The Labor day long weekend in Perth falls in early March. Very unusual time by world standards, but we’re not complaining.

We decided to take an extra day off and go to Singapore for 4 days. One of these was spent at Universal Studios, perhaps the only attraction in Singapore we haven’t seen.

We were lucky enough to be offered accommodation from our new friends Mike and Dorilyn at their house in Bedok. We’d met Mike and Dorilyn last year in Bali (Black Ops IV).

Accommodation in Singapore is expensive and to score free digs in a private house is like gold. Mike’s house is massive by Singapore standards. He had a unit in Bedok Court and was lucky enough to buy the apartment above it and convert it to a six bedroom two storey place. Jane and I had one room with ensuite and the girls had another room up stairs. Better than a hotel! We can’t thank Mike and Dorilyn for their hospitality. It was really fantastic of them to let us use their home.

We arrived late, around 2 am and caught a taxi to their place. They met us at the door and showed us to our rooms. Not much time for chit-chat – straight to bed.

The next morning we awoke fairly late and joined Mike at the local eatery for breakfast. We had the local coffee and selected some noodle dishes. Mike ordered some roti. Very nice way to start the holiday, although the girls were looking forward to a Jollibee breakfast. We promised them lunch instead.

We caught a “Grab” taxi into Bugis Juntion to start the shopping expedition. There is no Uber in Singapore. Everyone uses Grab instead, We used it a few times while we were there. It works exactly like Uber and is easy to use and reliable.

I released the chains and let the wild animals free. We shopped at Bugis Junction, Bugis street markets, then caught the MRT to Orchard road. First stop on Orchard road was Lucky Plaza and Jollibee, The girls were looking forward for their first Filipino junk food fix in over seven years. They went to town!

Although Jane bought a few pairs of shoes, the girls weren’t too successful with their shopping. Either too expensive or “too Asian” were the reasons given. hahaha

We went back home where Mike and Dorliyn’s helper had cooked a “bomb”. After filling our bellies, we spent the rest of the evening drinking and laughing.

For the second day, Dorliyn suggested the girls go to Changi City Point Mall. This mall is close to their place and specialises in factory outlet shops – and it has a Jollibee as well. Dorilyn drove the girls there and left them to their own devices. We joined Mike, Dorilyn and their kids, Shaun and Stephanie (Fifi) for chicken rice at a specialty hawker centre walking distance from their place.

The Chicken Rice was great and very cheap. Its great to get away from the touristy spots and experience great local food. Thanks again to the Harrisons.

We messaged the girls in the afternoon to see how they were going. The were loving the place and Jane decided she needed to go to (and buy even more shoes). So we caught and Grab taxi and joined them for a couple of hours, I even manged to buy myself a pair of pants.

Back home in time for Mike to drive us to one his restaurants, Boomarang. Boomarang is an Australian style sports bar and restaurant, catering for ex-pats who are tired of endless, noodles, chicken rice and laksa. Mike insisted on paying the bill. The food was very good and the service outstanding… but of course it would be for the owner.

Back home again for drinkies, tsismis and laughs.

The next morning was our Universal Studios day. We were up early have breakfast across the road and then catch a taxi to Sentosa Island. If you’re wondering why we’re catching taxis all the time, instead of taking advantage of Singapore’s wonderful public transport system it because when there’s four of you, it’s quite economical to get a taxi. Taxi (and Grab) fares are quite reasonable and of course its a door to door service. Catching the MRT would cost us four fares each time.

 

Its a long day! We got there at the park’s opening time (10.00am) and left about 7.30pm.

The park itself is not very big compared to Universal Studios in Hollywood, But there’s enough to do and see in a day. We started with the Transformers 3D ride which was pretty good. We then made our way to the park’s main attraction – the “dueling” Human vs Cylon Battlestar Gallactica roller coaster. Bettina, Bianca and I went on the Cylon one first. After a 45 minute wait time we boarded the hanging chairs and we were blasted around the track at blistering speeds. Jane joined us for the Human side of the roller coaster. This was a “car” types and was quite fast, although not as intense as the Cylon. Jane pooped her panties anyway.

We went on most other rides including the “Revenge of the Mummy” (too dark), “Jurassic Park River Rapids” (too wet), Madagascar (too kiddy) and the “Puss in Boots Giant Journey” (not bad). All were pretty good, but Bianca and I couldn’t resist going on the Cylon ride one more time. It was late in the day so there was no waiting time.

One the way home we stopped at Tampines mall to pick up some last minute pasalubongs and a quick dinner. Long and tiring day, but very enjoyable.

The next day was our flight home. Mike and Dorilyn took us to the airport, again showing us their wonderful hospitality.

It was a great little weekender. Love to do it again sometime.