Looking forward to hearing about the new places, Nicky...

Are you going to try any new restaurants in Singapore?

Not sure yet Craig, usually leave it up to K. She has mentioned a nice bar called Ku De TA which I think has good views and a chilled vibe! A visit to Dempsey for a) black pepper crab B) a mooch around the furniture warehouses is a must!

Have a great time! If you have any new Singapore restaurant recommendations, do let me know. We will be there for a couple of days at the end of our Java trip.

Enjoy Gaggan!

Sounds good - have fun!

Have a good trip! Will be interested to hear how Lombok is looking these days.

Bon Voyage Nicky and look forward to seeing you in Bangkok!

again i say bon voyage!!

are you saying there is an A/A flt from bkk to sin, or is it a codeshare??

Have a fun trip!

Bob I think she's flying with EVA and they have codeshare agreements with AA.

Will be following along with eager anticipation!

Bon Voyage, my friend!
(Someday you must simply drug Muffin and drag him onto a plane with you, my dear. Think of how surprised he'd be to find himself in Phuket!)

BC

Had a fantastic lunch at Gaggan today with Kuranouske. Gaggan and his no2 were there so I told them to bring their A game for our GTG.

If you can squeeze in dinner or lunch at Raffles in Singapore you will enjoy the best Chineses food you will have ever eaten-100% guaranteed!

On the other hand, if you go to Raffles for afternoon tea, you'll get a great eastern AND western spread. Raspberries and cream. Scones and clotted cream...

I did not see earlier advice on BK but weekend market is still a draw based on 2009 stop we made. Arriving at 10 is ideal because 90+% of vendors are set-up and crowds are not normally there yet. We visited the market three times over the past 13-14 years and found it an experience each time even if only for 90 -120 minutes. Normally pay after negiotations 30-35% of initial asking price. If you buy 4-5 items from same vendors you can try for 25%. The heat gets to you and most of what you buy is most suitable for token gifts.

Made it to SP, I had to clear immigration in BKK collect my bag and check in for my AA flight to SP but thanks to Pook did it all in 1 hour. Singapore airport surpassed itself from landing to being in a taxi under 20 minutes....
brunch with friends in SP to tomorrow then off to Lombok in the afternoon.
Stan agree - did lunch in Raffles when we stayed there a few years ago, not sure I will make it back this time.
Pook, can't wait to try Gaggan again. BTW Pook, all your goods safely made it to SP.

now you are his mule to singapore??

Warm greetings Nicky and welcome back to SE Asia. And, many thanks for spending time (and funds) in our fine home of Singapore; special part of the world.

Can personally vouch for the rather unique Ku De Ta and its various environs, including the club lounge, sky deck and sky bar. If you time it right and the weather cooperates, some special sunset and dusk colours. I (we) never tire of witnessing the evening lights envelope SIN from various locations.

Will also give the continued highest praise of the Four Seasons Singapore. Not too many weeks back, our little Singaporean property underwent a few days of renovations, necessitating a move to alternate lodgings. My old SIN business travel hotel, the FS, came through once again. Such great staff and friends. Sounds as though your Singapore lodgings are sorted, but if you have time and are so inclined, the FS lobby, bar and restaurants have never disappointed.

Concerning Bangkok, have never personally stayed at the Hansar; she should work well for you. For a future BKK visit with your beloved, will wholeheartedly recommend The Siam. Stayed in a river view pool villa this past July (soft opening rates, to be sure) and what a magical place. Its restaurant, Chon Thai, was most acceptable to yours truly and his beloved. One of these days I'll get around to a proper review of the property. (I'm sure you can relate with your *always* completed trip reports!)

More BKK updates for you, Nicky, and all: the St. Regis was as fine as ever last month for meetings. (Check out its bar terrace sometime; sweet views and staff.) Pretty competitive corporate 'fare wars' presently going with some of the big names, including the BKK Four Seasons. Looks as though that all-time sentimental property will once again be my primary work hotel in Bangkok; great place and can't wait to return.

Have fun Nicky, sweet and smooth flights to you, and hope your future foray to California goes well. Speaking of the latter, will close with more praise of yes, Singapore Airlines. Flew into San Francisco about five hours back via the always delightful SQ 16. That 1-2-1 business class seating configuration, Book the Cook, and that service; well, no complaints from me. Will be in SF Bay Area for a few days of meetings and checking on the property before slowly working my way back home to Singapore. (Via SQ and one TG, for now.)

Signing off from a truly glorious and sunny San Francisco. Warm weekend wishes to you and all,

macintosh (robert)


... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

Yes Bob I have mules from every continent! With Nicky it's precious stones, with Kuranosuke it's macadamia popcorn, with Kathie it's wine, with Carol it's shoes, with you it's toothbrush... you see each one have their expertise and skills which I rely upon when "transporting" goods.

and pook we all rely on you for hospitality!!

Well we are here at Qunci Villas. fabulous place, wonderful people, great food and had a 3 hour spa session today! Lovely.... Off to tour some parts of the island tomorrow.
Flight on Silk air from SP was uneventful and easy and took just over 1 hour to get here frommthe airport. I think it's probably grown quite a bit since some of you were here, now has a total of 80rooms ( and it's currently full due to a wedding yesterday) but with 3 pools and lots of sun loungers it really hasn't felt crowded at all.

I'm glad you like it! It has grown a lot - it was 20 rooms when we were there.

are you in the older or newer part?

have fun

looking forward to Singapore recommendations. Have fun!

we require more prompt reporting!!!

I did a whole load of detail earlier and lost it arghhhhh.
Having a fab time, had a ten hour tour yesterday with a great guide ( I wil post his details later) went to the 2 waterfalls, mount Ranjani, some local villages and Mataram. A bit long in the car for my liking but our guide Aziz was great. We are going to Gilli Naggu tomorrow, apparently the more "famous" Gilis now have 15 boats a day from Bali, so we are going snorkelling and exploring there all day tomorrow and then Aziz will drop us at the airport for our evening flight to SP.
Sad to be leaving Qunci, it's been a fab stay and the food wonderful, but most of all the staff are a delight.
Back to SP for 3 nights, then on to Bangkok, where'd does the time go!

It sounds like you've had a great time!

Kathie, we love Qunci ( and I believe it was you who first brought it to my attention - so from K and I thank you very much

You are most welcome. I believe I was the first Fodorite to stay at Qunci, and I have recommended it to many who have stayed since.

it is a fab place for sure..

is the new lombok airport now open?

Yes the new airport is open. Although 1 man on immigration at the gate took a while. Went with Aziz to Gili Nanggu today, SE of Lombok. About 1.15 hours from Qunci and then a 10/15 minute boat ride. Great for snorkelling ( although I had faulty equipment to start off with and thought I was going to drown,, I now have very coral cut up knees!!!)
Anyway there is one restuarant and ( cold) showers - which we used before Aziz dropped us at the airport. This place is idyllic and there was probably 15 people there max ( I saw about 5 but Kerry said there were a few more round the corner) I believe you can stay there, the accommodation is very very basic. There is nothing else to do except look at the amazing scenery and snorkel. Really beautiful place.
Next time we would snorkel more. You pass some beautiful scenery along the way, Aziz pointed out all the things being grown by people. I was amazed at the diversity and just the amount of things grown on Lombok.
Sad to say goodbye to lovely Lombok, I would think it has changed quite a bit since many of you were there but it still feels sleepy to me. Mataram reminded me of a small Yangon.
Exploring round SP tomorrow, K is back to work.

eat those crabs you love!!

hugs to pook!!

Had a really great couple of days in Singapore, now waiting for the plane to BKK.
Went to Gardens by the Bay yesterday ( it was baking hot) this place is fabulous, we walked round for a couple of hours ( the outside space is free) there are 2 large "conservatories" which we didn't go into , this is S$28 for admission to both. We did do the skywalk which is S$5 each, a really great place to spend a couple of hours and it's still a work in progress.

Went for drink at KU De TA after which is a great bar ( on the same level at SKY on 57 ) there is sometimes a cover charge but if you go up before 6pm ( I think) it's free. Save your receipt from your drinks and you can then gain entry tothe Ku De TA restaurant viewing platform.

One for FW, some REALLY cute bars and restuarants on Ang Seing Hill, went to a couple of rooftop bars on Friday and a lovely French place yesterday. I'll write them down and bring them with me when I see you in November.

Went for dinner at Level 33 last night. Yet another fab outside terrace overlooking MBS etc. it's in tower 1 of the Marina Bay financial centre. Good Pan Asian food, not to horrifically priced, book ahead and suggest a table outside as its chilly inside. Service was mixed but would recommend.

Also great food court in the MBS shopping centre, really really handy if you are visiting Gardens by the bay and fancy some lunch. ( although the are 7 restuarants in GBTB)
About to board, will post more from BKK.

Welcome back to Bangkok Nicky! Might rain today so you better get moving and go to the weekend market. See you tonight for our GTG!

have fun... don't forget the hand cream

Aww. You're the best! I'm sure our respective beaus will have lots of time to get to know each other as we gab all things SP.

Still waiting for my room Pook!!! Can't seem to get my email working, so see you tonight at the time discussed.
Went to new place for me Friday, Haji lane next to Arab street, small street with cute little shops, this is a predominately "young" place but I found a few things......
Theres a nice exhibition at the national library ref Raffles and the founding of Singapore, it's free and on the 10 th floor.

PS FW I have saved my Luxe guide to SP for you, it's the latest one, I'll bring it in November.
Should add the Raffles exhibition is on till end February.

Lovely GTG with Nicky and several memorable moments at Gaggan involving a Spaniard, a Thai and Italian truffle.

Smeagol; I know you did not enjoy thye Chinese at Raffles this time but the "real" Chinese restaurant at the Peninsula in BK is an 8 if the one in raffles is a 9.
Not street food for sure and no hash but fine cooking. You might want to try it. Two years ago my wife and I spent 95 without liqour or wine but ordered all we wanted.

Gaggan was even better than last time I was there. We had such a great time and many thanks to Mony and Pook for a fab night. And yes some comedy moments involving all things noted above!!!
This is still one of my absolute favourite restaurants.
Stan, thanks for the tip.
LOTS of rain last night ( but thankfully not only is Pook a great hosts he also played Taxi driver as well )
Did a quick run to Paragon yesterday to pick up my usual supply of Harnn products and a few other regular purchases. Busy day today, looking for curtain material so off to the main JT shop and then maybe the outlet down the road.

I am so looking forward to Gaggan in November...

many curtain choices at the soi 93 outlet

Glad to read your comments about the Gardens by the Bay. It's on our list for November.

We are envious of your meal at Gaggan... It sounds like a good time was had by all.

Just got back after being on the go for over 8 hours! been to both JT outlets and the main shop, couldn't find what I was looking for!!! Also went to Empiorium and first time vist to Terminal 21, which I thought was a fantastic mall, nice little individual shops, not really high street at all.
It's now REALLY raining and the road outside my hotel is flooded, I just had to wade through the water to get back into the hotel!!!
Had planned on going to Asiatique tonight, I'll give it an hour or so and see if it eases off a bit.
My SE Asia is nearly at an end for this time, back to the UK tomorrow! Have had a great time and so good to catch up with my friends in BKK and Singapore. Lombok seems like forever ago!
I' ll let you know if I make it to Asiatique.

Craig, will be envious of your dinner @ Gaggan, it really is that good.

Yes ...lets us know about Asiatique if you go..It is on our list fro Nov. Sounds like a good trip, even if it is a quick one.

bon voyage

Hoping your travels back to UK are uneventful!

I made it to Asiatique, rain held off. It's easy to get to ( Sapin Taksin is still very much open) the pier you need is the one right in the middle (one of the guards told lots of people it was the far left peir but it isn't) anyway its about 5 minutes away from the pier.
I actually liked it, lots of food places and some cute little,stalls, although maybe because of the rain there wasn't so many open! I still think there is a much better selection at Chatuchak but this is a much saner option.
I think there are a few details about my trip i will add when I get home. But I guess you could say its almost a complete trip report. ( give or take a few days/ things I missed out)

Fly safe and love to Muffin when you get home.

Thanks for that report on Asiatique. I'm going to plan on going there in October (hope it isn't raining cats & dogs).

I hope the flooding this year in the north is not going to be like last year in October!!! YIKES!!

can't wait to read your full trip report!!

It sounds like you had a fine time. Have a safe trip home.