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Singapore

If you live in Indonesia, you will undoubtedly spend some time in Singapore for medical needs, shopping and even a holiday. Singapore has first world amenities, green space and a myriad of activities for children of all ages. Our aim here is to give you just enough information to get you started with your Singaporean adventure. If you want more information then what we’ve provided you can find most on the web or by consulting another guide book, such as 'Singapore For Kids, A Parents Guide', or better yet try www.singaporeforkids.com. You’ll be amazed at the choices!

Another useful site to use for all things Singapore is http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home.html

Shopping In Singapore

Singapore is a shopper’s mecca. Even the airport offers you fabulous shopping opportunities.

Shopping Malls

The shopping malls are countless, here is a selection of the most well known;

Centrepoint 
At Sommerset MRT. Central location and value-for-money retailers make this one of the most popular all around centers.

Far East Plaza 
Cameras and souveneirs at fair and somewhat negotiable prices.

Forum - The Shopping Mall 
The entire mall is devoted to children’s boutiques, bookstore and medical facilities. The forum offers holiday programs, an indoor playground and book readings.

Lucky Plaza 
One of the originals. Bargaining at most shops is acceptable.

Ngee Ann City 
The shopping center on Orchard Road, featuring the huge Takashimaya department store and the largest branch of Kinokunyia bookstore in Southeast Asia (featuring an excellent children‘s department). Above Kinokunyia, there is a large crafts shop and The Better Toystore, which sells fabulous wooden toys.

Paragon 
High-end mall where you will find brand names such as Escada, Gucci, Mont Blanc etc. Also has ELC (British toy store), Toys r Us, and Kids 21 (upmarket clothes, shoes and unusual gifts for children).

Specialists’ Shopping Centre
One of Singapore’s first shopping centers, its central location keeps it popular. Houses a John Little department store.

Tanglin Shopping Centre 
Small centre on the western end of Orchard Road that has a great bike shop and Singapore’s largest collection of Asian antiques, Persian rugs and antiques. Also has a plush Cold Storage supermarket, a good swimgear shop, and a wooden-toy shop. Craft, quilting, and excellent baby equipment on top floor.

Tangs 
Located on the corner of Scotts & Orchard, you can’t help but go in.

Wheelock Place 
Several good, chic restaurants, a large Borders bookshop, Marks and Spencer downstairs.

Wisma Atria 
At Orchard Road MRT. Has the large Isetan department store and high end boutiques without the crowds.

Plaza Singapura 
Has Spotlights, a large fabric and craft store where you can stock up on all your craft needs. Has a Dorothy Perkins, a small Lego shop, Mothercare, and a scrapbooking store.

Ikea Tampines 
Inexpensive, fresh, practical, DIY furniture with a Scandinavian flair. There is also another branch on Alexander Road.

Health Food Stores

Brown Rice Paradise
Holds a good range of organic baby foods, snacks and sweets. Also has fresh fruit and vegetables along with alternative foods and supplements.

Tanglin Mall #03-15/16
Tel: + 65 6738 1121
Email: brpar@singnet.com.sg

Vitakids
Member of the American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC). Stocks a range of vitamins, alternative and organic products specifically for kids.

#B1-28/29 Forum Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Road
Tel: + 65 6733 4964
Fax: + 65 6665 4356
Email: vitalife@starhub.net.sg

L‘Organic
A beautiful range of fresh produce. Also has an adjacent restaurant/deli.

18 Dempsey Road, Tanglin Village
Tel: + 65 6474 7142
www.1organic.sg

Check out http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/singapore/shopping_centers/singapore_shopping/ for location of malls and outlet listings.

Supermarkets

Cold Storage
Large supermarket with a good choice of imported products including brands ‘First Choice’ or ‘No Frills’. Includes an organic section and does a dial & delivery service available either on-line, phone or by fax.

• Centrepoint Mall
• Paragon Marketplace
• Tanglin Mall
• Great World City

Tel: + 65 6344 1661 Dial & Delivery service (delivery free if order > S$100, charge S$8 if order < S$100)
Fax: + 65 6344 1522
www.coldstorage.com.sg

Liberty Market
This supermarket stocks up on mainly imported American products.

Jurong Point, Jurong West Central 2
B1-41, Jurong Point Shopping Centre
Tel: + 65 6790 8576

• 09:00-22:00 Daily

Other recommendations are:

Zhujiao Centre
Good quality beef & lamb can be bought here and you can also pick up some great curries and exotic spices.

Little India, 665 Serangoon Road

Pasir Panjang wholesaler’s market
Offers fresh fruits and vegetables sold comparatively cheaper than supermarkets due to being wholesalers.

Pasir Panjang Road

Swiss Butcher
The meat and sausage specialist. Home delivery available.

30/32 Greenwood Avenue
Tel: + 65 6468 7588

Hotels

Most major chains have locations in Singapore. Here are a few of the larger hotels recommended by various expats. For more listings check out www.singaporehotels.com

The Grand Hyatt
Scotts Road. Great location. A favorite of many. Larger rooms if traveling with children.

Royal Plaza On Scotts 
Great location off Orchard Road, complimentary minibar that is refreshed daily. Breakfast is included in price of room.

The Marriott 
Corner of Orchard and Scotts. Amazing location. Great amenities, but rooms are too small if you have more then one child. DO visit their lobby during Christmas.

The Conrad 
Very spacious and nicely appointed rooms, especially on the business level and above. Great views of the Merlion and the Ducktours leave from this area.

The Regent 
Owned by the Four Seasons. Great location to frequent Tanglin Mall and walking distance to GlenEagles Hospital and the Botanical Gardens. Rooms are large for this area of town.

Negara on Claymore 
One block off Orchard Road on Claymore Road, across from the Forum the Negara on Claymore (formerly Meritus Negara) is one of most overlooked luxury hotels in Singapore. Beautiful large rooms, great for large families.

Serviced Apartments

If you are staying in Singapore at least 7 nights, you may consider staying in a serviced apartment. This will give you more space and privacy especially if you are bringing your nanny. There are too many to choose from depending on your location needs and budget, but here are a few favorites.

Far East Plaza Serviced Apartments
Located next door to the Grand Hyatt above the Far East Shopping Plaza so it is a prime location. Has a children’s playground area and plenty of space to run around on a rainy day. Apartments are older, so don’t expect much.

14 Scotts Road
www.fareast.com.sg

Fraser Place Robertson Walk, Fraser Suites River Valley
Warm décor, a tad smallish. Fraser Suites has a nice children’s play area. Price includes complementary breakfast daily. The River Valley location is very popular with pregnant mothers in waiting.

11 Unity Street and 491A River Valley Road
www.fraserhospitality.com

Great World City Serviced Apartments
Apartments have average décor, but are more convenient as it is co-located with Great World City Shopping Mall which houses a Cold Storage, movie theater and tons of shopping for the entire family. Great World also has great indoor and outdoor play facilities for children and an amazing swimming pool and Jacuzzi.

2 Kim Seng Walk
www.greatworld.com.sg

Tree Tops Excutive Residences
Lavish décor and fabulous swimming pool. Walking distance to Jason’s Cold Storage and all shopping on Orchard as well as Tanglin Roads. Also walking distance to the botanical Gardens. Limited play space for children.

7 Orange Grove Road
www.treetops.com.sg

Ginza Plaza
A little off the beaten path of Orchard Road, these serviced apartments are near West Coast Park. Offers 3-bedroom apartments with weekly maid service. Amenities include a shopping center and grocery store located under the apartments. Nice swimming pool and children’s playground (not shaded). Because it is not in the main business district, the rates are a much more affordable, but you’ll have to take a taxi to Orchard Road.

154 West Coast Road
www.fareastsvcapts.com.sg

Somerset Orchard Residences – The Ascott
Offers studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in a contemporary style and is located just off of Orchard Road. Only a short walk to the Somerset MRT, and close to Isetan, The Heeren, and Ngee Ann City. There is broadband internet access, outdoor pool and small children’s playground.

160 Orchard Road, #06-01 Orchard Point
www.the-ascott.com

Somerset Grand Cairnhill
Offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in a contemporary style and is located just off of Orchard Road. Well located to the Somerset MRT, the Paragon, Isetan, The Herren and Ngee Ann City and Mount Elizabeth Hospital. There is broadband internet access, outdoor pool with a small children’s pool, and an indoor and
outdoor children’s playground.

15 Cairnhill Road
www.somersetgrandcairnhill.com

Orchard Parksuites
Offers 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with daily maid service. Located right behind Ngee Ann City, Wisma Atria and the MRT Orchard Road, this is a very convenient location for shopping on Orchard and to Mount Elizabeth Hospital. It offers a continental breakfast Monday through Fridays. Facilities include an outdoor pool and wading area which is nice for children.

11 Orchard Turn
www.fareastsvcapts.com.sg

Things to do

Jurong Bird Park
With more than 9,000 birds representing more than 600 species, the Jurong Bird Park is the largest aviary in Southeast Asia. A great day out for kids, Jurong Bird Park The beautifully landscaped 20-hectare park has the world’s tallest man-made waterfall. The Waterfall Aviary has an immense enclosure that invites you to walk-in and see some 1,500 birds flying free in a tropical rainforest setting. There are several scheduled events and bird shows during the day including a penguin walk, shows of trained eagles, falcons and hawks as well as interesting educational exhibits.
Tip: Singapore Airlines offers complimentary admission to Jurong Bird Park through its Singapore Stopover Promotion. Check SIA at Changi Airport for info.

2 Jurong Hill, West Singapore
Tel: +65 6265-0022
• 08.00-18.00
• S$16.00 / S$8.00

Jurong Reptile Park
Adjacent to Jurong Bird Park, Jurong Reptile Park and is Southeast Asia’s largest reptile park featuring over 50 reptilian species in natural settings. If you like snakes, this is the place to visit- you can get your photo taken with one.

241 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, West Singapore
Tel: +65 6261 8866

• 06.00-21.00
• S$7.00/S$3.50

Singapore Botanic Gardens
The newly opened Jacob Balls Children‘s Garden sits at the Bukit Timah Core of the Botanic Gardens at the junction of Denearn and Kheam Hock Rds. An amazing space for youngsters includes a tree house, timber bridge, an interactive photosynthesis exhibit, the mushroom shelter, sensory garden, potting garden, maze, playground with water play. Free Admission for children 12 and under.

1 Cluny Road, South Singapore
Tel: +65 6471 7361.
www.sbg.org.sg

• 08.00-19.00 except Mondays

Singapore Crocodilarium
The Singapore Crocodilarium claims that you can see over 1,000 crocodiles up close. Feeding time is the most interesting time to go – Tuesdays at around 11.00 a.m.

730 East Coast Parkway, East Singapore
Tel: +65 6447-3722

• 09.00-17.00 Daily
• S$2.00/S$1.00

Singapore Zoo
The award-winning Singapore Zoo is considered to be one of the best in the world and attracts over 1 million visitors a year. Spread over 28 hectares (60 acres), it is home to over 3,000 mammals, birds and reptiles, including some rare and endangered species. There is also a special enclosure for rare animals on loan from around the world as well as the world’s largest group of captive orangutans. This is really a family place and for kids there are many educational exhibits. Also, bring the kids‘ swimmers and towels for a cool splash in the playground’s water play area.

80 Mandai Lake Road, North Singapore
Tel: +65 6269 3411

• 08.30-18.00 Daily
• S$15.00/S$7.50 (Zoo only)

Singapore Zoo Night Safari
A 40-hectare extension of Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari is world’s first and only night zoo. An interesting concept to be sure, the idea is to see nocturnal animals up and about as they would be at night in the wild. If you don’t have time to see both the zoo and the Night Safari, we suggest the Night Safari - it’s quieter, cooler and far more exciting for the kids.

80 Mandai Lake Road, North Singapore
Tel. +65 6269 3411

• 19.30 - midnight Daily
• S$20.00/S$10.00 (Zoo plus tram ride)

Shows & Special Events

Check the Straits Times Life section in the What’s On column or the ticketing outlets for current shows, plays and special events. You can buy tickets from Sistic or Ticketcharge.

Sistic Outlets
Credit card hotline: + 65 6348 5555
www.sistic.com.sg

• Parco Bugis Junction
• Wisam Atria
• Scotts Shopping Centre
• Specialist Shopping Centre
• Raffles City Shopping Centre
• Junction 8
• Victorial Concert Hall
• Singapore Indoor Stadium

Ticketcharge Outlets
Credit Card hotline: + 65 6296 2929
www.ticketcharge.com.sg

• Centrepoint
• Suntec City Mall
• Great World City
• Tanglin Mall
• The Substation

Classes and Drop-in Play Centres

eXploreKID Play Centre
Is a family centre, similar to Kidsport. The indoor play area is clean and safe. Take socks. Also holds a great range of classes for 4 years old+.

NTUC Lifestyle World, Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close #01 - 08
Tel: + 65 6589 1668
www.explorerkid.com

Go-Go Bambini
Go-Go Bambini is Singapore’s largest indoor children’s entertainment center offering active pay-for-play in an air-conditioned environment for children aged 0-11 years. Please note that they are not a childcare center and parents are responsible for their children while there.

Blk 8 Dempsey Road #01-15 Tanglin Village
Tel: +65 6474 4176
Fax: +65 6474 5492
Email: info@gogobambini.com
www.gogobambini.com

Gymboree
Holds classes from birth up to 4 years. New class schedules are brought out every 2 months.

163 Tanglin Road 03-17/18 Tanglin Mall
Tel: + 65 6735 5290
Email: gymboree@singnet.com.sg

The Little Gym
Holds classes from 4 months to 12 years. Offering instruction in motor skills development, gymnastics, sports skills development and beginner karate.

Forum Shopping Mall Lower Ground, 583 Orchard Road (Upper End)

YMCA Kids Playroom
Offers child-care for kids aged 2-4 years. The schedule includes gymnastics, story telling and arts & crafts. Great place to drop off the kids while you get stuff done. The YMCA offers a lot of other classes for children such as Musikgarten, art workshops and reading programmes to name a few.

Metropolitan YMCA Singapore, 60 Stevens Road
Tel: + 65 6731 0763 / 6731 0707
Fax: + 65 6731 0738
Email: info@mymca.org.sg
www.mymca.org.sg

Public Swimming Pools

Bishan Swimming Complex

Bishan St 14
Tel: + 65 6353 6117

Choa Chu Kang Swimming Complex
The facilities included here are a wave pool, whirlpools, high water slides, rapid-river and spa. Lots of fun!

1 Choa Chu Kant St No. 53
Tel: + 65 6767 8606

Jurong East Swimming Complex
With wave pools, water slides, Kiddy Fun Station and Kiddy Bubble jet station you can guarentee the more active amongst the family will enjoy this place, for the more relaxed members try the lazy river, leisure pool and Jacuzzis.

21 Jurong East St 31#01-01
Tel: + 65 6563 5052 / 6565 2297

Farrer Park Swimming Complex

2 Rutland Street (near Farrer Park Tennis Centre)
Tel: + 65 6299 1002

Sentosa Island

This island is the most obvious place to stay while on holiday with your kids. Owned by the government, this island is currently undergoing a multi –billion dollar face lift. It currently offers entertainment for the entire family and it’s only going to get better. There are beaches outfitted with beach front dinning and retail outlets, nature walks, cable car rides, 4D interactive theater, Butterfly Park, luge, skytower, Merlion, Underwater world and more. Currently only the Rasa Sentosa offers beachfront accommodation, but several other resorts are slated to open in the months and years to come. With the opening of the Sentosa Express, the island is now linked by light rail to the mainland and Harbourfront MRT. To plan your trip and get more details see www.sentosa.com.sg

Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa Resort
Currently the only beach front Resort and while the rooms are a bit damp they do aim to please. Several nice pools one with a waterslides that keep the rowdier crowds away from the main pool and baby pool. Clean calm beach front. Indoor and outdoor playgrounds and a kids club on weekends for children 5 and above. From here you can walk to Underwater World or pick up the Jungle Path or catch the free shuttles to anywhere on the island.

Tel: 65/6275 0100
www.shangri-la.com

Asian Village
Asian Village aims to give westerners a glimpse into ‘asian life’ through street performances, art and craft shops and a variety food stalls but truth be told for those of us who live in Asia it feels a bit contrived.

• 10:00-21:00
• Admission free

Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom Museum
Butterflies, butterflies and more butterflies. Here’s a marvelous way to wile away the hours - There’s a walk-in aviary with over 2,500 beautiful floating about freely. And for entomologists there also a display of 4,000 mounted
insects.

• 09:00-18:00 Mon-Fri
• 09:00-18:30 Weekends
• Admission: S$ 5.00

Cable Car Towers
For those not afraid of heights, spectacular views of Singapore and beyond await as you go between the World Trade Centre and Sentosa Island. An interesting twist to this is Sky Dining. For those looking for a different or romantic dining experience you may dine on board a cable car as it travels between Mt. Faber and the WTC. Reservations are suggested.

Fort Siloso
Wandering around old forts is always fascinating - no exception here as you get a glimpse of military life and thought way back when. Sadly, Fort Siloso which was the front line of defense for Singapore from the late 1800’s until 1956 was of absolutely no use in defending the island against the Japanese who invaded Singapore in 1942 by swooping down from Malaysia to the north. There’s a special audio presentation, ‘Sounds of Siloso’, that adds to the experience.

Images of Singapore
This, one of the older exhibits, is starting to look a bit dated in these days of 3d virtual reality. Nonetheless the musuem which uses wax figurines and dioramas to show Singporean history from early its settlement days through to the surrender of the Japanese in W.W.II, is an interesting and educational diversion.

• 09:00-21:00 Daily except Wednesdays
• Admission S$ 5.00

Maritime Museum
Mainly of interest to maritime historians, the Maritime Museum is a diplay of ships that have plyed the waters in and around Singapore.

• 10:00-19:00
• Admission: S$ 2.00

Musical Fountain
Great for children, the Musical Fountain spurts, sprays and waves water in synchronized harmony to classical and pop tunes. A light and laser show add to the theatrics. Opening late in the afternoon, it is obviously better to wait until dark to get the full effect.

• 16:00-21:30

Sentosa Orchid Gardens
As mentioned previously, orchids are big business in Asia and the Sentosa Orchid Gardens is Singapore’s third such garden. If you haven’t visited either of the other two on the mainland you will certainly enjoy strolling about in the serene setting.

Sijori WonderGolf Sentosa
In keeping with Asia’s fascination for all things golf, the WonderGolf offers three different 18 hole courses (total 54 holes) set in tropical and well manicured settings.

• 06:00-18:00 Daily

The Merlion
A 37-meter-high statue of Singapore’s ubiquitious mascot, the Merlion offers panoramic views of Sentosa and is featured prominently in “Rise of the Merlion” show during each Musical Fountain performance.

• 10:00-20:00 Daily

Underwater World
Without a doubt, this is the primary attraction on Sentosa. The only tropical oceanarium in Asia, Underwater World has an 80-metre underwater tunnel made of acrylic which allows you to get an up-close and personal view of some 2,500 marine creatures swarming overhead. Children will enjoy the adjacent Touch Pool that provides them with the chance to pick up a starfish or two.

• 09:00-21:00 Daily
• Admission: S$ 10.00

Volcano Land
Intended to take you on a voyage down to the centre of the earth and explain evolution and the origins of life. Volcano Land is, as the name suggests, complete with a simulated eruption.

• 09:00-21:00

Useful Resources

This section offers you a quick reference to the vast range of facilities and attractions in Singapore that are available to you and your family. Especially important if you have to entertain your children.

Infantasy
Sells, buys and rents baby equipment & goods.
19 Tanglin Road #03-44
Tanglin Shopping Centre
Tel: + 65 6738 0039
Contact: Meiann
HP: +65 9683 8915/9046 9005

Expat magazine
A monthly, high brow magazine, with many articles on life in Singapore and on the many people who live within this metropolis. Available in most good bookstores.

Fun 4 Kids in Singapore by Karen J. Renner
This book is full of information about children‘s activities and interests in Singapore. Useful if you are taking your older children with you before the birth.

www.entersingapore.info
A useful site with all the information you might need for living, working, visiting and shopping in Singapore.

www.singtel.com.sg
An online directory for private and commercial
telephone numbers and addresses.

www.stb.com.sg
The Singapore Tourism Board will keep you informed on tourist attractions in Singapore.

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