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10 Best Places To Visit in Singapore With Kids For a Fun Day Out

Singapore, a vibrant and family-friendly destination, is bursting with exciting opportunities for children. From thrilling theme parks to interactive museums and captivating wildlife encounters, the Lion City offers a range of kid-friendly attractions that guarantee an unforgettable experience for the whole family. In this article, we'll explore ten must-visit places in Singapore that are perfect for kids, providing a mix of entertainment, education, and adventure. Universal Studios Singapore, located on Sentosa Island, is one of the top attractions on our list. This renowned theme park is a paradise for children, featuring exhilarating rides, live shows, and chances to meet their favourite characters. Remember to grab your tickets in advance to have a seamless visit and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of movies and fantasy.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the Singapore Zoo is a must-see destination. Known for its innovative exhibits and close encounters with animals, the zoo offers a unique opportunity for children to learn about various species. From orangutans swinging through trees to elephants strolling majestically, the Singapore Zoo is a treat for young explorers. Don't forget to purchase your tickets online to avoid any hassles at the entrance. In addition to these, we'll also explore other captivating places such as the ArtScience Museum, KidZania Singapore, Gardens by the Bay, Science Centre Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, National Museum of Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and Snow City. Each of these attractions promises an incredible adventure and leaves lasting memories for children.

Singapore


Join me on a journey through the top ten kid-friendly places in Singapore as we delve into the excitement and wonder that await families in this vibrant city-state. Whether your child is a nature lover, a budding scientist, or a fan of thrilling rides, Singapore has something special in store for every young adventurer. So, grab your tickets and get ready for an unforgettable experience in the dynamic playground of Singapore.

1. Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is a world-class attraction known for its innovative wildlife exhibits and immersive experiences. Children can get up close and personal with a wide variety of animals, including orangutans, elephants, and even polar bears. The Rainforest Kidzworld offers a water play area, pony rides, and a petting zoo, ensuring endless entertainment for the little ones. Remember to purchase your Singapore Zoo tickets online for a hassle-free entry.

2. Snow City

Snow City offers a magical winter experience at Singapore's first indoor snow centre. Children can partake in thrilling snowball fights, build adorable snowmen, and slide down snowy slopes. It's a one-of-a-kind opportunity for kids in the tropical city to enjoy the enchantment of snow. Make sure to book your Snow City Singapore tickets ahead of time to guarantee your entry to this frosty attraction.

3. Science Centre Singapore

For young budding scientists, the Science Centre Singapore is the perfect place to ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning. With over 1,000 interactive exhibits, children can explore various scientific concepts through engaging experiments and hands-on activities. The centre also houses an Omni-Theatre and a KidsSTOP, an interactive play area for younger children. Book your tickets for an immersive educational experience.

4. S.E.A. Aquarium

Located on Sentosa Island, the S.E.A. Aquarium is home to a vast array of marine life from around the world. Children can marvel at majestic manta rays, colorful tropical fish, and even walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks. The aquarium offers educational programs and feeding sessions, allowing kids to learn about marine conservation. Ensure a seamless visit by purchasing your tickets in advance.

5. Singapore Night Safari

Embark on a captivating nocturnal adventure at the Singapore Night Safari, the world's first nocturnal wildlife park. Explore the lush rainforest under the moonlight and encounter fascinating nocturnal animals in their natural habitats. From majestic tigers to playful otters, the Night Safari offers a unique opportunity to observe these creatures up close. Book your Singapore Night Safari tickets in advance to enjoy a guided tram ride and thrilling walking trails, immersing yourself in the enchanting world of nighttime wildlife.

6. Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore is a must-visit destination for families. Located on Sentosa Island, this theme park offers thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and meet-and-greets with beloved characters. From the magical world of Harry Potter to the mesmerizing Transformers ride, kids of all ages will be delighted by the experience. Don't forget to grab your tickets in advance to avoid long queues!

7. ArtScience Museum

The ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands is a captivating destination that combines art, science, and technology. It features interactive exhibitions that engage and educate children through hands-on activities. From exploring the wonders of space to discovering the secrets of ancient civilizations, this museum promises an enriching experience for young minds. Grab your tickets and prepare to embark on a journey of creativity and discovery.

8. KidZania Singapore 

KidZania Singapore is a unique indoor theme park that offers a realistic and immersive experience for children. Here, kids can role-play as professionals in various industries, from doctors and firefighters to chefs and pilots. Through these interactive activities, children learn about different careers and the importance of teamwork. Make sure to purchase tickets in advance to secure your child's spot in this educational wonderland.

9. Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is a breathtaking horticultural oasis in the heart of Singapore. Children will be awed by the Supertrees, towering vertical gardens that come alive with a dazzling light and sound show at night. The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest offer a chance to explore diverse ecosystems and learn about the importance of environmental conservation. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this magical attraction by purchasing your tickets online.

10. National Museum of Singapore

The National Museum of Singapore offers a journey through the city-state's rich history and heritage. With interactive exhibits and immersive storytelling, children can learn about Singapore's diverse culture and past. The museum also hosts special exhibitions and workshops catered to young visitors. Book your tickets and let your children uncover the captivating stories that shaped Singapore.

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How To Plan The Best Holiday To Sri Lanka

I like planning, it's a skill of mine that I enjoy, and when I go to a country for the first time I get excited by all the planning I have to do, but to others, it can be overwhelming. So when I thought about planning a trip to Sri Lanka for the first time I thought I would share my insights and travel plans with my readers. After all, most of us don't have the time to plan a holiday in detail. So let me guide you through how to plan the best holiday to Sri Lanka. Enjoy!

Sri Lanka is a small but amazingly beautiful island just off the tip of mainland India. Known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, it's a country with a diverse landscape, think idyllic sandy beaches, green tropical rainforests, hillside tea plantations and no less than 26 national parks filled with elephants, leopards, bears and colourful birds. 
Tea Plantation

There is so much to see and do that if you are going for the first time you could possibly be overwhelmed, so I hope my guide on how to plan the best holiday in Sri Lanka will help you.

Where exactly is it? 
Dambulla rock cave temple

Sri Lanka is part of South-East Asia, just off the north tip of India and is 4 times smaller than the UK being 272 miles long and 140 miles wide. Flight time to Columbo, the capital is about 11 hours. You can fly direct to Sri Lanka with Sri Lanka Airlines from Heathrow in the UK but you can also fly in-direct too. 

 Qatar Airways gives you a stopover in Doha and it's a four and a half hour flight from there, whilst Emirates flies from the UK and gives you a connecting flight in Dubai. When I buy flights I use a site like Skyscanner or Kayak to compare prices, and there is something to be said for booking a flight on a Tuesday or Wednesday for competitive prices. Let me know if you do this.

When to go

There are many different and colourful bird species in Sri Lanka

The island is affected by two different monsoons and therefore the best time to visit the west, south coasts and hill country is from December to March, while the best weather on the east coast is from April to September.  Temperatures remain constant year round, with coastal areas and lowlands averaging 26 to 30 degrees C but hill resorts being much much cooler especially at night. Humidity is high all year round. 

 When planning your wardrobe as well as clothing for a hot country, such as shorts and cotton tops, be sure to take warmer clothing for night especially if you are visiting the hill resorts. It's also advisable to dress modestly when visiting the temples, ensuring your shoulders are covered and your skirt or dress covers your knees.
Is it safe?
Sri Lanka has many idyllic beaches
Sri Lanka has had a turbulent history of civil war but with the end of it, it is considered generally safe. Women should be careful of taking drinks from strangers as there are reports of drinks being spiked. Be careful with your credit card too, and only use ATMs attached to major banks. I advice using cash wherever possible. 

I'm not an expert so it's always best to check the up-to-date travel advice from your government before planning a trip to Sri Lanka.

Do you need any vaccinations?

Fishermen in Sri Lanka
The recommended vaccinations for Sri Lanka include cover against the childhood diseases (Tetanus, Diphtheria. Polio, and MMR) as well as cover against the food and water-borne diseases of Typhoid and Hepatitis A.  A rabies vaccination and malaria precautions should also be considered. Always check the most up-to-date advice from the NHS, and phone or visit your GP or practice nurse to find out if you need any booster jabs too. Boots in the UK has an online travel vaccination checker which will advise you what you need and where to get it.   

What about a visa?
Galle lighthouse

You will need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. You can get a short stay visa online. Tourist visas are normally issued for a maximum period of 30 days. Although it’s still possible to get a tourist visa on arrival, it’s better to get one before you travel to avoid delays. Currently, the cost is around 20 US dollars.
What to see
Yala National Park

Most visitors to Sri Lanka will fly into the modern capital Columbo and use this as a gateway to beach resorts such as Bentota,  Galle with its fort and colonial old town, or plan a trek or guided tour to the Central Highlands, an area of rainforest and tea plantations.

 Benota has a sandy strip of beach known as Paradise Island and coral-rich sites on which to dive and explore the beautiful waters. Culture lovers with enjoy Galapota Temple which has a large Buddha statue. Whilst Galle, on the south-west coast, is steeped in history with the fortified Galle Fort founded in the 16th century by Portuguese colonists. The architecture with Dutch, Portuguese and British influences is amazing, and the lighthouse is also worth a visit, standing proudly on the tip of the coast. 
The Temple Of The Tooth

A trip to the Central Highlands cannot be ignored and is highly recommended. Kandy, a vibrant city set on a plateau surrounded by rainforest is a popular choice to stay. Stroll around Kandy Lake and explore the many Buddist sites, such as the Temple Of The Tooth. Take a day trip from Kandy to visit the outstanding Dambulla cave temple. To the southeast, Yala National Park shelters elephant herds and leopards as well as an abundance of different species of bird and is the place to go for wildlife lovers. 

 These are some of the most popular spots in Sri Lanka, but there are many more places to discover. If you are planning a trip, especially if you are not taking a tour, I would advise browsing holiday brochures and replicating the tours yourself to save money. Of course in areas which are unfamiliar it is often worth the peace of mind and safety to pay for a guided tour with an official guide. 

Where to stay
A villa gives you space and is a luxurious option
Of course, there are many accommodation options in Sri Lanka but its worth considering a villa from a company like Villa Finder, for that unique space in which to relax. With a grown-up son, we are recent converts to villas as everyone in the family has the privacy that you don't get when you share a hotel room. It's the perfect option if you are looking for family villas in Sri Lanka or are sharing with other adults. It's also a luxurious option but can be surprisingly affordable too, when comparing it to separate hotel rooms, with swimming pools as standard. 

 I liked the sound of Villa Finder, as the staff go above and beyond to find out your needs. For example, the friendly staff will ring you to find out exactly what you want,  asking questions such as - are you are coming with kids, how old they are or if they need a car seat or even pool toys. They then find you the best villa for you, taking the worry out of the process. They also have a nifty guest relation team, like a concierge at a hotel, that can help organise that special meal, airport pick up and that perfect tour and they don't charge for this service, you just pay the provider as normal.


Villa Finder not only seem to care about their guests, but they also care about the environment and for every booking made they will plant a tree in Sumatra, Indonesia.  What an amazing thing to do! 

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Sri Lanka is an amazing holiday destination, and as you can see there is so much to do and see, that I have only touched on. I hope my guide on how to plan the best holiday in Sri Lanka has been helpful for you. Tell me, have you been or would you consider going to Sri Lanka?

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My Top 5 Things To Do In Malaysia

Malaysia, in South East Asia, is a beautiful melting pot of cultures, religions, and cuisines. With some of the most amazing scenery in the world, including some stunning beaches, incredible rainforests and bustling cities, it has something for everyone and is a country well worth visiting that many people would love to visit. This is my post about top things to do in Malaysia. 

1. Get a great view from the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur


 Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia has a population of  1.73 million. Packed with historic monuments, massive shopping malls, steel skyscrapers and bustling street markets, its a vibrant, colourful, multi-cultural community. Talking of street markets, for an authentic street food experience visit Jalan Alor where hawkers fire up their woks and taste char kuey teow, grilled chicken wings, satay, chilli crabs, Assam laksa and more.

Whilst here visit the Petronas Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world to see Kuala Lumpur from above. The main attraction is the skywalk that connects the towers together as well as the wonderful view. Shopping lovers will enjoy visiting the Suria KLCC at the base of the towers, a 140,000 m2 luxury retail centre, whilst the park surrounding the area has jogging and walking paths, a children's playground, wading pools and a fountain with light show. 

2. Soak up the colonial influence in Malacca

 Malacca or Melaka is a Malaysian state on the Malay Peninsula's southwest coast. The capital, Malacca City, has a colonial past seen in its preserved town centre, the site of 16th-century, Portuguese St. Paul’s Church. Easy to get around on foot, it has many places that make it unique.

Jonker Street or Jonker Walk as it's otherwise known is a popular street in the Chinatown district of Malacca with a busy nighttime weekend market. Flanked on both sides by historic 17th-century houses it has a mix of shops selling antiques, handicrafts and souvenirs as well as many restaurants. Other attractions in Malacca include A'Famosa Fort, built in the 16th century, one of the oldest surviving European architectural remains in Asia, as well as the Malacca Butterfly and Reptile Sanctuary. 

3. Sip tea whilst watching it being picked in the Cameron Highlands


Malaysia's largest hillside resort, Cameron Highland's has the perfect weather for cultivating a variety of produce, Tea, flowers, cacti, vegetables and strawberries are all successfully grown in the cooler hillside area, a complete contrast from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur.

The tea plantations allow you to learn about the history of tea, witness tea being picked and buy tea, as well as sit and try a variety of tea in a tea house overlooking the lush green landscape. Other highlights include hiking and nature watching through forests and the Mossy Forest boardwalk as well as visiting Sam Poh Tong, a Chinese Buddist temple with golden warrior statues.

4. Go wreck diving, snorkelling in the crystal clear water or relax on powder sand beaches 


Malaysia has some wonderful clear waters and soft sand beaches. Tioman Island is hailed as one of the world's best beach getaways whilst at the Perhentian Islands, the beaches are totally unspoilt and the water perfect to learn scuba diving. In fact, the snorkelling and scuba diving is excellent in Malaysia.

At Redang Island, you can go diving in World War II historic shipwreck sites and in a black coral garden. In Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Sabah, the park’s relatively shallow waters are filled with an abundance of corals and aquatic species – perfect for snorkelling and diving for beginners. Whilst Jacques Cousteau declared Sipadan, Sabah to be an “untouched piece of art”, and it is well known to be one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world.

5. Visit the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve and see the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

The Kabili-Sepilok Nature Reserve is home to an interesting and diverse array of wildlife and vegetation.  There are several nature trails that lead through the forest, taking you from tropical highland forest to lowland mangrove swamps. The reserve is also home to the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you get to see this endearing species up close and learn more about them.

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre was founded in 1964 to rehabilitate orphan orangutans, and the facility provides medical care for orphaned and confiscated orangutans as well as dozens of other wildlife species. Sepilok is considered by the Wildlife Department to be a useful educational tool with which to educate both the locals and visitors alike, but they are adamant that the education must not interfere with the rehabilitation process. Other things to do in the area include the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary and the Rainforest Discovery Centre where you can learn more about the rainforest and its conservation efforts.

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I hope you enjoyed my top 5 things to do in Malaysia. I have only touched on my top things to do as it's a country of vibrancy, nature, amazing sites and once in a lifetime experiences. If you want to visit Malaysia check out this easy way to find AirAsia flights and for some of the cheapest flights online try Traveloka.  
Also check out Kelly's post on what you need to pack for your next trip to Malaysia.

Tell me, would you like to visit Malaysia? Have you been to South East Asia?

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