To be lost in the city

We all work for something. Be it a want, a goal or dream, that we follow the same routine, drive the same highways a hundred or even a thousand of times, do the same thing over and over again to earn and simply enjoy our lives.

But there will be times when you will just feel tired, I felt tired. I wanted a break, a short vacation, but little I had known that I was out of time. Summer had grown to a close and I was left with little time to plan, prepare and ready myself. I was supposed to be relaxing, that was then that I found Bacall Associates when I was at my wit’s end.

Working for hours to free up the next days while preparing everything proved to be tiresome. But Bacall fixed everything. In the end, I was only able to bring a few clothes, basic amenities and needs and next thing I know, I was on a plane. They prepared me a schedule that I can chose to follow, contacted hotels and made reservations and basically everything that I needed to do but didn’t have time to.

It was an hour after dawn when I arrived, most attractions are closed for the next few hours, and I had nothing to do. I checked in the given hotel dropped of what little things I had bring and took a walk.

As I stroll, I bought off what I didn’t bring, like clothes, bought myself some comfortable sandals (all in which I brought home as souvenirs) and continued to let myself be lost in the city. Had a lunch in a local restaurant I had passed through when I strolled (I’d recommend the Bak Chor Mee) and ultimately enjoyed.

Days went pass as I visited tourist spots like the gardens, the man made waterfalls and a lot more that in the end I felt satisfied. It was relaxing. It was then that I decided that once a year or two, I will take a vacation, god knows where but thankfully there is Bacall and Associates to help me with that.

City break guide to Singapore

Because Singapore is celebrating its 50 year of independence with parties and openings aplenty (singapore50.sg). Come Q3-Q4, the six-starred Patina Capitol Singapore - with architecture by Pritzker Prize Laureate Richard Meier and interior by Jaya Ibrahim - will debut in two restored heritage buildings in the Civic District.

And in November, the National Gallery will open on the grounds of the city’s most iconic buildings - the former Supreme Court and City Hall; with a combined floor area of 60,000 sqm, it will house the largest collection of South-east Asian art in the world. Foreigners holding travel documents from certain countries require a visa to enter Singapore. See the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website.

Discover for yourself what life is like in one of the world’s most affluent cities. While S$500 a pop meals are not hard to find, it’s completely possible to eat like a king without spending more than S$5 to S$10 per head. Witness how the locals make the most of their lives in a city known for its draconian laws and apparently “unhappy” citizens. It will change the way you view the little red dot.

Weather-wise, there is no “best time” to visit Singapore. Known for its year-round warm and humid weather, the city’s temperature hovers between 24C in the mornings and evenings and about 31C in the daytime. From November to January, the temperature dips slightly with the onset of the wet monsoon season during which it’s wise to pack a brolly.

Travel guide to Singapore

Singapore is a bustling hub of culture, food, and all around good vibes.  It’s the most modern city in Asia.  It’s vibrant, it’s energetic, and it always leaves me fascinated. If you think New York City is busy, just wait until you see Singapore.  People are always in a hurry and they walk really fast (they are actually ranked the fastest walkers on earth).  It seemed like everything was happening in fast motion, which always kept me on my toes!

What to do in Singapore? Just walk around the city and you will find unexpected treasures everywhere. I am talking about incredibly modern architecture, shopping malls with river boat tours running thru them, surprisingly cheap street markets, beautiful botanic gardens surrounding the city, hawker centers (huge outdoor food courts) on every block and much more.

Why is everything so clean in Singapore? Well, Singapore has some of the strictest laws in the world.  There are street signs all around the city reminding everyone not to litter, smoke, chew gum, run, spit, etc.  If you don’t follow the rules, then you must pay a steep fine.  But nearly everyone obeys the rules, which is why Singapore is also of the safest cities in the world. Everything from the metros, malls, restaurants and residential buildings are so clean that you can eat off the floor!

Despite being a densely populated city, the metro system is VERY easy to figure out and there are taxis all around that are pretty cheap to use. After being in Singapore for just a few hours, I was already confident enough to navigate myself around town.  All the signs are in English (and most people can speak/understand English), so it’s almost impossible to get lost.

General thoughts on Singapore

If you think New York City is busy, just wait until you see Singapore.  People are always in a hurry and they walk really fast (they are actually ranked the fastest walkers on earth).  It seemed like everything was happening in fast motion, which always kept me on my toes! You might be surprised to hear that Singapore is a tiny tropical island, made up of 6 million people (75% Chinese).  It’s located just 80 miles north of the equator — so the temperature is always hot and humid.  It’s tropical location provides 17 nature reserves and more than 1.4 million trees!

Why is everything so clean in Singapore? Well, Singapore has some of the strictest laws in the world.  There are street signs all around the city reminding everyone not to litter, smoke, chew gum, run, spit, etc.  If you don’t follow the rules, then you must pay a steep fine.  But nearly everyone obeys the rules, which is why Singapore is also of the safest cities in the world. Everything from the metros, malls, restaurants and residential buildings are so clean that you can eat off the floor!

Despite being a densely populated city, the metro system is VERY easy to figure out and there are taxis all around that are pretty cheap to use. After being in Singapore for just a few hours, I was already confident enough to navigate myself around town.  All the signs are in English (and most people can speak/understand English), so it’s almost impossible to get lost.

In fact, the city just took #1 as the Most expensive city in the world by the Los Angeles Times.  Aside from street food, which is reasonably priced, you wouldn’t believe how a beer or alcoholic beverage costs… And if you want to rent a flat, then good luck finding a cheap price!

Tips for traveling in Southeast Asia

Don't be afraid to bargain

People at Southeast Asia are used to do this approach and it’s already a part of their daily lives. But most westerners are shocked to find out that this is considered a standard practice in the subregion. For them, it looks like an unfair deal to the vendors, but actually, it's not. Most of the time, the first price sellers said is worth more than the item's regular price, and you might end up overpaying. Some foreigners just accept the first price and never tries to disagree with that. You should try to adapt this manner since you don't want to pay more, right? It is not a confrontation, so don't be afraid, just talk with the vendor with a smile. Push yourself a little and you might find it fun after learning to do it.

Booking in advance is not necessary

It is probably tiring and stressful to go to different places at the same time and then going back to the hotel you're staying. If you end up in a certain area and fell in love with that place, and you wanted to stay a few nights in there, then it will be more fun to find a place to stay in that specific place. Your schedule can become flexible if you're not booking rooms in advance because you're the one to decide when and where to stay. But sometimes, booking ahead is a good idea if you're visiting a place during a major event, or if you knew you're going to be tired from a long flight, bus or train ride and doesn't have time to wander around.

21 years of commitment to their clients

Do you want to add more vivacity to your PR campaigns? Do you need more flavor to your marketing? Do you need an upgrade to your campaigns? Bacall Associates in Singapore is the place to be for all your needs! It is a boutique public relations, marketing and sales support agency specializing in travel at the top end of the market. Bacall Associates is one if the most respected PR companies around the globe. Reviews reveal that its clients are proud to be a part of such thriving company. According to them, Bacall’s competence and professionalism are beyond compare.

The team of Bacall Associates also provides ingenious and fresh story ideas with their impressive ability and superlative drive. They have an in-depth knowledge regarding marketing and sales, public relations, and travel. They’re straightforward and dependable individuals who are dauntless and can face demanding challenges. The company is always enthusiastic in launching and maintaining profiles for airlines, destinations, hotel groups, luxury development, resorts and health retreats, and travel companies worldwide. Bacall Associates’ clients strongly believe that its nonpareil positive attitude is what makes them a successful company because it allows them to accomplish any difficult tasks with an optimistic mind.

The company also offers great assistance to their clients as well as the expertise in the field of all things luxury. They have the capability of drawing on a broad range of media and industry contacts. The team of Bacall Associates is also known for their punctuality because they never failed to answer every inquiry of their clients in a timely manner. No wonder why the company has garnered a lot of clients that’s consist of aviation and infrastructure, along with some of the best hotels in the world such as the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.

Bacall Associates has a great network to all pertinent media, travel trade and social authorities that’s why they always follow a proactive approach to the market. The company has the perfect method and knows the most effective ways of acquiring the best media response. It also established small niche operators in the marketplace and formed PR strategies for major tourist boards and travel companies. Bacall succeeded in securing a major consumer award for one of the Hilton’s resort properties. It has an attentive and creative team that’s dedicated in reaching the company’s objectives, and achieving particular public relations goals of the clients and driving the business at the same time. They also deliver a lifestyle edge to their work to add interest to their campaigns and guarantee the reach of the right audiences for their clients.

Innovative marketing events and Pr

Wonder why a lot of clients had the pleasure and privilege of working with Bacall Associates? It’s because the company has been one of the most professional public relations companies around the world for several years and their shining reputation in the industry is one of a kind. Each of Bacall Associates’ staff has a vast knowledge regarding travel as well as public relations, marketing and sales. You’ll witness exceptional professionalism in their work with their august ability and energy in providing ingenious and fresh story ideas. The staff’s positive attitude also leads them nine times out of ten to come up with a solution for any given situations.

Most of the testimonies from their clients include awe to the company’s unsurpassed knowledge and expertise in the field of all things luxury as well as their huge assistance for them. With this, Bacall Associates proved to have outshone all others. Clients also have the greatest respect for Bacall Associates’ professionalism and competence. They’re also proud of the company’s devotion to their work as their queries are always promptly answered.

Bacall Associates always follow a proactive approach to the market via an excellent network to all relevant media, travel trade and society authorities. They have flawless style and know the most effective ways of getting the best media response. Most clients cherished their relationship with Bacall Associates and promised to remain being a partner of the company in the coming years. Bacall Associates is proud to have a creative and diligent team that’s committed in achieving their objectives.  It is the only company to have succeeded in securing a major consumer award for one of the Hilton’s resort properties.

The company operates to a very high standard and represents their clients in the most professional and positive manner. Clients are also impressed with the level of contact that Bacall Associates have within media circles and with all their efforts that have benefited the clients greatly in promoting the image and profile of their firm.