Singapore Fling August 2023 - Hostess Round Up Kaarie Stephens

We had a big first day in Singapore. Some of us came for the gardens, and the National Orchid Garden was astonishingly beautiful! Some of us swore we would be back there again! We never wanted to leave these botanical gardens but it was day one and there was much more to see.  We toured the city with our fabulous local guide on a private bus. Multicultural from its beginnings, Singapore has ‘Little India’, ‘the Arab Quarters’, ‘Chinatown’, Joo Chiat district and Perkanan culture, that all make for diverse experiences as a visitor. Some of us ventured to the 57th floor of the iconic building, Marina Bay Sands, a famous engineering feat near the bay. We looked out to one of the busiest ports in the world as we sipped our cocktails. The port takes in over 2,000 ships each day! We’d toured Singapore by ‘bum boat’ on a lovely balmy night, grateful to be warm with no big blaring sun. Some of us stayed by the river near Clarke Key for dinner watching the Matildas play the semifinal; an amazing atmosphere with lots of expats and tourists cheering passionately. ‘Gardens by the Bay’ was a definite highlight with the huge glass greenhouse, the ‘Flower Dome’ a delight. We ‘d never seen anything quite like it with art installations featuring ‘Avatar’ and the ‘Cloud Forest’ with a spectacular indoor waterfall.  Some sisters went back at night to see the Giant trees light show with a groovy, local musical sound track. Raffles Hotel was another highlight, living up to our expectations in every way with a glorious Afternoon Tea followed by a drink upstairs in the Long Bar. Most of us chose the famous gin based ‘Singapore Sling’, sipping while we shelled and ate our peanuts, taking in the historic grand surrounds. Not far to walk to our hotel, we were staying in a fabulous central location. On our last free day, we could walk, take the subway or taxis to go to our favourite places with our new friends. Seven days flew by! It was a shame we had to say goodbye but many sisters will stay in touch and plan the next adventures together.