Singapore, Kuala Lumpor – 2/28-2/29/2025

We have 4 stops all in a row.  Singapore, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Langkawi Malaysia, and Thailand.  I will do two blogs and combine some of these visits.

Our stop in Singapore was to let off about 200 guests and we took on 200 guests.  Ship’s complement is still around 1,350.   

The name “Singapore” comes from the Sanskrit words Singa (lion) and Pura (city), even though lions were never native to the island.  Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world, covering just 728 sq km, but it’s a global financial and technological. Singapore has four official languages: English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil, with English being the main working language. The country is famous for its strict laws (like bans on chewing gum sales and harsh penalties for vandalism), which contribute to its reputation as one of the safest places in the world.

Nana and I decided to do Singapore on our own and not book an excursion.  We have been to Singapore many times and know the city well.  We decided to brave the metro subway system which is extensive and easy to use.  You use your credit card going in and leaving, as simple as that.  The subway was a short 15 minute walk from our ship.  Our first stop was the Orchid Garden, which is a favorite of Nana’s but it was very hot so we didn’t stay long. 

 Next stop was Sentosa Island which is an entertainment area for Singapore.  Universal Studios is there as well as cable cars, an aquarium and many other things to do.  We took the metro to the cable car and rode it to the island.   We got to see some great views of Singapore.  We visited a Lego store and saw some Harry Potter places. 

We next visited the S.E.A. Aquarium which is one of the largest aquariums in the world, home to over 100,000 animals.  

We then rode several more cable cars to see the beaches and resorts around the area.  A long day but a great visit.

Next stop was Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur” means “Muddy Confluence” in Malay, referring to its location where the Gombak and Klang rivers meet.  Kula Lumpur has a Diverse Population They are a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures, making it one of the most diverse cities in Southeast Asia.

We took a long bus ride from the port (which is really a container ship port….the 12th largest port in the world.

We started our visit of the day to the Presidents Palace and then the National Mosque, which embodies a contemporary expression of traditional Islamic art, calligraphy and ornamentation. A minaret that towers some 240 feet dominates its multi-fold umbrella-like roof. Located adjacent to the National Mosque is the impressive Old Railway Station. This grand old station, inspired by Mughali architecture, features seven stately minarets. We continued to Independence Square. The former playing field of the Royal Selangor Club, the square is also the site where important events are held such as National Day celebrations and streets parades. Located within is the Royal Selangor Club — a charming mock-Tudor structure. Another remarkable edifice is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, which served as the government administration during the British era. Next we stopped at the magnificent Petronas Twin Towers .  The Petronas Towers were once the tallest building in the world (1998-2004) and still the tallest twin towers globally. We visited Suria KLCC, a 6 story shopping mall located at the foot of the Petronas At the Twin Towers where we had lunch and Nana shopped for shirts. 

Tonight we met the new captain who took control of the ship in Singapore. I thought our old captain talked a lot but Captain Frank talks even more. With that being said he is very interesting and has a great personality.