

[Oz_Beachside]

dave, once you see the city, get bored of all the shops (since ebay has bought it into our daily lives), get out of it!!!

If you like seafood, go to the seafood house, its an amazingly large feast of all types of seafood, and often prepared in a ver western fashion.

since you like wildlife, get a cab across the causeway bay, into Malaysia. Head towards Jahor Baru (about 45 minutes), and be ready to see monkeys all over...

also, you will see life from a very third world perspective. the economic contrast across that water is like nothing I have seen before, first meets third, just 200 meters apart. worth a look see, and great street photography. just take a very plain dressed down camera for street side candids...

[big pix]

http://www.funan.com.sg/

you will like the above centre........ alow about 3-4 hours and a second visit........ even some shopping for the girls..... the top floor has a big computer shop which is good, just 2 blocks up the road to camera gear at peninsula plaza......

http://web.singnet.com.sg/~weekh/shops.html

taxi's are caught in side streets or at large shopping centres at the rear in taxi areas, cheap way to get about

stay out of lucky plaza

[big pix]

this one is also great for electronics and computers.........

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sim_Lim_Square

a visiy to the bird park is good, Sentosa Island is worth a visit http://wikitravel.org/en/Singapore/Sentosa

have a good trip

[DaveB]

Thanks folks! Some useful ideas there.

I wasn't expecting to find camera bargains (it's not HK) but I figured I should have a look while I'm there...

I have vivid memories of snakes and monkeys from visits over the border into Malaysia in 1973 (when we lived in Singapore). Not sure if we'll go that far on this trip, but we'll see! I'm not sure how much of Singapore I'm going to recognise after 34 years!

[TonyH]

Don't forget the zoo......

[PiroStitch]

If you head across the bridge into Johore Bahru, be careful. It's not a particularly safe area as I have relos over there and the amount of stories you hear makes Glenfern and Footscray seem like paradise.

[big pix]

I'm not sure how much of Singapore I'm going to recognise after 34 years!

......... not a lot........

this is a must http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bugis_Junction ........ same stock as the city but about 15-20% cheaper........ markets are also here across the road........ if you go through the markets and keep walking, I think 2-3 blocks, Sim Lim Square on your left and a big department store on your right with the markets behind you, about a 5 minute walk, a bit like Myers........

If you leave Funan centre walk towards Bugis, you will pass all of the above and this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raffles_City another big shopping centre, but ask as you can be on the wrong street........ Funan, Raffles City, the camera Stores, Raffles hotel, and Bugis Junction, Bugis markets, are all on the one street, about a 20-30 minute stroll

[Bandit]

Sim Lim all the way for electronics and cameras... destroys Orchard Rd and Funan for price... but make sure you have done your research... as 'tourist prices' apply

For attractions, Sentosa, the Jurong Bird park is a fantastic photo op, the Night Zoo is good, but hard light to work in!

The top of the Swisshotel offers some great night shots,a nd good old Orchard Rd for cosmopolian singapore...

Finally, do not forget Raffles

[broadbean]

Sim Lim is more of the bargain hub - you'll still need to shop around, but could find bargains from unlikely places. Funan is definitely more upmarket. Go during weekdays.

Finally visited the Botanic Gardens on our last trip, which was pretty. Clarke Quay is also worth a look, especially when the sun goes down.

Get an EZlink card for public transport. One place you'll need a cab (or a pain on buses) to get to is the East Coast Food Centre (or whatever it's called). Make sure it's the one where you have a lot of hawker stalls, and not large restaurant chains.

On our next trip, I'd go back to Sentosa Island and visit the Bird Park. Maybe the Zoo as well as last time we just went in the evening to their Night Safari.

[gooseberry]

Looks like a lot of people have made some good suggestions so far.

Some unusual/interestings items I found out about Singapore when I first came here

- there is a government agency called the SDU (social development unit), basically a government run dating agency to try and get all the singles to meet and hopefully fall in love, get married and have kids ! (BTW, the bureaucrats here love to use three letter acronyms)
- officially, if you have a gathering of 5 or more people, you need a police permit
- it is illegal to engage in oral sex, unless it leads to sexual intercourse
- it is illegal to engage in homosexual sex
- most people already know about the chewing gum thing - but it's really only illegal to sell it, it seems to be ok if you've brought some from overseas for personal use

Hehehe...When I first heard about all this - I was like WTF ? Is this place f'ed up or what ?

But actually have lived here for the past few years and it's been alright.

As to some suggestions...

For camera window shopping - do check out Peninsula Plaza/Peninsula Shopping Centre (next door to Funan), some new and second hand camera stores worth a browse. (if you plan on buying anything, especially in Sim Lim or Orchard area, be sure to do your homework and know the price beforehand)

For an off the beaten track place to visit - catch a boat out to Pulau Ubin to see some kampung (malay for small village) lifestyle - lots of photo ops with old wooden houses etc

[DVEous]

... Obsolete ...

[broadbean]

One thing I found, there can be a lot of old stock that is fobbed off to unsuspecting shoppers.

...
I saw models on display that have not been around for umpteen years.

This is quite true. I was surprised how many old models of electronic gadgets were around. Would've thought they catered to the latest and greatest more often. Doesn't mean you can't pick up something you really wanted if the price was right - just don't expect any follow up warranty!

The other thing is the way you can claim your GST back. They have different agencies that don't work together, and all charge a fee.

[DaveB]

- officially, if you have a gathering of 5 or more people, you need a police permit

Hmmm.... I'm travelling with 4 other people (well, not all on the same flight but we'll be together many times).

Thanks for all the info folks!

[mikephotog]

Just wondering if your are back from your Singapore trip.
I may be going there for work in Feb...2 days for work and a few days either side for leisure.
Would love any tips you may have picked up there. Especially re shopping for electronics/camera gear. Also interested in watches.

Cheers,
Mike

[Killakoala]

Eat heaps of hot-spicy food. That's my 5 cents.