BUBBLE TEA FANS - I'm looking at my own monkies - it's time to up those sugar levels to 100% because the Bubble Tea Factory is set to be a feast for all the senses... without having to ingest any calories of course. 😆


Sprawled over 7,000 sq ft at *Scape from 19 Oct to 18 Dec 2019, the quirky exhibition that will have ten multi-sensory and visually-stunning installations: from upside-down bubble tea trees and visually stunning installations, to creative and delicious bubble tea-inspired treats.


Expect plenty of photo-worthy opportunities which will beautify your Instagram feed instantly.


Because one cannot wrong with sweet pastel colours, photo-worthy, which should perk up the ears of all you Instagram fanatics. Think sweet pastel shades, nenon lights, a huge Pearl Pit and swinging on a giant pearl a lá Wrecking Ball. Basically, boba-themed EVERYTHING!


As part of the bubbly experience, each visitor will be given a Boba Booster Pack upon entry which consists of a set of limited-edition collectible cards that feature interactive challenges to make it even more fun. Oh, and don't forget to claim your FREE cup of bubble tea at the end of it all!



Ready to get all suagry high? Here's what to expect from the Bubble Tea Factory's interactive zones:

BOBA-VERSE

Visitors get a first taste of all things cutesy in The Factory, then find themselves walking through a mystical forest of illuminated straws in the Enchanted Forest.


You will enter the Blue Coral Utapioca next, where you can pick your fave tea-scented upside-down boba trees to lounge under!


THE SECRET

See the small hole in the photo above? Crawl through that and you will be transported into the Wrap Zone where everything is metallic and shiny.


Push aside the green curtain and you'll be able to live it up like a true Boba Ballin' celebrity - only on Instagram of course.



But wait, be sure to look for a mirror because behind it lies a ??? hidden galaxy... or if you prefer, a definite IG-worthy moment. 😂


BOBA LAB


Here, the experiential nature goes up a notch with free smells of different bubble tea aroma at the Smells like Tea Spirit section.


Then, improve your IG game at the various photo booths - swing on a wrecking ball pearl at Taro-bly Wreck, pose with a BBT IV drip at Boba-jection and finish off by trapping yourself in a larger-than-life boba cup at XXL BBT!




And don't forget to use one of your Power Cards here at Experimental Treats to collect your free sample of either Bubble Tea flvoured popcorn or Brown Sugar borad beans!

PEARL-DUCTION LINE

Personally, this is my most fave section of the lot.

Because who can resist a BALL PIT, no???


Kids (and adults) will delight in diving into a giant 'pot' of balls which resemble taro-bly cute pearls at the Pearl Pit.




Want some hidden fun? Open one of the doors at the Pearlsonality Chamber for a great photo opp!


I won't tell you which one though!


And while learning some fun facts about all things boba at Ode to my Pearl, kids can have a go at see-sawing with a giant BBT.


Which obviously I am too heavy for. Must be all the BBT. 😁


Don't forget to use your Power Card here too, to collect your free cup of bubble tea drink at the Drinks Collection counter!


MILK-TEA WAY

The final zone places visitors in the Tea Terminal, where they will commence boarding on Air BBT to head to the exit. But don't fret, you will be able to enjoy one final (or a few) IG-worthy shot within the Air BBT aeroplane!


See what I mean? LOL.


Finally, end your visit by leaving some words on the Happiness Wall.


If you wish to take a slice of BBT fun back home, there are also exclusive BBT merchandise on sale. Some of them are really just too cute.  YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!



The Bubble Tea Factory will only be open for 2 months, beginning from 19 October 2019 so all BBT lovers, you know where to go for your sugary high fix!


But wait, there's a super promotion for all... for one day only!

FREE Entry for all

Strictly for ONE DAY only, the Bubble Tea Factory will be open to the first 1,000 visitors for FREE on 19 October 2019 from 12pm to 6pm! Don't say I never jio okay - this is your only chance to experience the whimsical Boba Wonderland for FREE!



Useful Information

The Bubble Tea Factory
Date: 19 October to 18 December 2019
Time: Weekdays - 4pm to 10pm; Weekends - 10am to 10pm
Venue: *SCAPE (2 Orchard Link, Singapore 237978)
Ticket prices: $24 on weekdays, $28 on weekends/PH/eve of PH
Get your tickets at www.thebubbleteafactory.co

An extension of the Tyersall-Gallop Core of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Gallop Extension will be the only location in Singapore where visitors can see a curated interpretation of various habitats that are representative of forests in the region.

Occupying a total land area of 8 hectares, only two features of Gallop Extension will be opened for now with the other features opening in 2020. The Mingxin Foundation Rambler's Ridge is a re-created tropical ridge habitat while the OCBC Arboretum is a living library of trees with more than 200 species of dipterocarps.


For families with kids, the Mingxin Foundation Rambler's Ridge will be perfect for that short morning or evening nature walk.


Rambler's Ridge has a ridge-top hiking trail which leads to the highest point in the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Okay, so it is only 40m above sea level which is hardly Bukit Timah Hill standard but it is a trail that even younger kids can complete on their own.




The ridge draws its inspiration from unique forest habitats on the tropical hills of Southeast Asia. Some of these environments are known to be harsh, with poor soil and exposure to strong winds.


Visitors will be able to see plants such as the carnivorous Narrow-Lid Pitcher Plant and Raffles' Pitcher Plant which have adapted to the harsh environment of the hills.



Even more interestingly for kids, there are also Ant Plants along the ridge which have modified roots, stems and leaves that are hollow, producing a network of tunnels for ants to live in!



The walk along the ridge is short and takes about 15 minutes, which is suited to families with even younger kids. Amazingly, it feels a little cooler atop of the ridge... much like being in the mountains!



The other second feature to open at Gallop Extension is the OCBC Arboretum, a conservation project and a huge living library for dipterocarps species of trees.



Wait, what are dipterocarps?

They are the giants of the forest and can grow up to 80m tall! These trees dominate the rain forests of Southeast Asia, home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna.


Sounds familiar? That's because if you are as old as me, you will have probably learnt about it and how it is dispersed by wind during primary school days. 😁



The Arboretum acts as a 'gene bank', a living repository of over 200 species of dipterocarps, many of which are threatened by deforestation.



All in all, a great green space to spend some time in the arms of nature.


Gallop Extension is due to be even bigger when the COMO Adventure Grove playground, Forest Discovery Centre and Canopy Link opens in 2020. For now, even though the Mingxin Foundation Rambler's Ridge and OCBC Arboretum may occupy a small area within the Gallop Extension, it is still worth a visit - I strongly recommend visiting the adjacent The Learning Forest which is awesome (and you can read my review HERE) and ending off your visit to the Botanic Gardens to Gallop Extension.


In addition, if you are heading down this weekend and next Deepavali long weekend, there will specially organised free programmes and activities for everyone! These include guided tours, talks, demonstrations, concerts, movie screenings and craft activities for kids.

There will also be free guided shuttle bus services every 10 to 15 minutes from Botanic Gardens MRT Station (Exit B), the Botany Centre (Tanglin Gate) drop-off point and Nassim Gate Visitor Centre drop-off point, from 2pm to 6pm on 19 October 2019, and 10am to 6pm on 20, 26 and 27 October 2019. For a detailed listing of all activities happening, visit HERE.


Useful Information

Gallop Extension
Mingxin Foundation Rambler's Ridge and OCBC Arboretum

For most kids, this coming Deepavali long weekend will mark the end of the exams! (Not for mine though 😥)

What's for certain is that the 3-day break will definitely be welcomed by all. So just how can you keep the kids occupied during the long weekend? Check out these 35 kid-friendly activities to enjoy together as a family, of which more than half are FREE!





Little India’s extravagant biannual event is back this year with a whole new twist catch elements of drama, dance and vehicle convoy, commemorating Singapore’s bicentennial year. Race Course Road comes alive showcasing the history of Little India in the parade and there will be launch of the Street Light Up.



This new original play from SRT’s The Little Company is a reimagining of the classic tale, The Gingerbread Man - an uplifting story about the value of teamwork and friendship, set to a rousing, rock score.

Ginger is a giant cookie who can walk, talk and most importantly, he loves to run, run, run as fast as he can! Teamwork is especially important on the farm where Ginger lives, but Ginger would rather do things on his own. Ginger ends up making a terrible mess and breaking his mother, Anya's most prized possession; the oven. Ginger is taken under the influence of Sly Fox, who lures him away from the farm with a promise of an exciting local race in which the first prize is a brand new oven. Of course, Sly Fox's real aim is to gobble Ginger up as soon as he can get Ginger back to the fox den. Anya and the farm animals realise Ginger is in danger and come to his rescue, but Ginger must learn how to work as a team in order to defeat the fox. For tickets, visit HERE.



SpookyTown returns for its annual Masquerade Ball and exciting activities are in store for the whole family this Halloween! Following the mysterious events that happened at SpookyTown: The Lost Carnival last year, look forward to a night of family-friendly adventure as you search for clues and embark on The Masquerade Hunt to locate the town’s missing Mayor Fabiola! For tickets, visit HERE.



Head to the first-ever gardening and lifestyle market in Jurong Lake Gardens! Double the scale this month, be sure to check out the food stalls, plant retailers and local businesses! There will also be fun craft activities suitable for children of all ages. Gardening enthusiasts, you can sign up for our various workshops to learn skills and techniques from our experienced speakers.



Enjoy the scenic Marina Bay skyline at PAssion WaVe @ Marina Bay as you shop for fresh produce and support local artisan products. Don't miss the free water try-outs from 2pm to 5pm!



Welcome Deepavali this year with your very own candle holder to light up your home. Discover the triumphant story of good versus evil in Hindu mythology, and why lamps are lit during Deepavali during an interactive drama performance.



The Grandstand brings you the opportunity to bond with your little ones while trying out new enrichment activities at the October Playdate!  Come on down to The Grandstand on 26 Oct (Sat) for a morning of fun craft, robotics classes & much more.


Parks Festival is back for its fourth edition at Esplanade Park, Empress Lawn and Queen Elizabeth Walk from Sat, 26 Oct (11am to 10.30pm) to Sun, 27 Oct (8.30am to 12pm). Get active with a range of activities such as the Imagination Playground by ActiveSG, Piloxing and KpopX Fitness by ActiveGroove, and LTA’s Move Happy Cycling Festival. Kids can also have a ball of a time at the outdoor ball pit and inflatable play area! For more details on activities, visit HERE.



Hosted by Justin Misson and featuring local acts Enigma, Jive Talkin', SuperSonic, The Common People and The Jukuleles, get ready to party the night away to hits from the 00s' by Adele, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Kings of Leon, Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, One Republic, Pitbull and many more artistes!


Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries. This year, the Singapore Polytechnic Symphonic Band pays homage to music history and relive the jazzy 30s, disco 60s, rocking 80s and popping 21st century. Bring your family and friends, your dancing shoes and your picnic baskets and join us for a wonderful time!



Free movie event under the stars! As part of the 23rd German Film Festival and in partnership with Goethe-Institut Singapore and the Embassy of Belgium in Singapore, NParks is happy to present a Singapore premiere! Pack a picnic basket and bring your friends and family to enjoy a movie screening of “Marnie’s World” (English audio with no subtitles).



Join in the spooky fun at this Halloween event to mark fright night with a series of fun Halloween activities. Don’t forget to dress your kids in their scariest and most impressive Halloween costumes!



Inspired by the famous 18th-century Chinese book Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, ACM has created a fantastical world full of creatures in this one-night-only Halloween special. Get spooked by chilling performances and paranormal panellist talks. Or go on its first-ever, adults-only immersive experiential storytelling in the dark. Make your own wicked awesome souvenir or try special ACM After Dark customised ice cream and tea flavours by Butterknife Folk and Antea Social. You might just find your new favourite haunting ground. For programme details, visit HERE.



Created for youth, by youth, NMS: Nightfall is an interactive experience that will reshape the way you experience history at the National Museum. Head to the National Museum’s first ever after-hours youth event, organised by our inaugural Youth Panel! Enjoy a night at the museum as you embark on a thrilling journey through our latest exhibition, An Old New World: From the East Indies to the Founding of Singapore, 1600s–1819, collecting clues and completing tasks to win prizes. Or chill out at our marketplace with light bites, good music, and some late-night shopping! Visit HERE for more information.

Admission is free with limited capacity; registration on Peatix secures your entry and entitles you to a door gift when you drop in between 7.30pm and 11pm (while stocks last)!



Beloved Cartoon Network characters Ben10 and the effervescent Powerpuff Girls are making their way down to Eastpoint Mall to meet all of their fans. The human boy with the coveted Omnitrix watch-like device, Ben10, will be there on 26 October while the superpowered trio Powerpuff Girls will be taking centrestage on 27 October. Sessions are at 2pm and 5pm on both days.



Fall in love again with your favourite films and stories from Walt Disney Animation Studios! From Mickey Mouse to Anna and Elsa, uncover the magic behind almost a century of artistry and technological innovations that has brought to life our most beloved animated characters. Disney: Magic of Animation at ArtScience Museum also debuts original artworks from the highly anticipated Frozen 2, which will be on display before the release of the animated film in Singapore.

In keeping with ArtScience Museum’s ethos of presenting captivating interactive exhibitions, the show also includes projections, audio-visual displays and alluring exhibits that transport visitors into the world of Disney’s films using hands-on educational activities. Go behind-the-scenes at the Walt Disney Animation Studios and delve into a world of art and technology developed by the talented artists and production teams behind the films. For more information and tickets, visit HERE.



From now until 22 Mar 2020, on display is The Curious Sky by Ng Fongyee, a multi-sensory arts space inspired by elements of the weather. Come and join in to sing in the rain, dance with the rainbow, hear the thunder rumble or simply look up for the endless possibilities The Curious Sky brings you. Entry into The Artground itself is free and donations are encouraged. For details on programmes for 26 & 27 Oct 2019, visit HERE.



This Deepavali, feel right at home as you celebrate the Festival of Lights with us at Indian Heritage Centre!



Pororo Park Singapore is having a party and you're in for a scare! It's a Mini Monster Bash so dress up if you dare! What a great time to become the monster in your closet! Pororo & Friends is bringing Halloween town  for a ghoulish adventure so crawl on over to enjoy great fun. Visit HERE for more information.


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


The Really Really Free Market is a temporary market based on the concept of giving and building a community based on sharing resources, caring for one another and improving the collective lives of all. Everything is free! Come share your stuff (books, cds, toys, food, etc) or skills (tarot card reading, hair cutting, poetry writing, singing, etc) by giving them to others who need them!


Join us in this exciting month as the ASEAN-Russia Youth Orchestra will be making their first appearance in Singapore! The stage will be filled with young talented musicians from all ASEAN countries and Russia, to bring forth a unique cultural performance at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage. Under the direction of two experienced conductors from both Singapore and Russia, the Orchestra will play the classical masterpieces by renown composers such as Mozart, Mendelssohn, Rossinin, Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev. Additionally, the concert will be featuring Russian sopranos Irina Vashchenko and Anastasia Belukova and a folk group “Lubo-Milo” from Russia.



Watch Supertree Grove transform into an enchanting neon jungle at this year’s youth festival, Youths Celebrate! Snap pictures of neon light installations and enjoy a host of exciting programmes from movie screenings and performances to upcycling workshops. Don’t forget to drop by the neon night market for interesting offerings, and the fun zone where you get to experience games and activities amidst vivid neon lights. Visit HERE for more details.



Feast your eyes and get your taste buds ready for this dreamy wonderland of five insta-worthy dessert themed room at the 1st Dessert Museum in Singapore! Min. spend of $45 in a single receipt for a pair of entry tickets. Free entry for children below 3 years old.



Showcased for the first time in a floral display at Gardens by the Bay, rhododendrons are among the showiest flowering shrubs admired for their big, beautiful and bright blooms. Amidst this lush and vibrant landscape filled with over 80 varieties of rhododendrons in white, yellow, orange and red, spot the Gardens' adorable bear mascots soaking up the great outdoors. From camping and fishing to zip-lining and hot air ballooning, join in the adventure as you explore this colourful display.



Gardens by the Bay celebrates Deepavali this year with a mix of tradition and experimentation at the Colonnade from 14 - 28 October 2019. Enjoy a series of informative and fun activities in conjunction with the exhibition on Indian Traditions in Singapore, and Rangoli art reimagined with reused bottles!


This September and October, enjoy family-friendly Halloween fun at Universal Studios Singapore. Join Illumination’s Minion Monsters in a mini-parade with goodies at Minion Monsters Tricky Treats, watch a musical-filled show of friendship and kindness in Trick or Treat with Sesame Street, or take part in interactive games at the all-new Halloween Carnival. For more details, visit HERE.



This October, kids enter Jurong Bird Park and Singapore Zoo for free with every full paying adult*! Join in the fight against the deadliest monster, plastic! Over a million animals are killed each year when they mistake plastic waste for food or get entangled in plastic debris. Plastic waste in our environment never breaks down and never goes away. Witness the extent of plastic build up in aquatic habitats through the interactive Shore Debris Table and learn how binning trash right will keep plastic waste out of wild habitats. For full details on activities, visit HERE.

*Applicable for local residents only. Free admission for one child (Ages 3 – 12 years old) with each full paying adult admission.



Join in for a glowing fun party as the Mermicornos and River Safari's river friends celebrate the discovery of the hidden river gem. Complete the River Gem Trail to take home limited-edition tokidoki x River Safari pins. Plus, have fun in exciting Ha-Glow-een games and crafts! For more details, visit HERE.



Time to step it up ghost hunters! Miniland is overrun with ghosts. Use the LEGO® Hidden Side app to find and catch them! Looking to show off your spooky side? Awesome kids, dress up in your best Halloween costume & get FREE ENTRY to the park throughout the event period. Best costume participant stands a chance to win EXCLUSIVE LEGO® Hidden Side set! For more details in activities, visit HERE.



The first of its kind in Singapore, The Bubble Tea Factory (TBTF) is an immersive, multi-sensory journey that takes you through an enchanting world of bubble tea. Spanning across more than 10 playful, visually spectacular installations, you will be treated to an experience like no other! Read my review HERE.



Back for the second edition, the Children’s Biennale has opened at the National Gallery Singapore from now and will run all the way until 29 December 2019. This year’s exhibition is themed ‘Embracing Wonder’ and invites kids all all ages to experience a new dimension of creativity and open themselves up to wondrous surprises. Through 11 imaginative artwork installations, kids can embrace a fantastic, magical world by composing their own tunes, braiding giant tresses, wandering beneath massive lanterns, popping into a dome, and more. And the best part? It is all FREE for for Singaporeans and PRs! Read more about our experience HERE.


As the centrepiece event of the Singapore Bicentennial, this multimedia sensory experience brings you back in time to witness key moments in Singapore’s transformation from as far back as 1299. It comprises of two parts - Time Traveller and Pathfinder. The first is an indoor cinematic, immersive journey which requires pre-booking of time slots while the latter is an outdoor exploratory trail featuring eight interactive pavilions and installations with no pre-registration required. Read more about my experience HERE.



I-Opener features the aesthetic and sensory play-worlds co-created by individuals with various disabilities, and also without. It invites kids aged 1 to 12 to explore their senses through play and the arts.


As we all know, the senses - sight, touch and hearing all play an important role in a child’s discovery of the world as well as their social-emotional development. But more than that, this exhibition DIFFERS from Playeum's previous exhibitions in that instead of just introducing the art of play to kids, it allows kids to step into the world of those with special needs and experience the way how they interact, play and sense the world around them. Read my review HERE.



As part of Singapore’s Bicentennial, LKCNHM reflects upon 200 significant natural history events in the island’s past. These interweaving, and sometimes quirky, threads of animals, plants, events, places and people have played an important role in shaping the country’s natural heritage. For more information, visit HERE.

Titled 'Disney: Magic of Animation', the exhibtion opens at ArtScience Museum on 26 October 2019 and lasts all the way until 29 March 2020. And the ArtScience Museum is perhaps the most ideal place to stage it because it is where art, science, culture and technology come together... something which is similar to the art of animation where hand-drawn artworks used to be what defined Disney animation movies from the 1920s and gradually progressed to the digital animation that we are familiar today.



Shown in Southeast Asia for the first time, the exhibition offers visitors the rare opportunity to experience over 90 magical years of Disney animation.


And it all began with Steamboat Willie starring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.


This section features original story sketches and animation drawings from some of the earliest Disney films. This gallery also includes a physical recreation of the iconic steamboat from Steamboat Willie (1928), the first Disney cartoon to have sound synchronised with the animation on screen.


The exhibition features over 500 exceptional art pieces, including original drawings, paintings, sketches and concept art curated by the Walt Disney Animation Research Library. Like this sketch of Mickey and Minnie.


Bold technological innovations then allowed Disney animators in the 1930s to explore and apply new artistic principles to capture nuances of human and animal movements and idiosyncrasies more accurately.


It's pretty fascinating to see what the initial concept artworks were for some of the most iconic Disney characters we have come to love... like the princess below.


Can you tell she is actually Snow White??? And here are some more of the initial impressions of the 7 Dwarves.


Other than just exhibits of sketches, the exhibition also has interactive elements to you know, keep the kids occupied.


Following the success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), the world's first feature-length animated film in Technicolor, Disney Studios’ artists threw themselves into the creation of a number of remarkable films including Pinocchio (1940), Fantasia (1940), Dumbo (1941) and Bambi (1942), amazing people all around the world with magical new animation techniques.





During the 1950s and 1960s, Disney animators started to develop numerous new production technologies as they sought to achieve even higher quality in their films.

This resulted in a bold and brilliant variety of artistic styles with background paintings and concept art from films including Lady and the Tramp (1955), Sleeping Beauty (1959) and One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) that showcase the talents of artists who created diverse visual worlds.



Do you believe that the this is actually meant to be Sleeping Beauty???




The 1990s was where the Disney Renaissance began. This golden period of Disney animation saw the huge successes of  The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast (1991), The Lion King (1994), Pocahontas (1995), Mulan (1998) and Tarzan (1999).



My facve of the lot has to be this life-sized projection of Belle and the Beast dancing in the ballroom. Perfect for that IG boomerang shot.


Oh, this was how the initial concept artwork of the Beast. 😆







Another fave installation of mine is the sound booth, which lets you re-create sound effects like thunder, galloping horses and sword fighting for Mulan.



The final section of the exhibition conveys impactful messages that build on social values, such as the importance of family bonds, cultural diversity and respect for nature, which includes films like Tangled (2010), Wreck-It Ralph (2012), Frozen (2013), Big Hero 6 (2014), Zootopia (2016) and Moana (2016).








Do keep a lookout for this actual model of Sugar Rush Mountain, which is made entirely out of actual cookies and other sweets!


Of course, the highlight of this section is the assortment of never-before-seen original artworks from the yet to be released Frozen 2.


 

The exhibition closes with a cool installation which offers a photo oppotunity to let it all go with Anna and Elsa... which is doused in fiery red Autumn colours, perhaps an indication of the theme of Frozen 2.


Final thoughts of the Disney: Magic of Animation exhibition? I'll be candid and say that the exhibition will probably be deemed boring to younger kids. Even though there are a few interactive exhibits, the primary aim of the exhibits is to showcase the thoughts, effort and processes that go into combining both the art and the science of animation into one - a filmmaking technique which Disney have pioneered and perfected for almost a century.

So if your kids have all along been fascinated by how animation is brought to life on the big screen, this is the exhibtion you must bring them to.


Useful Information

Disney: Magic of Animation
26 October 2019 till 29 March 2020
10am to 7pm daily
ArtScience Museum
Tickets:
Website

There's something about Japan that makes it so endearing, isn't it? It has that irresistible mix of culture and modernity, amazing food, natural wonders and fun theme parks. On top of it all, it is a country that is clean and safe... which can only mean one thing: it is perfect for a family adventure.


And of all the major cities in Japan like Tokyo, Sapporo and Kyoto, Osaka can sometimes be overlooked. I last visited Osaka even before when I was married so I can probably be forgiven for forgetting how much Osaka can actually be - espeically after spending 6 days and 5 nights in Osaka with the family!


Our trip was made in collaboration with Klook, which in case you didn't know, is the world-leading travel activities and services booking platform by allowing travellers a seamless way to book attractions, tours, local transportation, best foods and must-eats, and unique experiences around the world on its website and app. In other words, convenience and no-queuing-needed FTW!

We landed in Kansai Airport, Osaka in the late afternoon and the first thing we did was to pick up our Osaka Amazing Pass which gave us unlimited use of the Osaka subway, tramway, and bus network plus FREE entry to more than 50(!) of Osaka's top tourist attractions like the Osaka Castle, Osaka Zoo, Nagai Botanical Gardens, and even LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka! You can choose either the 1-Day or 2-Day pass.

Klook is currently the cheapest place to buy the Osaka Amazing Pass. Not only that, it is also extremely convenient to pick up or passes at the airport. All I had to do was to locate the HIS counter 1F next to the Northern Exit in the Arrival Hall, show my e-booking via the Kllok app in my phone and it was done in less than 5 minutes.


I pity the monkies who thought they had all the time in the world to play a game of Mario Kart on the Nintendo Switch. 😂


We also booked the ICOCA IC Card through Klook, which is an all-in-one travel tap card for JR West trains, subway, private railway, and buses in the Kansai area, much like own EZ-Link card. It comes pre-loaded with JPY1,500 and can be easily topped up at any ICOCA IC Card train stations. Pretty convenient card to have especially since our Osaka Amazing Pass will only be valid for 2 days so we relied on this card for transport during the remaining days in Osaka.


And with that, we were ready to start our Osaka trip proper!


OSAKA DAY 1

For our accommodation, we stayed at the stupendous Karaksa Hotel Osaka Namba which is located a 5-min walk away from the Shisaibashi Shopping Street and Dotonbori food haven, and a 15-min walk away from the main Namba station so it was extremely accessible.


The rooms were clean and functional but what the monkies particularly loved was the snack bar at the hotel will be opened daily to guests where we had a free flow of drinks, hot beverages and instant soups from the vending machine! There is even a soft drink mixer machine which the monkies absolutely adored. I wonder why.

Anyway, since it was close to 6pm by the time we checked into the hotel, there was only one thing on our minds - FOOD! And there was no better way to kick-start our Osaka holiday than a seafood meal at Isomaru Suisan Bar.


Isomaru Suisan Bar opens 24 hours, 7 days a week and is extremely popular not only with tourists but also the locals. Steeping inside, the wifey was smittened with the restaurant's whimsical and vibrant interior, which features paper lanterns, wooden panels and colorful illustrations on the walls.


Really felt like a bustling place... AND IT IS. Because there was long queue outside the restaurant when we arrived. Fortunately, I already pre-booked our dinner slot through Klook (you can choose your dining time at the point of booking) and we were shown to our table immediately, by-passing the queue. 😄


We had the Standard Set which consisted of fresh sashimi, crab miso, cuttlefish, seafood skewers, fresh scallops and clams.





The seafood was so fresh and good, and I thought it was extremely worth it. Just take a look at our table and you will understand why we were so stuffed.


Well, Ale could resist finishing everything!


After dinner, we then walked off the calories at the bustling Shinsaibashi shopping street before heading back to the hotel.


Orginally, this wasn't in our itinerary but after I found out about this place, I knew I had to bring the monkies to the Cup Noodles Museum Ikeda for a visit... especially since they are such fans of cup noodles. 😅

In case you didn't know, Ikeda, Osaka is the birthplace of instant noodles. In 1958, the world's first instant noodle product, "Chicken Ramen," originated in a shed of the house of Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant noodles and the founder of Nissin Food.


In honour of him - and also to celebrate the impact of cup noodles on the entire world, the museum was established in 1999 to introduce the history of instant noodles and convey the significance of innovation and discovery in the stages of invention.


Entry to the museum is FREE and we were taken on a journey through the Instant Noodles Tunnel where it chowcases the various range of instant noodles and how a single product grew into a global dietary culture... including the very first Chicken Ramen packaging.


But the highlight for the monkies must surely be the chance to make their very own customised Cup Noodle ramen at the My CUPNOODLES Factory.


For 500yen, you can purchase one empty cup which you can design the packaging, select the soup, and pick out a few ingredients to go into it before the staff seal it for you.





They even provide a large bubble wrap for your completed cup noodle! Ah, the thoughtfulness of the Japanese.


If you have time in Osaka, I definitely recommend visiting the museum and bringing back your very own cup noodle as a souvenir!


Umeda Sky Building


After the Cup Noodles Museum, it was time to put our Osaka Amazing Pass to work and the first place we visited was Umeda Sky Building which consists of two towers that are connected by the "Floating Garden Observatory" on the 39th floor.


Access to the Observatory is free of course, thanks to our Osaka Amazing Pass and the view on the 39th floor was astounding.


We enjoyed an unobstructed 360-degree view of Osaka and yes, we couldn't leave without snapping a few photos.



Osaka Castle


Let me just put it this way: no trip to Osaka is complete without a stop at the Osaka Castle.

Founded some 400 years ago,the castle is regarded as the second "great unifier" of political factions in Japan and is one of the most famous castles in Japan.

The inside of the castle is essentially a modern museum where weapons, armors, and folklife items and artifacts from those days are on display. Head to the topmost 8th floor for a view of the castle's surroundings.


Osaka Castle was not too bad but I think the hot weather really sapped our energy. It was 34 degrees when we were there in September!


Illusion Museum

Luckily for us, we discovered the Illusion Museum which was in the building just beside the castle.


Entry to the Illusion Museum was included in the Pass (yay!) and it was air-conditioned! 😁

The exhibits within the musuem are similar to those found at Trickeye Museum at RWS, but on a smaller scale and occupying a smaller area.



Nonetheless, the monkies still had a great time as you can probably tell.


Tombori River Cruise

Our final use of the Osaka Amazing Pass was for the Tombori River Cruise, a 20-minute mini-cruise along the Dotonbori waterway.


Along the way, we were treated to some of Naniwa’s most well-known sights. TIP: Try to time your cruise during the evening time so that you can catch the gorgeous sunset from the boat!


You know, I don't usually like city or discount passes when we travel because we tend to like to take things easy at our own pace. That said, the Osaka Amazing Pass ended up being extremely useful for us as we got to cover some of the most popular Osaka attractions in one day!

The total entrance fee of the attractions we exceeded far exceeded the cost of one Osaka Amazing Pass, and it included FREE subway and bus transport too! Need more convincing? The Pass includes free entry to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Osaka too (which we didn't visit) and its admission price is about S$30 per person. The price of a 1-Day Osaka Amazing Pass from Klook? S$35. Super worth it, I say!


Sakuya Lumina Night Walk is a night walk (duh) experience blending enchanting sound and light into Osaka Castle Park. It is much like the Rainforest Lumina at the Singapore Zoo but only bigger and more colourful!



The Osaka Castle grounds converts to dreamy whimsical landscape against a symphony of light and sound when night falls, and consists of a easy walk with various interactive light and sound installations dotting the trail.



And to up the fun factor, there are plenty of interactive installations that the monkies thoroughly enjoyed.


Okay okay, me too. 🤣

See what I mean?




Before coming to Nara, I had the impression that the famed deer are in some kind of enclosure within a park but that is not the case at all - the deer are walking around the town freely, some even along the patways beside the main road... and they are not shy of people at all.


Yes, your chances of snagging plenty of photos with a deer... or even getting photobombed by a deer here is about 100%. 😁


There are plenty of old shrines to visit in Nara but let's face it, if you are travelling with kids like we were, the deer are always only going to be the main attraction in their eyes. That said, you should at least visit one shrine in Nara and that honour goes to the Tōdai-ji Temple.


This famed temple was once the world’s largest wooden building and is one of Japan’s most famous temples. Founded in 745 by the Emperor Shomu, the vast temple at Todaiji was constructed as a symbol of imperial power, and took over 15 years to complete at great expense.


One of the main highlight is the temple’s main hall, also known as the Big Buddha’s Hall which houses Japan’s largest Buddha bronze statues, at 15 metres tall!


A definite must-see if you are in Nara. Entrance fee is 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for school children.

We then spent the rest of the day in Nara playing with the deer and just plain chilling.

Or if you prefer, you can even buy deer poop!!! Actually, they are just peanuts covered in chocolate. LOL.


Getting to Nara

As you already know, Dotonbori is famous for its eye-catching signage and billboards - there's a giant pufferfish, an octopus, and the famed Kani Douraku crab.


Osaka’s obsession with food is often summed up with the expression “kuidaore” which is often interpreted to mean “eat till you drop”! In fact, Dotonbori is said to be the best place in Osaka to experience this kuidaore-style extreme love of food. And whatever you do (or eat), you must definitely savour takoyaki which was invented in Osaka!


Now this certainly needs no introduction at all. And it's definitely a MUST-VISIT if you are holidaying in Osaka with the kids.


Universal Studios Japan is a theme park with rides, attractions and performances based on world famous movies, and animations. From the 3D action ride at Minions Park to the exhilarating Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, be prepared to have one whole day of fun!!!




And you know how much fun we had when the camera caught us doing this.


Go ahead and laugh. 😂 I think the different expressions on each of our faces perfectly sum up our day at Universal Studios Japan - shocked, exhilarated & thrilled. 😆

The Flying Dinosaur is a hanging roller-coaster ride that sits riders lying face down and the loops... oh my 天, I can't even describe the feeling. I can only say this is the MOST thrilling ride I've ever taken in my life (even though I did close my eyes during certain parts LOL). And to think I didn't even like roller-coasters before I had kids.


If you have younger kids, I would strongly recommend heading to Universal Wonderland which is home to Snoopy, Hello Kitty and Sesame Street. There are enough rides here to keep them occupied for more than half a day, and a good portion of them are indoors!




I will be sharing a separate post on Universal Studios Japan so do keep a lookout for it. All you need to know for now is the queues at the entrance ticket counters are insane so it definitely makes sense to purchase your tickets beforehand. I simply flashed my e-ticket on my phone purchased via Klook and we were in! We also had the Express 4 pass which gave us faster access to 4 of the more popular rides. Rides like The Flying Dinosaur had a queue time of 90 minutes so I would totally recommend it.


When we first arrived at the location, the wifey remarked, "People go Japan to wear Kimono but I come Japan to become a Ninja." And that was how I ended up with a blade at my neck. 😂😂😂


In all honesty, going to a Ninja workshop in Osaka was probably the furthest thing on my mind and I got to admit, it is just one of those things you think is going to be lame.

But after learning how to walk stealthily like a Ninja, wield a katana, shoot a dart through a blowpipe and throw a shuriken, I have to say all of us had a wonderful time. Yes, including the two notoriously-difficult-to-please teens. AND THAT'S SAYING A LOT!








Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan











If you are looking for something different to do in Osaka, then Samurai Cafe will be it. It's tough to explain exactly what the show is about - there isn't any need to understand Japanese as the skits are predominantly slapstick humour and requires a huge dose of audience participation.


But man, the show is SUPER FUNNY. I'm not kidding when I say I laughed until I cried. I seriously cannot remember the last time I laughed so much... especially since someone is able to lift me up during one of the segments! 😂😂😂


And that concludes our wonderful time in Osaka. I think we did well to fit as much activities we could into the 5 days we had in Osaka but as with most trips, I have a nagging feeling that there is so much more of the city to explore.


Oh, and I have to give a final shout-out to this little buddy here - our pocket WiFi device from Klook. At a rental price of $2.90 per day, I think it is one of the cheapest travel WiFi device rental around! It allows up to 5 devices to be connected and covers the whole of Japan. For an additional small fee, you can even arrange it to be delivered to you one day before departure and it will be picked up from you one day after you arrive back in Singapore! Visit HERE for more information.


All in all, a great trip with the family thanks to Klook. As usual, Klook's hassle-free e-tickets allowed us to skip the queues at every single attraction we visited. Booking through its website was seamless and fast. With open-dated tickets (like Universal Studios Japan) and a best-price guarantee, why not try booking through Klook for your next holiday? 😀


Just in case you need the Osaka attractions links again:

Isomaru Suisan
Osaka Amazing Pass
ICOCA IC Card
Sakuya Lumina Night Walk:
JR West Kansai Pass
USJ 1-day Pass
USJ Express 4 Pass
Ninja Workshop
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Samurai Cafe
4G WiFi for Japan

At today's age, there is simply no escaping from digital devices... or if you have older kids at home, the topic of  "When can I have my own phone?" invariably pops up more often than not.

For my two boys, they have their own mobile phones when they entered Secondary One because they take the public transport back to home from school. Of course while convenient, having their own mobile phones also opens up a whole new world of issues.

Issues like excessive usage, constant mobile gaming and busting their mobile data.

Yes, that last issue is particularly prevalent... especially after doing a quick check with my friends. For some reasons, teens love to watch YouTube videos on the go. Add on the amount of data consumed through Instagram, music streaming and sending copious amount of photos (and videos) over WhatsApp, and I think most parents have been losing more than a few strands of hair whenever the mobile bill arrives.

So what is there to be done for this group of  huge data guzzlers among the teens?

First and foremost, education and laying down some ground rules.

Like it or not, mobile data is now a want and not a need for most teenagers. So my take is if they want it, they should either be responsible for the usage or pay for it themselves.

For me, I suggest the budgeting approach: Parents pay for a certain amount of data each month, the children track how much they have used, and then they pay for anything beyond that allotted amount.

So how much data is enough? 2GB is enough for a start - good enough for WhatsApp among family and friends, scrolling through Instagram, navigating Maps and casual surfing on the browser.

That will of course mean that watching videos using mobile data is a no-no which is great because it will teach teens the concept of delayed gratification - wait til they get home when there is WiFi. What I do with my teens is also to sit them down and identify the sources of data drain, teaching them to turn off any features on their phones that drain data automatically in the background.

How much then, are you willing to pay for 2GB worth of data per month? $10, $15 or $20?

HOW ABOUT $5???


Wait what, $5 per month for 2GB of data... and with NO contract at that? Because seriously, what can $5 get you nowadays?

2.5 items at Daiso.


1 McDonald's value meal.


Oh and here's a fave among the teens - 1 cup of brown sugar bubble milk tea.


Or you can choose to get the 2GB monthly plan from Circles.Life at only $5!


No contract. No gimmicks. No frills.

The $5 plan from Circles.Life comes with 2GB data, 50 Mins Calls and 25 SMS per month. And the best part? Signing up for the plan is super easy and FAST! I signed via its website in the morning and got my SIM card delivered to my doorstep right that very evening. And yes, you can also transfer any non-Circles.Life number to this $5 plan.


Download the Circles.Life app into the phone so that your child will be able to keep track of the data usage.

The great thing is the plan does not automatically charge you when your child exceeds the data cap! Instead, the data will be cut off unless you top it up. NO MORE BILL SHOCKS, that's for sure!

But in case your child needs extra data for a particular month, you can boost the plan at $8 for 1GB or $12 for 2GB, and even $5 for 30mins talktime or $10 for 200 mins talktime plus free incoming calls.

And for that extar boost, you can even consider getting your child to pay for it from the monthly allowance. Good eh? 😂

Parents will also be glad to know that there is an option to add Parental Control to the plan at $2.99 per month. Parental Control is a service that will protect the child from potentially harmful and dangerous content, or contact over the internet on your mobile service by blocking content that are categorized as Adult Content, Hate and Intolerance, as well as Weapons and Violence.


So parents, if you are looking to hand your child a mobile phone and are thinking of which mobile plan to get, the Circles.Life $5 2GB plan is your best bet.

2GB worth of data might not be the largest amount of data in the eyes of the child, but it ensures that the child will learn how to manage the monthly data consumption in an efficient manner. This will go a long way in instilling responsible mobile data usage and financing over time... and best of all, parents need not worry about being billed for extra data charges when the data limit is busted!

So yes, I have a new found BFF now.


To sign up or find out more about Circles.Life's $5 2GB plan, visit HERE.

It is incredible. It really is.

9 years ago on this day, Ale came into this world and immediately charmed everyone around her.

Maybe it's because she is the only granddaughter on one side of the family. Maybe it's because it is just her outgoing personality. Or maybe it is because both the wifey and I know that she is the last baby we will ever have.


And surprise surprise, she did grow up so very fast.

One day she was being swaddled and waiting to be discharged from the hospital to head home, and the next day she is already reasoning with me over her iPad usage time. 😂


But yet somehow she is 9 years old.

And some things have changed. She is taller, smarter, more talkative and independent then I could ever imagine. She knows how to make all kinds of slime, memorize the lyics of a gazillion songs, create animation music videos and - this is my favourite bit - take care of her younger cousins.

I think the fact that ALL of your younger cousins consistently look for her and want to play with her is a testament of her cheerful and caring personality.


But you know what, fathering a daughter is still a little strange for me. Because sometimes I just don’t know what to do with her. She has changed so much in such a short time, that some days I stare at her, watch her laugh, dance some silly moves about the house and just watch her do her thing - and wonder how all this incredible stuff happened.

And I also wonder how I will handle all the incredible stuff that has yet to come. Because that will be both exciting and terrifying.


You see, in another 9 years she will be 18 and that's a sobering thought.

Things will undoubtedly change.

The teenage years, secondary school, more friends and, gulp, dating. Of course, there will be plenty of ups and downs along the way, challenges to face and things to overcome. And she may not need me the way she does now.  But despite my dwindling demand, my job scope still remains.

My job is to help her get from point A to point B... whether point B is her 10th birthday or graduation prom or marriage or motherhood. And I will always be right there if she needs me.


And my princess, I don’t want to let you down.


Enjoy the ride, Ale and have a great birthday!

Love ya (even though Mummy still ranks higher than me 🤣)!

Get those cameras ready this year-end school holidays because the Disney Tsum Tsum are coming!

Photo Credit: Wildlife Reserves Singapore

From 16 Nov to 29 Dec 2019, fans can traverse the eight great rivers of the world with their favourite characters as Disney Tsum Tsum arrives in River Safari this school holiday season.

The event features exclusive designs of Disney Tsum Tsum characters as they dress up in animal
costumes for their adventure. Look out for them at eight unique photo points; from Mickey and Minnie Tsum dressed in giant panda costumes, to Tigger Tsum swapping out his stripes for spots as he dresses up as a jaguar.

Snap your most creative photo and share it on Instagram with #DisneyTsumTsum #DisneyTsumTsumFestival #BandaiNamco #RiverSafari for a chance to win Disney Tsum Tsum merchandise.

Take part in River Escapade Bingo and complete challenges to redeem exclusive Disney Tsum Tsum
bag tags. Visit River Safari’s gift shop to bring home merchandise, featuring the Disney Tsum Tsum in animal costumes, such as plushies, tote bags, t-shirts and more.

Photo Credit: Wildlife Reserves Singapore

Activities include:

River Escapade Bingo
Date: 16 Nov – 29 Dec (Weekends and PH only)
Time: 10am – 4pm
Venue: Around the park

Join Disney Tsum Tsum on their escapade and discover fun facts about our river friends. Complete any 2 lines on the River Escapade Bingo card and redeem an exclusive Disney Tsum Tsum bag tag*. Collect all 4 designs! *Limited quantities available, while stocks last.

Disney Tsum Tsum Festival
Date: 16 Nov – 29 Dec (Weekends and PH only)
Time: 10am – 4pm
Venue: Giant Panda Courtyard

Be among the first to experience the newly launched Disney Tsum Tsum Festival and try your hand at 1 of 10 party games, only at River Safari.

Disney Tsum Tsum Photo Moments
Venue: Around the park

Disney Tsum Tsum are on an exhilarating escapade around the park. Take pictures with them at 8 photo spots and learn how their adventure unfolds!

Snap and Win Instagram Contest
Contest Date: 16 Nov – 29 Dec 2019

Share your most creative photo taken with the photo points and Disney Tsum Tsum Festival booth on Instagram and be 1 of the 3 winners to win exclusive Disney Tsum Tsum merchandise! Be sure to tag @wrs.ig and @bandainamcosea and include the hashtags #DisneyTsumTsum #DisneyTsumTsumFestival #BandaiNamco #RiverSafari

Top Prize: Disney Tsum Tsum Festival bundle (worth up to $400)
Second Prize: Exclusive Disney Tsum Tsum Cushion Set (worth up to $100)
Third Prize: Exclusive Disney Tsum Tsum 3D Keychain Set (worth up to $60)

The Disney Tsum Tsum will be descending into River Safari from 16 November 2019 to 29 December 2019.

Learnintt is a company founded in Singapore which develops teaching materials and interactive learning so that students can learn better, faster and easier. Their mission is simple - to promote a positive learning attitude and bring the “Learn through Play” concept to all students.

And that is what the PSLE Science Flash Cards is all about.

Made for Primary school students, the PSLE Science flashcards are based on the latest MOE syllabus and come in two sets: Lower Primary (P3 & P4) and Upper Primary (P5 & P6). Edited by ex-MOE Teachers to adhere to PSLE Marking System, the flashcards consist of all Science chapters from Primary 3 & 4 in the Lower Primary set and Primary 5 &6 in the Upper Primary Set. These include commonly-tested questions that are often found in tests and exams.


And after using the Lower Primary set to help Ale to revise for her P3 year-end Science exam, I have seen the tremendous benefits that come with it:

Easy Referencing System

Let's face it, kids nowadays are a tough bunch to impress... especially when it comes to studying. Throwing them textbook after textbook and assessment book after assessment book won't cut it with them. In fact, it may turn them off even more and de-motivate them from revising.

But that is not the case with the Science Flash Cards!

Inspired by the rainbow cake, the stack of flash cards come colour-coded, with the content page sequencing out the various science chapters in different colours for easy reference.


This makes it extremely convenient and easy for kids to just take out the particular chapter they want simply by looking for its colour code.

Eye-catching Design

Even though flash cards are effective, they also have a reputation as being one of the most boring ways to study. Not so with the Science Flash Cards.

Every single flash card is in full colour, with pictures and words with the intention to capture the kids' attention so that they will continue to be engaged even after going through many Science chapters.


Embrace Learning

More importantly for kids - and this is what parents will love - the cards are designed to allow them to embrace and enjoy revising for Science.

To prevent information overload, one card only has one question. The question is found on one side of the card, with the answer at the back.


Kids can first go through the flash cards on their own, reading the questions on the front and then looking at the answers at the back. This process is clear and user-friendly on the brain and for one, it is definitely far more interesting than just memorizing from a study guide!


This allows the breakdown of complex concepts into multiple simple questions - a divide and conquer strategy that will enhance the active recall ability in kids.

Know the Keywords to Answer

If you have a child taking the Science exam, you will know that the answering system is pretty rigid. If you miss out certain keywords in the answer, you will not be accorded the full marks or worse, fail to score any. Personally, I have my own robust view about that but that is a story for another day. For now though, the task at hand is to equip our kids with the right answering skills to tackle the Science exam and the flash cards are a huge lifesaver in that aspect.

Each card also comes with tips with essential keywords that the child must use in the answer. This is extremely important especially for Booklet B which the open-ended questions are found. And by revising these keywords, the child is also revising Science core concepts for Booklet A (MCQ) at the same time.


 And yes, there is even the popular DAB in one ofthe question.


The brain definitely remembers fun and interesting content for a longer time and I had a first-hand experience when I saw Ale going through the flash cards on her own... all because she wanted to suss out all the interesting names in the questions! 😆

Portable & Convenient

Forget about lugging the Science textbook and assessment books everywhere you go. The Science Flash Cards come in a handy A5-size which means they are be taken almost anywhere and everywhere!


For our recent trip to Tainan which came before Ale's Science paper, I brought the flash cards along with us and we even did a quick revision on the plane! 😁


Even Ayd couldn't resist joining in too! LOL.

Latest MOE Syllabus

Are the flash cards in tune with the MOE syllabus? I think this question should weigh heavily on parents' minds.

Yes, they are. In fact, the cards are edited by ex-MOE Teachers so as to adhere to PSLE Marking System. Besides the Lower Primary set, the Science Flash Cards also come in an Upper Primary Set for Primary 5 and 6 students.


And you know it is proven to be effective when 11 primary schools in Singapore have already ordered the Science Flashcards to be used in the classrooms!


SO... what is the cost?

Extremely affordable, in my opinion.

The Lower Primary set costs $31.50 while the Upper Primary set costs $36.50, which is probably the cost of 2 or 3 assessment books or study guides. Plus there is a FREEBIE too - all parents who purchase the Science Flashcards will also recieve a soft copy of a Science Spelling List, which will be extremely useful so that the child will not lose marks by mis-spelling words!

And from what I observed from Ale after using the flash cards for about one month, THERE IS A HIGE DIFFERENCE.


Ale was certainly more motivated to do her Science revision before her exam paper. Before I had the flash cards, getting her to memorize science concepts and keywords from the guidebook was a chore. Not to mention it was threatening my sanity.

With the flash cards, she volunteers (yes, VOLUNTEERS) to go through one chapter of flash cards daily so that the wifey or I can test her in the evening when we return from work.

Of course, the most tangible outcome of using the Science Flashcards for a month is her year-end Science paper result. And even though the wifey and I focus primarily on effort rather than grades, I am happy to report that she bettered her mid-year exam score by more than 6%! That's pretty impressive, considering she was struggling to remember core Science concepts before that. I guess Ed She-ran and Mr. Bojio had a hand in that then. 😂

And if that's not effective, I don't know what is.


To order the Science Flashcards, visit HERE.



GIVEAWAY

Thanks to Learnintt, I have 5 sets of Primary Science Flashcards to give away! Each set consists of the Lower and Upper Primary Science Flashcards. 

To participate, all you have to do is the following:

1. LIKE Learning in Transit's Facebook page HERE.
2. Tell me why you wish to win the flashcards. Leave your comment either in the corresponding Facebook post HERE or in this blog post.


BONUS CHANCE: 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 12 November 2019, 2359 hours.

GOOD LUCK! 😊

Let's face it, travel with kids is not easy. And you know what's tougher than that? Travelling with teens! Say what??? Yes, it's true.

Of course there’s less poop to deal with, less crying to manage and definitely less stuff to lug along. But replace all those with the rolling eyes, shrugging shoulder, shuffling feet and monosyllabic answers, and I assure you that travelling with them can be more challenging indeed.

What? Another photo? Oh. My. Gawd. Stop. It. Pa. No. Seriously. Stop. It. Enough.

That's usually the soundtrack playing during our travels. 😅

Or this.

Huh? This place? So. Boring. No. Fun. Are. We. Done. Yet. Got WiFi?

But despite all that, I have learnt that traveling with my teens can be fun and fruitful. Because teens are smart. They know things, despite us parents assuming otherwise. There are a lot of times when we were overseas, both Ash and Ayd started sharing some stuff about the attractions that they found out online - stuff that both the wifey and I do not even know. And when they share those things, I find that not only do I learn, but it's a form of communication as well.


So how do you enjoy travelling with teens?

The most important thing to do is to
INVOLVE THEM IN THE TRAVEL PLANNING.

While parents usually choose the holiday destination, they must take the personalities and preferences of their children into acount. And once the destination has been decided, seek input from the kids on things they might like to do and see while there.

For our year-end holiday, I asked the monkies where they would like to head to and they unisonly proclaimed somewhere where there's snow!

I shorlisted a few countries and the monkies eventually picked Sweden or more specifically, Stockholm, because it's the land of Minecraft, Spotify and meatballs. See what I mean about different perspectives between adults and children? If the wifey picked Sweden, it will have to be for H&M or IKEA while for me, it will have to be the ABBA museum. 😂😂😂

Anyway, our destination was set and it was time to plan for the activities. Since the monkies were super enthusiastic about our upcoming trip, I gleefully delegated the task of planning for 3 days' worth of activities to them.

And they certainly rose up to the challenge.

Well, all thanks to Klook.

We have been booking our activities through Klook since our trip to Macau last August and it conitnued with our trip to Kaohsiung and Kenting at the end of last year. We also had a blast with Klook in Osaka in September this year so when we began planning for our Stockholm trip, we naturally zoomed to Klook's website first.


The thing about booking through Klook is not only does it offer travellers a seamless way to discover and book attractions, tours, local transportation, best foods and must-eats, and unique experiences around the world, the booking process is seamless and safe... and comes with a best price guarantee.

Best of all - and this is my fave - we have skipped the queue EVERY SINGLE TIME at every attraction that we have booked through Klook because the e-tickets are stored in my smartphone and I just have to scan it at the entrance. Hassle-free!

So with that, the monkies started putting together an itinerary.


Stockholm has a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor activities which is great for families and especially if you are visiting during Winter. And it is popular among families for good reason - with its vast open spaces for kids to run around and a casual stroll right by the royal palace to a wealth of museums as well as Skansen (an open-air museum that features a zoo and an aquarium).

And Klook certainly have no short of activities to choose from.


After a few days of mulling and discussing, the monkies settled on a few attractions to visit:

Skansen Open Air Museum
Skansen Aquarium
Vasa Museum
Nobel Prize Museum
Royal Palace (at the request of the wifey 🤣)
Tom Tits Experiment (yes, the name caught the attention of the monkies for sure! And it's a science museum for kids in case you are wondering.)


And in between all the planning, we learnt more about our destination together. Because like I mentioned before, kids are brilliant and their brains are sponges, ready to soak up information and experiences. And being informed about our travel destination will make our trip much more enjoyable.



Designate a day or time that’s all theirs

But even after all that, I have deliberately kept one day completely free. There will be one day in Stockholm where there are no plans and no attractions to visit. We might still end up visiting an attraction or two but the idea is to let the monkies - the boys specifically - decide what to do on that day, to take ownership over the outcome of our trip for that one day.


I admit, I am a little apprehensive of that but let's just see how that turns out. You can always follow us on my Instagram to see what happens! 😆

At the end of the day, in order for everyone to have the best family trip possible, it’s important for everyone to be involved in the entire process. Planning is such a fundamental aspect to travel and involving kids in that process will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable for the whole family.

Which is precisely what Klook is encouraging for this year-end travel holiday period.

With Klook's many activities spread across different countries, it is easy to build your own perfect holiday and as the monkies have shown, it is easy even for the kids!

And there's a bonus too if you are currently planning for that year-end trip.


Save up to $100 with the discount codes above when you book through Klook. Even better if you have a DBS Woman's Card, because you get to enjoy an additional $18 off Klook activities with a minimum $180 spend! More details HERE.


So to all parents out there who worry about travelling with their kids, just do it. And keep doing it! One day, they will turn into awesome sidekicks who pack and lug their own luggage, plan the itinerary, take the lead in navigating, snap splendid selfies... and the one special memory.


Cheers to more exploring and travelling with your kids, tweens and teens!

It's the year-end school holidays again and also that time of the year when parents ask - how do I keep my kids occupied for the whole of 6 weeks??? Well, that's where I come in.



I have done the hard work for you and compiled all the activities - both indoor and outdoor - into this handy list. But there are just so much to do that I have spread the activities into two listings once again: one for activities taking place in the month of November and the other for December.

Already, there are MORE THAN 65 activities happening this month alone? Mind-boggling, yes but it sure is going to be a fun-filled holiday period too. ENJOY!




Ever wondered where the things you use and enjoy come from? Join the Republic of Singapore Navy at VivoCity to discover how much of our lives depend on the sea! From 13 to 18 November 2019, one of our Formidable-class frigates, RSS Supreme, and several Fast Crafts Utility (FCUs) will be berthed at VivoCity Promenade, and we're inviting you on board for some fun! Visitors can ballot for tickets to either explore the warship, or take a thrilling ride on board the FCU.

Head inside VivoCity to see how our lives depend on the sea, find out more about our high-end capabilities and experience the RSN first-hand! There are activities for everyone at the Central Court, amphitheatre, and Library@Harbourfront!



Arts in Your Neighbourhood (AYN) is back 7 – 24 November with over 40 arts activities happening in 13 locations across the island! Enjoy interactive arts programmes by established artists and arts groups held at various spaces across the island, including immersive and engaging programmes in the focus town of Punggol this season. Check out the full listing of programmes HERE.


Artbox Singapore is back, and this time, bigger than ever before! The creative pop-up market features double the amount of container booths, which plays host to over 300 local and regional retailers across the 200,000 square feet space. Going by the mystical theme of Eden this year, Artbox Singapore presents a one-of-a-kind retail experience complete with an eclectic lineup of art and musical acts to look forward to. For more details, vist HERE.



The Singapore Regatta Waterfest @ Sports Hub has arrived at our shores! Hop on and enjoy the host of water-themed activities. Pick up new boating skills, join in the games at the carnival or cheer on the dragon boat teams! Pop in at the OCBC Aquatic Centre to catch the lively swim meets too! Visit HERE for more details.



Interact with colours and discover Kampong Glam through a multi-sensory feast. Captivating installations with enthralling performances and workshops promise an immersive experience. An epilogue showcase on the green space at the junction of Ophir Road and Beach Road, before it makes room for urban development. Kampong Glam’s resident artists Johor Idris and Jay Hammond dress up the site with colourful chandeliers and ‘lepak’ hammocks for an interactive experience, against the futuristic backdrop by international graffiti artist, Didier ‘Jaba’ Mathieu.

Soft colour shadows reflect on ‘loungey’ hammocks at day transforms into a fluorescent visual extravaganza in the night. The delightful play through colours, with random Kampong Glam related shapes represents art through diversity. Visitors can go on a hunt for standalone installations placed around the precinct to discover hidden gems, to learn more about the stories and characters in Kampong Glam. For details on programmes, visit www.glamart.sg



Meet the newest creature of the night! Ever seen an animal roll up into a ball of armour to ward off predators? Meet nature’s oddballs like the Southern Three-banded Armadillo and Sunda Pangolin at Night Safari and discover what makes them super survivors of the night. For more details on activities, visit HERE.



Travel around the globe without stepping out of Singapore as you embark on a LINE FRIENDS World Tour at CapitaLand malls, starting from 15 November! Jointly organised by Singapore’s largest shopping mall operator, CapitaLand, and one of the world's fastest growing character brands LINE FRIENDS, the LINE FRIENDS World Tour is Southeast Asia’s largest LINE FRIENDS exhibition featuring 11 thematic installations of BROWN and FRIENDS in iconic landmarks from around the world including six city-themed exhibitions that are making their exclusive debut in Singapore.

15 Nov - 25 Dec 2019
Bugis+, L2, Atrium Singapore
Take a little trip into Singapore's history at Bugis+ to catch LINE FRIENDS dressed up as famous figures such as the Merlion and Samsui woman!

Bugis Junction, L1, Bugis Square
Enjoy the sight of Brown in a fez amidst elegant stained-glass windows.

18 - 24 Nov 2019
Funan, The Base @ Basement 2 | 11am - 9pm
Jalan Jalan with LINE FRIENDS!
It’s a blast from the past with some nostalgic fun in Singapore with LINE FRIENDS! Try your hands on the old-school toy capsule machine and get yourselves one of the special Ice Kacang LEGO bricks miniatures. Next, begin your visual tour into the collection of some live size LEGO builds from the yesteryear including, Ice Kacang Machine, Kopi Shop breakfast set, roadside Tau Huay stall and more. Dive into a pit of snacks at the Mama Shop and capture the insta-moment with your favourite snack cushions / inflatables! Don’t forget to hunt for the prized ball inside the pit and stand a chance to win a limited edition tin of Ice Gem Biscuits made using LEGO bricks.

BROWN & CONY Mascot Appearance
16, 17, 23 & 24 Nov 2019 | 3pm & 7pm
Funan L1 Centrestage
Be the first 50 shoppers to spend a minimum of $30 single receipt) to redeem for a phototaking pass with BROWN & CONY.

27 Nov - 10 Dec 2019
Tampines Mall, L4, Open Plaza
Ace The Ride
Crave for some adrenaline rush? Kids can take a spin on a mini go-kart from this school holiday season! Zoom around the race track twice to experience what a real racing driver feels!

Tampines Mall L1 | 11am - 9pm
Luminous Orb Pit
Main Atrium Dive right into a world of glitzy inflatable spheres and immerse yourself in a dazzling lightshow filled with luminous orbs! Have fun illuminating the orbs in the pit just by touch alone!
27 Nov - 26 Dec 2019
Plaza Singapura, L1, Outdoor Front Plaza | 11am - 9pm
Antarctica Plaza Singapura Snow Fun House
Step into the first dual storey outdoor snow fun house in Singapore. Gear up in winter wear and glide down snow slides in sub-zero temperatures. Relax on the soft snow as we bring you the aurora and snowfall experience this holiday season.



Gardeners' Day Out promises an entire day of gardening and lifestyle activities for everyone. In the November edition, visit the inaugural Pets' Day Out, held together with Gardeners' Day Out. Familiar favourites such as the Marketplace, free talks and demonstrations, free garden tours of HortPark, and kids' activities like storytelling and handicrafts will still be available. In addition, there will be pet-related activities such as a free pet health clinic, retail of pet accessories and products and workshops.



This month’s Pets’ Day Out (PDO) honours our ‘paw-neer’ generation! Come down to HortPark on Sat, 16 Nov 2019 from 11am to 4pm and celebrate our silver furry friends. Learn expert tips on caring for the ‘paw-neer’ generation, and senior pets (aged 7 years and above) will be given priority at our free pet health check by veterinarians. Pet owners can also shop for pet treats at the retail bazaar, or simply be entertained by the bird show by BirdCraze and the dog agility demonstrations.



Wander, and get wonderfully lost: the latest edition of Goodman B-Sides invites you to get lost in the arts. This November, Goodman Arts Centre (GAC), Singapore’s largest arts enclave, turns itself into a chilled-out garden of creativity – a definite draw for families, art lovers and plant enthusiasts.

Join an organic and unguided trail around GAC’s many nooks, or pop by an artist’s studio and see where the magic happens. With a bevvy of art workshops, activities and pop-up performances, a bustling lifestyle market and F&B favourites, indulge your flights of fancy amidst the lush, creative atmosphere at Goodman B-Sides. For details on activities, visit HERE.




This coming November, SAMBIESTA will perform a samba showcase for all in the heart of the Botanic Gardens. In hopes of spreading their love for Samba music to the local community, SAMBIESTA will be showcasing its repertoire of songs ranging from the original Afro-Brazilian music to modern pop song mash-ups that we all can relate to. This ties in with SAMBIESTA's greater objective that is to make samba music relatable to the audience.


A clever 10-year-old needs the audience to help outsmart the horrible monster, Cacopholous, who is scheming to silence music forever. In this mesmerising children's concert, drama, dance, dazzling masks and costumes are woven together with orchestral music in a story about bravery and hope. Audiences across the globe have fallen in love with this production which features excerpts from some of history's most beloved pieces, including Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, The Nutcracker and the William Tell Overture. For tickets, visit HERE.



A large-scale children's fantasy puppet show "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" is based on the adaptation of Brothers Grimm's fairy tale, produced by Guangzhou Performance Film Co. Ltd. It is one of Bei Lei Arts Theatre of Guangzhou Film Co. Ltd finest performance, which is very popular among children and parents. For tickets, visit HERE.



From 16 Nov to 29 Dec 2019, fans can traverse the eight great rivers of the world with their favourite characters as Disney Tsum Tsum arrives in River Safari this school holiday season. The event features exclusive designs of Disney Tsum Tsum characters as they dress up in animal costumes for their adventure. Look out for them at eight unique photo points; from Mickey and Minnie Tsum dressed in giant panda costumes, to Tigger Tsum swapping out his stripes for spots as he dresses up as a jaguar. For more details on activities, visit HERE.



After the Dinosaurs, came the age of MEGA ANIMALS. You don’t need a time machine; let Singapore Zoo transport you back in time for an experience like never before. Stomp the grounds with the Giants of the Past like the Woolly Mammoth, Saber-tooth Tiger, Hornless Rhinoceros and especially Little Momo, the baby woolly mammoth. Visit HERE for more details.

PROMOTION! On 23 & 24 Nov 2019, the first 100 kids dressed up as a caveman get FREE admission to the park! Judging Criteria: Caveman-inspired clothes with at least 1 accessory like a headband, necklace and/or hand accessories.



The Philippine eagle has landed at Jurong Bird Park. Experience the grandeur of one of the most powerful raptors in the world first-hand, while being immersed in a Filipino festival!

In commemoration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines, local residents and Filipino citizens will enjoy 50% off full-priced admission tickets when purchasing tickets in a pair!Enjoy 50% off full priced admission tickets for local residents and Filipino citizens when tickets are purchased in a pair from 16 November to 29 December 2019. Fore more details, visit HERE.



Be swept away by the magic of stories and adventure in November and December! Embark on a quest to free Mr Dragon, solve stimulating puzzles, and meet fantastical creatures through an immersive installation, interactive story trail, and a series of free engaging weekly programmes at ACM. Your child will uncover a trove of Asian art and treasures through meaningful play and educational activities. Children’s Season at ACM is targeted at children aged 3 to 10 years old, and the young at heart.



Sentosa's signature Island Lights returns bigger and better with local and international artists as well as boat owners coming together to transform and illuminate Sentosa Cove Village. Maket ime for an evening out with interactive light art curated by Space Objekt. Light up your Instagram feed with immersive art installations, engage in fun-filled activities and indulge in a relaxing dinner by the quay.


Enjoy free admission to National Orchid Garden from 16 November 2019 till 1 January 2020 for students, Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, Work Permit Holders.

This year, enjoy the gift of the holidays on Orchard Road, A Great Street! Pose for picture-perfect moments with magnificent set pieces before stepping into The Great Christmas Village filled with thrilling rides, tasty treats, and captivating performances. Be sure to keep an eye out for cheeky little Santas preparing for the big day. So, gather the ones you love and experience moments you’ll cherish for Christmases to come.

With The Birds’ Promenade (La Balade des Oiseaux), Ensemble Artifices, including an ornithologist and two musicians, take the audience on a musical tour of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, in search of a variety of birds and their symbolic dimension. Playing pieces from the 17th and 18th centuries, a time when the aviary was both a source of amusement and a motive of inspiration, The Birds’ Promenade introduces audiences to the landscape’s power into the hearing of music. The starting point of the walk will be announced on Voilah! website and social media. No registration is required.


Talented student performers from the Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP)’s Chinese Orchestra Percussion Ensemble, Malay Cultural Group, La Ballroom en Masse and the Foreign Bodies street dance club will be performing at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage on 17th November! Experience how these youths interpret culture within their various art forms.



Tinker Fest is a bi-annual event organized by Science Centre Singapore, connecting children, parents, educators and makers in a week-long celebration of the joy of learning through play, exploration and experimentation.

The theme “Go Wild!” explores the intricate interaction of animals and their environment through engaging hands-on activities, workshops and talks. This November theme coincides with the Science Centre’s new travelling exhibition Living Worlds: An Animal Planet Experience. Collaborating with local agencies of biodiversity and conservation, Tinker Fest hopes to invoke the seed of change to cultivate a caring generation to appreciate our natural world around us. Rediscover the beauty of biology through appreciating biodiversity and construct a caring attitude towards conservation! Visit HERE for more details.



ChildAid 2019 is going back to the beginning by celebrating the highlights from 15 remarkable years of ChildAid. Sing! Play! Dance! will reminisce moments that inspired people to give. Together with multimedia and film, we will feature interviews and go 'behind the scenes' with the community of people who make ChildAid possible and show their constant efforts to build a brighter future for the less fortunate and change the lives of many children for the better. For tickets, visit HERE.



Join in at the Build the Change event where we inspire children to use their imagination in a fun, social and environmental context, and where we foster their creativity and promote social interaction. It's a tool within a framework, but with open ended solutions in a hands-on, minds-on fun experience. It's a theme related event, e.g. Build your future school, and by doing this we give children a voice.

This is a building event only for kids aged 6-12 years old, and will take about 1.5 - 2h per session. Kids must be registered by a parent or guardian to participate, and kids who contribute their build will also receive a personalized "Diploma"! Entry is available to any child, no pre-registration is required.



The Home Team Festival is the largest public showcase of the Home Team's capabilities and will be held from 22-24 November at the Singapore EXPO Hall 2 & 3. The Festival is suitable for all ages because everyone has a part to play in keeping our home and community safe and secure! Visit HERE for a detailed listing of zones and programmes.



Whether you are a seasoned collector, or a first time buyer, Affordable Art Fair Singapore is a great place to fall in love with hand-selected affordable art. Enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, packed programme of workshops, talks and tours, plus take time out at our delicious Gastro Park, café and bar to refresh and refuel. For more information and tickets. visit HERE.


Fun-tastic Fridays are back by popular demand! Spend an immersive afternoon at ACM by engaging in the kid-friendly Lunchtime Concerts, drama performances, and craft activities! Children will be blown away by the colourful world of music, drama, and art – all inspired by ACM’s fascinating collection of treasures. For adventure seekers, scoot off around the museum on special interactive kids tours, and embark on a thrilling quest to free Mr Dragon. Harvard’s creative and critical thinking strategies will be employed on the tour sessions.



Participate in guided walks and learn about Jurong Lake Gardens’ green features and sustainable horticultural practices. End your visit at the Bazaar in the Garden where you can shop for plants and sustainable products. High-rise dwellers can also learn how to create compost for your own garden at our workshop. See details for a series of exciting activities HERE.



Make your festive gift shopping count with the i’mable Gift Market which will be held for one day only, at the Enabling Village on 23 November from 10 am to 6 pm. Join in the celebration and support of people with disabilities as we shop for loved ones this festive season.

 i’mable Gift Market is SG Enable’s initiative to promote and market original works, artisanal gifts, as well as premium items that feature the artistry of talented persons with disabilities. The event will see over 30 participating organisations, mostly Social Service Agencies and Social Enterprises, coming under one roof to sell gifts designed or crafted by artists with disabilities with sales proceeds going back to each participating organisation. Visitors can look forward to shopping from a wide array of handmade gifts, each bearing its own special story. For full details and event updates, go to: giftmarket.imable.sg.


Join in the fun for a full day of family programmes as NMS celebrate Grandparents' Day! With performances, film screenings, character tours, inter-generational workshops and more, there are many exciting ways for children and grandparents alike to discover Singapore's rich history together. For more details on activities, visit HERE.



St Luke’s ElderCare (SLEC) is 20 years old and they are organizing a family carnival to celebrate the milestone with friends and families and to form new partnerships to enable them to do more for their elders in the community in the coming years. Event Highlights include Games, Food, Handicrafts, DIY Workshops and Blessed Draw. Show your support by purchasing carnival coupons HERE.


The Nan Hua Chinese Orchestra is back with “Family and Friends Concert II” concert under the guidance of Dingyi Ensemble's Dedric Wong, the students cannot wait to share their love for music and performance with the audience! As this concert celebrates the unique timbre of instruments, expect to be delighted with traditional tunes that bring out the best of Chinese instruments as well as adaptations of modern songs! Get ready for the adrenaline pumping Dance of the Golden Snakes, and also the charming tunes of Bruno Mars'"Marry You".



Dance and sing along to a mix of retro and current hits at Pop Fest @ Marsiling at Marsiling Park on Sat, 23 Nov 2019 from 6.30pm – 10pm! Hosted by crowd-favourite Suhaimi Yusof, look forward to a pre-concert performance by the Marsiling Chinese Orchestra, and performances by local bands FourWheelJive, ShiLi & Adi, The Vibes, 53A, with surprise guest band! Fringe activities by Republic Polytechnic will be available from 5.30pm – 7pm.



Have a bubbly good time at SAFRA Tampines with a series of activities around the theme of bubbles, from a bubble foam party, bubble show to bubble-themed workshops.



Immerse in a sparkling festive family fun celebration with Pororo & Friends at SAFRA Punggol! Delight your Kids with the opportunity to meet Pororo & Friends in Meet & Greet sessions, dance and pop some bubbles in Pororo bubble party and have fun in arts and carnival activities.

Pororo & Friends Meet & Greet
23 Nov, 6pm & 8.45pm | 7 Dec, 3pm & 7pm | 8 Dec, 3pm & 7pm | 14 Dec, 3pm & 7pm | 15 Dec, 3pm & 7pm
Meet & Greet with 3 special Pororo Characters. Limited to 40 families per session, pre-registration is required. 1 family registration is limited to 1 parent and 2 child.

Pororo & Friends Bubble Party
23 Nov, 7.45pm | 7 Dec, 5pm | 8 Dec, 5pm | 14 Dec, 5pm | 15 Dec, 5pm
Dance and pop bubbles with Pororo & friends! Limited to 40 families per session, pre-registration is required. 1 family registration is limited to 1 parent and 2 child.



Join us for an exciting and fun-filled white festive carnival. Catch a magic show, be serenaded by a musical ensemble, swing at a piñata and build your own personalised snowman.


‘Let It Snow’ this festive season at SAFRA Toa Payoh, as it is transformed into a Fairytale Snowland with a magical touch. Kickstart the month-long celebrations with an arts and festive-themed celebration and join in for the light-up of the magical tree at 7pm. *A series of activities will be taking place every weekend from 23 Nov to 14 Dec.



A collaboration between Sustainable Singapore Gallery (SSG) and Central CDC, “Families Go Green!” targets families as the family is the primary unit of change and influence. Family members can understand their crucial role in supporting and committing to the green movement as a family unit, and promote tight family bonds through family-friendly activities and participation in challenges that require team effort.

The main highlight of the event will be the National Family Upcycling Challenge where teams consisting of 2 to 5 members will compete to create an upcycled product with a mystery box that is filled with materials that are often simply discarded. Teams will also have tools to assist them with the creation of the upcycled product. Teams stand a chance of winning shopping vouchers!



A retreat for urban families, with children aged 3 years old and above! Unplug from technology and reconnect with one another as a family. This school holiday, take your kids on a spectacular 2D1N country experience right here in Singapore’s own backyard! Recharge in the wilderness as you build memories with your children that will form the foundation for a lifelong respect and love for our natural world.

Camp Highlights:
🔨 Make a family craft item using recycled pallet wood,
🌽 Farm-to-table hands-on experience,
🚀 Build a water rocket to reach the sky,
🍴 BBQ Dinner & Storytelling under the stars! 🌟

To book, visit HERE.



From now until 22 Mar 2020, on display is The Curious Sky by Ng Fongyee, a multi-sensory arts space inspired by elements of the weather. Come and join in to sing in the rain, dance with the rainbow, hear the thunder rumble or simply look up for the endless possibilities The Curious Sky brings you. Entry into The Artground itself is free and donations are encouraged. For details on programmes for 23 & 24 Nov 2019, visit HERE.



Singapore’s very own premier outdoor music and arts festival Neon Lights is back with yet another stellar line-up of music’s biggest and most eminent acts across two nights, a dynamic arts programme and a ton of fun for the young and young-at-heart! For tickets, visit HERE.


This family tour introduces Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and its biodiversity through the use of interactive exploration themes and activities. Have fun working together to answer worksheets, conduct surveys and photo hunts, among other activities.

Register for 23 Nov 2019 session HERE.
Register for 30 Nov 2019 session HERE.



An inclusive arts festival by Club Rainbow (Singapore), this year’s Dreamseeds Arts Fest showcase promises a multi-sensory experience, harnessing technology to push the boundaries of learning and creativity! Free hands-on activities suitable for children aged 7 years old and above are also open daily. Look forward to daily-guided exhibition tours and bite-sized creative workshops that introduce new skills and kick-start new hobbies! For more details, visit HERE.



The PAW Patrol embark on their biggest mission yet with Mighty Pups. When a meteor showers the pups with a mysterious green energy, they all get ‘Mighty’ powers! Witness their ‘Mighty’ adventures in this world premiere show on stage right here at United Square! Featuring Chase, Marshall, Skye and Rubble in their all new ‘Mighty’ costumes, this all-new show is like nothing you’ve ever seen before!

Spend $50 in a single same-day retail receipt at United Square for a photo opportunity with the
Mighty Pups. Limited number of photo passes will be issued one hour before each show, based on
first come first served basis.

PAW Patrol Mighty Hero Experiential Zone
29 Nov - 15 Dec 2019 | 11am - 6.15pm
Activities will be closed 45mins before each show and re-open 45mins after each show. Spend $60  in a three same-day combined receipt at United Square for an Game Pass. Redeemable at the Concierge, Level 1.


Revel in the festivities at Singapore’s most popular year-end event, Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay, from 29 November to 26 December. Magical luminarie lights transform the fairground into a stunning wonderland complete with Yuletide favourites and festive fun for everyone. Meet Santa, experience ‘snow’ in the tropics, enjoy carnival games and rides, shop at the charming Christmas Village and so much more! Visit HERE for more information and tickets.


Catch an exciting drama performance about a Chinese scholar and his four treasures! Be a scholar for a day, and create your own fan painting to cool yourself down in the humid Singapore weather. Don't miss the chance to visit Living with Ink: The Xiang Xue Zhuang Collection, and explore more beautiful artworks by master painters.


A family weekend of immersive tech exploration and endless digital adventures awaits! Come interact and experience the latest technology and coolest gadgets that are shaping the way we work, live and play. Tinker with over 60 amazing showcases at various thematic zones, co-create a gadget or two and uncover how technology can be innovative while being simple and fun! Visit HERE for details.



Join Centre Stage for some Fee Fi Fo FUN this festive season at the Victoria Theatre! A giant christmas-cracker of a show based on the well-known fairytale of the same name, Jack and the Beanstalk follows the format of a typical British pantomime. Featuring a heroic escapade, an epic showdown and a happy celebration with heaps of audience participation in between! Children will love the slap-stick humour and fairy-tale plot, whilst parents will appreciate the hilarious, fast-paced script, the fabulous characters and the skill of the actors and child performers. For tickets, visit HERE.




For the first time, Pinkfong and Baby Shark will be having a concert at Jurong Bird Park! Go on a wild adventure as they learn about the different animals that live in the jungle.


For tickets, visit HERE.


The lovable stars of Cartoon Network’s We Bare Bears have arrived in our city. Catch Grizz, Panda and Ice Bear in a world premiere ‘LIVE’ Show! Wherever they are, there’s bound to be wild adventures and hilarious trouble so don’t miss this trio this holiday season.




Whether it’s to attract a mate or to ward off predators, nature’s displays are as vibrant as they are diverse. However, they could also be signalling something more ominous, like the adverse effects of climate change. Learn how you can make a positive diffrence as you interact with immersive installations that amaze, excite and educate.



It’s an incredibly wet Christmas that not even Santa can resist! Ride thrilling slides, encounter marine animals, play water games and more this festive season. Only at Adventure Cove Waterpark. *Fri – Sun and Public Holidays only.



Embark on a whimsical journey through the Nordic countries at Gardens by the Bay's Poinsettia Wishes floral display this Christmas. With creative direction by the Ambassador of Denmark to Singapore, Her Excellency Dorte Bech Vizard, this year’s yuletide display lends a Christmas twist to iconic landmarks in the Nordic region. See if you can spot the distinct architecture of the Bolgen building in Denmark, Santa Claus Village in Finland, Hallgrimskirkja church in Iceland, Vennesla library in Norway and Triangeln train station in Sweden, ingeniously interwoven into each scene - from Santa's post office to the reindeer station. Amidst a landscape of poinsettias and winter blooms in shades of red, blue, yellow and white, a charming choir of Nordic gnomes called Nisse adds to the festive cheer.





This new original play from SRT’s The Little Company is a reimagining of the classic tale, The Gingerbread Man - an uplifting story about the value of teamwork and friendship, set to a rousing, rock score.

Ginger is a giant cookie who can walk, talk and most importantly, he loves to run, run, run as fast as he can! Teamwork is especially important on the farm where Ginger lives, but Ginger would rather do things on his own. Ginger ends up making a terrible mess and breaking his mother, Anya's most prized possession; the oven. Ginger is taken under the influence of Sly Fox, who lures him away from the farm with a promise of an exciting local race in which the first prize is a brand new oven. Of course, Sly Fox's real aim is to gobble Ginger up as soon as he can get Ginger back to the fox den. Anya and the farm animals realise Ginger is in danger and come to his rescue, but Ginger must learn how to work as a team in order to defeat the fox. For tickets, visit HERE.



The first of its kind in Singapore, The Bubble Tea Factory (TBTF) is an immersive, multi-sensory journey that takes you through an enchanting world of bubble tea. Spanning across more than 10 playful, visually spectacular installations, you will be treated to an experience like no other! Read my review HERE.



Abominable - Now Showing
The Addams Family - Now Showing
Frozen II - Opens 21 Nov 2019

The period of Christmas shows and Meet & Greets at the shopping malls is upon us!

Come the year-end school holidays, the malls in Singapore will be awashed with character shows and Meet & Greets... because there's no other joy in the world than seeing your kids' faces light up with joy when they see their favourite cartoon characters prancing on stage. 😁


As with annual tradition, I have compiled the ultimate christmas shows and meet & greet schedules for your convenience. It's already my 12th year compiling this and while all my kids have since outgrown these shows, I hope my readers with younger kids will find this list useful. So if you do find it useful, please share this post with your family and friends too. Can? 😊

*For other kid-friendly activities happening this school holidays, check out my other listing here: www.cheekiemonkie.net/2019/11/year-end-school-holidays-activities-for-kids-2019-november-singapore.html




Minions Meet & Greet
Timings: 2pm, 4pm & 6pm

The Centrepoint: 23 Nov 2019
Bedok Point: 24 Nov 2019
Changi City Point: 1 Dec 2019
Causeway Point: 7 Dec 2019
Anchorpoint: 8 Dec 2019
Waterway Point: 14 Dec 2019
YewTee Point: 15 Dec 2019
Northpoint City: 21 Dec 2019




Funan, L1 Centre Stage
16 & 17 Nov 2019: 3pm & 7pm
23 & 24 Nov 2019: 3pm & 7pm

Tampines Mall, L1 Atrium
29 Nov - 1 Dec 2019: 4pm & 7pm

Bukit Panjang Plaza, L2 Atrium
4-6 Dec 2019: 7pm
7-8 Dec 2019: 12pm

Westgate, L1 Courtyard
7 & 8 Dec 2019: 3pm & 5pm
14 & 15 Dec 2019: 3pm & 5pm

Lot One Shoppers’ Mall, L1 Atrium
11-13 Dec 2019: 7pm
14 & 15 Dec 2019: 12pm

IMM, L1 Atrium
18-22 Dec 2019: 12pm & 7pm

JCube, L1 Atrium & L4 THE RINK
21 & 22 Dec 2019: 2pm & 5pm


Be the first 50 shoppers to spend a minimum of $30 single receipt) to redeem for a photo-taking pass with BROWN & CONY. Each meet & greet session is about 45 minutes.

*Terms and conditions apply:
• Children below 7 years old need to be accompanied by an adult above 18 years old.
• Limited to one photo taking pass per shopper regardless of amount spent
• Shopper must register at least 30 minutes before session starts






Get a chance to be up close and personal with Elsa, Anna and Olaf! No spending required.





Meet & Greet with 3 special Pororo Characters. Limited to 40 families per session, pre-registration is required. 1 family registration is limited to 1 parent and 2 child.



The PAW Patrol embark on their biggest mission yet with Mighty Pups. When a meteor showers the pups with a mysterious green energy, they all get ‘Mighty’ powers! Witness their ‘Mighty’ adventures in this world premiere show on stage right here at United Square! Featuring Chase, Marshall, Skye and Rubble in their all new ‘Mighty’ costumes, this all-new show is like nothing you’ve ever seen before!

Spend $50 in a single same-day retail receipt at United Square for a photo opportunity with the Mighty Pups. Limited number of photo passes will be issued one hour before each show, based on first come first served basis.



This Christmas, NEX will be hosting the three masked crusaders of PJ Masks – Catboy, Owlette and Gekko. They need you to join them on their mission to save Christmas from supervillain Romeo, who will be making his first appearance in Asia at NEX! From 29 November – 8 December, children can look forward to catching the masked crusaders in action at live musicals and workshop and tea party sessions, as well as immersing themselves in a mini flying-fox experience and games.

*Redeem a photo pass with a minimum spend of S$20 (for my NEXrewards members) or S$50 (for non-members) in one receipt. Limited to 50 passes per session. Each pass admits a family of 4 only. All passes are available 1 hour before each session from the Atrium, Level 1. Strictly 1 pass per shopper per day.



For the first time, Pinkfong and Baby Shark will be having a concert at Jurong Bird Park! Go on a wild adventure as they learn about the different animals that live in the jungle.


For tickets, visit HERE.


The lovable stars of Cartoon Network’s We Bare Bears have arrived in our city. Catch Grizz, Panda and Ice Bear in a world premiere ‘LIVE’ Show! Wherever they are, there’s bound to be wild adventures and hilarious trouble so don’t miss this trio this holiday season.



Get ready for the cutest Christmas ever at Suntec City! The adorable Hatchlings, Vincent, Will and Zoe, together with Red from the Angry Birds are flocking to Suntec City for a jolly Christmas adventure. Sing and dance along with these beloved birds at the Live Show. March in tandem with the characters at March of the Birds Parade. Experience the Hatchlings’ first day of school at the Hatchlings Academy. Toss the green Piggies off the pig towers at Missions on Bird Island. There’s ‘snow much fun’ for everyone in the family this ‘happy’ holiday at Suntec City’s Hatchlings of Joy!

Main Event Details

Live Shows: 6 - 8, 13 - 15, 20 - 22 Dec (Friday – Sunday), 2pm & 7pm
Hatchlings Academy: 6 & 8, 13 & 15, 20 & 22 Dec (Friday & Sunday), 4pm
March of the Birds: 7, 14, 21 Dec (Saturday), 4pm
Missions on Bird Island: 6 – 22 Dec (Daily), 12pm – 9pm







pinkfong & Baby Shark Meet & Greet
UE Square | 7 Dec 2019 | 1.30pm & 3.30pm
Rochester Mall | 8 Dec 2019 | 1.30pm & 3.30pm





Mascot & Balloon Sculptor Roving
7 – 22 Dec (every weekend) | 1pm & 6pm
Spot the roving mascot for photo-taking and get a free candy-themed balloon from the
roving balloon sculptor.

Christmas Carolling Performance by KJC Society
20 - 25 Dec (except Mon) | 5pm 



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

It’s time to get serious about the thing that has us parents in a state of horror every year-end.

That’s right. I’m talking about the chore of buying new textbooks and workbooks for new school year. 😩 The thought of having to take time off our busy schedules to make a special trip down to the school bookshop, spend a looooong time in the queue and then lug bags and bags of heavy books back home makes me shudder... and fill me with dread.


And don't get me started when I find that after having spent such a long time in the queue, some of the books are out of stock!!! Argh. I don't know if it's just me but I hate it when that happens - the feeling is like me not being able to complete a Panini sticker album when I was little. 😂

But thanks to GoGuru, my life has been made a tad easier this year.


GoGuru is the official e-store of Times Bookstore which stocks a wide range of products, from books and magazines to stationery and educational toys on its online store. In addition to carrying a huge range of books – popular categories include Fiction, Business, Personal Development, and even Children’s Books, parents can buy Marshall Cavendish Education titles, assessment books, school supplies online and have them delivered straight to their doorstep. And get this, it's FREE DELIVERY for Times Rewards members!


Yes, that last bit about how I can buy my monkies' school books online really got me. All I had to do was to select my kids' school and education level, choose the Marshall Cavendish Education textbooks, add them into my cart and I was done!


And just for convenience's sake, I can even take my pick from the Assessment Books available (just don't tell my kids 🤣) because there is a 20% off selected assessment books from Marshall Cavendish Education , Casco, Fairfield Book Publishers and Educational Publishing House! If you like, you can also purchase Stationery and enjoy savings as well.



Make payment online and then simply wait for your order to be delivered right to your doorstep! Times Rewards members get to enjoy FREE delivery - what's not to like???

I love the convenience of online shopping because not only can I make my orders at whatever time I want - preferably when the kids are already alseep so that their ruckus wouldn't cause me to make any rash purchases! 😅 - I can do it from the comfort of my own home or office.

But you know what I love most about purchasing the school books through GoGuru? There are no lines to wait in, nor grumpy bookshop aunty or other irritable people to deal with. And for parents who have to look after the kids, they don't have to drag them all over the place. Just complete that school book shopping list with a few clicks at home while sipping a cup of coffee.


And for kids who are book lovers too, you can also purchase Children's Books directly from GoGuru. It's set up by Times Publishing after all, so you can be guaranteed  of the wide range of books available... all easily segmented according to the kid's age for your convenience.



So for this year-end school holidays, getting ready for the new school year need not be a hassle. Take full advantage of GoGuru's Annual Ordering service and get those school study materials - from textbooks and assessment books, activity books and readers, to stationery - in just a few clicks! And did I mention FREE delivery too?

No scramble, no madness, no fuss.

Head to GoGuru's ordering website, get all the books online, so that you can focus on something more important: enjoying the school holidays with your kids!



BONUS!

Thanks to GoGuru, enjoy $3 OFF with a minimum spend of $30! Simply use the promo code '3OFFIG-KELVIN' when you cart out. Visit GoGuru to start shopping!

Terms and Conditions
- Promo code expires on 30 November 2019
- $3 off is stackable and applicable for use with other discounts, but not for slashed prices and sitewide discounts.
- Not applicable to nett priced items, Marshall Cavendish textbooks, third party merchants

This Christmas, the gang of Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven from Disney's Frozen 2 arrives at Changi Airport for a Winter Wonderland adventure!


There will be a light show, Disney’s Frozen characters Meet & Gree sessions, an Enchanted Forest play area as well as a Festive Market. And did I mention SNOW???


'A Frozen Wonderland at Changi' begins TODAY (21 Nov 2019) and lasts all the way until 5 Jan 2020.


Here's what to expect:

Brave The Four Elements
21 Nov 2019 – 5 Jan 2020
10am – 10pm daily (Last session at 2145hrs. Registration closes when last session is full)
T3 Departure Hall (opposite check-in row 11)


Adventure awaits the kids in the Enchanted Forest! They get to embark on a journey packed with challenges across four different zones designed around the four elements.


EARTH ELEMENT


Dive into the ball pit to find the ball with the Earth symbol that will unlock the next element. If you ask me, it's just an excuse to have some insane ball pit FUN! 😂


WIND ELEMENT

Next, brave through the winds to find the way out of the forest... and catch one leaf on your way out. This is very important as the leaf will determine the prize that you will receive at the end of it all.


FIRE ELEMENT

With the forest on 'fire', it is up to the kids to piece a jigsaw together before time runs out.


WATER ELEMENT


Final task is to... well, I'll keep it a surprise. And once completed, the kids can redeem one of the magical gifts below! The gift received will depend on the leaf exchanged.



NOTE:
- A minimum spend of S$50 in a single same day receipt at Changi or Jewel is required to redeem a play slot.
- Proceed to https://playpass.changiairport.com to register for a slot to participate in the Enchanted Forest activities.
- Minimum height requirement is 1.0m.

Let It Sparkle & Shine
21 Nov 2019 - 5 Jan 2020
7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm and 9pm daily
T3 Departure Hall (in front of Departure Immigration)
FREE


Get ready to be dazzled by an array of light, sound, and SNOW as T3 transforms into a Frozen Wonderland every evening!


Stand before the giant looming wave with Elsa, deciduous autumn trees, or by the pond with Anna   and Olaf for countless photo opportunities with iconic scenes from Frozen 2.




Meet Your Favourite Disney’s Frozen 2 Characters
22 - 24 Nov and 29 Nov - 1 Dec 2019
 11.30am, 2pm, 3.30pm, 5pm and 6.30pm
T3 Departure Hall (in front of Departure Immigration)


Get a chance to be up close and personal with Elsa, Anna and Olaf!

NOTE:
- Meet & Greet sessions are FREE with no minimum spend required.
- The official Meet & Greet pass will be issued 30 minutes before each session at the Meet & Greet queue area in Terminal 3 Departure Hall Central Event Area.
- One pass will entitle the participants to one photo per family/group for a single Meet & Greet session only.
- Each Meet & Greet session is limited to 30 minutes.

Olaf, Larger Than Life
T2 Departure Hall (opposite TP Tea)
FREE


Snap a picture with life-sized 3-metre tall Olaf!

Experience A Magical Adventure
Monday – Thursday (Except Eve of PH & PH): 5pm to 10pm
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Eve of PH & PH: 10am to 10pm
Terminal 3, L2, Public, Next to Jewel link bridge


Explore Elsa’s & Anna’s living space with a series of interactive activities such as digital interactions with Frozen 2 animated characters, create embossed greeting cards, bookmarks and customise your own portrait!

Walk through the autumn trees and be greeted by Sven & Olaf.

Snap a shot at the photobooth with your Changi Rewards card and you can stand a chance to bring home a 1-metre Olaf plush!


Jewel Festive Market
From 21 Nov 2019 onwards
Friday to Sunday / Eve of Public Holiday and Public Holiday: 10am – 11pm
Jewel, Cloud9 Piazza, Level 5


Wander through this Arendelle-inspired marketplace and discover exclusive products. Indulge your sweet tooth with treats from Kit Kat Chocolatery, Playmade Bubble Tea, or get hands-on with the workshops* held here – from terrarium-making and ukulele-painting to leathercrafting!

*Bookings for workshops have to be made at frozenwonderland.changiairport.com



Disney’s Frozen 2 Premiums

Bring home limited edition Disney’s Frozen 2 plush toys and other merchandises.


Spend a minimum of S$60 in the Public Area, Jewel or iShopChangi, or S$120 in the Transit Area or Supermarkets in a single receipt to purchase the premiums at S$8.90 each*. Spend with UnionPay and redeem the premiums at only S$1 each**. While stocks last.

*The Frozen EZ-Link Charm is redeemable at S$14.90.
** Not applicable for EZ-Link Charm
Click here for the full T&Cs

Redemption Stations

Terminal 1
Transit Departure Lounge - Central Piazza (beside Shilla)

Terminal 2
Transit Departure Lounge - Main Event Area (beside Sprint Cass)

Terminal 3
Transit Departure Lounge – Event Area (in front of Pret-a-Manger)
Public Basement 2 (Beside Poh Kim)

Terminal 4
Transit Departure Lounge – Main Event Area (in front of Coach)
Public Departure Hall (Near Check-In Row 7)

Jewel
Basement 1 – Outside Zara
Basement 1 – Outside Uniqlo

PLUS, experience the Holiday Magic at Jewel too! Swing by the 16-metre-tall Christmas tree from 6pm onwards to enjoy a dazzling Christmas light-up, meet Santa Claus, stiltwalkers and Christmas carollers.




Experience ‘snow’ at the canopy park and Shiseido Forest Valley that will fall at intervals throughout the day! Visitors who spend S$50 in a single same-day receipt at Jewel can redeem two tickets to enter the Shiseido Forest Valley from 5pm to 11.30pm.


You can even take a snow walk amid the spectacular blooms at the Petal Garden, set alongside the quirky and creatively-styled plants at the Topiary Walk which provides plenty of Insta-worthy backdrops.


For more information, visit HERE.

It also features a gently contoured terrain where beginners can challenge themselves further.







The monkies sure went on it countless times!


NATURE PLAYGARDEN

Not cycling? No problem. Families with children can enjoy a new nature playgarden at East Coast Park within the Cyclist Park too.


The playgarden uses natural materials such as upcycled wood to create curated play features for children to engage in spontaneous play amid nature, much like the one at HortPark.



Young ones can develop a  sense of discovery and train their balance at the simple obstacle course, and older children can try their hands at the 1.5-metre tall mini climbing wall installed with grips, that was  fashioned from a log.



FACILITIES WITHIN CYCLIST PARK

There are several F&B options within Cyclist Park - cafe food at PS. Cafe by the Sea and halal cuisines at KNS Restaurant. (Yes, that last name drew sniggers from my kids 😂)



There is also a 7-Eleven store which features the first-ever beer from a tap! Great for parents for that chill afternoon.



In addition, there are also free play zones for cyclists to practise riding. These free play zones, which have a flat terrain, are perfect especially for younger kids who are just learning to cycle.


Cyclist Park is located at East Coast Park Area D and is accessible via East Coast Park  Service Road, via the underpass linking Mandarin Gardens to D3 Carpark and via Siglap Park  Connector. The nearest bus stop is 90 metres away and is served by bus number 401.

We visited Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan and the former capital back in the Qing Dynasty, in December last year and fell in love with its charm and distinct laidback feel as compared to other Taiwan cities. You can read my first-timer family travel guide to Tainan HERE and all its family-friendly activities the city has to offer HERE.

Well, it turns out a travel agency in Tainan read my blog posts, loved them so much and promptly declared that there are more to Tainan that we had experienced. So over the long Deepavali weekend, we were in Tainan again for 2 nights.


And while it was a relatively short trip of 3D2N, we managed to pack so much to see and do (and eat!) that everyone in the family agreed that it was a completely different experience this time round - with more nature and culture.

And we had out fantastic Fucity Chartering (府城國際租賃) to thank for not only planning the itinerary according to our family's profile but also driving us to everywhere in Tainan and beyond - from the airport, to every attraction and back to the airport for our flight to Singapore.

The thing about Tainan is it does not have an underground train or metro system so the main modes of transport for getting around are by bus and taxi. Which are not exactly that convenient if you are travelling with kids, because the last thing you want to fret about is how to get to a certain place when lugging along kids - and luggage!

So chartering a private driver while in Tainan is probably the best thing because not only do you NOT have to worry about getting around, you can actually customise your travel itinerary based on your preferences! Fucity Chartering will be able to provide recommendations and in addition, the cars that they use are relatively new... and the monkies LOVE our chartered car, primarily because it comes with so many charging cables and hotspot WiFi! 😂😂😂


And because we had visited the attractions in Tainan before, Fucity Chartering arranged for us to visit places that were located in smaller cities and towns outside of Tainan... all of which were about 1 to 1.5 hours drive away. Pretty doable even for families with young kids, I say. So this was what we got up to - our 3D2N itinerary:

DAY ONE

We arrived at Kaohsiung airport at about 10am and our driver, Willy, from Fucity Chartering met us at the Arrival Hall. Tainan was about a one-hour drive from Kaohsiung but our first stop was actually Guanziling, located in Baihe Town, Tainan County. It is a small village located in the mountains of central Taiwan, between Chiayi and Yushan National Park in Tainan County and it is famed for its many hotsprings.

But first, we had the small task of satisfying our rumbling tummies because it was already lunch time by the time we arrived at Guanziling. And we just could not resist the fragrant and juicy grilled chicken!


In addition to being famous for the hotsprings, Guanziling is also famous for grilled chickens, or rather 'pot chickens' as the chickens are roasted inside the huge pots, hence the name. And the internal parts of the chicken are used to flavour the porridge. Yes, it may sound disgusting if you are not a fan of gizzards and stuff but the porridge is really soooo good. Even the kids who were initially repulsed by the idea lapped everything up!


You can literally spot shops selling the chickens along an entire stretch of road and there are A LOT of them! However, we had our lunch at Rock Top Coffee House (岩頂餐廳) because of its family-friendly factor. Yep, there's a huge outdoor play area catered for kids AND animals such as cats, rabbits and birds to keep the kids occupied while the adults tuck in.


And since it is not good to soak in a hotspring immediately after a heavy meal, our driver brought us to Red Leaf Park, a park with hills of maple trees which turn red during autumn creating a stunning scene.


Pity it wasn't Autumn yet when we visited but the thick foliage and scenic greenery truly made a park a joy to walk through.


And then, we were off for our mud hotspring bath!


Oh, I didn't mention it was a MUD hotspring??? There are only 3 spots in the world which have mud hotsprings. Kagoshima in Japan and Vulcano in Italy being two of them, and the third? Yes, you guessed it. It is in Guanziling in Tainan. The water quality of the mud hotspring contains mineral-rich clay deposits and is supposed to be great for skincare.

And there is no better place to have our mud hotspring session than at Mu Spring (沐春溫泉湯宿). When I first stepped into the place and saw that there was even a sand pit play area for kids, I knew it was a superb family-friendly place.


And I wasn't wrong. If you do not like being in a public-style hotspring with other strangers, Mu Spring has private hotspring rooms for 2 persons, 4 persons and even 6 persons! And since we had 5 of us, we went for the biggest 6-pax hotspring room for 90 minutes.


The room comes with both hot and cold bath tubs, complete with an outdoor seating area.


And if you are thinking that the mud hotspring involves thick gooey mud, it is not. In fact, the water that flows from the tap is like normal liquid water but in a greyish colour.


And even though I cannot verify if the minerals from the mud is indeed good for the skin, I can say for certain that the monkies really had a bubbling good time, as you can tell from the photos, 🤣



After the recharge, we arrived at Dongshan 175 Coffee Road which is a 30min drive away from Guanziling. It is a stretch of hilly road filled with coffee plantations but that's not the main attraction. The reason why many people come here is because of the numerous coffee cafes located along the road.


And because the area is slightly above ground level, the view is simply magnificent... plus the temperature is much cooler too.


Nothing like sipping our coffee and tea, and muching our slices of cake while chilling amid the scenery.


TIP: head there in the late afternoon to catch the stunning sunset while sipping a cuppa. Bliss.


It was time to rest our bodies for the night and our first accommodation was at the homely Salt Country Home Minsu (盐乡民宿) located in Beimen County, a 40-minute drive from Tainan.


Salt Country Home Minsu exudes that homely charm and that charm also shows in its homecooked dishes. Must-trys if your are there include the fried oyster mee sua and grilled milkfish (milkfish is a HUGE thing and delicacy in Tainan).


Accommodation-wise, we stayed in a home which used to be the actual home of the owners. They converted it into a minsu which has three bedrooms.


While everything inside looks retro, the minsu is clean and functional. Definitely worth a stay if you are looking for something different!




DAY TWO

Our day began with breakfast at Salt Country Home Minsu and erm, an BBQ Oyster buffet!


If you read my previous article on Tainan's activities, you will know that oysters are a BIG thing in Tainan. And while we may eat them raw in Singapore, the people in Tainan have their oysters barbequed and can I say the oysters are so juicy and flavourful. No seasoning required!


The other great thing about staying at Salt Country Home Minsu is it's near to all the attractions in Beimen - in fact, they are all within cycling distance which was what we did. We rented a quadcycle and peddled our way around.


Compared to other Taiwan cities, Beimen is a rural district and has that laid back vibe. And you know what's the best thing about the attractions in Beimen? Most of them are FREE To visit. So away we went on our quadcycle to explore!

One of the must-see attractions is the Jingzaijiao Tile-Paved Salt Field ( 井仔腳瓦盤鹽田) which is only 600m away from the minsu.



Here, kids get to see how salt was harvested from sea water manually before machines took over. It's really fascinating because it's something you don't get to see anymore.


You can even head down to one of the salt field to have a taste (not literally) of how heavy the salt weighs!


Or simply pose for that IG shot. 🤣


And do make a stop at the visitor centre to try the curry-flavoured salted ice cream too - it's delicious! And the tea eggs too which are the best we have ever tasted. No kidding.


We then head further into the Beimen town area on our quadcycle. The good thing about cycling around in Beimen is there are dedicated cycling paths around.


Along the way, we stopped the many wetlands which used to be salt fields many many years ago.


Once at Beimen town centre, there are various attractions to visit... like this highly Instagram-worthy Crystal Church which is the first church in Taiwan designed with a wedding theme.


Do stop by the Beimen Visitor Center (北门游客中心) too, which was once a salt-cleansing factory. Now, it has been converted into a center which details the past history of the salt industry in Beimen, its culture, arts and including this whale skeleton whose carcass was found on its shores many years ago.



We also popped by the Money Coming Grocery Shop (钱来也杂货店). Its claim to fame is the 2005 Taiwanese drama《王子变青蛙》(The Prince Who Turns Into a Frog) where many scenes in the serial were filmed at.


The building was initially a shop for salt workers to purchase daily necessities and also a recreation center. When the salt industry exited Beimen, the house was converted into a shop selling everything retro - from old school snacks to toys to even cute knick knacks.


We also visited the Taiwan Black-foot Disease Socio-Medical Service Memorial House (台灣烏腳病醫療紀念館 ), a memorial house which used to be a clinic for Wang King-ho, a doctor who had fought against blackfoot disease for 25 years by offering free medical services to patients from Beimen and the surrounding regions.


Definitely worth a visit as you get to step into the actual clinic and operating theatre that Dr Wang used to work in, including real specimens of amputated feet of patients due to the disease. Very sobering.



On our way to lunch, we also made a brief stop at Beimen Blue House (北門出張所) which was constructed in 1923 and is extremely well-preserved for a timber-built Japanese office building.


We then had our lunch at the air-conditioned 北門嶼廳餐 which gave us a respite from the sun. Heh. Oh, and do go for the hotpot if you are dining there. The soup base is delicious!


Our driver, Willy from Fucity Chartering then picked us up from the restaurant and we continued on our Beimen sightseeing tour. We stopped by the Nankunshen Daitian Temple (南鯤鯓代天府(大鯤園) which is the largest and oldest Wangye Temple in Taiwan. In 1983, Nankunshen Daitian Temple was registered as a national historic landmark and a three star tourism destination by The Michelin Green Guide.

And as luck would have it, the temple was having its annual salt festival on the day of our visit so we got to witness some pretty colourful and loud festival proceedings. Not to mention there were loads of food stalls too - it was like a night market! Burp.


Since we had some time to kill before dinner, our driver brought us to an oyster farm where we could see how oysters were harvested at sea.


I guess that's the beauty of having a private driver, no? The flexibility to change the itinerary when circumstances dictate it.

Again, I have to say that Beimen is easily one of my fave small towns that I have visited... primarily because ALL of the attractions we visited above was FREE entry! 😁😁😁

For dinner, we headed to Zhu Xin Ju Traditional Taiwanese Cuisine Restaurant (筑馨居 ).


For a taste of classic Tainanese home-cooked flavors, dine at Zhu Xin Ju. Only thing is, there is NO menu here. You eat what the chef serves on that particular day. How it works is the chef goes to the market to source for the freshest catch and produce during the day time. So what you can be sure of is the dishes will be of the highest quality!


Even dining within the restaurant is an experience in itself. Housed in an old heritage house right smack in town, the cosy restaurant is adorned with red bricks, old-school Chinese Wine Bottles, wooden tables and traditional Chinese knick-knacks.

And equally an experience was our accommodation for the second night.


Sai Kau Kin Manor (屎溝墘客廳) was built in 1897 (that's more than a century old in case you are figuring the Math) and has been completely renovated in 2011. There actually isn't any romantic history of the house because the word 'sai' in the name literally means 💩. Yes, poop. 🤣 That's because in the past, the area was used to transport manure!


But no worries, there isn't any lingering stench in the house. In fact, everything in the house has that old world charm to it. Definitely a lot of character, and all of us agree this was one of the best minsus we had stayed in.



There is a bedroom on the second floor with a queen-sized mattress, and you can add another single mattress too.


As for the boys, they loved the tatami loft!


Location-wise, the minsu is located in downtown #Tainan within walking distance to many eateries and shops. Nightly rates start from NTD2900 for 2 pax, NTD3900 for 4 pax and NTD4800 for 6 pax.

DAY THREE

Day 3 saw us being immersed in a cultural Tavocan Adventure at Xinhua Old Street!


Before the Japanese rule from 1895 to 1945, Xinhua was actually called Tavocan, where the indigenous Siraya tribes (one of the Taiwanese Plains Aborigines) used to live. Tavocan means “land of hill and forest” in the Siraya language.

Strolling along the old street today, you can see plenty of Japanese-era shophouses with Baroque-influenced facades. And they are all conserved really well!


We stepped into one of the old shops, Xinhua Old Street Coffee, and I was immediately struck by the retro vibes.


Of course, we couldn't leave without trying the coffee... which we did, and it was good! Loved the robust taste of the coffee beans.


More interestingly, we visited Jinfa Rice and Grains Shop which is a rice shop and still has a working rice machine in the shop that processes the rice!



I love the architecture of some of the buildings, including the Su Family Manor House which was built in 1842 during the Qing Dynasty.


It is especially known for its underground air raid shelter, which provided a place for the Su family to hide during the air raids in WWII. The manor is built old-style, with traditional walls, pillars, and multiple yards, as well as carved and painted windows.


We also visited the Xinhua Butokuden, a kendo and judo training area built from 1925 to 1928 during the Japanese Colonial era.


What is unique about the place is it is the ONLY place in Taiwan with a unique wooden spring flooring. This is done so that when the judo athletes are thrown to the ground during sparring sessions, the spring absorbs the impact of the fall and prevents injuries.


And the monkies, being monkies, were only too happy to be putting the flooring to the test.... by jumping up and down continuously. 😅


And because we needed to rest those tired legs, we made a pit stop at the Searching for Spring cafe (找春文創食堂) which coincidentally was Totoro-themed!


Oh, and it certainly helped that it sold bubble tea drinks that came in Roblox-like containers too!


Besides selling food and drinks, the cafe also allows patrons to try out an interactive postcard activity.


Kids (and adults) will be provided with a drawing of a lady in kimono and they will be able to fill her with colours. Bring the completed artwork to the scanner and watch your creation come to life on the television!


And so while the kids were kept occupied by the colouring, the wifey and I headed out for some photo-taking. 😁




Simply love the lush greenery around the cafe!

And just because Xinhua Old Street has the word 'old', it doesn't mean that the street is behind the times. This old street is still keeping up with the times - you get FREE WiFi along the entire street! No wonder the boys were happy to walk along with us. 😅

Here's a handy map and details of all the sights to see along Xinhua Old Street.



Xinhua Old Street isn't that big area so it's good for a day trip from Tainan, which is only a 30min drive away. We even had time to drop by Sweet Potato Story House (瓜瓜园地瓜生态故事馆) on the way back.


Sweet Potato Story House is a sweet potato museum which allows visitors to understand the what else, the sweet potato.


With a growing environment and a nursery growing close to 20 varieties of sweet potatoes on site, visitors get to learn about the growth process, nutritional composition and also view the sweet potato nursery room through the glass. Entry is FREE so it's worth a stop... plus you can stock up on all things related sweet potato snacks at the shop too!


With our flight back to Singapore still a few hours away, the people at Fucity Chartering decided to bring us to one last stop - Chimei Museum.


Styled suspiciously like the White House in USA, the Chimei Museum is a comprehensive museum with wide collections of Western art, musical instruments, weaponry and natural history.


But if its exterior is somewhat tacky, the contents are NOT. Walking through every single exhibtion hall will probably require more than half a day (it's that big!) which we did not have the luxury of. So instead, we visited its travelling exhibition, 'Beyond the Shadows' which is running from now until 2 June 2020.


Beyond the Shadows is a collection of fifteen artists from Taiwan and abroad whose works have subverted the superior-subordinate relationship between light and shadow and will bring you the most astonishing viewing experience of “shadows” in life.


And my word, the shadow installations are indeed mind-blowing!


My monkies aren't exactly fans of museums and they let out a collective groan when they heard we were visiting a museum before departing Tainan. But this exhibition about shadows and how they are used to manipulate light totally blew their minds!


And my fave? Of course it has to be an Instagrammable one. 😂😂😂



If you are planning a visit to Tainan before 2 June 2020 with the kids, I highly recommend bringing them to this exhibition at Chimei Musuem!


And with that, our 3D2N jaunt to Tainan has come to an end.

A huge thanks to Tainan Linkin Plus and Fucity Chartering for putting together such a fun and interesting itinerary. Even though we had visited Tainan only last year, this trip has really opened our eyes to even more interesting activities that Tainan and its surrounding cities have to to offer.


Tainan may be a city that is very often overlooked by tourists visiting Taiwan but after visiting it twice in the speace of less than a year, I can say that Tainan has that distinct heritage city feel and a much more laidback pace compared other bigger cities in Taiwan.

So whether it is delicious street food, interesting culture, intriguing history, or fun-filled family-friendly activities, Tainan has it all.


Useful Links:
- Tainan Linkin Plus Official Website
- Fucity Chartering service: Contact Amanda at +886 975577339 (WhatsApp)
- Xinhua Old Street Official Website 

If there's one thing I learnt about coding, it is that it's never too early to get your kids to start. After seeing Ayd attending coding lessons at The Lab for close to six months, I can see that he really enjoys the projects and his face lights up with immense satisfaction and pride when he describes the coding systems that he had written.


But more on that later.

If you had read my previous post on The Lab, you will know that it is a coding school with coding programmes for kids aged 4 and above. In fact, they are the first Coding and Robotics school in Singapore that runs an adaptive learning management system to personalise each and every student based on their learning abilities and behaviours.


But are all coding schools created equally? Definitely not and the fact that The Lab does it differently in terms of cirriculum and learning environment makes it stand out among the rest. You can read more about how The Lab makes it different for kids compared to other coding schools in my first post HERE.

Essentially, it is a school that strongly advocates experiential and problem-based learning in a personalised and self-directed manner. Which Ayd thoroughly loves!

For me though, what I love best is The Lab has opened a new branch at Wisteria Mall in Yishun! With its main school at Katong V in East Coast, getting there on a weekly basis is a long journey. But with the new branch, sending Ayd to coding class at The Lab just got a little more convenient!


The layout of the new school at Wisteria Mall remains the same - a NO-CLASSROOM setting with flexible seating which allows kids to choose where they work and with whom.



And because each child is different in his or her own right, some will pick up coding faster than others, while some will show more interest in various aspects of coding. At The Lab, each child has its own student portal and he/she will be able to keep track of the progress of projects. Some kids may take longer to finish the same project but that is entrirely fine - there is no pressure to keep up and teachers will be present to provide any assistance if they should require it.




In fact, one of his completed projects involved him coming up with a game that uses a sensor to gauge the distance the hand is from the sensor. The system randomly generates a distance and you are suppose to place your hand at the exact distance above the sensor, earning bonus points if you are accurate.

So, what are the benefits of coding for kids?

Encourages creativity
Coding has a beginning, middle and end, just like a story. Coding allows students to be creative without being wrong. If something doesn’t work, the student must analyze what isn’t working, ask why isn’t working, and determine how to correct it so that it does work. In essence, coding is the process of continually making mistakes, learning from them, and correcting them.

Making things visible
Young students are concrete thinkers and are beginning to follow step-by-step directions. These beginning stages of following first one step, then two steps, then multiple steps, are the start of algorithmic thinking in action. While the youngest learners may not understand this abstract concept, The Lab can use computer science to make their thinking visible.

Develop computational thinking
Coding exposes students to computational thinking, which involves problem-solving using computer science concepts. It enhances a student’s capabilities of Computational Thinking in a highly effective way.


For Ayd, he is aiming for The Lab X programme eventually. The Lab X is for kids who have completed The Lab 10-16 year old program, and is focused on inspiring students to pursue a degree in Computer Science or a degree that is technologically relevant.

Because the current Singapore MOE syllabus does not focus on Computer Science or CS related topics, making it prohibitive for students to pursue that career route, the purpose of The Lab X is to fill this gap so that students will have a better understanding and knowledge of requirements for pursuing a degree in Computer Science. It will also build confidence and prepare students in their new pursuits.

In terms of credibility, The Lab X is reviewed by the ISTD faculty of SUTD (Singapore University Technology and Design) which exemplifies that the student possesses a reasonably high level of Computational Thinking and programming skills.

Entertaining non-muppets since 1969, the well-loved characters from Sesame Street turns 50 years old this year and they will be celebrating it in a HUGE way at Marina Square... just in time for Christmas too!


That's right, Marina Square is inviting all shoppers to take a trip down Sesame Street literally from now until 1 Jan 2020 with a pop-up version of the iconic Sesame Street buildings, a Sesame Street 'Live' Show and Meet & Greet, Creative Workshops, and Sesame Street Plush Toys collectibles!


Oh, and did I mention the all-time fave ball pit will be making a comeback too? More on that in a moment, I promise.


Because the Sesame Street characters will be spreading the Christmas cheer in their own fun ways, here are the ways kids (and adults) can get into on the action this year-end school holidays at Marina Square:

TAKE A TRIP DOWN SESAME STREET
Now until 1 Jan 2020


If you want to up your IG game, the iconic brownstone Sesame Street neighbourhood is the place to be this festive season.


The buildings are not your usual 2D cut-out cardboard displays. Rather, they are a full 3D recreation of the neighbourhood where Elmo, Big Bird, Oscar, Abby Cadabby & friends roam the streets.





Shoppers will be able to take a stroll through the neighbourhood decked out in fairy lights and Christmassy charm, and soak up the festive spirit!



Some of them are really just too cute for words. And the best part? These are all FREE for everyone to snap photos with! No minimum spend, no time slots, nothing. Just head down and snap away!



And since it's Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary, there is also a dedicated area where you can learn more about your favourite characters and pick up some Sesame Street trivia at the same time.




SESAME STREET BALL PIT
Now until 1 Dec 2019

Because who doesn't love diving into a colourful ball pit, no?


First seen during the June School Holidays at the Pop-up emoji™ Exhibition, Marina Square has brought back the all-popular ball pit this time around!


There will be plenty of photo opportunities in the giant ball pit right in the middle of the atrium. But do note, however that the ball pit is solely for photo opportunities... and not meant for kids to play inside. 😅

SESAME STREET PLUSH TOY PREMIUMS

You also get a chance to bring home a piece of Sesame Street with you too!


Simply spend $180* (Marina Square Rewards Members need only spend $150*) to redeem and unbox a mystery 4-inch Sesame Street Plush Toy.


Each plush toy comes in a blind box and there are 5 adorable Sesame Street characters to collect – Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Oscar and Abby Cadabby!


I'm not usually a big fan of plush toys (because they tend to be too big and take up far too much space at home) but I have to say this set of Sesame Street plush toys are pretty cute! I love that they are not too big - about the size of a palm - so kids will be able to take them along everywhere.


And for the record, I have already chope-d Oscar. 😁

*Up to 3 combined receipts, limited to 1 redemption per shopper per day, while stocks last.



STRIKE A POSE & WIN
Now until 1 Dec 2019

What's better than snapping a photo and having fun? Winning some Sesame Street plush toys while you are at it!

Simply snap a photo at the ball pit or any Sesame Street 3D sculpture at the atrium and stand a chance to win a set of 2 exclusive Sesame Street plush toys and a plush hat. 20 winners with the most creative entries win!


To get your hat into the draw, follow these 4 easy steps:
1. Take a photo at the ball pit or any Sesame Street 3D sculpture at the atrium
2. Follow Marina Square on Instagram (@MarinaSquareSG)
3. Upload your post on Instagram with the hashtag #MSQxmas2019 #MarinaSquareSG
4. Set your account to public to be eligible! Contest ends 1 December 2019, 1159PM


SESAME STREET LIVE SHOW
6 to 22 Dec 2019

For the young and young-at-heart, groove to the beat with your favourite characters from Sesame Street from 6 to 22 December 2019,  as the whole gang celebrates Sesame Street’s 50th anniversary in Marina Square in the most Christmas-sy way possible.

The last time Sesame Street was at Marina Square, the year was 2008 when Ale wasn't even born yet. I still remember bringing Ash and Ayd down for the show and snagging a Meet & Greet pass after the show too. And I have the photo to prove it.


Ahh, those were the times when they still thought Elmo was the coolest monster around.

Kids do grow up so fast so if you have young kids, now's the best time to bring them to Marina Square to dance and sing with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby and The Count. The memories will live on long after they have grown up. 😊

There's more - Be one of the first 50 families in the queue to greet your favourite furry friends on stage. No minimum spending required.

SHOW TIMES
Fri 6 & 13 Dec, 3pm & 7pm
Sat 7, 14 & 21 Dec, 1pm, 3pm & 7pm
Sun 8, 15 & 22 Dec, 1pm, 3pm & 7pm
Wed 11 & 18 Dec, 7pm
Thu 12 & 19 Dec, 3pm & 7pm
Fri 20 Dec, 1pm, 3pm & 7pm

SESAME STREET CREATIVE WORKSHOPS WITH MEET & GREET

If your kids cannot get enough of Sesame Street, sign them up for the crafts making workshop! Not only can they create and bring home a Sesame Street masterpiece, they get to cosy up with Sesame Street characters after the workshop and enjoy a photo session too.


Each session is limited to 15 teams per workshop; 1 parent and child (4-12 yrs old) per team. Sign up at $20 per team via https://msqchristmas2019.peatix.com. Limited slots available!

AIR-DRY CLAY WORKSHOP WITH MEET & GREET (PARENT & CHILD)
14  & 21 Dec 2019 (SAT) | 4.30PM – 6PM
*Special appearances by Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby and The Count.

SAND ART & BADGE MAKING WORKSHOP WITH MEET & GREET (PARENT & CHILD)
22 Dec 2019 (SUN) | 4.30PM – 6PM
*Special appearances by Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie.

CREATIVE CRAFTS
Now until 1 Dec & 6 to 22 Dec 2019 | 12PM – 7PM (except Mondays)


Alternatively, you can also plonk your kids at the colouring and crafts corner where they will be able to make their own photo props featuring the likes of Bert and Ernie, Elmo and Oscar the Grouch and take them home as keepsakes. A fantastic way to end the Sesame Street experience at Marina Square!

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

Marina Square will be having a big BLACK FRIDAY SALE this coming weekend from 29 Nov to 1 Dec 2019!

Shoppers get to enjoy heaps of discounts at participating stores such as Gain City, Mothercare, Ergoworks, Tempur, Levi’s, Herschel and more. Plus, Marina Square Rewards Members can earn double SQUARES (points) with minimum $20 purchases made from 29 November to 1 December 2019.

And just for you parents, I have filtered out some of the best kid-related Black Friday deals for you!

1. School of Music and the Arts (SOMA) (#03-142 to 144)
- Joyo Guitar Tuner, buy 1 get 1 Free (U.P. $15)
- Concert Ukulele with bag, buy 1 get 1 Free (U.P. $100)


2. Ergoworks (#03-140/141)
- ZODIAC Ergonomic Chair @ $599/pc (U.P. $1,299/pc)
- DR. HO’s Perfectback Rest + Airwave Zero Gravity Seat Cushion @ $139/set (U.P. $248.90/set)
- Mobile Single Pole Pneumatic Height Adjustable Desk @$399/unit (U.P. $999/unit)


3. De Kinder Club (#02-18/19)
- $50 off purchases of any package or term classes

4. Mothercare (#03-161/162)
- Up to 50% off Toys
- 40% off every 2nd Kids and baby fashion Piece



*Terms & Conditions apply – Visit HERE for more Black Friday Deals!


Perfect time to get started on that Christmas Shopping list! 😁



Useful Information

CHRISTMAS WITH SESAME STREET FRIENDS AT MARINA SQUARE
Now until 1 Jan 2020
Marina Square, Central Atrium
FREE Admission
Website

I am always a sucker for a good bit of festive cheer, especially when that centres around the Christmas markets in Europe. There's always something magical about them - the stalls, the food, the music, the activities and of course, the atmosphere that makes it all seem so Christmassy.

But there's no need to fly to Europe to experience that bit of Christmas market magic because this Christmas, Capitol Singapore and CHIJMES will be bringing it to you... right here in Singapore!


From 6 to 24 December 2019, revel in Christmas festivities at Capitol Singapore and CHIJMES, both sited in the vibrant downtown Civic District and merely a stone’s throw apart.

Capitol Singapore will be transforming into a festive wonderland, one of the largest European-inspired Christmas Markets in Singapore in fact and complete with a singing tree and skating rink!


CHIJMES, on the other hand, welcomes visitors to an Instagram Wonderland with festive art installations and laser projection shows featuring Christmas scenes!


So ready those cameras, rev up the festive spirit and bring the family down to Capitol Singapore and CHIJMES for that unparalleled Christmas experience. Here's what to expect:

CAPITOL SINGAPORE

Capitol ● Kempinski Christmas Market
Dates: 6 - 24 Dec 2019
Time: 11.30am - 9.30pm daily (Opens on 6 Dec from 8pm onwards)
Venue: Outdoor Plaza & Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski
FREE ENTRY


Indulge in the rich festive spirit and cheer at first European-themed Christmas Market at Capitol Singapore’s Outdoor Plaza, which will be transformed into the festive Capitol ● Kempinski Christmas Market.


Because there's nothing quite like Christmas shopping, there will be more than 50 festive booths selling Christmas goodies like panetonne, log cakes, stollen, chilled mulled wine and more, including 20 booths by The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore.


Here's your chance to shop for your holiday gifts or Christmas-themed souvenirs at the array of fashion and lifestyle booths, with items such as
jewellery, accessories and decorative ornaments.


Capitol ● Kempinski Singing Tree
Dates & Timings:
6 Dec: 8.30pm – 9pm
7 – 8 Dec & 13 – 24 Dec: 7.30pm- 8pm & 8.30pm- 9pm
Venue: Outdoor Plaza
FREE


Centre to the Christmas market will be the eight-metre tall giant Capitol ● Kempinski Singing Tree, the first-ever at Capitol Singapore! And by singing tree, I mean it comprises of REAL people singing from the tree... not simply playing Christmas carols through the loudspeaker non-stop.


The Christmas tree will be brought to life by the voices of over 30 carollers, who will be singing live carols for visitors on schedule. There's nothing quite like ramping up the festive mood with Christmas tunes sung live if you ask me!

Capitol ● Kempinski Skating Rink
Dates: 6 - 24 Dec 2019
Time: 11.30am - 9.30pm daily (Opens on 6 Dec from 8pm onwards)
(Last admission at 8.45pm)
Venue: Outdoor Plaza


Now this will be a HIT with the kids! Direct from Switzerland, kids (and adults) can enjoy skating fun at this 1,700 square feet synthetic ice-rink.



Admission Fee: $6* per half an hour session OR spend a minimum of $50 (maximum 3 same- day combined receipts) in Capitol Singapore and/or CHIJMES for a complimentary half an hour session.

*Admission fee does not include the rental of skating shoes, skating aids, helmet, knee/elbow guards and socks.

Rental Rates:
Skating Shoes: $6/person/entry
Skating Aid: $6 per half an hour
Safety helmet, knee & elbow guard: FREE
Socks are available for purchase at $2 per pair.

Santa Claus Meet & Greet
Dates & Timings:
6 Dec: 8 – 9pm
7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23 & 24 Dec: 2pm – 6pm
9-13, 16-20 Dec: 6pm – 8pm
Venue: Outdoor Plaza
FREE


What's Christmas without Santa, no? Head to the traditional log house where you can meet Santa Claus and snag a photo* with him. Oh and here's a TIP: Santa will be dishing out surprise gifts to lucky visitors so be sure keep an eye out for him!

*Spend a minimum of $50 (maximum 3 same-day combined receipts at Capitol Singapore and/ or CHIJMES) to get a complimentary photo memento with Santa Claus.

Snowfall @ Capitol Singapore
Dates & Timings:
6 Dec: 8.15pm, 9.15pm
7 – 24 Dec: 7.15pm, 8.15pm, 9.15pm
Venue: Outdoor Plaza
FREE


Okay, so we don't have Winter but that won't stop us from getting into the Christmas mood, especially with an outdoor snowfall at Capitol Singapore’s Outdoor Plaza!


Every evening, catch the snow fall at three different hours for the perfect winter Insta-moment when you visit. There will also be game booths for the young and young at heart so do share your best captures at Capitol Singapore using the hashtag #TheSeasonofJoyCapitolSG as well!


CHIJMES

Instagram Wonderland
Dates: 6 – 25 Dec 2019
Time: 7pm - 11pm daily
Venue: Various spots in CHIJMES
FREE ENTRY


No caption needed, simply snap away at these seven photo-op installations themed after Christmas ornaments!





Laser Projection Show
Dates: 6 – 25 Dec 2019
Time: 8pm - 11pm daily
Venue: CHIJMES Lawn
FREE


Now this is something new! Specially for this Christmas, get to enjoy a Laser Projection Show that will display festive animations on the façade of the historic CHIJMES Hall.

Have your breath taken away by scenes of Christmas from the olden days where chapels and traditional wooden houses are aplenty, decorated by Santa’s helper elves for the holidays. If you look closely, you will even spot Santa waving at you from the balcony!


Other scenes include that of a snowy kingdom of the Ice Princess complete with her snow castle. She will dance and sing along with animals from the nearby forest to celebrate her icy Christmas.

TIP: Look out for QR codes that will be shown amidst the shows and scan them for a chance to redeem gifts from CHIJMES!

Roving Christmas Musicians
Dates: 6, 7, 13, 14, 16 – 24 Dec 2019
Time: 7.00pm – 7.30pm, 8pm – 8.30pm
FREE

Carolling Performances
Dates: 16 – 24 Dec 2019
Time: 7.30pm – 8pm, 8.30pm – 9pm
Venue: CHIJMES Lawn
FREE


Adding to all that festivity are roving Christmas musicians, carollers and mascots making their stops
along the many lifestyle and dining outlets to add proper cheer as you wine and dine. Spread the merry mood online by uploading your happy moments at CHIJMES’ Christmas celebrations with the hashtag #TheSeasonofJoyCHIJMES!

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

The Season of Joy Lucky Draw Contest and Gift with Purchase at Capitol Singapore and CHIJMES

Stand a chance to win prizes with every $50 spent (Maximum 3 same- day combined receipts) at Capitol Singapore and/or CHIJMES (limited to 10 chances per submission). Lucky Draw Prizes include:

1st Prize: One Night Stay in The Stamford Suite Room inclusive of Breakfast for Two at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore worth $1,200

2nd Prize: One Night Stay in The Deluxe Room inclusive of Breakfast for Two at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore + Dining Vouchers for Two in 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung worth $800

3rd Prize: One Night Stay in The Deluxe Room inclusive of Breakfast for Two at The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore worth $500

4th Prize: Capitol Singapore/CHIJMES vouchers $300 + Eccellente by HAO mart hamper worth $107

5th Prize: Capitol Singapore/CHIJMES vouchers worth $200

Consolation Prizes (5 winners): Capitol Singapore/CHIJMES vouchers worth $100

Gift with Purchase*

Voucher Redemption: Spend a minimum of $100 (across a maximum of 3 same-day receipts from Capitol Singapore and/or CHIJMES) and receive a Capitol Singapore/CHIJMES $5 voucher.

Activity Redemption: For every $50 spent, redeem a free 30 minutes entry to the skating rink OR a complimentary photo memento with Santa.

*Terms & Conditions apply


So this Christmas, drop by Capitol Singapore and CHIJMES for what promises to be one of your most memorable Christmas experience yet!

But the celebrations continue even AFTER Christmas! Head to Capitol Singapore on New Year's Eve (31 Dec) for a Retro- themed NYE Countdown Party! Enjoy activities like DJ spinning, a dance party and skating rink accompanied with great food and drinks at the Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski!

Stay updated by following Capitol Singapore on Facebook and Instagram!

The final day of 2019 is upon us and there are plenty of New Year's Eve (NYE) Countdown Parties happening across Singapore on 31 December 2019. You know what that means, don't you - it's a legit excuse for the kiddos to stay up waaaay past midnight to usher in the brand new year!


From huge massive countdown parties with fireworks to countdown bashes in the heartlands if you wish to avoid the crowds, you will be spolit for choice. Best of all, I have marked out those that are certified FAMILY-FRIENDLY!

So grab your family members, and get ready to revel in the festivities to send off the last day of the decade and ring in 2020 in style!




Since its inception in 2005, the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown (MBSC) 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, events and of course, its magnificent Fireworks display!

Where to snag the BEST Fireworks viewing spots? Here you go:


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

Build a Dream Light Projection Shows
Build a Dream returns to bring cheer to 4 social service organisations this festive season! Be inspired as beautiful artworks from these non-profits are projected on The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, the ArtScience Museum, and the Merlion. Come see their artworks light up our city skyline as Marina Bay transforms into a delightful bay of hopes and dreams.

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Date: 26 - 30 December 2019
Time: 8pm - 10.30pm (Every 15 minutes)
Date: 31 December 2019
Time: 8pm - 11.30pm (Every 15 minutes)

The Merlion
Date: 29 - 30 December 2019
Time: 8pm - 10.30pm (Every 15 minutes)
Date: 31 December 2019
Time: 8pm - 11.30pm (Every 15 minutes)

ArtScience Museum
Date: 29 - 30 December 2019
Time: 8.15pm, 8.30pm, 8.45pm, 9.15pm, 9.30pm, 9.45pm, 10.15pm, 10.30pm
Date: 31 December 2019
Time: 8.15pm, 8.30pm, 8.45pm, 9.15pm, 9.30pm, 9.45pm, 10.15pm

Uncle Ringo Presents: The Great Circus of Europe
20 December 2019 - 1 January 2020 | Various timings

The Great Circus of Europe is coming to Singapore to entertain you with a sensational mind-blowing show, with never before seen acts that are sure to light up the night. Coming directly from the UK, every act will be appearing for the very first time in Singapore! The producers had toured the world to find this spectacular array of international circus superstars to wow everyone with their performances. Visit HERE for more information.



Count down to the new year with Singapore’s brightest stars at the biggest party in town at The Promontory @ Marina Bay! Let’s Celebrate 2020 by Mediacorp will be a celebration of music, dance and fashion, spotlighting the best talents from Singapore. From 7.30pm, the Republic Poly’s Electronic Music Production will spin music and get the party going. And from 10pm, revellers can groove to performances by next-generation Singapore talents such as Dru Chen, Glen Wee and Astronauts. The exciting lineup continues into the night which will include sizzling performances from electronic music singer-songwriter Jasmine Sokko, Benjamin Kheng, as well as singer Aisyah Aziz, “Papa Rock” Ramli Sarip and Mediacorp artistes, to usher in the new year. Doors open at 7pm. Admission is free.

Date: 31 December 2019
Time: 7.30pm - 12.30am (Doors open at 7pm)
Venue: The Promontory @ Marina Bay
Price: FREE
Website



Round up 2019 with some quality time alongside your kith and kin at Starlight @ The Lawn in Marina Bay! With tons of family-friendly activities and delicious grub aplenty, your New Year plans just got a whole lot better! Bouncy castles, live performances and fringe activities amidst a charming food village teeming with liveliness.

Date: 31 December 2019
Time: 5pm - 1am
Venue: The Lawn @ Marina Bay
Price: FREE



Join us as we count down to the New Year together with our beloved companions be they furry, feathery, scaly or slimy! Pawty-goers can look forward to an evening picnic together with your pet(s) and various programmes and contests including an agility trial, obstacle race, frisbee competition and even a doggy “beer” drinking contest. Everybody put your paws up and ring in 2020 with a pet-centric night!

Date: 31 December 2019
Time: 4pm - 1am
Venue: Connaught Drive
Price: FREE
Website



Fireworks musical extravaganza, STAR ISLAND Singapore returns this New Year’s Eve as part of the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown. Sold out in its first year, STAR ISLAND is back even bigger and grander. Step into the centre of a grand multi-sensory fireworks musical show that marries the latest technologies with the most stunning Japanese-designed fireworks, larger-than-life pyrotechnics, 3D surround sound and a stellar cast of artists into a single, seamless performance. Complete with pre-show activities for the whole family, live DJ performances and delectable delights at the food village, STAR ISLAND is the ultimate fuss-free one-stop destination to countdown to the New Year.

Date: 31 December 2019
Time: 10.30pm - 12.10am (Doors open at 5pm; pre-show F&B and activities)
Venue: The Float @ Marina Bay
Price: From $88
Website



Let’s break old traditions and new records as VOMG presents the largest performing rock band to hit our sunny shores! As the 1000-strong band comprised of local youth musicians take the stage, watch as they attempt to break a Guinness World Record with a medley of songs and fireworks to usher in the new year and showcase the next generation of empowered youths in Singapore.

Date: 31 December 2019
Time: 1pm - 1am
Venue: Singapore Flyer
Price: FREE
Website



End the year with a bang right here at Clarke Quay's 2020  Countdown Party! Mediacorp 987FM’s Gerald Koh and Kimberly Wang will be celebrating the arrival of 2020 along with the talented Shirlyn + The UnXpected and DJ HardBreaker (Le Noir). Head to Tan Tye Gate and get drawn into a psychotropic world of neon-enhanced decoration and see it comes to life with a Chromadepth 3D glasses! (pick one up at Fountain Square or at Tan Tye Gate)

Date: 31 Dec 2019
Time: 8.30pm til late
Venue: Clarke Quay, Fountain Square
Price: FREE



Bid goodbye to 2019 and welcome 2020 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... with a great view of fireworks!

Date: 31 Dec 2019
Time: From 8pm
Venue: F1 Pit Building
Price: Adult $80 & Child $40 (Includes dinner)
Tickets HERE


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 2020 @ Our Tampines Hub
Venue: Our Tampines Hub
Time: 9am - 1am
Price: FREE


Be ready for party gifts, synchronised spectacular fireworks, laser display showcase & wave flames that will astonish you along with other entertaining stage performances by The Pyro Man, Tay Kewei & Alfred Sim and Malay acapella group at night. Bid farewell to 2019 at the best countdown destination in the heartlands – OTH!!!

Countdown @ Nee Soon South 2020
Venue: Multi-Purpose Court and open field across Khatib MRT Station
Time: 7.30pm - Past midnight
Price: FREE


This year's NSS Countdownwill feature a variety of local up-and-coming musicians who have built and are growing their fanbase online. Do come down at 7.30PM on 31 Dec to give them support!

Boon Lay Countdown 2020
Venue: Blk 215, Boon Lay Place (Hardcourt)
Time: 6.30pm onwards
Price: FREE


Sembawang GRC Countdown to 2020
Venue: Open field beside Woodlands MRT
Time: 8pm - 12am
Price: FREE


Pungool East Countdown 2020
Venue: Harmony Square 2
Time: 7.30pm to 12.30am
Price: FREE


Countdown 2020 @ Eunos
Venue: Eunos Petal Garden
Time: 9.30pm to 12.15am
Price: FREE


Clementi Countdown Party 2020
Venue: Clementi Town open space next to Block 447
Time: 7.30pm - 12.30am
Price: $4

Kaki Bukit Countdown Carnival 2020
Venue: Kaki Bukit Neighbourhood Park
Time: 10.30pm - 12.30am
Price: $2


Sengkang West Countdown 2020
Venue: Anchorvale CC Open Plaza
Time: 10pm - 12.15am
Price: $2


Sengkang Central Sports Night Year-end Countdown to 2020
Venue: Sengkang CC Hardcourt
Time: 9.30pm - 12.15am
Price: $3



Keat Hong Countdown 2020
Venue: Keat Hong Square
Time: 8pm to midnight
Price: $3


MacPherson Countdown 2020
Venue: Hardcourt opposite MacPherson CC
Time: 7pm - 12.30am
Price: $4


Punggol West Countdown 2020
Venue: Open Field at 211, Beisde Punggol West Container Library
Time: 9pm - 12am
Price: $10



NO KIDS??? LUCKY YOU. Go wild and consider these parties instead.



Siloso Beach Party is back for its 13th edition bigger than ever, with two stages featuring 12 hours of non-stop chart toppers across music genres! Hit up the Main Stage where top international and regional DJs including Mashd N Kutcher, Julian Jordan and DJ Kaylova will spin an electrifying mix of party music as water jets thump the dance floor. If you are looking for a different beat, head over to the second stage at the iconic Foam Zone where you can groove to the sounds of R&B, hip hop and familiar favourites spun by well-known local and regional DJs such as DJ Jade Rasif, DJ Dinar Candy, DJ Caden, and DJ Queenzell.

At the stroke of midnight, watch as an amazing fireworks spectacle light up the night skies and ring in 2020. Partygoers can also refuel themselves at the Food Zone, with tasty noms and great drinks, and continue partying throughout the night.

Date: 31 Dec 2019
Time: 6pm - 6am
Venue: Siloso Beach, Sentosa
Price: $68
Tickets HERE



With a star-studded line-up and FREE admission, there’s absolutely no reason why this event should be missed. Dance the night away to the beats of our line-up of international and local DJs.
Headlined by internationally renowned DJ Brooks, who has collaborated with international superstars Martin Garrix and David Guetta on the hit single “Like I Do”. Supporting acts include popular local DJs; Farah Farz, Lincey and Perk Pietrek with portfolios nothing short of impressive. Expect genres ranging from Electronic Dance Music, Hip-Hop, R&B, Open-Format and more. Hosted by Emcee Sonorus, be prepared to be hyped up and get your hearts pumping as you rave on into 2020.

Date: 31 Dec 2019
Time: 9pm til late
Venue: D'Marquee, Downtown East
Price: FREE (Registration required HERE)