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.

Things To Do In Singapore

Things To Do In Singapore
by: Ong Hui Woo

The best way to explore Singapore is to do what the locals do. That’s right, do things that are ‘non-touristy’. I have compiled a list of places and things to do in Singapore that are mostly free, other than a bottle of drink and transport fares. Hope you will find them useful and have fun!

1. Grab your 20 mega pixel camera and head down to Chinatown .... ok, ok, 2 million pixel is just as good. Take some pictures of the old shops and their almost 90 degrees staircases. If you like taking pictures of elderly people, there are many sitting around the wet market doing nothing.

2. Go to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for mountain biking or walk around and smell the green. Bring a bottle of water and shades.

3. Take a ferry (cost only $2) to Pulau Ubin and explore the island. You can also rent a bike or worn out motocycle. Try taking a taxi if you can find one, they can climb rough terrains better than jeeps. Explore some of the Malay kampungs and prawn farms.

4. Visit the Changi Prison. It's free entrance for both tourist and inmates. Drop by the museum and chapel for some WW2 history and photos.

5. Visit the Siang Lim Si temple at Toa Payoh. Watch people get blessed. For the non-believers, you can count the number of deities inside ... it should occupy you for one hour.

6. Go to the East Coast Park for a swim and followed by satay-bee hoon at the hawker centre.

7. Take a train to Changi Airport. Buy two cups of coffee, find a comfortable pillar in the departure hall viewing gallery, watch planes take off and ask yourself why you are not on the plane heading for a vacation.

8. Take a map and walk through MacRitchie Reservoir.

9. Go Sim Lim Square and check out the latest laptops and hardware.

10. Go jogging from Kallang River to Benjamin Sheares Bridge.

11. Take a train from the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. You can go over to Malaysia and back within a day.

12. Try water skiing at Pungol.

13. Make your own kite and fly them at the Marine South open field. After that, you can have a delicious steamboat dinner at the many steamboat restaurant nearby.

14. Go to the Flea Market at Sungei Road. Some people called it the Thieves Market because most of the things sold there are not bought by the merchants.

15. Go cycling at the Sembawang Park. Quiet and nice even on the weekends. Cycle to the end and you can see some of the big ships refuelling.

16. Bring your own pit and barbeque along the Upper Pierce Reservoir. But if you feel oily, don't jump into the reservoir, you may end up in Point no. 4.

17. Visit the Tekka Market at Serangoon Road for a variety of fruits and vegetables. There is a stall selling one of the best Bryani Chicken Rice I have ever tasted.

18. Go fishing at Pasir Ris Park.

19. Visit the Kinokuniya Bookstore.If your are dizzy after browing the library size bookstore, sit down for a cup of tea at the cafe inside the bookstore. If you feel like a bookworm that day, then head for the Borders bookstore for a second helping.

20. Visit the Sungei Buloh Nature Park. Bring binoculars and do bird watching. After that, you can buy some hydroponic vegetables home at the nearby farms.

copyright : Platimum Books

About The Author
Ong Hui Woo
Singapore Citizen
Platimum Books

Destination Singapore. A fine city for all the right reasons

Destination Singapore. A fine city for all the right reasons.
by: Matthew Lawson

You may have heard the saying “Singapore is a fine city.” You get fined for this, fined for that… you could even get fined for chewing gum (it caused a major door drama that stopped the MRT subway running). While there’s no doubt that Singapore takes a tough stand on fines for anti-social issues and basic public behaviour, Singapore is also fine city for a tourists on a stopover or vacation break.

In fact, Singapore is one of the world’s most popular destinations. A tiny island with mighty appeal, lying between Malaysia and Indonesia. Just 14 miles from north to south and 26 miles wide from east to west, it’s slightly more than 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC. Singapore lies in the heart of exciting Southeast Asia, a bridge between east and west and a place that buzzes 24/7.

It offers visitors a world of fantastic possibilities. Its ultra-modern skyscrapers and towers of glass contrast with the colonial charm of historic buildings, secret laneways and Chinese shop houses.

It’s a confusion of culture with slick style and business energy. A melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian races. Safe, fun and friendly, the perfect place for a break. Singaporeans are super helpful to visitors and just about everybody speaks English as this is the main language of business and everyday life.

Singapore is also just a few degrees from the equator, so it’s always a hot and happening place literally. Tip: dress for the tropics with light comfortable clothing.

Seven great things to do and see.

Singapore Shopping. A buyer’s paradise.

The number one attraction is undoubtedly shopping. Stroll down the main boulevard of Orchard Road and you’ll find plenty to tempt you and your credit card, but window shopping costs nothing. Each side of the road is lined with glossy designer boutiques, big stores and fabulous malls, not to mention shops displaying the latest digital wizardy.

Don’t miss exploring the other side of Singapore either. It’s fun to spend a day wandering the different locales and historic backstreets of Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street.

Enjoy a Singapore Sling at Raffles.

“When in Singapore, feed at Raffles”, that was the advice of the renowned English author, Rudyard Kipling, and it still holds true today. The legendary Raffles Hotel is consistently voted as one of the top hotels in the world. It attracted a bevy of literary talent to its doors, from Joseph Conrad to Somerset Maugham to Noel Coward who were inspired by its unique atmosphere. First opened in 1887, Raffles has undergone extensive restoration over the years but today it’s still as stylish as ever.

Now film celebrities, royalty, sports stars and anyone who’s anyone, chooses to stay Raffles. Even if your budget doesn’t allow an overnight booking, you could probably stretch to a refreshing Gin Sling in the Long Bar – it was invented here. Bartender Ngiam Tong Boon created this deliciously different cocktail close to a century ago.

Food glorious food.

Making money is not the only things on people’s minds in Singapore. The subject of food is a national obsession. After breakfast has finished, where to have lunch and dinner are the big topics of the day. As a visitor, your taste buds are spoiled for choice with plenty of food halls, stalls, cafes and upmarket restaurants.

Nonya or Peranakan food is the closest Singapore has to a “national” cuisine. It combines Chinese, Malay and other influences into its own unique blend. The resulting dishes are imaginative, tasty and often extremely subtle.

Travel tip: If you’re heading this way in the month of July, the annual Singapore Food Festival is in full swing. A gastronomic feast of workshops, places to eat, amazing recipes and things to try are all on the menu.

Singapore Zoo Night Safari.

Forget a typical zoo experience, this is an “open” green environment where animals are allowed to roam in acres of lush jungle and parklands. Oppressive cages are absent.

The animals are actually kept in spacious, landscaped enclosures, separated from visitors by dry or wet moats. The moats are concealed with vegetation or dropped below the line of vision.

At night, Singapore zoo takes on a totally different feel with the famous Night Safari. A unique experience of exploring wildlife in a tropical jungle at night. Through subtle lighting, you can view over 1,000 nocturnal animals from 100 species in their habitat. It’s well worth spending an evening out here. Show time starts at 7.30 as the sunset in this part of world is very reliable, thanks to the position, close to the equator.

Sentosa. Singapore’s premier island resort getaway.

Just 15 minutes from downtown Singapore, you’ll find the resort getaway that is Sentosa Island. A stunning blend of leisure and recreational facilities, sea sports, golf and peaceful retreats. Get there by cable car (fantastic views) or bus, taxi and car.

A canopy of secondary rainforest covers 70 per cent of the 500-hectare island and it’s home to monitor lizards, monkeys, peacocks, parrots as well as other native fauna and flora. With is long stretch of white sandy beach, this is the only place in Singapore with real beachfront accommodation, such as Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort. You’ll find this property (and many more choices all over Singapore) at sites like http://www.hotel.com.au/singapore

Clarke Quay. Night moves and grooves.

When the sun goes down, Clarke Quay, on the Singapore River, comes to life. During the 19th century, this was a commercial waterfront area, bustling with merchant vessels. The rich heritage is alive and kicking. The Quay been restored to create a colorful and stylish meeting place, filled with cosy cafes, bars, music and restaurants. Trendy night spots attract a big crowd, especially at the weekend.

Reflexology. Traditional Foot Massage.

Transport-wise, Singapore is easy to get around, by subway, bus or taxi, but you’ll probably pound the sidewalks taking in the sights and sounds of this great Asian destination. Make time for some pampering.

Reflexology or foot massage has long been part of Chinese tradition and culture - a superb way to relax after a tough day bargain hunting. You’ll find plenty of places to enjoy a massage, at exclusive Hotel spas, or the more reasonably priced specialty outlets all around Orchard Road, in shopping centres and Tanglin Road.

Singapore hotels to match every budget.

Singapore is one of the world’s top travel destinations, especially for stop overs. (U.S. citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa.) Accommodation-wise, you’ll find a wide range of hotels to suit your budget – from major 5 star international names to smaller hotels offering great value rates. Book online and see the deals you can find.

During holiday time, Chinese New Year and during special festivals, it pays to book ahead because Singapore is always a fine experience.

Web sites such as www.hotel.com.au/singapore have dozens of choices, in the shopping, business and nightlife districts.

About The Author
Matthew Lawson heads up www.hotel.com.au and is an avid traveler.

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.