Day 59: Singapore

Singapore

While it was a little foggy, Singapore was coming into view. Singapore is the busiest port in the Pacific and there were hundreds, if not thousands, of ships in the area.

We had to meet in the theater to wait to get called to get off the ship and go through Immigration/customs.  Well there was two ships that came in this morning and it was a Sunday, so it was very slow. The first groups that went into the terminal stood in line for a long time so they held us in the theater. Did some some puzzles and then even had a sandwich while waiting.

And finally we got to leave the  theater and head off the ship. And we were glad to see they were stocking the ship as there were some things that we had run out of.

At first it was looking good and then realized the line started before we even got into the terminal

Took the picture of the Welcome to Singapore sign and then saw on back, Thanking you for visiting Singapore. Decided to get a picture of that now incase we never get through the line!! ;-)

And we made it the terminal to stand in lines ome more.  From the time we arrived at the theater to the time (9:30, shortly after we docked) we got through the line, then find our bus and wait for the last person to get to the bus, it was after 1 pm.

The tour included a City tour, the Orchid gardens at the Botanical Garden, a planned stop at the highest point in town to see the view, and then Chinatown.

We did have a few showers during the tour

The visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens and their Orchid Garden was great.

Princess Diana

Vice President Pence

Then through the city to see sites and then to Chinatown.

We had the choice to ride back on the bus to the ship or stay in Chinatown and make our way back before the late night all aboard.  We decided to stay and have a bite to eat. The tour guide pointed us to a market that had small shops on the first floor selling souvenirs, clothes, and other items.  The second floor was probably 50 to 70 little food shops. We found one that had a really long line, mostly of residents and assumed that must be really good.  They were making the dumplings right at the front of the shop.  We had some fried dumplings and a beef noodle dish.  Was less than $10 US and more than enough for both of us.

Making the dumplings

Right next to it was a shop that made fruit drinks fresh.  Toni had a Pineapple and Honeydew (I think) drink and Rob a Banana.  They added the fruit to the blender as they made it.  

After pouring the drink from the blender to the cup, she put the cup into a machine that sealed the top. And we got a straw that was like a juice box straw that punctured the top.  Nice spill proof approach.  Fresh made for $2 Singapore, about $1.50 US. 

Now they had some longgggg noodles.

Everything was delicious. Each place had government inspected signs/ratings. They had plenty of people cleaning tables and handling the dishes.  Was a nice food stop.

They had everything in Chinatown!!!

It was about a 35-40 minute walk to the Famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel complex. Was probably worth a $10 cab ride on a hot humid day.

But we did see some wildlife on the walk!!

Marina Bay Sands Hotel

We were planning to pay for the ticket to go to the top and look around. When we got to the lobby, some of our fellow passengers that we know was just getting to ticket desk. They knew that if you asked to go up to the bar for a drink, there was no cost (other than the drinks). So we followed their lead and went up to the 57th floor for a view and drinks.

LAVO is the bar on the top.

Looking out on the gardens

The Cruise Ships

And did I say it was a very busy port.  Thought they were preparing for an invasion.

Got our drinks and walked around to the other side for the city views

They have two Island stores on the lake in front of the hotel, one being a Louis Vatton

Sun starting to set

The infinity pool and other part of the roof top was only available to guests

Amazing view of the city at sunset

Well had to get back to the ship for an 9:30 All aboard. Was definitely going  to take a taxi and not walk.  Figured that there would be a ton of taxis at the hotel.  We there was a line at the taxi stand and they were coming in every couple minutes.  But we had allowed plenty of time and was at the terminal by 8:35 and was back to the room by 8:47 (was a lot easier leaving than entering.

And always nice to get back after a long day and I Made has turned our bed down.  Not sure who will be doing that when we get home!!!

After dropping off our stuff and switching to sandals, we headed up to the top decks to watch sailing away after they pulled the gangway back.

The view back to the rooftop of the Sands where had just left

Their Cruise Ship terminal looks like a cruise ship, especially at night.

At Sea tomorrow on the way to our new stop, Penang Malaysia that is replacing Langkawi that are having some labor issues that is effecting the port and roads.