A Day in Singapore

2023 Spring Asia Cruises I - Holland America Westerdam Singapore to Yokohama, Japan

February 26, 2023 (Saturday) 

With the leg cramps the night before, we all got up a little later this morning. As most in our group are seniors, we have to know our limits and take it as it is. Our day started with a Singapore style breakfast at a popular eatery called Ya Kun. They have branches all over the city and it happens that there is one right in the next building across from our hotel. 

Just had to cross this street to get to the next building.

Our hotel.

Pretty fancy on the outside.

Ya Kun

We had breakfast at Ya Kun before, at the other branch, and liked their Singapore style breakfast of Kaya toast and almost raw eggs. Now they have something we've never tried before, their steamed kaya toast. Naturally, we had to try some.

Eggs, almost raw, and the steamed toasts. I think I like the regular toasts better though. Coffee was strong and good as usual.

This Ya Kun is on the first floor of this building, kind of like a food court type. A very busy place.

Yes, I like this toast better!

Chinatown

Our hotel is about an 8-minute walk to Chinatown, so, after breakfast we just strolled along and see what we could find in Chinatown.

Decorations on the main street near Chinatown.

Our hotel can be seen at the pedestrian overpass at Chinatown.

The overpass lead us to the heart of Chinatown.

So many vendors and stores to captured our attention.

Walking over to Maxwell Center where we would find the very popular Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.

Maxwell Center is right across from the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

They now have an entrance at the main road where a new subway station is being built, so it is not necessary to make the hike up on this side street. But we went up anyway, since this is more familiar to us and where we found the end of the long line. If you want to see the long line for Tian Tian on this Saturday, click below on the video for a peek. It was insane!

We got our food!

One whole Hainanese Chicken to share, and two plates of veggies. Worth the wait!

Maxwell is a huge food court serving food from different ethnic groups. It was very crowded though on this Saturday.

Outside Maxwell on South Bridge Road and Neil Road.

After Maxwell Center, we walked back over to Chinatown Complex to check out this huge food court. It was absolutely chaotic with too many people there for us to handle. We made our way through and got out fast. Maybe next time when we come to Singapore we will try again. 

Song Fa Bak Kut Teh

Back at the hotel for a little nap before heading out for dinner later in the day. There is another place we must go--Song Fa Bak Kut Teh in China Point Shopping Mall which is just across the street from our hotel. I like their Bak Kut Teh better than the dark-colored one because it is more peppery and less medicinally in taste.

To accompany the soup we had some yu-teo (fried dough)...

peanuts, preserved cabbage,

a pot of braised pork (very good!),

bottomless pork rib soup (refills of soup only, not the meat)

some of us had their mein shein, some had rice,

fried chicken pieces

fried fish cake

Everything was delicious and we were satisfied!

Merlion

When in Singapore, one must see the Merlion, right? Well, that was where we headed after dinner. 

The walk was pleasant, passing through the downtown office buildings and along the Singapore River. We did not know how far we could go but at least to the Merlion.

Near the Anderson Bridge and Fullerton.

Boat Quay

Fullerton

Finally arrived at the Merlion Park with a magnificent view of Marina Bay Sands.

Merlion from another angle. It was very crowded and I did not want to get to the other side where most people had their pictures.

Beautiful!

Last shot before we leave. We were too tired to walk across to the Marina Bay Sands and agreed that it was enough for the day. Good thing we walked back to the hotel before the rain started. We did not do much but we accomplished what we wanted to do and eat on this short day. One day, we shall be back for more. As of now, we've got to get ready for our cruise tomorrow, with a self-administered test done 24-hour before boarding. All of us passed the tests and ready to go!

For video of this day in Singapore, please click here.

"As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it."   -- Job 4:8