Collected from Singapore Changi Airport by prearranged cab and taken to our hotel in Singapore, where we will be staying for three nights – the Shangri-La.

We were given a free upgrade to this hotel by Trailfinders, so found ourselves in the Valley wing, which has its own check-in area and additional privileges (like complimentary cocktails and canapes!)

Stunning room:

The service levels and attention to detail are amazing. Trying to keep awake, though, was a challenge. After wandering around the hotel getting our bearings, we ate at an Italian restaurant on the hotel premises. Very nice, if predictable and expensive. Went to bed at around 8 p.m. and didn’t get up until 9.30 the following morning!

Also had a wander down Orchard Road, one of the main shopping streets. Not impressed. Loads of concrete, glass and shopping malls, some of which were really quite seedy. Generally, not particularly impressed so far with Singapore itself – loads of high-rise blocks of flats and apartments and looks like many populous cities. We are however planning to visit the Gardens by the Bay tomorrow evening – hear very good reports of these.