Top 16 places to visit with a family plus one you’ll definitely want to avoid
Visiting Asia with kids may seem intimidating; it was for me initially. You could be nervous about the language barrier, the food, the bathrooms or the crowds. I was worried about all of that and more. Well, put those fears aside and start with a visit to Singapore.
Because English is one of Singapore’s official languages, you’ll find that most people here speak English and Singlish. Singlish is the local slang, a mash-up of Singapore’s main languages which are English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. Another helpful thing about Singapore is that all street and public transportation signs are in English.
When it comes to food, Singapore is known for its Hawker Centers (think food courts) and award-winning restaurants. An unassuming-looking restaurant or street vendor in Singapore could actually be a Michelin Star venue! I encourage you to try some of the more unusual food in Singapore, but I’d advise you to steer clear of the official fruit. Durian is called the “King of Fruit,” and you’ll see it (make that smell it) all over Singapore. It’s a divisive food. Some folks love it, yet it’s banned in many public places in Singapore due to its strong fragrance. My daughter described it as a combination of onions and feet. We tried it, so you don’t have to. Trust us on this one.
Although Singapore has many Asian influences, it also feels very Western. It’s a very clean and safe country due to its aggressive laws. You’ll see signs posted all over the place telling you what you aren’t allowed to do. For one, chewing gum is banned, and there are numerous laws involving litter and respecting public spaces. Breaking the law in Singapore could result in hefty fines, and in some cases, like graffiti, caning. It’s no joke. Don’t break the law!
Another important thing to know about Singapore, it’s hot! Because the country sits on the equator, the temperature doesn’t vary much. It’s hot year-round, day and night. The average temperature is 81°F, and high humidity is a constant. It rains nearly every day, if only briefly, and thunderstorms are common. Pack light clothing and pack extras. You’ll likely sweat through your clothing quickly. A packable, waterproof rain jacket or umbrella will come in handy, too.
Singapore is one of the most expensive places to live in the world. That means it can be expensive to visit, as well. Hotels and shopping can be pricey, but street food is affordable, and public transportation is cheap and efficient.
KidTripster Tip: There are many ways to get around in Singapore. Taxis are plentiful here. There’s an inexpensive and robust mass transit system. The trains and buses are well-marked and easy to navigate. It’s a far less expensive way to travel, and you can easily get to many popular neighborhoods and attractions by public transit. Because this city-country is surrounded by water, you also can explore it by boat via the traditional bumboats.
KidTripster Tip: Singapore is a great starting point for a multi-country Asian trip. Its airport is top-rated and known for its architecture, dining, shopping, and kid-friendly amenities.
There are a lot of things to do in this city-country. Here’s a list of those attractions that are worth your time and money… and one that’s not!
1. Gardens by the Bay
18 Marine Gardens Drive
Put Gardens by the Bay on the top of your must-see list. Already a big tourist attraction, the Gardens also had a starring role as the venue for the wedding in the hit movie Crazy Rich Asians. Is this place worth the hype? We say, yes! It’s stunning, and it’s free to visit!
One of the most recognizable features of the Gardens is the Supertrees. The trees stand anywhere between 82 to 164 feet tall with the tallest being about 16 stories high. It’s free to wander amongst them and snap photos. However, if you want to go up into the trees and cross the skywalk, an admission fee is required. Depending on when you go, expect to wait in a line. A limited number of people are allowed up at any one time. And you only have 15 minutes to walk from one end to the other. If you loiter too long, you’ll politely be asked to move along. Skywalk cost: Youth (3-12) about $4; Adult about $6, depending on exchange rate. Tickets can be purchased in the Supertree Grove; however, check the website in advance for any special events that may require advanced ticketing.
Gardens by the Bay has several heritage gardens including an Indian, Chinese, Malay, and Colonial Garden. In spite of all the tourists here, it doesn’t feel all that crowded due to the large, open spaces.
Other things to see include the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. The Cloud Forest is built around a 114-foot, man-made mountain and waterfall. You’ll spiral down from the top, amidst tropical plants including orchids. The Flower Dome is filled with ancient trees and colorful floral displays. Both conservatories require an admission fee. However, they are beautiful and worth the cost, especially since the rest of the garden is free to roam. Cost to visit both conservatories: Youth (3-12) about $11, Adult about $20, depending on exchange rate.
KidTripster Tip: Be sure to bring your swimsuits when you visit Gardens by the Bay. There’s a large water play area in the Far East Organization’s Children’s Garden. Your kids also will enjoy the adjacent playground. You’ll find shower and changing facilities here. There’s also a covered area for parents to sit while their kids play. Know that there’s no free WiFi.
Another highlight is the nightly light and sound show in the Supertree Grove. There are two shows – one at 7:45 p.m. and the other at 8:45 p.m each evening. This event is free. Just know that it can get crowded. Stake out your spot on the ground and then look up.
2. Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
10 Bayfront Avenue
Go 57 stories up to see Singapore from the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark. Although the hotel isn’t the tallest building in Singapore, it does offer a unique view of the city from its observation deck.
From high above, you’ll see Singapore landmarks like the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Flyer, and the Singapore Merlion. Hotel guests can access the SkyPark Observation Deck for free, but you don’t have to be a high-roller to take in this view. You just need to cough up the admission fee. Cost: Youth about $12; Adult about $17, depending on exchange rate.
While you’re up there, catch a glimpse of what may be the most photographed hotel pool on Instagram. The infinity pool sits on the 57th floor roof, and it’s only accessible to hotel guests.
3. ArtScience Museum
6 Bayfront Avenue
I went to the ArtScience Museum with low expectations and came out with my mind blown! I just wasn’t expecting so much from a museum located at a hotel. This stellar museum showcases the intersection of art, science, and technology. And it’s all housed in a lotus-shaped building next to Marina Bay Sands.
The museum has some permanent attractions as well as temporary exhibits. The ongoing exhibition Future World: Where Art Meets Science is immersive and engaging, as is the exhibit Into the Wild, which is powered by Google technology. In both of these spaces, you can interact and engage with the art and technology on a multi-sensory level.
The museum attracts exhibitions by some of the world’s most famous artists and also appeals to the pop-culture and technology-obsessed guests. During our visit, we experienced the Marvel Studios: Ten Years of Heroes exhibit celebrating 10 years and 20 films in the Marvel Universe. The popular exhibit allowed guests to wander Stark Tower, see Wakanda, open a light portal, dance with Groot, and much more. Another temporary exhibit at the time was Wind Walkers: Theo Jansen’s Strandbeests which showcased Jansen’s famous wind-powered, beach animals called Strandbeests. The creatures are constructed with everyday materials like plastic bottles. It was a great example of turning trash into treasure. Although these particular exhibits are no longer showing, I share this to give you an idea of the variety and quality offered at this museum.
The ArtScience Museum is an easy (and air-conditioned) place to spend an afternoon in Singapore. Cost: Varies depending on exhibits; discount tickets available for families.
KidTripster Tip: Do colorful lights, dancing water, and music interest you? And how does free sound? Each night, Marina Bay Sands puts on Spectra: A Light and Water Show. It’s a 15-minute showcase of lasers and dancing fountains set to an orchestral soundtrack. See the show Sunday through Thursday at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. For the best viewing, sit near the Louis Vuitton store. Warning, you might get wet if you stand too close. Also, be sure to look up towards the top of the hotel as the lights on the water are coordinated with the lights on top of the hotel.
4. Merlion
One Fullerton
Singapore’s national icon is the Merlion which is a creature that has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The presence of this creature is quite prominent around Singapore. Most souvenir shops sell a wide variety of Merlion-themed merchandise.
There are only seven “official” Merlion statues in Singapore. One of the largest is located at Merlion Park. Standing at 28 feet tall, it spouts water into Marina Bay. While visiting Merlion Park, you may encounter large crowds. Part of the fun is watching the throngs of tourists, most armed with selfie sticks, trying to capture a photo at just the right angle. A popular photo is one in which it looks like you’re drinking water from the Merlion. Give it a try!
Merlion Park also has a smaller statue known as the Merlion Cub. The Cub is impressive in itself, standing at over 6 feet tall.
Visiting Merlion Park is free and easy. It’s located in the Central Business District near the historic Fullerton Hotel. It sits across the bay from Marina Bay Sands; if you’re on that side of the Bay, it’s about a 15-minute walk along the water to the statue. For another perspective of the Merlion, you can board a bumboat that gets you up close to the statue from the water.
If you don’t make it to Merlion Park, there’s another giant Merlion located on Sentosa Island. The fun is trying to find them all.
KidTripster Tip: Merlion Park is a perfect spot for people watching. You’ll see tourists from around the world here. There are several restaurants, bars, and ice cream shops along the waterfront. We grabbed a cone and spent some time taking it all in.
