The Truth about Travelling to Singapore with Kids Revealed
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We knew travelling across the world from Athens to Brisbane wasn’t going to be easy with a 10 month old baby. So when our travel agent suggested we add a stopover to break-up the flight I jumped at the opportunity.
We had two choices for our stopover: Singapore or Hong Kong. In the end we choose the most travel efficient option as we wanted to spend as little time in airports. Turns out Singapore is a direct flight to Brisbane with Qantas Airlines.
But we had several questions and reservations about Singapore.
Is Singapore safe for tourist? Are there child friendly activities? Is it easy to travel around the city without a car? Is a Singapore stopover holiday worth it?
The short answer is yes.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”8420″ img_size=”full”][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTIwZGF0YS1zYy13aWRnZXQtaWQlM0QlMjJQLTVlMWU2YjFiOTgyZjE2MWY5YTdkYWUzMiUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmRpdiUzRSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMGFzeW5jJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyJTJGJTJGd2lkZ2V0cy5zaG9wc3R5bGUuY29tJTJGc2hvcHN0eWxlLXdpZGdldC1zbmlwcGV0LmpzJTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNF[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]
Introducing Singapore
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Singapore is a thriving island city-state off Southern Malaysia and is becoming one of Asia’s hit-list destinations. Thanks to one the world’s most efficient public transport systems it is easy to explore this tiny island.
When you land in Singapore it’s not uncommon to notice just how sanitised it is. The streets are squeaky clean with perfectly lined trees. Food is taken very seriously. And Singaporeans love a dose of retail therapy.
But there are also several things to do in Singapore with kids to help make a stopover worth it. Singapore’s top attraction for kids is the home to the iconic super tree structures. There are also plenty of free play areas for children and neighbourhoods such as Little India offer insight to the diverse culture.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Is Singapore Safe?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Singapore is a very safe city to visit. But basically, as with any larger city, be aware of your surroundings and use common sense.
Most importantly keep up to date on local laws. Singapore has strict laws for things that might be considered legal in Australia or the United States. For example smoking in public areas, spitting, jaywalking, and littering.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
How does a Stopover in Singapore Work?
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Always check to see if you need a visa to go to Singapore.
Depending on your passport, are not required to have an entry Visa to enter Singapore and can stay for up to 90 days. Even if you have a short layover, assuming you don’t need a transit visa, you are allowed to leave the airport.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Getting Around in Singapore with Kids
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Nearly everywhere in Singapore is pram friendly. Families can easily board board public buses with open prams and MRT stations have at least one elevator with multiple escalators. Be sure to purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass from selected TransitLink Ticket Offices. The pass gives you unlimited travel on busses and all trains.
I would advise against hiring a car is you don’t plant on leaving the city. Navigating though a sea of heavy traffic jams is less than ideal. However if you decide to drive you must obtain aninternational driving permit.
If you’re comfortable you are allowed to hold your baby on your lap in taxis’.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
What to Pack when Visiting Singapore with Kids
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Baby Carrier: If you’re visiting Singapore with a small baby you might prefer using a baby carrier for more flexibility. Remember though if could be hot and humid, so choose a carrier that has breathable fabric.
Pram: Singapore is extremely pram friendly. Be sure to use a light weight stroller that is easy to fold and look for a recliner for naps.
Nappies: Always pack enough nappies for the flight. But once in Singapore you will be able to find nappies in many department stores.
Formula: I highly recommend bringing your own formula with you. You never know when your little one will refuse a different formula or if a new formula will cause tummy issues. If you are in a jam, you can easily find formula in Singapore. But be prepared to pay the price, it’s expensive.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The places recommended in this article are mostly places we have stayed or visited ourselves. None of the hotels in this guide are paid placements or have sponsored our visit in any way.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Where to Stay in Singapore With Kids
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Checking In: Swissotel Merchant Court Singapore
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]We stayed in Singapore for 72 hours, checking into the Luxury Swissotel Merchant Court. The hotel is ideally located by Clarke Quay and within walking distance to Chinatown and the CBD. Be sure to request a cot prior to checking in. Electric kettles are available in the room perfect for boiling water if needed for bottles.
Because we had a late flight we requested a late check-out. We then spent the remainder of the day relaxing by the pool. Getting ready for our flight was easy as we had access to changing rooms and showers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
WIFI & Connectivity
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Our hotel provided a portable wireless hotspot for 24/7 Wi-Fi access for up to five devices. This way we were able to stay connected the entire time we were out exploring Singapore.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Visit: Gardens By The Bay
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- Stoller Accessible
- Duration for All: 2.5 hours
- Children under 2 Free
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Supertrees
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”7696″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Along Marina Bay and in the heart of Singapore’s new downtown is home to the iconic super tree structures. Becoming part of Singapore’s iconic skyline, the enormous futuristic super trees range in height from 25-50 meters. Lush tropical plants coat the steel structures and at night light up with colors of blue, green and violet light.
Walking along the OCBC Skyline though the super tree structures is a must do Singapore attraction with kids. Its free to walk through the outdoor garden, but you have to pay $8 SGD to walk along the OCBC Skyline.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Cloud Forrest & Flower Dome
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- Because of the cool temperature inside, dress your little one with a little extra layer of clothing.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”7681″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]A visit to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forrest is a must, even if you’re not an avid flower enthusiast like myself.
The cooled conservatories are meant to replicate cool-dry climate regions of the world to house flowers and tropical vegetation. Take a step inside the Flower Dome to see a beautiful display of around 32,000 plants with 160 different species.
The largest of the two domes, Cloud Forest replicates a “Cloud Mountain.” A descending circular path flows around a central column clad in vertical gardens and enormous waterfall. Aimed to mimic the different tropical mountain altitudes and the the plants within, each level consist of different themes.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Far East Organisation Children’s Garden
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The garden oasis is ideal for children aged 1-12. Completely free it is the perfect place to let your little one burn off some energy or cool down on a hot day. Here you can find water park play features, toddler play zone full of sway bridges, stepping zones, and rainforest tree houses for older children. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Visit: Fort Canning Park With Kids
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]When visiting Fort Canning Park it’s hard to believe you’re still walking though central Singapore. This massive green space is one of the city’s most significant historical landmarks. With pavement throughout and shade of gigantic trees, a visit is ideal for pram friendly walks.
Recently undergone a huge facelift, there are 9 new gardens and the Jubilee Park playground. Full of activities and attractions its great for children to explore and plenty of kid friendly historical elements. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Visit: Little India With Kids
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”7687″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Little India is a rich ethnic district part of Singapore that largely functions as its own community. This area largely remains untouched.
When stepping into this part of town you immediately feel its distinct identity. With narrow streets and the hustle and bustle, the disorder is very unlike the Singapore you arrived into. You will be surrounded by plenty of religious sites, authentic Indian restaurants, shops, and market stalls.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”7685″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]
Visit: Arab Quarter With Kids
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Located beside Little India is the heart of Singapore’s Islamic community, Kampong Glam, also known as Arab street. Picturesque and packed full of boutique shops, hipster cafes, and street art, this up and coming hipster hood is Singapores Muslim Quarters. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”7690″ img_size=”large”][vc_single_image image=”7691″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]
Visit: Chinatown With Kids
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Chinatown in Singapore is where the Chinese immigrants settled in the later half the of 19th Century. No trip to Singapore is complete without a visit with kids.
With an abundance of good cheap food, Chinatown’s diverse food offerings are certain to satisfy your appetite. This is a great place to not only eat but explore as well. Home to multiple places of worship there are some pretty cool temples to check out such as the Buddha Tooth Temple.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”7698″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
