What to wear in Singapore and Langkawi

[johnannemarie]

Hi Guys,
I will be holidaying in Singapore for 3 days and Langkawi for 4 days in a week or so, and i would like your opinion as what to bring. For the singapore leg, i will be staying in the Marina bay sands, therfore we will be fine dining, casino, shopping those sorts of things. So far i will be taking 2 different half canvassed suits (for warmth sake), a couple pairs of dress jeans, a couple pairs of boots, button up shirts, polos etc.
For the Langkawi leg (The Andaman) i have some dress shorts, sandals, casual shoes. I would like to buy a few new things for the trip but im not really sure what, any opinions on good lightweight material jackets, pants etc to bring?

 

[dbc]

I'm quite sure no shorts and sandals in the casino, but apart from that it's (unfortunately) anything goes when it comes to dressing in Singapore.

What you're bringing for the Singapore leg is more than fine. Might want to bring along some swim trunks for the infinity pool at the Sands. It's quite something.

 

[jtatknox]

Last time I was on Langkawi was about five years ago. Most people on the island dress VERY casually and you will definitely stick out wearing a suit. Keep in mind you will be eating roti canai and dal with your hand (right hand only) at mamak stalls so this is not a good time to break out your finest clothes.

Many of the locals are actually very interested in rastafarianism and the slow, laid back way of life (but remember drugs possession carries the death penalty). This is NOT an ostentatious resort villa, particularly since it is in a muslim country. Best places to eat on the island are small tables laid out on the beach where they grill the catch of the day for people who come by to join them.

The entire island is duty free so let me give you a drink recipe:

Grab a bottle of Bombay Saphire - $10
A carton of mango puree
Drop in a dried, sour plumb. You can find these at the shop near the aquarium.

 

[marcodalondra]

I was in both places last summer and have enjoyed my time there (less so in Singapore, 2 days would have been enough). It was extremely humid to the point I thought I had asthma at times when I had to sit down to catch my breath.

I was at the Westin in Langkawi and have toured around the island a lot, and I would say it is definitely casual the best way forward, with shorts and t-shirt in the morning and probably linen trousers and a polo/short sleeve shirt for the evening.

In Singapore I would probably wear long trousers in the morning as well.

Enjoy

 

[jtatknox]

Originally Posted by marcodalondra

I was in both places last summer and have enjoyed my time there (less so in Singapore, 2 days would have been enough). It was extremely humid to the point I thought I had asthma at times when I had to sit down to catch my breath.

I was at the Westin in Langkawi and have toured around the island a lot, and I would say it is definitely casual the best way forward, with shorts and t-shirt in the morning and probably linen trousers and a polo/short sleeve shirt for the evening.

In Singapore I would probably wear long trousers in the morning as well.

Enjoy

Second.

Finally, remember since it's getting to be that time of year: yes to mangosteen, no to durian.

 

[bloke11]

As a native, I'll have to warn you about the recent heat wave if you're coming over in a week. Be prepared to sweat. A lot.

 

[johnannemarie]

thankyou for the wonderful advice guys, I guess i might be camping out in the hotel then!!
Ill have a look at some linen trouser if i can (winter season in Aus)

 

[nihraguk]

I live in Singapore.

What you intend to bring sounds fine, though you should also include a pair of bermudas/shorts, and a pair of sandals. The weather here is horribly humid and hot, and you never get used to it.

 

[johnannemarie]

I have a few pairs or PRL shorts that I will bring along, i think another pair after i hit the shops tomorrow couldnt hurt

 

[Icehawk]

I loved SG and the Sands hotel - the rooftop pool is ridiculous! Wear linens and other light clothing as it will be hot as balls and humid too, think Miami summer. I'd skip boots, can't see where you'd use those.

One of my favorite trips ever, the people are super friendly and Asia as whole is all about good service.

I don't like Durian at all but it's basically the national fruit of SG, if you are driving around and smell baby poop/rotten chicken that is probably what you are smelling. Tastes kinda like apples and the aforementioned smells combined...

 

[johnannemarie]

Originally Posted by Icehawk

I loved SG and the Sands hotel - the rooftop pool is ridiculous! Wear linens and other light clothing as it will be hot as balls and humid too, think Miami summer. I'd skip boots, can't see where you'd use those.

One of my favorite trips ever, the people are super friendly and Asia as whole is all about good service.

I don't like Durian at all but it's basically the national fruit of SG, if you are driving around and smell baby poop/rotten chicken that is probably what you are smelling. Tastes kinda like apples and the aforementioned smells combined...

thanx for the advice Ice, i would wear the boots as per my avatar whilst out to dinner

 

[Icehawk]

Originally Posted by johnannemarie

thanx for the advice Ice, i would wear the boots as per my avatar whilst out to dinner

Ah, those would work (and look tasty) but I'd opt for a dress shoe myself - it's seriously blazing hot there 24-7-365 - so any extra leather to build up heat is something I'd personally pass on. I don't even wear all leather sneakers in the summer typically. What I found so crazy when I was there is the vast majority of the populace wear long sleeve shirts and trousers while I was dying in a t-shirt and shorts (and I live in Miami)!


If I may, I highly recommend the restaurant at the Shangri-la hotel. Amazing food in a 5-star setting but very reasonable price considering.

 

[johnannemarie]

Originally Posted by Icehawk

Ah, those would work (and look tasty) but I'd opt for a dress shoe myself - it's seriously blazing hot there 24-7-365 - so any extra leather to build up heat is something I'd personally pass on. I don't even wear all leather sneakers in the summer typically. What I found so crazy when I was there is the vast majority of the populace wear long sleeve shirts and trousers while I was dying in a t-shirt and shorts (and I live in Miami)!


If I may, I highly recommend the restaurant at the Shangri-la hotel. Amazing food in a 5-star setting but very reasonable price considering.

thanx for the sound advice, I might have to slip in a pair of dress shoes!!
Thankyou for the restaurant recommendation too

 

[Jangofett]

Originally Posted by johnannemarie

Hi Guys,
I will be holidaying in Singapore for 3 days and Langkawi for 4 days in a week or so, and i would like your opinion as what to bring. For the singapore leg, i will be staying in the Marina bay sands, therfore we will be fine dining, casino, shopping those sorts of things. So far i will be taking 2 different half canvassed suits (for warmth sake), a couple pairs of dress jeans, a couple pairs of boots, button up shirts, polos etc.
For the Langkawi leg (The Andaman) i have some dress shorts, sandals, casual shoes. I would like to buy a few new things for the trip but im not really sure what, any opinions on good lightweight material jackets, pants etc to bring?

You must have never visited the tropics before.
With the weather blazing hot, your suits would be soaked wet and stinking to high heaven.
If you are there to chill, bermudas and tanktops will do.
If you are a clothes horse, polo shirts and bermudas will do.
As long as you are filthy rich, the SA will fawn over you even if you are a nudist.

If you want to gamble and dine at the swanky restaurants, especially for the latter, slacks and long sleeve shirts will do.

MBS aint casino royale you know. Its more alike Macau or the medium range Vegas joints.

 

[acidboy]

your suit won't last 5 minutes while you wait outside for your 'comfort' taxi