miss b loves ....... Singapore, a city of contrasts (Part 1)

I'm back from my travels! 

Singapore is a true melting pot of cultures. We visited this fascinating city a few years ago on a two night stopover from Bali, but having read about the new ambitious architectural projects, we decided to go back and spend more time there. 

It's a city of contrasts with old and new buildings sitting side by side .......stunning colonial buildings and a futuristic skyline. 

There's an array of world-class restaurants and high quality street food which we were keen to try too.

Day 1 began with a stroll around the local area. The Merlion statue is the symbol of the city with the body of a fish (representing Singapore's origin as a humble fishing village) and the head of a lion from the Malay Singapura (meaning lion city.)

Next stop...another Singapore icon...Raffles Hotel, a colonial style building established in 1887 and named after Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore.  

During our last visit we had enjoyed afternoon tea in the Tiffin Room but this time we planned to return the following evening for a Singapore Sling or two!

A quick detour down Waterloo Road to Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho temple. Built in 1884, it's one of the finest Chinese temples in Singapore. During the Japanese occupation in the Second World War, the temple became a refuge for the sick and elderly.

.....and then we continued to Singapore's colonial area to St Andrew's Cathedral .....

City Hall and the Old Supreme Court building are being converted into the National Art Gallery ......

The Singapore Cricket Club was established in 1852 .....it was almost like being back in England!!

The Old Parliament House is now The Arts House ....a literary arts centre .....

...... and while there we popped into Earshot café (another Luxe City Guide recommendation!)

We were ready for a refreshing iced tea and a temporary escape from the heat and humidity...

Opposite, the Victoria Theatre was due to open after extensive renovations ....another beautiful building  with an impressive clock tower ......

Around the corner stands the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles marking the part of the riverbank where he first landed in 1819. He was an agent of the British East India Company hoping to establish a free port, a halfway point for traders along the China-India route. A treaty was signed giving the British the right to establish a trading port. 

I wonder what he would think 
of Singapore today?
I'm sure he would be impressed!

In 1867 Singapore became a British Crown Colony and remained so until 1959 when it achieved self governance.

The Botanic Gardens were the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon and certainly exceeded our expectations. Immaculate, beautifully maintained  and a riot of colour even on a dull grey day ....

The gardens are well laid out in clearly marked areas .... 

What an amazing collection of Bougainvilleas which always remind me of holidays in the sun!

Dotted around the gardens are whimsical sculptures which make the gardens come alive .....These two caught my eye ......

'Girl on a Swing' and
'Lady in a Hammock'

....and my favourite, 'Girl on a Bicycle' which I remember seeing on Alexis Grace's blog North on Harper (and the one which we were determined to find!!)

'Girl on a Bicycle ' by Sydney Harpley,
donated by David Marshall

The Chopin sculpture is perfectly located  near the Symphony Lake and stage.  We would love to return one day to listen to one of the open air concerts.

The highlight of the afternoon was the National Orchid Garden with the world's largest collection of orchids. No wonder it's the most popular section of the Botanic Gardens.

Vanda Miss Joaquim is the National Flower of Singapore .....

Singapore has a tradition of naming orchids after important visitors and these can be seen in the VIP area. This delicate white orchid was named in memory of Princes Diana in 1997 ..... 

These steps were made by Prisoners of war during the Japanese occupation (1942-1945) and they are a poignant reminder of Singapore's past .....

As an act of defiance the prisoners imprinted arrows on many of the steps ....... 

Back to our hotel ....The Fullerton which is in a perfect location on the river and close to the main attractions.

Built in 1928 , it boasts an illustrious past and was home to the General Post Office. Sympathetically restored and converted to a hotel in 2001, many original features have been retained.

There's a huge, impressive atrium with a popular area for afternoon tea ........

 Up on the balcony musicians serenade guests...

The complimentary green tea drink in our room was a welcome touch too....

A short taxi ride and we were in Chinatown and The Study, a new unpretentious bistro style restaurant, with a great menu and service, opened by Michelin star chef Jason Atherton. 

A tiny restaurant .....I'm glad we reserved our table before leaving England! 

So that was our first day ...busy but varied with a perfect ending ....cocktails in the rooftop Lantern Bar at the sister hotel, The Fullerton Bay .......

A truly unforgettable setting with enchanting views of the Singapore skyline ......the huge ferris wheel known as the Singapore Flyer, the three towers of the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the ArtScience Museum, reminiscent of a lotus flower.  

Please join me next time for Part 2 ... Chinatown, Gardens by the Bay and a memorable lunch....

We're enjoying a mini heatwave in England and taking every opportunity to be outside! I'm looking forward to catching up on all my favourite blogs .....but I can't resist sitting in the sunshine while it lasts .....apparently rain is on its way ......