What’s Worth Doing When You Travel To Singapore As A Family Holiday Maker With Kids

What’s Worth Doing When You Travel To Singapore As A Family Holiday Maker With Kids
by: Jaffa Matt

You chose to travel to Southeast Asia as your next holiday getaway. You decided Singapore as your next travel destination. However, you have few problems that bothering your mind. You are going there with your kids. In addition, you have not been in Singapore before. But, your friends or other relatives have told you how great Singapore is as holiday destination. You believed them and that you decided to go to Singapore no matter what.

Are you in that situation? Relax, that a deep breath. This article will tell you what is worth doing when you are in Singapore with your kids. Which attractions kids enjoy most? Which places kids would love going to? Below are my suggestions…

Singapore Zoological Garden ( Singapore Zoological Garden )

The Singapore Zoological Garden or simply the zoo adapts the “open zoo” concept. Which means, no oppressive cage are in sight. Instead, animals are separated from visitors by means of wet or dry moats concealed with vegetation. Landscaped glass-fronted enclosures are used for certain animals such as jaguars and leopards. You should not miss this one place when you visit Singapore with kids.

Do come in the morning and have breakfast with the most celebrated orang utan in Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife at Jungle Flavours. I am sure you will get your family amused to start the day. Take memorable photographs with the orang utan or snake to add more fun.

After that, catch the Wonders of The Wild Show at 10:30 AM. Let the spider monkeys, macaques, humongous pythons and splashing sea lions be the stars of that morning.

Then, you can roam around the zoo to visit other animal exhibits namely the Orang Utan, White Tiger, Wild Africa, Cat Country, Elephants of Asia, Primate Kingdom, Hamadryas Baboons, Polar Bear, Reptile Garden, Fragile Forest and Australian Outback. In addition, do not forget to go for the elephant or pony rides before you leave.

Night Safari ( Night Safari )

Night Safari is next to the Zoo but operated from 06:30PM onwards. It is the world’s first wildlife park built for visits at night. Yes, explore wildlife in the tropical jungle at night! Superb lighting technique create a moonlight effect and recreated the jungle atmosphere in this 40 hectares of lush secondary forest, which houses over 1000 nocturnal animals of 100 species in vast, naturalistic habitats.

The tram-stop-walk-tram like tour will bring you to various stops and trails where you can view animals that you sometimes do not think they exist.

Have you ever seen a screw goat? This is makhor, which is the largest goat in the world and considered “King of Wild Goats”. Why screw? Because, its horns twist into a spiral resembling a corkscrew. Look out for them at Himalayan Foothills. Other animal exhibits are Nepalese River Valley (Otter, Wolf, Greater Asian Rhino, Jackal and Sambar Deer), Indian Subcontinent (Striped Hyena, Gir Lion and the Sloth Bear), Equatorial Africa (Giraffe, Serval, Spotted Hyena, Bongo and the Hippo ), Indo-Malayan Region (Hog Deer, Bearded Pig and Tiger ), Asian Riverine Forest (Tapir, Red Dhole, Asian Elephant and Banteng), South American Pampas (Maned Wolf, Capybara and Giant Anteater) and Burmese Hillside (Guar and Thamin).

To add the thrills there are also animal trails namely Fishing Cat Trail, The Leopard Trail and Forest Giants Trail. And not forgetting, the Creatures of Night Show where the star casts includes otters, binturongs, raccoons, owls, wolves, hyenas and servals. Well, this place is a must for added kids’ excitements.

Jurong Bird Park ( Jurong Bird Park )

Jurong Bird Park is the next place you should not miss. Its 20.2-hectare open-concept park is the largest in the Asia Pacific and probably the best in the world. It has more than 9000 birds from 600 species in its collection. It specialises birds from Southeast Asia.

The African Wetlands:- Shoebill, Storks, Egyptian Goose, the Blue Crane, White-faced Tree Duck, White-breasted Cormorant, Crested Guinea Fowl, Great White Pelican.

Birds Of Paradise: - Red Bird of Paradise, Lesser Bird of Paradise, 12-Wired Bird of Paradise.

Hornbills and Toucans Exhibit: - Toco Toucan, Black Hornbill, Southern Pied Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill.

Parrot Paradise: - Dusky Lory, Hawk-Headed Parrot, Blue and Gold Macaw, Eclectus Parrot.

World of Darkness: - The Night Herons, Fish Owls, Snowy Owls, Barn Owls

And many more. Also, do not forget to experience the world’s largest walk-in aviary with the tallest man-made waterfall where you can enjoy a close-up view of free-flying birds from Africa and South America.Not forgetting the bird shows, Birds ‘n Buddies Show and Birds of Prey Show.

Sentosa Island ( Sentosa Island )

This 500-hectare island is where you and your family will experience a unique mixture of leisure and recreational events. It has loads of attractions, water sports, sandy beaches, golf courses and hotel resorts. In fact, you can spend the whole day here if you have the time. However, for family with kids, here are my suggestions…

Carlsberg Sky Tower: - Have a scenic and breathtaking experience as you go atop Singapore’s tallest observatory tower where you can enjoy panoramic views of Singapore, Sentosa, Southern Islands and Malaysia and Indonesian islands.

Underwater World: - This oceanarium housed more than 2500 fishes from 250 different species. Have a ‘hands on’ experience with starfish, stingrays and baby sharks. Then, venture into the ocean depths via a moving travellator, which spread through 83 metre long with fishes such as sharks, stingrays, eels all around you.

Dolphin Lagoon: - Included in your ticket price is the entrance to Dolphin Lagoon. Catch the “Meet the Dolphin” sessions at 11am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm & 5.30pm daily.

Sentosa 4D Magix: - Do not miss this spectacular and mind-blowing interactive experience. Enjoy the visual effects, surround sound, individually controlled motion seats and get wet with special “live” environmental effects water spray and many surprises.

The Flying Trapeze: - Fear of height? Try this. This fantastic entertainment let you experience as a flying trapeze. It helps develop one’s mind, body and coordination. For kids 4 years and above but not for pregnant women.

Sijori Wondergolf: - You do not need to have Tiger Woods talent to play this golf. Because, this is a miniature golf park. Fifty-four creative landscaped green set in three different 18-hole courses will put your kids’ fun and excitement to become the next Tiger Woods.

Escape Theme Park ( Escape Theme Park )

Keep your kids occupied in this amusement park. There are rides for kids, big kids and families. Lookout for the Daytona Go-Kart, it’s exciting. Other attractions you can find there are Bumper Boats, Central Pavilion, Coca Cola Pirate Ship, Family Coaster, Ferris Wheel, Inverter, Revolution and many more.

Wild Wild Wet ( Wild Wild Wet )

This waterpark located just next to the Escape Theme Park. You can even buy combo ticket for both entrances together. Here, you and your family can get wet with flumes, twisty slide, wave pool namely Ular-Lah, The Waterworks, Wall’s Tsunami and many others. In fact, you can spend the whole afternoon here.

Well, of course there are much more to explore with your kids in Singapore. These are my personal suggestions so that your mind is not blank once you step on our beautiful Changi International Airport (Changi Airport ).

Copyright © 2006 Jaffa Matt

About The Author
Jaffa Matt is an independent Freelance writer who was born and lives in Singapore. His website My Singapore provides ideas & informative articles about his country, Singapore.

Singapore, Introduction To Asia

Singapore, Introduction To Asia
by: Gareth Powell

To understand Singapore you need to realize that it is the extension of one man's intelligence, dream and drive. And that man is Lee Kuan Yew, the original prime minister of the Republic of Singapore. Yes, it is true he was aided in his task by the people of Singapore. It is interesting to ponder on what would have happened to Singapore if Lee Kuan Yew, one of the remarkable men of his century, had not been present.

Lee Kuan Yew is a nonya. That is he can claim both Malay and Chinese heritage. He was born in 1923 and was prime minister of Singapore from 1959 to 1990. And during his rule, as a simple statement of fact, Singapore went from being something of a backwater to becoming the most prosperous nation in Southeast Asia.

Lee Kuan Yew went to Cambridge University where he got a double starred first which is not something that is given out with the rations. He became a lawyer and was admitted to the English bar but returned to Singapore to work, as a committed socialist, with the unions.

In 1963 Lee took Singapore into the newly created Federation of Malaysia.

This created all sorts of problems. In Singapore 75 percent of the members of the PAP were Chinese and there was much tension between Chinese and Malays. There was communal rioting in Singapore and in 1965 Lee Kuan Yew was told by his Malaysian colleagues in the federal government that Singapore must leave the federation.

Singapore had to secede and it then became a sovereign state with Lee Kuan Yew as its first prime minister.

It is fair to say that in return for a mildly authoritarian style of government that sometimes infringed on civil liberties Lee Kuan Yew brought Singapore honest and efficient administration and spectacular prosperity.

Lee Kuan Yew resigned the office of prime minister in November 1990.

It is, perhaps, sad that such a great man who did not believe in inherited power has appointed his children in just such a manner. Does not affect the tourist. Possibly affects the future of Singapore.

Singapore is not a big place. It sits at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula 137 km north of the Equator. The main part is Singapore Island and there are also about 60 very small islands.

The main island is connected to Peninsular Malaysia by a road and rail causeway which bridges the Johor Strait.

Singapore does not depend on tourism for a living. It is the largest port in Southeast Asia and one of the busiest in the world.

Singapore is not just a small island. It is also a very flat island. Most of it is less than 15m above sea level and its highest point is Timah Hill which soars to 162m.

Climate

Singapore is near the equator and in the monsoon region. The average monthly temperature varies from about 27 degrees C in June to 25 degrees C in January and the difference is not noticeable. The wettest time of the year is November-March and the period with the least amount is May to September. Not that it makes very much difference.

Rain falls somewhere on the island every day of the year. Which is why it is very green. Do not let the rain worry you. In the constant warm temperature you very quickly dry out.

There is not much left of the original Singapore. There is a fragment of evergreen rain forest preserved around catchment areas and some mangrove vegetation survives in the Kranji area on the northwest side of the island but otherwise it is all cultivated in one way or another.

The city is in the south of the island but, in truth, most of the island of Singapore has now been built up and over. At one time it looked as though every old building in Singapore would be knocked down and replaced with a new and shining skyscraper. Eventually the penny dropped and the government decided that refurbishing rather than demolishing the once-common Chinese shop-house would not be a bad idea. And keeping the Raffles hotel operating in its old premises but with a new style was part of the campaign.

Nevertheless the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has changed forever the face of Singapore and has housed a staggering four-fifths of the population high-rise HDB flats located in housing estates and new towns.

Language

About three quarters of the population of Singapore is Chinese with Malays next and Indians the third.

But it does not break down as easily as that. Nearly half of the Chinese originate from Fukien province and speak Amoy; a third is from Swatow and speaks Teochew and most of the rest are Cantonese. That is three different dialects which are not understandable by all although, of course, written Chinese is a unifying force.

The Malays are pretty much one group although some of them speak Indonesian dialects which although very similar to Malay have some vocabulary differences. The Indians are the biggest mixture of them all. The majority are Tamils but there are also Malayalis and Sikhs as well as Pakistanis and Sinhalese.

There are four official languages - English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. And there is a fifth which although not recognized officially, is distinct enough to be the subject of several learned papers. This is Singaporean which is Singapore's very own version of the English language.

It contains words and grammatical from all the languages of Singapore. Therefore "Must be, lah" is an affirmative declaration while, "What to do now, lah?" is an expression of helplessness in the face of fate. It is a lovely and expressive language based totally on English. If you speak English you will never have language problems in Singapore.

Singapore is a singularly pleasant place to visit. It is the ideal destination for someone making their first foray into Asia.

The chances of your being robbed in Singapore are pretty close to nil. And if you are, the local constabulary will move heaven and earth to fang the wretched miscreant and return your goods.

The roads are spotlessly clean - drop a bus ticket and you will very probably be fined. The road crossings are safe - go jaywalking and once again your wallet will be lightened. The roadside food stalls are the cleanest in the world. No one gets gippy tummy in Singapore.

The developers are something else again. Sadly, like developers all over the world their motto is 'nothing exceeds like excess'. Almost everything that was old and worthwhile and interesting came under the wrecker's ball.

Singapore eventually saw the folly of this and you can still find parts of the old Singapore.

The Tourist Promotion Board maintains a flood, a deluge, an inundation of brochures telling of the wonders of the city state. But it bridles madly at the sign of any criticism.

Despite this nonsense Singapore is a most attractive place to visit - for one reason. The people. Singaporeans are joyous, intelligent, friendly. In the restaurants you are served with pleasure.

Singapore need never run a politeness campaign. Its people are the politest and the warmest in Asia. Partially this has something to do with the racial mix. Within Singapore, Malays, Chinese of several varieties, Tamils and Europeans get on in the most amazing racial harmony.

This harmony spills over to the visitor. In Singapore, I promise you, the people positively love having you as an honored guest.

Pretty much all of the attractions in Singapore are man-made and of relatively recent origin. It is astounding that on this flat little island so much has been created to keep the visitor entertained.

What are the main attractions of Singapore? This is my list. Yours will almost certainly be very different.

Food. You can eat yourself silly with 100 different cuisines and still not have scratched the surface in Singapore.

My own view, formed after spending a lifetime in the area, is that the food in Singapore – because of its wide range of styles - is arguably the best in Asia.

You can eat very cheaply by sticking to the open air restaurants that abound. They are all squeaky clean and serve ambrosia at discount prices. The first place to try is the Satay Club on Elizabeth Walk and then make your own discoveries.

The Jurong Bird Park. When I have business in Singapore I make it a point to keep half a day clear to go and sit on my own in the Jurong Bird Park. This has the largest aviary in the world. What they have done is net off a valley so that there is a waterfall inside the aviary. It brings balm to the soul.

Visit The Off-Shore Islands. It is easy to think that Singapore is just one diamond shaped island for that is the way that it appears on most maps. In fact there are several smaller islands that you can visit.

Boats can be hired from Clifford Pier which is just across the road from Change Alley. On the islands you will find an older, more peaceful Singapore. One where Stamford Raffles - the man who founded the place - would feel very much at home.

Visit The Tiger Balm Gardens. This place is truly a nonsense - but a most enjoyable nonsense. Full of statues and grottoes and buildings all garishly painted. They are, as I understand it, intended to give you an idea how heaven and hell look in the Taoist religion. Incidentally, Tiger Balm ointment, which provided the funds to build this place, does cure what ails you.

Wallow In The Luxury Of An Up-Market Hotel. My theory is that the local towkays - the millionaires - have all tried to one-up each other in the construction of hotels. The result is that in Singapore you can stay in a hotel with appointments and service you could simply not afford anywhere else in the world.

Spend Time In One Of The Many Gardens. My favorite is the Japanese Garden, again in Jurong. A well-designed Japanese garden always gives me a special sense of peace. This is almost certainly the best Japanese garden outside Japan.

And so it goes. The average visitor spends 3.7 days in Singapore which is enough time to get the feel of the place, to go shopping, to eat yourself stupid and to make instant but lasting friendships with the local Singaporeans.

Then you can nip across the causeway to Malaysia. This is where the real Asia begins. Singapore is but a foretaste. For the first time visitor it is difficult to think of a better introduction.

About The Author

Gareth Powell

This article is by Gareth Powell who runs www.travelhopefully.com. It can be edited, cut, localized, and given a different heading. Just keep the link to the site intact. Gareth Powell has been travel editor of two metropolitan newspapers, has written (and had published) eleven books and has published many travel magazines.