We discovered a whole new section of breakfast this am. The service is excellent, of particular note is the Barista by morning/poolside bar person by day, Neo, Aunty Sue ordered coffee yesterday and me tea -Earl Grey yesterday. We ran into Neo while checking out Pool bar and this morning they remembered us and our order all with a lovely friendly disposition.
Our plan today was MRT to Fort Canning, then maybe Orchard Rd, a boat cruise and in the pm a visit to Atlas gin bar before needing to pack as this is the last day.
Fort Canning Park was well worthwhile, well kept gardens with big old trees and lots of Colonial and military history.
Also a random lizard or two.
We lucked onto a small museum called the Bunker Box. It was the actual bunker used by the British and Allied forces and subsequently the Japanese during the Battle, fall and invasion of Singapore by the Japanese in February 1942. The bunker is as it was and the work they have done to recreate the rooms with artefacts and excellent human models (maybe they used Madame Tussaud to help out) really gave you a good sense of the solemnity and depth of despair at the fall of Singapore. Many references to Australian troops and photos and excerpts from war writings – VERY fitting on ANZAC Day.
Then a Quick Look at the now “Insta famous Fort Canning Tree Tunnel. The queue to get the Instagram shot was long. So I snapped a random person posing and Suzie and I posed leaving the tunnel. Amazing the power of Insta influencers.
Lunch was eaten at a small cafe called Edith, we shared a small quiche washed down with a nice iced latte and something a little sweet, an Earl Grey scone for me and a raspberry mango slice for Aunty Sue.
Given the heat 30 at 10am and humidity around 80%, I particularly feel like I’m melting, but having a little break in air conditioning and a cool drink, recharges the batteries and we are good to go again.
We then hit up the MRT to get to Clarke Quay, short trip but a few line changes.
At Clarke Quay we booked a Singapore River Experience, with about 40 minutes to sit at a Riverside Mexican place with a passion fruit mocktail.
We boarded at 2:45 for a 3:00 tour along the Singapore river. It was a great little 40 minute tour that gave us a different perspective on lots we saw yesterday.
Back into the subway to visit the famous shopping strip along Orchard Rd. It has to be seen but in reality some shopping centres resembled Chadstone (ION shopping centre) others the Vic Market (Lucky Chan).
The day was definitely getting away from us, so we headed home to the hotel about 6:00 to refresh and head out to our finale for this fabulous trip Atlas Bar.
Both the bar and the Parkview Square building in which it is located were simply astounding.
The Parkview Square building is built in the Art Deco style and it was just stood out amongst the other buildings. Adorned with statues and art deco facades reminiscent of New York City, it was a really imposing building. (And only 400m from our hotel)
Once we’d taken some shots of the building and statues we ventured inside to find the bar – recommended by Susie.
We were lucky to snag the last table without a reservation.
The inside was as captivating as the exterior. Very intricate in all its detail. There was a bar at either end of the space, with a Gin Tower housing over 1000 gins from around the world.
The menu had a lot of info about gin and other drink related trivia along with an extensive array of cocktail, gin and drink options. There was also a food menu.
We read diligently while being plied with Atlas Sparking water and Sweet Potato Chips.
After perusing the drinks list and getting some suggestions from the bartender we opted to start with an Espresso Martini. I have to say this would have to be one of, if not the best drink I’ve had.
The bartenders/cocktail makers were creating theatre of making and drink.
We were just gobsmacked by the opulence and artistry of the Atlas. We couldn’t capture in pictures. I can only say you have to experience to understand it.
We enjoyed people watching and shared a delicious fried chicken sandwich with pickles, pickled corn and tiny pickled capsicum.
It was a totally apt way to put a full stop on our South Korea/Singapore adventures.
We were in awe of the Parkview Square building and went into the forecourt to admire it fully.
There were a couple of people twirling some lighted ribbons that looked like dragons. Very effective. Then back into the bar to leave the way we came in so we didn’t get lost going home.
Home to pack – our cases are getting tight with all the bits and pieces we have collected during our travels.
Into bed about 11:30 and finishing this writing at 12:25. Hope to find time to trawl through the photos and get the blog composed and published tomorrow at the airport perhaps. I also need to finalise yesterday’s blog and also our last day in South Korea.
PS. Failed in my mission to complete blogs at airport or train etc. so finalising the last few days at home in Oz.
Travel adventures with Nicola & co. 