The Average Juan'derer' invades Singapore!! Day 1 - Part B: MRT, Merlion Park, Marina Bay, Food Trip!!

Hey Everyone!!

I know it's been a long time since I had my last post, I was a bit pre-occupied with some other things this past few weeks (swimming, work, more swimming =P)

Enough said, here is the continuation of our Day 1 in Singapore!

So last time, I've talked about the airport fees and all the airport drama that we went through until we can officially say that we're free to tour Singapore. So now, this is the fun part: the Start of our Day 1 SG tour!!

So when we got out of the Budget Terminal, we rode a bus that took us to Changi Airport Terminal 2 where the connecting MRT is located (don't you fret, it's for free ^_^)

Me inside the bus ^_^

So when we got there, we purchased the Singapore EZ card that we can use for the MRT. I strongly advise anyone who visits Singapore to purchase the card, it's very convenient. The card can be used for the MRT and bus system in Singapore, even the cable car going to Sentosa! The card costs $15 ($7 for the card and $5 as a load credit)

The Singapore EZ Card. As you can see, I had 2. I thought I lost my first card so I had no choice but to purchase another. Too late when I found out that the card was just placed on my back pocket (stupid me hehe) Anyway I kept the other one as a souvenir =)

For our first night, we stayed at the Santa Grand Hotel located on Smith St. in Chinatown (our hostel for our second night is just on the other street, pretty convenient huh? ;p) So when we already knew where the hotel is located but it was too early to check in (It was around 11am that time and check in time is 12 noon) we decided to eat our lunch. The nearest Hawker Center in the area is Maxwells. To eat like a local, you must eat at their Hawker Centers plus its cheap (from $3 to as much as $6 per meal)

Tip: Budget your food allowance to $20 per day. You can still get some change, trust me ;P)

My first meal in SG. I don't know what they call it but it's delicious and it's only $3 =)

After we eat, we went straight to the hotel. The hotel is pretty nice although small, it was still ok. We just settled ourselves, took a quick shower and then headed to Raffles place to exchange our US dollars to SG dollars (MRT: From Outram Park Station (Green line) to Raffles Place Station)

Me at the hotel, taking a quick rest before heading out to Raffles Place.

After exchanging currencies, we just walked until we reached the famous Merlion Park. There were already some people taking their pictures when we arrived so we just joined in.

REMINDER: Never forget to take a souvenir photo with Mr. Merlion because as they say, "You haven't been to Singapore if you don't have a picture with the Merlion" ;P

After taking tons of picture with Mr. Merlion (just to make sure we have enough proof that we've been to Singapore hehehe), We passed by a bridge to reach Makansutra and Marina Bay. As you may have noticed our Day 1 involved a lot of walking so I would strongly advise anyone who will visit Singapore to wear comfy shoes (slippers or slip-ons would be ideal ^_^)

Luckily, on our way to Makansutra, I've found the thing that I most anticipated in Singapore: The $1 Ice Cream!! (Hooray!!).

We then went on to Makansutra Gluttons Bay to have our merienda. Makansutra Gluttons Bay is also a Hawker Center just near the Helix Bridge going to Marina Bay. The food price here in Makansutra is a bit higher compared to Maxwell (around $4 - $7 per meal). This time, I got the famous 'Choc Kway Teow' (I hope I got it right hehe) for $6 but it's good for sharing so I shared it with my brother.

my 'Makansutra Gluttons Bay' pose =)

Choc Kway Teow $6

After the delightful merienda, we then walked through Helix Bridge leading to the Marina Bay mall. The mall is really huge and I love it's facade. We were actually planning to go to the Marina Bay Sands Park. The park is on top of the majestic Marina Bay Sands Hotel ($20 entrance fee) but we were so tired of walking and we're still in the hot pursuit of authentic Singapore cuisine. So after taking more pictures of the place, we then headed to Lau Pa Sat, another Hawker Center near Raffles Place MRT.

Marina Bay Mall, love its facade

Lau Pa Sat is a huge Hawker Center, larger compared to Makansutra Gluttons Bay and Maxwell. It's Victorian design makes it unique from the other Hawker Centers. For dinner, I got the famous 'Mee Pork' and I persuaded Kuya to buy Laksa (it was extremely spicy hehehe). After eating our dinner we were totally burnt-out so finally, we decided to go home and called it a day (And whew! What a day it has been =p).

Lau Pa Sat

Mee Pork, me likey =))

Laksa: Very spicy. Eat at your own risk! hehe =p

My next post will be about our Day 2 in Singapore. It's fun because it's the day I met my former colleagues who are now working in Singapore (and they treated me to dinner Yey!)

I'll post it as soon as I can. Till then Uncles and Aunties ;))