Tourist Attractions in Singapore

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A world famous drink - how can that be a tourist trap?
Well, considering how much you'll have to pay for it, and how it taste, I would almost call it a robbery.

The Singapore Sling is a world famous drink that was created for the first time sometime between 1910 and 1915 at the Raffles Hotel. It's red/pink and sweeter than most other stuff. The drink that is served today isn't the original one, as it was changed during the 1970s.

The drink is served at many places around Singapore, but if you want it you should of course order it at Raffles Hotel, either at Long Bar or the garden bar. But remember it taste crap, will make a huge hole in your wallet, and most probably leave you quite disappointed afterwards.

Unique Suggestions: Well, being in Singapore one probably should try the Singapore Sling. But make sure it's just once at least. And then stay away from the bars at Raffles Hotel, as the alcohol there is even more expensive, if possible, than in the rest of the country.
A Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel will cost you at least 20 euro (40 SGD).

Fun Alternatives: If you don't want to pay a smaller fortune for a crappy drink, order it on the flight to Singapore. Singapore Airlines serve it, for free.

Or mix it yourself back home.
http://www.drinkboy.com/Cocktails/Recipe.aspx?itemid=151

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again most tour buses stop by here whether big groups or small group to encourage you to buy stuff. The store is not that large and it offers mostly perfumes and bags and shirts and other local stuffs but beware, not all they sell are original as some are imitations but they will tell you which is which (they say).

Unique Suggestions: don't buy anything if you are not into buying stuff. The good here are a mix of the real stuff and the imitation stuff and they will tell you which is which.

Fun Alternatives: don't buy if you don't want, just buy at the duty free areas of Changi airport for some duty free items or shop at Orchard Road.

the address is: 38 Carpenter Street 01-01, SINGAPORE, Singapore, 059917
tel no: . (65) 337-006

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most city tours of Singapore stop by here unfortunately and they have a briefing of the various jewels inside the factory and a little tour of the factory itself and then lead you to the main selling area where you will be overwhelmed buy lots and lots of jewelries like necklaces, rings, bangles, bracelets, arm bands and a lot more. I'm not the jewelry type of person anyway.

Unique Suggestions: don't buy anything especially if your are not into buying jewels like gorld or jade or silver period! basically the price here are competitive it's just that I'm not into jewelry stuff that is why this is in the tourist traps.

Fun Alternatives: none because all of the city tours of Singapore whether by big group of tour buses or private vans or cars will pass by here.

address is: 70 Palmer Road
#01-08 Palmer House Singapore 079427

tel no: (65) 622-64226
www.sja.org.sg/sja/company_details.cfm?id=202
website:

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We were told by so many friends not to miss the Science Centre. We took a taxi from the hotel and it was a long trip to get there. Entry to the Science Centre is NOT free as many think. Groups of noisy and uncontrolled school children were everywhere. Almost all of the gadgets were broken. The most exciting thing was the electric chair and my sister in law volunteered to try it out. After inserting many coins, my brother go the chair to shake a little bit. No one got electricuted.

Unique Suggestions: At least take some small energetic children along who can enjoy themselves.

Fun Alternatives: Rather visit the Singapore Casino at the Waterfront!

Okay, so here you are in Singapore, excited and amazed by this island's cleanliness and orderliness. Minding your own business and dropped a wrapper by accident or missed the bin by an inch. If somebody calls your attention by saying "'Ey, hallo," it's actually "hello!" This could mean "excuse me" for locals.

A woman tried to catch my attention on this a few years back, not knowing she was calling me. She repeated it several times because I didn't turn. I was expecting more like an "excuse me". :)

Unique Suggestions: Just turn and politely ask what he or she wants. Then it's all good.

Fun Alternatives: And, yes, don't litter. Littering is an offense.

Yes it has a good view of the city owing to its elevation in the city's tallest hotel, but you'll have to take the following in your stride:

1) below-average food
2) sky high prices
3) snobbish, unhelpful service

A full meal at Equinox would cost upwards of SGD 140/ USD 100, and as summarised above, the quality's not much to write home about. What a shame... could've been a fantastic restaurant if they weren't solely relying on the view, and little else, to bring in the business.

Unique Suggestions: Go there for SGD 30 desserts it you must but best to have a proper meal elsewhere beforehand.

Fun Alternatives: When it comes to restaurants with a view and good food, Hai Tien Lo at Pan Pacific Hotel would be a decent bet.

is just shops shops and shops everywhere!!!!! and seems like all people just shopping and shopping all the time!

Unique Suggestions: look for extra gifts :)

Fun Alternatives: hm... go to the Zoo to avoid shops and temptation to clean your credit card!!

Just to make sure you understand how thing work, there are 2 things you must know about Taxi Drivers. 1) They are thieving, lying bastards who can NEVER be trusted. 2). Re-read point number 1. In Singapore the taxis are heavily regulated, somewhat economical and can even produce a printed receipt instantly. In general they are more trustworthy than in other countries. However it is against their sworn duty to rip you off and many still try.

What do they do? They take somewhere between 2-3 hours to locate coins to give you change. In fact, they have never had to give change as all customers have had exact change for the last 20 years. Nope – you are the first and you are causing them problems. They have never made change before and must look all over the taxi for coins.

Wait! Coins? The smallest currency note is a $2 Singapore Dollar note. Why are they looking for coins? They are hoping that you will get frustrated and just say “keep the change”. I had a slothful retard of a driver who was to lazy to look at me. He had no interest in the 5 bags. He managed to get a 20% tip out of me on a small fare.

Unique Suggestions:

Ask yourself this question? Did he actually help you and your bags get in the car? Well, why should he be worthy of a tip and not the MRT? Wait it out and be handed all your change. Count it, your rings and fingers. Once you are certain all is accounted for decide if a tip is needed. It’s actually not really done here. Put you change in your pocket. Unless they were good, then 5% at most.



Fun Alternatives:

Take the MRT. Cheapest way to AND from the airport.