It was the 3rd day of Lunar New Year.
A week prior to that there was some discussion among my gal pals to try out the DUCK Tours - a trip round Singapore's Civic District and Marina Bay on this amphibian vehicle which was appealing to us.Well, how could a solid and huge vehicle that lookslike a big boat moves around on land with its' gigantic rubber wheels and then splashes into the water and yet still manages to stay afloat?
It definately sound exciting somehow!
So, I took the liberty to do some research over the net.
Made some phone calls and signed up for the tour on the 3rd day of Lunar New Year, 05 February 2011, 11am slot.The tour kicked start at Singapore Flyer.
Appearantly, there are 2 operators that runs the amphibian vehicles.
DUCK TOURS and DUKW TOURS. Regardless of which is which, both have 2 seperate itineries and interesting enough - I've signed up for the DUKW TOURS.
We took the MRT - Circle Line, alighted at PROMENADE Station. Soon, we headed our way to Singapore Flyer. Looked out for unit #01-05 - DUKW TOURS and made our payment. Collected our tickets the tour commenced at 11.30am. We were requested to assemble at meeting point 30minutes prior departure. We were in the tour operator's office.
Later on, our names are called and were requested to gathered around and view the safety video. Every guest gathered round the flat screen tv and sat on the comfy sofa adjacent to the ticketing counter.
We were shown on how to wear the floating vests in the event of emergency.(It is placed underneath our seat)
Then everyone were rounded up to follow the ever cheerful lady guide (fondly known as FUNbassafor) towards the amphibian vehicle (fondly known as FunVee DUKW) at the parking bay.
We found out that FunVee DUKW vehicle was a revamped Vietnam War Amphibious Vehicle! How cool is that?
We grabbed our seats, 28 seats in total. There were 25 of us. We took the seats at the back row. 6 seats spread across the aisle from left to right which good advise says,'Don.t take it!' Mainly because we personally feel that it's a little bit noisy because of the engines roaring just right behind us.
We departed from Singapore Flyer to the city and FUNbassafor into the civic district area which we passed by Connaught Drive where we've seen the Padang, Supreme Court, City Hall and War Memorial (or lovingly known as the chopsticks) There were brief tour commentary which was not over taxing as the weather on that day was absolutely sunny and nice!
Then, coming to the fun part. FunVee DUKW vehicle was heading back to Singapore Flyer and passed by the F1 Pit Building and going towards to one of the car park bays. This was the spot where FunVee DUKW was heading towards the wet and watery section.
Heart rate was absolutely throbbing, mind telling heart - 'You're going to get wet!FUNbassador teased us too and requested us to sit away from the sides.
Well, it wasn't too soon at that moment FunVee DUKW vehicle hit the shores! But no splish splash all over as the tide was hide...BOOHOOO! I was hoping that we could get wet?!
FACT: FunVee DUKW vehicle was driven by 2 captains, one on the land and one on the water/river
We were afloat and driven underneath Bayshore Avenue heading towards Marina Bay.Helix Bridge was underneath us too before we arrived at the Floating Platform @ Marina Bay.
Esplanade (or lovingly known by the locals as The Durians was seen from afar) before we reached at Merlion Park.
FUNbassador was telling us that Mama Merlion strutting and spouting water from her mouth unto the river..Lo and behold, Baby Merlion was just behind Mama Merlion and where's Papa Merlion?
He's guarding at the Sentosa Island!
Fact: How many Merlion statues in Singapore?
There are 5!! Where?
Well, 2 are in Merlion Park. 1 at Sentosa Island.
The other 2 are located at Mount Faber and lastly in the headquater of Singapore Tourism Board at Orchard Spring Lane.
Our attention turned to the mighty sight of Central Business District of Singapore - skycrappers which limits its height no more than 280meters. Amazing view and as the we circled the bay, we saw the future architecture of Singapore - Marina Bay area which showcase the magnificent Marina Bay Sands and its surrounding area.
All good things come to an end, we headed back to Singapore Flyer.
And tummy wants food as the tour ended at 12.30 p.m. and it was lunch time!
Captain Explorer DUKW Tour liven to their promise of fun and excitement, well worth checking it out!
P/S:I bought the tickets using my own money. The tickets for each adult is priced at SGD 29.90nett and for more information; please check this link out: http://citytours.sg/funveeavtour.html
