We began our SE Asia trip in Singapore and ended it there.

It is  a great place to visit. The people were very friendly and polite. There are many correlations to Japan, with cleanliness, safety, transportation, food, and more. The biggest difference is the people spoke excellent English and almost all signs were in English including menus.

We stayed at the very nice Hotel Bencoolen conveniently located on Hong Kong Street and only two blocks from the Singapore River. The room was very spacious and bright.

Our first night led us from our hotel to Chinatown for dinner. We were determined to try the local Chicken rice dish. The rice is boiled in chicken broth and served with strips of chicken. We passed many establishments serving the dish until we found one with an open-air dinning room. The meal was up to our expectations.

In the morning we purchased a rail/bus pass similar to our Suica and traveled to Singapore Botanical Gardens. It started raining and we waited with several other people under a gazebo for over an hour. Finally Miwa and I decided to head out in search of a restaurant for breakfast. Soon after our meal the rain slowed down enough for us to walk most of the garden. I was very impressed with the orchid exhibit, they all were naturally grown rather than in a pot.There were over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids. The Orchid breeding program began in 1928 creating the largest display in the world. The healing garden had over 400 different plants that are used for healing various parts of the body. There was also a Ginger garden displaying over 3,000 plants. We could tell where the Fragrance garden was before we entered the area because of the sweet smell in the air. There were many other themed areas and it took us almost three hours or 25,000 steps to cover this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage garden.

The garden was established in 1859 as an agricultural development area for Singapore. One of the many success stories was the development of Para rubber, which transformed Singapore's economy. Even today they continue plant research and development. They boast the internationally recognized herbarium collection with over 750,000 specimens.

I want to come back on a clear sunny day and do the garden again. We took the train to Little India and walked around until we found Madras New Woodlands restaurant that was listed on Miwa's guidebook. The service was great and the food so tasty, when we visit Singapore again a second round at this restaurant will be in order.

With our bellies full we boarded another subway train and headed over to the harbor to see the famous Merlion fountain. This is the symbol of Singapore and thousand of people flock to the site everyday to capture a picture with their mouths open catching the water from the Merlion. Yes, Miwa and I both took pictures from various angles.

Across the harbor from the fountain is a strange looking building with what looks like a large ship sitting on the roof, otherwise known as Marina Bay Sands Sky Park. It was rather long walk across several bridges before we arrived and took an elevator to the top. What an amazing view of Singapore. I was especially interested in the hundreds of commerce ships anchored just outside the harbor. There were so many that a pilot boat would have to zigzag their way to the docks. This city nation has 5.6 million people all nestled into 137 square kilometers, so to house the people there are hundreds, maybe thousands of high-rise condos in every direction. After taking pictures we walked over to Gardens by the Bay, which contains the Guinness Book of World Record largest glass greenhouse. As you have already guessed Singapore is a garden paradise. Thirty percent Singapore's land has been filled in from the sea with most of it dedicated to parks and gardens, which also explains the "Garden City" knick name.

Wow, a very long day filled with sights, sounds, smells, and plenty of good food. Back at the hotel it was easy to fall asleep.

In the morning we checked out and left our luggage at the hotel while we walked back to the harbor area where there are many historic buildings including the Parliament house, St Andrews Cathedral, Supreme Court, City Hall, Museums galore, and the historic Cricket Club.

If you visit Southeast Asia, Singapore must be on your list. We are planning on going back again.

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