A friend of mine and I are going to be in Singapore from 7/20 to 7/22 this summer. He's a huge car/racing guy, so I was wondering if Singapore had any racing events or car attractions we could see while we are there - I checked online and couldn't find any during our time period, but figured I would check here as well.
Also, if anyone has recommendations for general things to do while we're there, it would be greatly appreciated! We're both in our early 20s and like nature, history, and sports.
Just Google Singapore and "car museum" - Porsche, Ford - there's a few to choose from.
Shame you can't time your trip to coincide with the F1 Grand Prix in September. My sister and brother-in-law have been to the Singapore race a few times and love it.
Gah! I tried searching for car attractions in Singapore, but after 20 minutes all I could find was the F1 grand prix, go kart racing, and auto shops. Will definitely give car museums a try, thank you!
I don’t know anything about car racing, but I loved Singapore!
There are many great museums. For history, the National Museum of Singapore was great.
For nature, don’t miss Gardens by the Bay. There are also world-class botanic gardens and a zoo. Someone told me they took an “evening safari” at the zoo that was fun.
The only downside of Singapore is the hot, humid weather. Plan some activities in the evening when it’s “cooler,” And plan some time inside an air conditioned venue. There are many shopping malls with really good food courts - often underground where it’s cooler. “Hawker centers” are also good places to get reasonably priced and authentic food (but not always air conditioned).
Have fun!
Thanks all!
@RJ
Please try https://www.classiccarclubsg.com/about
Either contact direct or have your car club secretary (that is what they are for, and most have access to the international network) contact and arrange an introduction and contacts of the marques in which you are interested. Take it from there.
I suspect you have not been to this little island previously, so maybe the following will help.
Changi airport is the best in the world. Even better if in biz or the real first class. Dubai and Doha are close second.
Has a Mass Rapid Transport system that is spotlessly clean. easy to use, an English menu and with vertical malls above most stations. Just leave your wife, girlfriend and daughters, and credit card, there and enjoy the city in peace.
Taxis are everywhere. I have made mates with one who collects us. The city CBD is a short ride, about 20 mins/ 20kms. The Raffles is my preferred choice of accommodation.
Central Singapore’s Clarke Quay has a plethora of food establishments. A good place if a little nervous about street vendors. Sentosa is the place if resorts are your world. Gardens by the Bay lights up at night. Top of Marina Bay Sands gives the best views. Especially in the early evening.
Singapore Cricket Club is the best starting point for sports. Try https://scc.org.sg/.
As mentioned above get the secretary of one of your clubs to arrange an introduction. You will need one. My go to place. Just a short stroll from the Supreme Court of Singapore for lunch and dinner.
If golf is your game, use your local club secretary to prepare an introduction.
No need to hire a car, use taxis. Car ownership is expensive and for the professional workforce. It is a small island. My mates eagerly lend me their well-preserved cars and I find driving, outside of peak times, easy and convenient. If you decide to hire, make sure you have an up-to-date IDP. So says the Police Commissioner of Singapore. Ignore the protests of the anti IDP lobby, and other backwoods southern lawyers, this is my stamping ground.
Weather. When not working, shorts, T shirts and thongs (flip flops to you). Magnificent afternoon tropical thunderstorms. I am enjoying it now. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-time-to-visit-singapore.
Get your cash currency before engaging in commerce. If your try to use USD, you will be well and truly screwed over, but will not know it.
Have never tipped in Singapore. I consider it elitist and condescending.
Zero tolerance of narcotics. Death penalty is enforced. Similar story in other southern Asian countries. Do not try it. To the best of knowledge there are no Singaporean arms dealers in US jails to trade for you, and I suspect you are not a well-known athlete.
Brunei. Small country. Wealthy. Was there as a working guest not a tourist. SGD is accepted as equal to local currency. My impressions, a place for the wealthy.
Regards Ron
@TD
Thank you, this is amazing! Appreciate you taking the time to compile these resources, and will definitely use the tips.
Singapore has one of the biggest casinos in the world. Obviously a lot of people enjoy it; I prefer to look at the unusual architecture from the outside and then lose my money in all the great Singapore restaurants. The wide range of cooking, and craft beers too, only suffer from the fact that prices are much higher than in its Asian neighbours. Since housing is cramped and automobiles restricted, show-off wealth has turned to knowing the latest and fanciest and, well, best dining in the city-state.
