Singapore more than just a transit destination
Singapore more than just a transit destination
We arrived a little concerned we had made a mistake booking
a 10-day holiday break after reading it could be expensive and everything could
be done in 3 days. Our experience however, has been so very different. In fact, Singapore is a thriving, modern medley
of fun, customs and culture and we could easily have stayed longer.
Sentosa is Singapore’s family fun island packed with theme
parks, water parks, restaurants, bars and beaches which blows the Gold Coast of
Australia out of the water. We had opted for budget accommodation, but it
turned out more than adequate for it’s purpose. Great air conditioning and bug zapper
in the cabin meant for a cool night’s sleep with my silk sleeping liner
becoming my most valued travel essential to date. The amenities we’re pristine,
as in all of Singapore. Clean and modern and an awesome pool, set under the
canopy of palm trees, monkeys and squirrels to cool off each evening.
Transport around Singapore is a dream. Sentosa island
transport includes train, tram and bus are completely free and run every few
minutes although we loved walking and exploring clicking up an average 20k
steps a day. Singapore MRT is fast efficient and reminded me of the London
underground but cleaner and staff so much more helpful. With plenty of stops it
was so easy to navigate around the vast city. We never had to wait more than 3 mins for a
connecting link.
Children here are very protected and well-disciplined and
there are lots of rules which are expected to be followed. Also nick named the ‘city
of fines’ you are very aware of the CTV police cameras following your every
move, but the result being very apparent in the how Singapore society feels very
safe, friendly and helpful.
Travelling with
Michael we agreed upon which paid theme parks we would visit, which included
Adventure cove water park, Singapore zoo and the Aquarium. There are lots of
touts selling bulk tickets to all the attractions, but unless you intend to
visit them all, it was far cheaper to just pay at the entrance. Flying by
Singapore airlines also gave a discount on entrance prices on sight of boarding
card. There are also daily discounted deals available from the app Klook.
Singapore Zoo, one of the top 5 in the world was a great day out and we didn’t manage to see it all. More to do with my navigation skills apparently. It hosts some unusual animals and its design put you close to them in beautiful natural enclosures. My highlight was watching Singapore’s only locally born polar bear who like to sunbath!!
The food in Singapore is an article all on its own. We opted
to eat as locals to stay within budget and were treated to a mouth-watering array
of traditional dishes from around Asia. We avoided the restaurants and instead
ate at the Hawkers markets, where we were blown away at how cheaply you can
eat. That said after a week of noodles, rice and sweet breads we were screaming
out for salt, alcohol and some substance, so checked in for a beach side BLT
sandwich with chips and Singapore slings. Bliss 😊
China town is worth the visit but overcrowded and aimed at
the tourists, especially as our trip coincided with the Chinese New Year
preparations. Lots of food stalls and we enjoyed test tasting all the exciting delicacy’s
as well as an amazing foot massage. We stumbled across the Peoples market in
china town which was much more aimed at the locals with a huge selection of
amazing foods at very low cost, but the area was smelly, dirty and over crowded,
and we were relieved to step back into more civilised areas of Singapore.
The city landmarks such as the Marina Bay Sands resort
observation deck are a must do at 57 levels high giving staggering views of the
city. We were totally blown away by the Gardens by the Bay going back to
revisit them alit up at night. We found ourselves laid on the warm concrete
looking up at the lights dancing to a backdrop of classical music which was simply
magical. The ‘cloud’ was a spectacular eco educational learning experience for
us all and left us with lots of questions as to how we in clean, green, New
Zealand could and should be doing so much more with the natural energy sources
we have in abundance.
Michael has had a difficult start to our journey. Struggling
with heat stroke in the first few days and unexplained hive reactions to
certain foods. He announced to us passionately in tears one evening that he wanted
to go home. Travelling was making him ill and he was too young to die!! He was
less than impressed when Jason and I fell about laughing. We have shown him more sympathy when it’s
comes to managing his reactions to the constant hustle and bustle of navigating
through a large city. The lack of technology to escape to, has meant we have
had some flashes of anger and upsets but we have encouraged him to explain with
his words how he is feeling. After
screaming ‘I have twenty different noises in my head which one should I focus
on’, we allowed him to use his headphones on occasions. We are trying different
techniques such as humming his favourite song to control his anxiety, breathing
and taking lots of breaks. Some wins, such as overcoming his fears of flying, but
lots of fails so far. We are learning as
parents that this trip will only be a success if we do it at Michaels pace
which can be a little frustrating on occasions.
The highlight for me so far on this journey is watching
Michael learn and grow. We find time daily to sit and write his journal where
he captures what he’s seen and learnt the day before. He’s like a sponge and
already has learnt so much from how stalagmites are formed to recognising Monitor
lizards who joined us at our feet while studying.
On a personal level I’m now 12 days into not washing my hair
with shampoo and amazed at how good it looks.
Packing up now to travel on to Malaysia with Kuala Lumper being our
first destination. Another big city! Still adjusting to living out of a bag and
washing my knickers in the shower but amazed at how little we need. Missing friends, the ‘quiet’ of New Zealand
and my walks up the Mount and yet to find a beach that compares with home!
However excited and ready to move on with so much more to discover and see.
Will keep you all posted
Cheers
Karen Jason & Michael
Great read Karen . . . can't wait for the next, I'm going to love following your adventures over the next year xx
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