Birthday Celebration at Universal Studios Singapore (USS)

The Universal Studios Store is so big that it has multiple entrances. As we walked down the street lined with stone buildings and various shops, we were transported to another world in the Hollywood scene.

USS went all out to create a Mega Despicable Summer with character meet-and-greet and larger-than-life inflatables Minions. There is more to look forward to with the new themed attraction, Minion Land, opening next year.

One difference between this visit and last year's was the increase in character meet-and-greet sessions. We even caught Gru and Lucy promoting Despicable Me 4, adding a fun vibe to the park.

The Minions have taken over  New York Street, adding a lively charm to the atmosphere, I could not resist the cuteness of their presence.

The building structures stood tall with at least 3 to 4 storey high, featuring replicas of the iconic sidewalks and landmarks of New York City.

We skipped the other attractions and came to Far Far Away wanting to go for Shrek 4-D Adventure. After queuing for 20 minutes, the staff informed us that they were having technical issue and no idea how it will take to resolve. Hence, we decided to leave and chill at Goldilocks for the next 25 minutes before going for Waterworld show. It was full house inside the eatery so we have to sit outside.

I was attracted by the Shrek's Waffle ($12) because it was one of the rare items featuring the character. We used our $10 dining voucher and paid just $2 for it. The waffle was not the crispy type but more fluffy and the green Shrek has a mild pandan flavour. We drizzled chocolate sauce over the plain waffle to enhance its taste.

Immediately after we came out from the water show, we headed straight to Far Far Away for Shrek 4-D Adventure. This was no queue in the line and straight away we can enter. This was my third time watching the 4D show and it still got me fascinated.

We approached Ancient Egypt where the whole area seemed to be guarded by Anubis, ancient Egyptian god of the dead. It felt as if we traveled back in time to the 1920s, surrounded by the mystery of an era with a rich history.

We headed back to New York Street for Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase which we only queued for 10 minutes.

Happenings in July -

Saturday 13/7/24

We ended off with Waffle and Hazelnut Ice Cream ($7.80+). The texture of the waffle was good, it was crispy on the outside while remaining light and fluffy inside. The sweet hazelnut flavour complemented the waffle, I felt satisfied after the dessert.

Gardens by the Bay

 

I was enjoying the familiar sight of the lake as I walked to Flower Dome. Even though I have seen this view countless of times, it still managed to take my breath away every single time. The tranquil waters and the surrounding beauty always create a serene atmosphere.

My pathway was blocked by a huge monitor lizard and there was no one around except me. I waited for a while, watching as the monitor lizard slowly dived into the lake, allowing me to continue my walk.

This spot looked like a great place to soak up the natural beauty, with beautiful trail and lake to admire. I even spotted the monitor lizard I encountered earlier swimming in the lake (near the bottom left).

Places to Dine near Telok Ayer (2024 Edition)

This is my third compilation on new places to dine near Telok Ayer. I can always find new restaurants and cafes that I have yet to try whenever I visit this area. I have came up with another list of recommended places to dine near Telok Ayer.

1. Sichuan Alley

Located in a side alley off Telok Ayer, Sichuan Alley is a little haven of gently coloured wood and bamboo furnishings.

The restaurant featured glass window paired with warm lighting that brighten the interior, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.

The dishes that I wanted to try were all spicy dishes. We started off with Sichuan Sour Vegetable Fish ($29++) which was appetising. The sliced fish bursting with flavour, making each bite a delight. While the soup may seem tempting, sipping it brought a tingling spiciness that made me need to gulp down my drink.

The Hot & Sour Pork Dumpling ($6.50++) came in a bowl of spicy chilli oil. The spice level was manageable, complemented by a hint of tanginess. The dumpling was juicy, making for a satisfying bite.

The Fried Chicken ($16++) was a famous Sichuan specialty known for its distinctive ratio of crispy fried chicken to dried red chilli. Every bite of chicken delivered a tongue-tingling sensation that lingered in my throat.

We also tried their Speciality Ice Jelly ($5.50++) with brown sugar. It was packed with generous ingredients which includes red bean, almond flakes, hawthorn flakes and etc. Every bite was full of delicious ingredients, making it very worthwhile.

51A Telok Ayer St, #01-01, Singapore 048441

Operating hours: 10.30am to 10pm from Mon to Fri, 10.30am to 9pm on Sat and Sun

2. Kuan Zhai Alley

Last but not least was Chong Qing Style Spicy Chicken ($26++). The level of spiciness was no joke, each bite was packed with heat and left a tingling burning effect on my tongue.

23 Church St, #01-02 to 08 Capital Square, Singapore 049481

Operating hours: 11am to 3pm and 5.30pm to 10.30pm daily

Dining In The

The Belgium Chocolate Ice Cream ($4.50++) with wafer biscuit was rich in cocoa taste and smooth, making it a perfect dessert to laze the afternoon away. The only downside was that it was served in a paper cup with a plastic spoon, which is not environmentally friendly for dine in.