We got to Malaysia from Nongsa Point Marina on Batam Island, Indonesia on November 23rd. Several days later we visited Singapore over the weekend from Puteri Harbour Marina in Malaysia. We had a long and exhausting time getting there with buses and a customs lineup lasting one and half hours but on the way back we took a shared taxi and the trip was much faster and comfortable.
Singapore is ultra modern vibrant city with over 5 million inhabitants. They go for Christmas in a big way with decorations everywhere especially in the main shopping district on Orchard Street The city is foliated with vibrant green trees, hedges, and flowers.
Everybody goes out at night, every night for eating, shopping, and entertainment. We made it down to Marina Bay on the Esplanade one night and the view of the central business district and the casino was spectacular.
We stopped at the Raffles Hotel to have a Singapore Sling where it was invented. The hotel dates from the late 1800s. A bit overpriced for the privilege, then again everything is quite expensive in the city; however, the hotel and bar were quite inviting.