Exploring Singapore with Kids: A 3 Day Family Adventure

Are you heading to Singapore with your family? We have put together the ideal family - friendly itinerary to help you make the most of Singapore. Packed full of kid - friendly attractions and experiences, you'll have plenty to do on a 3 day holiday!

Singapore is a small country, filled with a mix of cultures, innovative greenery, and some of the best family - friendly attractions in the world! Whether you are here on a layover or Singapore is your destination, this family friendly itinerary is ideal for exploring the city, going on iconic ferries like Sindo ferry and visiting nature preserves like Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Another great way to enjoy the high quality Singapore life while paying low taxes is to expand your company in this city-state. That way, not only do you get to tap into the bustling economic scene of Singapore, you also get to create a high quality of life for yourself and your family. A double thumbs up for all those locating to emigrate to Singapore.

Itinerary Overview



When planning the itinerary for your Singapore holiday, make sure to adjust it to suit your family's needs and interests. Don’t be afraid to cut out some activities especially if you’re traveling with young kids! Keeping your itinerary flexible is key to having a great family holiday.

Day 1 – Experience the City

Start at the Masjid Sultan Estimated Time - 0.5 – 1 hour

Begin your day at the impressive Masjid Sultan, a stunning mosque. Wander through the surrounding markets and savour some local food.

Immerse Yourself in Chinese Culture Estimated Time - 2 – 3 hours

Head to Chinatown via MRT to explore the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the Chinatown Heritage Centre. For lunch, visit Maxwell Food Centre and try the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.

Board a River Cruise at Merlion Park Estimated Time - 1 hour



Take the MRT to Merlion Park and board a Singapore River Cruise, a relaxing way to see Marina Bay, Boat Quay, and Clarke Quay. Hop off at Clarke Quay or Boat Quay for dinner by the riverside.

Watch the Sunset from the Singapore Flyer Estimated Time - 1.5 hours

Finish your day with a ride on the Singapore Flyer, Asia’s largest Giant Observation Wheel, and enjoy the sunset views over the city.

Take in the Grand Spectra Light & Water Show Estimated Time - 0.5 hours

Walk to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands for the Spectra Light and Water Show. The free show runs nightly at 8pm and 9pm (Sun - Thurs) with an additional show at 10pm on Fri & Sat.

Day 2 – Marina Bay Area



Start at Gardens by the Bay Estimated Time - 4 – 5 hours

Arrive early to explore the Supertree Grove Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. The Children’s Garden offers interactive play areas and water features perfect for kids.

Experience the ArtScience Museum Estimated Time - 2 – 3 hours

Visit the ArtScience Museum particularly the Future World Exhibition which is interactive and engaging for children.

Eat Dinner at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands Estimated Time - 2 – 3 hours

Enjoy dinner at the extensive food court and explore the Digital Light Canvas.

Watch the Garden Rhapsody Light Show Estimated Time - 1 hour

Return to the Supertree Grove for the Garden Rhapsody Light Show, a musical light display on the iconic Supertrees.

Day 3 – Sentosa Island

Option One - Universal Studios Estimated Time - All Day



Spend the day at Universal Studios, enjoying the rides shows and attractions. It's perfect for families even with young children.

Option Two - SEA Aquarium & Sentosa Beach Estimated Time - 3 – 4 hours

Visit the SEA Aquarium, the world's largest aquarium then relax at Sentosa Beach. The Palawan Pirate Ship water playground is free and perfect for kids.

Option Three - Adventure Cove Waterpark Estimated Time - 4 – 6 hours

Enjoy a fun day at Adventure Cove Waterpark with attractions for all ages from thrilling water slides to relaxing rivers.

Getting Around Singapore

Via Train Singapore’s MRT system is efficient and affordable. Consider purchasing a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited travel.

Via Taxi/Grab Taxis are convenient and reasonably priced. Alternatively, use the Grab app which works like Uber.

Via Bus Buses are convenient mode of transportation and cost effective. Online portals like redBus have made booking bus ticket online simpler then ever.

Via Walking Walking is a great way to explore and experience Singapore’s sights and sounds.

Where to Stay

Budget - Ibis Budget Singapore Imperial

Mid - Range - Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt

Luxury - Pan Pacific Singapore

Make sure to book your accommodation in advance to get the best price and ensure it’s near an MRT station for easy travel.

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Top Cruising Routes in Asia

Photo courtesy: Ponant Cruises

Asia is indeed a harmony of countless rich cultures and is home to some of the oldest civilizations in the world. Cruising Asia means enjoying an unforgettable experience as you explore the exotic landscape and unravel the colonial history. Cruise passengers heading East are sure on a wonderful experience as they come across sea cruise destinations such as Cambodia, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Burma, China, Taiwan, and more. What makes Asian cruising a much more attractive option is that you can cover several countries in one go!

A Ponant cruise to Asia is a lot more than just taking a journey from one exotic port to another. You are on an unforgettable vacation of tranquil landscapes and most intriguing destinations. Ponant luxury vessels and boats add to the appeal of the captivating ancient continent with diverse cultures. Learn more about the exceptional Ponant itineraries on this website and get ready to discover some of the most enchanting and dynastic cities of Asia.

Here are some of the top cruises in Asia.

Japan Cruise


Photo courtesy: StudioPonant Margot Sib

Enjoy the best of Japan on an exceptional itinerary designed by Ponant that will take you straight to the heart of Japan. Explore the Land of the Rising Sun and its enhancing cities like Osaka, Tamano, Miyajima, Busan, and more. Learn about the history of the samurai and geishas on the Japanese cruise and admire the country’s landscaped gardens as well as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is your chance to discover medieval and ancient Japan.

The Seychelles Cruise



Photo courtesy: StudioPonant Morgane Monneret

For cruising Seychelles, you arrive and depart from Victoria Port, and the new and exciting itinerary invites you to discover the paradise of archipelago’s Inner Islands. Some of the essential stops include Sainte Anne Marine National Park, Curieuse Island, Praslin, and more. Enjoy unforgettable snorkelling as you get to see coral reefs with stunning species or look at the Aldabra giant tortoises within the mangrove. Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, with its gigantic endemic fruits, should not be missed. Enjoy some moments of relaxation on the stunning islands with fantastic beaches.

Hong Kong to Japan Cruise

What could be better than cruising from Hong Kong and spend some days in Taiwan and Shanghai before heading for the Japanese city of Yokohama. This is your opportunity to get a taste of vast and varied cultures of the Asian region. You will come across countries and cites that are radically different but deeply honour their past. It is indeed a unique experience to see the quiet serenity of ancient times existing side by side with hyper-modernity. Throughout the trip, you can observe the modernist impulse in the traditional aesthetics and architecture of the cities and its food and culture.

Aldabra Atoll Cruise

Aldabra Atoll and its Secret Islands are very popular among the Asian cruisers. The expedition cruise invites you on an unforgettable trip aboard one of the luxury PONANT vessels and leads you to the most beautiful islands with idyllic landscapes that boast of exceptional flora and fauna. During the cruise, there would be endless opportunities to swim, dive, and snorkel, especially when you are in the Alphonse lagoon. Aldabra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the largest population of land turtles and numerous colonies of birds.

Vietnam to Singapore Cruise




Photo courtesy: Ponant Cruises Ship

Another of the popular Asian cruise covers Vietnam and then Hong Kong to Singapore. The cruise offers you a glimpse into the Asian lifestyle and culture. Those families living in floating fish farms in Vietnam and alter halts in Hong Kong and Singapore are sure to amaze you. The cruise covers visits to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Mekong Delta.

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7 Best Destinations in Singapore for a Family Holiday

Summer holidays are here and it is time to plan for that memorable family holiday. But, here comes the usual conundrum… Where should I go? Will my kids have a good time? Will it be too expensive? From the top of my head, I can think of 3 destinations that are not too expensive, are located not too far away from India and they offer a plethora of options for kids of all ages. In fact, they are fabulous family holiday destinations too. These places are Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong. Out of these 3, Singapore happens to the eternal favorite for Indian family travelers. It could be due to the proximity. It could be because of its world class facilities and status. It could be because of its small size and hence easy commutes. Or it could be because of the sheer number of things that one can experience in this city country. Whatever the reason may be, Singapore is an amazing family holiday destination.



If you agree and are planning a holiday to Singapore, then do make sure that you manage to add these 7 best destinations in your Singapore family holiday itinerary.

1) Universal Studios Singapore



A one-of-its kind theme park in Asia, Universal Studios Singapore is definitely a top attraction for a Singapore family holiday. Located on the happening Sentosa Island, Universal Studios Singapore is home to 24 rides, shows and attractions across seven different themes. It doesn’t matter whether you are thrill seekers, selfie lovers, super hero lovers or cartoon lovers, you are bound to love your time here. If you are a true thrill seeker, you will absolutely adore the world’s tallest duelling roller coasters Battlestar Galactica: HUMAN vs CYLON.

There are a whole bunch of options when it comes to tickets, so you can either choose based on the type of ride, show or theme that you are interested in or you could opt for an all-in ticket. For the best deal on Universal Studio Singapore tickets, do ensure that you book well in advance.

2) Gardens by the Bay



This nature park with its vertical tower gardens are a sight to behold and are one of the most photogenic places of Singapore. Such is its charm that it is listed as the top attraction in Singapore on Tripadvisor and it features in the world’s top 20 most checked-in places on Facebook. It’s top attractions include the Supertree Grove and OCBC Skyway, Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, Children’s garden. The Gardens by the Bay is also one of the best places to see a bird’s eye view of Singapore.

3) Sentosa Island



Sentosa Island is that place in Singapore where theme parks, beaches, nature, dining, shopping, golf, hotels and spas all come together, thus making it the top destination in all Singapore tours. It is home to everything from waterparks to butterfly kingdoms, skywalks and cable cars to Segway adventure, Madame Tussads to S.E.A Aquarium and from Universal Studios Singapore to Wave House. My favorite things to do here are chill at Palawan beach, go on a sunset themed cruise on Super Yacht Royal Albatross, Asia’s only luxury tall ship, get a bird’s eye view of Singapore from inside Singapore cable car, enter the marine realm at S.E.A Aquarium, indulge in some jet packing at Ola beach club and lose myself amidst the myriad of colors at the butterfly park and insect kingdom.

4) Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park



Considered as one of the top 3 zoos in the world, Singapore Zoo is the best place to see animals in a heavily forested habitat. The popular animals here are orangutans, baboons, mandrins, elephants, white tigers and giraffe. It is a great place to see animals in its natural habitat, learn about them, feed them and even touch some of them. Apart from the zoo buggy ride, one can also indulge in a night safari and river safari.



If you are interested in birds, then you should head to Jurong Bird Park, which is also managed by Wildlife Reserves Singapore, which manages Singapore Zoo. Penguins, raptors, hornbills, lories, lorikeets, parakeets and many other vibrant and colorful bird species can be seen here. You can feed them, hold them, talk to them and even take selfies with them.

5) Chinatown



Chinatown is a tapestry of cultural diversity, food stalls and shopping. This colorful region of Singapore is where I would head to in the evening for an authentic Singapore food experience, followed by some souvenir hunting and inexpensive shopping. The top highlights of Chinatown are Chong Wong We – Singapore’s oldest Chinese School, Tong Ah Eating house, the rich heritage of Hotel 1929, an authentic tea experience at Pek Sin Choon, Tong Heng for the egg tarts and Chinatown complex for some of Singapore’s best food stall experience.

6) Haji Lane, Kampong Glam



Famous for being one of the narrowest streets in Singapore, Haji Lane in Kampong Glam is known for its hipster vibes. It is known for clothing boutiques, vintage cameras, cafes, bars and restaurants. It is one of those neighbourhoods where you go for lunch or for an evening walk. And while you are enjoying your drink, sipping on your coffee or relishing your meal, do not miss out on its amazing murals and street arts.

7) Little India



Head to Little India if you are missing your home food, aroma, culture and bustle. One of Singapore’s vibrant districts, Little India’s Serangoon road and neighbouring streets are full of Hindu temples, flower markets, spice shops and Indian restaurants. This whole district smells, looks and feels like India. If you feel like Indian food (North or South Indian), this is the place you want to be. And while you are in this area, do remember to visit Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of the more beautiful Hindu temples located here.

Photo Courtesy: Some photographs in this article have been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the creative commons license. Each image has been linked to their host page on wikipedia.

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10 Lesser Known Experiences for your next Singapore Holiday

The tropical island country of Singapore, that is such a hot favorite with Indian travellers, is a destination that is pretty well trodden by tourists across the world. But, that doesn’t mean that it is devoid of those hidden or lesser known experiences that can make your Singapore holiday more fulfilling. From mangrove forests to late night parties, from markets to food centers and from islands to museums, there are quite a few off beat experiences to be had in Singapore.

Here are 10 of my favorite off-beat experiences and that you can definitely look to add to your Singapore holiday itinerary.

Experience a Gastronomic Journey at Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre



Singapore and food go hand in hand. Such is the strong connection that life in Singapore revolves around its food scene rather than its business hubs. From traditional Hokkien Chinese food to Indian and other cuisines, the food scene at Tiong Bahru is amazing. Add to it the wet market and the live catches and you have a gastronomic discovery right in the center of Singapore. Chwee kueh (vegetarian), deep fried shark fritters, the traditional cakes of Tiong Bahru Teochew Kueh, the vegetarian delicacies of Ru Yi Vegetarian stall and the kopi (coffee) are my personal favorites.

Dance to the Beat at Zouk

What used to be three old warehouses built along the Singapore river is arguably Singapore’s best cosmopolitan bar and dance club. Among the more recognized dance clubs in the world, Singapore’s Zouk is a place where you can groove and dance to the beats of some of the most well known DJs the world over. Head here for those adrenaline packed late night parties. And while you there and taking a break from the dance floor, you can try Singapore Sling, the iconic drink of Singapore that was created at the Raffles Bar.

Go Birdwatching at Jurong Bird Park



Managed and run by the Wildlife Reserves Singapore, the Jurong Bird Park is a fantastic family getaway. Loved by visitors of all ages, this place is a birdwatcher’s paradise. From penguins to cassowaries, owls and snowy owls to pelicans and from flamingos to lorikeets, one can sight a great number of bird species from all over the world. The African waterfall aviary, the Lory Loft, the nocturnal path called the world of darkness and the wings of Asia are my personal favorites. The Jurong Bird Park also packs in entertaining shows with the birds that are extremely educational for young kids.

Kayak through Mandai Mangroves

A biodiversity hotspot and the largest remnant of mangrove forest and mangrove swamp on mainland Singapore, the Mandai Mangroves is paradise for nature lovers. From terrestrial to migratory birds and from mangrove horseshoe crabs to reptiles and amphibians, this tract of mangrove forest is great to watch and study all kinds of animal species. The best way to experience all of this is from a kayak as you slowly float in the shallow waters.

Watch a Movie under the stars at Marina Bay



A hot favorite with the locals, the Movie Mob is an initiative where one can drive in and watch a movie under the stars with hundreds of Singaporeans at the famous Marina Bay location. Hosted one or twice every month during the weekends, this is an ideal way to live the Singaporean way of life in a spectacular environment where you are under the stars and surrounded by the shining high rises and attractions of Singapore. Entry is free, but online check in is required and one can also vote for movie choices here.

Enjoy the Aerial Views from the Singapore Cable Car



Connecting Mount Faber with Sentosa island, the Singapore cable car gondola lift is a great way to soak in the views of Singapore’s lush green forests, spectacular cityscape and the gorgeous ocean all in one panoramic view. The icing on the cake is the ability to enjoy a private dinner while you enjoy the rich visuals.

The Singapore Cable Car is definitely one of the best ways to experience the new and different Singapore. 

Dine in the Dark at Nox

Blind dining seems to be quite the rage these days and Singapore seems to have its own dine in the dark restaurant at Nox where one can surrender their taste buds and visually perceptive minds to dining in total darkness. A unique dining experience where you are assisted by visually impaired individuals, Nox - Dine in the Dark offers a food, wine and cocktail selection that is bound to whet your palate and leave you totally full and happy.

Stroll through Singapore’s last village – Pulau Ubin



If I were to tell you that there exists in the vastly urban Singapore swaying coconut palms, lush rubber plantations, rustic trails, secluded beaches, mangrove forests, hornbills and other exotic bird species, a virtually unspoilt coral reef and lush green countryside all on one small island, you would think that I am possibly joking. But, there does exist one such island called Pulau Ubin that seems to have been untouched by time. Considered to be Singapore’s last village (Kampong), this island is perfect for nature lovers, bird watchers, mountain bikers and for those who love a quieter way of life.

Walk along a lifestyle destination called Dempsey Hill

Located real close to the bustling Orchard road is the lesser known Dempsey hill, one of Singapore’s most hip and quaint neighbourhoods. With over 150 years of history in this place, the best way to experience this lifestyle destination is by checking out its various walking trails that take you through restaurants and celebrity restaurants, cafes and brew shops, designer shops, art studios, pet hotels, apothecary spa and so much more.

Rediscover Childhood at MINT – The Museum of Toys

If you have a child hidden inside of you, you will definitely fall in love with this place. Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys or MINT Museum of Toys is a place that showcases a private collection of vintage toys. Spread across 6 levels and hosting over 50,000 items, the highlights of a visit to MINT museum has to be the enamel sign gallery, the Alice Doll by Farnell, the Mickey Mouse Hurdy Gurdy and a whole bunch of other characters, childhood favorites and collectables. Ideal for people of all ages, MINT is a great place to take your kids on their Singapore holiday.

I hope these 10 lesser known attractions of Singapore offer enough food for thought for your next upcoming holiday. In fact, you can even avail some exciting offers on MakeMyTrip and Airbnb with your Citi Cards to book your flights and accommodation for your Singapore Trip. Experience the New Singapore like never before. #WhatsNewThisVacation.

Note: Some of these pictures have been borrowed from wikipedia.org under the Creative Commons License. Each picture has been linked to its respective page on wikipedia.

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Singapore - Debunking the Myths

If you speak to most people who have never been to the city state of Singapore, there are always the same clichés, stereotypes and half-truths that come out.  “It’s so expensive, you get thrown in jail for having chewing gum, and the HEAT!” The same people who trot these statements out will probably have trouble pointing to Singapore on a map, never mind being able to give valuable travel advice about the country. So yes, while there is an element of truth to some of these apocryphal tales, I feel it’s my duty to put the record straight, and let you know the truth about the Lion City.



Is it Expensive?

Look at any top 10 most expensive cities in the world list and Singapore is going to be in it, usually in the top one or two places. The problem with these lists is that the factors that they are based on, are for those who live there, and include property prices and school fees. Singapore is a small island, and it houses the Asian headquarters for pretty much every company on the planet. Of course property prices – particularly near the CBD (central business district) are going to be steep. Plus, the number of expats in Singapore, many with families, means there are a large number of good international schools. This means the figures are always going to be skewed. Take those out, and you are left with a country that is still expensive in Asian terms but certainly not when it comes to comparisons with much of Europe and North America.



Transport is clean and cheap, but the thing most people come to Singapore for is the food, and it not only boasts some of the best and most varied on the planet, it’s also some of the cheapest. The hawker centres – open air complexes housing many different food vendors - are an institution. You can pick up what could very well be one of the best meals you’ve ever had in your life for between S$2 and S$5.

Is it a Police State?

Singapore has practically no crime. There is never a time – no matter where you accidentally stray – where anyone, man or woman will feel uneasy, whatever time of night. You are also very unlikely to see any police on the streets. There are reasons for this, that are too long and drawn out to go into here, but a fairly draconian policy on crime and drugs in particular is certainly one of them. It is also untrue that gambling is illegal. There are some restrictions, but the island has several casinos, and though a $100 fee is charged for locals, tourists and non-Singaporean residents can enter for free, to play the multitude of slots or card tables round the clock.

Is There any Culture?



While it is true that Singapore is a relatively new country, and doesn’t have the cultural history of a lot of its neighbours, many of the locals have brought their own culture in from India, China, Malaysia and Indonesia. The enclaves of China town, Little India and Kampong Glam are fascinating places to visit and dine out in, and the island also boasts some of the most renowned art galleries and museums in Asia if not the world.

Just How hot is it?



It is South East Asia, a stone’s throw from the equator, of course it’s going to be hot. It is in no way as hot as many of the surrounding countries however, mainly due to the fact it’s a small island, surrounded by water. And anyway, is all year round temperatures in the low to mid 30’s really a bad thing?

Note: The photographs in this article have been borrowed from wikimedia commons and each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikimedia commons site.

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