Singapore
Singapore - Not just a stopover.
I took my family here last year to visit friends who are living in Singapore. It was my kids first time to leave Australia so it was a big deal for them in particular. One thing with a family holiday is to make sure it’s entertaining - happy children make a great holiday - they will always remember it and get so much out of these experiences.
We set out with this in mind and carefully planned a holiday that the kids would love. Choosing to fly direct to avoid any lengthy transfers at airports, we flew with Emirates knowing that the kids would be well looked after, and that the night flight would give us a good chance of getting some rest and sleep on their first long haul. It was worth it and the flight really was part of the holiday rather than something to get over and done with.
As expected the entertainment system was outstanding, the seats as comfortable as they can be in economy class and the kid’s packs were good and put the kids at ease with a selection of activities. My overwhelming impression of Singapore on previous visits just stopping for a night or even a few hours was the heat and humidity, but as with anything else, once you are there for a few days you soon get used to it and take it in your stride. (If you really struggle - the network of hotels, malls and the underground provide a welcomed relief).
Like any modern Asian City, Singapore is always on the go and in the 2 weeks we stayed we were never short of a thing to do, a place to visit or a new restaurant to try. Singapore is where all of Asia and the west meet so you really can find almost anything you want. The highlights of our trip for both us and our 8 and 6 year old were:
- A trip to the Night Zoo, an education for adults and kids alike - it really is different to go to a zoo when the animals are active and in full swing. Though, a tip here, if you take your kids with you be prepared to explain some natural animal behaviour that you may not have banked on seeing.
- The Science Museum is a good afternoon’s distraction for a day when the rain comes down. It’s a little way from the city too so a good way to get away from the hustle and bustle if you need too. There’s lots of interactive stuff to do and the obligatory gift shop, cafe etc.
- Universal studios - get your wallet out and get ready to see the bottom, this is an expensive day out but if you know before you go it won’t seem so bad. It is like most theme parks lots of fun and an absolute ball for the children. There is Madagascar, Shrek, Jurassic park, Johnny rockets and a selection of different rides suitable for all age groups and don’t miss the film studio experience - it really is very good.
- Sentosa Island - This is where Universal studios is, but there are a heap of other things to do. You can make a day of it or if you’ve been to Singapore a few times before this is something a bit different. The Shangri-La here is excellent and there are a few other options. Getting there can be done several ways and for those of strong stomach the cable car affords pretty great views and drops you at the top of the Luge, another kids favourite. For the older kids there are Waverider pools and a whole host of other attractions on the island.
- Close to the mainland side of the cable car is a mall called Vivo City, this is a good option for shopping on the way or on the way back from Sentosa and if you want a bite to eat Food Republic on the top floor has a hawkers market of most Asian foods. The smells, sights and sounds of the food being cooked and eaten all around are quite an experience for those who have never done it. If you worry about Asian food and your children, chicken rice is a safe bet for kids and ours had it most days - my youngest loves the steamed sweet pork buns too and at less than a dollar each this was an easy snack. Singapore though offers every type of food so you won’t have a problem.
- Orchard Road is a Mecca for shoppers and with almost all the major shops you could want in just a kilometre or two you can see why. My kids don’t like shopping though so this was a quick trip for us. Best advice, if you are not in to shopping then there are better places to stay in Singapore than Orchard Road, and if you are then it is still easily reachable from most places.
- Little India has some great restaurants and shops. Its great value as you’d expect and interesting wander.
- We stopped off at Raffles too just to have a nosey around - not really for kids but with all the history, the location, the restaurants and bars it is a must do treat, one day. If it’s beyond the budget then a Singapore sling is the go - why not you only live once!
- The relatively new Marina Bay Sands has a great little rooftop bar and as the highest outdoor place in Singapore you get a fantastic view of the city. The pool is pretty special too - spanning the buildings and an infinity pool it is quite unique. If you stay there I’d try to use it early in the day before the tourists come to check it out.
- The Singapore river snakes through the city passing by the various quay developments, if you want a relaxing day this is a good option, with bars and restaurants all the way along why not take a river cruise one way then work your way slowly home stopping wherever takes your interest. Robertson Quay is popular with tourist and there are quite a few decent hotel options in this area too.
- If you like chicken Satay or just a different experience then ‘Satay Street’ is a good bit of fun. One of Singapore’s busiest streets is shut down at 6.00 or 7.00 pm on the dot and within 5 minutes is converted into and open air food market with Satay chicken stalls and a variety of other options - you can buy packages of 20 sticks with a jug of beer - lots of fun... get there early to ensure you get a seat straight away.
- Another option for a relaxing day out is the East Coast Parkway, a long park runs along the beachfront, you can hire bikes and just potter around, grab and ice-cream and enjoy the serenity.
Singapore Tip: If you are flying Singapore airlines and on a stopover there are so many bonus inclusions that this can be really good value. Ask me about it. Swissotel the Stamford - this is one of my favourite hotels in Singapore - I always get good feedback from my clients who stay there - it also has a great food court underneath with a fantastic yum cha restaurant.
Our trip to Singapore was made all the better by the fact we were visiting friends. Thank you to them for putting us all up in their house and our favourite sailing yacht. We had a wonderful time and hope to come back very soon.