6 Family Travel Tips to Singapore
Published 01 September 2023 at 09:00
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Planning family travel to Singapore, but unsure which route to take? Embrace slow travel philosophy and enjoy becoming one of the locals! We navigate the path to your Singaporean adventure, suggesting insights and recommendations to make this journey a seamless and unforgettable one for your family.
The "live like locals" principle of family traveling offers a myriad of advantages that go beyond the traditional tourist experience. This approach involves immersing oneself in the local culture, customs, and daily life of a destination. Embracing this mindset can lead to unforgettable experiences, and here are some of the key advantages to ensure that family's travel experience is not only comfortable but also a unique one!
Tickets
Booking tickets to Singapore can be an exciting and straightforward process, especially with the convenience of online platforms and travel agencies. Singapore has two main airports: Changi Airport (SIN), one of the world's best airports known for its efficiency and amenities, and Seletar Airport (XSP), which mainly handles private and chartered flights. Most international flights arrive at Changi Airport, which is well-connected to the city center and other parts of Singapore via various transportation options. Kayak or Skyskanner are good for planning the best dates!
You may need a visa to enter Singapore. Check the visa requirements for your country well in advance and apply for a visa if necessary. Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website provides up-to-date information on visa regulations.
Spacious living, perfect for big families
Opting for a serviced apartment over a hotel stay yields unique advantages tailored to the needs of both parents and children. A standout benefit of choosing a Serviced Apartment is the substantial extra space it provides in comparison to a typical hotel room. With distinct areas for sleeping, living, and dining, it imbues a sense of home-like comfort that particularly reassures and comforts young children. The security measures in place within serviced apartments further contribute to the safety and well-being of your household. Additionally, it's noteworthy that selecting a Serviced Apartment for the entire family may be more cost savings compared to booking a hotel suite.
Great World Serviced Apartments offer fully furnished apartments available for both short-term (a minimum of six nights) and long-term rentals. These accommodations have well-appointed amenities that are primed for immediate occupancy, and are thoughtfully designed with family stays in mind, enabling you to live just as you would at home. The apartments are also pet-friendly, allowing you to bring along your furry companions on your journey!
The allure of winding down in a comfortable and familiar setting after a bustling day is complemented by the convenience of preparing healthier meals on your terms. Each spacious apartment features a fully equipped kitchen, allowing you to effortlessly whip up meals and snacks for your children – an especially beneficial aspect if you're dealing with picky eaters or dietary restrictions. Additionally, having a washer-dryer in the apartment proves invaluable when traveling with children, as it enables you to pack lighter and attend to any unexpected laundry needs in the comfort of your own apartment. The family-friendly ambiance extends to child-centric facilities like indoor and outdoor playgrounds, reading corner, almost Olympic size swimming pool and wading pool – elements that can undoubtedly captivate and entertain your little ones, enhancing their overall stay.
Conveniently situated in the River Valley precinct, Great World Serviced Apartments is just a short walk from Great World MRT. Furthermore, it's just a few stops away by train to notable attractions and key business zones such as Orchard Road, Gardens by the Bay, and the Central Business District in Singapore. Adjoined to Great World Mall and a short stroll from Zion Market, brimming with diverse dining options, these apartments provide an authentic experience of the destination. This immersion offers opportunities to engage with locals, uncover hidden gems, and truly savour the local way of life.
Credit Image: Great World Serviced Apartments
Explore Singapore with the youngest of children
Singapore offers a lot of entertaining things to do and see, while holidaying in this multicultural, tourist-oriented, and vivid destination! But what if your kids are too young for tourist attractions? It’s the best time to follow the slow travel philosophy and explore the city at a leisure pace!
Virtually the entire urban environment is conceived as maximally kid-friendly. There are good pavements, lots of benches and sets of excellent play equipment far and wide - this means you’ll have buggy and pram friendly walks. Singapore's children's areas cater to various interests and age groups, making it an excellent destination for families. Every mall has facilities like diaper changing pads, nursing rooms, and kid toilets. Let your children's imagination run wild in specially designed play areas, where they can explore, climb, and play to their heart's content, rain or shine!
Singapore’s location is close to the equator, the average temperature ranges from 26 to 30 all year round. It makes all sorts of wet activities indispensable! Whenever you like, you can cool off at awesome water splash areas for kids. Water fountains, splash pads and wading pools at Children's Garden, Waterplay within Gardens by the Bay, water playgrounds at Marina Barrage, Happy Park and Waterway Point or Splash-N-Surf offer a safe and enjoyable water play experience for children!
Quiet parks and kid-friendly sea-cost to relax and enjoy the sun
Despite its urban landscape, the city-state has made significant efforts to create a harmonious balance between urban development and natural environments. Beautiful gardens and lush green spaces, which are carefully designed and meticulously maintained, provide your family with a serene environment to explore, inspire and delight.
Singapore Botanic Gardens is one of the oldest and most well-maintained tropical gardens in the world! It was established in 1859 and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. The garden covers a sprawling 82 hectares and showcases a vast collection of flora, including orchids, ferns, and medicinal plants.
Gardens by the Bay is a futuristic garden oasis, a captivating destination for families. Kids will be enchanted by the Supertree Grove, where towering tree-like structures come alive with a nightly light and sound show. The Children's Garden within the Gardens features water play areas, treehouses, and interactive installations, providing hours of fun and cooling respite.
At Adventure Cove Waterpark families can also enjoy a day of splashing fun. With thrilling water slides, a lazy river, snorkeling opportunities, and encounters with marine life, this waterpark promises endless excitement for kids of all ages.
Jacob Ballas Children's Garden is Asia's first garden dedicated to children. It is a delightful and educational space for young minds. With themed gardens, interactive exhibits, and nature play areas, kids can engage in gardening, exploration, and outdoor activities while learning about the environment.
East Coast Park is a beloved destination for families, with a scenic coastline and a variety of recreational activities. Children can cycle, rollerblade, fly kites, have picnics, and build sandcastles on the beach, making it an ideal spot for family bonding.
Kid-friendly coastlines are carefully curated to provide a safe, entertaining, and educational experience for the whole family. While the younger children explore the wonders of the beach, build sandcastles, and splash around in the crystal-clear waters, the older ones can take part in thrilling beach sports and activities! Trained lifeguards are always on hand, ensuring your children's safety, so you can relax and relish in the moment.
Where to visit with older children in Singapore
Plethora of attractions is sure to keep young ones entertained and engaged, from interactive museums to exciting recreational spots. Whether it's adventure, education, or simply fun and relaxation, Singapore has it all for young travelers!
Located on Sentosa Island, Universal Studios Singapore is a dream destination for kids and families alike. This thrilling theme park features various themed zones with exciting rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and TV shows. From meeting beloved characters to experiencing adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, Universal Studios guarantees a day of fun and adventure. Another popular attraction of the island, the S.E.A. Aquarium, is a home to an incredible array of marine life, making it a captivating spot for young ocean enthusiasts. The aquarium's vast underwater tunnels offer a unique perspective on aquatic life, allowing kids to observe magnificent creatures like sharks, rays, and colorful fish up close.
The Singapore Zoo is renowned for its impressive open-concept enclosures, allowing children to get up close to a diverse range of wildlife. From playful orangutans to majestic lions, the zoo provides an enriching and educational experience. Adjacent to the zoo, the River Safari offers a chance to explore river habitats and discover fascinating aquatic creatures.
Spark curiosity and learning in your children at the Science Centre Singapore Packed with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, this museum encourages young visitors to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts in a fun and engaging way.
For kids with boundless energy, Bounce is the perfect place. It's an indoor trampoline park featuring interconnected trampolines, obstacle courses, and even a giant airbag for safe landings.
Delectable Dining Options
Traveling with children can be a joyous experience filled with laughter, exploration, and unforgettable memories. However, it can also present some unique challenges, especially when it comes to mealtimes. From picky eaters to unpredictable dining options, ensuring a smooth dining experience while traveling with children requires a bit of planning.
Living like locals provides family travelers with flexibility, allowing them to experience the true essence of a place. You have the opportunity to interact with residents, sample traditional cuisine, and witness local customs firsthand. In multicultural Singapore one can find a huge array of food types. Being a melting pot of flavors from different national traditions, megadiverse Singaporean cuisine will satisfy anyone.
Parents and sometimes older children may try authentic dishes, and Chilli crabs are among the hits! But little ones are rarely adventurous eaters and prefer simplicity. Traditional food of any type you’ll find at hawker centers – open-concept food courts. They are clean and convenient, and prices are quite affordable.
There are a lot of international restaurants in Singapore which offer a diverse menu with kid-friendly options, as well as facilities like high chairs and changing tables. Online reviews and ratings make it easier to identify suitable places in advance.
Last but not least: tap water is safe in Singapore! You’ll find it pleasant and convenient to fill your water bottles at refill stations in public places for free.