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.



We deliberately planned to start our adventure as a holiday to relax, play and get comfortable using our travel paraphernalia in the safety of an English-speaking country, low in crime. We arrived into a torrential thunderstorm and quickly abandoned plans to travel like back packers, opting instead to pay the $65 taxi fare from the airport to our holiday destination on Sentosa island.  Exhausted and regretting the extra 4 kg I had thrown into my backpack, we were welcomed to what appeared to be a wooden cabin with 2 bunk beds and a cupboard. ‘Basic’ was an understatement, I considered going straight home! However, the tropical birdcall awoke us to beautiful sunshine and a peacock greeted me as I opened the cabin door.  Subsequent mornings we were greeted by a 3ft Monitor lizard and after Michael fed the local wildlife, a group of 6 peacocks waiting for us to get up for breakfast!!

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.

Our timing in Singapore was perfect with the build up to the Chinese New Year in full swing. Streets adorned in red and gold lanterns and colourful displays of flowers and lights added to the spectacular ambiance of the city.  With a budget to follow we searched out the free activities to visit of which there are plenty. A spectacular mechanical crane show on the water front set to music and pyrotechnics being one of the highlights of our trip.  
 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.
The Haw Par Villa was a lovely relaxed day out. A free attraction which needs some repair but still worth the visit. The 10 courts of hell were worth it alone for a family visit with ‘wayward’ kids. A bonus for parents of a child with Asperger’s, who are so literal with their thinking. The story depicts the afterlife journey, where a person deeds in life are judged in the 10 courts to determine whether they can enter paradise or face consequences in hell.  Michael was visibly concerned after reading the consequences for disrespecting elders!!


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

Comments

  1. 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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