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What's the rush? Beat the worst of long-haul
flying with a leisurely stopover. Christina Pfeiffer leads
the way.
SINGAPORE
Top picks: Singapore is one of the best places to go shopping for
electronics. Spend a couple of days wandering through massive
air-conditioned shopping centres; the Funan Digitalife Mall
(www.funan.com.sg) has the most comprehensive display of the world's
newest gadgets.
Eating: Little India and Chinatown have local atmosphere, while
the international hotels put on splendid smorgasbords.
Staying: You can't beat historic Raffles Hotel (+656 337 1886)
for its nostalgia value.
 Raffles
Hotel Singapore 
Raffles Hotel is the grand old dame of buildings in
Singapore, located on Beach Road. Nevertheless its location is within the
colonial district where much of Singapore's colonial heritage lies. |
Tip: Singapore's Changi Airport is well equipped for a transit
stop with a gym, rooftop swimming pool, comfortable seating areas
and a movie theatre. If you have a connection with more than five
hours to spare, you can whip around the Lion City on
a Singapore tour.
KUALA LUMPUR
Top picks: Kuala Lumpur has an eclectic mix of Moorish, Islamic,
British and modern architecture. Take a tour to the administrative
capital of Putra Jaya and admire the impressive domed buildings. A
visit to the top of KL Tower will give you a panoramic view.
Eating: You'll find some of the best local food - Malay, Indian
and Chinese - in the food halls of KL's many shopping malls. My
favourite dish is nasi lemak - chicken or beef rendang served with
chilli sambal, hard-boiled egg and cucumber on a banana leaf.
Staying: If you're after five-star luxury but don't want to break
the bank, KL is the place to go. You will find lots of
top-quality
accommodation around the Golden Triangle area at extremely
competitive prices.
Tip: Catch the air-conditioned KL Express train from the airport
to KL Sentral where you can easily find a taxi to take you into the
centre of town or
Save time and money and book your transfer services before you go!
(click here)
BANGKOK
Top picks: My favourite is the long boat ride through the canals
to the floating market, where traders selling anything from clothes
and souvenirs to fruit and vegetables float around on wooden
sampans. The atmosphere is exciting.
Eating: For an unusual experience, dine 61 floors above the city
at the open-air
Vertigo Grill & Moon Bar with Bangkok sprawled below
you. The restaurant is aptly named; there is only a waist-high
barrier separating you from stunning 360-degree views and a long
drop to the bottom.
Staying: After dinner, stroll downstairs to your room at the
Banyan Tree.
 Banyan
Tree Hotel Bangkok
In the sprawling metropolis of Bangkok, Banyan Tree Bangkok stands out
as a much-needed 'sanctuary for the senses' and a rejuvenating spa
retreat. Voted as one of the Top 3 'Best New Business Hotels in the
World' by Business Traveler (UK) in 1998 and winner of 'Award of
Outstanding Performance' for City Hotels Tourist Accommodation by
Tourism Authority of Thailand in 2004. |
Tip: Do not allow your friendly taxi or tuk tuk driver to
convince you to go to any shop or restaurant of their choice. They
receive commissions from these places and you will find yourself
wasting a lot of time and money. See http://www.tourismthailand.org.
HONG KONG
Top picks: Meet Mickey Mouse at Hong Kong's newest attraction.
Hong Kong Disneyland offers fun for kids of all ages and is divided
into four themed areas.
Eating: The Best of the Best Culinary Awards is an annual
competition held in October to feature the island's finest cooking.
Short-listed chefs cook before a panel of judges and the winners are
listed in a booklet from the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Staying: There are two hotels at Disneyland: Hong Kong Disneyland
Hotel and the cheaper Disney Hollywood Hotel.
Other hotels in Hong Kong
Tip: Hong Kong's international airport is one of the best in the
world. You can shop your way right up to the gates.
SEOUL
Top picks: As Seoul is a city that can trace its first human
settlement back 6000 years, there are lots of historical sites to
visit. There's the Changdeokgung Palace and the Gyeongbokgung Palace
(the grandest of the five surviving Joseon Dynasty palaces).
Eating: Head for the neon signs of downtown Myeongdong, where you
will find lots of eating places.
Staying: For Korean-style luxury, the Shilla Seoul has an alluring blend of ancient
Korean and modern decor.
 Shilla
Seoul
The Shilla Hotel is located in beautiful park on the slope of Namsan in
central Seoul, it is just minutes away from the banking centre of Korea.
Namsan-gol Traditional Folk Village, Deoksu Palace, National Theater,
Dongdaemun Stadium, Jeongdong Theater, Namdaemun Market, Itaewon
Shopping Area are some of the tourist attractions that are easily
accessible from the hotel. |
Tip: Seoul's subway is extensive.
TOKYO
Top picks: Tokyo city is a mass of skyscrapers and modern
highways. The easiest thing to do is to
join a tour of the city, which will take you to Tokyo Tower, the Imperial
Palace, Ginza Shopping District, Asakusa Temple, a cruise on the
Sumida River and a traditional tea ceremony at Happoen Japanese
garden.
Eating: Ramen noodle shops and tempura shops are quick and
inexpensive.
Staying: The Imperial Hotel in the Ginza traditionally caters for important
visitors.
 Imperial
Hotel Tokyo
Located in the centre of Tokyo, The Imperial Hotel is known for its
tradition and history of accommodating diplomats from the past and
present. The Hibiya subway station is just a minute from the hotel,
while attractions such as the Imperial Palace and Hibiya Park are just a
few minutes walk away.
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Tip: Do not catch a taxi from the airport, it can cost up to $300
one-way. The Narita Airport Express costs about $35.
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