singapore - raffles all the way!

singapore has a colonial history but is uniquely asian. smiling malayans, chinese and indians throng this vibarant island nation all of 260 square miles. one of the more modern and clean cities in asia. i was in singapore a few years ago and loved it and there were places i had to come back to see. flying business class (raffles class) on singapore airlines from melbourne was a treat! i landed at the changi airport rested and ready to explore! the weather was very warm and extremely sultry!



the train system (MRT) in singapore is super efficient and convenient. it took me everywhere i wanted to go.





first stop – the island resort of sentosa accessible by cable car from the main island. this island of 5 square kilometers is touristy and has quite a few options. “underwater world”, an oceanarium, is awesome and a chance for me to watch sting rays and sharks up close (nicely separated by a sheet of glass). the pink humpback dolphins are also a must-see.









a tiny beach for a tiny nation. siloso beach is very small but picturesque. there were not many people around as i was there pretty early in the day.





after a morning of intensive sightseeing on sentosa i returned to the mainland for a brunch at the the stunning raffles hotel. there are few hotels in the world that can beat the raffles experience. The place was “perfect”, the service fabulous and the food delicious. i thanked the hostess for the hospitality and she asked me smiling - "are you shyamalan?". well, i had to dissapoint her.







evening was spent walking around orchard road shopping (there is no designer label you cant find here!) at upscale shopping centers and roadside vendors. also an opportunity to watch ethan ong (claims to be singapore’s youngest busker) perform.







its back to the airport to catch a flight home to hyderbad, india. looking forward to meeting family and friends!