Worth a Wander

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

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Like the British forefathers of old you can still enjoy a good nature walk.  Whilst Singapore is essentially a large city.  There are still places where the thick, wild rainforest rules and you are brought back to the time when Singapore was a steamy jungle wilderness. Bring out your inner Sir Stamford Raffles and William Farquhar, and check out the rare birds and obligatory monkeys of South East Asia. Why does Raffles sound familiar? Hmm. I am a bit thirsty after a humid walk in Singapore's and I don't know why....

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Raffles (Long Bar) 

Ah yes! That's why. The Singapore Sling! Rumour has it that Sir Stamford Raffles on one of his walks only had gin, pineapple juice, lime juice, curaçao, grenadine, cherry liqueur and Bénédictine in his bag.  As he was thirsty he mixed them all together to create this cocktail.  When enjoying his lovely drink and some nuts, he was harassed by monkey's so he threw the shells at them. Ok, not true. You got me.  The Singapore sling, was first created in 1915 by Raffles bartender Ngiam Tong Boon.  Take time to enjoy this tasty concoction with the added benefit of encouraged littering.  Monkey nuts are provided with your drink and the shells live on the floor. It's tradition to throw the shells, so, join in. Extra points for throwing the shells in everyone else's cocktails.

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Gardens by the bay

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This huge tropical land has become Singapore's signature postcard fodder. Yes, I still send postcards.  Look, it's a nice thing to do. In this foliage fantasy land, you can enjoy the flower dome, cloud forest and watch a Supertree rave.  What's this you ask? Well, at night the Supertree's turn into light show's as well as offering views of Singapore. So, get your glowsticks ready, and dance around the tourists enjoying an artist's impression of mother nature.  After coming down from that excitement, you can shuttle bus around the rest of the gardens.  

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Pulau Ubin

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Singapore actually has an island retreat, the image of Singapore is a huge city sprawl with nothing else there, but Pulua Ubin can scratch that island getaway itch.  You actually get to travel here on a bumboat,  the captain will tell you to get your bums out for the duration of the journey.  But then again, I may have had a strange captain. Whilst the beach is in no way comparable to the best of South East Asia, the mountain bike trails and potential to see monitor lizards makes it a fun adventure. Where else can you play chicken with a reptilian beast? 

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Orchard Road

Let's be honest, Singapore is expensive.  The cost of travel, accommodation, ok, everything is much higher.  So, big spender.  You'll probably enjoy the finer things.  Brand clothing, fine dining, erm, places with many escalators.  Previously an orchard spice plantation, Orchard Road wanted more of life. Tired of the peasants, it morphed into the shopping hot spot of today.  So, it's now where you can shop every brand with 2.5km of shopping centres. Every brand? Yes. All of them, I counted. If you are wondering, as we are in Asia the prices will be smaller, I have some not so great news.  The prices are pretty much the same.

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