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Christmas Shows and Meet & Greets at the Shopping Malls 2016

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It's that time of the year once again. The time when parents go hunting for cartoon characters dancing and prancing in shopping malls... all for the little ones' sake. But as long as they are happy, no?

And even though the boys have since outgrown these shows, Ale still enjoys some of them. Plus, it has become some sort of a tradition for me to continue compiling them.


So this year marks the 9th year that I have been compiling the list of Christmas shows and Meet & Greets whenever the year-end festive season rolls by. If you have found them to be useful all these while, do share this post with your family and friends. Thanks! :)


Alice in Wonderland: The Musical
Now until 20 Nov 2016
Show 1 - 1pm - 1.30pm: Parade in Costumes | 1.30pm - 2.10pm: Stage Show | 2.10pm - 2.40pm: Meet & Greet
Show 2 - 6pm - 6.30pm: Parade in Costume | 6.30pm - 7.10pm: Stage Show | 7.10pm - 7.40pm: Meet & Greet
The Centrepoint


Featuring Broadway-style acting, singing and dancing, as well as spectacular circus acts performed by an international cast, Alice in Wonderland is the highlight event for the Christmas season at The Centrepoint. From 11 to 20 November, children will get to watch a magical stage performance, as well as revel in the spectacular sights of a costume parade and a meet-and-greet with the musical cast.

Christmas @ Clarke Quay Central
Now until 25 Dec 2016
Clarke Quay Central


Snow Splendors At Tanglin Mall
Now until 2 Jan 2017
Weekdays - Avalanche 7.30pm - 7.45pm | Snow 7.45pm - 8pm
Weekends - Avalanche 7.30pm - 7.45pm & 8.30pm - 8.45pm | Snow 7.45pm - 8pm & 8.45pm - 9pm
Tanglin Mall



Come and be amazed by the life-sized winter animal topiaries and giant toadstools as you wander through the Christmas Fantasy Garden arches! Frolic in 'snow' at the picturesque garden too!

Christmas on a Great Street
Orchard Road Christmas Light-up
Now until 2 Jan 2017
Orchard Road

Let the twinkling delights of Christmas capture your imagination as you take a leisurely stroll along Orchard Road. This year, immerse yourself in a magical, surreal world along Singapore’s Great Street of fun, food and fashion. Feast your eyes on our colourful display of kaleidoscopic decor and designs.

Bubblestorm at orchardgetway
Now until 26 Dec 2016
7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm & 9.30pm
The avalanche of bubbles conjures up a bubbly underwater environent where the inhabitants of the underwater world come alive to celebrate Christmas like we mortals above water! Plenty of interactive fun and photo opportunity for all.


Pokemon at Changi
18 Nov 2016 - 20 Feb 2017
Various activities
Changi Airport


Pikachu Meet & Greet
18 Nov 2016 - 1 Jan 2017 (Sat & Sun only)
*NO Meet & Greet on 3  Dec 2016
6pm & 8pm
T3 Departure Hall

Christmas Fun and Discovery with Hi-5
19 - 27 Nov 2016
Various timings & various malls


Hi-5, the award-winning children’s musical group from Australia, will be in town this month for two heart-pumping shows featuring the full cast and their talking puppet mascots, Chatter Box and Jup Jup. With the band’s catchy tunes, energetic dance moves and delightful stories, children aged between two and eight years can look forward to a vibrant mix of investigations, imagination and adventure.

Hi-5 Shows
18 Nov: 1pm, 4pm, 7pm at Waterway Point
19 Nov: 1pm at YewTee Point
19 Nov: 4pm, 7pm at Changi City Point
20 Nov: 1pm, 4pm at YewTee Point
20 Nov: 7pm at Changi City Point
22 Nov: 1pm, 4pm, 7pm at Waterway Point
23 Nov: 1pm, 4pm, 7pm at Northpoint
24 Nov: 1pm, 4pm at Causeway Point
24 Nov: 7pm at Northpoint
25 Nov: 1pm at Eastpoint Mall
25 Nov: 4pm, 7pm at Causeway Point
26 Nov: 1pm, 4pm at Eastpoint Mall
26 Nov: 7pm at Causeway Point
27 Nov: 1pm, 4pm at Eastpoint Mall
27 Nov: 7pm at Northpoint

Chatter Box Shows
17, 18 Nov: 1pm, 4pm, 7pm at Changi City Point
19, 20 Nov: 1pm, 4pm, 7pm at Waterway Point
22 Nov: 1pm, 4pm, 7pm at YewTee Point
23, 24 Nov: 1pm, 4pm, 7pm at Eastpoint Mall
25, 26 Nov: 1pm, 4pm, 7pm at Northpoint
27 Nov: 1pm, 4pm, 7pm at Causeway Point

Tayo & Friends Live Show + Meet & Greet
19 Nov - 25 Dec 2016 (Weekends only)
4pm & 7pm
Downtown East, Event Square @ E!Avenue


Come on down to meet and greet Tayo, Lani & Gani at the Event Square! You can look forward to entertaining the kids with the exciting fun that Tayo & his friends have prepared. Also, redeem a photo pass for the Meet & Greet session with a minimum spend of $50 at the Info Counter! Limitied to 30 passes per session.

Pororo & Friends Live Show + Meet & Greet
20 Nov - 25 Dec 2016 (Weekends only except for 10 & 11 Dec)
1pm
Wild Wild Wet


Peppa's Holiday Time
23 Nov - 5 Dec 2016 (No shows on 29 Nov)
Mon - Fri: 2.30pm & 7pm | Sat & Sun: 2pm, 5pm & 7pm
United Square


Join Peppa, George, Mummy and Daddy Pig as they plan for their holiday, accompanied amidst vibrant backdrop, props and decoration. Spend $50 in a single retail receipt to redeem a Meet & Greet photo queue number. Limited to first 50 families per session.

Giants of the Sea: Discover the Secret World of Sea Monsters
Junction 8: 24 Nov – 4 Dec | Level 2, Atrium
Sembawang Shopping Centre: 8 – 18 Dec | Level 1, Atrium


Sea Monster Exhibition
Come face-to-face with a 15m long Mosasaurus plus catch the lifelike movements and sounds of Ichthyosaurus, Pliosaurus, Tylosaurus and other obsolete creatures as you explore the odyssey of these marine predators.

Ocean Tales Show
Sat & Sun: 12.30pm, 4.30pm & 7.30pm
Join curious Sam in a quest to learn more about the giants of the sea through this entertaining and enriching science show. From extinct sea reptiles to whales and sharks, the ocean is a place where many wonders take place.

KidsSTOP Science Show
Fri: 7pm | Sat & Sun: 1.30pm & 5.30pm
Join the Famous Five Founders at KidsSTOP™’s Science Show as they travel on KidsEXPRESS to explore, learn and discover! This time, the magical KidsEXPRESS brings them to the amazing ocean. Be fascinated with our wonderful marine friends and learn about how our actions affect them.

Mascot Appearances
Fri: 5pm | Sat & Sun: 2.30pm & 4.15pm

Pikachu Meet & Greet
25 - 27 Nov 2016
25 Nov: 5pm & 8pm | 26 Nov: 12.30pm, 3pm & 5pm | 27 Nov: 12.30pm, 3pm & 5pm
Liang Court; L1 Atrium


Get the chance to meet 2 Pikachu in action and snap a picture with them!  Limited to 30 photo passes per session. Collection of photo passes will be at Level 2 Customer Service Counter, available 1 hour prior to the meet & greet sessions, on a first-come first-served basis. Each person is entitled to only 1 pass per session.

Craftholic Experience at Raffles City
Various dates
Raffles City, L3 Atrium


Say Hello to Craftholic's Creator
25 Nov 2016 | 3pm & 7pm
Meet the creator of Craftholic - Japanese designer Ikuko Yamamoto, and get her autograph and picture!

Play Date with Craftholic Mascots
26-27 Nov, 2-4 Dec, 9-11 Dec & 16-18 Dec 2016 | 3pm & 7pm
Don't miss the chance to hang out with Rab Bunny and Sloth Bear! For the first 50 shopper only.

Christmas Festivities @ AMK Hub


Snow and Bubble Shows
25 Nov – 25 Dec 2016
Mon - Thu: 8pm to 8:30pm | Fri – Sun: 6pm – 6:30pm and 8pm – 8:30pm
AMK Hub L1 Main Entrance

Happy Christmas Party Troopers
19 Nov – 25 Dec 2016 (Weekends only)
It’s not Christmas without a glimpse of Santa and his team, so look out for musical

interludes featuring Santa and his sidekicks in the mall

A Jolly Wonderland
25 Nov - 23 Dec 2016
Velocity @ Novena Square

Figure Skating Shows
25 Nov - 23 Dec 2016 | Tue - Sun: 12.15pm & 6.15pm

Ice Skating Sessions
25 Nov - 23 Dec 2016 | Tues - Sun
Spend $60 to redeem a 30-min ice skating pass.

The Little Big Club – Biggest Hits ‘Live’ Shows
25 Nov - 7 Dec 2016 (No shows on 30 Nov)
Mon - Fri: 1pm & 6pm | Sat & Sun: 12.30pm, 3.30pm & 6pm
OneKM Mall


The fun never ends as The Little Big Club members return with an array of interactive
activities with your favourite characters at OneKM! Catch The Little Big Club Biggest Hits
Live Shows with Barney & Friends, Thomas the Tank & Fat Controller, Bob & Wendy and
Mike The Knight as they promise to fascinate the kids and the whole family with an
extravaganza of music and dance hits that will bedazzle you. Spend $50 to redeem a Meet & Greet photo queue number. Limited to first 50 families per session.

Roaring Good Time with Dinosaur Train
26 & 27 Nov 2016
1pm & 7pm
Square 2



Sesame Street Live!
1 - 11 Dec 2016 (No shows on 5 Dec)
Tues - Thur: 1pm & 7pm | Fri - Sun: 1pm, 4pm & 7pm
nex Atrium, Level 1


Join the Sesame Street characters as they ring in the season's festivities from 1 to 11 December 2016. Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover and the Count will be performing an entertaining Sesame Street Live! show filled with familiar songs and catchy tunes. Get up and dance along to your favourite Sesame Street characters as they boogie onstage to the festive beat.

*Redeem a photo pass with S$30 spent per receipt. (Each pass admits a family of four. Limited to 30 passes per session. Passes are available one hour before each session at Atrium, Level 1 and are limited to one pass per shopper/NRIC per day.)

Tea Party with Elmo and Friends
1, 6-8 Dec 2016 | Tues - Thur: 4pm
The fun doesn’t just end there. Get up close and personal with Elmo and friends at an exclusive Tea Party happening on 1 December and 6 to 8 December 2016. Delight the little ones with yummy tea-time treats and fun craft activities in an exclusive party for the first 30 lucky children who have been extra nice this year.

*Redeem a Tea Party pass with S$50 spent per receipt. (Each pass admits one child aged 4-12 years old. Limited to 30 passes per session. Passes are available one hour before each session at Atrium, Level 1 and are limited to one pass per shopper/NRIC per day.)


Larva Live Show
1 - 18 Dec 2016
Tue - Thur: 3pm & 7pm | Fri - Sun: 2pm, 4pm & 7pm
Marina Square


Catch the characters from the animated series, 'Larva' as they take centrestage in their premier live performance in Singapore! Meet Red, Yellow, Brown and Rainbow as they bring you joy and laughter this festive season. The first 60 families in the queue can also meet and greet Larva and friends on stage.


Meet the Angry Birds
2 - 11 Dec 2016
Tue - Fri: 1pm & 7pm (Red & Bomb)
Sat & Sun: 1pm, 4pm & 7pm (Red, Bomb & Chuck)
West Coast Plaza


Nick Jr. – A Present for Santa ‘Live’ On Stage
3 - 18 December 2016 (No shows on Mon)
Weekdays: 2pm & 7pm | Weekends: 1pm, 4pm & 7pm
City Square Mall, L1 Atrium 


Join Dora and her friend Boots who are on a journey together with PAW Patrol’s Chase and Marshall, and for the first time in Asia, Bubble Guppies’ Gil and Molly to deliver a Christmas present to Santa in the North Pole! Grab your backpack and help them find their way up the Snowy Mountains, to the Icy River and hopefully meet Santa! This is definitely a Christmas adventure you won’t want to miss!

Nick Jr. All-star Meet & Greet!
3 - 18 December 2016 (except on Mon) 
Weekdays:  2.45pm (Dora and Boots) & 7.45pm (Chase and Marshall, Gil and Molly)
Weekends: 1.45pm (Chase, Marshall, Gil and Molly), 4.45pm (Dora and Boots) & 7.45pm (Chase, Marshall, Gil and Molly)
City Square Mall, B2 (Near Travelators)

Bring along your camera to snap a picture with your favourite Nick Jr. characters for a memory you can keep for a long time to come. Dora and Boots, Chase and Marshall, along with Gil and Molly will be at City Square Mall Basement 2 to say hello and pose for a photo with you! With a minimum spend of $50, shoppers can redeem a Meet & Greet pass 1 hour before each live show, limited to 50 passes per session.

A Jingle Jangle Christmas
3, 4, 10, 11, 17 & 18 Dec 2016
4.30pm & 6.30pm
VivoCity, Sky Park (Level 3)

Feel the yuletide joy in the air as VivoCity brings you traditional Christmas performances. Sing along with our carollers, tap your feet to hand bell performers and if you’ve been good this year, let Santa Claus know your wish as he goes around spreading Christmas cheer!

Musical Christmas Tree
18 Nov – 26 Dec 2016 | 7.30pm, 8.30pm, 9.30pm | Sky Park (Level 3)
Celebrate the holiday season with your loved ones under the dazzling 107ft Christmas tree at the Sky Park. Be mesmerized and serenaded by the mechanical Christmas tree light show and heartwarming tunes.

WHERE’S RUDOLPH” Live Show
5 - 11 Dec 2016; 2pm & 6pm daily
Bukit Panjang Plaza Level 2 atrium


Santa and Mrs Claus need help in finding Rudolph in time to deliver presents! Be transformed into a reindeer or an elf. With the help of the Christmas Fairy, help Santa find Rudolph in this all-new musical show from Australia which promises loads of interactive fun! Redeem a photo session with Santa, Mrs Claus, Rudolph and Christmas Fairy with a minimum spend of $30.

Care Bears Live Performance
7 – 13 Dec 2016 (No shows on Mon)
1pm, 4pm & 7pm daily
Bedok Mall, B2 Atrium


Enjoy the melodious tunes of the Care Bears Live Musical Show featuring Funshine Bear, Cheer Bear and Grumpy Bear!

Care Bears Workshops
7 – 13 Dec 2016, B2 Atrium, daily (except Monday) at 2.30pm & 5.30pm
Participate in one of these delightful workshops with a minimum spend of $20.

Pony Magical City
9 - 18 Dec 2016 (No shows on Mon)
Tue - Fri: 1pm & 7pm | Sat & Sun: 1pm, 4pm & 7pm
Suntec City, North Atrium (Between Tower 1 and 2)


A dream come true for My Little Pony fans, the North Atrium in Suntec City will be transformed into
The Pony Magical City! Saddle up and gallop down to meet everyone’s favourite friends from My Little Pony for a magical adventure this Christmas at Suntec City.Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Twilight Sparkle and Spike the dragon will make appearances at the North Atrium and put on a show for families young and old. All it takes is a minimum spend of $80 for a photo opportunity with the stars ($60 for American Express Card Members).

Barney & Friends Favourite Hits
9 - 16 Dec 2016 (No shows on 13 Dec)
Mon - Fri: 2.30pm & 7pm | Sat & Sun: 2pm, 5pm & 7pm
United Square


Catch Barney & Friends Favourite Hits Live Shows featuring the ever popular Barney and friends as they sing their famous theme songs. Spend $50* to redeem a Meet & Greet photo queue number. Limited to first 50 families per session.

Peppa's BIG Holiday Adventure
9 - 18 Dec 2016 (No shows on 14 Dec)
Mon - Fri: 1pm & 6pm | Sat & Sun: 12.30pm, 3.30pm & 6pm
OneKM Mall


The Christmas journey continues at OneKM with a brand new production - Peppa’s Big Holiday Adventure. Follow Peppa and her family on a fun-filled holiday adventure. Spend $50* in a single retail receipt to redeem a Meet & Greet photo queue number. Limited to first 50 families per session.

Meet & Greet the Trolls
10 Dec 2016 (Merlion Plaza) & 17 Dec 2016 (Beach Plaza)
12pm, 2.30pm, 6.00pm 
Sentosa 


Fans of the movie can check out the Meet & Greet sessions with key characters Poppy and Branch in person.

“A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS TALE” Live Show
12 - 18 Dec 2016; 2pm & 6pm daily
Lot One Shoppers’ Mall, Level 1 atrium


Ice Queen attempts to stop Frosty and his girlfriend, Frostette, from delivering the final bag of Christmas Wish Letters to Santa. It is time to create good magic together to defeat Ice Queen’s black-magic. Can you help to save Christmas? Come join us and be part of this exciting interactive live show! Redeem a photo session with Santa, Frosty, Frostette and the Ice Queen with a minimum spend of $30.

Glitter Parade
16, 23, 24 & 25 Dec 2016
8pm – 8.30pm 
L1 Jem Street, JEM

Be dazzled by larger-than-life stilt walkers and sing along with The A Cappella Society. What’s more, receive a complimentary Jem Sparkly Yogurt Coupon~ from Milk & Honey. (Limited to 1 redemption per shopper per day. A maximum of 50 redemptions per day.)

Meet Santa & Friends
17, 18 & 24 Dec 2016
1.15pm & 6.15pm
Tanglin Mall

Santa Claus, Gingerbread Man & Toy Soldier will be making an appearance, and treating the kids will chocolates and sweets!


I'll add to the list as soon as other shows are made known. So do bookmark this post for future updates. Enjoy! :)

Year-End School Holidays Activities for Kids 2016 (November Edition)

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The year-end school holidays are officially here and it is that time of year again where parents start looking for activities to keep their kids occupied. Personally, I can't believe how 2016 is coming to an end so soon! And before we know it, it will be the start of a new school term! *gasp*

But before we get there, there is still the task of injecting FUN into the November and December school holidays. And in case you are  wondering, there are plenty to do! In fact, there are so many activities that I decided to spread the activities into two listings this year - one for activities taking place in the month of November and the other for December.

And judging from the sheer amount of activities happening this month alone, I think I can safely say that December will be even MORE fun! Enjoy!



Arts in Your Neighbourhood
Now until 27 Nov 2016
Various events & timings
FREE


The Arts in Your Neighbourhood (AYN) programme is back again this November bringing you enriching arts experiences at your doorsteps. Packed with more than 40 entertaining, fun and interactive performances and activities over 3 weeks in November, AYN is a great way for everyone to experience the arts in your very own neighbourhood, whether you are catching an arts performance for the first time or a seasoned arts-goer. For more details on the various shows, visit HERE or check out my Top 7 Picks HERE.

Charlotte's Web
Now until 11 Dec 2016
Weekends & Public Holiday: 11am & 2pm | Weekdays: 10am, 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm
KC Arts Centre - Home of SRT
$25, $28


Get entangled in the enchanting story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. Charlotte’s Web is a poignant play that spins a positive message about friendship. Experience this timeless story with the entire family! For tickets, visit HERE.

Christmas on a Great Street
Orchard Road Christmas Light-up
Now until 2 Jan 2017
Orchard Road

Let the twinkling delights of Christmas capture your imagination as you take a leisurely stroll along Orchard Road. This year, immerse yourself in a magical, surreal world along Singapore’s Great Street of fun, food and fashion. Feast your eyes on our colourful display of kaleidoscopic decor and designs.

Bubblestorm at orchardgetway
Now until 26 Dec 2016
7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm & 9.30pm
The avalanche of bubbles conjures up a bubbly underwater environent where the inhabitants of the underwater world come alive to celebrate Christmas like we mortals above water! Plenty of interactive fun and photo opportunity for all.

Free admission to National Orchid Garden 
Now til 2 Jan 2017 
9.30am - 7pm daily 
National Orchid Garden 
FREE Admission 

Enjoy free admission to National Orchid Garden for students, Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, Work Permit Holders and visitors with local residential address. For more details, visit HERE.

Pokémon Research Exhibition
Now until 2 Jan 2017; 10am - 7pm daily
S.E.A. Aquarium, Resorts World Sentosa
Online ticket bundle: Adult $35 (U.P. $42), Child (4-12) | Senior Citzens (60 & above): $23 (U.P. $32)



Calling all aspiring Pokémon Trainers! Get ready to put on your lab coats and discover the amazing types of Pokémon. Become a scientific researcher for a day to investigate the mysterious Pokémon hidden in a Poké Ball. Embark on your mission by choosing the difficulty levels from three Poké Ball – a regular Poké Ball (easy), a Great Ball (medium), or an Ultra Ball (hard). Take on the challenges at various interactive stations to deduce the critter contained within your Poké Balls from intriguing clues.

Merry Medley
Now until 5 Jan 2017; 9am - 9pm
Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
Admission charges apply


Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in the crisp climate of the Flower Dome, where Christmas cheer takes centrestage in the Flower Field.Well-loved stalwarts of the season like poinsettias, amaryllis and Christmas roses grace charming yuletide scenes, while majestic conifer trees of different kinds fill the air with their woody, evergreen scent.

Cocooned in giant glass globes, a lovely ballerina beckons visitors to come forward, as a band of toy soldiers and an angelic choir join in the merry medley. The festivity continues at night as the Flower Dome takes on a magical glow, basking in the radiance of Italian Luminarie lights. For more detailsm visit HERE.

AVENGERS S.T.A.T.I.O.N.
Now until 5 Mar 2017
10am - 6pm
Science Centre Singapore, Annex Hall


Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N (Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network) is a completely interactive experience that brings visitors into the cinematic world of Marvel The Avengers. This exhibition will provide a first hand look at intelligence files, classified studies, and experiments that explores the history and scientific origins of Marvel The Avengers including Iron Man, The Hulk, Captain America, Thor and more. This exhibition brings to life the science behind Super Heroes and allows fans of all ages to participate in a simulated recruitment, as if they were being trained to become Official Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N agent of the beloved Marvel Universe. For more information and tickets, visit HERE.

BrasBasah.Bugis Arts Sprawl: ALLEY-VATE
18 & 19 Nov 2016
Fri, 18 Nov, 6pm - 11pm | Sat, 19 Nov, 12pm - 11pm
Alleyway between DECK (120A Prinsep St) and NAFA Campus 3 (151 Bencoolen St)
FREE


The Bras Basah.Bugis Arts Sprawl celebrates the vibrant and bustling arts and heritage district through an array of exciting programmes, street art and many more within the sub-zones of Bras Basah.Bugis. Set along Prinsep Street and featuring the theme of “Alley-vate”, this third edition of the quarterly programme series explores ways of transforming historic alleys into pop-up urban experiences for visitors. Grab a coffee at the pop-up café, pick up a book at the mobile library, engage the services of our local entrepreneurs at the Gentlemen’s Market, party under the stars and so much more! For more details, visit HERE.

Hello Hokkaido!
18 - 27 Nov 2017; 11am - 10pm
Forum/ Resort World Convention Centre
FREE admission


Get a taste of Hokkaido, renowned for its pristine wilderness and agricultural produce, in our first-ever fair celebrating the island’s finest food and culture! Wander among stalls selling all kinds of goods and authentic yatai street fare while enjoying performances in an atmosphere inspired by the magnificent island. Fresh crab dishes will take centre stage on menus specially put together by our Celebrity Chef Restaurants during this period. So come down now for a fun, delicious time! For more details, visit HERE.

Twilight Encounters
18 Nov - 10 Dec 2016 (Friday & Saturday only)
7.15pm – midnight
Night Safari
Admission fees apply


Expect an enthralling night of lights and colours at Night Safari as the nocturnal landscape is illuminated by fairy and animal light installations. Immerse in the festive cheer at the animal parade, where elaborate costumed animal characters trot and pounce about. Look forward to twilight animal encounters on the walking trails and watch as the park’s denizens of the night engage in specially prepared enrichment activities. For more information on all activities, visit HERE.

Monkey Goes West
18 Nov - 17 Dec 2016
Tue to Sat: 7.30pm | Thur, Sat & Sun: 2.30pm
Drama Centre Theatre
Tue - Thu, 7.30pm: $50, $55, $65, $75
Sat & Sun, 2.30pm, Fri & Sat, 7.30pm: $55, $60, $70, $80


W!LD RICE brings the Year of the Monkey to a happy climax with its 13th holiday musical extravaganza for the whole family! Winner of 'Production of the Year' at the 2015 Straits Times Life Theatre Awards, Monkey Goes West is an affectionate and cheeky retelling of the beloved Chinese fantasy classic. Join us for an epic thrill ride that will take you from Haw Par Villa to Jurong West - by way of a colourful world filled with mythical monsters and naughty fairies. For tickets, visit HERE.

ChariTrees @ Marina Bay 2016
18 Nov - 27 Dec 2016
Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade
FREE


The annual ChariTrees @ Marina Bay is a unique and exclusive fundraising initiative for Singapore to show our support for the less fortunate during the festive season. Launched in 2011, the 6th edition of ChariTrees @ Marina Bay will dot the scenic Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade from 18 November 2016. It aims to promote inclusivity and spread joy to the disadvantaged in our community.

All-star Nick Jr. Wonderland
18 Nov 2016 - 1 Jan 2017; 12pm - 10pm daily
City Square Mall, L1 City Green (Outdoor Park)


Get your party on at City Square Mall’s City Green outdoor park where a playland featuring an array of fun games and activities await you and your family. Be delighted by activities such as a Blaze and the Monster Machines obstacle course, a Shimmer and Shine dress-up palace, life-sized PAW Patrol vehicle displays, a giant Team Umizoomi 1-2-3 Plink Game and more! With a minimum spend of $40, shoppers can redeem a Wonderland Pass at the L2 Customer Service Counter. Activities are suitable for ages 3 and above.

Snowfall Playtime
18 Nov 2016 - 1 Jan 2017
8pm & 9pm daily (Subject to weather conditions)
City Square Mall, L1 City Green (Outdoor Park)

Have loads of fun with enchanting snowfall to complete your magical Christmas! Snowfall Playtime sessions will be happening twice daily at City Green.

Pokemon at Changi
18 Nov 2016 - 20 Feb 2017
Various activities
Changi Airport


Pikachu Meet & Greet
18 Nov 2016 - 1 Jan 2017 (Sat & Sun only)
*NO Meet & Greet on 3  Dec 2016
6pm & 8pm
T3 Departure Hall


Nakiri Face Painting
18 Nov 2016 - 20 Feb 2017
T2 Central Hoarding and 
T3 Opposite Row 11 (only available until 8 Jan 2017)

Pokemon Z-moves
18 Nov 2016 - 20 Feb 2017
T2 Central Hoarding and 
T3 Opposite Row 11 (only available until 8 Jan 2017)


Singapore Discovery Centre 20th Birthday Bash
19 Nov 2016; 12pm - 8pm
Singapore Discovery Centre
FREE


Step Right Up!
19 Nov 2016; 3pm - 7pm
VivoCity, Play Court
FREE


It’s time for some fun and games at VivoCity’s all-new Play Court! Come enjoy a day filled with exciting activities, free popcorn and candy floss, and a chance to win attractive prizes! For more information on what’s in store, visit HERE.

Big Family Day Out
19 Nov 2016; 10am - 9pm
Marina Barrage
FREE


Enjoy a carnival featuring local foods, old-school games and on-stage programmes for the entire family at Marina Barrage.

Outdoor Fest @ Bedok Reservoir
19 Nov 2016; 9am - 3pm
Bedok Reservoir
FREE


Outdoor Fest @ Bedok Reservoir aims to bring residents together to experience free outdoor sports such as kayaking, dragon boating, zumba and crossfit workout in the park. It will be a fun day filled with fringe activities and inflatable sport obstacle which are suitable for all ages.

NParks’ Parks Festival
19 & 20 Nov 2016
19 Nov: 9.30am - 9.30pm | 20 Nov: 9.30am - 5pm
Bishan-AMK Park (River Plains)
FREE


Gather your family and friends for the “NParks' Parks Festival – Parks for Everyone” at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park (River Plains) on 19 Nov (9.30am - 9.30pm) and 20 Nov (9.30am - 5.00pm) 2016! Look forward to a fun-filled weekend at the park, where you can enjoy all our signature programmes and activities at one location! For a detailed listing of all programmes, visit HERE.

Wonders of Sunny the Hornbill
19 Nov - 11 Dec 2016 (Weekends only)
Jurong Bird Park
Admission fess apply


Be captivated by the wonders of Jurong Bird Park’s new animal icon, Sunny the Hornbill. Learn all about hornbills at the mascot meet-and-greet session and from hornbill-themed craft activities. Get up close and personal with a hornbill and get fascinating insights on the bird from resident avian keeper at the Hornbill Chit Chat session. Be sure to catch Sunny’s antics at the High Flyers Show too! For more details on all activities, visit HERE.

Police Community Roadshow 2016
'SAFEGUARDING EVERY DAY'
19 & 20 Nov 2016: The Canopy at J Link
26 & 27 Nov 2016: Waterway Point, Village Square L1
3 & 4 Dec 2016: Toa Payoh HDB Hub, Atrium
10 & 11 Dec 2016: Tampines Community Plaza
17 & 18 Dec 2016: Woodlands Civic Centre
10am - 8pm
FREE

Get up close and personal with the men and women in blue every weekend from 19 November to 18 December at 5 different locations around Singapore to check out one of the largest showcase of Police’s capabilities. Grab this opportunity to see our officers display their skills and talents in special performances. Get a first-hand feel of some of our weapons and operational vehicles. The friendly dogs from Police K-9 Unit will be there to meet you too and show you their special skills. For more details on the programmes, visit HERE.

Double the FUN with Trolls at Sentosa!
19 Nov 2016 - 2 Jan 2017
Sentosa (Merlion Plaza, Merlion Walk, Beach Plaza)
FREE (but island admission fees apply)


Indulge in the festive mood this holiday season, as Sentosa comes to life with a burst of song, dance and colours, featuring your favourite characters from Trolls, the latest DreamWorks animation movie! Come on down and catch Poppy, Branch and the other adorable characters from the movie as they pepper the State of Fun with their perpetual happiness and exuberance.

Merlion Magic Lights! - Trolls Edition
19 Nov 2016 - 2 Jan 2017; Merlion Plaza 
Weekdays: 7.45pm, 8.15pm, 8.45pm and 9.15pm
Weekends, Eve of PH and PH: 7.45pm, 8.15pm, 8.45pm, 9.15pm, 9.45pm and 10.15pm 
Merlion Magic Lights! returns with a special Trolls edition this time round! Catch the spectacular light show as the lovable characters from Trolls sing and dance their way all over the iconic Sentosa Merlion!

Meet & Greet the Trolls
10 Dec 2016 (Merlion Plaza) & 17 Dec 2016 (Beach Plaza)
12pm, 2.30pm, 6.00pm

Trolls Playground
19 Nov 2016 - 2 Jan 2017; iFly Singapore, Level 2
Bring your kids to iFly Singapore and let them bring out their inner-Trolls at this Trolls-edition playground!

Shadow Play
19 Nov - 26 Dec 2016; Beach Plaza
Lights on from 7.30pm - 11pm
Engage in some shadow play and fun at night with Trolls props and more!

Trolls Ambience and Photo Points
Stretching from Merlion Walk all the way down to Beach Plaza, look out for Trolls mural walls, ambience decorations, photopoints and more! Get your cameras ready, and don't forget to share your adorable selfies/wefies with the Trolls characters on Facebook and Instagram.

NASA – A Human Adventure
19 Nov 2016 - 19 Mar 2017
10am - 7pm
ArtScience Museum
Admission charges apply


NASA – A Human Adventure is the most comprehensive and extensive touring space flight exhibition in the world. The exhibition marshals an extraordinary collection of over 200 historically significant artifacts from the U.S. and Soviet Union space programs. The objects on display in the exhibition are original and space flown objects or high fidelity replicas and scale models. For more details, visit HERE.

A Right Rubbish Christmas
20 Nov 2016; 10.30am & 2.30pm
Sands Theatre, MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands
$35, $45, $55


Take one greedy king, his dentally-challenged daughter, a wicked self-centered, self-indulgent, self-loving, self-serving, selfish, stuck-up advisor, throw in a pantomime dame, her long suffering son, a fairy godmother and a cow, add a sprinkle of songs and a dollop of laughs, shake enthusiastically...and dump them in the rubbish - and hey presto, you have all the ingredients for this big hearted, fast paced and hilariously funny family show. For tickets, visit HERE.

ONE15 Christmas Boat Light Parade 2016
25 & 26 Nov 2016
7.30pm til late
Along the Sentosa boardwalk & the VivoCity boardwalk 
FREE


Be dazzled once again by the stunning display of lights at Singapore’s first and only Boat Light Parade on 25 and 26 November 2016! Forming a flotilla of over 30 boats each night, these Christmas-themed boats will set sail from ONEº15 Marina Club to the Sentosa Boardwalk and the VivoCity Promenade in a competition to be named best decorated boat, and light up the parade route as they pass by Siloso Beach, Fort Siloso, Resorts World Sentosa, HarbourFront and VivoCity.

Father Christmas
25 - 27 Nov 2016
25 Nov (Fri): 5pm | 26 Nov (Sat): 11am, 2pm & 4.30pm | 27 Nov (Sun):11am, 2pm & 4.30pm
SOTA Drama Theatre
$38, $48, $58


Direct from the UK, this production brings Raymond Briggs' classic storybook to life.  Join Father Christmas this year as he bounds off the page and onto the stage in this fantastic family production.

Come and meet Father Christmas as he gets ready for his busiest night of the year... with so many presents to deliver, will he get finished before the morning? Will his pets, Cat and Dog let him leave the house? And will his Reindeer be able to pull his Sleigh in the snow? Come and find out in this magical and musical family adventure, which will delight adults and children alike. For tickets, visit HERE.

Light To Night Festival
25 - 27 Nov, 2 - 4 Dec 2016
National Gallery singapore
FREE


In celebration of National Gallery Singapore's first anniversary, a myriad of interactive installations and engaging programmes have been lined up for everyone. Ranging from film screenings to music performances, join in the festivities that run from dawn to dusk over the next two weekends. For more information, visit HERE.

Brick-Tacular Holidays
25 Nov - 31 Dec 2016
LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort
Admission charges apply


It’s a LEGO® wonderland at LEGOLAND® during the end-of-year festive holidays with a huge Advent Calendar that shares a surprise each day, Christmas tree made from LEGO® bricks and stage shows to keep your spirits merry and joyful.

Pasir Panjang Nursery Tour
26 Nov 2016;
Four sessions: 8am, 9am, 10am & 11am
Pasir Panjang Nursery
FREE

At the heart of operations for Singapore’s City in a Garden vision is the Pasir Panjang Nursery (PPN), located adjacent to HortPark. The tour of Pasir Panjang Nursery is a once-a-year opportunity that offers visitors a rare glimpse into NParks’ behind-the-scenes nursery operations for the greening up of Singapore.

Grandparents’ Day Picnic
26 Nov 2016; 5pm - 9.30pm
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park Activity Lawn II
FREE

Enjoy family time at Families for Life picnic and as we celebrate Grandparents together at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park!  Families can look forward to fun activities for the young and old, a "Style Swop" Family Dress-Up Contest, music performances, bouncy castle, puppet show Wow Wayang! Wayang Kulit Singapura - Superheroes by performing arts company Sri Warisan and local blockbuster movie screening of Jack Neo's Long Long Time Ago Part 1 under the stars! For more details, visit HERE.

398.2 Storytelling Festival
26 Nov 2016: 11am - 8pm (Woodlands Regional Library)
3 Dec 2016; 11am - 6pm (Asian Civilisations Museum)
FREE


After last year's highly successful inaugural 398.2 Storytelling Festival where over 3,000 people attended, they are back again with a bigger line-up featuring 16 storytellers and 70 events – led by award-winning storyteller Roger Jenkins with his Story Line team. Sessions for all ages, guaranteed to be highly interactive and lots of fun! For more details, visit HERE.

Zoo-Rassic Park
26 Nov - 18 Dec 2016 (Weekends only)
Various Timings
Singapore Zoo
Admission charges apply


A pack of dinosaurs has stomped its way into Singapore Zoo and River Safari to teach guests valuable lessons about saving today’s species from extinction this year end. Step back in time to Zoo-rassic Park, and marvel at crowd favourites like the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Spinosaurus, Stegosaurus, Triceratops and a host of their prehistoric cousins as they draw you into immersive discovery trails that draw parallels to the parks’ living collections during the weekends of 26 Nov – 18 Dec 2016.

Try your hand at being a paleontologist by excavating dinosaur fossils. Journey through the Same Same But Different Trail to learn about convergent evolution and be amazed by how the animals of today share similar features and behaviours with these relics of the past. Don’t miss out on a perfect photo opportunity with our T-rex and Velociraptor friends as they welcome you into this realm of giants past, accompanied by their charismatic dinosaur keeper. For more details on all activities, visit HERE.

Car-Free Sunday SG
27 Nov 2016
7.30am - 5pm (Various Activities)
Padang, Esplande Park and surrounding areas
FREE
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.

Highlights include a Kids' Zone (7.30am to 12.00pm) where kids can 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.

My Little Pony Musical Rainbow Rocks
27 Nov 2016
11 am, 2.30 pm & 5.30 pm
Resorts World Theatre, Resorts World Sentosa
$48, $78, $88, $115, $148


Shake your tail down to Canterlot High School, and learn how the rainbow rocks! Those funny and fabulous Equestria Girls are getting ready to enter their band, the Rainbooms, in the Canterlot High musical showcase. But there's trouble brewing: former bad girl Sunset Shimmer just can't make any friends; while rival girl band, the Dazzlings, are clearly up to something. Why do they want to turn the showcase into a mighty Battle of the Bands? Are the Dazzlings planning something much more sinister? And will Sunset Shimmer ever be forgiven by the other students at Canterlot High? There's only one way to find out: join the Equestria Girls as they try to defeat the forces of evil, with the help of Sunset Shimmer and everybody's favorite pony, Twilight Sparkle! Sure, friendship is magic: but to restore the harmony, the band must battle! For tickets, visit HERE.

Melodious Tunes in the Gardens
27 Nov 2016; 6m - 7pm
Singapore Botanic Gardens, Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage
FREE

Join in for an evening of chinese orchestra performance by Jurong Green CC Chinese Orchestra along with Hua Sheng Musical Association. This concert is organised by the Singapore Kityang Association, in celebration of its 75th anniversary.

School Holiday Sports Programmes Nov/Dec 2016
Various sports and locations by ActiveSG


The school holidays are here again! Join us yet again to keep active, be happy and be sporty! Definitely a fun way to relax before school bell starts ringing again. Check out the list of sporting activities HERE.

Playeum's A World Full of Stories
Now until 30 Apr 2017
Tues - Sun: 10am - 6pm (Closed on Mondays)
Playeum
$22 per child (1-12) | Accompanying adult: Free | Additional accompanying adult: $10


Playeum has refreshed its exhibition with 'A World Full of Stories', which combines the fundamental facets of stories with play. Specifically designed for children aged 1-12, the exhibition offers a series of interactive and open-ended spaces for young minds to feed their creative imagination through role play, storymaking, illustration, writing, drama and puppetry.

Encouraging children to employ the active use of imagination through creative expression, ‘A World
Full of Stories’ consists of ELEVEN installations in total! Check out my preview guide HERE.

Christmas Shows at the Malls 2016


Take your pick from Peppa Pig, My Little Pony, Tayo, Dora, Barney, Hi-5, Thomas, Pororo, Paw Patrol and more! See the entire comprehensive list here: www.cheekiemonkie.net/2016/11/christmas-shows-and-meet-greets-shopping-malls-2016.html


PHEW, those are A LOT of activities huh? But there is still the entire month of DECEMBER to come... so stay tuned to the Part 2 of my list!

All You Need to Know about Pokémon at Changi Airport

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For all things Pokémon, Changi Airport is the place to be this festive season. And I do not mean just heading there to play Pokémon Go on your smartphone. Because if you are lucky, you may just bump into a cute yellow creature.


PIKACHU!

This holiday season, the terminals of Changi Airport are decked out in fun Pokémon-inspired festive decorations, while kids will be able to witness the adorable Pikachu brought to live through these fun activities.

Pikachu Winter Wonderland at T3 Departure Hall


Right smack in the middle of T3 Departure lies a whimsical setting featuring a Gingerbread House, Christmas trees (decorated with Pokémon plushies and Poké Ball baubles!) and candy canes. But the real centrepiece of the display is this - a towering, larger-than-life Pikachu!


This is also the place where visitors can soak in a Musical and Lights Show of dancing trees and falling snow - taking place at 2pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm on weekdays and at an additional time slot of 5pm on weekends.


Fancy snapping a selfie with Pikachu? Meet and Greet the most popular Pokémon every weekend from 19 Nov 2016 to 1 Jan 2017 (except 3 Dec 2016), at 6pm and 8pm.


Oh, and remember to step inside the Gingerbread House featuring Santa’s Workshop and Mrs Claus’ Confectionary which are filled with children's toys and yummy delights.

Free Pokémon Activity Kiosks


What's a Pokémon experience without some electronic games? Head to activity kiosks found at all three Terminals where kids (or adults) can try their hands at two types of activities - Z-Movesand Narikiri Face Painting.


At the Z-Moves activity kiosks, one can practice his/her moves together with Litten, Rowlet and Popplio.



Or if you prefer to be transformed to look like Pikachu, the Narikiri Face Painting activity kiosk will do just that thanks to the Pokémon-inspired filters.


After you have participated in the Z-Moves or face painting activity, you can also share the fun videos on social media and let your friends have a good laugh. Here's how to view the videos that you have taken through the kiosks.


Snorlax Garden


Over at T2 Departure Hall, a rare sighting of not one, but three life-sized Snorlax lounging at the Snorlax Garden is a photo opportunity that kids will be clamouring for.

Pop by SengkangBabies' blog to read about their experience too!

Follow the Poké Trail


26 life-sized Pokémon figures have been scattered around Changi Airport, both in the public and transit areas.

Snap and share at least 3 selfies with 3 different characters on social media and redeem exclusive Pokémon merchandise at T3 Departure Hall! Remember to use the hashtag #PokemonatChangi for the redemption to be valid.


Pokémon Plush Toys


A set of 9 limited-edition Pokémon plush toys will also be up for redemption at Changi Airport, featuring five popular Pokémon characters - Pikachu, Eevee, Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle, and three new characters from Nintendo's new Sun and Moon series - Rowlet, Litten and Popplio - as well the Poké Ball!

Each of these plush toys can be purchased for $9.90 with a minimum spend of $60 in the public area, $90 on iShopChangi.com or $120 in the transit area, Changi Recommends and supermarkets in a single receipt.


One thing's for sure - you gotta catch'em all!


Useful Information

Pokémon at Changi
Date: 18 Nov 2016 - 20 Feb 2017
Venue: Changi Airport
Website: pokemon.changiairport.com

Pikachu Meet & Greet
18 Nov 2016 - 1 Jan 2017 (Sat & Sun only)
*NO Meet & Greet on 3  Dec 2016
6pm & 8pm
T3 Departure Hall

Nakiri Face Painting
18 Nov 2016 - 20 Feb 2017
T2 Central Hoarding (Public area) and
T3 Opposite Row 11, Departure Hall (only available until 8 Jan 2017)

Pokemon Z-moves
18 Nov 2016 - 20 Feb 2017
T1 Transit Central Piazza
T2 Central Hoarding (Public area) and
T3 Opposite Row 11, Departure Hall (only available until 8 Jan 2017)

Musical and Lights Show
Weekdays: 2pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm
Weekends: 2pm, 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm
T3 Departure Hall

Experiential Learning Fun for Kids at Happy Sparks

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I think we can agree that kids learn more quickly and retain more information when the subject matter relates to them personally. The act of doing makes learning extremely personal. Which is why experiential learning is not only more interesting, but it also engages all of a child’s senses, an important element to retaining knowledge.

Well, that and learning through play too. Because honestly, which child can ever resist a huge bouncy castle?


And that was what Times Experience - the newly formed events and e-commerce subsidiary of Times Publishing Group - set out to do as they launched Happy Sparks, Singapore’s first experiential learning event for kids last weekend.

Targeted at children from 3 to 12 and their parents, the first large-scale experiential edutainment event ran for 4 days at the Singapore Expo Hall and offered plenty of out-of-classroom experiential learning experiences.


What was interesting was the segregation of the event space into various zones, with each zone targeted at a different learning aspect.

Multiple Intelligence Zone 


Presented by UOB and powered by Flying Cape, the the Multiple Intelligence Zone invited kids to participate in a Multiple Intelligence Developmental Assessment Scales (MIDAS) Test developed by Dr. Branton Shearer to identify the child’s SMARTS. The results were then evaluated by the experts from Flying Cape, Singapore’s first comprehensive education booking website that recommends classes based on the eight different smarts, to best nurture the child’s potential.


There was also the Smart Quest Zone where children can enrich their imagination through multimedia interactivity and digital technology powered by Mosh! and witness their colouring and doodling masterpieces come to life. Yes, something that the monkies absolutely loved!


Creative Expression Zone

Partners including Stabilo and National Library Board (NLB), presented highlights that can help
stimulate a child’s creativity. As part of its nationwide Reading Movement, National Library Board brought in a massive pop-up library to Happy Sparks where children can borrow books on the spot.

At the Knowledge Room, Stabilo conducted a ‘Secret Language of Colours’ parent-child colouring and craft workshop, where children created their own art pieces which in turn were used to understand the child’s motivations through colour therapy.

Media Zone

Without a doubt, this has got to be the most fun station of the lot for the monkies!


Cha-Ching Money Smart Kids is a financial literacy programme designed to equip 7 to 12 year olds with the knowledge, tools and practice they need to make informed financial decisions to reach their own personal goals and dreams.

Its storylines have been written around the four key concepts of money: Earn, Save, Spend and Donate. Children mostly only see spend, but it also needs to be understood that Earn, Save, Spend, Donate is a cycle of money and they are choices that have to be made every day, throughout life... which was what the various game stations advocated.


Well, Ale unfortunately chose to spend ALL her earnings in the end so I guess she still has much to learn. LOL.

Science Zone


Appealing to children passionate about science, Smart Science Lab conducted multiple ‘Magical Chemistry’ sessions where kids got to experiment with chemicals to create their own colourful potions.

At the Maker’s Corner, Science Centre Singapore also conducted sessions for children interested in robotics and programming to program their own dancing robot in the ‘Play with KIBO!” workshops. In addition, KidsStop taught kids how to recycle used materials into moving toys in their ‘Toys, Gears and Engineers!’ workshops.

EduTech Zone

With technology being a large part of education, technology partner Samsung showcased their latest gadgets and how their tablets and products can help facilitate learning for the 21st century learner. And this was also where I got to play around with the Samsung Gear 360!


I have to say the Gear 360 has a striking design. Together with its foldable rubber “legs” which serve as a mini tripod or a grip, it looks like a cute ice cream cone. The camera has two lenses with each capturing respective front and rear images, and they are then stitched together.


Personally, I think it is a very fun camera to use and I already foresee it being extremely useful when it comes to taking family portrait shots (together with the entire 360 degrees background) on vacations!


Experience Zone – World of Wonders



Also launched during the event was Brainy Arkies, a novel educational mobile application that is aligned with the latest Ministry of Education, Singapore’s Primary 1 to 4 Mathematics syllabuses.

Developed by Marshall Cavendish Education, the app is designed to help children aged 6 to 10 learn Mathematics while having fun through the different ages, progressing from Stone to Space Age. With 12,000 questions in the database that is mapped to the school curriculum to start with, parents can monitor their child’s progress via a linked account to manage the topics, sub-topics and even the amount of time each child is allowed to play. Parents are able to engage and motivate their children to learn through play and analyse their child’s progress into a report so they can plan for the topics for their child to focus on. They can collect virtual rewards, harvest gold and share their progress with their friends who are also on the mobile application.

Brainy Arkies is now available for download from the App Store or Google Play with a free 14-day trial. After the trial, parents can subscribe to the application starting from S$9.98 for one month to view detailed solutions and reports and have access to parental control.


The Experience Zone also featured World of Wonders a Virtual Reality (VR) activity area, where kids had a go at a VR-adapted version of the Brainy Arkies app. The monkies went on a trail into the Stone Age and watched it come alive on the Samsung VR Gear. In addition, they also tried their hands on putting together a memory puzzle and a 3D version of blocks to form a pyramid.


Of course, having plenty of other fun activities like giant building blocks made out of foam and jumping on a bouncy castle were surefire hits with the monkies too.



Oh, and bumping into cartoon characters and realising that they are pretty hip was cool too!


Happy Sparks is planned to be an annual event so as to allow parents a channel to access different options that cater to their children’s learning needs, so do look out for the next edition when it rolls along!

7 Reasons to Ditch the Hotel for a Vacation Rental

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Staying in hotels during a vacation is the usual way of doing things but truth is, if you have seen one hotel room, you have seen them all. There is another option when it comes to vacation accommodations though -  and it involves saving money, having more space, and trying something different.


The answer? Vacation rental because renting a home can often be less expensive or similarly priced to staying in a hotel, but you get SO much more in a home. And if you are travelling with the kids, here are some more reasons why vacation rentals can be better than hotels for family vacations:

1. A separate room for the kids
This is the NUMBER ONE reason why vacation rentals appeal so much to me. Just so that everyone gets a good night's sleep. Booking a single hotel room would mean all 5 of us being crammed onto a double bed or if we are lucky, plus an extra bed. Booking two hotel rooms would break the bank. Booking an apartment or house with two rooms however, would mean having extra space for everyone at a cheaper cost.

3-bedroom apartment, Ueno, Tokyo

2. Space, space, and more space
Admit it, who has let their kids run loose along the hotel corridors because they are desperate for them to expend some energy? A vacation rental home means having more space for kids to run around and play, instead of being cooped up together in a single hotel room and have them bouncing off the walls.

Grand Pool Villa, Rawai, Phuket

3. Privacy
Not having to deal with noisy guests at 2am or even having to scramble for seats at the buffet breakfast restaurant. Need I say more? Going on a vacation means I am looking to relax from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and get far away from the crowds, and a vacation rental property ticks off that box.

Jaspers Cottage, Blue Mountains, Australia

4. Cook, Eat, Repeat
One of the advantages of a vacation rental is the added convenience of having your own kitchen. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and even supper are all at one's fingertips, which makes preparing meals for the family a breeze. Plus, it definitely saves more money!

Cultural House, Taipei

5. Live like a local
When you stay in a hotel you never really get the essence of a destination. When you are in a home, you really feel like a local - from shopping for food in the local market to meeting the neighbours. A home can open your eyes to a whole new world of experiences. And you can even choose to book a home waking up to a view like this. Wowsers.

Beach Club, Bali

6. So much more than just a room with a view

But having a splendid view is just one facet of the vacation. Having the chance to stay in a home with a unique character builds up those holiday memories. Say goodbye to sterile, carbon-copy hotel rooms and choose a place with personality!

Luxurious River View House, Seoul

7. Longer stays
Staying at hotels for more than a week can get expensive really fast. A vacation rental can deliver a lot of value for longer stays at a competitive price per night. Great excuse to extend that holiday, if you ask me.

3-Bedroom Villa, Auckland

But I know what you are thinking. The rental process can be daunting - where to look for a vacation rental, how to find the right property, will it look like the photos when you get there?

Guess what? Booking a home is easier than you think, and the result is going to be better than you imagined it to be. Because with HomeAway, you get a rental from the world's largest selection of vacation rentals with more than 1.2 million listings.


Part of Expedia family, HomeAway believes that vacation rentals let you enjoy a whole vacation experience like no other accommodation type - it provides space and privacy to truly bond with your loved ones and create lasting memories.

Booking is entirely free to use - there are no registration fees - and payments for bookings are made through a secure online payment system, meaning that rental home for your next vacation can be booked in a fuss-free manner! So whether you are looking for an apartment in the heart of the city, a whole house or even a mansion (!), there is something for everyone and every budget.


And because it's the festive season, HomeAway is giving away not one, but THREE dream holidays for 1 lucky traveller!

Simply book your #GetAwayWithHomeAway now until December 10, 2016 to qualify for a chance to win 3 stays in 3 of your dream holiday destinations worth a total of SGD$6,000*. Imagine staying in a luxury villa in Bali, a traditional Japanese home in Tokyo AND a central-located apartment in Hong Kong!

To get started, sign up via HERE for an exclusive 10% discount on your first holiday booking with HomeAway!


For more information, visit www.homeaway.com.sg
*The winner is entitled a stay in a HomeAway accommodation worth SGD$2,000 every year until 2019. Terms & Conditions apply.

Why Visa Checkout will Make your Online Shopping Experience Better

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Who loves online shopping?

*steal a glance at my wifey*

Because online shopping is extremely convenient, no? From avoiding queues to being able to compare prices between online merchants easily, making a purchase online is pretty much hassle-free. Heck, one can even shop in your pyjamas!

But with more Singaporeans - 71% if you are into numbers - shopping online at least once a month and spending an average of 41 minutes shopping online per day, you would think that the experience would be completely hassle-free. However, there are still some online shopping pains that can occur.

Top of the list has got to be the frustration that comes with making online payments on e-commerce websites. I have got to admit, re-entering my personal details on different merchants’ websites can get extremely cumbersome and time consuming. In fact, there were a few times that I had abandoned my purchases at check-out just because the details that I had to enter seemed endless!

And something tells me this frustration multiplies when one shops on his/her mobile, simply because we do not have the luxury of time to constantly enter the same personal details and information on various online shopping sites.

The solution? Two words.

Visa Checkout.

Visa Checkout is a solution offered by Visa to make online payments easier for consumers like you and me. The intent is to make online shopping faster, easier, and more secure by eliminating the need for us to type in the same information over and over again when shopping online.

Sounds cool. Even cooler is that it is FREE to sign up and the process is a breeze!


All I had to do was to sign up using my email, enter my preferred credit or debit card number and details, and shipping address... and I was done!


The best part of all? I only need one account which can be used on both laptops and mobile devices.

Then I was all set to shop online!


In order to use Visa Checkout, all I had to do is to keep a lookout for the 'Visa Checkout' button.


Once I am done loading my shopping cart with items, I clicked on Visa Checkout button to sign in with my email address and password. The credit card and address information in my Visa Checkout account can then be automatically used and that's about it, really.

If it sounds ridiculously simple, that's because it really is!

Visa Checkout eliminates the need to enter credit card numbers, CVV numbers and credit card expiry dates, ensuring faster transactions and saving time. In fact, it also reduces the number of steps required for consumers to complete their online purchases, making it hassle-free and enhancing the entire shopping experience. And did I mention that Visa Checkout can be accessed on all mobile devices - Androids and iPhones - too? Can't beat the convenience!


Merchants that accepts Visa Checkout include Aviva, Cold Storage, ComGateway, Giant, Guardian, Spizza, Emirates, Qoo10 (Oooh, the wifey's fave!) and Golden Village. More merchants will be coming on board in the future, with exclusive promotions for Visa Checkout-enrolled shoppers.

To test out if the buying experience was truly hassle-free, I tried purchasing movie tickets from Golden Village for a school holiday treat for the monkies. After selecting the date, time and seats for the movie, I clicked on the 'Visa Checkout' button.


After a quick sign-in, I reviewed the payment details and clicked on the 'Pay' button. And I was done. No need to get up to retrieve my wallet, take out my credit card and enter the details. All it took was a few clicks and I got my tickets purchased. That's really fuss-free!


And the icing on the cake? Finding out that I was eligible to purchase 4 Golden Village movie tickets for the price of 3 with any Visa Platinum, Visa Signature or Visa Infinite card... thanks to Visa Checkout! Well, if you prefer, you can also enjoy the exclusive Gold Class Infinite Experience Package for two and enjoy up to 28% discount.


So not only does Visa Checkout save time, it is also rewarding!


To sign up for free, visit HERE.

This story was produced in conjunction with Visa Worldwide Pte. Limited. The above information provided for Visa & Golden Village is for informational purposes only. Cheekiemonkie is not liable for any informational errors, incompleteness, or delays, or for any actions taken in reliance on information contained herein.

Year-End School Holidays Activities for Kids 2016 (December Edition)

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We are into the final month of 2016! As promised, here is the listing for all kid-friendly activities taking place for the school holiday month of December and trust me when I say it is going to be a fun-filled month packed with loads of activities ahead.


I will add onto the list when I come across new activities along the way so do check back often. For now, take your pick from a mind-boggling buffet of more than 50 activities!


Christmas Shows at the Malls 2016


Take your pick from Peppa Pig, My Little Pony, Tayo, Dora, Barney, Hi-5, Thomas, Pororo, Paw Patrol and more! See the entire comprehensive list here: www.cheekiemonkie.net/2016/11/christmas-shows-and-meet-greets-shopping-malls-2016.html

Evenings at the Bandstand
1 & 2 Dec 2016; 7pm - 8.45pm
Singapore Botanic Gardens, Bandstand
FREE

Pack your picnic baskets and join in for the year-end celebrations with performances of different genre by established local artistes at the Bandstand from now until 2 December. From Jazz to Latin music, there is something for everyone! For more details, visit HERE.

Santa's All-Star Christmas
1 Dec 2016 - 2 Jan 2017
Universal Studios Singapore
Admission Charges apply


Embark on the Universal Journey and immerse yourself in a dazzling adventure through eight thematic zones featuring countless, illuminating lights. The stunning light sculptures include the quaint European town of Herald’s Square, the towering trees of the Enchanted Pine Forest, the fantasy dreamscapes of Haven of the Pixies, and the festive and adorable Land of Great Gifts – every one of them twinkling and glowing with multi-hued splendor. For a detailed listing of all activities, visit HERE.

Merry Fishmas
1 Dec 2016 - 2 Jan 2017
S.E.A. Aquarium
Admission Charges apply


The enchantments of Christmas season fills the air… and underwater, as S.E.A. Aquarium creates a magical time filled with wonderful sights and heartwarming stories of how everyone can play his or her part to conserve our oceans. For a detailed listing of all activities, visit HERE.

Light To Night Festival
2 - 4 Dec 2016
National Gallery Singapore
FREE


In celebration of National Gallery Singapore's first anniversary, a myriad of interactive installations and engaging programmes have been lined up for everyone. Ranging from film screenings to music performances, join in the festivities that run from dawn to dusk over the next two weekends. For more information, visit HERE.

Hi-5 Fairytale
2 - 4 Dec 2016
Fri & Sun: 10.30am & 2.30pm | Sat: 10.30am, 2.30pm & 6.30pm
Sands Theatre, MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands
$45, $65, $105, $115, $125


Hi-5 Fairytale is a theatrical extravaganza full of your favourite fairytale stories with special Hi-5 twists in the "tale" and amazing fairytale adventures of course! The lovable Hi-5 puppet, Chatterbox, narrates from her magical Hi-5 book of Sharing Stories - just like the TV show. Chats, as she is lovingly known, reveals exciting surprises for the cast and audience along the way. The Hi-5 cast - Mary, Dayen, Lachie, Chris and Tanika all play a part in each fairytale; even Jup Jup stars in one.

Parents and children will be delighted as they watch the funny stories unfold. See how the Brave Prince of Knights and Sir Bucket Head try to awaken the cheeky Princess Sleepyhead. Cheer on your favourite bug as Speedy the Ant and Slomo the Snail race off to vie for first place. Jup Jup even discovers his family has extraordinary powers. There are stories of dragons, dinosaurs and even pirates! For tickets, visit HERE.

BookFest@Singapore 2016
2 - 11 Dec 2016; 10am - 10pm
Suntec Singapore, Hall 401 - 406
FREE Admission


Returning to Suntec Singapore from 2 - 11 December 2016, BookFest@Singapore 2016 will take place across two weekends during the school holidays. Covering 130,000 sq ft – the largest ever, the event serves as a perfect retail platform for leading publishers and distributors to come together, showcasing their products and services. In conjunction with the 10th Anniversary celebrations, 10 exciting themes have been picked out to focus the celebratory activities, namely Health, Children, Literature, Home Improvement, Self-Help, Enrichment, Food, Family Lucky Draws, Authors and Celebrities. This year, the event will host more competition and games so as to engage customers better. Expect plenty of opportunities for great fun and prizes coming your way!

Making a comeback is the Titbits Carnival! Titbit lovers will be in for a treat as bargains range from imported snacks to organic chips and local favourites. Definitely a delicious fanfare one can never miss!

FUN-tastic Fridays
2, 9, 16 & 23 Dec 2016; 12pm - 4pm
Asian Civilisations Museum
FREE (Admission charges apply for entry into galleries)

Calling all explorers this school holiday! Embark on a voyage to faraway ports. We will journey across different lands, and unravel the mysteries of the past through exciting interactive character tour and stories. What’s more? Make this Christmas season special by making your own Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Join us on this globetrotting journey every Friday!

Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay 2016
2 Dec 2016 - 1 Jan 2017; 3.30pm to 11pm daily
Gardens by the Bay
$4 (2 to 8 Dec) | $6 (9 to 15 Dec) | $8 (16 Dec to 1 Jan)


Christmas Wonderland, Singapore’s biggest yuletide fair, was created to enthral visitors with a combination of magnificent sculptures of light and charming festive markets alongside carnival games. Back for its third year, Christmas Wonderland 2016 spans 57,000 square metres, across four main areas: the magnificent Luminarie light sculptures which begin at the Golden Garden and extend throughout the festival site; the Festive Market at the Supertree Grove; the Fairground, Ice Palace and Hi-5 Funtastic House in The Meadow. For details on what to expect, read my blog post HERE.

BounceOFF! Fiesta 2016
2 Dec 2016 - 1 Jan 2017
Weekdays: 5pm - 11pm | Weekends: 2pm - 11pm
Bayfront Event Space
From $25 (Full rates HERE)
Asia's Largest Outdoor Inflatable Play Space - BOUNCEOFF! FIESTA 2016 flagship edition is here! This is one mega fiesta you would not want to miss as we are set on giving you a bigger, bolder, and most definitely unforgettable inflatable play experience! Get ready to BOUNCE, SLIDE, JUMP and FEAST in our Fiesta this December! Featuring 4 major play zones, each with distinctive highlights of its own, stretching over 2 major festive holidays across over 40,000 square meter space along Singapore's Central Business District. For more details, visit HERE.

“Reading With Nature” Series: Grandma’s Pear Tree
(A Storytelling Session cum Guided Tour)
3 Dec 2016; 10am - 11am
Singapore Botanic Gardens, Ridley Hall
FREE (Pre-registration required)


Join us for a fun-filled session and learn more about a ball that gets stuck in Grandma’s pear tree and how everyone tries to help get it back. This session will provide children with the opportunity to explore nature together with a storytelling session by the Junior Reading Ambassadors and a general tour around the Singapore Botanic Gardens! This “Reading With Nature” Series is jointly organised by Singapore Botanic Gardens and the National Library Board. To register, visit HERE.

Saturdays@ACM: Season of Joy
3 Dec 2016; 11am - 6pm
Asian Civilisations Museum
FREE


Voyage across the seas to strange islands as master storytellers from 398.2 Storytelling Festival transport you into a world of fascinating tales. Make your own masterpiece to take home when you join us for a fantastical good time at ACM!

HomeTeamNS-JOM Members' Carnival with Christmas Celebration
3 Dec 2016; 10am - 8pm
HometeamNS-JOM (31 Ah Hood Road)
FREE


Top attractions include family water carnival, face painting, photo booth and inflatables. There will also be free trials for hoola hoop fitness, zumba and kickboxing. Free lollies, free flow of popcorn and kacang puteh!

A Beautiful Life Fiesta
3 Dec 2016; 5.30pm - 7pm
Singapore Botanic Gardens, Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage
FREE

As Singapore and Japan celebrate 50 years of normalized ties, Channel NewsAsia brings a touch of Japan to all Singaporeans in an outdoor fiesta culminating in an extraordinary showcase by a group of octogenarians from Okinawa group KBG84, fondly termed as the singing idols back home. These superstar granny idols will fly to Singapore and perform at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage at the Singapore Botanic Gardens on Saturday, December 3rd 2016. Click HERE to find out more.

Believe – SLO Children’s Choir in Concert
3 Dec 2016; 7.30pm
Esplanade Concert Hall
$28


A concert by the SLO Children’s Choir, Believe touches on love, peace and brotherhood. Building upon their imagination while enjoying the beauty of nature’s creation, the Choir will sing about what they hold true to themselves: the ultimate believe to achieve their personal dreams and hopes and promises to better themselves.

Highlights will include popular tunes from Zootopia (Try Everything), from Pinocchio (Hoshi ni negai o / When You Wish Upon a Star) and an operatic medley from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 64 (a Choral Suite). Joining them in this concert is the Chorale from Pei Chun Public School.

Gratitude is the Best Attitude
3 & 4 Dec 2016; 2.30pm & 4.30pm
library@esplanade
FREE


Look forward to an interactive puppet show and puppet-making session that will teach children the value of gratitude through songs and stories! Recommended for ages 2 – 5. Limited capacity on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission stickers will be distributed 30mins before each session at the door.

Police Community Roadshow 2016
'SAFEGUARDING EVERY DAY'
3 & 4 Dec 2016: Toa Payoh HDB Hub, Atrium
10 & 11 Dec 2016: Tampines Community Plaza
17 & 18 Dec 2016: Woodlands Civic Centre
10am - 8pm
FREE

Get up close and personal with the men and women in blue every weekend from 19 November to 18 December at 5 different locations around Singapore to check out one of the largest showcase of Police’s capabilities. Grab this opportunity to see our officers display their skills and talents in special performances. Get a first-hand feel of some of our weapons and operational vehicles. The friendly dogs from Police K-9 Unit will be there to meet you too and show you their special skills. For more details on the programmes, visit HERE.

Play It Forward Finale
5 - 11 Dec 2016; 11am - 9pm
Causeway Point, Central Atrium L1


Get in on the very last stop of Singapore’s Largest Charity Ball Pool Event at Causeway Point this Christmas! Don’t miss your last chance to dive into a gigantic ball pool filled with 100,000 colourful balls from 5 to 11 December 2016!

Donate a minimum of $5 to get 15 minutes of free play in the ball pool. Participants must wear a pair of socks before entering the ball pool. You can bring your own or buy a new pair onsite for only $1.

Happy Pets Happy 'Hood
5 - 11 Dec 2016; 12pm - 8pm daily
Waterway Point, Village Square, L1 West Wing
FREE (*some workshops may be chargeable with proceeds going to animal welfare groups)


It's the holiday season but let's not forget our furry friends! We are happy to bring you the Happy Pets Happy 'Hood event at Waterway Point! This event focuses on the importance of being a responsible and considerate pet owner and we have a host of activities to learn and have fun! For more details, visit HERE.

The Boy and The Curse of the Magic-Far-Seeing Thing
7 – 10 Dec 2016; 3pm
Goodman Arts Centre Black Box Theatre
$25; $80 for a group of four


A young boy on an island discovers another island across the ocean. He also discovers, to his horror, inhabitants on that island in great need of help from a constant onslaught of TIGER ATTACKS! The boy, possessing great compassion, does all he can to try and save them. However, for reasons unclear at first, his ingenious attempts to save them are constantly met by great challenges. Despite these difficulties, he NEVER gives up in his quest.

Will he succeed? Come watch The Boy and the Curse of the Magic-Far-Seeing Thing and find out! Recommended for ages 8 years and above. For tickets, visit HERE.

Twilight Encounters
Now until 10 Dec 2016 (Friday & Saturday only)
7.15pm – midnight
Night Safari
Admission fees apply


Expect an enthralling night of lights and colours at Night Safari as the nocturnal landscape is illuminated by fairy and animal light installations. Immerse in the festive cheer at the animal parade, where elaborate costumed animal characters trot and pounce about. Look forward to twilight animal encounters on the walking trails and watch as the park’s denizens of the night engage in specially prepared enrichment activities. For more information on all activities, visit HERE.

A Very Electric Christmas
9 - 11 Dec 2016
Fri 9 Dec: 7.30pm | Sat 10 Dec: 10.30am, 3pm, 7.30pm | Sun 11 Dec: 11am, 3.30pm
Victoria Theatre
$55, $75, $95


Direct from the USA and voted most popular US touring Christmas show since 2014, Lightwire's Theater's A Very Electric Christmas promises to be an unforgettable festive treat for your family.

Performed in complete darkness, audiences will treasure this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits including Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky.. A Very Electric Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to bring families together and start a new holiday tradition. For tickets, visit HERE.

Connecting with Nature - Bird Watching along the Southern Ridges
Join us for the ‘Connecting with Nature’ programme featuring a series of educational activities in our parks where you and your family can learn and appreciate nature.

Singapore Teochew Festival
9 - 18 Dec 2016
10.30am - 9pm
Sands Expo and Convention Centre, L1 Hall A
$10 ($9 early bird ticket until 8 Dec 2016)


Teochew Festival 2016 will return this year from 9 to 18 December 2016 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre Level 1 Hall A. Organised by the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan, this event aims to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of the Teochews in Singapore.

Teochew Festival 2016 will be 1.5 times bigger than its inaugural event in 2014. Occupying more than 45,000 square feet of exhibition space, the festival will feature over 30 vendors. The festival offers visitors enlightening glimpses into the daily lives of Teochews. The organiser hopes to highlight an important aspect of Singapore's Chinese culture through the festival, and also gather all Teochews in Singapore as one Teochew Family.

Bird Watching along the Southern Ridges
10 Dec 2016; 7.30am - 9.30am
Mount Faber Park, Entrance of Henderson Waves
FREE (Pre-registration required)

Join us for a bird watching tour at the Southern Ridges, where up to 43 species of birds have been spotted so far. This tour will take you through the Forest Walk and the Singing Forest in search of these beautiful birds. Do bring along a pair of binoculars or a camera with a zoom function for a better experience. To register, visit HERE.

Vocal Fun!
10 Dec 2016; 1pm, 3.30pm & 4.30pm
PIP's PLAYbox, Esplanade
FREE

Sing along with Angelina Choo from Urban Music Productions as she takes children and parents on an adventure, creating sounds and songs with their voices! Expect a fun session of song and games for the little ones! This programme introduces the various warm-up exercises that singers do before a performance, as well as teaches children the various possibilities of what they can do with their voices. Recommended for 3–6 years old. Limited capacity on a first-come first-serve basis.

Gardeners' Day Out
10 Dec 2016; 9am - 3pm
HortPark
FREE


NParks' signature event, Gardeners' Day Out promises an entire day of gardening and lifestyle activities for everyone. Favorite highlights include Gardeners' Market, Food Bazaar, free talks and demonstrations, free garden tour of HortPark and kids' activities like storytelling and handicrafts!

A Splash of Colour @ Parkland Green
10 Dec 2016; 9.30am - 9.30pm
Parkland Green, East Coast Park
FREE


 Join us at Parkland Green for a day of fun-filled activities such as bubble soccer, rollerblading, and chalk drawing! You can also take some nice shots with our newly painted wall murals of marine creatures. All activities are free.

Straits Family Sunday: Joyous Noel!
11 Dec 2016; 1pm - 5pm
Peranakan Museum
FREE

Come celebrate the season of giving at the Peranakan Museum this Sunday. Enjoy beautiful carolling, go on a special tour, and get crafty by creating fun Christmas ornaments to take home.

Parent-child Sing-along by Angelina Choo
11 Dec 2016; 1pm
Esplanade Annexe Studio
FREE

Join Angelina Choo from The Vocal Academy at Urban Music Productions as she guides your family and you through a singing workshop on Asian and Singaporean melodies. Subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

Wonders of Sunny the Hornbill
Now until 11 Dec 2016 (Weekends only)
Jurong Bird Park
Admission fess apply


Be captivated by the wonders of Jurong Bird Park’s new animal icon, Sunny the Hornbill. Learn all about hornbills at the mascot meet-and-greet session and from hornbill-themed craft activities. Get up close and personal with a hornbill and get fascinating insights on the bird from resident avian keeper at the Hornbill Chit Chat session. Be sure to catch Sunny’s antics at the High Flyers Show too! For more details on all activities, visit HERE.

Charlotte's Web
Now until 11 Dec 2016
Weekends & Public Holiday: 11am & 2pm | Weekdays: 10am, 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm
KC Arts Centre - Home of SRT
$25, $28


Get entangled in the enchanting story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. Charlotte’s Web is a poignant play that spins a positive message about friendship. Experience this timeless story with the entire family! For tickets, visit HERE.

Connecting with Nature - Fun Walk along The Southern Ridges
Join us for the ‘Connecting with Nature’ programme featuring a series of educational activities in our parks where you and your family can learn and appreciate nature.

Pororo Park Singapore's 12 Days of Christmas Countdown
13 - 24 Dec 2016
Pororo Park Singapore
Admission Charges apply

For more details, visit HERE.

Fun Walk Along the Southern Ridges
17 Dec 2016; 9am - 11am
Entrance of Henderson Waves (At Mount Faber Park side)
FREE (Pre-registration required)

Take your family on a leisure stroll through southern ridges, a soothing sanctuary of greenery that is not only steeped in history but also home to some of Singapore's most exciting flora and fauna. Highlights of the tour included the Henderson Waves, Sembcorp Forest of the Giants, Forest Walk and the Singing Forest. To register, visit HERE.

Monkey Goes West
Now until 17 Dec 2016
Tue to Sat: 7.30pm | Thur, Sat & Sun: 2.30pm
Drama Centre Theatre
Tue - Thu, 7.30pm: $50, $55, $65, $75
Sat & Sun, 2.30pm, Fri & Sat, 7.30pm: $55, $60, $70, $80


W!LD RICE brings the Year of the Monkey to a happy climax with its 13th holiday musical extravaganza for the whole family! Winner of 'Production of the Year' at the 2015 Straits Times Life Theatre Awards, Monkey Goes West is an affectionate and cheeky retelling of the beloved Chinese fantasy classic. Join us for an epic thrill ride that will take you from Haw Par Villa to Jurong West - by way of a colourful world filled with mythical monsters and naughty fairies. For tickets, visit HERE.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story @ VivoCity
Now until 18 Dec 2016
VivoCity, Central Court B L1


Walk Into The Star Wars Universe
Here’s your chance to come face-to-face with a spectacular 8-metre tall AT-ACT Walker when you step into our atrium. Plus, don’t miss out on a photo opportunity with the life-sized Death Troopers display.

Be Part Of A Greater Force
The future of the Rebellion and the Empire is in your hands! Choose your side and play as the Commander of your troops and defend your base. Collect iconic characters from the STAR WARS universe as you complete each level and use them to fight battles. May the force be with you.

Join The Rebellion
Experience what it feels like to be behind the controls of an X-Wing Fighter. Jet through the universe at hyperspeed and manoeuvre around Imperial Forces before it culminates in a dramatic reveal of the Death Star.

Zoo-Rassic Park
Now until 18 Dec 2016 (Weekends only)
Various Timings
Singapore Zoo
Admission charges apply


A pack of dinosaurs has stomped its way into Singapore Zoo and River Safari to teach guests valuable lessons about saving today’s species from extinction this year end. Step back in time to Zoo-rassic Park, and marvel at crowd favourites like the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Spinosaurus, Stegosaurus, Triceratops and a host of their prehistoric cousins as they draw you into immersive discovery trails that draw parallels to the parks’ living collections during the weekends of 26 Nov – 18 Dec 2016.

Try your hand at being a paleontologist by excavating dinosaur fossils. Journey through the Same Same But Different Trail to learn about convergent evolution and be amazed by how the animals of today share similar features and behaviours with these relics of the past. Don’t miss out on a perfect photo opportunity with our T-rex and Velociraptor friends as they welcome you into this realm of giants past, accompanied by their charismatic dinosaur keeper. For more details on all activities, visit HERE.

Cirque Adrenaline
15 - 25 Dec 2016
Tue (20 Dec): 2pm & 7.30pm | Wed - Fri: 7.30pm  | Sat (17 Dec): 2pm & 7.30pm | Sun (18 Dec): 1pm & 6pm | Sun (25 Dec): 2pm
Grand Theatre, MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands
$55, $95, $125, $155


Adrenaline is a jaw-clenching show featuring the world's most dangerous and death-defying theatrical acts, guaranteed to get the adrenaline pumping. The world's most exciting theatrical show will include heart-stopping motorbike stunts, high-flying trapeze artists, strong men, aerial acrobatic displays and a blazing fire act to heat up your holiday season. For tickets, visit HERE.

Sports Hub Community Play Day
17 Dec 2016; 9am - 7pm
Singapore Sports Hub, OCBC Arena
FREE



To register for the programmes, visit HERE.

Happy to be Red?
17 & 18 Dec 2016
2.30pm & 4pm
Dance Village, library@esplanade
FREE

Follow a crayon on an interactive storytelling adventure as his friends help him turn red. In this programme, children learn about self-confidence and acceptance as they engage in activities that promote cognitive and motor skills. Admission stickers will be distributed 30mins before each session at the library’s entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.

ChariTrees @ Marina Bay 2016
Now until 27 Dec 2016
Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade
FREE


The annual ChariTrees @ Marina Bay is a unique and exclusive fundraising initiative for Singapore to show our support for the less fortunate during the festive season. Launched in 2011, the 6th edition of ChariTrees @ Marina Bay will dot the scenic Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade from 18 November 2016. It aims to promote inclusivity and spread joy to the disadvantaged in our community.

Brick-Tacular Holidays
25 Nov - 31 Dec 2016
LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort
Admission charges apply


It’s a LEGO® wonderland at LEGOLAND® during the end-of-year festive holidays with a huge Advent Calendar that shares a surprise each day, Christmas tree made from LEGO® bricks and stage shows to keep your spirits merry and joyful.

All-star Nick Jr. Wonderland
Now until 1 Jan 2017; 12pm - 10pm daily
City Square Mall, L1 City Green (Outdoor Park)


Get your party on at City Square Mall’s City Green outdoor park where a playland featuring an array of fun games and activities await you and your family. Be delighted by activities such as a Blaze and the Monster Machines obstacle course, a Shimmer and Shine dress-up palace, life-sized PAW Patrol vehicle displays, a giant Team Umizoomi 1-2-3 Plink Game and more! With a minimum spend of $40, shoppers can redeem a Wonderland Pass at the L2 Customer Service Counter. Activities are suitable for ages 3 and above.

Snowfall Playtime
18 Nov 2016 - 1 Jan 2017
8pm & 9pm daily (Subject to weather conditions)
City Square Mall, L1 City Green (Outdoor Park)

Have loads of fun with enchanting snowfall to complete your magical Christmas! Snowfall Playtime sessions will be happening twice daily at City Green.

Double the FUN with Trolls at Sentosa!
Now until 2 Jan 2017
Sentosa (Merlion Plaza, Merlion Walk, Beach Plaza)
FREE (but island admission fees apply)


Indulge in the festive mood this holiday season, as Sentosa comes to life with a burst of song, dance and colours, featuring your favourite characters from Trolls, the latest DreamWorks animation movie! Come on down and catch Poppy, Branch and the other adorable characters from the movie as they pepper the State of Fun with their perpetual happiness and exuberance.

Merlion Magic Lights! - Trolls Edition
19 Nov 2016 - 2 Jan 2017; Merlion Plaza 
Weekdays: 7.45pm, 8.15pm, 8.45pm and 9.15pm
Weekends, Eve of PH and PH: 7.45pm, 8.15pm, 8.45pm, 9.15pm, 9.45pm and 10.15pm 
Merlion Magic Lights! returns with a special Trolls edition this time round! Catch the spectacular light show as the lovable characters from Trolls sing and dance their way all over the iconic Sentosa Merlion!

Meet & Greet the Trolls
10 Dec 2016 (Merlion Plaza) & 17 Dec 2016 (Beach Plaza)
12pm, 2.30pm, 6.00pm

Trolls Playground
19 Nov 2016 - 2 Jan 2017; iFly Singapore, Level 2
Bring your kids to iFly Singapore and let them bring out their inner-Trolls at this Trolls-edition playground!

Shadow Play
19 Nov - 26 Dec 2016; Beach Plaza
Lights on from 7.30pm - 11pm
Engage in some shadow play and fun at night with Trolls props and more!

Trolls Ambience and Photo Points
Stretching from Merlion Walk all the way down to Beach Plaza, look out for Trolls mural walls, ambience decorations, photopoints and more! Get your cameras ready, and don't forget to share your adorable selfies/wefies with the Trolls characters on Facebook and Instagram.

Christmas on a Great Street
Orchard Road Christmas Light-up
Now until 2 Jan 2017
Orchard Road

Let the twinkling delights of Christmas capture your imagination as you take a leisurely stroll along Orchard Road. This year, immerse yourself in a magical, surreal world along Singapore’s Great Street of fun, food and fashion. Feast your eyes on our colourful display of kaleidoscopic decor and designs.

Bubblestorm at orchardgetway
Now until 26 Dec 2016
7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm & 9.30pm
The avalanche of bubbles conjures up a bubbly underwater environent where the inhabitants of the underwater world come alive to celebrate Christmas like we mortals above water! Plenty of interactive fun and photo opportunity for all.

Free admission to National Orchid Garden 
Now til 2 Jan 2017 
9.30am - 7pm daily 
National Orchid Garden 
FREE Admission 

Enjoy free admission to National Orchid Garden for students, Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, Work Permit Holders and visitors with local residential address. For more details, visit HERE.

Pokémon Research Exhibition
Now until 2 Jan 2017; 10am - 7pm daily
S.E.A. Aquarium, Resorts World Sentosa
Online ticket bundle: Adult $35 (U.P. $42), Child (4-12) | Senior Citzens (60 & above): $23 (U.P. $32)



Calling all aspiring Pokémon Trainers! Get ready to put on your lab coats and discover the amazing types of Pokémon. Become a scientific researcher for a day to investigate the mysterious Pokémon hidden in a Poké Ball. Embark on your mission by choosing the difficulty levels from three Poké Ball – a regular Poké Ball (easy), a Great Ball (medium), or an Ultra Ball (hard). Take on the challenges at various interactive stations to deduce the critter contained within your Poké Balls from intriguing clues.

Merry Medley
Now until 5 Jan 2017; 9am - 9pm
Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
Admission charges apply


Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year in the crisp climate of the Flower Dome, where Christmas cheer takes centrestage in the Flower Field.Well-loved stalwarts of the season like poinsettias, amaryllis and Christmas roses grace charming yuletide scenes, while majestic conifer trees of different kinds fill the air with their woody, evergreen scent.

Cocooned in giant glass globes, a lovely ballerina beckons visitors to come forward, as a band of toy soldiers and an angelic choir join in the merry medley. The festivity continues at night as the Flower Dome takes on a magical glow, basking in the radiance of Italian Luminarie lights. For more detailsm visit HERE.

Pokemon at Changi
Now until 20 Feb 2017
Various activities
Changi Airport


Pikachu Meet & Greet
18 Nov 2016 - 1 Jan 2017 (Sat & Sun only)
*NO Meet & Greet on 3  Dec 2016
6pm & 8pm
T3 Departure Hall


Nakiri Face Painting
18 Nov 2016 - 20 Feb 2017
T2 Central Hoarding and 
T3 Opposite Row 11 (only available until 8 Jan 2017)

Pokemon Z-moves
18 Nov 2016 - 20 Feb 2017
T2 Central Hoarding and 
T3 Opposite Row 11 (only available until 8 Jan 2017)


AVENGERS S.T.A.T.I.O.N.
Now until 5 Mar 2017
10am - 6pm
Science Centre Singapore, Annex Hall


Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N (Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network) is a completely interactive experience that brings visitors into the cinematic world of Marvel The Avengers. This exhibition will provide a first hand look at intelligence files, classified studies, and experiments that explores the history and scientific origins of Marvel The Avengers including Iron Man, The Hulk, Captain America, Thor and more. This exhibition brings to life the science behind Super Heroes and allows fans of all ages to participate in a simulated recruitment, as if they were being trained to become Official Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N agent of the beloved Marvel Universe. For more information and tickets, visit HERE.

NASA – A Human Adventure
Now until 19 Mar 2017
10am - 7pm
ArtScience Museum
Admission charges apply


NASA – A Human Adventure is the most comprehensive and extensive touring space flight exhibition in the world. The exhibition marshals an extraordinary collection of over 200 historically significant artifacts from the U.S. and Soviet Union space programs. The objects on display in the exhibition are original and space flown objects or high fidelity replicas and scale models. For more details, visit HERE.

Playeum's A World Full of Stories
Now until 30 Apr 2017
Tues - Sun: 10am - 6pm (Closed on Mondays)
Playeum
$22 per child (1-12) | Accompanying adult: Free | Additional accompanying adult: $10


Playeum has refreshed its exhibition with 'A World Full of Stories', which combines the fundamental facets of stories with play. Specifically designed for children aged 1-12, the exhibition offers a series of interactive and open-ended spaces for young minds to feed their creative imagination through role play, storymaking, illustration, writing, drama and puppetry.

Encouraging children to employ the active use of imagination through creative expression, ‘A World
Full of Stories’ consists of ELEVEN installations in total! Check out my preview guide HERE.

Movies Galore!


Doctor Strange: Now showing
Trolls: Now showing
Moana: Now showing
Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them: Now showing
Yugioh!: The Dark Side of Dimensions: Now showing
Pokémon The Movie: Volcanion And The Mechanical Marvel: Now showing
Sing: Opens 8 Dec 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story: Opens 15 Dec 2016

School Holiday Sports Programmes Nov/Dec 2016
Various sports and locations by ActiveSG


The school holidays are here again! Join us yet again to keep active, be happy and be sporty! Definitely a fun way to relax before school bell starts ringing again. Check out the list of sporting activities HERE.


Enjoy the school holidays, everyone!

School's Out, Cool's In: Ice Skating in Sunny Singapore

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If you remember the old skating rink that used to be housed in Jurong Entertainment Centre at Jurong East, congrats - you are from the same era as me. As a teenager, I recall heading down to the rink for class outings and a huge chunk of memories were devoted to how dated and old the entire place actually was. Suffice to say, I didn't really enjoy my ice skating experience back then.

Well, although I have to admit that also had something to do with me falling a few times on the ice.

So when The Rink at JCube extended an invitation for my family and me to give ice skating a go, I hesitated. Primarily because ice skating felt like an activity only meant for the young. Older folks like clumsy me will be more likely to fall and break our soon-to-be brittle bones.

But then, I made the mistake of making the invitation known to the monkies and the rest, as they say, is history.


At 60 by 30 metres, The Rink at JCube is Singapore’s only Olympic-size ice rink and offers an unparalleled ice experience, both on and off the ice. But judging from the monkies' reactions when we reached, they were only far too keen to get ON the ice!


If you are intending to head down, here's something to note: Although The Rink has a flexible ice skating timing, - which means skaters can come in any time during its public skating sessions - do note it has ice resurfacing every 2-hour as per its schedule online HERE.

We were early for the public session and coincidentally, a Learn-to-Skate class was being conducted. Great for beginners, the class ($171.20 per participant) imparts the basics of skating in five lessons (each lesson comprises 30 minutes with a coach and two hours self-practice). Hmmm, sounds like what I will need, no?


Once the class ended, the ice was put through a 15-minute re-surfacing session so that the surface would be kept smooth. And while trying to curb the pent-up enthusiasm of the monkies, I took one long look at The Rink's facilities. The entire place was certainly an upgrade to the previous ice skating rink that I went to as a teenager. It looked brighter, much bigger and the ice looked clean (yes, very important).


The only downside? Everyone, including those dining at the restaurants beside the rink, will be able to see when you fall.

And that was the scenario I was desperately hoping to avoid when I took to the ice.

Not that it bothered the monkies though.


For starters, kids who are beginners have the option of renting skating aids. Kids who are below 1.2m in height or 10 years and below, can opt for the Penguin Skating Aid  ($10 for 2 hours) while adults and older kids can glide the ice with the Snowman Skating Aid ($10 for 2 hours).


If you are bringing the kids, I recommend renting the Seal Skating Aid ($15 for 2 hours) because it is actually good for two persons. Suitable for both children and adults, the skating aid doubles up as a fun ice sled for the little ones, with another person pushing it along!


See what I mean?


The skating aids certainly came in very handy... erm, especially for me! In my defence, I was attempting to keep a lookout for the monkies while trying my best to maintain my balance at the same time.


And then occasionally, I get these people whizzing past me.


HMPH, show-offs.

Just kidding. Frankly, I am amazed by how graceful some of the younger kids were on the ice. Something that I think the monkies, especially Ale, were envious too. Fortunately, there are a handful of Ice Marshalls on the ice during the public skating session and they were only too eager to impart some ice skating tips to the monkies.



And after a few rounds in the rink, I think she got the hang of it.



That was until she decided to take a break. LOL.

But I have to say I am always impressed by how the kids could skate freely after using the skating aids for only a short while.


And I think the best testimonial that the monkies can give is they did NOT want to leave after our 2-hour skating session was up! Okay, me too actually... since I did not crack the ice by falling!

In all seriousness, if you are looking for some place different to bring the kiddos to this school holidays, The Rink will be perfect. Whether it is to escape the searing outdoor sun or to take refuge from the monsoon season rain, a 2-hour skating session will be greatly welcomed!


So if you are planning a trip down to The Rink, here's what to take note when it comes to apparel:

- Wear layered clothing to ensure comfort. It might feel rather chilly at first but you'll gradually warm up as you skate.
- Long pants/jeans to keep you warm and protect you if you fall.
- THICK calf socks for cushioning (avoid ankle socks). Very important because Ash and the wifey had little blisters on their feet as they wore thin socks.
- Gloves are optional but strongly recommended.

And this school holidays, enjoy an added dimension of fun and entertainment at The Rink by joining in its Holiday Ice Camp. Special Christmas’s Eve Countdown & New Year’s Eve Countdown parties are also scheduled as well. Oh, and don't forget to catch JR, The Rink’s ice skating mascot, for a special Meet & Greet on ice. More details in the poster below.

Useful Information

The Rink at JCube
Address: 2 Jurong East Central 1, Level 3, JCube, Singapore 609731
Opening Hours: Varying timings according to monthly schedule but typically starts from 10.30am. Check website for detailed timings.
Rates:  2-hour Admission Rates with Skate Boots Rental: Adult: $17.50, Child (12 years & below): $15.50
For more details on rates, visit www.therink.sg/rates
*Purchase tickets online up to 1 week in advance to beat the queue
Website:www.therink.sg


Go on a Dinosaur Adventure at Singapore Zoo's & River Safari's Zoo-rassic Park this School Holidays!

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Did you know that dinosaurs disappeared from the face of the earth in the fifth extinction? And sadly enough, we are staring at a possible sixth extinction in today's world. Because animal species are being wiped out at an unprecedented rate, just like how we are down to the final THREE northern white rhinos in the world.

Sobering thought, isn't it?

In fact, we have lost 67% of the world’s biodiversity in the last 50 years. And that explains why Wildlife Reserves Singapore has welcomed a pack of dinosaurs to Singapore Zoo and River Safari this year end school holidays - so that we can all discover how to save today’s species from going the way of the dinosaurs.


If your kids are crazy over dinosaurs, Zoo-rassic Park promises a fun-filled immersive adventure with its life-like dinosaur animatronics display and dinosaur-themed activities.


Ale isn't that great a fan of dinosaurs, but even she was fascinated with the numerous dino trivia that accompanied the dinosaur displays. Yes, she actually stopped and read each single word off the information panels!


Of course, nothing could get more exciting than coming face to face with either a T-Rex or Velociraptor at the Meet & Greet sessions.


And judging from the crowds and smiling faces, I think the roaming dino was a hit!


But the real highlight of Zoo-rassic Park at the Singapore Zoo is the newly installed Dinosaur Valley, which features the likes of Tyrannosaurus Rex, Spinosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Triceratops.



The dinosaurs move and roar too, by the way so if you have younger kids, be prepared that they may get a little intimidated.

BUT a good distraction will be to pick up your free copy of the Same Same But Different Trail map, which complements the walking experience through Dinosaur Valley.



The immersive discovery trail draws parallels to Singapore Zoo's living animals. As we embarked on a misty walk on the Same Same But Different Trail, we learnt more about convergent evolution and how the animals of today - like giraffes, rhinos, and bats - share similar features and behaviours with these relics of the past.



It certainly piqued the interest of Ale!


Well, that and these cute little baby dinos too I guess.


For an even more engaging augmented reality experience at Zoo-rassic Park, download the Visual Discovery app Blippar on your smartphone before you head down to the Zoo and you get to scan the dinosaurs peeping through the foliage to unlock an interactive experience and learn fun facts about their relationship to other animals in the Zoo.


The trail journey continues at River Safari, where kids can learn about living fossils in the Extinction Escapees Trail and find out more about ancient animals still alive today such as the Alligator Snapping Turtle, Indian Gharial and Giant Salamander.

Kids having itchy fingers? Make your way down to the Rainforest Courtyard at Singapore Zoo or Boat Plaza at River Safari for some good old fashioned crafting fun!


At the Singapore Zoo, kids can try their hand at creating dino clothes pegs, dino masks and even indulge in fossil-making.


Over at River Safari, kids will be able to create their own dino finger puppet, dino scratch art or a dino clay art keychain to take home. And yes, all craft activities are FREE!

And for all those aspiring palaeontologists, they will be able to take up a brush and dust away at two large sand pits in a bid to unearth dinosaur fossils.


For some reason, finding dino fossils in a sand pit is always a hit with kids.



The dinosaur-themed activities are happening on the weekends of 26 Nov to18 Dec 2016. However, you will be able to continue to catch the dinosaurs in their new home at Singapore Zoo and River Safari until March 2017.

Which is fantastic news, because I loved how Zoo-rassic Park imparts valuable lessons about saving today’s species from extinction by learning from the past. Plus, we still got to visit some of Ale's fave Zoo animals after the dino experience too!


And because it is the school holidays, local residents can enjoy higher savings with the Dino-mite admission combo between 26 Nov and 18 Dec 2016! Purchase the Singapore Zoo and River Safari dual pack combo tickets at $39 per adult (U.P. $63) and $25 per child (3-12) (U.P. $42). The Dino-mite admission combo is available online and onsite.


Activities at Singapore Zoo

Dino Meet and Greet
Dates: 26 Nov – 18 Dec (weekends only)
Times: 10.00am, 11.30am and 1.00pm (30 mins)

Dino-themed craft activities
Dates: 26 Nov – 18 Dec (weekends only)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm

Fossil Finding Fun
Dates: 26 Nov – 18 Dec (weekends only)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm

Same Same But Different Trail
Dates: 26 Nov – 18 Dec (weekends only)
Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm

Activities at River Safari

Dino-themed craft activities
Dates: 26 Nov – 18 Dec (weekends only)
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm

Extinction Escapees Trail
Dates: 26 Nov – 18 Dec (weekends only)
Time: 11.00am – 4.00pm


For more information, visit www.zoo.com.sg/zoorassic-park.

Are You Hoarding Gadgets? Here's How You can Convert Them into Cash Vouchers!

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I have a confession to make.

I am a gadget hoarder.


I love the latest and greatest in gadgets... although looking at my drawers of old phones and other gizmos, it appears that I am not able to let go of the old stuff just yet.


Because somewhere buried in those drawers - and shelves, if I may add - are:

- Old mobile phones that have not been switched on for at least six months.

- Ancient PCs and laptops that I have hung on to because I worry about their data falling into the wrong hands.

- Other electronic gadgets, together with numerous power cables - stashed away because maybe, just maybe I will need them some day.

- Electronic devices that are not working but I have kept them because well, I intend to repair them one fine day.

Problem is, that one fine day never comes.

Does any of the above scenarios relate to you?

Welcome to the club... and I have got good and bad news for you.

The bad news is both you and I need help.

The good news is there is an incentive for you and I to trade those old electronic items for e-recycling in exchange for CASH VOUCHERS!


Newstead Technologies Pte Ltd, a Singapore based electronics store offering the latest devices from all of the big international brands, is embarking on a campaign to lead and encourage e-waste recycling in Singapore. And hopefully in the process, more people will be made aware of the importance of data cleansing and security.

Titled 'Gift Your Tech', the campaign ties in with the festive season's spirit of giving too, as Newstead aims to raise funds for its beneficiary, TOUCH Community Service, at the same time.

So how does the campaign work?

- From now until 27 January 2017, simply bring down your old electronic items to Newstead's 12 participating stores to exchange them for vouchers.

- Electronic items accepted are PCs, notebooks, tablets and smartphones.

- For items that can be traded-in, i.e. in a resalable condition, the trade-in value will be evaluated at the store. A Newstead cash voucher of equivalent value to the agreed trade-in amount will be given to the customer.

- The voucher can be combined to purchase a new item and is valid for one year from the date of issue.

- For items that are not eligible for trade-in, Newstead will help to do a complete data cleansing and recycle the product. In return, you will receive a booklet of discount vouchers to be used in Newstead stores.

- The 12 participating Newstead stores include:

  • Marina Square, #02-276 (Newstead Technologies)
  • Marina Square, #02-261 (ASUS Concept Store)
  • Marina Square, #02-254A (Dell Concept Store)
  • Marina Square, #02-213 (HP Concept Store)
  • Marina Square, #02-275 (Lenovo Concept Store)
  • Suntec City Mall Tower 3 #01-618 (Digital Style)
  • Suntec City Mall, #02-480 (Newstead Technologies)
  • Jurong Point Shopping Centre #B1-92 (Digital Style)
  • NEX Shopping Mall, #04-55 (Newstead Technologies)
  • Causeway Point, #03-11 (Asus Concept Store)
  • Causeway Point, #04-21 (Lenovo Concept Store)
  • Sim Lim Square, #03-50 (Newstead Technologies)

In addition, Newstead has pledged to donate 20% of the trade-in value of each item to its TOUCH Community Services beneficiary!

So not only can I now get rid of my unwanted electronic items at home and exchange them for cash vouchers, TOUCH Community Services will also be benefiting from my e-waste disposal.

Yes, including disposing that old laptop that I got when Ash was still a (cute) toddler!


Looks like I need not be a gadget hoarder anymore!



Keen to find out more? Newstead will be conducting a roadshow on 28 December 2016 at Marina Square. Besides being able to bring old electronics items to the event for trade-in, visitors will be able to attend a discussion about data security and e-waste recycling as well as witness a live demonstration of proper data cleansing for electronic items.

For more details, visit giftyourtech.newstead.com.sg.

Catch 2 Comical Larvae & Their Friends from Larva at Marina Square this December School Holidays!

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After Tayo the Little Bus' first-ever live appearance in a shopping mall during the June School Holidays, Marina Square is bringing in another character show that will be making its debut performance in Singapore.

Say hello to the characters from Larva!


Okay, hang on... just what is Larva all about?

I have to admit that I was just as clueless when I heard of the impending show for the first time. So I did some research through my good friend, Google. It turns out that Larva is a popular computer-animated comedy television series from South Korea. After first hitting airwaves in 2011, the slapstick episodes of Larva have become firmly established as one of the most popular cartoons on television in South Korea.


In its episodes that are each only a couple of minutes long, two larvae, simply called Red and Yellow, engage in a series of comedic fights, with other creatures such as beetles and snails making appearances as well.

And no worries if your kids have no idea who the characters are, as there is a brief introduction session before the show of the various characters.


But judging from the kids in the audience, I have a feeling they already know who they are.


Turns out that the kids are more in tune with Larva (and the latest cartoon trends) than me!


And when Red and Yellow, the two mischievous larvae, made their appearances on stage, it is safe to say that all of the kids' eyes were transfixed on stage.



Along the way, a snail with a detachable shell named Rainbow also joined in the fray.


And when Brown the dung beetle danced its way onto the stage, the wacky factor just upped a few notches. Interestingly, he treats poop as either food or treasure!


I brought Ale to the show and initially, I was sceptical whether she would enjoy the performance since she had not watched the Larva cartoon before. Well, just like the many kids in the audience, they sat through the show all the same... thanks to the numerous dance numbers.


In fact, Ale enjoyed it so much that she did not hesitate when I asked if she would like to snap a photo with the Larva cast!


Larva will only be here until 18 December 2016 though. Show times are 3pm & 7pm from Tuesdays to Thursdays and 2pm, 4pm & 7pm from Fridays to Sundays. There are no shows on Mondays.

And if you wish to meet and snap a photo with Larva after the show, be sure to head down early. 60 Meet & Greet passes will be distributed at the entrance 20 minutes prior to each show. Passes are issued on a first come, first served basis.

After the show, be sure to soak in the sights at Marina Square too because this year, the mall has gone big with the Christmas decorations.


For starters, Marina Square’s Central Atrium has been transformed into a quirky and whimsical new world with a looming 10-metre tall Christmas Tree as its centrepiece.

Adorned with a fanciful combination of colourful baubles and topped off with a magical lighted star, the tree is home to Santa's cosy hideaway which is great for those Instagram shots!


Kids can also try their hand at riding Santa's famous sleigh too!


Or even come up with funny poses with the adorable polyfoam reindeers and bunnies engaging in various antics around the Christmas Tree. Yes, like what Ale did. LOL.


In addition to the Central Atrium, there are various Christmas decorations scattered in different parts of the mall too. And it will be well worth your while to hunt them down and snap a photo with them.


From now until 25 December 2016, join in the 'Capture the Quirky Moments' contest by snapping a photo of yourself with any of the whimsical Christmas decorations in Marina Square and stand to win $300 worth of dining vouchers! There are also five consolation prizes consisting of $100 worth of dining vouchers each. Simply upload your photos to Instagram with the hashtag #MarinaSquareXmas2016 to participate.


And don't say I never tell you... the Roof Garden at Level 3 is also decked out in all things festive too, complete with mesmerizing lights, bunnies and Santa’s sleigh.


So check out the Christmas Goodies Fair at the Atrium as well, and pick up some Christmas hampers, chocolates, candies and other sweets from Emporium Shokuhin and Marks & Spencer.

Even though the Larva show ends its run on 18 December 2016, the festivities continue from 19 to 23 December 2016 with a host of Christmas fringe activities. Expect activities for the kids such as colouring & crafts (12pm – 5pm) and catch a series of stage acts at 3pm featuring your favourite festive characters such as as Elf, Rudolph the Reindeer and Santa Claus. Enjoy a string of Christmas melodies at 7pm.


Shopping at Marina Square?

Spend $50* to redeem a Larva gift wrapper. Charge to your HSBC credit card and redeem 2 gift wrappers.

Spend $150* and above to redeem a $10 Marina Square Gift Voucher. HSBC credit cardholders need only charge $120 to qualify.

Spend $200* or charge $180 to your HSBC credit card to redeem a Larva cushion! Limited to the first 5,000 shoppers.


With so many activities taking place at Marina Square this year-end School Holidays, it really is every family's one-stop mall for all kid-centric entertainment!



Useful Information

LARVA LIVE SHOW
Dates: 1 - 18 Dec 2016 (No shows on Mon)
Timings: Fri - Sun 2pm, 4pm & 7pm | Tue - Thur 3pm & 7pm
Venue: Marina Square, Atrium

Christmas Fringe Activities
Dates: 19 – 23 Dec 2016
Timings: 12pm - 5pm (Stage act at 3pm & 7pm)
Venue: Marina Square, Atrium

Capture the Quirky Moments Photo Contest
Dates: 18 Nov - 25 Dec 2016

For more details, visit Marina Square's website.


*Maximum 3 same-day combined receipts. Limited to 1 redemption per shopper per day. Up to 3 combined purchases may be charged to the same HSBC credit card. Redemption must be made personally on the same day of purchase at the Customer Service Counters on a first-come, first-served basis, while stocks last. Other terms and conditions apply. Visit www.marinasquare.com.sg for more details.

How You Can Free Up More Family Time

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I think we can all agree that life in Singapore is pretty fast-paced. Sometimes we are so caught up with everything in life that I wished I had more hours in a day so that I can do the things that are more fulfilling - like spending time with my adorable monkies.


Yes, I'm biased that way.

But truth is, they are growing up way too fast for me. So anything that aids me in freeing up time for them is always welcome. Something that a digital service called MyInfo promises to do.


Hands up if you are one of those who dreads filling and re-filling personal information for online transactions. I, for one, find it a hassle to keep providing the same information such as NRIC, address and contact number over and over again.

Compared to the time I first registered for the Baby Bonus when Ash was born in 2005, the convenience of filling up my personal details now is definitely welcomed. Back then, I remember having to fill pages of hard copy forms and when it came to Ale's turn, I still had to fill in every single detail all over again even though the medium had shifted online.

That is why MyInfo is such a lifesaver - if you transact online with Government agencies. Simply put, it is a personal data platform that enables seamless digital transactions by auto-filling data fields upon your consent.

So no more filling in the same data for separate transactions with different government agencies! FREEDOM!


What this means is the digital service allows fields to be automatically filled with data - such as name, NRIC number, registered address and property owned - pulled from various government agencies such as the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

How does one get started?

As I found out, signing up is a breeze.


I effortlessly registered for a MyInfo profile at www.myinfo.gov.sg using my SingPass account. Once registered, my basic profile was created with personal information from participating Government agencies within 1 working day. And as an added security measure, I had log in via an additional 2FA mechanism, which provided protection to safeguard the data within my profile.

Once signed up, I can then choose to enhance my basic profile by providing additional details such as my highest education level or family relationships for even greater convenience during future transactions.


So the next time I transact online with a Government agancy, there is NO need for me to tediously fill any more online forms if the information had already been captured previously.

Compared to the time I first registered for the Baby Bonus when Ash was born in 2005, the convenience of filling up my personal details now is definitely welcomed. Back then, I remember having to fill pages of hard copy forms and when it came to Ale's turn, I still had to fill in every single detail all over again even though the medium had shifted online.

Now, all I have to do is to click the ‘Retrieve MyInfo’ button located on these online forms, and the participating digital service will be able to receive the necessary data fields from my profile for automatic field submission. Easy peasy!


But what if I do not want to share my data for that particular transaction? No worries, one's consent will always be sought every single time MyInfo is used for any government transaction. Additionally, I can choose to be alerted whenever a digital service uses my personal data. 


Not sure how to sign up? Here’s the video for you to learn how to sign up for MyInfo service:


Just how great MyInfo is a life hack for a busy parent like me?

Let me count the ways:

IT SAVES TIME

What it means: No more tedious form-filling and no more data entry errors. Relevant data fields will be filled in automatically, making it faster for me to complete online forms, and with fewer mistakes.

What it means FOR ME: More time to spend with the monkies, like wrestling on the bed - Tsum Tsum style!



GREATER CONVENIENCE

What it means: Verifications via physical documents are no longer needed to complete transactions. Upon my consent, government-verified information can be submitted on my behalf, freeing up precious time!

What it means FOR ME: Fuss-free and most importantly, stress-free because I do not have to fret about digging for past forms to submit. I win!


I’M IN CONTROL

What it means: MyInfo adheres to the same security standards as SingPass, and consent is always obtained before data is transferred. What's more, I will receive notifications whenever I consent to the use of my MyInfo profile , and am able to review records of my past transactions in my user profile.

What it means FOR ME: Peace of mind, knowing that I control the sharing of my information and that it will be there when I need to use it.

With that extra bit of convenience that MyInfo offers, I can now avoid the hassle of having to wrestle with paperwork. This adds up - not only can I get more done, but I also have pockets of time to re-connect with my loved ones and do the things that I love.



For more information and to sign up, visit www.myinfo.gov.sg.

The Monkies Completed the Dutch Lady Ultimate Mission Camp & it was Magical!

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A few months ago in June, Ale and Ayd received a secret Mission Box from Dutch Lady and along with it were training challenges that were meant to prepare them for the real challenges at the Dutch Lady Ultimate Mission Camp.

Fast forward to 20 August 2016, and they were more than ready to tackle the real superhero-inspired challenges head on.


Oh, and Ash clamoured to join in the camp as well because seriously, which kid (and maybe some adults) can say no to an Ultimate Mission Camp that features Disney Frozen and Marvel characters?

But the camp did not just invlove us. Along with 20 other kids who were lucky to be chosen as recruits for the Ultimate Mission Camp, we joined other kids from from Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam) in a 3D2N experience that had wowed all the kids.

For starters, we were put up in a lovely room at Capri by Fraser Changi City... which came stocked with Frozen goodies for who else, Ale!


Not that the boys were jealous though, as they had their sights set on the multiple challenges at the Ultimate Mission Camp.


The kids were split into two groups - Team Marvel & Team Frozen - and sent on a mission to complete various challenges in the respective zones. And even though the characters and set-up were different in the two zones, the challenges posed to the kids were essentially similar.



There were 'Tunnels of Courage' that kids had to through to get from one end to another.



The kids were also tasked to construct a tower (or castle) using building blocks through teamwork.



Much to Ale's delight, the monkies were assigned to Team Frozen. Which also meant that her brother had no choice but to follow suit and clear the challenges at the Team Frozen zone. Well, not that they complained anyway... that's because I highly suspect they were having way too much fun at the different mission stops, like this Shimmering Ice Rink.


Well, a snowstorm which had the kids happily prancing around sure helped too!


See what I mean? LOL.


But if the monkies thought that spelt the end of the Ultimate Mission Camp, they were wrong. Okay, me included. We were surprised to find that the completion of the challenges in the zones unlocked a secret tunnel which led to the rear end of the function room, and this was what faced us.


A HUGE obstacle course, with rock climbing, netting bridge, climbing nets, and a slide!



Needless to say, the monkies went bonkers. Throw in a NERF challenge and I suspect they did not want the Ulitmate Mission Camp to end.


Well, it did end... but not before one last surprise which had the kids gaining access to the secret Marvel or Frozen room.


And the reward for completing all the challenges? A prized meeting with Elsa and Anna of Disney's Frozen fame!


Or if you are on Team Marvel, Spider-Man and Captain America were the ones greeting the kiddos.


Okay, I have to admit that I too was thrilled at the prospect of snagging a photo with these superheroes!

And with that, it was MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!


The inaugural Dutch Lady Ultimate Mission Camp certainly exceeded the monkies' and my expectations. The mission challenges were well thought-out and for some kids, it was actually the first time they attempted to skate or scale a wall. Of course, the icing on the cake had got to be being able to meet the characters up close.

As an added bonus, the Ulitmate Mission Camp did not end there. The entire group of kids (and their parents) from the various countries were treated to a sumptuous dinner buffet at the hotel where we all had the chance to mingle.

In fact, you can see what the monkies got up to during the whole Ultimate Mission Camp in the videos below:

 

I have no idea when will the next Dutch Lady Ultimate Mission be taking place but you can keep updated by subscribing to the Mission Central YouTube Channel HERE.


Til the next magical experience at the Dutch Lady Ultimate Mission Camp, here's Team Frozen signing out!

The Best New Year's Eve (NYE) Countdown Parties in Singapore 2017

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In a year that has just blitzed by, we are already fast charging towards New Year’s Eve. Soon 2017 will be upon us but first, there is still the task of counting down the new year with the loved ones. So if you have yet to make plans on where to have that countdown celebration, I’ve compiled this comprehensive list of countdown party possibilities - fireworks included - in Singapore come 31 December 2016.


Better yet, I have marked out those that are certified FAMILY-FRIENDLY! So get ready to revel in the festivities and ring in 2017 in style!


Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2017
Certified Family-friendly!


Since its inception in 2005, the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown has become the nation’s largest and most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration ! Make no mistake, it is THE countdown event to head down to for the sheer amount of fringe activities, brilliant light-up of the wishing spheres against the Marina Bay backdrop and of course, its 8-minute long Fireworks display!

Where to snag the BEST Fireworks viewing spots? Head to my previous blog post for some tips!


Before the countdown, there are other activities happening around Marina Bay too:

Facade Show
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
26-31 Dec 2016, 8pm, 9pm, 10pm, 11pm nightly

The facade of the iconic The Fullerton Hotel Singapore comes alive with a 5-minute animation that highlights the unique architectural features of Singapore’s 71st national monument in colours of the breaking dawn, sunrise in the city and striking silhouettes.

NYE Displays
Marina Bay
31 Dec 2016, 8:05pm, 9:05pm, 10:05pm, 11:05pm

Punctuating the Fullerton projections on New Year’s Eve, witness a dance of lights, lasers and flames in the Bay as a first-ever prelude to the Countdown’s iconic fireworks at midnight. Each of these displays will culminate in one of four special fireworks that will be seen for the first time in an MBSC fireworks display.

Civic District Programming
Various locations
31 Dec 2016, 4pm - 12am

This New Year’s Eve, participate in the programmes at pedestrianised streets at the Civic District before counting down as one with Marina Bay! Event Listing : www.marinabaycountdown.sg/civicdistrict/

Roving Performances
Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade & The Padang
31 Dec 2016, 7pm-11pm

Roving performers such as globe walkers and LED stiltwalkers will roam around to entertain people along the Marina Bay waterfront promenade and The Padang from 7pm to 11pm.

Dance In The Park!
Certified Family-friendly


Other for the fact that the rides are OPEN ALL NIGHT, expect the New Year’s Eve party at Universal Studios Singapore to hit fever pitch with LED street acts and shows, a tribute act performing the hits of Katy Perry, and pyrotechnics and multimedia shows!

Date: 31 Dec 2016
Time: 5pm - 1.30am
Venue: Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa
Price: After 5pm Tickets - From $55

Rock On! 2017
Certified Family-friendly


For the first time, IMC Live presents a multi-million dollar production Rock On! 2017 to usher in the New Year with eight hours of solid music entertainment! Celebrate New Year’s Eve with explosive performances headlined by multi-Grammy Award winner and singer-songwriter Alicia Keys, American rock outfit Hoobastank, as well as star-studded regional and local lineup including Rainie Yang, Shin, Penny Tai, Eric Chou, Kenji Wu, Joi Chua, Chriz Tong, Shirlyn & The UnXpected, Gilded Edge, Ferlyn G and more.

Date: 31 Dec 2016
Time: 5pm - 1am
Venue: The Float @ Marina Bay
Price: $218, $158, $118, $68, $48

Suntec City Countdown 2017
Certified Family-friendly!


Countdown to 2017 with Singapore's largest free street party at Suntec City!

Rub shoulders and snap selfies with the hottest Mediacorp stars including Rebecca Lim, Elvin Ng and Romeo Tan. Enjoy 7 hours of non-stop high-energy performances by the best local TV stars and Music acts like Taufik Batisah and DJ duo Rave Republic! And not to miss the spectacular fireworks display at the Fountain of Wealth to kick off a fantabulous 2017. 

Date: 31 Dec 2016
Time: 7.30pm til late
Venue: Suntec Plaza (next to Fountain of Wealth)
Price: Free
More details and tickets:www.facebook.com/sunteccitycountdown

New Year Countdown on Ice!
Certified Family-friendly!


Come dressed in retro skating derby attire and capture festive moments with your family and friends! Enjoy skating derby activities on ice while we march towards 2017 together with The Rink's guest DJ!

Date: 31 Dec 2016
Time: 9.45pm - 12.45am
Venue: The Rink @ JCube
Price: $28 per person, $80 for group of 4
More details and tickets: www.therink.sg/happenings

Clarke Quay Supernova Countdown Party
Certified Family-friendly


The countdown begins as Clarke Quay ushers in 2017 with a massive New Year’s Eve party, hosted by Class 95 Muttons In The Morning, Kimberley Wang, and Simone Heng on Saturday 31 December 2016 from 9pm till late.

This year, Clarke Quay Fountain Square transforms into a massive “live show” with jubilant revelers partying amidst a giant retro television stage backdrop. The outdoor celebration stars Singapore’s most prominent cover band, 53A – a dynamic six-member group who sang the 2016 National Day Parade theme song. Dance and jump to their electrifying repertoire of contemporary hits, pop, rock and even some classics!

Date: 31 Dec 2016
Time: 9.30pm onwards
Venue: Clarke Quay, Fountain Square
Price: FREE

Bollywood Countdown 2017
Certified Family-friendly!


Thinking about how to Bid Goodbye to 2016 and Welcome 2017 with your friends and family? This is your PARTY and a Family friendly Event with Bollywood theme! Bring on your mask for more fun with features including Bollywood DJ Music, Dholi, Variety programs, Karaoke, food, drinks and dance.

Date: 31 Dec 2016
Time: 8pm onwards
Venue: F1 Pit Building
Price: Adult $80 & Child $40 (Includes dinner)

Community Bashes
Certified Family-friendly!

If you are too lazy to join the crowd in town or are just simply adverse to atrocious traffic jams, do check your nearby GRC or Community Club for Countdown Parties in your neighbourhood. With numerious community countdown parties set to take place on Dec 31, look forward to an evening of non-stop fun for the family - and the perfect excuse to stay up past midnight!

Countdown to 2017 @ Keat Hong
Venue: Hard Court Opposite Choa Chu Kang MRT Station
Time: 7pm - 12.15am
Price: $4

The countdown is themed "Countdown for a Cause" and aims to raise awareness for social enterprises such as Adrenalin, The Good Karma, I’m Soul Inc, among others. The countdown also aims to promote inclusiveness as residents will be involved in some of the performances e.g. Social
enterprise I’m Soul Inc will do a stage performance with elderly residents using musical instruments.

Marsiling Year-End Celebration
Venue: Marsiling Mega Sports Park
Time: 7pm - 10pm
Price: $8


A Rock & Roll themed singing performance featuring music from the 70s and 80s. Residents can also capture moments and preserve memories of the night with their family and friends at an instant photo booth.

Chua Chu Kang Countdown to 2017
Venue: Choa Chu Kang CC
Time: 7pm - 12.30am
Price: $3


Mass Zumba display led by the Chua Chu Kang Active Ageing Committee. The display will be the biggest Zumba gathering in Chua Chu Kang, which seeks to advocate healthy living for residents.

Sembawang Countdown Party 2017
Venue: Open field beside North Woodlands Way
Time: 7pm - 12.30am
Price: FREE admission


Residents can participate in a 1-hour Zumba dance led by PA trainers and residents. There will be performances put up by local talents including an Indian Dance item by interest groups and vocal performances from the winner and runner-up of The Final One.

Bedok Countdown 2017
Venue: Bedok Community Park behind Block 15, Bedok South Road
Time: 7.30pm - 12.15am
Price: FREE admission


The countdown will feature performances by local talents such as local band ‘Shagies’ and cultural dance items, as well as getai performances.

Teck Ghee Countdown 2017
Venue: Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Grand Lawn 1
Time: 8.30pm - 12.30am
Price: $3


Usher in the new year with your friends and family at Bishan - Ang Mo Kio Park as we bring Countdown 2017 to Teck Ghee heartlands! Look forward to a magical evening of entertainment, carnival rides, games, snacks and many more on 31 December. Family-oriented fringe activities for all ages such as family frame, peg art workshop, kite making, a touch pool from the S.E.A. Aquarium, and carnival rides.

Boon Lay Countdown 2017
Venue: Hardcourt beside Block 215 Boon Lay Place
Time: 7.30pm - 12.30am
Price: FREE admission


Co-planned by student volunteers from River Valley High School, the theme for this year’s Boon Lay Countdown 2017 is “Vibrancy of Heartland” (文礼倒数2017 – 齐心向前,舞出 色彩). Resident performances such as martial arts demonstrations, band performance, dance items and game stalls along Block 210-217.

Nee Soon South Countdown 2017
Venue: Hard-court opposite Khatib MRT
Time: 8pm - 12.30am
Price: FREE admission


Hosted by DJs from Power98 FM and 88.3Jia FM, residents will be treated to performances by popular local artistes such as Tosh Zhang, Wang Weiliang and Kelly Poon. Residents can paint and write their wishes for the New Year at an arts booth. There will also be a Recycling Booth where residents can create their own friendship bands using old clothing.

Sengkang West Countdown 2017
Venue: Anchorvale CC, Open Plaza
Time: 9.30pm - 12.15am
Price: $2

This year’s countdown is themed "Blast from the past, forward to the future". Residents will be treated to performances such as Nostalgic Racial Harmony Dance, a combination ethnic dance of various races (Malay, Indian, Chinese and Eurasian). Residents can also participate in nostalgic games such as A Song to Remember, where songs from past TV programmes will be played and audience are invited to sing or dance along.

Countdown 2017 by the Waterway
Venue: Waterway Point (Basement 1 @ The Promenade)
Time: 6pm - 1am
Ticket Price: Free admission (collect of tickets before event, details in poster)


Enjoy fun game booths, community singing & dancing, live band and fire blowing performance. Stand to win lucky draws prizes such as iPhone 7, GoPro, iWatch & many more! End the night with the first Fireworks display by the Waterway Park!

Tampines 2017 NYE Party
Venue: Our Tampines Hub
Time: 8pm - 12am
Price: FREE admission


Join us for an unforgettable evening as we countdown to the New Year this coming 31 December 2016 from 8pm onwards! Bring your friends and family for a fun-filled evening of community activities and performances to usher in the new year – it will be a great way to usher in 2017! Best of all, admission is FREE for everyone.

***

OR if you are able to ditch the kiddos at home, then lucky you. Go wild and consider these parties instead.

Silent Disco Asia NYE 2016/17 


Imagine a room full of dancing party-goers, all wearing individual wireless headsets that glowing brightly in either red, green or blue - raving to music that only they can hear and with the dance floor transformed into an immersive and interactive light installation controlled by you!At a Silent Disco Asia party there are three DJs, all playing different styles of music. Party-goers are able to flick between the different channels on their individual headsets. There could be disco grooves on the green channel, house music on the blue channel, and rock music on the red channel - it’s up to you to decide what to bounce to!

Date: 31 Dec 2016
Time: 8pm - 1am
Venue: Kult Kafe, 11 Upper Wilkie Road 
Price: $35 (Early Bird), $45

Haji Lane NY Street Party


Let your hair down at a street bash in hipster enclave Haji Lane. Get jostled around as Mexican restaurant Pieda Negra heads this alleyway party with beef tortillas, pineapple margaritas and old school funk, reggae and R&B tunes.

Date: 31 Dec 2016
Venue: Haji Lane, next to Mexican restaurant Piedra Negra at 241 Beach Road 
Time: 7pm to 1am 
Price: Free

Siloso Beach Party 2017


Siloso Beach Party, Singapore's one and only Beach Countdown Party, is 10 this year! To mark the milestone, 12-hours of non-stop revelry have been planned! Featuring non-stop music and beats by both local and international DJs, you can groove and dance to international hits by Quintino (No. 32 in DJ Mag top 100 DJs), Kat DJ, DJ Kaylova, Shawny Shawn (winner of Sentosa DJ Spin Off 2016) and more!

Pen your resolutions on our Resolution Wall, indulge in Foam Pool Partying, and enjoy a spectacular display of Fireworks at the stroke of midnight. The party doesn’t stop when the clock strikes twelve, so you can continue with the celebrations and party on, as our DJs continue to spin and pump out the best of party music from the dusk of 2016 to the dawn of 2017!

Date: 31 Dec 2016
Venue: Siloso Beach, Sentosa
Time: 6pm to 6am 
Price: $67 till Dec 31 before 4pm or $77 at the door


HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR'S EVE WITH YOUR LOVED ONES, EVERYONE!

Join in the Merry Medley at Gardens by the Bay this Festive Season

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One of the floral displays at the Flower Dome that I look forward to most is during Christmas. Somehow, the festive feeling and the cool temperature within the dome contributes to the 'magical' atmosphere all around.

And this year's Merry Medley at Gardens by the Bay does not disappoint.


Unlike last year where a more cartoon-themed display which featured toys, this year's yuletide floral display brings back well-loved stalwarts of the season like poinsettias, amaryllis and Christmas roses while majestic conifer trees of different kinds fill the air with their woody, evergreen scent.



Besides the 11m-high Christmas Pyramid comprsing of toy soldiers and an angelic choir, the other centrepiece at the flower field has got to be this whimsical display.


Cocooned in giant glass globes, a lovely ballerina beckons visitors to come forward to revel in the festive atmosphere.



 My tip? Go during the night time for that maximum 'WOW' factor.

The Flower Dome takes on a magical glow come night fall, basking in the radiance of Italian Luminarie lights.


Merry Medley is happening from now until 5 January 2017,from 9am to 9pm daily at the Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay. Admission charges apply.


*In celebration of the New Year, the Gardens will be extending its ighting hours of the conservatories, Supertrees and festive luminarie light sculptures till 1am on New Year's Day.

For more information, visit HERE.

Happy New Year!

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Happy 2017!

We're thankful for everything that had come our way in 2016, and also have been blessed with your support.

Thanks for following us on our journey all these years - and I know some of you have been faithful supporters ever since Ash was born.

This year, the eldest takes on the PSLE milestone and while the stress levels will undoubtedly go up a few notches, I'm determined to not let the fun moments diminish too.


So wish us luck, and may the new year be fruitful for everyone!

A Letter to Ash on his 12th Birthday - a year before he becomes a Teenager

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Dear Ash,

Today, you turn 12. Frankly, that is quite hard to believe.

Because as adults will tell you, time goes by so so so fast. And it is true. Just last month, you were wailing away in your stroller, yesterday you just started Primary One and next week, you will be turning 13.

What sorcery is this?

And you know what? The older you get, the faster it goes.

You are no longer a little boy. The baby chubby cheeks are gone, you choose your own clothes to wear, and you snuggle on my shoulder only once in a while. Long gone are the days when you fell asleep in the car and I would carry you back to the house. My back will break if I do that now!


Today you are a young man. A young man who is one year away from being a full-fledged teenager (gulp). But you are also one who helps out in the house, look after your younger siblings, mediate disputes for them, assist in their school work homework, and you show concern for your grandparents.

You do all of that without complaining (most of the time) and even without being reminded (most of the time).

And I know I do not tell you often enough, but I truly appreciate your maturity and love you so much. You were the one who first made me a Dad and I will always be grateful for that.

But turning 12 is also a time filled with changes. Soon, you will enter the gates of adolescence to spend the next 7 years in the darkest ages of human development - being a teenager.

DUN-DUN-DUUUUN!!!

One day you will be asking me something. I will open my mouth to respond but all you will hear is gibberish - or just the word 'NO!'. You will not be able to understand what I am saying, because it will all sound like nonsensical yelling to you.

You will find that the Dad that you have known for the past few years will seem to have lost all his common sense and knowledge. I will morph into this ignorant fool of everything in the entire world: fashion, music, hair styles, movies, activities, and all other things.

You will be wearing an outfit to head out, and I will make you go back to your room and change. You will spend loads of time styling your hair, and I will want you to go back to your side-parting. You will be listening to the songs that you love, and I will remark that the music sounds like rubbish. You will going out with your friends, and I will demand to know who they are, where you are going, what you will be doing and what time you will return.

You will shake your head in frustration as you yell, "You don't know anything, Dad!!!" You will then slam the door behind you, thinking what an insane person you have for a Dad.

But no matter what issues we may face as a teenager/parent, know that I can never be more proud of you. Know that there will be times when you deem us unreasonable. but also understand that any decision me and Mum will make will be based on our love for you. Yes, we will listen and yes, we might not understand but remember that our responsibility is to love and protect you, even if you don’t like it.

I can’t promise I’ll never yell at you - just like how I know you are not able to make the same promise too. And I can’t say that there won’t be times where you will hate me for what it seems I’m doing to you.

But I can promise this - I will forgive you always. I promise I will love you always. I promise I will be here for you always.

Because anytime you feel lost, home is where I and Mum will be waiting for you.

Happy 12th Birthday, son!


Love,

Dad

With the Portable SHARP Ultrasonic Washer, Removing Stains has Never been this Easy (& Fun)!

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If you are a parent, you are probably very familiar with stained clothes.  When the monkies were toddlers, it seemed like everything they wore got stained. I usually don’t worry about it too much, or least I TRY NOT TO BE (unless it is a brand new, expensive piece of apparel!), but you know what... sometimes it is nice to have one unstained article of clothing to wear. 

Because let's face it, kids EQUAL stains.

And even though the monkies now have gotten (slightly) better in keeping their clothes stain-free, the occasional ketchup sauce, marker and mud stains still irks me.  

That was in the past.

Now, I have this sleek baby to thank for curing my 'stain' idiosyncrasy.


A bottle of stain removal fluid? Well, that is only half correct.

It is a stain remover alright, but no chemicals are used in this silver contraption. Rather, it is a gadget that runs on rechargeable batteries.... AND removes stains effortlessly!

The all-new Ultrasonic Washerfrom SHARP introduces a revolutionary new way to treat spot stains on clothing. And because of its handy size, it is portable which eliminates the inconvenience and worry caused by accidental stains.


Unboxing the Ultrasonic Washer will yield the Washer itself, a bag for storing the device when not in use, a USB cable for charging the battery (it uses the same port as Android phones), and a sponge for wetting the stains when you are out of the house.

Yes, that last bit of 'wetting the stains' is crucial because that is the basis of how the Ultrasonic Washer functions.


See the tip of the Washer? That tip attacks stains with ultrasonic waves. An innovative oscillator at the tip of the device vibrates at 38,000 strokes a second.

For the tip to do its work, the stained portion of the clothing needs to be wet so that when the tip is placed over wet fabric, the vibrations generate invisible micro-bubbles in the water. As the bubbles implode, they loosen and eventually remove foreign matter stuck on the fabric.


Or that is how it should work theoretically.

The only way to find out was to put the Ultrasonic Washer to the test... on my favourite white shirt. Yikes.


I smeared ketchup and soya sauce on a portion of the fabric (oh, my poor shirt!) and for added effect, I let the stains sit in for 30 minutes. Because if you know these little buggers called stains, you will know that the longer they remain on fabric, the more difficult they are to remove.

And since it seemed like such a fun thing to do, Ale volunteered to test out the Washer on my behalf.


All she had to do was to first soak the stained area in water, trace the stains using the tip of the washer and then rinse. VOILA!


It was amaze-balls! The stains came off effortlessly and I did not even pre-treat the stains with detergent!

For a closer look how the Washer does its magic, check out the short video I made:


To be honest, I did not expect the Ultrasonic Washer to be thaaaaat good with stains.

And the best part? It uses NO chemicals at all. Just pure ultrasonic waves. Because just like the type of food that I put into my monkies' bodies, I prefer to minimise the usage of chemicals whenever possible.

Even better, it is extremely easy to use, with a 3 simple steps: Soak, Trace, and Rinse. All done in a matter of minutes. The Sharp Ultrasonic Washer is also very portable as it is cordless with a USB rechargeable battery. It is lightweight enough to fit into a bag, or to keep it at the office for those unwanted 'bak chor mee chilli' stains.


For Ale though, she has since bestowed the title of 'Magic Brush' on the SHARP Ultrasonic Washer because in her words, "It feels like I am painting when I use the Washer on the stains and then, the stains disappear... like magic!"

I could not agree more.



The SHARP Ultrasonic Washer is retailing at all SHARP authorised dealer shops for S$199. For more information, visit sharp.com.sg/ultrasonic-washer/.

A Kid-themed Staycation at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre

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Parents around the world all know this: You can’t really, truly relax until you know your kids are safe, happy, and occupied. More so during a staycation, when all parents want to do is to get away from the hectic life momentarily and yet not having to fret over having to keep the little ones satisfied.

More hotels and resorts are definitely getting it, which are making it their business to cater to guests of all ages... with plenty of kid-friendly amenities and special spaces to entice families. And one doesn't get any kid-friendlier with kid-themed hotel rooms AND colourful themed bedding to brighten up a staycation!


To celebrate the festive season - that's Christmas & Chinese New Year - Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre is currently offering the Very Important Kids (VIK) Club for a limited time from now until 29 Jan 2017, which features special room set-ups for the little ones, welcome packs and a host of other kid-friendly amenities.

There are 2 packages available - BOOMi and Ocean themes. The latter features ocean-themed bedding while the former has the adorable BOOMi Bear plastered all over the room.


Nothing like brightly-colored bedding to endear the monkies to a hotel room!


Colourful bedding aside, Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre has the reputation as one of the most centrally-located mid-range hotels in Singapore. Located just behind Centrepoint, it is within walking distance to the entire Orchard Road stretch.



We were upgraded to the Junior Suite, and had 2 extra single beds in the room. But if you have 2 or 3 kids,  the Premier Room will suffice because did you know that Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre is one of the few hotels in Singapore that offer TWO double beds under the twin category? For a family of 4 or 5, there isn't any need to book 2 separate hotel rooms for that one staycation!


Of course, all BOOMi staycation packages come complete with kid-sized BOOMi-themed bathrobes and bedroom slippers too.



Upon check-in, all young guests are also gifted a BOOMi welcome pack which consists of a BOOMi sling bag, luggage tag, stickers and activity book.


Guess who is the one smitten with the welcome pack?


Guests who book the Ocean-themed package will receive the VIK Welcome pack which contains a sling bag, cap, toothbrush set and water bottle.


But whichever package you choose, all kids will receive this VIK Club Explorer's Guide.


The pamphlet lists down 5 tasks that kids must complete during the staycation so as to obtain a small prize during check-out time.


Tasks include finishing one's breakfast to earn a stamp, and also giving the front desk staff a Hi-5!


One of the more unique tasks involve getting kids to take a selfie with the concierge staff, which the monkies duly completed.


Proof of their selfie. Heh.


And in return for their efforts, they were each rewarded with a Holiday Inn Singapore collar pin.


Nothing too fanciful, but it sure made the monkies' day... since no kid will be able to resist completing tasks and collecting stamps, no?


I have to say the Explorer's Guide is pretty refreshing and another equally unique feature of a staycation at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre is tablets are provided for the kids upon check-in as well.


Rather than the usual XBOX or Wii game consoles in the room, Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre gives the option of loaning the tablets to younger kids free of charge. And the good thing is the tablet ONLY comes loaded with educational games from TOCA BOCA... and nothing else.


Ale is a huge fan of TOCA BOCA games, so it is not difficult to imagine how happy she was.


Even more surprising, the boys enjoyed the games too!


On every staycation, the first thing the monkies want to know is, does it have a pool??? Yes, this hotel has a great pool area located on the roof. There is also a toddlers pool for younger kids and a jacuzzi tub for those that like to soak and chill.


Buffet breakfast is available on the 2nd floor in Windows on the Park, and the buffet spread had a good variety of breakfast items ranging from Western, Indian to local dishes.


The restaurant even stocks up on mini board games, books and other activities to keep the kids occupied during meal times. Something that I know that parents will highly nod in approval!


And since we stayed over the Christmas period, the hotel also organised kid activities for the little VIPs in one of its function rooms.


The monkies tried their hand at dressing up their own Gingerbread Man... and devouring it soon after.


Oh, and did I mention that all kids get a welcome drink as well?


This must count as the first time that parents do not get a drink, so I just had to make do with the potato chips. Sob.

With kids staying AND eating for FREE at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre, it's no wonder that the monkies thoroughly enjoyed our short stay.


Personally, the hotel exceeded my expectations by offering a few features of what you might find in more upmarket properties. The rooms are spacious and comfortable while the hotel is not only kid-friendly but kid-preferred, judging from the monkies' happy faces.



GIVEAWAY

Thanks to Holiday Inn, I have a Very Important Kids Staycation Package to give away to one lucky family!

The package includes a 2D1N Weekend Staycation in a Double Beds Premier Room.

To participate, simply complete the following:

1. LIKE Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre's Facebook Page HERE.

2. COMMENT and tell us why you would like to win the Kids Package, and which theme, the BOOMi theme or Ocean theme, you prefer. Leave your comment either in the corresponding Facebook post HERE or in this blog post.

Note: You have to complete both steps to qualify.

WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING?
SHARE this blog post of the giveaway on Facebook for a BONUS chance! Remember to set your profile to public so that I can see the shared post.

Giveaway ends on 11 Jan 2017 and the winner will be announced on 12 Jan 2017.

Terms & Conditions:
- Staycation redemption is valid til 29 January 2017
- Maximum of 2 Adults and 2 Kids
- Valid for stay on Friday, Saturday or Sunday night only
- Prize voucher is non-refundable and non-redeemable for cash
- Room is subject to availability
- Prior reservation is required. Call +65 6733 8333 for reservations and enquiries
*Winner(s) will be contacted via private message for their contact and prize redemption details.


Useful Information

Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre
11 Cavenagh Rd, Singapore 229616
Room Rates: From $188++ per Premier Double Bed Room
Tel: 6733 8333
Website

15 3D2N Getaways with Kids for 2017 Long Weekends

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Did you that there are a total of SEVEN long weekends in Singapore in 2017?

WOOT!

Well, six actually since New Year's Day (1 Jan) has already passed. So that gives us these remaining public holidays which so happen to make the weekend slightly longer:

Chinese New Year (28 & 29 Jan, Sat & Sun)
Good Friday (14 Apr, Fri)
Labour Day (1 May, Mon)
Hari Raya Puasa (25 Jun, Sun)
Hari Raya Haji (1 Sep, Fri)
Christmas Day (25 Dec, Mon)

Additionally, Vesak Day (10 May), National Day (9 Aug) and Deepavali (18 Oct) all fall on a Wednesday this year... which means you just have to take 2 days of leave to enjoy a 5-day break!

Last year, I've listed 8 resorts that do not require too long of a travelling time if you are planning to head out of the country for a short break. This year, I have expanded the list to FIFTEEN getaway options - all of which are good for a 3-days-2-nights stay with the family.

All of them are family-friendly, bursting with activities to keep the kids occupied and most importantly, tried and tested by the monkies!


Once again, it is time to take out those calendars and plan away!


1. Sinar Eco Resort
(Johor, Malaysia)


Who says one needs to fly to Australia for a farm stay? Located in Pekan Nanas in Johor, Sinar Eco Resort is about one hour's drive away from Tuas Checkpoint. Not only can one stay in rooms constructed out of shipping containers, the resort is full of farm animals that kids can pet and feed. There is no better place where kids can come face to face with chickens, geese, horses, rabbits, cats, dogs, cows and goats.


Nestled in the quiet tranquillity of an oil palm estate, the resort newly opened in May 2016 and provides the perfect atmosphere for families to embrace the countryside. There are a total of 8 air-conditioned containers in all, and each consists of a queen-sized bed, safe, TV, refrigerator and private bathroom. For larger groups, book the apartment rooms which come with FOUR bedrooms each.


Family-friendly?
The resort is split into two main areas which are separated by a gravel road. One area houses the accommodation and cafe while the other larger area is home to all of the farm animals and activities. If your kids adore animals, they will go absolutely bonkers here. Even better if they love FEEDING and CUDDLING animals! Besides the animals, families can go kayaking along a river, as well as taking a dip in its sheltered swimming pool.


Address: Lot 2346 GM2535 kampung sungai molek Mukim jeram batu, Pekan Nanas
Price: From RM250 per night
Tel: +60 19-326 0172
Website: www.facebook.com/SinarEcoResort

2. The Canopi
(Bintan, Indonesia)


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


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


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


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


Address: Treasure Bay Bintan, Jln Raya Haji, Lagoi, Riau, Indonesia 29152 (Right Beside Bintan Resorts Ferry Terminal)
Tel: (62) 77-069-2252
Price: From S$200 per night
Website: www.thecanopi.com

3. Sunway Lagoon
(Selangor, Malaysia)


Sunway Lagoon should be familiar to almost everyone - it is a 5-in-1 theme park which is home to a Theme Park, Water Park, Wildlife Park, Extreme Park and Scream Park. Make that 6-in-1 now because the Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon has newly opened in Sunway Lagoon last year! Being the first Nickelodeon themed attraction in Asia, it is a must-go if your kids are fans of Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.


Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon is home to colossal water rides, water playgrounds, canopy walks and meandering pathways. Set amidst 10 acres of lush tropical rainforest and boasting 14 immersive attractions, Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon promises to be an kid explorer’s dream right from the start. Okay, make that an adult's one too!


Climbing “ancient temple” steps, explorers will pass pineapple columns and intricate carvings leading all the way up to a magnificent SpongeBob SquarePants structure. The adventure continues with geysers, sprouting water cannons, walks along cascading falls, and gooey moments with the signature green slime!


Family-friendly?
With 6 theme parks to cover to cover at Sunway Lagoon, how can one get bored? In fact, I would say one day is hardly enough! Accommodation-wise, choose from three options - Sunway Resort & Spa, Sunway Pyramid Pyramid Hotel and Sunway Clio Hotel. All three are located beside the theme parks, and connected to the humongous Sunway City shopping mall.


Address: 3, Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Tel: +603 5639 0000
Price:
Admission: Adult – RM153 | Child (12 & below) & Senior Citizens (60 & above) RM126 | Accommodation: From RM380 per night (Sunway Clio Hotel)
Website: sunwaylagoon.com

4. Telunas Resorts
(Riau Islands, Indonesia)


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


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


Address: Desa Mentangun, Moro Kepulauan Riau (Riau Islands), Indonesia
Tel: +62 811 7710951
Price: From S$100 per night (Telunas Beach Resot & excluding full board meals)
Website: www.telunasresorts.com

5. Montigo Resorts Nongsa
(Batam, Indonesia)


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


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


Address: Jl. Hang Lekir Nongsa, Batam, Indonesia
Tel: +65 6505 9381 (Singapore Sales Office)
Price: From S$250++ per night
Website: www.montigoresorts.com/nongsa/

6. Rimba Resort
(Pulau Sibu, Malaysia)


If you are looking to chill by the beach with only the bare necessities, then Rimba Resort is your answer. Located three hours from Singapore - 2.5 hours drive from Singapore to Tanjung Leman jetty and a 30-minute boat ride to Pulau Sibu, Rimba Resort offers the perfect place to relax without the usual resort frills.


That's right: NO aircon, NO hot water, NO TV, and NO WiFi. But what you do get are 21 charming seafront chalets all within a stone’s throw away from the resort's 350m private beach. And the beach will be where the kids will be spending most of their time there, thanks to the gorgeous house reef. Trust me when I say the monkies had never seen so many clown fish in one single snorkel session. In fact, they they begged to snorkel every single morning... and afternoon!


The resort is set up with a central dining room, lounge areas, bar, and sun deck. Meals are full board and are served at designated times. There is only one Family Chalet which comes with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, both with hot water showers while the other beach chalets each consist of one bedroom (1 queen bed, 1 single & 1 bunk bed) and one bathroom.

Family-friendly?
Besides snorkelling, other activities to keep the kiddos occupied include fishing, kayaking, jungle trekking, board games, beach vollyball and a mini library. For parents, the resort is the perfect place to get away from it all, just by relaxing on the beach with a cocktail and a good book whilst watching the sunset.


Address: Pulau Sibu, Malaysia
Tel: +60 12 710 6855
Price: From RM265 per person per night (Full Board)
Website:www.resortmalaysia.com

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


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


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


Address: KM 43, Jalan Kluang – Mersing, 86 700 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +60 0127683149
Price: From RM200 per person (Floating Chalet, based on 5-6 people per room & 4 meals included)
Website: kahangorganic.com/en/

8. UK Agro Farm
(Johor, Malaysia)


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


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


Address: Plot 8, Project Pertanian Moden Kluang, KM13 Jalan Batu Pahat,  86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607-759 7555
Price: From RM180 per night
Website: www.ukfarm.com.my

9. Kukup
(Johor, Malaysia)


A small fishing village located in the district of Pontian, Johor, Kukup is famed for its open air seafood restaurants and retro chalet-style accommodations built on stilts over the water. Visitors can take a boat tour to visit fish farms, kelong, and take a closer look at the various species of sea creatures such as ikan selar, crabs and clams being farmed. A short boat ride away is Pulau Kukup, a protected uninhabited nature reserve covered in dense mangrove forest.


Family-friendly?
Kukup is a wonderful place for parents to share the kampong life with kids. To up the thrill factor, families can set off their own mini fireworks at night too! The fireworks can be purchased from stores in Kukup, and are a real treat for kids (under adult supervision, of course.)


Address: Kukup Village, Pontian, Johor, Malaysia
Price: Accommodation options typically start from $30 per person for full board meals.

10. LEGOLAND Malaysia Hotel
(Johor, Malaysia)


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


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


Address: 79100 Iskandar Puteri, 7, Jalan Legoland, Medini, 79100 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia
Tel: +607 5978888
Price: From RM770++ per night
Website: www.legoland.com.my/Hotel/Home/

11. KSL Resort
(Johor, Malaysia)


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


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


Address: 33 Jalan Seladang 80250 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Tel: +607 288 2999
Price: From RM200 per night
Website: www.kslresorts.com.my

12. Avillion Port Dickson
(Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia)


There may be other more luxurious resorts in Port Dickson but Avillion Port Dickson edges slightly ahead due to its fine beach. The Water Chalets come highly recommended by the monkies as they are built on stilts over the sea, and they loved it when it was high tide with the sound of the sea splashing just beneath the room. But low tide will bring the most joy out of the kids - if they love to go crab hunting!


Family-friendly?
A sure-fire hit with the kids will be the resort's Pet Farm, which will be opened every day in the morning for guests to feed animals such as chickens, rabbits and tortoises. Kids can even try bathing them every Wednesday and Sunday! The resort also has a kids' pool with a water slide, spice farm, nature walk and Kids' Club. Oh, and keep a lookout for the resort's roaming peacocks!


Address: 3rd Mile, Jalan Pantai, 71000 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Tel: +606 647 6688
Price: From RM500++ per night (Water Chalet)
Website:www.avillionportdickson.com

13. Lotus Desaru
(Johor, Malaysia)


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


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


Address: Lot 1854, Jalan Desaru, Bandar Penawar, 81930 Kota Tinggi, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia
Tel: +607-884 2800
Price: From RM250 per night (2-Bedroom)
Website: lotusdesaru.com

14. Bintan Lagoon Resort
(Bintan Island, Indonesia)


Perched on the magni cent Pasir Panjang Beach, overlooking the majestic South China Sea, Bintan Lagoon Resort is a tropical paradise, home to sun, sea, and two spectacular golf courses. This Indonesian-style 470-room resort is HUGE and comes with a private beach that stretches nearly 1.5km.


But what sets this the resort apart from the rest of the other resorts on the island is its private ferry terminal. One can just take a ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal and land directly at the resort’s doorstep! Room are huge, and come with a daybed which is adequate for a family of 2 adults and 3 children.


Family-friendly?
Plenty of land and water activities to choose from and for the younger kids, the resort has a rather reasonable sized indoor playground. It comprises of wave slides, foam ball guns, climbing wall and even a dedicated area for toddlers,


Address: Jalan Indera Segara Site A12, Lagoi, Teluk Sebong, Bintan, Kepri – Indonesia. 29155
Tel: 6223 3223 (Singapore Office)
Price: From S$120++ per night
Website: www.bintanlagoon.com

15. Club Med Bintan
(Bintan Island, Indonesia)



Looking for a holiday where you can just kick back, relax and let the kids do all the planning of the activities? Then Club Med Bintan is the holiday resort you should be booking. The pioneer of an all-inclusive holiday where all meals, drinks and activities are included in the booking price, Club Med Bintan is just a short ferry ride from Singapore.


From treating yourself to a beautiful spa perched on the rocks, or gliding through the air on a flying trapeze overlooking the sea, or honing your land and water sports skills, I would recommend at least a 3-night stay to truly experience what the resort has to offer.


Family-friendly?
Kiddos can be packed off to the Mini Club Med (4-10 years old) or Junior Club Med (11-17 years old) where they will enjoy a full day's worth of activities while parents can chill the day away by indulging in their own activities as well. Come every evening, there will be a night show and dance segment where everyone will be encouraged to join in the revelry. Kids even their very own (elevated) mocktail bar counter where they can order their drinks from!


Address: Bintan Island, Indonesia
Tel: +603-2053 1888
Price: From S$650 per person (3-night accommodation with all meals, and return ferry)
Website: www.clubmed.com.sg/r/Bintan-Island/y

Do you have any other recommendations? I would love to know!
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