Go for a Singapore Sling at Raffles

Q: We will be stopping over in Singapore for two nights on our way to Hong Kong in March 2012. Can you recommend any “must see” places of interest? We hope to be able to afford a Singapore Sling at Raffles. Any idea how much they cost? - Robin & Margaret Pallister

A: Don't think that shopping is all you can do in Singapore. It is certainly great for some retail therapy (especially for electronics at Funan Digitalife Mall and Sim Lim Square), but there are plenty of other things to keep you occupied. You can start off with a hop-on, hop-off city bus tour. Choose from the "heritage route" or the "city route" - or opt for both to take in most of the city's top attractions. Sentosa Island is a "must see" for all visitors, as is the Singapore Flyer (their version of the London Eye). And, if there's time, sneak in a visit to the Jurong Bird Park. If you're not lucky enough to be staying at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, head there to check out the fabulous contemporary art collection adorning its walls. Find time to visit the China Heritage Centre where rooms in ancient Chinese homes have been recreated. For some fresh air head for the Botanic Gardens, where you can take in the collection of 1,000 orchid species and 2,000 hybrids. To see the seedy side of Singapore (yes, there is one) head for Geylang, which has taken over from Bujis Street as the home for streetwalkers and all things naughty. But, this being Singapore, you are unlikely to get into too much trouble. You can restore a feeling of tradition and style with your visit to Raffles Hotel. A Singapore Sling in the famous Long Bar costs 35 Singapore dollars (R255) plus tax and service charges of another 17 percent. Don't feel shy about throwing the shells from the complementary peanuts on the floor, it's expected of you. You may find the drink a little sickly sweet and the atmosphere a little touristy, but it is still one of the things you have to do in Singapore. A more contemporary bar worth visiting is KuDeTa at the Marina Bay Sands resort. Based on the famous Bali beach club, it is one of the most fashionable spots in Singapore at the moment. (4/12/11)