Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore: Not Your Typical Formal Staycation

December 31, 2015, 6:48 pm

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I have driven past it countless times and quite frankly, Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore's facade does not strike me as a hotel that is family-friendly.

But much like how book shouldn't be judged by its cover, I have learnt the same principle applies to hotels too... in particular, the hotel formerly known as Traders Hotel. Because as my monkies will tell you, they had tons of fun during our 1-night staycation at the hotel!

We stayed over at Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore during Nuffnang Singapore's Blogger Conference in November and at that time, the hotel's main lobby was still in the process of a major transformation. I understand that the renovation works have since been completed and everything looks lovely (which I believe perhaps a re-visit is due? Lol).

The hotel rooms have also been given a complete makeover and my word, they look nothing like the usual sterile hotel rooms that I am familiar with.

The Hotel Jen brand comes under the umbrella of the Shangri-la Group and one of its key features is the addition of little details to convey a sense of wonderment to guests - that experience affectionately known as 'that Jen feeling'.

And judging from the room's design and decor, that feeling is just apt.

Featuring a warm and earthly interior, I loved how the little things in the room -  wall murals, storage areas, hanging light fixtures and statement cushions - added to the homely feel.

Our room came with a bathroom with a walk-in shower (no tub though), a panoramic view of the surroundings and most importantly, free Wi-Fi! Oh, of course having a super comfortable king-size bed matters as well!

I kid you not when I say this: the bed and pillows at Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore are one of the best and most comfortable that we have ever rested on!

As an added bonus, the monkies discovered a button next to the bed which said, 'Take-off'. Predictably, they could not resist in pressing it and so this ensued.

Mood lighting under the bed created the illusion of a floating bed, which as you would expect, thrilled the monkies to bits. Personally, I love the inclusion of reading lights beside the bed which can be discreetly stowed away when not in use.

Staying in a Club Room at Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore also allows access to the large, chic and vibrantly designed Club Lounge located on the 17th floor.

Besides offering open views of the hotel's surroundings of lush greenery, the lounge provides a wide variety of healthy breakfast items, afternoon tea and as well as evening cocktails (5pm to 7.30pm) which features a nice array of local specialties.

Planning to head out to sight see after all the feasting? The hotel's location makes it the perfect starting point to head into the Orchard Road shopping belt area. The great thing about the location is not only is it situated within the quieter end of Orchard (beside Tanglin Mall), it is within walking distance to the newly-minted UNESCO World Heritage site in the form of Singapore Botanic Gardens.

During our stay, it was during the Christmas period so there was no better way to soak in the lights and sounds of the Orchard Road Light-up than hopping onto a public double decker bus and plying down Orchard Road.

With first-class seats, no less!

Or if you prefer to chillax in the hotel, there is always this.

Swimming pools in hotels never fail to excite the monkies and the stunning outdoor azure pool did just that.

Though I highly suspect the freely available large colourful floats scattered around the pool played a huge part in the excitement.

Or sometimes, they can derive so much fun from just a deflated balloon.

Overall, we were mightily impressed with Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore. If you are looking for a staycation for the family that is near the Orchard Road area with unpretentious and fun vibes, the hotel ticks all those boxes.

Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore is definitely not your usual terribly formal hotel but rather, the little attentions to details within the hotel and rooms gave it character and warmth... which enhanced our staycation experience.

And even better, Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore is currently having a 'Family Package and Kids Eat Free' promotion for that amazing family staycation! The package includes:

- 50-sqm Executive Suite with Club Lounge access
-  Free daily buffet breakfast
- One free extra bed for children below 12 years old
- Free daily meals at F&B outlets for 2 children below 12 years old
- Fast free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
- Free local calls
- Free shuttle bus to business and shopping districts
- Free late check-out until 4pm (applicable from December 2015 - January 2016)

Terms and Conditions
1. Daily meals cannot be received via in-room dining or banquet services.
2. Credit card prepayment for the full duration of stay is required upon booking made.
3. Rates are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing tax.
4. This deal cannot be availed in conjunction with any other offers or promotions.
5. Hotel reserves the right to amend the promotion without any prior notice.
6. Free late check-out until 4pm is only applicable from December 2015 until January 2016.

To book, visit www.hoteljen.com/singapore/tanglin/offers/details/stay/family-packagezfam/


Useful Information

Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore 
1A Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249716
Contact: +65 6738 2222
Email: hjts@hoteljen.com
Website: www.hoteljen.com/singapore/tanglin/about/

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Eight 3D2N Getaways with Kids for 2016 Long Weekends

January 7, 2016, 2:04 pm

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A brand new year and new school term calls for new travel plans. Especially since there are a total of SIX long weekends in Singapore in 2016! Well, five actually since New Year's Day (1 Jan) has already whizzed by. They include:

Chinese New Year (Feb 8 & 9, Monday & Tuesday)
Good Friday (Mar 25, Friday)
Labour Day (May 1, Sunday)
Hari Raya Haji (Sep 12, Monday)
Christmas Day (Dec 25, Sunday)

So if you are planning to head out of the country for a short break, I have short-listed 8 resorts that do not require too long of a travelling time - all of which are good for a 3-days-2-nights stay with the family. All of them are family-friendly, bursting with activities to keep the kids occupied and most importantly, tried and tested by the monkies!

So... time to take out those calendars and plan away!


1. The Canopi
(Bintan, Indonesia)

Just a one-hour ferry ride from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and 5 minutes away from the Bintan jetty lies a cluster of uniquely designed safari tent-suites which offer camping at its glamorous best! Glamping (Glamorous Camping) is offered at Canopi via three types of air-conditioned tents: Safari Tent Suites, Lagoon Tent Suites (with views of the Crystal Lagoon) & Jaccuzi Tent Suites (with Lagoon views AND an outdoor Jacuzzi!).

The two-hectare resort is a wonderland for nature lovers as it is surrounded by bountiful bodies of water including a private mangrove river and an absolutely gorgeous crystal lagoon. The latter is the largest crystal lagoon in South East Asia, and is filled with filtered salt water, with NO waves at all - perfect for kids!

Family-friendly?
Where do I begin? If the kids get bored with jumping into the crystal clear lagoon, they can relish in the resort's offerings of numerous water activities including cable ski, stand-up paddle, water tricycles and kayak rentals. Or they might fancy scaling an inflatable climbing wall at the Floating Watersport Park!

Land activities include zipping around on a two-wheeler Segway, rough-roading around the forest area in the UTV and ATV or for the kids, there are always the oh-so-cute mini ATVs to ride around the resort.

Website:www.adventureglamping.com

2. Montigo Resorts Nongsa
(Batam, Indonesia)

Montigo Resorts Nongsa is THE place to head to with the kids for a luxurious and fun-filled getaway. A 40-min ferry ride from Singapore and a mere 5-min car ride away from Nongsapura Ferry Terminal, the resort is Batam’s first 5-star all-villa resort with villas dotting the coastal shoreline offering unobstructed magnificent views of the South China Sea. The villas come with three floors of living space, each one boasting a private infinity pool—right outside the living room.

Family-friendly?
The two storey OLO Kids’ Club will be a hit with the kids! The first level houses several cubicles with game consoles like Wii and Xbox Kinect to keep older kids entertained while the entire second level is littered with toys, books, boardgames, three tube slides and a ball pit. The Kids’ Club also has a wading pool for kids. Sign the kids up for the full-day or half-day programmes (chargeable) and staff at the Club will look after them, while parents sneak off to indulge at the Montigo Resorts Spa.

Website:www.montigoresorts.com/nongsa/

3. Telunas Resorts
(Riau Islands, Indonesia)

Combining the sun, sand and sea in an all-inclusive resort with full comfort and no airport time, Telunas Resorts is all about long days at the beach - building sandcastles, fishing, paddling in a kayak, without the distraction of technology. The Telunas Resorts is made up of two parts - Telunas Beach Resort and Telunas Private Island. For a more economical option, head to the family-friendly beach resort. Rooms are built over the sea so that when night falls, guests hear the gentle ripple of waves beneath the room.

Family-friendly?
Take your pick from the many nature-centric activities. Laze on the stunning beach where low tides are perfect for swimming, even with infants, as the waves are mild. Families can also go on a Jungle-Waterfall Trek, Mangrove River Tour, Low Ropes Obstacle Course, or simply experience the thrill of jumping from the dock into the sea.

Website: www.telunasresorts.com

4. Kahang Organic Rice Eco Farm (KOREF) Resort
(Johor, Malaysia)

Kahang Organic Rice Eco Farm Resort is a no ordinary resort. A little more than 2hrs by car from Tuas Checkpoint, the Eco Farm spans 260 acres of arable land at the fringe of the tropical Malaysian Rainforest Reserves. It is also the first and only certified organic rice farm in Malaysia that provides free and easy eco farm stays. Stay in its Floating Chalets on the lake for that simple kampong-living experience. Nature lovers will enjoy this rustic getaway.

Family-friendly?
Keep the kiddos occupied with the many outdoor activities. Kids can row on a bamboo raft, pretend they are participating in Ninja Warrior on the Water Obstacle Course, scurry like little hamsters in a Water Ball and go zipping down a Flying Fox line suspended over the lake. For something calmer, there are rabbits, ducks and fishes to feed.

Website:kahangorganic.com/en/


5. LEGOLAND Malaysia Hotel
(Johor, Malaysia)

If your kids adore LEGO, they will love LEGOLAND Malaysia Hotel. Even during check-in, kids can dive into towers of LEGO bricks and start building while parents look on in envy as they wait in line. The rooms are the clincher for kids as each floor of the hotel is furnished with a different theme: Adventure, Kingdom and Pirate. In the kids’ room are bunk beds and a trundle bed to accommodate up to three kids, while parents have their own room furnished with a king-sized bed.

Family-friendly?
Are you kidding? Even within the room, kids can go treasure hunting in their room by looking for clues in the room. Answer the questions to crack the code on the number lock to unlock goodies from the safe! Younger kids will be busy with the box of LEGO Duplo bricks found in every room as well. Of course, there are still the tiny matter of bringing the kids for a full day's worth of fun at the nearby LEGOLAND Malaysia Theme Park and Water Park.

Website:www.legoland.com.my/Hotel/Home/

6. KSL Resort
(Johor, Malaysia)

If you are looking for a fuss-free short break away from Singapore, KSL Resort may just be your best bet. Located within the city centre of Johor Bahru and a few minutes' drive away from Woodlands Checkpoint, the hotel is directly connected to KSL City Mall which houses shops, eateries, arcade, cinema and even an indoor playground. Best of all, hotel guests have free entry to its Dinosaur Water Park!

Family-friendly?
Compared to the usual swimming pools of other hotels, KSL Resort's dinosaur-themed water park will definitely be welcomed by the kiddos. While the swirling slides may not pack the same oomph as those found in water theme parks, they will keep the kids busy all the same. Younger children have the option of going on splashing into a shallower pool via gentler slides - together with dinosaurs that spray water occasionally!

Website: www.ksljohorbahru.com.my

7. UK Agro Farm
(Johor, Malaysia)

Situated in Johor - about an hour’s drive from Singapore - UK Agro Farm Resort is Malaysia’s largest goat and sheep farm, with 100 acres of grazing land for 4,000 sheep. It offers a farmstay experience in the form of the ‘Long House’, a traditional house structure that has its roots in the Iban community in Sarawak. Built on stilts and with long corridors, the rooms overlook vast green meadows and grazing pastures. Rooms come with the usual amenities like air-conditioning and water heater so they are pretty decent, clean and functional.

Family-friendly?
There are tons of farm activities to do such as touring the Herb Sanctuary and Mushroom and Fruit Farms to learn all about plants. The highlight of the farm tour is probably feeding and cuddling sheep at the Sheep Farm. Kids can try bottle feeding baby goats, or feeding grain to ostriches at the Ostrich Park. For the adventurous, try your hand at the Sheep Challenge where participants are given 3 minutes to catch a sheep in an enclosure, and they stand to win a prize if successful.

Website: www.ukfarm.com.my

8. Lotus Desaru
(Johor, Malaysia)

Located on the southeastern tip of Johor, the Lotus Desaru Beach Resort offers apartments (1–4 bedrooms) with living and dining areas, as well as a kitchenette (microwave and fridge). In addition to fun at the beach, there are various activities that families can enjoy while at Desaru. Visit the nearby Desaru Fruit Farm and Ostrich Farm for a fun-filled educational day. Or go on an evening Fireflies Cruise where kids will see these fascinating insects light up the trees.

Family-friendly?
With a massive ‘spash-tacular’ water park situated in the middle of the resort, what do you think? Water park features include numerous water slides, a water playground and a huge tipping coconut - all of which are guaranteed to elicit squeals and screams from delighted kids. Don’t miss the Lazy River - a meandering slide that starts at the top of a slope and brings sliders down four water channels and three whirlpools!

Website:lotusdesaru.com


Do you have any more suggestions? Leave them in the comments below!

Ah Boy to Man

January 10, 2016, 10:26 pm

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There are certain rites of passage that 

a boy must pass before he attains manhood. 

And learning how to tie a tie is one of them.

Last week on the first day of school, Ash did just that.

Ash has been given the new responsibilities of a prefect for the new school year and part of the appointment required him to don a tie every school day. Yah, darn hot I know.

But he is relishing and proud of it.

For me, I am proud too that I am able to teach him the way of tying a tie.

Because I think the bonding between Dad and son further cements when I coached him on the way to tie a tie, and gives him that seal of approval when he finally masters the task.

But yet on another note, a part of me feels a little sad on knowing that my boy is really confirm plus chop growing up.

Looking back, it is the most insignificant moments that I have grown to cherish. The daily feeds, the daily baths, or even the daily tantrums - they may seem mundane or troublesome at that point in time, but now I miss those tiny moments more than ever.

Because my boy is no longer the little monkie.

He is slowly growing into the man that I will no doubt be proud of.

For now though, allow me some space while I curl up in a corner and weep.

All the Festivities at Chinatown's Chinese New Year Celebrations 2016

January 13, 2016, 1:32 pm

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DONG DONG QIANG!

Yes, it's that time of the year once again. Just like how Christmas light-up is synonymous with Orchard Road, one can never separate the Chinese New Year bustling festivities from Chinatown.

And this year - starting from 16 January 2016 - everything promises to be an even more rousing affair!

For starters, a record number of customised lanterns ever made for the Street Light-Up - 2,668 in case you are interested - will be lit up in spectacular fashion along the streets of Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road.

The lanterns come in the shape of monkeys, peaches, spring blossoms and gold zodiac coins depicting the animals of the Chinese Zodiac.

FUN FACT: Did you know that one can request to adopt the lanterns after the light-up? Interested parties can contact the organiser, Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Citizens’ Consultative Committee (KA-KS CCC) for more details. Lanterns which are not adopted are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

The theme of this year's display is "Year of Prosperity and Success", with this year’s decorations being designed in partnership with final-year students from the Singapore University of
Technology and Design (SUTD).

The magnificent parade of handcrafted lanterns transforms Chinatown into a heavenly garden filled with playful monkeys and peach trees that convey joy, longevity and prosperity. And here's the fun part: get the kids to spot the mechanical monkey lanterns that move - there are 28 of them!

Oh and speaking of kids, something tells me that they will prefer spotting the much cuter monkey lanterns along South Bridge Road (the 'back' of Chinatown). Personally, I prefer this stretch of lantern displays.

Truly the year of the (cheekie)MONKIE! Heh.

For something novel, head to the Garden Bridge (above Eu Tong Sen Street and New Bridge Road) and look out for the pink tree (left of the photo below).

For the first time, the public will be able to actively interact with the Street Light-Up through the
'Mother Tree' (大地回春树), an interactive tree designed by SUTD students. Lit in pink, every 18 social media posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #CNY2016SG will activate an 18-second light show of golden spotlights and fairy lights!

So if you are planning to head down to Chinatown to soak in the festivities, here are a few highlights to take note:

Official Light-Up and Opening Ceremony 

16 Jan 2016 | 6pm - 10pm | New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street
The Official Light-Up and Opening Ceremony will awe visitors with entertaining performances by leading local and foreign troupes. Daring displays of acrobatics will be accompanied by musical performances that will culminate in a spectacular display of firecrackers and fireworks that will officially launch the Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations to usher in the Year of the Monkey.

Street Light-Up

16 Jan - 8 Mar 2016 | 7pm - 2am (Fri & Sat); 7pm - 12mn (Sun - Thu); 7pm - 6am (7 & 8 Feb 2016) | Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road, South Bridge Road and Garden Bridge

The annual Street Light-Up will set the festive mood in Chinatown abuzz for 53 days as the streets of the precinct are decorated with handcrafted lanterns of playful monkeys, peaches, peach trees, spring blossoms and gold zodiac coins symbolising joy, longevity and prosperity.

Festive Street Bazaar & Festive Carnival

Festive Street Bazaar:  15 Jan - 7 Feb 2016 | 6pm - 10.30pm (Daily); 6pm - 1am (CNY Eve) | Pagoda Street, Smith Street, Sago Street, Temple Street and Trengganu Street

Festive Carnival: 9 Jan - 7 Feb 2016 | 11am - 10.30pm | Open Space in front of People’s Park Complex

With 440 stalls lining up the streets of Chinatown, visitors can look forward to the widest range of

Chinese New Year-themed delicacies, traditional goodies, decorative items, traditional costumes and many more! 

Nightly Stage Shows
16 Jan - 7 Feb 2016 | 8pm - 10.30pm | Kreta Ayer Square | FREE
Be entertained by nightly performances of festive songs, cultural music and lively dance performances each night at one of the most popular gathering spots for the local Chinese community here in Chinatown.

Chinatown Walking Trail

23, 24, 30 & 31 January 2016 | 3.30pm - 5pm | Information Booth in front of the stage at Kreta Ayer Square | FREE

Discover Chinatown’s rich heritage and culture in this free Walking Trail that covers Kreta Ayer Road, Sago Street, Pagoda Street and New Bridge Road. Led by volunteer guides, immerse in the Chinese New Year festivities and street ambience while strolling through the bustling streets of the Chinese precinct.

*The Walking Trail is conducted in English and limited to 10 participants per session. Registration is required on first-come-first-serve basis. For more information and to sign up, visit www.chinatownfestivals.sg.

9th International Lion Dance Competition
23 & 24 Jan 2016 | 7pm - 10.30pm | Hong Lim Park | Single Show ticket on 23 OR 24 January 2016: S$10; Two Shows ticket on both 23 & 24 January 2016: S$15
Into its ninth installment, this year’s International Lion Dance Competition will see 14 top lion dance troupes from eight countries vie for glory. This is also the first year the international competition will take place at Hong Lim Park. From the rhythmic beat of the drums to jawdropping stunts, the lion dance is steeped in tradition and culture. Each troupe will put on their best performance on the meihuazhuang in this exciting and intense tournament to clinch the ultimate title of ‘King of the Lions’!

Tickets are available for purchase at either Kreta Ayer Community Club (Blk 5 Banda Street, #03-68, Singapore 050005) or Chinatown Visitor Centre @ Kreta Ayer Square (2 Banda Street - Behind Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum). Opening hours: Everyday from 9am to 9pm.

Chinatown Wishing Tree
12 Jan - 7 Feb 2016 | 11am - 9pm | Chinatown Point
Bring festive cheer to the less fortunate and the elderly while making New Year wishes for you and your loved ones at the Chinatown Wishing Tree. Each “Make a Wish” card costs $2 each and all proceeds will go to the Kreta Ayer Seniors’ Activity Centre.

Chinatown Chinese New Year Countdown Party
7 Feb 2016 | 9.30pm – 12.30am | New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street
Soak in the festive atmosphere in the heart of Chinatown as we officially usher in the Year of the Monkey with live performances, interactive games and a rousing countdown celebration. Hosted by MediaCorp artistes, the countdown party will culminate with a joyous and spectacular display of fireworks and firecrackers.

For more information and details, visit chinatownfestivals.sg.

FREE Indoor Playground for Kids at Waterway Point, Punggol

January 17, 2016, 10:28 pm

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Punggol and surrounding residents rejoice - Waterway Point opens its doors today! 

Located at Punggol Central and along Punggol Waterway, the new retail and lifestyle mall consists of four levels of indoor shopping, leisure and alfresco dining spaces, complete with breath-taking waterfront views.

And parents will be glad to know that the Kids & Family Zone on Level 2 of Waterway Point has been dedicated to young children and families. And nothing comes better than a FREE Indoor Playground!

Situated outside Toysland, the fully padded WONDERLAND indoor playground is a dream come true for toddlers and young kids.

Adopting an 'Alice in Wonderland' theme, the playground features creatures like a bunny, butterfly and caterpillar set in a garden setting.

Brightly coloured and vibrant, expect kids to clamour all over them!

There is even a mini slide to keep the kiddos' adrenaline in check.

For toddlers, there are sensory play boards mounted on the walls of the indoor playground too.

The indoor playground opens daily between 10.30am and 10pm.

And even though the playground is open to all children under 12 years old and below the height of 1.1m, I think older kids will find it a tad boring and childish. So realistically, the play area should appeal more to toddlers and children aged below 7.

Parents can keep a watchful eye on their kids from the colourful seats that lined the perimeter of the playground.

The playground is shoe-free, so be sure to keep your footwear neatly on the provided racks before entering!

As for older kids, a bigger dry AND wet playground awaits on Level 2 (beside the foodcourt)... although it is currently still under construction.

But looking at the photo below, something tells me that the wait will be worth it!

Useful Information

Waterway Point
83 Punggol Central, Singapore 828761
(Beside Punggol MRT)

Gardens by the Bay's CNY Dahlia Dreams (& Monkies) Floral Display

January 19, 2016, 1:26 am

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After the successful conclusion of Christmas Wonderland @ Gardens by the Bay in 2015 - which saw a record turnout of 1.6 million visitors by the way - the Flower Dome kicks off its first floral display of 2016 with one that is undeniably linked to the upcoming CNY.

With the Year of the Monkey round the corner, the brand-new 'Dahlia Dreams' floral display is inspired by the Chinese classical tale Journey to the West... in air-conditioned comfort, no less!

I suspect the air-conditioning is the main reason why the monkies love visiting the Flower Dome time and time again.

But then again, the main flower field within the dome never fails to throw up a few surprises every time - which came in the form a of stunning landscape of dahlias, begonias and other exquisite blooms against the backdrop of a 7-metre-tall mountain this time round.

The display brings to mind the mythical "Flowers and Fruit Mountain" (where the legendary Monkey King was said to be born, as well as "Water Curtain Cave" that was described in the novel.

And yes, plenty of monkeys too.

I have to say that the monkey-shaped topiaries are pretty amazing!

Of course, nothing beats having your very own (cheekie)monkie!

Ash is the reason why this blog exists... and also the reason behind the name, simply because he was born in the Year of the Monkey.

Oh, and kids will take delight in being able to walk through a cavern too!

Which comes accompanied by the sounds of waterfalls.

As always, expect to witness an explosion of colours at every turn in the Flower Dome, including auspicious Chinese New Year decorations and Chinese Zodiac Signs for that photo-taking opportunity.

Wish to let the kiddos learn more during the visit? Pick up a FREE copyGarden Trail map (with every ticket purchased) for more interesting information about the colourful blooms of dahlias and begonias.

Or join the daily FREE “ASK Me” guided tours conducted by the Gardens' friendly Display Interpreters as they share fascinating botanical facts and anecdotes about the floral display. Tours last approximately 15 minutes and are available free on a first-come-first-served basis. To participate, gather at the “ASK Me!” poster near the Flower Field. Tours will begin when a group of five or more visitors is assembled.

“ASK Me!” Guided Tour Dates & Time:
Daily for the duration of the floral display at 11am and 3pm, except on:
- 23 & 24 Jan 2016 (Sat & Sun) from 1 – 6pm
- 13 & 14 Feb 2016 (Sat & Sun) from 1 – 6pm

Other activities to look out for include:

SINGAPORE CHINESE ORCHESTRA
23 Jan 2016 | 6pm | Supertree Grove
Enjoy festive orchestral pieces under the Supertrees as you enjoy a relaxing evening with your loved ones.

SPRING PERFORMANCES
24 Jan 2016 | 6pm | Supertree Grove
Experience traditional cultural performances such as Face Changing, Drum Performances, and Tea Art in the Supertree Grove.

CRAFT ACTIVITIES
10 - 21 Feb 2016 | 12pm - 5pm | Flower Dome
Get hands on with traditional spring crafts like Chinese Calligraphy, Paper Cutting and Chinese Knot.

MONKEY KING MASCOT
12 - 14 & 20 - 21 Feb 2016 | 1pm, 2.30pm & 4pm | Flower Dome
Keep an eye out for the cheeky Monkey King, who will be making his appearance on selected weekends in the Flower Dome.

LION DANCE MEDLEY
13 Feb 2016 | 5pm | Supertree Grove
Catch different styles of lion dances – including the lesser-seen northern lion (北狮) dance – all in one place at the Supertree Grove. Be awed by a medley of original choreography and amazing stunts!


Useful Information

Dahlia Dreams Floral Display
Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
Dates: 15 Jan - 28 Feb 2016
Opening Hours: 9am - 9pm
Admission Charges apply

iPose iSnap iHappy: The Selfie Studio for Everyone

January 25, 2016, 12:58 am

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Advertorial

I love photographing my family - every smile, every smirk, every pout. But there is only one problem. With me being behind the lens, this means we seldom have decent full family photo portrait shots (selfies or wefies do not count) in my collection... unless we go for a family photoshoot at a studio.

But... that presents another problem.

Kids being kids, they take a considerable amount of time to warm up in front of the camera AND the photographer. Even for me, I find it awkward to smile or pose in a certain manner as instructed by the photographer. Cue stiff shots and forced smiles all around.

Well, thankfully nothing of that sort happened during our recent family photoshoot.

You see, the above shot was taken in a proper studio room WITHOUT the presence of a photographer. Everyone was at ease, with us calling the shots... uhm, in a creative sort of way if you are in the monkies' shoes.

Yes, that's Star Wars Episode XXXVIII: The Frozen Awakens, I think.

So what is this photo studio?

iSnap is the first photography company in Singapore that offers professionally-equipped personal studio rooms for taking personal or selfie-photos of themselves, friends or family members without the need of a photographer.

Located at Bugis Village (above Bee Cheng Hiang), iSnap offers 6 individual studio rooms with a total of 24 themes and/or backdrops to choose from. More amazingly, there are more than 500 costumes and props for customers to role play with - from movie and cartoon characters to animal costumes and even, traditional costumes from other countries!

And what's a costume without relevant props, no?

Trust me when I say the monkies went absolutely bonkers when they first saw the costume racks.

As you can see, Ash was too impatient to wait for me to finish snapping photos before picking out a costume of his choice.

The standard duration of the booking of 1 studio room is 60 minutes, with each room being able to accommodate up to 10 people at a time. So after we settled on our first room of choice and picked out our costumes and props, we were raring to begin!

Each studio room is armed with a DSLR camera and studio lightings for that professional output. There is also a TV screen for us to see if we are in the frame and once that was done, all I had to do was to press the remote shutter in my hand and SNAP!

Yes, that black thing in my right hand is the remote... which I forgot to conceal in my excitement.

No matter since there is NO LIMIT to the number of shots (and costume changes) within the time slot. So all I had to do was to retake the shot. And did I mention that customers get to keep all the digital copies of photos taken? Just remember to bring along a thumbdrive along to transfer all the photos at the end of the session. iSnap also provides 5 FREE printed 4R photos after the shoot too!

We started off with Room Aries, which comes with a physical swing set against a green backdrop. And with that, let the photo-taking mayhem begin.

As you can tell, we came up with pretty fun (and ingenious) ways to ham it up for the camera. Even when we turned into animals.

I was initially afraid that the costumes will not fit my big size so I was pleasantly surprised to see that there were a range of costume sizes for everyone.

And I guess I do not have to say explicitly how ridiculously simple the studio is to use. All one has to do is to get into position, pose and click the remote. Which even Ale could do it all by herself.

Ale must have taken control of the remote while the rest of us were busy changing. I only found out that she took loads of photos of herself when we reviewed the photos after our session!

Actually, I love the final photo above. I think she was trying her darnedest to pose nicely... and it came out so serious-looking! Lol.

We soon moved on to another room. A room where Ale's fave princesses came to life.

If you have kids who love Frozen (notice I'm not being gender-bias here), then Room Virgo is the room to book thanks to Queen Elsa's Ice Palace backdrop. Brrr... very cold too!

Okay, just kidding. But I am not kidding when I say princess wannabes will have field day pretending to be either Anna or Elsa. Or both, as Ale will attest to.

That was until Queen Elsa was caught by the Imperial forces.

So we had no choice but to let it all go, and escape to Room Leo.

The room had very colourful and fun-looking backdrops... which immediately brought out the fun nature in all of us!

Have you ever seen a cuter Robin? Or a shorter Thor at that?

Our final iSnap journey then brought us to Room Capricorn, where we decided to keep things simple and snap some photos of us in our actual clothings.

But as you can probably guess, nothing is simple when it comes to the monkies.

Jump shots! I have to say I was pretty impressed with the capture of these fast-moving shots!

Time for some group family shots after all the hyperactivity.

And one lovey-dovey photo to gross the monkies out.

Silly faces aside, this must have been one of the most carefree and enjoyable photoshoot that our family had in recent years.

We had the entire room to ourselves and coupled with a lack of a physical photographer, the monkies felt more relaxed and were game to explore loads of wacky poses. Alright I admit, me included.

The fantastic thing about iSnap is we could get all trigger-happy and snap away to our heart's content since there were no limit to the number of shots as long as we stuck to the time limit. And sometimes, the photos that turned out to be the most precious (and funny) were the ones that were taken candidly.

Ash was preparing to sneeze when I pressed the remote. Not a perfect shot? Definitely. But til today, this shot never fails to make the monkies burst out in laughter when they see it.

Or the candid moment when my back decided it could no longer take Ayd's weight anymore and I was caught tumbling to the ground.

Or when Ash failed to lift Ayd up because he was too heavy.

Ditto for me and the wifey.

Okay, I am kidding. My expression was just overly exaggerated. (She reads this blog too, you know.)

By now, it is pretty evident that all of us thoroughly enjoyed our photo session.

The studio rooms at iSnap are big, clean and private - perfect for both corporate and personal photoshoots. Best of all, there are plenty of costumes to keep the kiddos occupied!

And the price? Pretty reasonable... especially if you are able to go on a weekday (except Public Holidays) to enjoy the 50% discount promotion!

Obviously, going to iSnap with more people lowers the cost per head. And fret not if you are not able to head down on a weekday because weekend and Public Holiday sessions enjoy a 25% discount too! Not too shabby.

Discounts may be good but how does a FREE TRIAL SESSION of 20 minutes at iSnap sound???

No strings attached, just hop over to iSnap's website to register. And if my monkies had their way, they will be doing so too!

Useful Information

Snap The Selfie Place
Bugis Village (Above Bee Cheng Hiang store)
239A Victoria Street, Singapore 188029
Tel: +65 67347848
Whatsapp: +65 85918151
Website HERE
Facebook Page HERE

Why These 10 Rakuten Shopping Hacks will Help You to Save Even More

January 27, 2016, 4:00 pm

≫ Next: LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort: 2012 vs NOW

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Advertorial

When it comes to online shopping, the undisputed champion in the household has got to be the wifey. She's always on the lookout for great bargains online - a plus since we work during the weekdays and the last thing I want to do is to squeeze with the crowds in shopping malls when the weekends roll along!

Great bargains mean saving a little bit of money here and there... which certainly helps in paying for my next LEGO set the monkies' future education. Of course ,the convenience of online shopping helps too. Just browsing, a few clicks and all it is all done. Even better if it is an e-shopping mall selling an exciting range of quality products suitable for both young and old... in the form of Rakuten!

Officially launched in Singapore in January 2014, the Rakuten Singapore Marketplace currently carries over 330,000 goods from close to 500 merchants with a diverse mix of product categories, including fashion apparel and accessories, health and beauty products, consumer electronics, toys and games, food and beverages and home furniture.

Simply put, think of it as a massive shopping mall with a lot of individual tenants and shops with 30% of its shops from Japan and the rest local shops.

I admit, a first-time visitor to Rakuten might be initially overwhelmed at the site's tons of product listings. Sure, it can get a tad mind-boggling to figure out where to begin but there is a method in the chaos.

Or rather, there are a few methods actually and I have put together some #RakutenShoppingHacks to make your Rakuten shopping an easy and fun experience but most importantly, allow you to save even more money!

1. Sign up for Rakuten’s electronic direct mail

To start shopping on Rakuten, one obviously has to first sign up. (And stand a chance to win $20 worth of shopping credits too! But more on that later.) But more than just signing up for an account, be sure to subscribe to Rakuten's electronic direct mail as well for even more goodies.

Expect periodic emails containing exclusive coupon cods and even a 20% discount code on your birthday! Get first-hand knowledge of flash sale alerts for the entire Rakuten marketplace as well as curated items for the best buys daily. Sometimes, Rakuten even co-sponsors the discount with the merchants to give greater value to shoppers!

2. Earn 5% rebate on ALL your purchases EVERYDAY

Ready to get started? Great. Because what is better than getting $1 off on every $100 spent? Getting $5 off!

Yes, everyone gets a 5% rebate on all purchases everyday thanks to Rakuten Super Points. For every $1 spent, you get 5 Rakuten Super Points credited into your account. Best part, there is NO limit on the amount of rebates earned daily, monthly or yearly.

Every 100 points earned equates to $1 off your next purchase. So for example, a purchase of $80 will earn me 400 points which translates to a $4 rebate - equivalent to a 5% discount on my purchase!

3. Pay with the correct credit card

Other than earning rebates on your purchases, paying with the correct credit card helps you to save even more too:

- Citibank Rewards and Citibank Clear Platinum Cards: 10% off storewide with Promo Code: RTCITI10 (Valid til 29 Feb 2016)
- DBS/POSB Credit or Debit Cards: 10% off storewide with Promo Code: RAKU10DBS (Valid til 30 Apr 2016)

If you do not have the credit cards from the above-mentioned banks, then the best thing you can do for your wallet is to shop on TUESDAYS. Every Tuesday is Mastercard Tuesday where you can enjoy an additional 5% off your shopping loot if you pay with your MasterCard. Sweet!

4. More rebates from EBates

Who can ever say no to MORE rebates?

Do your Rakuten shopping through Ebates - a cashback website that offers rebates when you shop from over 300+ online retailers - and it keeps track of what you buy and will send your accumulated cash back via your preferred payment method each quarter. And the rebate? Another 5%!

5. Bookmark the 'DEALS CORNER' and 'BUY 1 FREE 1' pages

If there is one Rakuten page to bookmark, the 'Deals Corner' will be it. The best featured deals are updated at least once a day so it will be worth your time to check back from time to time, especially since there are deals that offer up to 80% in savings! Oh, and don't miss the 'Buy 1 Free 1' page as well - from toys and electronics to fashion and beauty products, there are plenty of '1-for'1' promotions to choose from.

6. Take advantage of FREE shipping

Several Rakuten merchants offer free shipping with no minimum purchase and they are conveniently consolidated in one page HERE. Some of the products are even shipped directly from Japan while others like skate scooters are pretty bulky so free shipping is always welcomed!

7. Buy in bulk

Most of the Japanese merchants on Rakuten sell their products in saver packs (3 or more similar items) so it makes sense to rope in friends to share the purchase. And yes, even for diapers!

8. Subscribe to your favourite shop’s R-mail

One does not need to depend solely on Rakuten for discount codes and campaigns. Merchants on Rakuten also run their own campaigns periodically so if you have a favourite shop, it is best to subscribe to its R-mail. (R for Really Good!)

The email comes directly from the shops themselves so you will be the first to be notified of any new arrivals or promotions at the shop. For example, Kuriya Japanese Market sells fresh seafood and meat so subscribers will be notified first-hand of the next air shipment that arrives in Singapore, in addition to other ongoing promotions.

9. Become a Gold member

Achieve Gold member status by making at least 7 purchases and earning 800 Rakuten Super Points within 6 months. With the current 5x Rakuten Super Point-back programme, that means all you have to spend is $160 spread over 7 purchases! And not surprisingly, Gold members get special perks and secret discount coupons mailed to them. So it really pays to be Gold member!

10. Compare prices

At the end of the day, price still matters. While I would not go so far to say that all of the products listed on Rakuten are the cheapest in Singapore, a little research on my part did show that most of the products are indeed competitively priced... and made even more so thanks to Rakuten's various cashback, rebates and offers. Here are a few examples I found:

My monkies (and I) love LEGO and we usually head to Toy Station at Serene Centre to purchase our LEGO sets as it has a perpetual 15% discount off its sets all year round. And a set of LEGO Star Wars Kylo Ren's Command Shuttle is selling for $195.42 after the 15% discount.

The same set is going for $199.50 on Rakuten.

If you pay by a Citibank or DBS/POSB credit card, you get an instant 10% off which means you pay $179.55 - already cheaper! But wait, there is still the 5% Rakuten Super Points rebate which brings the cost of the LEGO set down to $170.57. That's almost $25 cheaper!

Got kids at home not toilet trained yet?

Fairprice's online store is selling a pack of Mamy Poko XXL Diapers (36 pieces) at $21.90. Taking into its current offer of $4.35 discount for 2 packs, that works out to $19.73 per pack.

On Rakuten, it is going for $65.70 for 3 packs. That's also $21.90 per pack.

Again, paying by a Citibank or DBS/POSB credit card gets you 10% off and after including the 5% rebate, a pack only costs $18.72!

We then come to the wifey's fave section - Beauty! She usually buys her beauty products whenever we travel out of Changi Airport because of the duty-free prices. On our recent trip to Pattaya, she purchased the SK-II R.N.A. (Radical New Age) Power Cream (80g) at Changi Airport for $186.

So imagine how her heart ached when she found out that the same product is retailing for $151.11 due to a special promotion!

I did not have the heart to tell her that the real price she would have paid is actually $129.20 after the credit card discount and rebates!

And from the looks of it, there are plenty more gems waiting to be discovered:

Food
Snaffles cheesecakes at 20% off - only online and not at their physical retail shops!

Pre-cooked Seafood
Boneless Salmon Teriyaki - perfect for those lazy days at home when the wifey or I don't feel like cooking.

Beauty
NanoJapan Collagen
Bioderma Cleansing Water 
Kenkocom
SK-II

Clothes
Tokichoi - Fashionable and value for money clothes

Electronics
Megadiscount Store
Galaxy

Home and Living
Nissho


Are you itching to get started?

GREAT NEWS! Sign up for a FREE Rakuten account and you may just win $20 worth of shopping credits (in the form of 2,000 Rakuten Super Points)!

All you have to do is the following:

1. Sign up for an account at Rakuten's website HERE. 
2. Input the email address you used to register on Rakuten in this form HERE.

If my blog happens to be one of the Top 3 ones which garners the most number of sign-ups, 50 of you will each win a $20 shopping credit at Rakuten!

Simple, no? So do go forth and sign up, especially since there is absolutely no fee involved!


With CNY round the corner, there is no better time to start the festive shopping - minus all the crowds and squeezing at the malls - to land all the goodies and clothes from the comfort of your home.

Better yet, make use of the Rakuten Shopping Hacks I shared above and you will have saved a huge angpow for yourself!

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LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort: 2012 vs NOW

January 31, 2016, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: Everything You Need to Know about the New Nickelodeon Water Theme Park at Sunway Lagoon

≪ Previous: Why These 10 Rakuten Shopping Hacks will Help You to Save Even More

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Media Invite

Has it really been more than 3 years since LEGOLAND Malaysia opened its doors on 15 September 2012? And can the monkies truly ever get tired of the theme park? Well, apparently not.

Predictably, the monkies are still enamoured by the rides at the theme park, with The Dragon rollercoaster and LEGO TECHNIC Project X still ranking high on the boys' must-sit list. And it is a good thing that LEGOLAND Malaysia constantly refreshes its slew of attractions for visitors, which has seen quite a fair bit of ADDITIONS since its opening in 2012:

LEGO Ninjago & The Realm of Shadows

If your kids love Ninjago and have not been back to the theme park before August 2015, this is the only reason you will ever need to bring them back!

Inspired by the hit TV series based on the extremely popular ‘Ninjago – Masters of Spinjitsu’, LEGO ‘Ninjago and The Realm of Shadows’ is a puppet style show brought to life on stage with puppetry, video mapping, illusion, stage effects, and music.

But the puppets are no miniature ones - they are actually at approximately 1.2 meters in height with every puppet carefully crafted and hand built by specialists. The puppets are then controlled by actors dressed in black in Bunraku-style, the traditional puppetry of Japan.

The 20 minute show features a total of six puppets and makes use of video mapping and illustrations to bring the set to life, as well as create the effects of the show. And brought to life the show sure did, as the monkies were deeply engrossed in the storyline!

No doubt kids will enjoy the show - Ale did too! - and I'm sure parents will too, especially since the show takes place in the fully air-conditioned LEGO City Stage! Coupled with the fact that this is the first time ever in the world that a Ninjago Live Show is introduced to a LEGOLAND park, I think it is a winner. Oh, and remember to stay back after the show for some photo-taking opportunities too!

There are 5 shows daily and the timings are correct at the point of writing.

LEGO Star Wars Miniland Display

A not-that-new attraction that opened in September 2014, the LEGO Star Wars Miniland Display is also a must-go if there are Star Wars fans in the family. Even if you are not, it is well worth a visit as the air-conditioned facility provides a welcome respite from both the sun and rain!

The building is divided into eight areas. Six areas house one iconic scene each from the six Star Wars films, while the seventh area features a scene from the animated film Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The eighth area offers a dedicated retail section for LEGO Star Wars products. Read more in detail in my previous review HERE.

LEGO Chima MINILAND

Located in the top corner of LEGOLAND MINILAND, the miniature Chima world packs in reconstructions of famous landmarks of the land of Chima - including the mystical Mount Cavora and its Chi waterfalls, the majestic Lion City, and the magnificient Lion Temple. Made from more than 241,000 LEGO bricks, it  features 7 interactive buttons that you can push to spring it to life. In total 850 minifigures can be found in the scenes and there is even a Chi Orb that changes colour!

TIP: Go on a guided tour of MINILAND with LEGOLAND Malaysia's Master Model Builder every Friday to Sunday (2pm), and learn the amazing stories and facts about the buildings!

More LEGO Creations

Compared to the time when LEGOLAND Malaysia first opened, the park has added a lot more LEGO sculptures which are scattered around the park... which the monkies had great fun using them to ham it up for the camera as you can see.

More Shade

Since we are on the topic of MORE, more shelter and tents have been erected throughout the park. The trees have also since grown bigger but make no mistake, the park can still get really hot on a cloudless day. Luckily, there has been an increase in the number of air-conditioned places within the park to take refuge in.

Speaking of refuge, I guess the best form of refuge to seek while at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort is at LEGOLAND Hotel. Yes, cue wide smiles from the monkies.

We first stayed there in December 2013 and if you have not read my 8 reasons why kids will love LEGOLAND Hotel, you should do it HERE.

From the themed rooms to the treasure hunt that kids can go on inside the room, everything remains the same - and as FUN for the monkies.

During our previous stay, the rooms did not come with any toiletries sets so it was a welcome surprise to see them being included in the rooms this time around. With dental kits catered for kids too!

The thing about staying at LEGOLAND Hotel is the lack of activities for kids come night time, since the theme park closes at 6pm. Well, that is a thing of the past as the hotel lobby morphs into a happening place in the evenings!

There are dance sessions, special performances, building activity challenges and even baking activities at its BRICKS Family Restaurant to keep all the little ones occupied (and happy). Oh, did I mention Movie Nights and Meet & Greet sessions too? All exclusively for hotel guests!

See HERE for the full listing of the month's hotel activities.

TIP: Book one night stay (or more) at LEGOLAND Hotel & get 2-day combo tickets for ALL children in the group for FREE! That's free access to both the Theme Park and Water Park for every child in the family. For more details, visit HERE.

BUT perhaps, the biggest CHANGE of all from 2012 compared to the present is this. Or her, to be precise.

Back in 2012, she was deemed too short for all the rides and could only watch in envy as her 2 brothers ride themselves silly in the theme park. Now, she has shot up quite a fair bit and counts driving the LEGO pedal car at the Junior Driving School as her biggest (and fave) achievement to date.

Looks like we will be back sooner rather than later.


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Celebrate Lunar New Year at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort from 22 January to 14 February 2016 and be part of a Malaysia Book of Records’ world record attempt - to build 2,016 LEGO model monkey replicas in LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort and be rewarded with a limited edition Lunar New Year DUPLO commemorative brick!

Don’t miss the spectacular Lion Dance performance on 8 & 9 February 2016, meet & greet with friendly walkabout characters, exclusive LEGO Angpows and Year of the Monkey gifts, with purchase of LEGO products at the retail shops too!

Period: 22 January - 14 February 2016   

Time: Mon - Thurs 10am - 6pm | Fri - Sun 10am - 7pm 

* LEGOLAND Theme Park stays open till 7pm on 8th & 9th February 2016.

Everything You Need to Know about the New Nickelodeon Water Theme Park at Sunway Lagoon

February 2, 2016, 4:47 am

≫ Next: Activities to Occupy your Kids this Chinese New Year (CNY) Long Weekend 2016

≪ Previous: LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort: 2012 vs NOW

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Get those passports ready because there is a NEW Water Park at Sunway Lagoon near Kuala Lumpur!

And even better if the kids are fans of Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles... as Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon is the first Nickelodeon themed attraction in Asia!

A wet and exciting adventure awaits families as the fantasyland is filled with colossal water rides and water playgrounds, canopy walks and meandering pathways, beautiful waterfalls and recreational camp sites. Set amidst 10 acres of lush tropical rainforest and boasting 14 immersive attractions, Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon promises to be an explorer’s dream right from the start.

Climbing “ancient temple” steps, explorers will pass pineapple columns and intricate carvings leading all the way up to a magnificent SpongeBob SquarePants structure. The adventure continues with geysers, sprouting water cannons, walks along cascading falls, and gooey moments with the signature green slime. Running deeper into the forest are suspended bridges over rivers, more thrilling wet and wild activities as well as gravity defying rides that twist around trees and hills.

Sounds all exciting, no?

Here are some of the attractions that families can expect:

SPONGEBOB SPLASH ADVENTURE
Suitable for younger kids!

Found among the ruins of the long lost civilization, evokes hours of non-stop family entertainment. Experience geysers, water canons, waterfalls, slide down and play catch with SpongeBob and the Bikini Bottom Gang! Get ready for the rise of a Slime Time - happening at 4pm everyday when green water pours down instead of normal water!

JUNGLE FURY

The JUNGLE FURY will take you on a over-the-edge ride with your family and friends, experience surprise drops, twisting turns and ending with a wholesome family fun!

KUBARANGO

Experience the KUBARANGO where you will be unleashed into a steep drop before it takes you up on a near vertical experience for a moment of weightlessness and backwards into a reversed free-fall before returning you with a splash!

PRIMEVAL
Suitable for younger kids!

The PRIMEVAL is set to take you on a journey of our Lost Lagoon with exciting twists, turns and drops that climbs over trees, hills and into the gullies to experience nature at its best. The 3 unique ride experiences of COBRA CREEK, BOA CONSTRICTOR & CROCODILE GULLY can be enjoyed by all ages.

MONSOON 360

Get ready for the MONSOON 360 countdown, 3!..2!..1!, facing forward, arms crossed, wait in anticipation for the trap door to open below you that will take on a journey into an intense vertical free fall. Challenge each other to a thrilling race reaching speeds of up to 60 kph or 0-2.5 g in under 2 seconds that will leave you breathless.

SPLISH SPLASH
Suitable for younger kids!

Splish Splash lets you cool off with multiple water features that combines to create interactive water spray experience. The bright colors and the various water effects such as jets, falls, forts and more will appeal to kids of ages!

MOOLALAH ADVENTURE RIVER

Take a breather and cruise down the MOOLALAH ADVENTURE RIVER.  It’s an easy breezy ride to take in the sights and sounds of the Lost Lagoon while experiencing its swirling, splashing waters.

HIPPO VALLEY
Suitable for younger kids!

The HIPPO VALLEY is where all rivers flow into a busy waterway where tribes meet to catch a drink and laze until sunset. Watch Hippos swim on the banks and monkeys swinging from trees to trees. Catch the ‘Whopping Splash’ coming your way while you enjoy the serenity of the rainforest.

EXPLORER’S TRAIL

Take the EXPLORERS’ TRAIL and join the trail of the tribesman up on the trees and hear the birds chirp. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the MariMari Rapids, waterfalls, mystical ponds, gullies and hills.

Of course, visitors will be able to meet and greet their favourite Nickelodeon characters as well!

From the looks of it, Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon is definitely an attraction suitable for all ages. For now, the school holidays cannot come soon enough for the monkies!


Useful Information

Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon
Sunway Lagoon
3, Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway,
47500 Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
GPS Coordinates: LATITUDE: 3.07199 ; LONGITUDE: 101.60515
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday : 10:00am – 6:00pm
Entrance Fees:
Adult – RM150 / RM120 (with MYKad)
Child – RM120 / RM96 (with MYKad)
Senior Citizen (60 years old and above) – RM120 / RM96 (with MYKad)
Website:sunwaylagoon.com/attractions/nickelodeonlostlagoon/
*All images courtesy of Sunway Lagoon

Activities to Occupy your Kids this Chinese New Year (CNY) Long Weekend 2016

February 2, 2016, 5:06 pm

≫ Next: Lights of Legacy, Brighter Singapore: Highlights of Chingay 2016

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It's the Year of the (Cheekie)Monkie! And best of all, it will be a super long weekend! So besides the usual fare of house-to-house visiting and gorging, there is absolutely NO need to go bananas if you are looking to keep the little ones occupied. Not when my list includes enough activities to last through the entire FIFTEEN days of CNY!

So here’s all you need to know on happenings, fun places and activities to do with your kids for Chinese New Year 2016 in Singapore. HUAT AH!

Dahlia Dreams Floral Display

Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay

Now until 28 Feb 2016; 9am - 9pm

Admission Charges apply

This Lunar New Year, ring in the Year of the Monkey with a brand-new floral display inspired by the Chinese classical tale Journey to the West. Stroll through a stunning landscape of dahlias, begonias and other exquisite blooms against the backdrop of a 7-metre-tall mountain. Our experience HERE.

CRAFT ACTIVITIES
10 - 21 Feb 2016 | 12pm - 5pm | Flower Dome
Get hands on with traditional spring crafts like Chinese Calligraphy, Paper Cutting and Chinese Knot.

MONKEY KING MASCOT
12 - 14 & 20 - 21 Feb 2016 | 1pm, 2.30pm & 4pm | Flower Dome
Keep an eye out for the cheeky Monkey King, who will be making his appearance on selected weekends in the Flower Dome.

LION DANCE MEDLEY
13 Feb 2016 | 5pm | Supertree Grove
Catch different styles of lion dances – including the lesser-seen northern lion (北狮) dance – all in one place at the Supertree Grove. Be awed by a medley of original choreography and amazing stunts!

Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2016

Now until 8 Mar 2016

Usher in the Year of the Monkey by thronging the streets of Chinatown, taking in the sights and sounds of the month-long street light-up. Be enthralled by the creativity of the street light-up design, and drop by the street bazaar for a wide range of Chinese New Year goodies!

Street Light-Up

16 Jan - 8 Mar 2016 | 7pm - 2am (Fri & Sat); 7pm - 12mn (Sun - Thu); 7pm - 6am (7 & 8 Feb 2016) | Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road, South Bridge Road and Garden Bridge

Festive Street Bazaar & Festive Carnival

Festive Street Bazaar:  15 Jan - 7 Feb 2016 | 6pm - 10.30pm (Daily); 6pm - 1am (CNY Eve) | Pagoda Street, Smith Street, Sago Street, Temple Street and Trengganu Street

Festive Carnival: 9 Jan - 7 Feb 2016 | 11am - 10.30pm | Open Space in front of People’s Park Complex

Chinatown Chinese New Year Countdown Party
7 Feb 2016 | 9.30pm – 12.30am | New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street

Sentosa Celebrates Lunar New Year 2016

Now until 14 Feb 2016

Various locations on Sentosa

Love in Springtime爱在春季 
1 – 14 Feb 2016 | Merlion Plaza to Beach Plaza, Palawan Beach and Siloso Point
Free event but island admission and parking charges apply.
Be captivated by light, lantern and floral displays around the island, including the Family Bliss Lantern Display, which features a three generation monkey family together under a peach tree.
Check out your horoscope predictions at the Zodiac boards and feast your eyes at the large floral wall mural in the Springtime Garden. Create memories through photos with artistic illusion photo-points, and don't miss out on taking a stroll through the Prosperity Maze!

6 – 9 Feb 2016 | Merlion Plaza and Beach Station
Delight the little ones with interactive activities and performances including palm reading, calligraphy, character meet and greet, and lion and dragon dance performances.

Animal and Bird Encounters Daily Shows
Palawan Amphitheatre | 5pm daily | Free
Come and catch Sentosa's revamped daily shows, featuring Mickey, our Pig-tailed Macaque, more prominently and also in multiple segments. She will be displaying behaviors that are typical of and unique to those in the macaque family.

Lunar New Year at Port of Lost Wonder
6 – 9 Feb 2016 | 10am – 6.30pm | $15/Child. Accompanying adults enter for free
Expect festive fun for the whole family as you witness exhilarating lion dance performances (8 – 9 Feb) alongside booths offering lantern-making workshops. Grab your tickets online here!

KidsFest 2016

Now until 14 Feb 2016

Various Shows & Dates

KidsFest 2016, a theatrical extravaganza where 6 world-class theatre productions take the stage, featuring a dazzling array of productions recommended for children from as young as three! Curated by ABA Productions Pte Ltd, the line-up for KidsFest 2016 promises a highly educational and immersive experience for the entire family. For the full schedule, visit www.kidsfest.com.sg/schedule.asp.

Here are some of the shows that will be put up during the Chinese New Year period:

I Believe in Unicorns
4 - 7 Feb 2016
Details & Tickets: http://sistic.com.sg/events/uni0216

Snow Child
5 - 7 Feb 2016
Details & Tickets: http://sistic.com.sg/events/snc0216

Little Red Riding Hood
11 - 14 Feb 2014
Details & Tickets: http://sistic.com.sg/events/lrrh0216

Aliens Love Underpants
11 - 14 Feb 2016
Details & Tickets: http://sistic.com.sg/events/alu0216

Spring Fun in the Park Outdoor Carnival

Now until 14 Feb 2016; Mon-Fri 5pm - 10pm | Sat, Sun & PH 12pm - 10pm

City Green, outside City Square Mall

Charges apply

Bring the kids to the Spring Fun in the Park carnival located at the Level 1 City Green at City Square Mall, where monkey-themed games and a mini carousel awaits. There’s also a promotion for shoppers to stand a chance to grab prizes at the Windfall Machine with a minimum spending of $200 at the mall.

Gong SEA Fa Cai

Now until 22 Feb 2016; 10am - 7pm

S.E,A. Aquarium, Resorts World Sentosa

Admission charges apply

What can be more auspicious during Lunar New Year than to visit a place filled with lots of fish and water! What's more, we have lined up special activities the whole family can enjoy, while discovering all the wonders that live in our oceans. So come to S.E.A. Aquarium this Year of the Monkey and join in the festive fun!

Trail of Fortune
Follow the trail as it takes you on a festive adventure through:
▸ Spinning our Mani and Pin Wheels for good luck
▸ Habitats filled with goldfish in auspicious numbers
▸ Touch pool with special marine animals like abalone
▸ Crafts corner for kids to make fish out of red packets
▸ Watching a calligraphy master at work (weekends only)

Monkey Mission
12 cheeky SEAA monkeys will be your guides to finding the 12 marine animals that make up the SEAA version of the Chinese zodiac.

Underwater Dragon
Open Ocean Habitat | 11am, 2pm, 4.30pm
Make sure you catch the dragon "dance" that is performed by the divers. What can be more auspicious than the sight of a swimming dragon?

Manta Mascot Photo Op
Ocean Dome | 2.45pm, 3.45pm
Your kids will enjoy meeting our cute and friendly Manta Ray mascot and taking pictures with it! And don't forget to give it a hug while you're at it.

Saturdays@ACM: Monkey Business

6 Feb 2016; 1pm - 5pm

Asian Civilisations Museum

Free Admission

Usher in Chinese New Year at ACM. Say hello to the God of Fortune, enjoy heart-thumping lion dances, and customize your own Spring couplets.

Chinese New Year Celebrations 2016 with Wildlife Reserves Singapore

6 - 9 Feb 2016

The wild residents at Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari and Singapore Zoo are ready to swing into the Year of the Monkey with festive enrichment treats specially created by doting keepers. From 6 to 9 February 2016, guests at the four wildlife parks can catch the amusing antics of animals, including a singing parrot wishing everyone “Gong Xi Fa Cai” and giant pandas enjoying their favourite food from larger-than-life ang pows.

Festivities across the four wildlife parks include acrobatic lion dance performances, meet and greet sessions with God of Fortune and Fu Lu Shou mascots, and a Zoodiac trail for guests to discover their fortune forecast in the Year of the Monkey. For a complete listing of ALL activities and timings, visit HERE.

River Hongbao 2016

6 - 14 Feb 2016; 2pm - 11pm daily

*7 Feb: 2pm - 1am

The Float @ Marina Bay

Free Admission

Immerse in the Lunar New Year festive ambience and celebrate River Hongbao’s 30th Anniversary at Singapore’s iconic floating platform from 6 -14 February 2016! Organised by Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, Singapore Press Holdings, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Singapore Tourism Board and People’s Association, this annual iconic event has remained an integral part of Singapore’s Lunar New Year celebrations.

* NIGHTLY Fireworks at 9pm (except CNY Eve 7 Feb - Fireworks at 12 midnight)
Website: www.riverhongbao.sg

Free Activities at Jacob Ballas Children's Garden

6, 13, 20 & 27 Feb 2016

Free Admission

CNY Open House @ National Museum

8 & 9 Feb 2016; 10am - 7pm

National Museum Singapore

Free Admission

Celebrate Chinese New Year at the National Museum with free entry to all its galleries - INCLUDING the Treasures of the World from The British Museum exhibition (which is otherwise chargeable) - and participate in the following fun, family-friendly activities.

CNY Open House at other Museums

8 & 9 Feb 2016

Free Admission for all

Asian Civilisations Museum

Peranakan Museum

Reflections at Bukit Chandu

Chinese New Year 2016 @ Singapore Flyer

8, 9, 13, and 14 Feb 2016; 1pm - 7pm

Singapore Flyer

Swing by Singapore Flyer this February and embark on a four-step prosperity trail to rejuvenate and restore positive energy in the aspects of Love, Health, Wealth, and Career. Revel in the festivities with cultural performances and craft demonstrations on 8, 9, 13, and 14 February 2016, from 1pm – 7pm.

Year of the Monkey Celebrations @ Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

8 - 22 Feb 2016; 10.30am – 4pm

Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Free Admission

Head down to Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall for 15 days of celebration to usher in the year of the Monkey! Check out its Chinese arts and craft booths, special Chinese zodiac exhibition and lantern riddles where you stand a chance to win an exclusive gift!

Tanjong Pagar Railway Station Open House

9 Feb 2016; 9am - 6pm

Free Admission

The public can enter the railway station using the main entrance along Keppel Road or through the side entrance along Spottiswoode Park Road. Read about our previous experience here: www.cheekiemonkie.net/2015/02/tanjong-pagar-railway-station-open-house.html

Istana Open House

9 Feb 2016; 8.30am - 6pm

Istana (Entrance to the Istana grounds is via the main gate at Orchard Road)

FREE for Singaporeans and Singapore permanent residents. 

Other visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of $2 per person.

There will be a variety of performances on the grounds during the Open House. For an entrance fee of $2, visitors could tour selected function rooms in the Istana building and view a special display of gifts presented to the President and the Prime Minister. There are also guided tours of the Istana building, conducted by the Preservation of Sites and Monuments (PSM) volunteers. Istana souvenirs are also sold at the Open House. All proceeds from the sale of the souvenirs and the entrance fees collected are donated to charity.

Istana Nature Guided Walk
Sign up for the Nature Guided Walk during the Istana Chinese New Year Open House. This guided walk is a collaboration between the President’s Office and the National Parks Board (NParks), which will showcase the Istana’s flora, fauna and biodiversity. The guided walk starts from 10am to 4pm, and is conducted hourly. Please look out for signs on the Istana grounds to find out where you can register for the guided walk.

Guided walk fees: $2.00 for each child aged 3 years & above | $4 for Singaporeans / PRs aged 13 and above | $10.00 for foreigners (aged 13 & above) | Family package, $12.00 for Singaporeans / PRs (family of 4) and $30.00 for foreigners (family of 4)

CNY Open House @ Singapore Philatelic Museum

9 Feb 2016; 10am - 7pm

Singapore Philatelic Museum

Free Admission

Learn about the agile primates through over 300 stamps and other artefacts at the latest exhibition at the Singapore Philatelic Museum. On top of that, visitors can also check out interactive exhibits, where they can listen to the call of the loudest monkey around - the howler monkey - or try their hand at solving monkey-related puzzles. Families and young children can also take the opportunity to view the museum exhibitions including "More Than Monkeys", "With Love from Snoopy & Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie" and "The Singapore Journey: 50 Years Through Stamps".

CNY Open House @ Indian Heritage Centre

9 Feb 2016; 11am – 3pm

Indian Heritage Centre

Free Admission

Join us for our Chinese New Year Open House and learn how to make decorative items with ang pow and decorative pieces inspired by Indian culture.

CNY Open House @ Malay Heritage Centre

9 Feb 2016 | 11am & 3pm

Malay Heritage Centre

Free Admission

Kampong Gelam Tales: A Dramatised Tour
Take a peek into the lives of several historical personalities through this interactive tour at the Malay Heritage Centre. Join us for the Kampong Gelam Tales: A Dramatised Tour and be captivated by pieces of Singapore’s history!

CNY Celebrations 2016 at LEGOLAND Malaysia

Now until Feb 2016; Mon - Thurs 10am - 6pm | Fri - Sun 10am - 7pm 

* LEGOLAND Theme Park stays open till 7pm on 8th & 9th February 2016.

LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort

Admission charges apply

Celebrate Lunar New Year at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort from 22 January to 14 February 2016 and be part of a Malaysia Book of Records’ world record attempt - to build 2,016 LEGO model monkey replicas in LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort and be rewarded with a limited edition Lunar New Year DUPLO commemorative brick!

Don’t miss the spectacular Lion Dance performance on 8 & 9 February 2016, meet & greet with friendly walkabout characters, exclusive LEGO Angpows and Year of the Monkey gifts, with purchase of LEGO products at the retail shops too!

Monsters of the Sea

Now until 28 Feb 2016; 10am - 6pm daily

The Annexe, Science Centre

Singaporean/PR: $20 (Adult) | $16 (Child 3-12) | $58 (2A & 2C)

Standard: $25 (Adult) | $20 (Child 3-12) | $72 (2A & 2C)

Come face to face with legendary sea creatures that rule the marine world! Explore how they adapt to the living conditions in the vast uncharted ocean and get an insight into some of the most well-known mythical creatures like the Kraken, Loch Ness Monster and Chinese Dragon. Board the vessel and be transported into the unknown ocean at the Monsters of the Sea Exhibition.  Enter the portal and get immersed in a dimension where prehistoric creatures exist alongside other sea animals. Making its Asia Pacific debut in Singapore, the exhibition spans over 2,000 sqm and hold the largest animatronics collection of life-sized marine reptiles, mammals and fishes. For more information, visit HERE.

The Future of Us

Now until 8 Mar 2016

9am – 9pm daily (Last entry at 8.30pm)

Gardens by the Bay - 30 Marina Boulevard (near Bayfront MRT Station)

FREE but entry to the exhibition is by tickets only | Book your tickets online HERE

‘The Future of Us’ exhibition is an immersive and multi-sensory experience that offers a glimpse into the possibilities of how Singaporeans can live, work, play, care and learn in the future. The exhibition will call on Singaporeans to share their hopes and dreams for themselves, their family and the nation, and to participate in steering the Singapore journey towards the future. It is the capstone event to round up Singapore’s SG50 year of celebrations. For more information, visit www.thefutureofus.sg.

The Art of Speed

Now until 3 April 2016; 10am - 6pm (Tues - Sun)

Playeum's Children’s Centre for Creativity

(Blk 47, Malan Road, Gillman Barracks, #01-23, Singapore 109444)

Child (1-12): $20 | Accompanying adult: Free | Additional accompanying adult: $10

Read the monkies' experience here: www.cheekiemonkie.net/2015/09/playeum-art-of-speed-children-centre-for-creativity.html

Huayi 2016

12 - 21 Feb 2016

Various Shows & Dates

Esplanade

Esplanade presents Huayi - Chinese Festival of Arts starting on 12 Feb 2016, this year's 14th edition of the festival offers fresh takes on both familiar or established stories and art forms. Throughout the festival, there will also be a host of free performances and activities for all to enjoy. From Chinese dance, instrumental and choral music, to evergreen hits and getai performances by talented local singers and ensembles, there will be something for everyone.

The Chinese Zodiac
14 - 21 Feb 2016 | 11am – 6pm | PIP's PLAYbox | FREE
What are the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac and what’s the story behind them? Find out in this interactive session in our brand new PIP’s PLAYbox through print rubbings, tangrams and shadow puppetry!

The Magic Jungle
19 - 21 Feb 2016 | 19 Feb: 9.30am, 11am & 4pm; 20 & 21 Feb: 11am, 2pm & 4pm
Esplanade Recital Studio | $18
Mummies and daddies, come along with your little ones to meet all the fascinating jungle creatures and let the adventure begin with the magic of theatre, music and interactive fun, especially created for ages 2 to 4! Recommended for children aged 2–4 years old. (Performed in Mandarin) For tickets, visit HERE.

Fun with Chinese New Year Stories
20 & 21 Feb 2016 | 20 Feb: 3pm, 4pm, 5pm; 21 Feb: 2.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm
Concourse | FREE
Learn about the origins of some of our cherished Chinese New Year customs in this fun-filled storytelling performance for the whole family, brought to you by theatre practitioners Audrey Luo, Catherine Wong and Koh Wan Ching. Listen to the story of the mythical Year (年) beast on 20 Feb (Sat), and on 21 Feb (Sun) find out more about the Yuanxiao Festival (元宵节), which falls on the last day of the Chinese New Year period. Think you have your Chinese New Year traditions at your fingertips? Team up with your friends and family, and test your knowledge of all things related to the Chinese New Year in the interactive game segment of this performance!

For a COMPLETE listing of ALL free and ticketed shows, visit www.esplanade.com/festivals-and-series/huayi-chinese-festival-of-arts.

Battle for Singapore 2016

13 Feb 2016 omwards

Various locations

The Battle for Singapore 2016 will commemorate the 74th Anniversary of the Fall of Singapore. Through a series of activities such as World War II guided tours, Museum Roundtable special programmes and public talks, participants will learn more about historical significance of World War II sites such as Adam Park, Mount Imbiah and the Pasir Panjang Ridge, where many fierce battles against the Japanese forces took place as well as stories of Singaporeans’ experience and resilience in the face of adversity. To register for the Heritage Walks featured below, visit http://bsg2016.eventbrite.com/.

Other activities happening at various museums include:

National Museum of Singapore

WW II History Gallery Guided tour
English Language | 14, 21, 28 Feb | 11am, 2pm & 3pm
Mandarin Language | 13 Feb | 2pm
Free | No registration required

Museum Volunteers will do special guided tours which begin from the WW II section of the History Gallery. Come and find out more about the WW II history of Singapore. Regular admission charges to the galleries apply. Free admission for Singaporeans and PRs.

Army Museum of Singapore
*Regular admission charges to the galleries apply. Free admission for Singaporeans and PRs.

Activity - Tile Painting: Together We Make Singapore Strong
13 & 14, 20 & 21 Feb |  11am – 5pm
Free | No registration required

Love to paint? Try your hand at tile painting and share with us through colours and art, your idea of how together as a people, we can make Singapore strong. Pick up your brushes and start painting away!

Activity - “Be A Soldier”
13 & 14, 20 & 21 Feb  | 11am – 5pm
Free | No registration required

Calling all young soldiers! Come try on our kid-sized Army uniforms prepared just for you. In addition, props will be provided.

Special Exhibition  - Our Army, Our Nation's Strength
15 Feb – 31 Jul 16  |  10am – 6pm

Embark on a journey to understand the 15 Formations of Our Army contributing towards operations readiness, the Army’s core values, as well as training, responsibilities and roles. Visitors get to test out their strength, endurance, dexterity, agility and mental ability by trying out the various activity stations. Learn about jungle survival facts, skills such as building a shelter, starting a survival fire or collecting food and water.

Battlebox

Sneak Preview: A Story of Strategy and Surrender - The Battlebox Tour
13 – 28 Feb | 9.45am (Tue – Sun), 11:00am (Tue – Sun), 1.30pm, 2.45pm, 4pm*
$18/adult; $9/child; Free for child below age 6 if accompanied by adult
*BSG Special Price for 4pm tours: $9/adult; $4.50/child

An underground command centre for Malaya Command, Battlebox will open its doors daily for a sneak preview of its guided tours through the bunkers, where the momentous decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942 was made. For a limited time, Battlebox is offering its last tour time slot of each day at half price. Registration is required via www.battlebox.com.sg.

The Changi Museum

Singapore's Dark Years, 1942-1945
13 – 19 Feb | 11am
BSG Special Price: $6/pax | Registration will be done before the start of the tour

To mark the 74th Anniversary of the Fall of Singapore, The Changi Museum is glad to announce that the in-house guided tours will be offered to the public at half price. The tour is an informative, carefully designed tour for visitors to learn about the Fall of Singapore, the Japanese Occupation and experiences of prisoners of war. The tour will bring the visitors through the entire museum and the chapel at the centre courtyard of the museum. Come and take this opportunity to take part in this tour and understand a dark but important chapter in Singapore's history. Visit Changi Museum's website at changimuseum.sg for more details.

Singapore Discovery Centre

Lest We Forget – A Special Total Defence Day Trail
12 Mar | 2pm – 5pm
$15/pax; Family/Group Package available
Registration via Singapore Discovery Centre’s Main ticketing counter or via email to publicprogrammes@sdc.com.sg

Join us with your loved ones on a special Total Defence Day (TDD) Trail that invites you to reflect on our war experience and discover how far Singapore has come as a nation. Tour highlights include a guided tour by an army veteran who will bring you through the Army Museum of Singapore, the Reflections at Bukit Chandu interpretative centre and the Kranji War Memorial.

Lion Dance on Ice at The Rink

13 Feb 2016; 5.15pm – 7.15pm

The Rink at JCube, L3

Adult $14 & Child $12 for 2-hour session

Catch acrobatic lion dance performances on ice, and meet an amazing Chinese lion made of balloons! The Rink’s mascot, JR, will also make a special appearance that day, showing his nifty moves on ice. For more details, check out www.therink.sg.

Straits Family Sunday: Getaran Jiwa

14 Feb 2016; 1pm - 5pm

Peranakan Museum

Free Admission

Celebrate love and show someone you care with a handmade gift. Watch romantic performances with your special someone and dress up in colourful Peranakan costumes!

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

15 - 19 Feb 2015

Mon - Fri: 10am | Sat: 10.30am & 2.30pm

Jubilee Hall, Raffles Hotel

$32

A unique opportunity to experience stories from both Western and Asian traditions, blended together in a unique way, as the story of The Boy Who Cried Wolf is played out in an interactive and engaging style, with fun, music, puppetry and physical theatre. Fast-paced and full of laughter and adventure, there’s something here for young and old alike – with clear messages about the perils of lying, and maybe some unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. For tickets, visit HERE.

Chingay 2016

19 & 20 Feb 2016; 8pm (Pre-Parade: 7pm)

F1 Pit Building

19 Feb: $28.50, $40 & $50 | 20 Feb: $28.50, $50 & $60

*20% discount for PAssion Card holders

2016 marks the first year of Singapore's next 50 and hence, Chingay 2016 is aptly themed, "Lights of Legacy, Brighter Singapore"《智慧灯海，璀璨新加坡》! A world-class spectacle beyond your wildest imagination, Chingay 2016 boasts exciting highlights that includes Blazing Flying Dragon from China and other Electrifying International Performances, Colourful Multi-ethnic Performances, Dazzling Floats and Stunning Aerial Acts, Exciting Illuminated Performances by Local Talents and a Spectacular Fireworks Display. For tickets, visit HERE. Visit chingay.org.sg/welcome for more information.

Singapore Airshow 2016

20 & 21 Feb 2016 (Public Visitors); 9.30am - 5pm

Changi Exhibition Centre

Adult $22 | Child (3-12) $9.00 | Group Package (4 entry tickets & 1 carpark label) $166.00

*Tickets will NOT be available for sale at show site. Pre-purchase tickets via HERE.

Bolder, Faster, Louder! The excitement returns at Singapore Airshow 2016 - Asia's largest aerospace and defence event and one of the world's most important aviation shows! Visitors can look forward to a wide range of exciting activities including the stunning aerobatic flying displays, getting up close with the aircraft on static display, taking flight simulator rides and viewing the latest aerospace technologies and innovations in the exhibition hall. Enjoy the stage games and performance, and win some prizes at the same time! There will also be photo and autograph opportunities at the meet-the-pilot sessions. For more details, visit www.singaporeairshow.com.

Lights of Legacy, Brighter Singapore: Highlights of Chingay 2016

February 5, 2016, 7:00 am

≫ Next: The Complete Family Guide to Kranji Marshes

≪ Previous: Activities to Occupy your Kids this Chinese New Year (CNY) Long Weekend 2016

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Media Invite

Mention Chingay and scenes of festivity and conviviality come to mind. 

What started out as a Chinese street procession 44 years ago has morphed into a highly anticipated uniquely Singapore annual event today. With the various injections of performances by different cultural groups and international troupes - vibrant floats, dancing dragons, prancing lions, stilt walkers, wushu masters, performers of different races in their traditional costumes and many, many more! - the street parade is truly a multi-cultural affair.

This year, Asia's largest street performance and float parade is back to wow everyone on 19 and 20 February at F1 Pit Building and judging from the behind-the-scenes experience that our family had, it is going to be one spectacular show!

Themed “Lights of Legacy, Brighter Singapore”, Chingay 2016 promises to be the brightest ever with the biggest full-scale illuminated show. The theme is also inspired by the legacy of our Founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew and founding fathers.

Together, the parade celebrates the values embodied by our Pioneers such as Racial Harmony and Social Cohesion, Caring Community, Resilience as a Nation, Can-Do Singapore Spirit and Uphold high moral values.

It is one thing to watch the parade live at the F1 Pit Building, but it is another experience altogether having the opportunity to see the preparation and hard work that goes into making the parade come to life.

In total, Chingay 2016 will see 8,000 performers from 150 organisations, with another 2,000 parade volunteers from schools and associations supporting them. Definitely no mean feat, and what is even more remarkable is the parade features many veteran performers who have been volunteering year in year out.

So not only did the monkies get the chance to see some of the props and floats up close, they got a first hand look at some of the pre-parade buzz before the actual combined first rehearsal began proper.

And soon, it was time for the action to take flight!

Being a full dress rehearsal, the spectator stands were pretty empty. But that did not stop all of the performers from giving their all and their enthusiasm clearly showed - and it was pretty infectious too!

Consisting of 5 segments altogether, Segment One kick-started the parade (and Singapore's voyage towards SG100) with a 360m-long lighted opening, 800 youth performers and a Sky Stage Show.

And what would Chingay be without dragons? Keep your eyes peeled for the various special effects Dragons including the “Lighted LED Flying Dragon” from Xi’an, China during Segment Two of the parade.

This segment carries the theme of 'Because We are Different, We are One', so expect plenty of  multi-cultural performances – Chinese, Malay and Indian - as different inter-religious groups come together to perform as a harmonious community.

In fact, Chingay 2016 marks the first time in its history that an item will be presented by the lnter-Religious Organisation (IRO) and features a collaboration with 30 religious groups!

International cultures then took centrestage in their fullest vibrancy in Segment Three's 'Friends All Over the World'. With various performances by The Japanese Association Singapore, Si Hai Meng Xun from China, Indonesia, Russia, South Korea and Vietnam, each group put up a rousing performance.

Segment Four's 'A Vibrant and United Community' saw communities from diverse backgrounds taking over the tarmac.

Besides boasting a travelling dance contingent showcasing various performing arts & dance genres, this segment probably captivated the monkies most due to the incorporation of circus acts... including twirling of (heavy) fire poles!

The Finale in Segment Five was signalled by the appearance of 800 youth performers using different lighted props. This will also be the time where the 25,000 spectators on each night will be given handheld light bulbs to light up the night and symbolise a brighter future Singapore. Of course, rest assured that there will be a round of spectacular fireworks display to cap off the night's festivities!

We did not get to see any handheld light bulbs or fireworks during our preview session - it was a combined full-dress rehearsal after all - but if you ask the monkies (and SengkangBabies) - they will tell you that they enjoyed the parade all the same.

There are 2 parade shows on 19 and 20 Feb 2016 and from what I understand, there are only very limited tickets left!

But if you are unable to go down to soak in the Chingay atmosphere, fret not. The Chingay Night Fiesta will be happening at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park on 21 Feb 2016 from 6.30pm to 10pm and it is FREE FOR ALL!

On the day of the fiesta, the park will be decorated with about 8,000 lanterns bearing illustrations by Singaporeans that reflect values such as racial harmony and social cohesion. In addition, on display will be 2,000 lighted cubes, which will feature drawings by students about what they hope Singapore will be when the country turns 100. Among the acts planned are a combined martial arts demonstration of silat, taiji and silambaatam, an Indian fighting form; an Indian dance; and a multiracial dragon dance.


Useful Information

Chingay 2016
Dates: 19 & 20 Feb 2016
Time: 8pm (Pre-Parade: 7pm)
Venue: F1 Pit Building
Ticket Prices: 19 Feb - $28.50, $40 & $50 | 20 Feb - $28.50, $50 & $60
*20% discount for PAssion Card holders
For tickets, visit HERE.
Website:chingay.org.sg/welcome

Chingay Night Fiesta 2016
Date: 21 Feb 2016
Time: 6.30pm - 10pm
Venue: Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
FREE Admission

The Complete Family Guide to Kranji Marshes

February 7, 2016, 12:48 am

≫ Next: Happy Year of the Monkie!

≪ Previous: Lights of Legacy, Brighter Singapore: Highlights of Chingay 2016

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A combination of lush, marsh, woodland and grass habitats with more than 170 species of birds, 54 species of butterflies and 33 species of dragonflies lies in the north-western part of Singapore – and it is NOW open to everyone!

Spanning 56.8 hectares (half the size of Gardens by the Bay), Kranji Marshes is the largest freshwater marshland in Singapore. Together with Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, it is home to a rich array of flora and fauna, and provides an important habitat in the Kranji area for the conservation of biodiversity, especially marsh birds.

And when there is a new nature playground in Singapore to explore, you can be sure the monkies will be there to suss it out. But prior to heading down, I looked at NParks'website and this particular sentence caught my attention:

"The terrain is rugged at parts and may be unsuitable for younger children."

Hmmm, interesting. Only one way to find out!

There are two main areas – one that is open to public and the core conservation area which can only be accessed via guided walks. For the public walk, the start journey begins at Kranji Gate which is located at the end of Neo Tiew Lane 2 (beside D'Kranji Farm Resort).

The walk is a relatively straight-forward linear one, a 1km route which ends at Raptor Tower.

Do spend some time at the shelter area at Kranji Gate, where visitors will be able to familiarise themselves with the various birds at Kranji Marshes.

Then it was off for our trek to Raptor Tower!

As you can see, the route is entirely paved and smooth. We had a great time strolling alongside Neo Tiew Woods and trying to spot nationally threatened bird species, such as the grey-headed fish eagle and the changeable hawk eagle. No luck though.

But there were plenty of caterpillars crawling on the floor throughout! And the monkies loved them! Perhaps it is the result of having brought them to nature parks frequently but the monkies were enough game to have the caterpillars crawl over their hands... even Ale.

Along the way, there are two shelters for visitors to rest their legs or take refuge with the first being Weaver Shelter.

Have you ever stumbled upon a cuter find in a Baya Weaver's nest than this?

The second shelter is Woodpecker Shelter, which came complete with useful information panels about woodpeckers.

We did not manage to spot any woodpeckers but at least Ale enjoyed learning more about them!

After a 20-minute walk, we arrived at the highlight that the monkies were looking forward to.

Raptor Tower!

Bur first, there was the tiny issue of allowing the monkies to run wild.

The area is also home to 2 lookout shelters - Moorhen Blind and Swamphen Hide.

These places are where wildlife enthusiasts camp out for a chance to observe shy marsh birds such as the Purple Swamphen and Common Moorhen.

If you are visiting between November and March during the raptor migratory season, look out for visiting species such as the Black Baza and Japanese Sparrowhawk. But even if no birds are spotted, the views from the hides are extremely calming and scenic.

For an even more awesome view, ascend the 10-metre tall Raptor Tower!

Simply because the tower offers a panoramic view of the entire Kranji Marshes.

For sure, the Raptor Tower is THE highlight for the monkies!

To complete an educational day out for the kiddos, head to the nearby Marsh Station where they can learn more about the birds and their respective bills and feet. A very nice touch, in my opinion.

Oh, and remember NOT to go into the water areas so as to avoid giving yourself a nasty surprise.

Yes, crocodiles.

But I reckon everything should be alright as long as one stays on the proper paths.

All in, I feel Kranji Marshes is suitable for families, even for younger children. The paths are well-paved and stroller-friendly - terrain is not that rugged as far as I could see. Also, there is no doubt that the Raptor Tower will be a hit with the kids, as evident from our time there.

With a range of natural habitats such as freshwater marsh, woodland and grass habitats, Kranji Marshes is a great place for parents to bring along their kids to observe and enjoy nature. Not to mention it is FREE!

Planning to head down? Here are a few things to take note:

- Kranji Marshes is open from 7am to 7pm daily.

- There is no lighting within Kranji Marshes.

- The entire walking route from Kranji Gate to Raptor Tower is 1km and takes approximately 20 minutes one way.

- Except for strollers, leave anything else with wheels at home. Yes, bicycles, skate scooters and roller blades are NOT allowed into Kranji Marshes.

- To get there via public transport, hop on the Kranji Express bus from Kranji MRT Station which operates daily from 8.30 am to 5.45 pm. (Bus Schedule HERE) Alight at D’Kranji Farm Resort and take a short walk to Kranji Gate.

- If you drive, free parking is available at Kranji Gate. But parking is extremely limited with 20 parking lots. There are also 10 motorcycle lots and 30 bicycle lots.

- Do keep to the designated trails and appreciate any animals you may see from afar.

- Toilets can only be found at Kranji Gate.

- Prepare adequately, such as wearing proper footwear, bringing sufficient water, and a hat. There are no shops or vending machines at Kranji Marshes, only a water cooler at Kranji Gate.

- Save for Ale's one mosquito bite, we did not have any issues with mosquitoes or other insects.

- Pets are not allowed.

- Remember to take only what you have brought in, and leave nothing behind but footprints.

- Free guided walks are conducted once a month, on Saturday evenings. Explore and learn more about the nature area from the experienced and knowledgeable guides who will take you around. To register, visit HERE.


Useful Information

Kranji Marshes
11 Neo Tiew Lane 2, Singapore 718814
7 am to 7 pm daily

Free Admission

Website: www.nparks.gov.sg/kranjimarshes

Happy Year of the Monkie!

February 7, 2016, 4:38 pm

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Happy Chinese New Year!

Here's wishing all our readers a very prosperous and bountiful Year of the Monkie!

Stay healthy (always important), stay cheekie (quite important) and remember to spend quality time with your loved ones (most important)!

祝大家猴年吉祥! 身体健康! 心想事成! 年年有余! 家和万事兴!

HUAT AH!

The Best Attractions for Kids at Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark

February 10, 2016, 3:00 am

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"Can you feel my heart beating very fast?"

So asked Ash, when we first stepped into Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark in Pattaya. 

I didn't tell him but mine was equally pounding as quickly.

You see, our visit to Cartoon Network Amazone was undoubtedly one of the TOP attractions that the monkies (and I) had been looking forward to during our recent trip to Pattaya in the year-end school holidays last year. And as we found out, Pattaya is home to plenty of family-friendly attractions.

But first, back to the amazing Waterpark that the monkies were clearly going bananas over.

Billed as the world’s first Cartoon Network-themed waterpark, Cartoon Network Amazone is split into six zones containing some of the highest, fastest and thrilling waterslides and pools in the whole of Asia.

Think 13 water attractions consisting of looping water slides, a meandering lazy river, one huge wave pool and many other fun water activities for the family and I think you can understand why the monkies' mouths remained gaping open the minute we stepped into the waterpark.

And there is nothing quite like the water slides to get the adrenaline pumping! In terms of water slides, there are plenty of options to chooses from:

XLR8-TOR
One of the tallest and steepest rides in Asia, the XLR8-TOR had the boys and me screaming as we plunged almost vertically from a height of 18 meters before accelerating at lightning velocity to a splash landing. It was so exhilarating that we went on it another time!

Alien Attack
This fast, thrilling 110-meter long tube waterslide took us along an array of wild twists, turns, and the chance to defy gravity as water jets blasted us uphill, only to take us spiraling through three darkened alien space shuttles.

Banana Spin
If you prefer something milder, this Jonny Bravo-themed ride is perfect for those who are not fans of dropping from heights, but still want a reasonable thrill all the same. Highlight of the ride was being sucked into the corkscrew after swirling around on a 2-person float, going through a water curtain, and plunging into the pool below.

Intergalactic Racers
The Intergalactic Racers allow up to four people to race through a series of bumps, twists and serpentine tubes to the final open flume and see who earns the bragging rights at the bottom. Given my weight, I was a shoo-in for first place. Lol.

THE OMNITRIX

Enter the alien world of Ben 10 with the world's first OMNITRIX water rollercoaster. Towering a whopping 23 meters above the ground, the fully enclosed OMNITRIX accelerates riders down a seemingly never-ending tube before dropping them into the top of the Magicsphere and out of vertical ramp and into the water. Definitely for the faint-hearted!

Goop Loop
From zero to 2.5 G's (that's is 2.5 times the force of gravity) in less than 2 seconds! That is how thrilling this water rollercoaster can be. The ride starts in an enclosed capsule, where a trap door releases below the feet, dropping the poor rider into a 12 meter free-fall generating maximum g-force and propelling him into a 360-degree loop. My knees got weak just by typing this, so it is no wonder that the boys gave this ride a miss.

Humungaslide
Something more palatable for the boys was the Humungslide, as two water rafts are able to race each other in circular slides 23 meters high, speeding through daring twists, turns and unlimited surprises before being dropped eight meters into the clutches of Humungousaur for a dramatic, heart-pounding finish. Cue many repeated rides for the boys.

One of the boys' fave cartoons is Adventure Time and it is also one of the reasons why the Cartoon Network Amazone appeals to them so much - simply because of the Adventure time-theme water slides!

JAKE JUMP
At Jake Jump, we experienced an exhilarating combination – rafting, a mega drop, a vertical burst and even weightlessness! In a dual raft, the boys shot vertically up Jake's stretchy body and paused momentarily... before gravity took hold for one last thrill and a giant splash into the pool below. How many times the boys went on the ride? Erm, I stopped counting after the third. Arguably the boys' most favoured ride at the waterpark,

Rainfall Rainicorn
Compared to the rest of water slides, Rainfall Rainicorn (from Adventure Time) feels less eventful. This is one slide that has less twists and turns and gentler drops but judging from the smiles on the boys' faces, it is still fun all the same!

SURF ARENA

There is nothing quite like the thrill of riding waves on a surfboard, no? Little wonder then that the monkies did not mind waiting for their turn at the Surf Arena, even though the queue was pretty long! 

All of the above water slides and surf arena were definitely fun for the boys but if you have a child who is below 120cm in height (like Ale), then he/she will not be able to go on any of them.

So is it still any fun for kids below the height of 120cm? Well, as Ale found out, she still thoroughly enjoyed herself!

RIPTIDE RAPIDS
A staple in every waterpark, this lazy river allowed us to simply drift along on our water floats. And can I just say how much I loved the designs of the water floats?

Suitable for everyone - free-to-wear life vests are provided around the Waterpark - the wifey and I took turns bringing Ale through the Riptide Rapids as the boys went for their water slides fix.

Mega Wave
What could be more relaxing than hanging out in Cartoon Network Amazone's gigantic wave pool? If you are looking to just get away from the bustling crowd, then the wave pool will be your best bet.

Bob up and down on the gentle waves or just soak in the cool clear water - perfect for families to laze the day away.

At certain timings, there are performances right on the Mega Wave stage too where the monkies got to catch their fave Adventure Time live show!

And what's a Waterpark without the obligatory water playground for kids?

Cartoonival
The water playground at Cartoon Network Amazone is one of the best (and largest) ones for kids I have ever seen.

An amazing aquatic activity area jam-packed with splashtastic slides, fountains and tubes, there are more than 150 water features for kids to discover!

Kids get to hang out with Gumball, Ben 10, Chowder, The Powerpuff Girls and other favorite Cartoon Network characters, while choosing from different slides of various heights. Best of all, this aquatic paradise is strictly for kids only!

Personally, what set Cartoon Network Amazone apart from the rest of the other waterparks in the region is its characters. So if your kids are huge fans of the numerous Cartoon Network characters, such as Finn & Jake from Adventure Time, Gumball & Darwin from The Amazing World of Gumball, Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10 and many more, then this IS the waterpark to head to.

Thanks to its many live shows and performances throughout the day!

Oh, there is also a live parade happening towards the later part of the afternoon as well!

Of course, do not expect the parade to be on as grand scale as compared to other theme parks but in terms of offering photo opportunities to visitors, this is as good as it gets.

I, for one, was happy enough to be able to snag a photo opportunity with Gumball and Darwin!

Yes, thanks to my boys, I am now a fan of the cartoon. Oh, and make Adventure Time a fave of mine as well.

Seriously, I do not know who was happier for the meet & greets - the boys or me? LOL.

Here's a tip if you are planning to visit the waterpark: the timings for the shows and meet & greets changes so be sure to request for a timetable at the information counter. I understand that there are lesser shows and meet & greets scheduled on weekdays.

Oh, and another tip: it can get really hot in the park so for that added bit of comfort, rent a air-cooled private cabana from 2,000 Baht (S$80) for one entire day.

Food-wise, there is a huge food court, serving a range of food from fish and chips, burgers and pizzas to Thai and Chinese noodles & rice.

And do not forget to drop by the Cartoon Network Amazone Boutique on your way out!

I have said it on Instagram and I will say it again - Cartoon Netwrok is just AMAZEBALLS! It is absolutely one of the best water parks the monkies have been to.

I suppose spending a total of EIGHT hours at the waterpark is already a testament to how much they enjoyed it.

Yup, it was dusk when we finally exited the waterpark.

Tired, yes.

Chatoah (sunburnt), yes.

Super fun, double confirm.


Useful Information

Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark
888 Moo 8 Najomtien, Chonburi, Thailand 20250
(a 20-minute drive from Pattaya)
Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm daily
Ticket prices: Adult THB 1,590 | Child (3-12) & Seniors (above 65) THB 1,290
*For current ticket promotions, visit HERE.
Getting there: The Waterpark has a daily shuttle bus service from Pattaya City. Please contact transport@cartoonnetworkamazone.com to check the shuttle schedules.
Website: www.cartoonnetworkamazone.com


AirAsia flies direct to Pattaya from Singapore daily. For more information and to book, visit airasia.com.

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Why We Turned Down the Gifted Education Programme Offer

February 11, 2016, 2:07 pm

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One and a half months into the new school year and everyone in the family is getting used to the familiar weekday routine once again.

Although things may have been a whole lot different had Ayd changed school.

You see, Ayd was selected for the Gifted Education Programme (GEP) in November last year.

As GEP pupils are perceived to be advanced in their mental capabilities, the GEP curriculum is an enriched one that is pitched to challenge and stretch them. To be honest, when Ayd first passed me the famed brown letter from MOE's GEP Branch, my insides were a bundle of happiness, shock and fear.

Happiness for obvious reasons. Growing up, he was always just that little different from the rest of his peers. He doesn't like socialising much but hand him a book, and it'll keep him enthralled for hours. He peppers his conversations with facts and do-you-knows. One memory that will always stay with me is when I wanted to reward him with a present for doing well in his exams 2 years ago and asked him what toy he would like, he replied that he wanted a Math Olympiad book instead! So I'm absolutely happy for him that he was chosen to be enrolled in such a programme that would challenge his mind.

Shock because I really never thought he would be chosen. There are 2 rounds of quizzes that one must clear, with the first round being open to all Primary 3 students. I was confident he would clear that round but Round 2? Apparently only 1% of the entire cohort is admitted to the programme so yes, Ayd being selected was something I least expected.

But above all, I was fearful. Simply because for all of Ayd's mental prowess, he is someone who takes an agonisingly long time to adapt to a new environment. He took almost close to 2 years to adapt to primary school life. It was heart-wrenching to hear from him how he felt like the loneliest person in school because he found it hard to make friends. Classmates would not include him in their games during recess and he spent many recess breaks during the first 2 years wandering aimlessly along the corridors while waiting for the bell to ring. Those admissions by him totally broke the wifey's and my hearts. Fortunately, his form teacher assigned a 'buddy' to him during P3 and he has been improving ever since.

So I am not certain if changing to a new school will be asking too much of Ayd. On one hand, I know for a fact that he will relish the many beyond-the-textbook learning opportunities but on the other hand, I am worried if he will crumble under the challenges of being in a new school and environment, with new friends and teachers, increased workload... and being away from his older brother.

Yes, that last bit is highly significant too. Both boys are extremely close (even though they can get on each other's nerves at times!). They share the same interests, love the same cartoons, crack the same silliest jokes and I can even hear them chatting in their room well past their bedtime.

So if Ayd were to change to a GEP school, both of them will definitely miss one another terribly. Already, Ash was subtly sowing the seeds of staying put in Ayd's mind throughout the month of November last year!

For me, I would be lying if I said I did not wish for Ayd to take up the new challenge. We went for the GEP Open House and I was struck by the amount of interesting research and work that the students are put through. I could see Ayd was a little moved after the Open House but the wifey and I decided to leave the final decision to him.

We gave him a few days to make up his mind and in the end, he decided not to take up the GEP programme.

There were a few reasons behind his decision:

1. He was not sure how he would adapt to a new environment with new teachers and new friends.

2. He would be separated from Ash.

3. He was worried about the increased workload. (A typical school week will see students stay back to 4-5pm for at least 3-4 days)

BUT the one reason that he gave which totally floored the wifey and me was this:

4. He was afraid... that the new school's canteen will not sell fried bee hoon that is as yummy as the current school's.

HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Always trust Ayd to give a non-standard answer when you least expect it.

And so, that's all about there is to it really. 

Of course, there have been numerous occasions when I had questioned myself if I had made the right decision in letting Ayd make the choice himself. Should I have pushed him a little more to accept the GEP? Am I short-changing him by not enrolling him in the programme? Will his potential be forever left untapped?

Well, no real point in dwelling on the what-ifs.

I'm certain that the GEP has its merits but I believe getting into the programme - or any school for that matter - is only the beginning. It is most definitely not the finish line. If Ayd is not able to handle the additional stress of being in a new environment or cope with the workload in a highly competitive environment, the GEP might do more harm than good for a young mind like his.

Sure, stress is all part and parcel in the life of an adult and it is something that our kids will have to learn to cope with. But until then, I do not wish to kill his joy for learning - especially seeing how much he enjoys going to his current school now.

So as much as I secretly wish that Ayd did take up the GEP offer, I also know that his happiness is the ultimate thing that matters. Because if there is one aspect of parenting I learnt after all these years, it is to never let my kids be the victims of my unfulfilled ambitions.

猴嘢, Our CNY Celebrations!

February 13, 2016, 6:19 pm

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Even though it was a long Chinese New Year weekend this year, the actual festivities did not kick in until the third day of the long weekend - which to be honest, felt particularly short (and draining) this year. Only 2 days of house visits this year, with work and school looming after that... but that definitely did not stop all the feasting and gorging!

The routine for CNY Day 1 has pretty much been ingrained in the monkies all these years - a compulsory family photo-taking session at home in the mornings.

Of course, receiving their angpows was compulsory in the monkies' eyes as well.

We then pop over to my parents' place, where the monkies still look forward to gorging on their fave CNY delicacies that their grandma dishes out. Okay, me too.

Nothing like comfort food for that warm fuzzy feeling of home.

The monkies then partake in another family tradition - serving tea to their elders.

After all, that's the only way they can have their angpows. 

A kiss usually seals the deal.

This year's CNY is particularly more boisterous compared to previous years - thanks to the lovely additions of a few cousins from both sides of the family.

After my parents' place, we then head off to my in-laws' place, where the feasting continued. Visits to both the wifey's and my grandparents' place followed and as with past years, it is always a fun affair... especially for the monkies who have more cousins to play with!

Day 2 of CNY usually becomes a more relaxed affair for us compared to Day 1 but if the monkies thought that they would be spared of the usual family photo-taking, they were wrong of course.

Having fewer places to visit during Day 2 allowed us some time to whisk the monkies off to the Monsters of the Sea exhibition at the Science Centre Singapore!

Spanning over 2,000 sqm, the exhibition holds the largest animatronics collection of life-sized marine reptiles, mammals and fishes, including some of the legendary sea creatures that ruled the marine world.

The monkies had a great time learning more about the prehistoric creatures that existed alongside other sea animals as well as having their interests piqued by some of the most well-known mythical creatures like the Kraken, Loch Ness Monster and Chinese Dragon. The exhibition ends its run on 28 Feb 2016. Visit HERE for more details.

We then paid a visit to two of my uncles' and aunties' houses after that.

Where, yes, the feasting inevitably continued.

2 days of CNY seemed to pass by all too fast this year, although I have to admit that each CNY gets easier to manage with every passing year with the monkies growing older (FAR TOO FAST FOR MY LIKING!). Of course, there is always the challenge of keeping the kids entertained during visiting as well as limiting the goodies and sweet drinks. But at least everyone had fun and that's the most important bit, no? :)

Hope you enjoyed your Chinese New Year with your family and loved ones too!

Arrival Confirmed: KidZania Singapore Lands on Sentosa via Qatar Airways in April 2016!

February 14, 2016, 7:30 pm

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KidZania Singapore will finally be opening in April 2016!

Originally slated to open at the end of 2015, the huge family edutainment centre had some delays along the way but the completion is now in sight. Which is fantastic news really, considering the I have been documenting its progress since its announcement in January 2013.

Unlike the usual theme parks, this indoor facility comes with NO rides or arcade attractions at all. Instead, kids get to participate in a variety of role-playing activities specifically designed to educate and inspire kids aged 4 to 14, creating a kid-centric city experience from arriving at the airport, to visiting a city centre and exploring the city streets. On top of it all, they get to earn a salary (in the form of kidZos, the official currency of KidZania), pay for goods and services and manage an ATM card - all the things they see adults do in real life!

A total of 32 Industry Partners have already come on board and together, they present an awesome mix of activities in various industries that kids can partake in:

7-Eleven

Take charge of a 7-Eleven Convenience Store as a store owner and be a cutting-edge entrepreneur. Or be a financially-savvy shopper and learn to spot the best deals while maximizing the budget.

Abbott

As a food scientist at the Abbott Milk Innovation Lab, children can learn about the science and processes behind how growing up milk is made and create their own packages of growing up milk.

AIA Insurance

Learn the importance of having protection and savings plans to help other kids take care of themselves and their loved ones as a financial services consultant at AIA Insurance.

Camouflage

Mini fashionistas become fashion gurus at the Camouflage Fashion Boutique as they learn how to curate their own fashion style, and gain confidence by modelling their handpicked outfits in a fashion show.

Camp Challenge

Test their courage, confidence and hone their psycho motor skills as a mountaineer with Camp Challenge. Maneuver through obstacle courses and persevere in their quest for the summit.

Canon

Through Canon, children will get to experience being a photographer complete with a studio, models and photography training.

Carl Zeiss & Nanyang Optical

Offer the gift of healthy sight as an Optometrist at Carl Zeiss & Nanyang Optical, where they can give advice on how to select the right lenses and frames. Ensure their own eyes are in top condition with an eye check and learn how to care for their own eyes.

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific will create a Discovery Kids studio within the park where children will experience the behind-the-scene work that goes into being a Discovery Channel filmmaker.

Esso

Be a petrol station manager at an Esso Petrol Station and help fill up vehicles for customers. Kids can learn more about the different types of fuels used to power vehicles on our roads, and the importance of good customer service.

Johnson & Johnson

Be a junior nurse at Johnson & Johnson’s nursery, kids are tasked to take care of newborn babies, learn the basics of diaper change, baby massage techniques and the benefits of baby moisturisers.

KFC

Children who visit the KFC Restaurant will play the role of a KFC Crew member, learn the importance of hygiene in the Food & Beverage Industry, prepare a KFC meal and bring it home to enjoy!

Killiney ‘Kopitiam’

In addition to industry partners, traditional coffeehouse Killiney will be setting up an establishment at KidZania Singapore where visitors can take a break and enjoy freshly brewed coffee and traditionally popular warm kaya toast.

Kiss92

Go on air as a radio DJ to play chart-topping songs, present the news, and co-host programmes with Kiss92 DJs, and bring a copy of the recording home.

Lifebuoy

Be a Health Institute Researcher at Lifebuoy and learn the intricacies of soap making along with the importance of hand hygiene through first-hand experience of making their very own soap.

Lim Chee Guan

Be a Traditional BBQ meat specialist and discover the secret recipe that goes into the age-old process of making one of Singapore’s best loved traditional snacks at Lim Chee Guan Traditional BBQ Meat Store.

Maybank

Teaching children the value of money and the fundamentals of banking, children commence their financial literacy with a bank account at Maybank in KidZania Singapore. Each bank account holder will receive a debit card which can be used across all Maybank ATMs within the city of KidZania Singapore to withdraw the local currency, kidZos, for use at all establishments in the city. 

Mount Elizabeth Hospital

Be a surgeon and perform a delicate kidney transplant operation in a fully furnished operating theatre at the city’s very own Mount Elizabeth Hospital, and learn important health practices.

Nickelodeon

Visitors to the Nickelodeon Acting Academy and Theatre will get to role-play as their favourite Nickelodeon characters. The aspiring thespians will be able to attend acting classes at the Acting Academy, wear character outfits and then perform for an audience at the Theatre.

Paddle Pop Ice Cream

Be an ice cream maker and mix delicious flavours and ingredients at the Paddle Pop Ice Cream Factory. Kids will learn about nutritionally responsible snacking before enjoying yummy treats.

PictureAir

Together with Canon, Pictureworks aims to capture the best memories of visitors in KidZania Singapore, with photo printing services for visitors to purchase in the form of photos, stamps and even key chains.

Pizza Hut

Young chefs will get to knead and shape pizza dough, add on their favourite toppings, before sending it to be baked at the Pizza Hut Restaurant. They will also be able to pack their pizzas into boxes to take home and enjoy with their family!

Spritzer

The Spritzet Bottling Plant offers children to play the role of an engineer, learn safety and hygiene matters, how natural mineral water is made, and the ingredients and processes that water has to go through before it is bottled and dispatched.

Sticky Candy

Create their own candy as a Candy Specialist and bring hand-made candy home at the Sticky Candy Store.

Sunstar

Perform an oral hygiene health check to prevent cavities and flash a bright smile as a dentist at the Sunstar Dental Clinic.

The Intan

Be a Museum curator and docent at The Intan, Singapore’s first private Peranakan home museum. Appreciate the traditional Peranakan culture by curating galleries that focus on iconic Peranakan elements such as the sarong kebaya, nyonya porcelain and Peranakan tile architecture, and proudly share Singapore’s rich Peranakan identity with visitors through the galleries and exhibits.

The Learning Lab

The Learning Lab University will be the gateway for children to acquire distinguished academic credentials. Armed with these prestigious qualifications, they can earn extra KidZos at selected establishments.

The Soup Spoon

Children will also get to role play as chefs when visiting The Soup Spoon establishment and will learn about healthy eating.

Toshiba

Be a radiologist at the Toshiba CT scan room, and analyse scan results while operating a functional CT scan machine, and learn the importance of early detection.

Warung M Nasir

Visitors can enjoy authentic Indonesian cuisine in the Warung M Nasir cafeteria.

WTS Travel

At the WTS Travel counter, visitors can choose to be either a Tour Guide or purchase a ticket to be a Tourist for an in-depth city tour of KidZania Singapore. Each tourist is allowed to be accompanied by one adult to go on the tour with them. This is one of the activities that parents are able to participate with their children.

Yakult

Working as researchers at the Yakult Research Lab at KidZania, children will be able to study and explore different experiments and learn about the benefits and essence of probiotics.

Districts will be set up within the kid-sized city to group partners based on the nature of the establishments and role-play activities. All in all, there will be a diverse range of over EIGHTY role-playing activities within KidZania Singapore!

All well and good, but one extra thing that KidZania places a huge emphasis on lies in the COMPLETE experience that it offers to its young visitors - starting right from the moment they step into KidZania Singapore.

Upon arrival at the Palawan Kidz City situated opposite Port of Lost Wonder, the first thing that will definitely catch the eyes of the kiddos is the life-sized decommissioned Boeing 737 plane right above the entrance.

KidZania Singapore has partnered Qatar Airways as its latest Industry Partner and of all the 22 KidZania cities worldwide, KidZania Singapore boasts the honour of being the ONLY KidZania to showcase the full fuselage of an actual plane within the centre!

As KidZania Singapore's aviation partner, Qatar Airways will bring realistic aviation role-play‎ to kids which really begins from the moment they receive the entrance tickets.

You see, the ticketing counter are done up like just an airport check-in counter, and tickets will be issued in the form of Boarding Passes.

So going to KidZania Singapore will be just like heading to an overseas trip and to complete the experience, kids will also be handed their very own KidZania Maps to navigate and for sure, they will be more than eager to take flight!

Upon entering KidZania Singapore proper, kids can make a beeline to the Aviation Academy where aspiring pilots can experience flying two of Qatar Airways' flagship aircraft - the 787 Dreamliner and the A380 superjumbo aircraft - using the state-of-the-art simulators!

The flight simulation facility is specially designed to demonstrate taking off and landing at Qatar Airways home base and hub, Hamad International Airport in Doha and Singapore Changi Airport.

Other than being pilots, the positions of cabin crew are open to kids too where they will learn how to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers on-board. And who are the passengers, you ask? Parents, of course! One of the unique features that sets KidZania Singapore apart from the other KidZania facilities is parents will be able to join in the fun and role-play as on-board passengers and let their kids serve them! Can't wait to ask for a cup of drink from Ale. Heh.

A part of the new Family Entertainment Centre development at Palawan Beach on Sentosa, KidZania Singapore will be a 7,600 square metres facility and the first KidZania facility to be located on a resort island.

And as the monkies will tell you, we can hardly wait!



For more information, visit www.kidzania.com.sg.

VivaLing's Online Language Academy Is Not Your Typical Tuition Centre

February 14, 2016, 8:59 pm

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"WHAT??? Tuition... and Mandarin one somemore???"

That was the epic reaction when I first told the boys that they will be trying this online tuition programme where they will attend weekly Mandarin lessons - complete with a tutor - together from the start of the year.

But all things changed when they learned that the lessons will be conducted virtually, from the comfort of our home and through the laptop and iPad.

"COOL! When do we start???"

VivaLing is the world's first online language academy where kids can enjoy fun, interactive and effective language learning without leaving the house. They offer English, Mandarin, Spanish and French to young learners, aged 3 to 15, through real-time video with native and highly qualified language teachers.

For parents in Singapore though, the areas of concern I reckon will be English and Mandarin and I was glad to know that the programs for both are tailored according to MOE's curriculum. But what sets it apart from the traditional tuition centres is VivaLing's pedagogical approach which is 100% children-centric.

It is based on the fact that communication (oral and written) is both the objective of a language and a means to learn it. But communication alone is not enough, so the VivaLing approach provides for controlled and structured learning. It activates language learning by using content that is personalised, relevant and highly engaging for the child - ideal for children to experience the joy of learning, while also achieving the MOE’s desired outcomes at the same time.

Sounds all and good, but how did the monkies take to it? Prior to sitting down for lessons proper, parent and child will have a chance to talk to a VivaLing Expert via a video conference call so as to create a profile for the child. This, as I realise later, was crucial for the prospective teacher in getting to know more about the character of the child, and to tailor the sessions according to his/her likes and dislikes.

Is the child sociable or shy? What are the child’s favourite things? What activity does the child enjoy doing? These questions and more were posed to the monkies during the session and the information gleaned were then fed to the language coach and used in future lesson in order to pique the pupil’s interest. So if the child likes Batman, then Batman will be incorporated into the lessons. Or if like Ale, princesses are the flavour of the month, then princesses will find their way into the online lessons.

With the introductory session done and dusted, it was time for the boys' first lesson!

At VivaLing, there are two options for lessons: One-to-one English and Chinese classes from Kindergarten to Upper Primary classes for a highly personalised approach OR Very Small Group (Max 3 kids) English and Chinese classes for P1, P2 and P3 kids.

As Ash and Ayd are currently P5 and P4 students respectively, a special concession was made to allow them to attend the Very Small Group lesson - which is actually for P1-P3 kids - together. And from the onset, I could see they were clearly enjoying the lesson which was made even more fun from the fact that they were able to see each other via the tiny windows on their respective screens!

A huge chunk of the fun as the boys told me later, was actually due to the teacher. VivaLing prefers to use the term 'coach' rather than teacher because its approach focuses on guiding kids during their learning journey, as opposed to simply standing in front of them and ‘teaching’.

Parents will be able to select their desired coach before starting lessons by perusing through their profiles. But no matter which coach, VivaLing's coaches are all native speakers and they all have a strong background in school teaching. They will be able to adapt the content, the style, and the pace according to the child’s personality and learning objectives so as to keep children interested and engaged, even the more fidgety ones!

I stole a few peeks during the boys' first lesson and trust me when I say it was anything but a monotonous one. The content of the lesson was clearly based on their school's Chinese textbook but the manner in which the lesson was executed was way different from a usual tuition lesson.

Sure, there were the usual reading of passages and Mandarin word recognition quizzes but the main selling point of VivaLing has got to be the wide range of interactive tools the coaches use to make each lesson unique and captivating. These include games, contests, videos, e-books, cartoons, songs and flashcards - all of which managed to hold the boys' attention for a good 55 minutes.

In fact, my house was filled with their voices and laughter as the boys plotted to outdo each other in the various mini Mandarin games throughout the session. Nothing like a friendly competition to keep them motivated and stay focused during the lesson!

And just in case you are wondering, there is homework too. Again, the homework is structured and based on the individual child's weakness in the language. For the boys, their homework consisted of essay writing as it is their bane of the subject. Surprisingly though, they finished their homework without prompting, and even reminded me to scan their essays and email their coach so that she will be able to mark them in time for the lesson. Unbelievable.

And seeing how much her brothers had enjoyed their lessons, Ale was all raring to begin her online English lessons with VivaLing too!

Initially, she was a little apprehensive of the session. But kudos to her coach, Felicity, who managed to engage her... with princesses, what else! In fact, Ale was amazed by the fact that her coach knew that she loved princesses. Of course, she did not know that her likes had been relayed to the coach beforehand. Lol.

As the session progressed, Ale became more and more talkative. Which is a good thing, since one can only improve by talking when learning a language!

I suppose it has to do with the fun games they played too, while reviewing the alphabet, colours and shapes at the same time.

Parents have access to their own private dashboard where they can book or change sessions for their kids.

But the most important and helpful bit I find is that every session that the monkies attend is recorded and made available to me. The video is made available via a link (password-enabled) and I am able to watch the entire session to know exactly what they had learnt for that particular week.

In fact, the monkies can even watch the videos over and over again and they become like a second, third or fourth refresher session! Each session also comes with post-session comments for the student and parent, together with any homework for the week.

I had Mandarin tuition when I was a child, and I dreaded heading to my tuition teacher's place every single week. But looking at the monkies, I do not think they were dreading it. Conversely, they were looking forward to it every single week and when their 3 sessions ended, they were genuinely disappointed. Ale, in particular, missed her coach pretty much.

Of course, 3 sessions are not adequate enough for me to gauge the monkies' progress in the languages but in terms of eagerness to learn, the sessions with VivaLing clearly did the job. Especially with the online dimension of the teaching providing a new, innovative, efficient and refreshing way of learning with interactive digital tools for the kids.

For parents though, the best part of VivaLing's classes is probably the convenient aspect of it - no more rushing all over the island for classes and having to contend with traffic and parking!



To make it easier for children to access their lessons, VivaLing has launched its brand new VivaLing app for iPads and iPhones. 

It is very intuitive to use, and easy enough for kids to connect to their virtual classroom all by themselves by just clicking on the app. The app also enables parents and kids to access their sessions reports and videos. Best of all, the app sends out notifications just before every session as a reminder. And yes, the app is FREE to download!

To find out more about VivaLing's programmes and pricing, visit www.vivaling.com.

Stylish, Breathable & Comfortable GEOX Shoes for the Family

December 10, 2015, 2:58 pm

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Advertorial

For the longest time I can remember, I always had flat feet. 

Flat feet refers to a condition in which the feet have arches that are lower than usual, which can sometimes cause pain in the foot after prolonged walking. So for me, I pay a lot of attention to the kind of shoes that I slip onto my feet especially working ones since I walk quite a fair bit in my line of work.

And for some reason, GEOX shoes have been working well for my feet all these years. And I am not saying this just because this is an advertorial. In fact, I currently own three pairs of GEOX shoes prior to this post!

Apart from the simple reason that my feet have been free of aches and pains ever since I started wearing GEOX's shoes (because they are really comfortable!), Geox's footwear exemplifies this style and innovation, thanks to original designs and exceptional breathability.

Okay, so the stylish designs help a lot too.

But the claim to fame for GEOX - the premier Italian footwear brand for men, women and children - is actually its invention of the “shoe that breathes." And GEOX had achieved that by challenging the historical perception of holes in shoes, and by adding holes to the soles of its shoes.

The problem with rubber soles is they do not 'breathe' resulting in heat and moisture being trapped in footwear, giving that uncomfortable feeling of humidity and causing bad odour (aka Hong Kong feet).

With GEOX shoes, a revolutionary and patented system was invented with a special micro-porous membrane placed on top of a perforated rubber sole that lets heat and humidity escape the shoe but keeps water out. The process is made possible as the membrane’s micropores are larger than water vapour molecules, but smaller than water droplets - keeping water out and feet dry. The result? Feet are maintained at the right temperature in all seasons.

I know what you are thinking. Waterproof and breathable footwear usually means the privilege of being stylish will be given up in the name of comfort. But not if my newest GEOX shoes for work is anything to go by!

 I think I have just found my current fave pair of shoes for work!

And for those little sweaty feet, GEOX also has shoes with the same breathable technology. So not only are their shoes cool for the kids' feet, they are super-durable and gorgeous to look at.

Not only that, GEOX kids shoes are also anti-bacterial, anti-shock (cushioned foam support) and Chromium-free. The latter is extremely important as Chromium has a sensitizing effect and can cause allergic skin reactions like contact eczema.

Well, it certainly helped too that the monkies loved their GEOX shoes the moment that put them on.

Ale for one, refused to change back to her previous shoes and marched out of the shop in her new pair of GEOX shoes!

Ditto for the boys, who have been wearing them pretty frequently whenever we head out. And this is saying a lot... especially since they have always favoured their Crocs in the past.

So what made them favour GEOX kids shoes? Of course not having sticky and sweaty feet help. But besides that, the shoes are definitely fashion-friendly - yes that is important and no it will not diminish your parenting skills by admitting it.

And judging by how much running and jumping the monkies do whenever the weekends roll along, I will want the kids shoes to be super durable as well.

And it sure helps that the shoes come with easy on/off Velcro closures and remarkably lightweight as well. A very important feature for kids shoes since the last thing I would want is for them to be dragging two blocks of bricks when we are outdoors.

I guess GEOX shoes pretty much break the stigma that comfortable shoes are old fashioned and/or not trendy. GEOX's pure Italian style enhances the value and appeal of GEOX footwear, from sandals and flats to sneakers and loafers.

So not only does its shoes offer enhanced breathability, durability and protection from the elements, they are fashionable, stylish and fit different people, from different lifestyles.

Whether you are looking for men's shoes, women's footwear or shoes/sandals for the kids, GEOX has all the elements you are looking for in family footwear.

And now for the fun part, visit your nearest GEOX store to start shopping!


By the way, GEOX is giving out a mystery gift this holiday season! Sign up to the mailer HERE to receive something special from GEOX!