Suggestions please, for a few hours in Singapore early morning

[equus]

Due to the availability levels of SQ J-Saver awards, I have an extended transit in SIN next Monday morning. Arriving on SQ246 at 0550, before departing 1410 on MI754 for HKT.

There will be 3 of us, and we would like to get out of the airport and see a little of Singapore. Raffles hotel (for the obligatory ticking of that box), will be on the agenda, but I am wondering what else will be open (it being an early morning and all), and what is recommended.

I am thinking cabs may be the most convenient (with 3 people and limited time). Are there convenient options for stowing hand luggage at SIN before departing (I know the MI departure is T2, but now sure on the SQ246 arrival), or should we just plan on carting it along?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[moa999]

You could do the 'free' Singapore tour (apart from the boat ride) but don't recommend as you are given a pretty limited itin and they are forced to take you back to the airport even if you have more time.

From memory there is storage at the Airport but suggest you travel to departure termninal first.

Would say - Bus/ Train/ Taxi to the City. Taxi probably simplest and with 3 reasonable value.

Recommend.
Raffles Hotel,
Boat ride on river behind Raffles up and around Clark Quay.
Walk/ Bus past Opera House to Singapore Flyer
Maybe new casino if time / shopping at Orchard Rd

 

[markis10]

You wont have time for much at that hour of the day, most of Singapore only really starts up at 10 or 11AM, 6 hours in the transit hotel might be of more value or a swim at the airport pool.

I would go for the tour at 9AM registering as soon as it opens at 7AM

Free Singapore Tour - Changi Airport

 

[dajop]

As markis10 points out, Singapore doesn't really get going until later. At 6am, I'd probably suggest having breakfast at the airport before heading into town.

One place that may be worth visiting early is Mustafa's 24 hr department store - in fact early mornings are best as not so busy - you may not want to buy anything but interesting wandering through the Indian food section, then wander down through Little India when you are done. Then head down to Raffles Hotel and go for a walk along the river, starting at Clarke Quay and finishing at the Merlion near the Fullerton Hotel.

You could then head to the flyer or the casino, or both.

The other option, a bit off the usual tourist path, just before lunch time, grab a taxi and head to the East Coast (near the airport) and in particular the East Coast Food Centre, where various vendors barbeque satays and it can be really pleasant sitting overlooking the ships/fake beach having satay, and a fruit juice or beer or two as you feel fit. It's a short 10 min ride from there to the airport, although I am not sure what time the satay vendors get going.

If it's raining .... well just wait an hour, and it should be OK!

 

[moa999]

I would go for the tour at 9AM registering as soon as it opens at 7AM
Free Singapore Tour - Changi Airport

Having done the tour - I think the 'self tour' option is better. Is just a quick itin and they won't let you swap between the tour and city shuttle - which would be good for someone with a bit more time.

I agree that Singapore does tend to start late.
Maybe then go to new Casino area first (it will surely be open) and the new roof garden, then walk to Singapore Flyer (meant to open at 8.30am) then back to the city proper.

 

[markis10]

I suggested the tour on the basis the OP would need to be back at the airport by 12.30/1Pm at the latest, that does not leave much time to see Singapore when its woken up, so I figured you may as well do it on someone else's nickel so to speak. Had it been 5-7 hours in the afternoon, much different story! I have yet to check out the new casino but I am not sure its a must see, dajop has posted some great ideas for a self guided tour.

 

[dajop]

II have yet to check out the new casino but I am not sure its a must see

Casino itself, is probably just another casino (I haven't been inside the casino itself yet, but in the immediate vicinity there is plenty of typical casino kitsch such as indoor canals in the shopping centre complete with "gondola" - rowboat - rides). But the Sky Park may be worth a visit (although a stay at the hotel that gives access to the pool would be even better, an impressive looking pool!).

Oh and I'd try getting back to the airport by about 1 hour before - say 1:15pm at the latest, given will be already checked in. (I got there at T-50mins yesterday, checked in and still managed 20 mins in the lounge, aaah the efficiency that is Changi T2).

 

[Mal]

I am not sure what time the satay vendors get going.

Not sure that anyone are up'n'cooking at lunchtime. Generally I arrive there around 5pmish or later, and most are just starting to set up.

 

[PineappleSkip]

Singapore flyer opens at 8.30 am and its worth doing. The trip takes 30 mins and waiting time should be minimal at that time of the morning.

Cheers skip

 

[equus]

Thanks very much for the suggestions, greatly appreciated.

I had expected that there would be nothing much awake until nearly lunchtime, but the objective is really to just get out of the airport and have a quick look around.

Looks like we will plan on hitting the lounge for a shower and maybe breakfast on arrival, then head off for a combination of Singapore Flyer and the river cruise, ending up at Raffles for a drink (hopefully getting close to midday won't be too early), and then back to the airport.

 

[Mal]

ending up at Raffles for a drink (hopefully getting close to midday won't be too early)

The Long Bar opens at 11am Singapore Sling | Long Bar at Raffles Hotel Singapore

You've got to do it once, but IMHO it's an experience not worth repeating

 

[Flashback]

The Long Bar opens at 11am Singapore Sling | Long Bar at Raffles Hotel Singapore

You've got to do it once, but IMHO it's an experience not worth repeating

Especially once you note the prices! :shock:

 

[markis10]

Especially once you note the prices! :shock:

What is a sling worth in the long bar these days, it was $18 12 years ago and that was a shocker then!

 

[Flashback]

What is a sling worth in the long bar these days, it was $18 12 years ago and that was a shocker then!

IIRC last time I was there, it was $22..

 

[equus]

Remiss of me not to reply earlier and update with what we ended up doing.

Eventually, an amalgamation of all the suggestions (thanks guys).

Instead of going to Raffles for a drink at the end of our tour, we went their for breakfast (which gave the town a chance to wake up just a little). From there, we did the full 3/4 hour river cruise in the electric bum boat, and after that, went up to the Sky Park to see the view (rather than the Flyer - we were looking down on the flyer).

After that, headed back to the airport and the SQ lounge. Must say, I was suprised that you have to ask them to fetch the champer in the SQ J lounge, when everything else is self serve.

 

[dajop]

After that, headed back to the airport and the SQ lounge. Must say, I was suprised that you have to ask them to fetch the champer in the SQ J lounge, when everything else is self serve.

So was I when I saw that a couple a weeks ago, it used to be self serve as well, or it was when I was in the lounge the time before last.

BTW, price of Singapore Sling in raffles is $25++ (or about $29 SGD), I went there with some friends at the start of August. Waste of money, AKA tourist trip, better off for that price having 2 slings (or other drinks) in one of many trendy rooftop, garden or waterfront bars around Singapore

 

[moa999]

And Beers are about the same price in Raffles.

Agree there are far better bars in Sing.

 

[equus]

Maybe this should belong in the Amex surcharge thread, but pay with Amex at Raffles, and get a 10% discount! (sort of like a negative surcharge). This is one of the current Amex promotions, which I was not aware of until after we received the discount!

 

[Flashback]

Maybe this should belong in the Amex surcharge thread, but pay with Amex at Raffles, and get a 10% discount! (sort of like a negative surcharge). This is one of the current Amex promotions, which I was not aware of until after we received the discount!

This is common in Singapore, typically with AMEX cards & Citibank issued cards also ; shops will have promos like that to get you in the door.