Duty Free Shopping at Changi Airport

Singapore’s Changi Airport is one of the main transfer hubs for people travelling to and from Australia, New Zealand and other parts of Asia. If you find yourself in a long stop-over you’ll discover that Changi is one of the best airports to spend time waiting for your flight. Coming second in 2012’s World Airport Awards, Changi provides a level of comfort not seen in many airports around the world and its sheer size can provide hours of duty free shopping pleasure.

  

If you’re in the market for luxury goods but don’t want to pay full price then this is a perfect opportunity to stock up. Boutiques at Changi include: Alfred Dunhill, Bally, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Bvlgari, Cartier, Coach, Emporio Armani, Fashion Avenue, Gucci, Hermes, Hugo Boss, La Perla, Longchamp, MCM, Miu Miu, Montblanc, Paul & Shark, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Shanghai Tang, The Fashion Gallery, Tod's and Tommy Hilfiger. If you want some fine jewellery to go with your new outfit you can check out Aspial, Goldheart, Lee Hwa Diamond Boutique, Luvenus, Pandora, SK Jewellery and Tiffany & Co. After that, don’t forget to buy a new watch from either DFS Watches, Gassan Watches, Ice-Watch, o.d.m, Omega Boutique, Rolex or Swatch. Finally for your fragrance and make-up needs you can go to Kiehl's, M.A.C. or Nuance Watson.

Of course the place to go for the biggest range of perfumes and aftershaves is DFS as they carry every brand you can think of. DFS is also the place for duty free liquor and cigarettes. The tax on alcohol in Singapore is quite high so the duty free liquor available at Changi Airport is a great deal for anyone on their way in to the country. However be aware that cigarettes are not able to be brought in duty free. You can buy them but if you bring them in to Singapore you have to declare them and pay the tax on the spot. Failure to declare them and pay the tax will result in a large fine.

       

Electronics are also readily available at duty free prices at Changi with an emphasis on cameras and music players. Just look for the big sign saying Cameras Electronics. Other stores include FOTOPRO and i-sound.   

Sometimes the best way to get through a plane trip is by stocking up on snacks and candy. Luckily Changi Airport has got you covered.  Head over to the following stores Bee Cheng Hiang,           Bengawan Solo, Candy Empire, Chocolates.Candy.Delicatessen, Cocoa & Co, Durian Mpire, Godiva, Kedai Kue Kue, Kim Joo Guan, M&M's World, So Chocolate, The Cocoa Trees and Umeya.

Of course now you might need some new luggage to carry all your purchases. Luckily the following stores can help: Delsey, Flight 001, Samsonite, TUMI and The Planet Traveller.

No matter if you’re coming in or leaving Singapore, or if you have a stop-over, you’ll find plenty to do and buy at Singapore’s Changi Airport.

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Jumping off from Singapore – Travels Abroad Part 3: Thailand

Click to read part 1: Indonesia

Click to read part 2: Malaysia

Still one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia, Thailand is in easy reach from Singapore and makes for a perfect short getaway. One island that is getting more and more popular with tourists is Ko Samui. Previously the only way to get to Ko Samui was to fly from Bangkok, but for the last few years flights have been flying direct from Singapore. With a flight time of one hour and 45 minutes, it’s never been more convenient. Ko Samui offers everything Thailand is famous for, from beautiful beaches to wild nightlife. All styles of accommodation are available but recommended is a beachside cabin. If you’re willing to go small you can one for very cheap. With the front steps landing you on the sand, you can’t stay any closer to the beach. A good idea while on Ko Samui is a trip to the nearby Ko Pha Ngan. Not only great for swimming and snorkelling, the island is also home to Thailand’s infamous full moon parties.

Roughly the same flight time from Singapore is Phuket. Famous the world over, Phuket continues to be one of the most desired and visited beach destinations on the planet. If you don’t like the idea of massive crowds, there are still places in Phuket not suffering from a constant influx of tourists. If its beaches you want then the west coast is where most of them are, of course this is where most of the tourists are as well, but the further away you go from the city of Patong, the less tourist there will be. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the south-eastern coast. The main beach there is Nai Ham but if you can find Ya Nui there will be even less people and a great opportunity to go snorkelling on the shallow reef that that juts out directly from the beach itself. If crowds and partying are more your thing then you’ve definitely come to the right place. Patong is known as one of the party capitals of Asia, attracting thousands upon thousands of people to its endless amount of bars and nightclubs. This has led to prices being higher than normal for Thailand. In fact most places in Thailand not located on the mainland will be more expensive. This is not just because they are usually tourist destinations but also because they are out of the way and thus things cost more to transport there.

For a quieter yet up-and-coming destination, head east across the water from Phuket and you’ll find Krabi. For years overshadowed by nearby Phuket, Krabi is growing in popularity, now receiving 2 million visitors a year. The main area is Ao Nang. This is the main beach resort and what most people will be talking about when they say Krabi. If you want the beach without the shops and bars then head to Had Yao, also known as Long Beach. This is the last untouched beach in Krabi offering some peace and tranquillity on top of the beautiful scenery. One of the main attractions of Krabi is the large karst rock formations. This has led to the area becoming popular with rock climbers, with Rai Leh being the main hotspot. Climbers come from all over the world come here just to take on the amazing karsts in the area. If you find yourself there but you’re not a rock climber, you’ll still be able to enjoy the beach and the breath-taking views. Krabi is also the scuba diving capital of Thailand so if that’s your hobby then you’ll be spoilt for choice.

With a roughly two hour flight time, Thailand’s capital Bangkok is an obvious destination for a short trip from Singapore, but if you want a real adventure, there’s another way to get there, and it’s a classic. Travel for three days in pure luxury from Singapore to Bangkok on board the Eastern & Oriental Express. Leaving from Woodlands station, the train makes its way over the Johor – Singapore Causeway into Malaysia. The train will travel for the rest of the day before stopping in Kuala Lumpur for an hour just before 11PM. It will then travel all night to Penang, The train will be stopped for two hours in Penang while you take a guided tour of historic Georgetown. The next leg will be a non-stop ride for 24 hours all the way to Kanchanaburi. Here you will take another guided tour, this time by boat on the infamous River Kwai. Later that day you’ll be dropped at your final destination, Bangkok. Three days of luxury travel and accommodation, great food and amazing views. A trip on the Eastern & Oriental Express will be something you’ll never forget.

Thailand is a country everyone should visit at least once in their life. From people seeking relaxation to people that just want to party, Thailand provides something for everyone. Whether you stay in the jet age or go back to the golden age of travel on board the Orient Express, the proximity and cultural contrast to Singapore means it’s an essential trip for any traveller. 

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Jumping off from Singapore – Travels Abroad Part 2: Malaysia

Click to read Part 1: Indonesia

If you would prefer to travel somewhere over land instead of sea, just over the bridge north of Singapore is Malaysia. The most popular destination for short trips from Singapore is the state of Johor, one of the most developed states in Malaysia. The capital city Johor Bahru sits just over the water and takes about an hour to get to by car or bus from central Singapore, depending on traffic of course. The Malaysian government recently abolished the need to fill in immigration cards on arrival via land so the process has become a lot faster, however, during peak times the process can be quite slow. The main way to get to Malaysia from Singapore is the Johor–Singapore Causeway. Completed in 1923 this is still the most used road to get in and out of Singapore. Therefore it can get quite crowded. As Johor is an easy weekend destination, Friday evenings can see very long waits at the Causeway. As such a bridge was built in 1998 to help ease the congestion on the Causeway.  The price you pay for this however is that the bridge, known as the Malaysia–Singapore Second Link, is on Singapore’s west coast and thus further away from the Singapore city centre, which also means it drops you in Malaysia quite far from Johor Bahru.  In most cases you’d use this bridge if braving the long drive or bus trip to Malacca or Kuala Lumpur.

The newest destination in Johor is Legoland. Opening late 2012, the theme park has proved very popular with Singaporeans seeking weekend trips. Situated closer to the Second-Link, this is a great chance to use the second bridge. If catching the bus find out which bus takes which route before buying your ticket. Legoland is obviously aimed towards a younger audience, although there are some more grown-up rides like roller coasters, but ultimately it’s a family theme-park aimed at kids. The other main reasons Singaporeans visit Johor Bahru is for shopping. That might seem strange as Singapore is famous for its shopping, but with prices in Malaysia being a bit cheaper, sometime it makes sense. As a tourist though, you might not see much difference in prices.

 Further north is Malacca. Being a 3-5 hour bus trip from Singapore and with bus tickets costing as low as $15, it’s a great destination for those wanting to get away but are restricted by budget. The main reason for visiting Malacca (spelled Meleka in Malay) is for the culture. Years of former rule by the British, Dutch and Portuguese has left such a mark on the area that the city centre has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.  Popular past times are exploring the historic city by foot or taking a boat on the Malacca River.

The next stop on any trip to Malaysia is the capital city itself, Kuala Lumpur. Roughly an 8 hour bus trip or drive from Singapore it’s much quicker and only a little bit more expensive to fly. With a flight time of an hour, using one of the many budget airlines is the best option. Highlights in KL are the food, which the locals will assure you is better than in Singapore, a rivalry that will probably go on forever. Also a must visit is Petronas Towers, at one time the world’s tallest building. Take a ride to the top in one of the 29 double-decker passenger lifts to get amazing and unmatchable views of KL and its surroundings.

For some completely different, the Cameron Highlands provide a change of pace and some respite from the heat of South East Asia. Located 200 kilometres (124 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur, it’s also possible to catch a luxury overnight bus all the way from Singapore. At 1,500 metres (almost 5000 ft) above sea level, the Cameron Highlands usually tops out at about 23 degrees Celsius during the day, a sharp contrast to the heat of Singapore and most of Malaysia. The main reason to visit the area is for the nature. With the beautiful scenery of the mountains and numerous waterfalls, it’s the perfect place to get back to nature after the hustle and bustle of Singapore or KL. The Cameron Highlands is also the home of the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia. As the flower lives deep in the forest you’ll need to get yourself a 4WD vehicle or sign up for a tour to see it.

Separated from by Malaysia by nothing but a narrow strait, Singapore is the perfect jumping off point for a trip to Malaysia. Whether by plane, train bus or car, anything from a day trip to a weeklong adventure is easily done. Just don’t forget your passport. 

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Jumping off from Singapore – Travels Abroad Part 1: Indonesia

One of the reasons many people choose Singapore as a travel destination is that it’s a great place to sample Asia but with zero hassle. All the transport works, English speakers don’t face a language barrier and prices are still very reasonable compared to Western countries. All that plus its strategic location makes it the perfect jumping off point for other countries in the area.

The closest part of Indonesia to Singapore is Batam. At only around 40 minutes boat ride from Singapore, this is one of the most popular weekend destinations for Singaporeans. The island of Batam is roughly the same size as Singapore but with about 4 million less people. One of Indonesia’s big attractions is that it’s cheap. If the nightlife in Singapore is destroying your bank balance, a night out in Batam could be the answer. With cheap hotels and food you can have a huge night and not go broke. If a night on the town is your objective then head to Nagoya where bars, clubs, restaurants and small hotels are abundant. If you’re after something a little more wholesome, on Batam you’ll have the opportunity to partake in any water sport you can think of.  Or if you prefer dry land how about a round of golf at Talvas Golf and Country Club. One thing you have to do in Batam is try some seafood. Caught daily in the surrounding waters, all the prawns, lobsters and local fish are fresh as can be.

If you have a bit more money to spend and feel like just kicking your feet up in a lush resort then Bintan Island is the place to go. A 45-50 minute boat ride from Singapore will get you to the northwest of the island, where beachfront resorts abound. At different times during its long history, Bintan has been ruled by the Portuguese, the Dutch, the Arabs, and the British. Although the culture left behind by these foreign powers has left its mark; Bintan is more of a relaxation destination than a cultural one. Another main attraction however, is the local fauna. Out of the seven species of sea turtle in the world, six of them can be found in Indonesia, with many frequenting Bintan. Also living on the island are eagles, kites and monkeys. As mentioned most people come to Bintan to relax in one of the many resorts.  Although probably considered not too expensive by world standards, most of the resorts aren’t cheap. However they do provide world class luxury in a beautiful setting. So if you’re in Singapore and really feel like treating yourself, a little bit of decadence is only a short boat trip away.

These are the two closest locations in Indonesia to Singapore. But getting to other places is hardly a stretch. With many budget airlines it’s cheap and easy to get to most places. In fact Jakarta is only a three hour flight from Singapore making a visit to the Indonesian capital very feasible. Just remember to carry a US$10 note when arriving anywhere in Indonesia as you’ll need that for your visa. Of course that’s subject to change and there are different rules for different nationalities so you should of course read up on all that stuff before you head off.

Boats to Batam leave Singapore from HarbourFront while boats to Bintan leave from Changi. 

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Escaping the Heat

The first thing you’ll notice when leaving Changi Airport is that Singapore is hot. Really hot. At only one degree above the equator, Singapore has a hot and humid temperature 365 days a year. The average temperature is between 25 and 31 degrees Celsius with humidity between 70% and 80%. So while you’re here, chances are you’ll want to cool down.

Although everywhere indoors in Singapore is more than adequately air-conditioned, you’ll definitely feel like a swim while you’re here. For backpackers who don’t have access to a hotel pool, a very cheap option is one of the dozens of public swimming pools scattered across Singapore. Although a mission into the heartlands is required, entry to public pools is almost guaranteed to be under $2. There’s also the beach, with East Coast being the most popular. Sentosa also has three beaches with much nicer surroundings but visiting the island does cost money, even if you walk you’ll be stopped to pay a toll. Although Singapore is an island, ocean swimming isn’t that popular here, the surprising lack of beaches and the busy shipping lanes not far from shore being a possible reason.

For access to the most stunning swimming pool in Singapore, you’ll need to book yourself a room at Marina Bay Sands. On the roof, in what they call the SkyPark, is the world’s longest infinity pool. There’s a good chance you won’t find a pool with a better view anywhere in the world. Lounge right on the edge of infinity and relax while taking in the spectacular view of Marina Bay and the Singapore CBD, all at over 650ft above ground.

Those that can’t afford the high-flying luxury of Marina Bay Sands but still want a thrill; Singapore has two large waterparks where you can easily spend a day. Out on the east coast is the original; Wild Wild Wet. Located in Pasir Ris, Wild Wild Wet won the World Water Park Innovation Award in 2004 for its creative design and technology. Wild Wild Wet is more geared towards families, with award winning family orientated facilities and an emphasis on “gentler” water-rides. Also its location right near Pasir Ris MRT station so is very easy to get to.

For the new and closer (but more expensive) Adventure Cove Waterpark, head down to Resorts World Sentosa. Adventure Cove really ups the ante. One of the attractions is South-East Asia’s first hydro-magnetic coaster. Part waterslide, part roller coaster, this slide works by magnets inside the slide and inside the mat you sit on. The magnets work to pull you through a 225m track in just 40 seconds. Other attractions include a wave pool and snorkeling with 20,000 fish. Adventure Cove is actually part of the new aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa, meaning at one point during a gentle tube ride, you’ll travel beneath an aquarium making you feel like you’re underwater.

No matter how hot you get in Singapore, there’s always an easy way to cool down. Whether you just want to kick back in the public pool with the locals or hurtle down giant plastic slides, remember to always wear sunscreen as the humid and sometimes overcast nature of Singapore can be deceiving. Whatever you do while you’re here, just remember to try and stay cool.  

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Kranji Countryside

About 22 kilometres (13 miles) north-west of Singapore City is the Kranji countryside. Some of the last remaining countryside in Singapore, in 2005 The Kranji Countryside Association (KCA) was created by a group of farmers who wanted to preserve this important area and way of life. Livestock, vegetables, ornamental flowers and lots of fish are all farmed at Kranji.

Another reason the KCA was formed was to share the process of farming with the community. With so many Singaporeans growing up in a city and urban environment, the founders of the KCA wanted people to have a better understanding of where their food comes from.

The Kranji area has dedicated a lot of its existence to eco-tourism, or as the call it “agri-tainment”. All the farms are open for people to explore. You can visit the 800 goats that make up Singapore’s only livestock. These goats are raised for their milk and you can see them being milked in the mornings between 9:00 and 11:00. You can also visit one of the many fish farms but for something a bit more unique, stop by the Jurong Frog Farm. It’s here that thousands of American bullfrogs are raised before heading straight to the dinner table. You can even grab some frozen frogs legs while you’re there. One of the most popular farms in Kranji is Bollywood Veggies. This vegetable farm does not use any chemical fertilisers, pesticides or growth hormones. Make sure you sample the produce at their restaurant. As the farmers live here, this is technically a home-cooked meal. And what’s better for you than a home-cooked veggie meal.

If you really feel like getting away from the city for longer than a day, then you can actually stay at D’Kranji Farm Resort. Stay in your own villa with a balcony overlooking fruit and vegetable plantations. One of the main activities here is prawn fishing. Catch some prawns and then cook then cook them straight away for that ultra-fresh taste. D’Kranji Farm Resort also has a seafood restaurants and beer garden with live music.

As it’s the countryside, getting to Kranji Farms is not that simple without a car. As the Kranji MRT station is across the reservoir, your best option is to go to Bukit Gombak MRT and then getting a taxi from there. Kranji is pretty much on the other side of the island from the city and main tourist centres but if you want to try something completely different while you’re here, a trip to the Kranji countryside might be just the ticket. 

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Food with a View

With eating being a major pastime in Singapore, it’s only natural that there are some amazing places to do it. If you’re travelling on a budget, you’ve picked a great place to visit as some of the cheapest food in Singapore is the best. But, if you’re travelling on a budget, you might want to stop reading now. The following is a list of the four best places in Singapore to get a great meal with a great view. It’s fine dining at its finest with unique and astonishing surroundings. The following was written with dinner in mind, as that’s when the best food is rolled out with the glittering lights so the city in the background. If you want something a little less expensive all the places are open for lunch as well.

Stellar at 1-Altidue

1-Altitude is the world’s highest alfresco bar. Located on the 63^rd floor of 1 Raffles Place, it offers one of the world’s best views to accompany a cocktail. One floor below sits Stellar. At over 250 metres (820ft) above the ground, try not to get vertigo as you feast on European style dishes, tonnes of fish and seafood and meat straight from the wood-fired grill. Also available is an amazing array of fresh sushi and sashimi. If you can’t decide what to eat from the extensive menu, never fear as you can design your own 4, 5 or 6 course ‘tasting menu’. This is a great way to sample as many dishes as possible.

Ku Dé Ta at Marina Bay Sands

Ku Dé Ta is the main bar, club and restaurant on top of the infamous Marina Bay Sands hotel and casino. If you’re only in Singapore for a short time, this is the place to visit, as your friends at home who are familiar with Singapore will definitely ask you about it. The restaurant serves what’s best described as Asian fusion. Apart from the sushi and sashimi, a lot of the dishes have a very European feel, but with added tinges of Asian flavour. If you feel like going all out, you need to try the signature steak. Specially imported from Takara Ranch in central Kansai in Japan, this is genuine wagu beef. Do not expect to pay anything less than $200 for this amazing beef.

Equinox Restaurant at Swissotel The Stamford

Located on the 70^th floor of Swissotel The Stamford, enjoy views of nearby Indonesia and Malaysia while feasting on upscale European cuisine.  The most traditional restaurant on the list, the room itself uses lots of wood and even mother of pearl making for an elegant but welcoming atmosphere. No sushi to be found here, just English and European favourites from pork with Scotch egg, prunes and whisky sauce to gnocchi with baby carrots, fennel and turnips. If you’re from that part of the world, this is definitely the place to go if you’re missing a taste of home.

Singapore Flyer Sky Dining

We’ve saved the best till last. While all the other places on the list do have incredible views, they are just standard restaurants. In order to take it to the next level, you need to book a capsule on the Singapore Flyer for you next meal. Dining in the world’s largest Ferris wheel is one of the most memorable dining experience you’ll have anywhere in the world. With uninterrupted spectacular views, the finest food and personal butler-style service, Singapore Flyer Sky Dining is the ultimate dining destination. It’s not cheap but it’s something you’ll never forget and perfect for special occasions like anniversaries and Valentine’s Day.   

Just like the locals, you will spend a lot of time eating while in Singapore. All the options above are a chance to dine somewhere that shows off the city of Singapore. A few things to keep in mind; bookings are essential for all four places. Also extra important, with the exception of the Singapore Flyer, is that not all tables in these restaurants are by the window. When booking a table you should definitely try and reserve a window seat to get the full effect of the restaurants selling point. If you do miss out on a window seat, all the restaurants have bars as well which give a lot more freedom in terms of getting a good view. Have a nice meal and enjoy the view!

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