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12 Activities for Kids this Weekend to End the June School Holidays on a High

June 22, 2016, 4:23 pm
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Just like that, four weeks of school holidays have almost gone by. Hope the school holidays have been a fruitful and fun one for your kids!

Amazingly enough, even though this weekend is the final one before school reopens, there are plenty of family-friendly activities happening. In fact, these TWELVE activities are brand new and exclusively taking place this coming weekend!


So go ahead and pick your fave activity from the list below and end the 4-week break from school on a high!

1. Navy@Vivo 16
Date: 23 - 26 Jun 2016
Venue: VivoCity, Central Court & The Promenade
FREE Admission


Navy@Vivo is back! The Navy's Formidable-class frigate, RSS Tenacious, will be calling at VivoCity Promenade from 23 to 26 June 2016. From Boat PT performances by naval divers, precision drills by NCC, to the Ceremonial Sunset – one of the oldest naval tradition practised by navies worldwide, here are all the activities that you can look forward to during Navy@Vivo:


Keep up to date at Singapore Navy's Facebook page.

2. BiG DAY OUT 2016
Date: 24 - 26 Jun 2016
Timings: 24 Jun: 2pm - 8pm | 25 & 26 Jun: 10am - 8pm
Venue: Toa Payoh Hub Atrium
FREE Admission


BiG DAY OUT celebrates Singapore's efforts to build a greener, more sustainable built environment. This year, BiG DAY OUT welcomes you to Kampong Hijau, Singapor's greenest neighbourhood and home of the favourite characters from the children storybook, "The Adventures of Greco & Beco : The Glass House"!

It will be a fun-filled weekend for your family to learn about the green buildings and eco-friendly practices through games, activities and interactive exhibits, all in the setting of Kampong Hijau. One of the highlights is a mock-up Glass House where visitors can feel the effects of a building that has a non-environmentally sustainable design and fittings. There will also be kampung games, puppet shows, story-telling, charades, art and craft and other activities for the kids! For the full schedule of activities, visit HERE.

3. Baybeats 2016
Date: 24 -26 Jun 2016
Timings: Various shows & timings
Venue: Esplanade
FREE Admission


Got older kids? Then grab your gear, roll up your cuffs, and gather your troops. The biggest music festival of its kind in Singapore and the region, Baybeats presents a fist-pumping line-up showcasing prominent Singapore and international acts. The festival also celebrates the music-loving lifestyle with a festival village that brings together local indie crafters and entrepreneurs. For the full listing of scheduled performances, visit HERE.

4. Kranji Countryside Farmers' Market
Date: 25 & 26 Jun 2016
Time: 12pm - 5pm
Venue: Nyee Phoe, Kranji Countryside
FREE Admission


Indulge in 50 stalls of local produce and locally-made artisanal products, and a weekend filled with community-driven education and entertainment! Besides stalls, there will also be actvities for the whole family - let your children get their hands dirty with planters, pottery and kampung games! Visit HERE for updates.

5. Common Grounds
Date: 25 & 26 Jun 2016
Time: 11am - 6pm
Venue: National Gallery Singapore
FREE Admission


In conjunction with celebrating National Gallery Singapore's 1 millionth visitor milestone, COMMON GROUNDS, is back! Enjoy a fun day out with family and friends at the Gallery’s community open house. From captivating performances to exciting art activities, there is something for everyone!

ART ALIVE! 
11am – 6pm | Various spaces within National Gallery Singapore
Be a part of art with an array of interactive and engaging art-inspired installations all around the Gallery. Enter a painting and step back in time; explore a Chinatown street scene, complete with food carts and traditional games; and create memories with family and friends as you pose for photos with our life-sized 3D artworks.

PERFORMANCES
All performances will take place at the Padang Atrium, unless otherwise stated.

Ballroom Dancing by Nuevo Dance Fitness (NDF) 
10am 
Watch an opening dance act, participate in a DanceSport workshop and Dance Jam with participants for this Common Grounds weekend.

Baracuda Batucada
11am, 2pm, 3.30pm 
Ngee Ann Polytechnic's Baracuda Batucada are the masters of addictive samba percussion tunes. Dance along to their beats, and you may even get to try your hand at the drums, and create some heart-thumping beats!

Xinyao Performance by The JumpStart
25 Jun: 2.30pm | 26 Jun: 4pm
Sing along in harmony band to familiar songs such as Rasa Sayang Eh and Di Tanjong Katong. The JumpStart is a 4-member bilingual acoustic and live band, which does originals and covers of songs from the '80s to the top-40 hits of today.

SMU Voix A Cappella Performance
25 Jun: 4pm | 26 Jun: 2.30pm 
VOIX is SMU's premier a cappella group, with a wide repertoire from pop ballads to swing and jazz. In these interactive segments, learn how to mirror the sounds of musical instruments using just your voice!

Malay Dance by DIAN Dancers
5pm
Be captivated with traditional Malay dance by DIAN Dancers, who emerged in the Malay Arts scene in December 2003. Their name figuratively means "glowing light.

THE DISAPPEARING HAWKER STALL
11am – 6pm  | Gallery & Co. 
Created in collaboration with Participate in Design, this installation invites you to pick up a menu and share stories about art!

COMMUNITY ART
11am – 6pm | Padang Atrium
Participate in a mass doodling session, or take part in simple craft projects and bring home a handmade souvenir from the Gallery!

DROP-IN CRAFT
Sat 25 Jun, 11am – 6pm | Sun 26 Jun, 10am - 1pm, 5pm - 7pm | Keppel Centre for Art Education (Workshop 1 & 2)
With an art kit and theme inspired by the Gallery’s collection, this activity invites parents and children to interact creatively through art-making.

For more details on all programmes, visit HERE.

6. Maker Faire Singapore
Date: 25 & 26 Jun 2016
Time: 10am - 6pm
Venue: Singapore University of Technology and Design (8 Somapah Road)
FREE Admission


The Maker Faire Singapore is back for its fifth year! And this time it is going to be bigger than ever!

Join in the celebration of the do-it-yourself culture, bringing in Makers of all ages to show what they are making, and share what they are learning. Be inspired by the showcase of interesting, wacky and fun projects in science, art, craft, engineering and technology, and exchange ideas with their creators.

Find out about the latest happenings in the Maker scene at the talks, and learn how to make something at the many workshops at the Faire. With over 200 booths, workshops and presentations, there’s something for everyone at this festival of discovery, play and creativity!

Remember to pick up your FREE copy of Maker Faire Singapore Learning Passport at the information counters. Check out ALL the FREE activities kids can indulge in HERE.

For more information, please visit https://makerfairesingapore.com.

7. Families for Life Picnic - Father's Day Celebrations
Date: 25 Jun 2016
Time: 5pm - 9pm
Venue: Casuarina Grove, East Coast Park
FREE Admission


June is a special month for Dads, so join in the fun at East Coast Park to celebrate this special occasion and enjoy family bonding with the Dads in your family! Families can look forward to highlights such as outdoor movie screening, music performances, bouncy castles, FFL Mobile Café, family friendly activities such as arts & crafts and family challenges. For more details, visit HERE.

8. RETRO FEVER @ Gardens by the Bay
Date: 25 Jun 2016
Time: 7pm - 10pm
Venue: Supertree Grove
FREE Admission


Put on your best retro outfit and favourite pair of dancing shoes, and join in the fun at one of the biggest retro-themed parties in town! Groove to the hottest tunes from the 60s, 70s and 80s, and catch a specially curated LED performance with pyrotechnics on the OCBC Skyway – a first in the Gardens!  Mediacorp Radio Class 95FM DJ Jean Danker will also play host on this throwback Saturday night. For more information, visit HERE.

9. NParks Concert Series in the Park: Rockestra
Date: 25 Jun 2016
Time: 5.30pm - 10pm
Venue: Empress Place, Empress Lawn
FREE Admission


Join in for a night of good food and good music from the 50s to 90s at the second instalment of NParks Concert Series in the Park: Rockestra® on 25 June 2016 at Empress Place (Empress Lawn)!

Held in conjunction with ‘Satay Night Live’, this concert promises a nostalgic experience and plenty of Satay as we bring you the golden hits of yesteryears performed by Jive Talkin’, Sebastian Tan aka Broadway Beng, Jack & Rai, Ciao Turtle, ShiLi & Adi, The Pinholes, Dee Dee and Alia. Family-friendly fringe activities start at 5.30pm while the concert commences at 6.30pm. For more information, visit HERE.

10. Art Day Out! at Gillman Barracks x The School Holidays Edition
Date: 25 Jun 2016
Time: 2pm - 7pm
Venue: Gillman Barracks


Art Day Out! – a Gillman Barracks Saturday open house – returns on 25 June for a special School Holidays Edition! Families can look forward to fun-filled art activities for the little ones, in addition to the galleries’ new exhibitions and special programmes by Gillman Barracks tenants for the adults!

FAMILY-FRIENDLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS:

‘The Squirrel & the Katak’
2 sessions at 3pm and 5pm | Block 7 | FREE Admission | No registration required
Specially commissioned for Art Day Out!, this interactive children’s theatrical performance draws on Gillman Barracks’ history through the eyes of its squirrel and katak (frog) inhabitants.

Art Outreach Singapore
2pm - 6pm | Block 47 | No booking required
An Art Explorers workshop with artist Merryn Trevethan, kids will be able to create a tote bag printed with their own design, or experiment with creative painting activities.

Playeum's Children’s Centre for Creativity
20% off ticket prices for its new exhibition, Hideaways – Creating with Nature
2pm - 6pm | $16 per child, with free entry for one accompanying adult | Block 47
Children are invited to explore nature and natural materials through hands-on exhibits and interactive artists’ installations. Free art activities at the outdoor plaza outside.

Saturday Social BBQ – Kidlympics Edition
4pm til late | Timbre at Gillman | Block 9A
Speed relay games, bouncy castles, wading pools for toddlers, live BBQ, music, cold beers and arts & crafts activities.

For more details, visit HERE.

11. Design a Scent City
Date: 25 Jun 2016
Time: 1pm - 5pm
Venue: National Design Centre, Atrium L1
FREE Admission (Registration required)


How might we design a city that looks good – and smells nice too? Come to the National Design Centre with your friends, family and children for an afternoon of “city-building” activities and find out how our sense of smell might offer innovative ways of designing a city.

Participants will be assigned sections of the city, at the “Permit Centre”, to design buildings, landscapes and road signs. Then head over to the “Supply Store” for craft supplies. Finally, facilitators at the “Scent Lab” will introduce participants to scents that will inspire your creations. All sections of the city will be combined to construct a collective “Scent City”.

Join us for this afternoon of creative expression through play pretend, and imagine new sights and smells for this imaginary city! NOTE: Registration is compulsory. Register via HERE.

12. Car-Free Sunday SG
Date: 26 Jun 2016
Time: 5am - 7pm (Various Activities)
Venue: Padang and surrounding area
FREE Admission
On every last Sunday of the month, the Civic and Central Business District will be transformed into a cycle-friendly, walkable and activity-filled public space with something for everyone as roads around the Padang, together with Fullerton Road, will be fully closed to vehicles. Whether you are into yoga, dance, basketball, fun challenges, visiting the museums or just enjoying the day out with your friends or children, there are a range of exciting activities you can enjoy.

Click to enlarge
For a detailed listing and timings of all activities, visit HERE. Highlights include:

Breakfast Concert at the Lawn
8.30am – 9.15am : The Philharmonic Winds and Community Drumming Network
9.30am – 10.15am : The Philharmonic Winds and Converge Studios
The popular Philharmonic Winds, the Community Drumming Network – formed by drumming enthusiasts from all over Singapore – will kick-start the morning with enjoyable tunes and rousing beats at the Empress Lawn with the very first NAC-organised Breakfast Concert at the Lawn. Visitors can then join in a dance workout led by Converge Studios and participate in a wide range of art activities, from silkscreen printing their own tote bags, to postcard painting and knitting on a giant loom.

Pop-up Breakfast Bar at the Lawn
The Breakfast Bar will feature yummy café bites from Tiong Bahru Bakery, Kombi Rocks, The Lokal, The Chief, and Two Bakers. There is also a giveaway for $5 Breakfast Bar vouchers for the first 150 visitors!

“MOZ-ART” at Victoria Concert Hall Atrium
9.30–10am; 10.30-11am; 11.30-12pm
Violin duo Alexander Souptel and Masako White present “MOZ-ART”, a musical mosaic of folk songs as well as short pieces by classical masters. Mozart will also make a special appearance  his Car-free Sunday and serenade visitors with his musical charms.

ActiveSG Kids Imagination Playground
Esplanade Park | 7.30am to 11.30am
The ActiveSG Kids Imagination Playground consists of giant light-weight building blocks for children to explore and invent their own playgrounds. Children can build tunnels to crawl under, bridges to balance on, mountains to climb over, castles to be a royal prince and princess for a day and much more. Through this activity, children can develop cognitively, socially and physically as they interact with each other to build structures, make new friends, whilst at the same time, acquire a range of motor skills such as running, jumping and balancing.

Kids’ Zone – Family Activities
Esplanade Park (Heroes Lawn) | 7.30am to 12nn
Join in the pebble-painting activity and turn a simple pebble into an ornamental art piece! There will also be other family-friendly activities such as sketching, colouring and bouncy castles.
Learn more about plants and their uses in different cultures by taking part in the ‘Plants & Culture’ plant propagation activity.

Playstreet: Under the Rain Trees
Connaught Drive | 3.30pm to 6.30pm
‘Under the Rain Trees’ is developed to encourage appreciation of the Avenue of Heritage Trees, the historical and cultural significance of the Civic District and the natural heritage of the area. The Singapore Wellness Association will share knowledge about the rain trees through fun and interactive games which are inspired by nature.


Want even MORE activities for the remainder of the June School Holidays? Head to my complete listing here: www.cheekiemonkie.net/2016/05/june-school-holidays-2016-activities-for-kids.html

HAVE A BLAST!
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Less Paper, More Efficiency & More Time with the Fujitsu ScanSnap iX100

June 24, 2016, 10:00 pm
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Okay, let me get one thing straight - when I was offered to review the Fujitsu ScanSnap iX100, I didn't really see the point in having a scanner. After all, I already have a scanner app on my smartphone and I was pretty happy with it.

But every gadget deserves a chance, no?


The first thing that struck me when I unpackaged the iX100 scanner was how small and incredibly lightweight it was. Measuring 273 x 47.5 x 36 mm and weighing just 400 grams, it is extremely portable.

The device boasts a rechargeable Lithium battery, which means freedom from a power cord!


Basic setup consists of connecting the iX100 to a computer with the supplied USB cable to charge its battery, and downloading and installing the ScanSnap program on my laptop.


While one can use it as a USB scanner, I expect that most people (myself included) will use it wirelessly. Doing away with the need of messy and troublesome wires, I could connect the scanner to my laptop effortlessly via a WiFi network.


And that was all about it regarding the set-up. Fuss-free, simple and no tear-out-hair moments. In fact, the set-up was so quick that after I was done with it, I threw it into my work bag and promptly forgot all about it... until a week later.

I was meeting a client of mine and after letting him sign some documents, he required an e-copy of them urgently so that he could submit them for claims. I took out my smartphone and took a few photos but unfortunately, the quality was not quite ideal. I then remembered the Fujitsu ScanSnap iX100 sitting idly somewhere in my bag, and whipped it out. I linked the scanner to my laptop and the rest was history. Although I have to add that the scan quality of the iX100 is remarkable for a scanner this size.

A few days later, I had to get a few bills paid while in between appointments. I had the physical paper bills in my bag so I took them out, paid them online, scanned the bills into my laptop and disposed the paper bills. Soon, I came to realise I have been using this small portable scanner in different situations I never would have anticipated... thanks to its presence in my work bag!

BUT the biggest use of the scanner for me so far has got to be dealing with those 'pesky' business cards!


Don't get me wrong - business cards are essential to my line of work, and even for my blogging contacts. But these physical card DO build up over time and storing them can be a headache at time. And don't even get me started on the times when I need to search for a specific business card from the stacks and stacks of cards!

With the ScanSnap iX100, all my woes of cluttering and digging through a pile of cards are a thing of the past. Well, of course I just have the tiny step of scanning all of my business cards using the scanner first... which isn't a big problem actually because since the scanner is so simple (and fun, in the eyes of the monkies) to use, Ale volunteered to help me to feed all the cards through the scanner!


For small items like business cards and receipts, the iX100 boasts dual scanning where you can feed two small items into the scanner at the same time. The scanner then recognises them as separate documents and either exports two scanned files or a single file with two pages, depending how you have it set up. Very handy!


But the most amazing thing about the scanner isn't actually the scanner itself. It is the software that comes bundled with it.


After scanning multiple business cards, the ScanSnap will automatically open and recommend the most suited program for scanned document. In the case of business cards, ScanSnap's CardMinder automatically collates the information on the cards and segregates them into the various fields of 'Name', 'Company', 'Job Title', 'Address', 'Phone Number', etc which I will be able to export them to an Excel spreadsheet. HOW COOL IS THAT???


Remember I mentioned that the scanner is able to connect to a device via a WiFi network?

What if there is no Wi-Fi network that you can connect to? If there isn't one, the ScanSnap iX100 will attempt to create its own.


Setting up the connection is straightforward. All you have to do is to set the scanner's Wi-Fi switch to On, open the front panel to turn on the scanner, and launch the app on your smartphone or tablet.

The first time you connect, you have to enter the scanner's security key and password. After that, the app will remember the settings and automatically connect the scanner is available.


Did I mention that scanning is a breeze?


I have to admit, incorporating the paperless routine through the ScanSnap iX100 was an immensely liberating experience. There is a LOT of paper to handle in my course of work, and filing them and then trying to find specific documents usually end up in me having to spend lots of precious time - time that I would rather spend playing with my monkies.

With the scanner, not only did I free up space by getting rid of my hard-copy filing system, I had fast, easy access to all my paperwork no matter where I happened to be.


Besides being the fast and tiny scanner that the iX100 is, I truly appreciate its easy portability. Being able to scan a stack of papers (up to 250 pages on a full charge!) anywhere and anytime is a huge convenience.

I may not have realised it then, but I have now come to discover what it is like to have a good scanner with me in my work bag all the time.


My next de-cluttering goal? The monkies' huge collection of artworks and drawings!

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9 Reasons Why Orchid Bowl @ SAFRA Punggol is the Most Family-friendly Bowling Alley in Singapore

June 26, 2016, 5:44 pm
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Which kid doesn't love an old-school game of bowling? Bowling is the perfect family activity when it comes to indoor activities - especially during the rainy season!


Problem is, the traditional bowling alleys tend to suit teenagers and adults more... which is kind of a bummer for families with kids.

But with the opening of the new Orchid Bowl @ SAFRA Punggol, families will have a chance to make it the perfect spot for a bowling good time!


Boasting a total of 24 lanes, Orchid Bowl @ SAFRA Punggol has revolutionised the bowling industry with the widest and most innovative variety of on-lane entertainment. With the installation of a brand new computerised system at SAFRA Punggol, Orchid Bowl is redefining the bowling industry and bowling experience for their customers.


No wonder the monkies were only too eager to get the balls rolling!


And with these family friendly and way-cool aspects, I don't blame them one bit.

5-pound Ball

To enjoy a game of bowling, one obviously must first be able to lift and throw the bowling ball down the lane. Orchid Bowl @ SAFRA Punggol provides ample 5-pound bowling balls (the blue ones) which 4 and 5 year olds should be able to lift - some kids may require two hands to throw the ball like Ale but at least it's a good start.


Notice the 5 holes on the bowling ball? The usual balls sport only 3 holes but for the 5-pounder, it has 5 holes so that kids will be able to grip the ball more securely... and release it with more power!


Bumpers

Already a feature in some bowling alleys targeted at families, bumpers that run alongside the bowling lanes are a must if you do not wish your child to waste your money by constantly rolling the bowling ball down the drains!


Bumpers can be programmed to spring up when it is the kids' turn to bowl, and fold away during the parents' turn.

Themed and Animated Scoring System


Gone are the days of boring scoring tables that show up on the computer screens. Orchid Bowl @ SAFRA Punggol is the FIRST in Singapore to adopt the QubicaAMF BES X Scoring and Management System.

Erm what's that you ask?

All you need to know is the system provides the wildest - and sometimes, wackiest - variety of one-lane entertainment options for bowlers. It delivers extreme fun for everyone by offering themed games, personalised animation and different game formats.


For starters, families will be able to choose from over 18 different themes with over 1,000 unique animations ranging from fairy tales, halloween, sports and many more. And the result is a unique theme which functions as the scoring system chart shown on the screen, complete with animations to keep the kiddos entertained.


Skill Games

If you want something different from the usual spares and strikes bowling format, try the Adaptive Skill Level Games which offer a shorter duration, simpler scoring calculation AND Score Assist features which give beginner bowlers an edge over experienced ones.


There are also a set of eight classic variations on the traditional bowling game: No Tap, 3-6-9, Odds & Evens, Best Ball, Best Frame, Low Game, Odd Duck and Even Better which bowlers can integrate them right into their match.

Personalised Photos

Want an even more personalised touch? Bowlers will be able to snap their pictures at the lanes on the new SuperTouch LCD Bowler Console, which features a built-in camera.


The system then merges the photos into the scoring animations, turning bowlers into characters on the screen as they bowl. I have to say the monkies loved this feature!


Lane Chatter


If you are bowling together with a large group of friends, the new Lane Chatter feature will allow you to char and text with other lanes while bowling! Bowlers will also be able to view their scores in real time, see what lanes your friends are bowling on and their standing at any given moment. Nothing like a little friendly competition to keep things interesting!

Glow Bowling

Bowling under UV lighting complete with pumping dance music, need I say more?


Admittedly, the usual bowling game consisting of 10 frames may seem to be a little too long for kids, especially for the younger ones.

Kids being kids, they have shorter attention span so having them last through 10 frames of bowling - while waiting to taking turns to bowl may cause a bowling game to feel draggy after the initial novelty wears off.


The solution?

MAD Games

The entertainment system at Orchid Bowl @ SAFRA Punggol offers a collection of 4 games which the monkies deemed it as the BEST feature of the lot! The 4 games allowed them to bowl in a way that is easier to understand, faster to finish and uniquely aligned to their taste.


Much like this 'Battle of the Lanes', where bowlers will be split into 2 teams and the goal is to bring down the opposing team's castle by knocking down the most number of bowling pins.


'Bowling Hood' saw the monkies attempting to hit the bulls-eye with the bowling ball.


But perhaps the most fun of the lot (which we ended up playing more than once!) was 'Monster Factory'.


Depending on the number of bowling pins we downed, a certain body part will be added to our Monsters. There are a total of 4 body parts and 1 pet to customise our own Monster and it was a hilarious affair!


'Character Factory' works similarly as 'Monster Factory', only this time we had to bowl to choose the type of clothes for our characters.


And as you can see, some of the end results were pretty laughter-inducing.


The fantastic thing about these MAD Games is they have shorter game formats - each person only needs to throw the bowling ball once per turn (as compared to twice per frame in a normal bowling game) which results in a much faster bowling pace, and the monkies did not feel bored one bit! Another plus point is it allows kids to bowl in a way that is easier to understand, and definitely more fun to do so as well.

Hourly Charge

With so many fun games that deviate from the normal bowling games, it is apt that Orchid Bowl @ SAFRA Punggol will be the first outlet in Singapore to completely charge their games on an hourly basis.

What this means is families and friends will be able to bowl as many games as possible within the 1-hour time slot - which essentially translates to MORE fun as they will be able to try out as many game variations!


So the next time if you are looking for a great indoor activity that the family can participate together, Orchid Bowl @ SAFRA Punggol makes for a great prime spot for families to play a few frames and duke it out in some friendly competition.


Useful Information

Orchid Bowl @ SAFRA Punggol
9 Sentul Crescent, #05-03, Singapore 828654
Operating Hours: Sun - Thurs & PHs 10am - 1am | Fri, Sat & Eve of PHs 10am - 3am
Bowling Rates:

Website:www.orchidbowl.com.sg

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All You Need to Know about the NEW Marine Cove at East Coast Park - including the Massive Children's Playground!

June 28, 2016, 9:29 pm
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After 4 years of closure, Marine Cove at East Coast Park officially opens TODAY once again! And this time, it sports several brand new amenities for families - including a massive children's playground.


The great news is visitors to Marine Cove will be able to look forward to MORE open spaces with vistas of the sea, improved connectivity, family-friendly facilities and dining options.

But make no mistake, there can only be ONE main highlight in the eyes of a child.

THIS.


The colourful 3,500sqm children’s playground boasts a range of play equipment suitable for children of varying ages. Located close to the beach, it was designed to integrate with the surrounding greenery and the beach setting within East Coast Park.


And it is ALL FREE for everyone!

The 8m high tower is a focal point of the playground. Located in the centre of the playground, it is a three-storey tower modelled after a lighthouse. Suitable for older children aged five to twelve years old, it consists of many play elements including three slides of different levels, a rope bridge and climbing net courses.


The great thing about the tower is it is entirely sealed at the top - there is no other way down except via the three slides. Kids climb up the tower through a funnel net in the middle.


Of the three slides, the most fun (and fastest) has got to be the family slide which comes in a wider version for parents to slide down together with their kids!


UPDATE: A reader has shared that the metal slides can get pretty hot in the day, so do check before letting your kids go on them.

The tower also acts as the central connection to the various play zones as it is connected to slides and rope bridge.


For kids aged two to five years, they can also join in the fun at a gated toddler play area.


The play area comes with a huge running space, mini crawling tunnel, fun mirrors and spinning optical illusions.


Did you know that this is the FIRST playground in the history of East Coast Park?


Frankly, I am absolutely impressed with the playground. Not only is it HUGE with plenty of spaces for kids to run amok, there are many different types of play equipment to keep them occupied.









But MORE IMPORTANTLY, the outdoor playground also comprises inclusive elements to encourage children of different abilities to play together. Like this accessible swing seat which is equipped with a safety harness for security.


Kids who have a weaker lower body half can try the rolling panel, where they can lie on their backs and use their hands to grab onto the semi-circle bars and pull themselves from one end to the other.


For kids who can be easily stressed with large crowds or need a quiet time on their own, there are two 'timeout' pods at the playground which offer them a brief respite and their own temporary private space.


The playground is also designed to be as wheelchair-friendly as possible. Some of the play equipment have flat and wide open spaces which makes it easier for kids on wheelchairs to join in the fun too.


Even at the climbing structures, sensory and percussion panels have been added to the sides of the structure so that every single child, able-bodied or not, can play together.


The inclusive play equipment is designed with a range of motion, such as spinning, rocking and swinging to improve muscle control.


In addition, there are also play equipment that incorporate technology into the fun of play.



Can you tell that I love this Children's Playground already?

But there's MORE! A nice touch to the area is the inclusion of several play areas which offer open-ended play - areas that leave the rules of play entirely up to the kids' imagination.

A Wavy Platform
A Maze-like  Mini Play Area
Lumps in the ground that will definitely encourage kids to jump from one to another
An Artificial Grass Area for kids who are allergic to real grass
Adequate seating areas are also located around the playground for families to rest while the children enjoy the playground.


Family-friendly facilities include a new standalone public toilet facility which incorporates toilets, sinks and shower facilities tailored to young children.



How cute are these kid-sized toilet bowls???


Famished after all the play? Families can choose from a host of family-friendly F&B establishments with dining concepts ranging from local favourites to Western café food, all located in the previously SuperBowl building.


The five dining outlets, which will open from 2 July 2016, include the following:

Babalicious


Babalicious is a family friendly restaurant which serves authentic Peranakan Cuisine together with Hainanese chicken rice (served by Tong Fong Fatt). Babalicious has a specially designed kid’s corner to complement the outdoor playground at Marine Cove. Families with young kids can have a peaceful meal while their kids keep themselves busy.


Hill Street Coffee Shop


Diners will be brought back to the early days of coffee shop culture where they will find themselves surrounded by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, strong flavours of Kaya and the hustle and bustle of a coffee shop in the golden era. Kids will love the Central Fire Station murals that line the walls of the eatery, and the fire station-themed environment!


McDonald’s


Ah, the iconic McDonald's that hold a special place in hearts of those who had fond memories of the one at the old Marine Cove. One of the largest McDonald’s stores in Singapore, the new Marine Cove restaurant sports a unique look and feel that reflects its distinct beachside location, and features a salad bar, a dessert bar and a trio of premium burgers.

My Briyani House


My Briyani House is a Halal certified restaurant, specialising in local Indian-Muslim food such as prata, goreng, thosai, nasi briyani and its signature curry fishhead. The outlet at Marine Cove has included a fresh concept which features a children’s corner. The design caters to a more family theme where parents can dine with their children while enjoying the comfort of having their meals at the children’s corner.


The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf


Well, nothing much to be said about the oldest and largest specialty coffee and tea retailer in the United States except that... this flagship store is the largest outlet in Singapore! Parents can get their caffeine fix while their kids keep themselves busy at the kids' corner.


To complement its beach setting, more open spaces and vistas have been created at Marine Cove to provide visitors with a clear view of the sea. Park users can look forward to soaking in the beach view while enjoying the facilities and dining in the area.


In addition, the redeveloped Marine Cove boasts a well-connected network of footpaths that provides park users dining at the F&B establishments with better connections to the children’s playground and rest of the park.  The footpaths are also designed to be wheelchair-friendly and accessible for parents with baby strollers.


To increase accessibility, a new linkway has been built to connect the dining outlets with the nearby underpass to Marine Terrace. The two car parks at Marine Cove, C2 and C3, have also been reconfigured and the number of parking lots increased to better serve park users who drive to East Coast Park.

Layout of Marine Cove at East Coast Park (Photo Credit: NParks)
How to get to Marine Cove

Marine Cove is located at East Coast Park Area C and is accessible via East Coast Park Service Road. It is a 5-minute walk from the underpass linking Marine Terrace to car park C3.

Car park C2 has 331 parking lots, 36 motorcycle lots and 4 handicapped lots while  Car park C3 has 99 parking lots, 24 motorcycle lots and 2 handicapped lots.

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Travelling to Macao with Kids? Here's How to See & Do the Most in 4 Days

June 30, 2016, 1:00 am
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One doesn't usually lump the words “family-friendly” and “Macao” together in the same sentence.

But over the years, Macao has evolved into a vibrant city with colourful events & festivals all year round and a foodie paradise. Oh yes, that last bit there is enough to make me salivate - think Portuguese egg tarts, pork chop buns, egg rolls, peanut candies, roasted sliced meat and many other local specialities!


Food aside, what makes Macao awesome for families is its history as a Portuguese colony from the mid-16th century to 1999. Portuguese influence is still visible in the colorful, colonial architecture that almost makes you forget you are in China. The great thing about Macao is it is relatively small so it will not take long to get from one place to another.


Personally, I think the best time to visit Macao is during the final third of the year - September to December - due to the sheer number of festivals happening then. There is the Macao International Fireworks Display Contest on every Saturday in September & 1st October, Macao International Music Festival  in October, Macao Food Festival in November, Macao Light Festival and a Parade through Macao, Latin City in December. Definitely an extremely vibrant and lively end to the year!


I reckon a 4D3N visit to Macao should give one ample opportunities to visit most of the family-friendly attractions. So if you are thinking of planning a trip there, here is how you can get the most out of Macao in 4 days.

DAY 1 - Day of Entertainment & Thrills

If there is one thing certain about Macao, it has got be that it provides lavish contemporary facilities with non-stop entertainment and diverse range of activities for all visitors. And that includes the kiddos too.

Batman Dark Flight

In partnership with Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment, ‘Batman Dark Flight’ is the world’s first flight simulation ride themed around DC Comics Super Hero “Batman” with the intellectual property franchise. Immersed in the flying theater, adventure-seekers can virtually soar over Gotham City with Batman through the action-packed storyline.


Enhanced with the latest in flight simulation technology and the very best in audio design and visual graphics “Batman Dark Flight” provides a whole new dimension of super-heroic entertainment. The incredible multi-sensory, action-packed ride throws consumers among all of Batman’s heart stopping encounters as he combats the hair-raising terror of Gotham City’s Super-Villains.

Golden Reel 

Suspended between the twin hotel towers of Studio City at a height of 130 meters, the Golden Reel is the world’s first and Asia’s highest figure-8 Ferris wheel. Born from an epic Hollywood-inspired tale of two asteroids careering through Studio’s City main façade and leaving a perfect “8” shaped hole, it is panoramic spectacle that promises to thrill and amaze visitors.


It features 17 “Steampunk”-themed cabins, each accommodating up to 10 passengers on a memorable ride around the uniquely-shaped figure-8 track. Once aboard, you can admire the breathtaking views of the city in different angles.

The House of Dancing Water 

Whatever you do, do NOT miss the world’s largest and most spectacular water-based show. Inspired by the Chinese culture, the show takes the audience through 7 emotions: Joy, Anger, Sorrow, Fear, Love, Hate and Desire and is unique to Macao. Oh, and it cost a whopping $250 million to create it.


The stage holds 3.7 million gallons of water and can transform from a pool deep enough for high diving to a completely dry floor  in a matter of seconds. Expect plenty of water diving stunts, motorbikes acrobatic stunts, and aerial acrobatics - all in a 2,000-seater dancing water theatre where spectators can have a 280-degree view of the show!

DAY 2 - Day of UNESCO World Heritage & Cultural sites

Macao is a city of rich multi-cultural heritage that blends the rich traditions of Chinese and Portuguese cultures. And it sure helps that it is also home to many stunning historic sites with UNESCO World Heritage status!

Ruins of St. Paul’s 



In the Historic Center, one will find one of the most photographed spots on the island: the ruins of the Church of St. Paul. The Ruins of St. Paul's refer to the facade of what was originally the Church of Mater Dei built in 1602-1640, destroyed by fire in 1835, and the ruins of St. Paul's College, which stood adjacent to the Church. Nowadays, the facade of the Ruins of St. Paul's functions symbolically as an altar to the city. The site is unlike no other, and you can also visit the St Paul’s Museum on the site to see the original city walls.

Senado Square


Having been Macao’s urban centre for centuries since the port of Macao was opened for trade, Senado Square is still the most popular venue for public events and celebrations today. The Square is paved with Portuguese beautiful cobblestones and surrounded by pastel coloured neo-classical buildings - reminiscent of a picturesque European city.

Macao Museum

The Macao Museum is a historical and cultural museum with a vast number of objects of great historical value, which demonstrates the way of life and cultures of the various communities which have been inhabited the city for ages.


The Macao Museum is located in the Mount Fortress, which was built by the Jesuits in the early 17th century. For a long time, the Fortress was the city's principal military defence structure where public access was restricted. In 1965 this Fortress was converted into the Meteorological Services and later opened to the public. Built on top of the Mount Hill, the Mount Fortress offers a panoramic view of the city. On its west is the Ruins of St. Paul's. On 15th July 2005, the Historic Centre of Macao was officially listed as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. The Mount Fortress and the Ruins of St. Paul's are significant historical monuments of the Centre.


The first floor is a short and comparative presentation of the way western and Chinese civilizations were developed before the arrival of the Portuguese in the Pearl River Delta in the 16th century. Besides, history of Macao, commercial activities, religions and cultures of the two civilizations are also displayed. Mounting the stairs to the second floor, visitors have the opportunity to come into contact with different aspects of the popular art and traditions of Macao; such as people's daily lives, entertainment, religious ceremonies and traditional festivals. The third floor shows contemporary Macao including the characteristic aspects of city life. The way Macao has been portrayed in literature and the arts is prominently highlighted.

Tap Seac Gallery


If you have time to spare, a visit to Tap Seac Gallery is highly recommended too. An exciting gallery devoted to promoting both cultural and artistic exhibitions, the Tap Seac Gallery features distinctive design and construction having two wells inside the building, plus a patio in the centre of the building which allows in daylight to add a unique dimension to exhibitions and displays.


DAY 3 - Escapade to Taipa Island

Old Taipa Village

Journey to one of the only traditional villages remaining in Macao. It’s quieter over here, with pedestrian-only alleys and small shops and restaurants.


The Taipa Houses-Museum
The Taipa Houses-Museum which includes five typical green houses with Macanese architectural characteristics of Portuguese matrix, is considered one of the cultural relics and heritages of the Island. 


The Taipa Houses-Museum was built in 1921, which had been the residences for high superior civil servants and Macanese families.  In late 90's, the government decided to fully remodel them, recognizing its important architectural value, transforming them into museums.

The "Macanese House" is one of the Macao's typical houses in colonial style.  It reminds visitors a period of Portuguese splendor that was characterized by frequent affluence of the British, Manchu, Mandarins and traders in this tiny territory.

DAY 4 - Day of Relaxation

Lou Lim Ieoc Garden

When the glitz gets too much, the Lou Lim Ieoc Garden is a tranquil escape located in the northern part of Macao. Modelled after the classical Chinese gardens of Suzhou, the garden features a miniaturized landscape with narrow paths winding through groves of bamboo and flowering bushes, under moulded concrete "mountains" to a large pond filled with golden carp and lotus flowers. 


A nine-turn bridge zigzags across the pond (according to legend, evil spirits can only move in straight lines) to a large pavilion combining Classical and Chinese architecture elements. There are frequent art and craft exhibitions in the pavilion, which also serves as an auditorium for recitals during the annual International Music Festival.


Truth is, there are simply too many attractions and sights in Macao for me to squeeze into a 4D3N itinerary! I have included more arts and cultural attractions in my itinerary as I believe that a visit to these places in Macao allows for an enjoyable and insightful experience that showcases the rich cultural and historical heritage of Macao in a unique perspective for the kids.

Of course, you are more than welcome to experiment and plan your own itinerary when visiting Macao. In fact, you can experience Macao in your own style by experimenting and mixing your own desired attractions at Macao Government Tourism Office's website.

Or you could WIN a pair of tickets to Macao for yourself!

Click to enlarge
1. Fly over to ExperienceMacao.SG's Facebook page, like the page and leave a comment there on what you would want to Eat, See, and Stay while on vacation in Macao. Contest ends 5 July 2016. Remember to include the hashtag #MacaoOnSocialSG!

2. If your entry is picked, you will win a pair of flight tickets to Macao! Stay tuned for the announcement of the lucky winners on ExperienceMacao.SG's Facebook page.

GOOD LUCK! :)



For more information on visiting Macao, visit Macao Government Tourism Office's website, Facebook page or Instagram account.
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15 Activities for Kids: Youth Day Weekend & Hari Raya Puasa 2016 Holiday

July 1, 2016, 5:06 pm
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If you are a child, REJOICE because next week will see a short school week... thanks to the Youth Day (4 July) and Hari Raya Puasa (6 July) holidays! Well, at least adults get a mid-week respite from work too.


So if you are planning to keep the kiddos busy over the weekend and the public holiday, there are a fair bit of activities happening - including plenty of Open Houses with FREE Admissions during the Hari Raya Puasa public holiday!

SmartKids Asia – July 2016
Now until 3 July 2016
10am to 9pm (Fri & Sat) and 10am to 8pm (Sun)
Suntec Singapore Hall 405 & 406
FREE Admission


SmartKids Asia, Asia's LARGEST Educational Kids' Fair is a fun filled family event where parents and children 3-12 years old can discover and experience educational stimulation and mind expanding Fun! Combined with Education, Health and Family Bonding services and activities, SmartKids Asia promises an extensive line-up of family-themed activities such as meet & greet sessions with popular characters, free trial classes from leading enrichment centres, interactive activities, inflatable challenges, and even a Scholarship Programme. For more details on what to expect, visit HERE.

Saturdays@ACM: Blessed Eid
2 Jul 2016; 1 - 5pm
FREE Admission
Asian Civilisations Museum


Muslims around the world are rejoicing at the end of Ramadan, the fasting month to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa! Join in the fun with an interactive drama, or create your own paper ewer or plate to bring home. Explore colourful objects that were made around the world for Islamic buyers

SHINE Festival 2016
Now until 3 Jul 2016; Various Timings (until 10pm)
Orchard Road
FREE Admission


SHINE Festival returns to Orchard Road to celebrate the best of youth in Singapore.  Debuting youth-centric experiential zones with exclusive discounts and activities, youths will be able to immerse themselves in an all-encompassing festival experience.

New this year is the interactive media pillar, adding on to an unparalleled feast of music and dance, urban sports, urban art and pop culture in the three-day festival. Festival highlights include a collaboration between Jay Park and ShiGGa Shay, more than 60 pop-up stalls such as Art Market by The Local People, fringe activities like fashion silk-screening and Community Wall Mural, as well as an extensive list of food trucks on-site. For more information and timings of activities, visit HERE.

Singapore Street Festival 2016
 Now until 3 Jul 2016
Various events & timings



The annual Singapore Street Festival (SSF) returns on the 8th of June with an exciting bonanza of activities lined up till the 3rd of July. Themed ‘Community’, its 15th anniversary boasts exhilarating acts and impressive art that celebrate the talents of Singapore youth.

Singapore Yo-yo Championships (SYYC) and Asia Pacific Yo-yo Championships (APYYC)
1, 2 & 3 July 2016 | 11am to 8pm | Far East Plaza

Singapore Street Festival (SFF) at SHINE
1, 2 & 3 July | 2pm to 8pm | Mandarin Orchard Pedestrian Walkway

For more details, visit HERE.

“LILYTOPIA” Floral Display
Now until 10 Jul 2016;  9am - 9pm
Flower Dome
Admission Charges apply


Jump in for a joyride back in time with our first-ever retro-styled floral display - Lilytopia! Get ready to rock and roll as we hit the rewind button and journey back to an era of psychedelic music and Flower Power. Groove to old school favourites in this retro revival featuring a stunning display of lilies alongside pop icons like the hippie van and guitar. Let the good times roll!

Storytelling Comes Alive! with MY LITTLE PONY
Now until 17 Jul 2016; 10.30am - 7pm daily
Sentosa, Palawan Area
FREE Admission


The Palawan area will be transformed into the magical world of Equestria come 11 June – 17 July 2016. Experience the MAGIC with larger-than-life displays through visual art installations (3D artistic illusions, hand-painted displays and new-age digital projections), all themed around MY LITTLE PONY! Spread across three distinct zones around Palawan Beach, there will be plenty to see and do at Storytelling Comes Alive! with MY LITTLE PONY this year.

For more details on highlights and fringe activities, visit HERE.

MY LITTLE PONY Picnic & Movie Screening
9 Jul 2016 | 5.30pm - 9pm

Masak Masak 2016
Now until 31 July 2016
10am - 6pm
National Museum of Singapore
Free Admission


Children's Season 2016 may be over, but Masak Masak 2016 at National Museum of Singapore is still on! Immerse the kids in a colourful world of interactive installations, activities and workshops that are specially curated for the whole family. The activities are suitable for everyone in the family, so treat the young ones to a fun day out at the museum! For more details on the various exhibits, visit my review HERE.

All-New Soak Out Water Party at Universal Studios Singapore
Now until 10 Aug 2016 (30 minutes per session)
3.00pm daily & 5.30pm on Saturdays
Universal Studios Singapore
Admission fees apply


Adrenaline-seekers can enjoy cutting-edge rides and attractions and take part in the all-new Soak Out Water Party with the Minions, Sesame Street friends and more at Universal Studios Singapore. From 13 June to 10 August 2016, visitors can immerse in a festive parade that runs through select zones in the park and have a splashing good time at the Lagoon Stage in the Hollywood zone with close to 50 characters and entertainers grooving to catchy music and engaging in water play fun.

The party culminates in a water cannon blast, alongside high-flying aerialists who will give revellers a refreshing cool-down in the park. Visitors can continue to chill out in an evening after-party at the New York Public Library with live performances by DJ Inquisitive and the Good Karma band on select Friday and Saturday nights.

Imaginarium: Over the Ocean, Under the Sea
Now until 28 Aug 2016
Mon - Sun 10am - 7pm | Fri 10am - 9pm
Singapore Art Musuem
FREE for Singaporeans & PRs | Adults $10 | Senior Citizens (above 60) & Kids $5 | Kids below 6 FREE


Delving into the deep, Imaginarium: Over the Ocean, Under the Sea – the sixth edition of SAM’s children-focused annual exhibition – invites adventurers of all ages into the watery realms of our Earth as seen through the eyes of contemporary artists.

A whimsical introduction to the many stories and ideas that surround seascapes, Imaginarium: Over the Ocean, Under the Sea presents tactile and interactive works that encourage discovery through exploration and play. At SAM at 8Q, young people are invited to comb the shores and navigate the deep where they make the acquaintance of mysterious denizens and underwater wonders. We hope that, as protectors of the future, our young visitors will also think about the impact we have on the natural world, and of how, through inventive and wise ideas, we can save our earth and its awe-inspiring oceans. For the detailed listing and programme, download the brochure HERE.

Hideaways - Creating with Nature
Now until 30 Oct 2016
Tues - Sun: 10am - 6pm (Closed on Mondays)
Playeum (Blk 47, Malan Road, Gillman Barracks, #01-23, Singapore 109444)
$20 per child (1-12) | Accompanying adult: Free | Additional accompanying adult: $10


Hideways - Creating With Nature is all about immersive experiences - experiences that will invite kids to explore, observe, construct, reflect, innovate and engage with nature and natural materials through hands-on exhibits and interactive artists’ installations. Specifically designed for kids aged 1 to 12, the exhibition helps them explore these questions through various installations - providing an interdisciplinary and engaging experience serving as an important reminder of the world’s ecosystem. Read more in my review HERE.

Shaking It With Shakespeare Exhibition
Now until 15 Jan 2017; 10am - 7pm daily
Singapore Philatelic Museum, Level 2
Adult: $6 | Child: $4 | FREE Admission for Singapore Citizens & PRs


Calling families and children, come and explore the life and times of Shakespeare at the colourful and interactive exhibition!  See how Shakespeare looked like; read and watch, listen to the music and songs of his plays. Explore the cabinet of curiosities filled with exotic and everyday objects from Shakespeare’s world. Dine with Shakespeare, recite magic spells from his plays and discover real bizarre cures from Tudor times! Admire beautiful costumes of Romeo and Juliet plays, and take the opportunity to dress up as a Shakespearean character.

Be treated to stamps from around the world that showcase Shakespeare and his works, 400-year old books, as well as Shakespearean texts in various local mother tongues. Join us for exciting programmes including Tudor-themed activities, craft sessions and participatory storytelling by an experienced education practitioner from Shakespeare’s Globe in London.


Future World @ ArtScience Museum
10am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm, 4pm and 5.30pm
ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands
Ticket prices HERE


Kids will be able to imagine, play and explore in Singapore's largest digital art gallery, where 15 digital art installations come to life through cutting-edge science and technology! Some of the really interesting installations include Crystal Universe where you become the centre of the universe by stepping inside a scintillating and dazzling world of 170,000 LED lights and Light Ball Orchestra which blends vivid lights with beautiful music together to create an orchestra of colours and sounds that change constantly. Children can experiment with creating their own music freely as they run and play among a multitude of light balls, changing their sounds and colours as they touch or throw them around! Our Blog Post HERE.


ONLY HAPPENING ON 6 JULY 2016 (WED), HARI RAYA PUASA


Tanjong Pagar Railway Station Open House
6 July 2016; 9am - 6pm
Free Admission


The station will be undergoing advanced works and will close end of this year so drop by while you still can! 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
6 July 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.

Open House at all National Heritage Board Museums
6 Jul 2016
Free Admission

In celebration of our national holidays, the National Heritage Board (NHB) offers all visitors free admission to all exhibitions at the NHB museums and institutions on Hari Raya Puasa! Seize the rare chance to view our national collection and uncover our nation’s history.

List of National Heritage Board Museums and Heritage Institutions

National Museum of Singapore
Asian Civilisations Museum
The Peranakan Museum
Singapore Philatelic Museum
Reflections at Bukit Chandu
Malay Heritage Centre
Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Indian Heritage Centre

HAVE FUN!
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Diggersite - Where Kids Can Operate Real Excavators - Goes to the West!

July 3, 2016, 8:00 am
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If you have kids, you would have heard about Diggersite by now - the site where kids can realise their dreams of operating a real-life working excavator. But in case you missed it, I had previously blogged about it when it just opened in February... and I know, its location at East Coast Coast can be a slight bummer especially for those living in the west.

But GUESS WHAT???

Diggersite has now come to the WEST and it comes with air-conditioned comfort too!


Newly opened at JCube Shopping Mall in Jurong East, Diggersite @ JCube provides the same realistic experience for kids to operate smaller scale construction machinery.


Diggersite is located on the third floor of JCube and directly opposite Eat at Taipei restaurant and the Ice Skating Rink,


Just like its main outlet at East Coast, the main attraction for kids is the enclosed sandpit, where they can scoop sand into the bucket using the excavator.


Another similar station is the ballpit one where kids will be able to grab colourful balls using a giant claw from the comfort of a digger.


Prices remain the same: Each station is priced at $7 and there is a bundle promotion of $18 for 3 rides.

But a NEW membership card has been launched, which costs $50 for 10 rides. The good thing is the card is valid for rides at both East Coast and JCube, and it can be shared among different kids.

Each ride duration is for 5 minutes and usage of safety helmet and vest is complimentary. Due to the machinery involved, avoid wearing flip-flops or sandals as they do not protect the feet.

The recommended age is from 2 years and above. Children under 6 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times. No upper age limit as even adults are welcome.


Compared to its East Coast outlet, Diggersite @ JCube has fewer stations but for families staying in the West, this is probably the best option if you have kids who are ga-ga over construction vehicles!

Oh and one more thing, the outlet at JCube is not permanent. From what I understand, they will be there for a minimum of 3 months and depending on response, an extension of another 3 months is possible.

So do not wait too long if you are planning to bring your kid down to JCube!


Useful Information

Diggersite @ JCube
Address: JCube, 2 Jurong East Central 1, #03-17 Singapore 609731
Cost: $7 per ride (5 minutes). Bundle promotion of $18 for 3 rides. Membership Card $50 for 10 rides.
Website: www.facebook.com/diggersite

Diggersite @ East Coast Park
Details: www.cheekiemonkie.net/2016/02/diggersite-east-coast-park-singapore-review.html
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The Perfect Water Dispenser for Households with Kids

July 3, 2016, 5:56 pm
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"Got drink water or not?"

If you are a parent yourself, you will know that getting kids to drink water on a consistent basis is a challenge at times. Simply because they need to stay hydrated and replenish the water in their bodies throughout the day as part of their healthy growth and development. I face the same challenge too but recently, I was pleasantly surprised by the sight of the monkies scurrying to the kitchen at every opportunity to drink water.

All because of this box.


The new 3M™ Hot, Cold & Room Temperature Filtered Water Dispenser, as its name implies, dispenses instant hot, cold and room temperature water at the touch of a button. Super convenient, I know but the first thing that struck me about the water dispenser was it is not as bulky as I expected a water dispenser machine to be.

Yes, it does look sleek with its modern design but all the best design in the world would count for nothing if it cannot find a decent space in my kitchen. And if you know my kitchen size, you will know that even ants find it tough to throw a party in my kitchen!


Of course, nothing can beat the convenience of having the choice of either hot, cold water or room temperature water on demand, since a direct piped-in system ensures a continuous supply of water to the dispenser. The water dispenser sports touch keys which allows one to select his/her preferred water temperature, everything instantly at the touch of a finger.


The left side of the dispenser dispenses hot water while the right side dispenses cold water. Need room temperature water? Press and hold the cold water button until it turns green, and there you go. Easy peasy!


And in case it matters, the dispenser also sounds off a melodious chime whenever someone dispenses water - something that the monkies love hearing for some reason. Plus the fact that I know when they are drinking water! Lol.


As you can probably tell, the best part the monkies love about the dispenser is the joy in having chilled water instantly. The extended water dispensing space even makes it convenient for them to fill their tall water bottles (up to 25cm in height) on their own!

But fret not if you are worried about your kids accidentally scalding themselves by dispensing hot water. As a safety precaution, you have to first press the HOT button before pressing the black rectangular button (below the nozzle) for the hot water to be dispensed.


And at 85°C - 90°C, it is good enough to make coffee, tea, soups and even formula milk if you have a baby at home. Speaking of needy babies, parents will be relieved to know that the dispenser is able to provide a continuous supply of hot water. No more waiting for the water to boil while the little one is crying himself or herself hoarse! Now why didn't I have one of these when the monkies were younger?


As safe to drink as our tap water can be, safe water doesn't always mean tasty water. And there will always be some people who would want to rid their water of any lingering minerals and improve the taste of tap water by filtering it.

The 3M™ Hot, Cold & Room Temperature Filtered Water Dispenser uses a miniaturised 3M filter based on proven filtration technology with more than 75 years of history, reducing chlorine taste and odour as well as removing any slime and rust present in the tap water.

Equally important, the dispenser is free of bisphenol A (BPA) - similar to the feature parents look for when purchasing water and milk bottles - and uses UV light to sterilize water and remove bacteria and viruses. How's that for a peace of mind?

For all its innovative features, I had initially expected that the maintenance of the water dispenser will be a time-consuming and costly affair. Well, I thought wrong! All I had to do was to remove a side panel of the water dispenser, and the filter cartridge was in plain sight.


A simple twist and turn saw the cartridge being removed with ease and I was done. Frankly, it was so simple that even Ale could do it!


Replacement filter cartridges can be purchased directly from its distributor, Jestac or your nearest Selffix store (it is advisable to call the Selffix store to check if they have stock for the cartridge before making your way down). Each cartridge retails for $120, and replacements are recommended every 6 months or 4,000 litres of water - which translates to only $0.03 litres of filtered water if you are keen on the Math.

A perfect addition to any households with children, the water dispenser ensures that everyone in the family are able to enjoy cleaner, clearer and better tasting water any time of the day.


I don't think any parent will ever say no to cleaner water, especially with children at home. With the 3M™ Hot, Cold & Room Temperature Filtered Water Dispenser holding fort in my home, I can rest easy knowing that all contaminants and impurities will have a tough time getting through to the ones that matter most to me.


And that to me, is priceless.



Interested to find out more, or purchase a set?

3M's authorized distributor, Jestac is currently having a Great Singapore Sale promotion from now till 14 August 2016 for the 3M Hot, Cold & Room Temperature Filtered Water Dispenser (available in black or white)!

Get a $400 discount and pay only $1,488 (usual price $1,888), with a FREE replacement cartridge (worth $120), a FREE 3M Nomad™ entrance mat, and FREE standard installation thrown in!

PLUS!
The first 20 to order directly from Jestac and quote get an additional $50 off!

Order via HERE and enjoy over $550 in savings!


The 3M Hot, Cold & Room Temperature Filtered Water Dispenser is also available for purchase at all Selffix and selected Home-Fix and Best Denki stores.


To view the actual 3M dispenser or try a cup of 3M filtered water, you can visit Jestac’s office at:

Jestac Pte Ltd
2 Kim Chuan Drive CSI Distribution Centre #02-06 Singapore 537080
Mon - Fri 8.30am – 5.30pm, Sat 8.30am to 12.30pm
Tel: 6288 8290
Email: sales@jestac.com.sg

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This New Play Tower Playground in Bt Batok East will have Kids Climbing Up in Delight!

July 6, 2016, 5:51 pm
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Nowadays, Children's Playgrounds at HDB estates seem to have levelled up.


Gone are the days when the one-size-fits-all playground consisting of the standard moulds of slides, swings and see-saw greet the kids at the foot of their homes.

Now, playgrounds come in the form of eye-catching designs and climbing structures. Like this.


Located at Block 283 Bukit Batok East Ave 3, this newly-opened Play Tower playground boasts a splendid climbing design that had the monkies go 'WOW!' at first sight.

To get started, kids have to climb up through a tower via a spiral netting at one end of the structure.


Then they had to venture across an enclosed wooden bridge.


But this is not a normal bridge. It is a slanted one so yes, the fun gets multiplied as the monkies crawled through it!


Once across, the monkies then found themselves in a giant circular structure.


To get to the ultimate prize of whee-ing down the slide, they first had to navigate a series of platforms. The platforms are a little high for younger kids like Ale but if you know them, you will know that they can get pretty resourceful when it comes to playing at the playground.

Ale somehow managed to clear the platforms all by herself, even though her legs were not long enough to reach them.


The final bit involved the monkies in scurrying up a climbing rope structure.


And then the satisfaction of going down the slide!


There is also a huge trampoline situated just beside the playground structure.


The playground may not be as big as compared to some other playgrounds, but its unique and eye-catching design will definitely attract plenty of kids. And if they thoroughly enjoy climbing up, down and over structures, they will love it.


The monkies certainly enjoyed it!


Useful Information

Bukit Batok East Playground
283 Bt Batok East Ave 3
Singapore 650283


P.S. If you have time, take a short stroll to Block 266 at Bt Batok East Ave 4 where your kids will be able to play on the newest Vertical Playground to open in Singapore!


For a complete list of all Vertical Playgrounds in Singapore, visit www.cheekiemonkie.net/2016/05/wallholla-vertical-playgrounds-singapore-locations.html. Have fun!
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The Monkies Declare LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens (PS4) One of the Best LEGO Video Games Ever

July 10, 2016, 4:00 am
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Product Review

There's something about LEGO and video games that the monkies enjoy so very much. Be it the titles that include either DC or Marvel comics, they love the expansive and quirky play that comes with the video games. And now, they can add LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens to their list of fave games.


I’ll admit, I was skeptical going into this game. Even though I am a Star Wars fan, I was never a fan of the video games that come with it. And even then, both Ash and Ayd were not huge fans of the movie franchise either... but all that changed with the release of the new Star Wars movie last December, which piqued their interest in this galaxy far, far away.

And I have to talk about the opening level. The game begins long before the film does, 30 years before, in an extended prologue which showcases the exciting moments from Return of the Jedi's Battle of Endor. The monkies had a field day stomping across Endor in AT-STs, playing as Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker in defeating the Emperor, and piloting the Millennium Falcon and blowing up the Second Death Star.


Not only was it a fantastic opening, it was a fun half an hour of play... and viewing for me, who unfortunately was relegated to the role of a spectator as the boys hogged the controllers.

And the action didn't let up as the game play moved to The Force Awakens storyline. The pacing throughout the story missions feel much smoother and it felt tighter and more cohesive than previous LEGO Star Wars games.


The main story is told across 10 levels, plus an epilogue, with a prologue and additional levels detailing other stories in the Star Wars universe like how C-3PO ended up with his red arm or Lor San Tekka’s journey to the small village where Poe Dameron meets him at the start of The Force Awakens. I love how these extra levels that provide titbits of information for every Star Wars fan... complete with the LEGO goofiness treatment.


The great thing about LEGO games is they are inherently designed for kids, so while they can be enjoyed by adults too, there is a simplicity and ease to the game’s mechanics that appeal to the younger ones. Even the 'violence' is toned down in the game - the hand bloodstain on Finn's Stormtrooper helmet in the movie is replaced by a green blob stain.



Yup, definitely can't get more family-friendly than that!

But it is the gameplay mechanics that truly kept the monkies enthralled. Each character has their own unique set of abilities and skills that allows the boys to finish puzzles or advance to a hidden area within a level. Specifically, the puzzle play is heightened through piles of bricks that can be used to assemble two or three contraptions. The boys had to figure out what they need to build to succeed, and what order each of the objects needs to be constructed in to help a character reach a specific part of the environment. Vehicles play just as large of a role as the characters, and are either deployed for fun, freeform aerial combat, or ground assaults.


This game has got to mark the first time that I sat through the entire gameplay as the boys completed the game. Of course I had the secret desire to snatch the game controllers away from them but it sure helped that the entire cast of The Force Awakens movie has reprised their roles to do the voice-over for their characters. Yes, that includes Harrison Ford.


Overall, I felt that the game strikes a nice balance between interesting and wacky Star Wars content, making it not just a great Star Wars game - it is one of the BEST LEGO video games that has come out in years.


And the boys have their reviews to prove it.



ASH's REVIEW

Recently, we had a new LEGO Star Wars game, which is about a little bit of Episode VI and the Episode VII movie. In the game, we get characters by completing missions, and the characters include Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Finn, Rey, Kylo Ren, Han Solo, Chewbacca and more! Cool vehicles such as TIE Fighters, X-Wing, Rey's speeder are also included.

What I like is the free play mode which can be unlocked through completing missions. During free play mode, I am able to use any character and vehicle, go to any planet and just do about anything! I can even customise the characters. For example, I combined the abilities of Finn and Kylo Ren in one character! I really hope there will be another fun LEGO Star Wars game!


AYD'S REVIEW

We had a LEGO Star Wars game to review and after I played it, I realised it was more fun than the other LEGO video games that we have! It is more fun because the characters, weapons and game play are more interesting. Of course, I like how I can use the Force through some characters like Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker too.

To complete the missions, we had to use different characters to solve different puzzles. Once we were done with the story mode, we unlocked the Free Play mode where we can explore the galaxy and collect more characters and vehicles. I also love the Microfighters - mini and cuter versions of the original Star Wars vehicles. I like the game very very much because there are so many places to explore and for free play, I can choose so many different characters and customise them!


*Players on PlayStation will be treated to an exclusive Jabba’s Palace Character Pack! The bonus content features the mighty Jabba the Hutt and his loyal retainers Bib Fortuna, Malakili and Gamorrean Guards, plus the bounty hunter Booush, dancer Oola, and Princess Leia in her Jabba’s barge costume.
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Dine in Full View of Planes on an Airport Runway in this Bicycle-themed Cafe!

July 11, 2016, 6:00 pm
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We all know that Changi Airport is home to some pretty great dining options and cafes. But what if I told you that there is a place in Singapore where you can dine RIGHT BESIDE an airport with the runway in full view?

Because for starters, Soek Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafe is in a location that is as obscure as it gets.


Situated beside Seletar Airport and on the first level of MAJ Aviation Building at Seletar Aerospace, Soek Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafe's location is definitely one of the most ulu cafes that we have been to. But trust me when I say that the experience of sipping coffee while watching private take off and land along the Seletar Airport runway is pretty special.


Originally a Japanese restaurant, 60-year-old Poon Kng Joo - a well-known bicycle enthusiast - took over the place late last year. Also known as “The Collector”, Mr. Poon boasts a collection of over 100 beautiful vintage bikes and over 20 of them are displayed in the cafe.


If you are a cycling enthusiast, all the sights of the vintage bicycles will definitely make you drool.


Even though I am not one, I loved the interior decoration of the cafe including the ingenious use of bicycle spokes to create lamps.


But just another hipster cafe this is not. All of the bicycles hanging around the cafe are all in perfect working condition. Some of these classic and modern classic bicycles are even from the 1950s and were lovingly restored by Mr Poon himself!



While the interior is air-conditioned, I suggest grabbing a seat outside if the weather is not too hot... or if you head there during evenings.


The main reason? Kids will have a field day counting the number of planes taking off and landing on the Seletar Airport runway. As an added bonus, mini chalkboards have been attached to the fence for kids to doodle away while parents sip their coffee. A thoughtful touch!


With a view like this, how does the food measure up?


The cafe’s dining menu is predominantly Western style, with dishes such as Fish & Chips and Chicken Chop. In addition, there are also Asian options like  Katsu Don and Beef Rendang to cater to different tastebuds.


We did not tried the main dishes though, as we were there after a heavy lunch. And since I pretty much assumed that the monkies were still feeling full, I ordered just one slice of the Rose Cake, or bandung-flavoured yummilicious cake as the monkies called it.


Yes, what began as 'Don't order too much Papa, we're too full to eat' turned into 'Hey, I only ate a few mouths!' as soon as the forks sunk into the moist cake.


I would have loved to do a proper review of the cake but the fact is I did not even had the chance to taste even one miserable morsel. Sob.

Well, at least that gives me a good enough reason to head back again - this time on empty stomachs!


Seok Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafe may not be the most accessible cafe around but hey, that adds to the charm of the place.


Because where else in Singapore can you dine away and have a cuppa next to an airport while enjoying the view of planes taxiing along the runway? The kids will LOVE it!


Useful Information

Soek Seng 1954 Bicycle Cafe
Address: #01-01, MAJ Aviation Building, 80 Seletar Aerospace
Opening Hours: Tues - Thurs 10am - 1pm | Fri & Sat 10am - 11pm | Sun 10am - 10pm | Closed on Mon
Tel: 66596124
Website: www.facebook.com/SoekSeng1954BicycleCafe/
*Very limited paid parking is available for the public onsite.
*There are Reserved Lots too but they are only permitted for public parking after 6pm daily, and whole days on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.


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8 Best (& FREE!) Outdoor Playgrounds in the West of Singapore

July 12, 2016, 5:45 pm
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These past two weeks, the hottest outdoor playground in Singapore is undoubtedly the massive one at Marine Cove, East Coast Park. It is so popular that I heard - and seen on Instagram - that the playground is crowded with kids (and parents).

But let's not let the East monopolise the playground scene because there are also plenty of fun outdoor playgrounds for kids in the western part of Singapore, and these include huge climbing structures, tall slides, a tank and even a Snakes-and-Ladders life-sized boardgame!


So if you are planning to wait for the playground at East Coast Park to become less crowded before going down, why not head down to these outdoor playgrounds located in the West in the meantime? Your kids will have as much fun all the same!

1. West Coast Park


The King of Playgrounds in the West has got be West Coast Park, home to SEVEN different types of play areas which cater to different age groups - from the toddlers to even teenagers. Standing at the core of the park is the Adventure Play Area with a giant spiderweb-like structure that allows kids (and adults) to scamper up to dizzying heights.


Scampering up the giant spiderweb-like structure is a no-brainer but there’s more – the Ninja Warrior-inspired obstacle courses and Flying Fox installations are a hit with any one seeking to challenge one’s agility.


The little ones do not get left out too - there are two non-sand areas which cater to the youngest of toddlers.


Address: Parallel to West Coast Highway

2. Jurong Central Park


Besides sporting a huge 8-hectare area for kids to run themselves silly, Jurong Central Park is the first park in Singapore to have life-sized board-game features in a park - Snakes and Ladders playground and Ludo Garden. The pavement around the playground area is marked with numbers and visitors can move around just like on an actual game board.


But how does one move on the boardgame without dice? The answer: use the dice tower built in the park which generates random die number for game play!


Rules for the Snakes and Ladders playground is just like its namesake board-game: landing on a ladder will see one climbing across the obstacle to reach a higher board space while landing on a snake will allow one to descend to a lower board space via a slide. It just could not get more fun than this - and a fantastic way to bundle boardgame fun with physical activity!


Address: Jalan Boon Lay junction with Boon Lay Way

3. Alexandra Linear Park


How often can one find FIVE playgrounds along a stretch of ONE park? The Alexandra Canal Linear Park is one of the most unique parks in Singapore, thanks to it being built on top of a covered canal. It starts from Queenstown MRT Station, passing by Strathmore Estate all the way to Tanglin Road.

And if that sounds like an awfully long distance to bring your kids, it actually isn't - it is only a 1.4km stretch, which is easily doable for a nice stroll.


Comprising of 5 playgrounds - a Rope Bridge Playground included - the park also hides the bonus of a Water Terrace and Skate Park!

Although some of the 5 playgrounds along the park are the usual playgrounds that one can find near most HDB estates but put them collectively together, these band of 5 serve as a good incentive to bring your kids on a morning's worth of leisure stroll and get some exercise going for the family.


Address: Parallel to Strathmore Avenue (Block 83)

4. Zhenghua Nature Park


Located in Bukit Panjang, Zhenghua Park stretches for about 2.5 km along the BKE, linking the Bukit Panjang Park Connector to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Serving as a green buffer for the reserve, the nature park is also home to a playground for kids.


The playground is situated some distance behind Block 248 Bangkit Road, and it adopts a more rugged theme with climbing structures and slides to keep the little ones happy. In addition, the entire playground is built on a huge sandbox for children to engage in imaginative play.

Granted that the playground equipment is pretty normal compared to other playgrounds in the list but if you are looking for a pleasant retreat (read: playgrounds free from overcrowding with kids) from the hustle and bustle of the usual playgrounds, this will be your best bet.


Address: Bangkit Road Entrance, Behind Block 248 Bangkit Road

5. Westgate Wonderland


Adopting a Fantasy Garden Theme, Westgate Wonderland is Singapore’s largest thematic outdoor playground featuring three zones - one dry play area each for those aged below 5 years and for older children, and a wet play area for all.

Flowers that respond to touch with musical sounds and lights are just but one of the many interactive elements found in the playground. Older kids can scale a 10-metre high tree house and come whizzing down via a meandering tube slide. At the heart of the water play area, a large watering can with an active spray nozzle towers over the children, making all them drenched and deliriously happy. Mini water fountains are also planted all around, increasing the splashing fun factor.


The magical surroundings come alive at night with special lighting and sound effects. That, and the presence of a Changing Room located just beside the wet area is music to parents’ ears too.


Address: 3 Gateway Drive, #04-00, Westgate, Singapore 608532
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily

6. Keat Hong Quad (Choa Chu Kang)


Sembawang has the Battleship play structure and now, Choa Chu Kang has its own Tank play structure. I can already foresee plenty of kids clambering on the tank to play!

Internally, the tank has rope nettings within to encourage even more climbing and scurrying, something which I think kids will never say no to.


Oh, and it also has a Vertical Playground too!


This Vertical Playground looks entirely different from the rest of the other public ones. While the rest are encased in see-through grills, this new playground is covered with grey metal meshing and sports a colour different from the usual orange.

The playground also has a swing netting, as well as a play area for younger children.


Address: 815C Choa Chu Kang Avenue 1, Singapore 683815

7. Bt Batok East East Playgrounds


The newest outdoor playgrounds to open in this list, the Play Tower at Block 283 Bukit Batok East Ave 3 boasts a splendid climbing design where kids have to climb up through a tower via a spiral netting at one end of the structure. After crawling through a slanted wooden bridge and navigating through a series of platforms and climbing ropes, the slide awaits.


If you have extra time to spare, take a short stroll to Block 266 at Bt Batok East Ave 4 where kids will be able to play on the newest Vertical Playground to open in Singapore!


Bukit Batok East Playground
Address: 283 Bt Batok East Ave 3. Singapore 650283

Bukit Batok East Vertical Playground
Address: 266 at Bt Batok East Ave 4, Singapore 650266

8. Firefly Park


Surrounded by five thematic gardens, Firefly Park at Clementi Ave 4 consists of two playgrounds for toddlers aged two to five years old and kids aged six to 12 years old.


The play structure has a tall slide, complete with a high walkway which children will relish in climbing up. Add a cool obstacle course and mini rock climbing wall to the mix and the kids will pretty much play themselves silly. Oh and do I spy a set of old-school swings too?


Address: 304 Clementi Ave 4, Singapore 120304


Originally, there was a huge children's playground at Jurong Lake Park too. However since April 2016, it has closed due to the development of the new Jurong Lake Gardens. The first phase is due to open in 2018 so until then, do share if you know of any other cool outdoor playgrounds in the West!
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Singapore Science Festival 2016: Top Picks for Kids

July 13, 2016, 5:51 pm
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Media Invite

The annual Singapore Science Festival is back! A celebration of the latest scientific innovations, new technologies, and cutting-edge research, and engineering, the festival will feature a range of exciting hands-on activities, events, workshops, and guest performances... proving that science need not be all that serious.

In fact, it can be awesomely FUN and relatable too... appealing to the minds of young kids who are curious about science. The 2016 edition of the festival, themed “Build Your Smart Future”, aims to spark excitement and curiosity about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the building blocks of a Smart Nation. 


The Festival officially kicks off this weekend, with 2 major events taking place at VivoCity and judging from the preview that I attended, the programme packs more than enough pulling power for parents to head there with their kids!

Here is what to expect:

X-periment!
Dates: 15, 16 and 17 July 2016
Venue: VivoCity Level One, Central Court
Opening Hours: 11am-10pm
Admission: Free
Great for: Families with young children, tertiary students,
science enthusiasts

X-periment!, one of the flagship events of the Festival, begins this Friday and celebrates the important role science plays in the daily lives of Singaporeans. Showcasing the latest developments in science, exhibits include an invisible raincoat, breakthroughs to fight Dengue, supergelators that can clean up oil spills, traffic light controller display, and integrated mapping tools that simulate wind, shadows and other elements to provide urban planners with more information on the impact of their developments.


And if you are there, do NOT miss The Flight Brothers' Science Shows! Hailing from the US-based The Franklin Institute, they will reveal the forces of flight... complete with good-natured fun.


From the dawn of man to the sophistication of modern rocketry, they will jaunt through the ages and introduce you to a few of the important people who have brought us to where we are today.  Topics will include the four forces of flight as well as air pressure, Bernoulli’s principle, and action and reaction. And judging from the preview that I had, things will be go flying in wild ride of science!


The Flight Brothers show times:
15 July – 2.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm
16 & 17 July – 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 7.30pm

Science Buskers Festival
Dates: 16 and 17 July 2016
Venue: VivoCity Level One
Time: 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Great for: Families with young children, tertiary students, science enthusiasts


Also happening over the 16/17 July weekend at VivoCity is the Science Buskers Festival which combines science with street entertainment, as 34 groups from primary age through to tertiary perform creative and spectacular “show-and-tell” experiments.

Organised as a competition with judging based on audience votes and judges’ scores. Included in the lineup are acts involving potion making, self-made planes, gravity defying tricks and crystallised Christmas trees. The science buskers will perform from 11am to 6pm on 16 and 17 July 2016, with the winners announced between 5pm-6pm on 17 July 2016 at the X-periment! stage at VivoCity.

I had a sneak peek at three of the competing busker acts and I was mightily impressed with the kids' presentation skills and showmanship!

Awesome Scientists
10 year olds Senthilkumar Illakkiya, Nehru Sachin, Lim Yi Chen from Chua Chu Kang Primary School will defy gravity with their inverted glass of water.


Monsters J.R.
11 year olds Rachel Ng and Janieve Goh from CHIJ Our Lady Queen of Peace love think big about science. They’ve got a pepper pool and a mud pool, both of which provide some interesting scenarios.


Busketeers
14 year olds Audrey Teo, Cheyenne Chesney and Darshanaa Veeraputeran from AngloChinese School (International) will demonstrate the magic of science in density and magnetism.


And while you are there, don't forget to pick up a copy of the flyer to collect 2 stamps in order to redeem a FREE gift at the information counter!


Singapore Science Festival 2016 is a fun and colourful way for the young to learn, pique and cultivate an interest in Science. Best of all, admission is FREE for all!

So if you are looking for some exploding science fun this weekend, VivoCity is the place to be.


Have fun with Science this weekend!


For more information on more programmes and activities, visit Singapore Science Festival 2015's website at www.sciencefest.sg.
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The New Mitsubishi Outlander: Getting to Know the Beast

July 14, 2016, 5:43 pm
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Advertorial

"Yay, we are getting a new car!"

So exclaimed the monkies when they first heard that I will be reviewing the Mitsubishi Outlander. And even though we will only be 'owning' it for one month, the monkies wasted no time in trying to pick a name for the car. At the time of writing, they are still mulling over what to call it.

Me? I prefer to call it 'The Beast'.


Pleasingly, the new-look 7-seater and Made-in-Japan Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4L MIVEC receives a facelift that looks a lot different to its predecessors. In fact, it has been redesigned and re-engineered from nose to tail to deliver a dynamic new appearance and significantly improved performance on the road.

The new dynamic shield front design is a new Mitsubishi family look and it is very striking indeed. Throw in the mean-looking headlights with built in LED running lights and black-finish central section, and the car's imposing look is complete.


Under the skin, it gains improvements to interior NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) for a smoother and quieter ride, while a new CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with 6-speed manual mode ensures the best mix of performance and fuel economy.

The new Outlander’s sharper rear styling features a new design bumper and silver skid plate too. Chrome tailgate garnish with new design LED rear combination lamps and rear fog lamp compliment the front design, giving the Outlander a much more upmarket appearance.


Interior-wise, the new Outlander gets fresh design updates that are embellished with soft touch features and premium grade materials at every contact point.

A new design steering wheel features gloss black bezel and new accent trim has been applied to the doors and dashboard. New material headlining, subtle stitching highlights on the instrument panel and a padded centre console enhance the sophisticated feel of the cabin. It is not quite a luxury car but it sports pretty upmarket fit and finish for car of this stature.


The infotainment system is nicely laid out and I found navigating it to be very easy. Connecting to Bluetooth via my smartphone was a breeze - a very important aspect for my work purposes.


And equally important is the bundled GPS navigation system, which I am sure it will come in useful when it comes to exploring the nooks and crannies of Singapore. Yes, the Outlander has been serving us very well as we became tourists in our own country for the past 2 weeks... but more on that in my subsequent posts!


Space is not an issue in the Outlander at all. The second row of seating is very comfortable and spacious, as the monkies will attest to.


And since it is a 7-seater vehicle, there are two extra stow-away seats in the third row. To get to the third row involves a 3-step process to fold each side of the 60/40-split seat. Nothing too complicated, just that it requires a little more practice for the boys to be able to do it by themselves. The good news is that nothing needs to be removed to fold the second row of seats downwards.


You know how the third row of some 7-seater cars are able to accommodate only kids or small-sized adults? Thankfully, the Outlander's third row seats do feel like proper chairs. It also helps that the second row can slide back and forth by 250mm and can be reclined or made more upright.


No rear vents for the rear passengers though, although I have to add that the air-con system is pretty powerful.


Need extra space? The back row seats can lay flat with a simple pull of a lever, and the boot comes with deep storage bins as well.


If needed, the second row of seats can collapse too to form a large and flat cargo area.


One nice touch that I found to be extremely useful is the inclusion of curtain roller which can be affixed to the top part of the boot space, to keep items in the boot out of sight.


And there is no need for it, all I had to do was to detach and store it away in a secret compartment in the boot. Extremely convenient and fuss-free!


For the monkies though, something else about the Outlander had them squealing in delight.


Always trust a sunroof to bring immense joy to them... as you can probably see for yourself.


I will cover my Outlander's driving experience in subsequent posts but safe to say, it exhibits competent body control through corners and delivers a comfortable ride.

It is worth noting that the car is equipped with a Intelligent 4-WheelDrive (4WD) system – it is able to select between 4WD Auto, 4WD Eco, 4WD Lock. If the car is in 4WD Eco mode (which is actually 2WD driving mode) and the car detects slippery conditions due to oil spill or rain,  the 4WD will automatically kick in to maintain traction and prevents car from skidding.


And speaking of safety, the Outlander comes fully equipped with front driver and passenger airbags,
side, curtain and knee protection airbags. Its Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body structure is further bolstered with active safety features including Traction Control and Active Stability Control (ASC), ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Hill Start Assist. So thanks to its combination of active and passive safety features, the all-new Outlander is given the five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Oh, and the icing on the cake? The Outlander 2.4L comes with an unsurpassed five-year unlimited mileage warranty and a ten-year engine warranty from Cycle & Carriage Automotive Pte Limited too!


So now all that is left for me and the monkies to do is to suss out the best family-friendly places that Singapore has to offer with the Mitsubishi Outlander!


Stay tuned for our adventures... and in the meantime, feel the power of the beast behind the wheels for yourself - Test drive the Mitsubishi Outlander at a Cycle and Carraige Showroom!

AND HERE'S AN EXCLUSIVE PROMOTION JUST FOR OUR READERS:
Receive $200 worth of service credits from Cycle & Carriage when you book a Mitsubishi and quote ‘Kelvin Outlander’. This promotion is ON TOP of all other prevailing promotions. Promotion ends 31st August 2016.


Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4L CVT SPECIFICATIONS

Engine
Engine Type DOHC MIVEC (4B12), 4 cylinder, in-line petrol
Capacity 2,360cc
Power 167 ps/ 6,000rpm
Torque 222 Nm/4,100rpm
Transmission Continuously Variable Transmission
Driven wheels Selectable 4 wheel drive

Performance
Top speed 198km/h
0 to 100km/h 10.2 seconds

Fuel consumption
Combined cycle 7.7L/100km (12.9km/L)
CO2 emissions 181g/km
Fuel tank capacity 60 litres

Dimensions
Length/width/height (mm) 4,695/1,810/1,680
Wheelbase (mm) 2,670
Track front/rear (mm) 1,540/1,540
Tyre size 225/55R18
Turning radius 5.3m
Curb weight 1,530kg

MITSUBISHI SHOWROOM
239 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159930
Tel: 6473 9722
Showroom Opening Hours: 
Monday to Saturday 8.30 am – 7.00 pm
Sunday & Public Holidays 10.00 am - 6.00 pm
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Meet Robi: The Cutest Talking, Walking & Dancing Robot Kids can Build from Scratch

July 17, 2016, 5:57 pm
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Who is Robi?

That was the first question on the monkies' lips when they first heard that Robi would be having a 2-night staycation over at our place last week.

Two nights later, they loved Robi so much that they were visibly despondent to bid him farewell - especially Ale.


To put it simply, Robi is a robot.


But he is not just any robot.

Robi is a fusion of sophisticated design and advanced Japanese technology that was designed to provide interactive companionship with the entire family. How interactive?


Robi is very autonomous with voice recognition, with an extensive vocabulary of more than 250 phrases. In fact, the specially-designed Singapore version of Robi has also been programmed to speak English and Chinese, as well as some Singlish phrases!


Not only can Robi walk - it can even help to clean the house by slipping on cleaning shoes on its feet! - he can also groove too! Cooking and need a timer? He doubles as a timer or alarm clock... and even a TV remote!

So it was no surprise that the monkies were fascinated with Robi and were clamouring to interact with him. Fortunately, on the pretext of research and writing this post, I had the first priority to test out Robi. LOL.
A video posted by Kelvin Ang (@cheekiemonkies) on

As you can probably tell, it is very very difficult NOT to love this little guy.


And just for kicks, he even does push-ups... when commanded in Mandarin!

A video posted by Kelvin Ang (@cheekiemonkies) on

If you ask me, I think its appeal has got to be those eyes (and mouth) - the built-in LEDs allow Robi’s eyes and mouth to respond to words and movement. His eyes can glow red, yellow, green and blue, while his mouth will glow red.

And for that truly interactive touch, Robi’s motion sensors detect human presence and will turn his face in response to movement. No wonder the boys love the little guy!


But the truly smitten one has got to be Ale, who just love him to bits.


In fact, she loved him so much that she demanded requested to attend the Singapore launch event held at Marina Square two Fridays ago!


So what was intended for me to attend the event alone ended up me having to bring the monkies down as well... just so that that could get close to 100 Robis!


We also got up close with Professor Tomotaka Takahashi, the creator of Robi, who introduced Robi to the audience. Perhaps Ayd will be inspired to invent his own robot in future?


Besides getting acquainted with Robi through hands-on experiences at the interactive stations, we also had a special treat.


A special performance featuring 100 Robi robots in a synchronized dance!


How cool is that?


Okay, so you must be wondering now - where can I purchase Robi?

Because Robi is not your usual toy, it requires some assembly and patience.

Robi comes in parts bundled with a weekly educational magazine that costs S$28.90 per issue (the first issue will be available at the promotional price of just S$9.90) for 70 weeks.


The magazine contains more than just the mechanical parts though. Articles about robot news, interviews with designers, robots in sci-fi movies, background information and learning material about the components and of course, the assembling instructions. For sure, families and robotic enthusiasts can then look forward to assembling Robi with their own hands.


Fully assembling Robi will require you to buy all 70 issues of the magazine which I have to admit, is a pretty long wait. But just like building LEGO, scaffolding the building process will allow the child will be more independent and understand the logic approach in constructing a robot with his or her bare hands... and enhancing their knowledge about robots and technology at the same time.


And in case you are wondering, all it takes to assemble Robi is one screwdriver... and plenty of family bonding time. And that is all good. Confirm stamp chop.



Robi is retailing at $28.90 per issue and available at selected supermarkets, convenience stores, bookstores and newsstands. The first issue will be available at the promotional price of just $9.90. Customers who subscribe online will also have a promotional discount – More details can be found on the Robi online store, www.robi.sg.
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Where to Find Singapore's Best Street Art

July 21, 2016, 10:00 am
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MitsubishiOutlander 2.4L MIVEC, the 7-seater and Made-in-Japan 'Beast' - as I call it - has been redesigned and re-engineered from nose to tail to deliver a dynamic new appearance and significantly improved performance on the road.

Yes, that last part of driving performance was exactly what I wanted to test out. Because you had read my previous post, you will know that the car gave me the perfect excuse to bring the monkies on a whirlwind tour around Singapore... and what better way to do that than to go hunting for some of Singapore's most famous (and colourful) street art!


Because who says Singapore is a sterile and boring city? Not with these wall murals!

One of the most famous street artist to leave his mark in Singapore has got to be Lithuanian street artist, Ernest Zacharevic. And after doing some research, I keyed in the locations of the wall murals on the touch-screen infotainment system in the Outlander and off we zipped to Victoria Street.


These street art murals are painted on the side walls of shophouses in Jalan Pisang and Jalan Klapa, and all are facing Victoria Street.


Expect to see the very instagrammable Kids in Trolleys, Boy in Window and Kids on Giant Exclamation Mark in close proximity to one another.


The monkies' favourite though, is the HUGE Girl with Cub further down Victoria Street, at the junction of Jalan Pisang.


That certainly got the monkies really excited so I headed to the east as I revved the Beast along the ECP - a most apt way to test out the car's performance. Boasting improved handling and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) along with increased body and structural rigidity, the ride to the next Ernest Zacharevic wall mural was a quiet and superbly composed one.

And speaking of the next mural, you simply cannot miss the huge 'Jousting Painters' one at the intersection of Joo Chiat Terrace with Everitt Road.


As part of Ernest's style, his works are often left open to interpretation. Which is very much like the striking new “Dynamic Shield” design that the new Outlander sports. In fact, it is the first Mitsubishi production vehicle to showcase the brand’s design concept, giving the Outlander a fresh, sophisticated on-road presence.

And presence is exactly what we came face to face with Ernest's next and newest wall mural at the Enabling Village campus in Lengkok Bahru.


Pencil-sketched animals with life-like animals consisting of an elephant, giraffe and zebra for company, plus a child holding onto balloons floating into the air definitely made this mural my fave of the lot.

Be sure to pop by the neighbouring block at The Art Faculty for a glimpse of another wall mural depicting kids playing in a garden.


But did you know that when it comes to street art, we too have an extremely talented street artist to call our own?


A self-taught local street artist, Mr. Yip Yew Chong (or better known as YC) loves sharing his drawings of places romanticised with blended sights, sounds, smell and tastes of the moments. And in particular, moments filled with nostalgia as these wall murals at Everton Road show.

'Amah' (40 Everton Road)


'Barber' (39 Everton Road)


'Provision Shop' (8 Spottiswoode Park Road)


This wall mural is one of my faves as well as it really brought back many fond memories when I visited the provision shop with my mum as a small boy. And as usual, the monkies never fail to ham it up for the camera as they gamely posed for photos with the artwork. See what I mean?


But I think the clear winner has got to be this one, which showed them acting all frustrated with the long queue. LOL.


Besides YC's murals at Everton, a deserving mention goes out to the row of SG50 wall art along the back of shophouses, some distance away from the 'Barber' wall mural. I'm not sure who is/are the artist/s but the monkies had a good time identifying the landmarks in the mural.


The superior handling of the Mitsubishi Outlander certainly helped as I navigated the gentle winding roads at Everton. I was told that the improved steering response, handling and ride feel are achieved through a more rigid suspension system, reinforced body and Electronic Power Steering calibrations. With such high levels of ride comfort, no wonder the monkies were on the verge of dozing off as we arrived at the next cluster of YC's wall murals at Tiong Bahru!


Yes, wall mural hunting is tough work... but having the opportunity to 'interact' with the artwork - much like those trickeye art - proved to be enough to perk the monkies up.

'Bird Singing Corner' (Seng Poh Lane, Block 71)


'Pasar and the Fortune Teller' (Eng Watt Street, Block 73)


'Home' (Tiong Poh Road/Eu Chin Street, Block 74)


YC's wall murals can also be found in other parts of Singapore but unfortunately, we did not have enough time to explore them all. If you are interested, do check out the complete listing of his murals on his blog.

Oh, and if you are in Tiong Bahru, do not miss out sussing out the three cure goat wall murals too!


All located at Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre, the goat murals are the work of Ernest Goh, a photographer and visual artist. The above goat is Mama Goat and can be found along Kim Cheng Street (nearer to Lim Liak Street) while Papa Goat below is along Seng Poh Road (near to Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre's Car Park entrance).


But the cutest goat of the lot has got to be Baby Goat, which is inside Level 1 of the Market and beside a staircase, facing Lim Liak Street.


Obviously, Ale is still waaaay cuter. Because I have the right to be bias, no?

But I'm not bias when I say I thoroughly enjoyed driving the Outlander around Singapore in search of the wall murals. Thanks to its elevated driving position and big windows, I had a stupendous all-round view while traversing along the roads. Well, the proximity sensors and rear camera certainly came in handy during my moments of parallel parking too!


And with such a spacious boot (with the third row of seats folded down), it will be a shame to let it go to waste.... which is what our next adventure with the Mitsubishi Outlander will entail. *wink*


In the meantime, feel the power of the beast behind the wheels for yourself - Test drive the Mitsubishi Outlander at a Cycle and Carriage Showroom!

AND HERE'S AN EXCLUSIVE PROMOTION JUST FOR OUR READERS:
Receive $200 worth of service credits from Cycle & Carriage when you book a Mitsubishi and quote ‘Kelvin Outlander’. This promotion is ON TOP of all other prevailing promotions. Promotion ends 31st August 2016.


MITSUBISHI SHOWROOM
239 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159930
Tel: 6473 9722
Showroom Opening Hours: 
Monday to Saturday 8.30 am – 7.00 pm
Sunday & Public Holidays 10.00 am - 6.00 pm
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Highlights of Singapore Garden Festival 2016 - And Why Bayfront Plaza is a Must-Visit for Kids!

July 24, 2016, 7:30 pm
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Media Invite

If there is one thing you should know about Singapore Garden Festival (SGF) 2016, it's that it covers over a HUGE area. In fact, this year's sixth edition - it's held once every two years - will be the largest SGF ever!


Over nine days from from 23 to 31 July 2016, visitors will be able to enter a magical world of exciting garden designs and exquisite floral creations as SGF goes into full bloom at Gardens by the Bay. And as you can tell from the festival map below, I kid you not when I say be prepared to get those legs moving and do a fair amount of walking... because there are just so many things to see and do!

Click to enlarge
The previous 2014 edition saw SGF being held at The Meadow and Flower Dome areas but this year, the Festival has expanded beyond The Meadow and onto Bayfront Plaza, in addition to the Orchid Extravaganza at the Flower Dome.

If you are taking public transport, the most convenient way is to alight at Bayfront MRT where the entrance to SGF's Bayfront Plaza area is literally right at its doorstep. And if you are thinking of driving, the nearest parking lots will be the ones at Bayfront Plaza and The Meadow - although I will highly discourage driving there due to the high volume of traffic expected.

In my opinion, the attractions at Bayfront Plaza are more suited to kids compared to the ones at The Meadow. There are plenty of educational booths and displays for them to get them interested as well as plants for them to touch and smell... very very important for kids with itchy fingers (and noses)!


But more on that later, I promise as we first immersed ourselves in the visual fiesta of exquisite garden and floral displays at The Meadow.


Of particular interest to the kids will be the larger-than-life horticulture displays of cartoonish characters, including Benny's Sunflower Farm, Chairs of the Giants and Gary's Musical Flower Field. Plenty of photo opportunities here for sure!


Always and still a hit with the wifey, the Balcony Gardens are also on display here which may just inspire visitors to transform their home balcony into a soothing retreat.


The Meadow is also where the best of show designer gardens congregate and from previous editions, I have always been enthralled by the beauty and magic of the Landscape Gardens showcase.



And since gardens are always meant to be explored, most of the displays at the Landscape Gardens do allow visitors to enter for a more immersive experience. Something which delighted the monkies of course, especially at the Bamboo Maze display where they had fun running through the maze!


And if the heat gets too unbearable, then seek refuge in the air-conditioned tent where a different world of plant displays exist.


The Fantasy Gardens are just what the name implies - gardens that offer that whimsical feeling and fairytale-like atmosphere.



As with the Landscape Gardens, some of the Fantasy Gardens provided visitors the opportunity to step inside as well.


And so, we arrived at the area where we ended up spending most of out time at SGF - Bayfront Plaza. And to the wifey's surprise, the first stop there was World of Terrariums, an air-conditioned tent which houses some of the prettiest and ingenious terrarium designs that we have ever seen.


Stepping out of the tent, we came face to face with a wide array of fruits and vegetables at the 'Everyone Can Garden' and 'Espalier & Fruit Tree Garden' displays.


If you are looking for something intimate compared to large floral displays, head to the Floral Windows to the World showcase (also in an air-conditioned tent), where enchanting displays of beautiful flowers, creatively and delicately designed by celebrated local and international floral designers await.



Oh, be sure to check out the Celebrations! Floral Table Series too, and be mesmerised by the magical floral creations and learn how you can bring you table floral arrangements to life.


Frankly, there are just too many exhibits and displays that one can really view in one visit.


 I'm sure we have missed out on a few gems during our visit too but along the way, we managed to spot a few truly exceptional ones, like these 'sushi'.


No, they are not edible. Look closely and you will see that they are actually made from plants. Just like this bowl of 'udon'. Amazing!


As I have mentioned earlier, there were a few kid-friendly displays in the Bayfront Plaza area that stood out and these are the ones I strongly recommend all parents to make these compulsory stops if you are heading down to the Garden Festival with your kids.


The Learning Garden showcases plants that we have been using them for various food purposes. So everyday food like rojak, popiah, curry, ice cream and even noodles are featured in the Learning Garden, complete with a handy free worksheet that kids will be able to fill in as they go booth-hopping.


I loved the nice touch of placing the end products near to the actual plants, which allowed the monkies to make the connection.


Kids of today are more used to seeing food products in a supermarket so it is highly educational that they get the opportunity to see the exact plants that those products were derived from.


FOUR new gardens - Garden of Sight, Garden of Sound, Garden of Touch and Garden of Smell - are added to SGF this year which I feel are an excellent touch.


Although to be honest, the Garden of Sight (above photo) consists nothing more than colourful flowers while the Garden of Sound has wind chimes attached to various portions of the plant displays. Nothing too interactive there for the kids.


So if you have limited time, I recommend heading straight to the Garden of Touch and Garden of Smell, both of which are located beside each other.


As their names imply, this is where kids can go all touchy-feely with their hands and sniff around to their noses' content!


There are PLENTY of leaves, ranging from smooth, rough, spiky to even furry, to keep the little hands busy. On top of that, they will be able to rub their tiny fingers on the leaves and then perform a smell test.


Well, there are the usual fragrant and minty-smelling leaves of course but for that added special experience, go hunt for this Fishwort plant.


Yes, the leaves are smelly alright... in fact, they smell like rotten fish! But smelly odour aside, they are effective in helping to strengthen the body’s immune system.

Okay, so rotten fish doesn't sound all that appetizing I know. But in case you are famished after all the walking, head to Dining in the Garden City located beside the Bayfront Plaza for some chow time!


Visitors will be able to enjoy favourite heritage dishes with a modern twist such as fried hokkien mee, popiah, fishball noodles and pork rib soup. Look out for special offerings too like Salted Egg Crispy Fish Skin and N2O Nitrogen D24 Durian ice cream. The stalls operate on a card basis so visitors will have to first purchase a stored value card from the main cashier - minimum value is $20 with subsequent top-ups starting from $2. Do note there are no refunds for unused value in the card.


And if you are there in the evenings, there are also FREE SGF Rocks! nightly performances at the Alfresco Stage in the Marketplace. Click here for the list of performances.


BUT wait, there's MORE! The Singapore Garden Festival ticket also allows complimentary entry to the Flower Dome where Orchid Extravaganza is also taking place.


Regarded as the world’s most diverse botanical family, orchids grow on almost every continent and vary widely in size and form. Orchid Extravaganza at the Flower Dome features over 100 orchid species and hybrids. From the intriguing monkey-like Dracula to the bright, flamboyant blooms of the Cattleya, there is an orchid for every taste.


Or maybe a durian for every taste?


The entire Flower Field has been transformed into a secret village where little elves reside in their cute homes made of fruits.



I think kids will have a good time trying to spot all of the elves 'hidden' in the Flower Field!



Be sure to step into the middle of the field too... into a secret garden of hanging orchids.


Do not forget to look up!


This year’s Festival promises to be more spectacular than ever before so whether you are a serious gardener, hobbyist or just looking for a wonderful day out with the family, there is something for everyone at the Singapore Garden Festival 2016. But hurry, the festival draws to a close this weekend on 31 July 2016!



Useful Information

Singapore Garden Festival 2016
23 - 31 July 2016; 10am to 10pm daily
Gardens by the Bay
Ticket Prices:
Local Residents: Weekday - Adult $12| Child (3-12) & Senior Citizens (>60) $6
Weekend - Adult $16 | Child (3-12) & Senior Citizens (>60) $9
Standard Rate: All Days - Adult & Senior Citizens (>60) $23 | Child (3-12) $16
*All tickets include complimentary entry to Flower Dome
**All Gardens by the Bay Conservatory tickets dated between 16-24 August will be allowed entry
Website:www.singaporegardenfestival.com

Orchid Extravaganza Floral Display
Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
Dates: 22 July - 28 Aug 2016
Time: 9am - 10pm  (During Singapore Garden Festival from 23 to 31 July) | 9am - 9pm on other dates
*Admission charges to the Cooled Conservatories apply
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NDP 2016: Full of Surprises & Refreshing! + GIVEAWAY

July 26, 2016, 11:00 pm
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I do not envy the task facing the organising committee of this year's National Day Parade (NDP) one bit. Because after the wonderful - some might say the best NDP ever - SG50 show we had last year, how does one possibly outdo it in this SG51 NDP?


The short answer is, it does not.

Cleverly enough, it steers clear from the usual over-the-top and stretchy sing and dance numbers and most importantly, it does not retell the all-too-familiar stories of Sang Nila Utama or Sir Stamford Raffles that has been rehashed to death in previous NDP editions.


Instead, since this year's National Day marks a homecoming to the new National Stadium at the Sports Hub, the show makes full use of the Stadium’s high-domed roof through the suspension of giant props and integrating the use of lasers, light and sound.


And this was probably what appealed to the monkies - together with the SengkangBabies - and made them LOVE the show so much. After all, they are the future of Singapore, no?


Of course, the constraints of staging the NDP at the National Stadium meant that the usual crowd favourites of Red Lions, fighter jets zooming in the sky and the military mobile column were absent this time around. Even for the fly-past and finale fireworks, we could only catch a mere glimpse of them from inside the stadium.


Fortunately, this year's NDP had quite a few tricks and surprises up its sleeve... which wowed us by the time the show ended.


Just ask Ale, who was perhaps the most enthusiastic NDP audience member of the lot.


Or the crowd, who was all pumped up and did not want the Kallang Wave to stop even though the segment was done. I think the Kallang Wave went 5 or 6 times around the stadium for the record!


The first surprise of the night belonged to Badang and the Singapore Stone.

Badang who?


Instead of retelling the same old fishing-village story, Act 1 of the show is based on the legend surrounding the Singapore Stone. Legend has it Badang, a village fisherman, defeated a water ghost and gained super strength. He later became the sultan’s royal guard and lifted a giant boulder that sat on a hill for centuries. A fragment from it is now called the Singapore Stone.

And yes, that stone is REAL and is currently displayed in the National Museum. However, it is inscribed with words from an ancient language that nobody is able to decipher it up til today.


Another cool edition to this year's NDP is every spectator will be issued with an LED wristband that can be synchronised with the show,


Each wristband is wirelessly programmed to blink in tandem with the show’s lights and sounds, and capable of emitting lights of varying intensity in 16 colours and four modes.

And we had the first taste of the lights during Act 2, where 4 aerial performers dressed in 8m-long culturally inspired costumes performed next as a tribute to the Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western civilisations that were the forefathers of our nation.


But the true magical nature of the wristbands were fully felt in Act 3, where the blinking lights combined to form a sea of rainbow-coloured lights that accompanied a beautiful aerial and automated unicorn. Very mersmerizing... and one of Ale's fave segment!


In Act 4, we were taken on a trip to the future by dancers dressed in brightly-lit LED costumes. Putting together an energetic dance routine complemented by pulsating music and light displays, it came complete with ninebot machines and eight unmanned systems comprising drones tethered to unmanned ground vehicles!


But that was not the most amazing bit - having 20 performers executing front and back flips and dancing while being suspended 10 to 12m up in the air was.


Act 5 featured a breathtaking Sky City prop which is a massive display six storeys high and hoisted in the air. Using 3D projections, the display is made up of 15 iconic buildings. such as the Changi Airport, and the cloud forest and flower domes of the Gardens by the Bay.


Personally, I loved the final act best. Comprising of 420 performers from the Singapore Soka Association (SSA) wearing specially-designed skirts, they flipped their skirts to create mass displays of images.


These images are adapted from hand-painted artworks by the special needs community.


A nice touch to the show was the addition of a song signing segment - a first for NDP - which highlights the importance of an inclusive and caring nation.


Joined by over 150 special needs participants from seven Voluntary Welfare Organisations on stage, they will lead the audience in the segment to hand-sign popular NDP songs like Home and Count on Me, Singapore.


You can learn it too from the video below!


And of course, the finale is all about fireworks. This year's NDP is also the first to feature an indoor fireworks display!


Complete with lasers, flame projections and 3D projection mapping (the Sky City turned into a giant tree!), I am glad this year's NDP had not fallen back on past years' tried and tested formulas but instead, tried to break new ground.


The monkies thoroughly enjoyed it - I suspect it was the high energy and engaging performances.


I loved how past stories and technology were cleverly blended together to put together a refreshing show that holds plenty of first-time surprises. Tomorrow's definitely here today.


Happy 51st Brthday in advance, Singapore!


GIVEAWAY

We have decided to share our Funpacks with our readers!

This year's Funpack is made of translucent plastic for the first time, Waterproof and lightweight, the bag has multiple straps so it can be carried as both a sling bag and haversack. Funpack items include a luggage tag, a flip fan, stick-on tattoos, snacks, a Singapore scarf and a discount booklet.

And we have TWO to give away!


To get your name into the draw, all you have to do is to leave a comment either HERE IN THIS BLOG POST or IN THE CORRESPONDING FACEBOOK POST HERE.

That's all about it. Nothing too complicated.

The giveaway closes on 31 July 2016, 2359 hours.

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Top 8 Family-friendly Cycling Spots in Singapore

July 28, 2016, 5:34 pm
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By now, after reading my previous two posts (HERE and HERE) on the all-new 7-seater Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4L MIVEC, you will already know that I (and the monkies) love the car! In fact, I dread the day when I have to hand the keys back to Cycle and Carriage.


Because besides sporting a modern, sophisticated and sporty on-road presence, the Outlander is truly a Beast at heart with a new-look 18-inch alloy wheel design that completes the imposing exterior.


But above all, the Outlander is thoroughly suited for the family and perhaps the most definitive proof is its huge boot space.


With the third row of seats fully up, the boot space is already big enough to accommodate a folded stroller and a few shopping bags. Need extra space? Lay the third row of seats with a simple pull of a lever. More space, you say? The second row of seats can collapse too to form a large and level cargo area.


Evidently, the attraction of providing generous boot space in the Outlander comes in the flexibility of the seating arrangement, with both the second and third row of seats being able to fold flat. And as you can see, the second row is configured with a 60/40 split to effortlessly accommodate sports gear, bulkier prams, and luggage.

Space is definitely not an issue in the Outlander at all. The second row of seats is very comfortable and spacious and even for the third row seats, they do feel like proper chairs and not only for kids.


Oh, and did I mention that the car comes with a power tailgate too? Funnily, it is one of those things that you never thought you would ever need it but now that I have a taste of the convenience that it brings, I can never seem to live without it.


I have lost count of the number of times that I have my hands full with stuff but I could still raise or lower the tailgate with a single push of a button!

And speaking of pushing, the monkies have been pushing - or more like prodding - me to bring them on a cycling outing for the longest time. But I have been putting it off simply because my current car is not able to fit both the boys' bicycles.


Well, not with the Mitsubishi Outlander.


Thanks to its exceptional boot space, I was able to load up both of the boys' bicycles together with Ale's pedal-less bicycle into the car and off we went to Pasir Ris Park to burn some calories!


I love bringing the monkies to cycle at Pasir Ris Park for a couple of reasons. The most important one has got to be it is fairly less crowded compared to other parks. And by that, I mean there are lesser people who are either cycling, blading or scooting along the pathways... always welcome especially for kids who have just mastered the skill of cycling.

Also, the rental rates at the bicycle kiosk at the park are pretty affordable and if you go on weekday, you can rent a bicycle for 2 hours at the price of 1 hour. And that was just what the wifey and I did, as we accompanied the monkies on a cycling workout around the park.


Well, we did get ambushed by the playground structures along the way.


And if you are planning to bring your little ones for some cycling, blading or scooting fun, here are other places in Singapore that are perfect to do so:

East Coast Park

Let’s get wheeling! Almost the default cycling destination in Singapore, families can rent bicycles and skates at one of the many stops along East Coast Park. From East Coast Park, follow the cycle paths and cycle as far as Bedok Reservoir. You can even rent a bicycle at any of NParks’ pit stops found along the Eastern Coastal Loop (ECL) Park Connector Network and return it at another within each loop without the need to backtrack.


Changi Coastal Road

Most families head to East Coast Park for a day of cycling, blading or scooting but it can get really crowded on weekends. Head to the eastern end of the park, just past the National Sailing Centre and the crowds thin out. Wind through the wooded area and alongside a canal after the NSRCC Sea Sports Centre and emerge onto the Changi Coastal Road path – all on the safety of a Park Connector bike path. This section is wide and well-surfaced, and runs parallel to Changi Airport for an uninterrupted 6km, making it great for a good ride while indulging in some plane-spotting at the same time.

Punggol Waterway

If you want a ride with a gorgeous setting sun as a picturesque backdrop, then Punggol Waterway is the top pick for a leisurely ride. Its smooth, paved cycling tracks will get the kids peddling in no time. Designed with four themes to cater to everyone of all ages, Punggol Water Park has something in store for every visitor. Kids will especially clamour to stop at the Recreation Zone where they can go wild at the huge water play and sand play areas. If there is still energy to expend, head to the nearby 5km long waterfront Punggol Promenade where it links up to the Lorong Halus Wetland via a bridge – a former landfill transformed into a wetland spanning an area of 18 football fields.


Bedok Reservoir Park

For an easier and shorter but still enjoyable ride for the family, head to Bedok Reservoir. The track around the reservoir is straightforward, and consists a mix of pavement and pebbly path. One lap round the reservoir is a mere 4.3km, so it makes good for a leisurely ride, with its gorgeous sunset a bonus if you are there in the evenings. The beauty of the route is the kids are able to stop any time to play, kick a ball, fly a kite or just sit down for a picnic.

Green Corridor

Have older kids and planning to up the challenge? The Green Corridor is a unique stretch of greenery that runs through the whole island of Singapore along the north-south axis, from Woodlands in the north to Tanjong Pagar in the south. The railway tracks have since been removed and the public is currently able to access this green corridor through the city, where people can cycle or run through undisturbed natural greenery. One will hard-pressed to find a more pleasant countryside ride than the Green Corridor. With chirping birds amidst scrubby vegetation and partly shaded by trees, the great thing about the corridor is you can almost access it anywhere along Singapore’s north-south axis. Just plot your route along any part of the stretch using Google Maps.


Bukit Panjang Park Connector

Part of the Western Adventure Cycling Loop, this park connector’s abundant greenery and proximity to well-established parks encourage the presence of a diverse variety of wildlife. Cycle further up to reach Zhenghua Park, where a pleasant retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life awaits. The park’s rugged terrain is the perfect platform for cycling enthusiasts, trail runners and those wanting a good hike. Pockets of vegetation are deliberately left wild to add to the park’s rural charm. Level and smooth, the park connector is a popular cycling route.

Pulau Ubin

For the adventurous at heart who seek something more thrilling, Pulau Ubin is the place to go for a family cycling day trip. The Ketam trail is Singapore’s first purpose built mountain biking trail. From the jetty, ride for about 15 min westwards to reach the trail (follow the road signs). Or if you prefer a more leisurely ride and don’t fancy the extra hassle of taking a bunch of bikes onto the bumboats, you can rent a ride from the numerous outlets at Ubin Jetty. The island is well sign-posted and its network of trails and tracks offer options for beginner and advanced cyclists.


PHEW! With all calories burnt, I figure the next logical step in our adventures with the Mitsubishi Outlander is one that will encompass Singapore's favourite past time - FOOD! And that was precisely what we did. Stay tuned!


In the meantime, feel the power of the beast behind the wheels for yourself - Test drive the Mitsubishi Outlander at a Cycle and Carriage Showroom!

AND HERE'S AN EXCLUSIVE PROMOTION JUST FOR OUR READERS:
Receive $200 worth of service credits from Cycle & Carriage when you book a Mitsubishi and quote ‘Kelvin Outlander’. This promotion is ON TOP of all other prevailing promotions. Promotion ends 31st August 2016.


MITSUBISHI SHOWROOM
239 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159930
Tel: 6473 9722
Showroom Opening Hours: 
Monday to Saturday 8.30 am – 7.00 pm
Sunday & Public Holidays 10.00 am - 6.00 pm
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Walk Barefoot with your Family - and Help People in Need

July 31, 2016, 5:38 pm
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This year marks the second year that I am an Ambassador for Habitat for Humanity Singapore's Bare Your Sole campaign. While my family and I got to participate in the campaign by walking barefoot for 2km last year, I got the chance to further familiarise myself with the meaningful work that Habitat for Humanity Singapore does a few weekends ago.

Project HomeWorks is a programme initiated by Habitat for Humanity Singapore aimed to improve the living conditions of elderly people living in one- and two-room rental flats, so as to make their homes safer and cleaner.

Studies have shown that many elderly people and people with disabilities live alone in Singapore, and are without any regular domestic help. Some of them are unable to maintain a clean home environment, which usually results in their living spaces being cluttered with all sorts of items, including old unusable things and expired foodstuff.

So this is where volunteers come in and do a one-time intense cleaning which includes the removal of pests and replacement of broken furniture and bedding. And so that was what the group of volunteers and me set out to do on a bright and early Saturday morning.


I was assigned to a team who was in charge of cleaning Mr. Tan's home. According to my team lead, Tim, the home was not as cluttered as other units that he had experienced. Still, there was the issue of bed bug infestation. While his place had already been fumigated before we arrived, I learned that the eggs of the bed bugs can only be totally eradicated by hot steam.

We began by shifting out all of the furniture, and and cling-wrapping the the mattress and pillows before cleaning the bed frames.


And then I turned executioner and started my killing spree - all for a good cause of course... because the bed bugs that somehow escaped the fumigation deserved it.


The stains on the wall that you see in the above photo are all the remains of bed bugs being squished by Mr. Tan over the months. Ugh.

We then emptied the wardrobe, packed the clothes into bags and sent them to the washing machine downstairs to be washed clean.


Meanwhile, the youngsters in the team were hard at work scrapping peeling paint off the walls and plastering over any cracks. I can tell that they were very experienced! :)


I was in charge of scrubbing the walls clean so that a layer of fresh paint could be applied after that.


Trust me when I say scrubbing the walls was tough work!


Unfortunately, that was all to my contribution as I received a call from MINDEF not too long after and was notified that my reservist unit had been mobilised for a call-up. I bade the team farewell, as they continued with the painting work.


And this was how Mr Tan's home looked after the cleaning. Definitely a fantastic job done!


Even though I did not manage to complete my volunteer work with the team - and I am not sure how much difference I made to Mr Tan's life - I am thankful that the team was able to bring some cheer to him. For me, it was a sobering experience to see the other side of Singapore that I hardly come into contact with. Above all, it was heartwarming to see how the volunteers came together to chip in and satisfying to see the transformation process of the home for ourselves.

Admittedly, younger kids are not suited to volunteer with Project HomeWorks... BUT you can still help out with your family AND enjoy some family bonding time too! How? By going barefoot!


Bare Your Sole is Habitat for Humanity Singapore’s annual barefoot fundraising and advocacy campaign. People of all ages and from all walks of lives come together to walk barefoot to raise awareness of the plight of those less fortunate among us. It offers Singaporeans and visitors alike a tangible taste of what it’s like to walk in the shoes, or lack thereof, of the communities-in-need that Habitat Singapore serves in Asia Pacific.


Funds raised from Bare Your Sole will go towards funding Project HomeWorks, and help Habitat for Humanity Singapore reach its target of $400,000. The monkies participated in the 2km walk at Sentosa last year and they thoroughly enjoyed it!


Initially, the monkies were mindful of where they stepped and nearly every step was punctuated with an 'Ouch' or 'Oww' but as the walk wore on, they gamely completed the distance. I think it made them appreciate the little things - like shoes- that we take for granted in life.


This year's Bare Your Sole event will be held on 10 September 2016 at OCBC Square (in front of Kallang Wave Mall). Registration has already started and will close on 12 August 2016. There are two walking routes to choose from: 2.5 km or 5 km, and if you have kids under 7 years old, fantastic news - sign up as an individual ($45) and you can bring up to 2 kids for FREE! For other rates and registration, visit HERE.


So what better way to spend a lovely Saturday morning than to join in Singapore’s only charity barefoot walk with people of all ages and from all walks of life... and doing some good at the same time. SEE YOU THERE!


Useful Information

Bare Your Sole 2016
10 September 2016
7.30am - 12pm
OCBC Square (in front of Kallang Wave Mall)
bareyoursole.sg
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