Holiday: Day 32 – Singapore (Final Day)

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5.30am: Morning all! 😎. It’s our last full day here in Singapore, and I was awake from about 3am.

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Day 32 – Where are we?
(Saturday, 30th November)

We’re staying in the Holiday Inn Express in Clarke Quay, checking-out after breakfast tomorrow.

Tomorrow, as promised, we’ll summarise the whole of our
New Zealand adventure for those of you
who might be considering a similar trip.

After a quick Breakfast in the now ‘all-you-can-want-and-eat’ Buffet, we’re ready for today. On our ‘to-see’ list? Find a trip somewhere by boat, plus after last night’s disappointing food experience, find some Chicken Satay!

The Search for Satay

Right! How hard can it be? All we want is some Chicken Satay! Thanks to all of you who got in touch, including long-time friend and neighbour, Valerie, offering a range of suggestions. Our preferred choice, Lau Pa Sat located in Raffles Quay is going to be our first stop! Thanks Valerie! 👍

10.16am: So, it was onto first stop of the day – the Hawker Centre at Raffles Quay – and Lau Pa Sat. Boy, it was humid out there – we’d only walked to our first MRT Station, and we were already wringing-wet 🥵🥵

After a short diversion to a local Pharmacy to pick up some ointment to counter the ‘attack of the Sandflies‘ on both my hands* (it’s not a pretty sight!) we were almost there.

*It seems that on our trip to Milford Sound, somehow, some Sandflies had got into the mini-bus. For reasons unknown, they chose me, rather than anyone else, for their midday meal. At the time, the bites just itched, but now they’re sporting full-blown blisters. Ouch! 😬😬. I’ll spare the photos!

Yes, this was definitely the right place. It was heaving with custom – a combination of locals and tourists. After a quick walk around, we found our Satay, helpfully named ‘CitySatay’! 👍👍

A short wait of around 15 minutes, and we were served and sorted. It had been worth the humidity (just!) to enjoy that familiar grilled chicken flavour, helped along with the obligatory peanut sauce!! Total cost? S$22.00 (£12.97).

1.15pm: After heading back to Clarke Quay involving some more walking and the ever-reliable MRT, we headed for the Boat Terminal and our trip along the river.

Boat Trip

1.23pm: The 40-minute trip cost us S$56 (c£33) for both of us and promised a very scenic tour along Singapore’s river, taking in a view of most of the major tourist attractions. It was even hotter and more humid now, and we found some shade whilst we waited for the 2pm departure.

We’d not done this before and a little like taking ‘Big Bus’ tours in unfamiliar cities, this was to give us a greater feel for this vibrant city in 2024👍. For us especially, with a few previous visits under our belts, it was to be a helpful reminder of how Singapore has grown since we first came here in the 80s.

2.01pm: We’re off! There was a pre-recorded soundtrack in English, giving us the backstory to the birth of Singapore and explanation of what we were seeing, whilst our salty ol’ sea-dog of a Captain took care of steering the boat alternating with taking photographs for some of us who couldn’t get the best views. The voiceover was a bit over-enthusiastic for my taste, but whatever she was on – it was working a treat – even we were excited!😉

Even though the heat/humidity made most of today’s activities really uncomfortable, and even though we know Singapore quite well – this was a ‘must-do’. It showed this modern city in its best light (especially for those on the boat experiencing it for the first time). We’d thoroughly recommend this as a start point if you’re holidaying here, and even we were surprised as to how much has changed and how many more skyscrapers now dominate the skyline here! 😯😯

Tomorrow, as promised, we’ll summarise the whole of our
New Zealand adventure for those of you
who might be considering a similar trip.

3.14pm: Phew! What a day! I think we’d both forgotten how much humidity affects us! We’re both absolutely shattered! Feels like we did our 10000 steps today! 🥱💤🥱💤

And so, for the very last time this holiday, it’s goodnight from us two – thanks for all the reads, likes and comments – we look forward to catching up with many of you soon. We’re getting picked-up from the Hotel at 9.45am local time and should be home very late on Sunday evening – around 20 hours later! 😬😬