10 Days in Singapore – The perfect holiday for families, not just a stop over destination anymore.

Ok, so when we told everyone that we were going to Singapore for 10 days the first thing everyone we spoke to said was “What are you going to do for 10 days in Singapore?” and the typical “Its very clean!” Singapore over the years has become known as a place for a quick stop over, not as a holiday destination for families with children, but we found so much more to do and see that we were wishing we had a couple more days to stay and see some more.

We had so much fun exploring this pretty city, yes it is clean (very clean!) and friendly, the warm welcomes we receive everywhere you go and how welcome the kids were made was a highlight. So don’t let anyone tell you, you wont find enough to do! Because that definitely wasn’t the Singapore we discovered.

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Getting There

We took a 2.30am flight (this sounded like a good idea when I booked it but then I started to panic as the time got closer that it was a massive mistake) but all was good and it ended up being one of my better ideas!

We flew with Emirates departing the international airport Brisbane, Queensland and arrived at approx. 8.00am Singapore time, this worked out great as the kids slept most of the flight and we didn’t lose any of our first day of sightseeing. We had time when we arrived to explore the incredible Changi international airport, it’s modern and hi-tech and it’s not hard to see why it has been voted the best airport in the world several times. Make sure you leave yourself a couple of hours before your transfers just to look around, so much to see before you even leave the arrivals lounge from a sunflower garden and butterfly enclosure to some great themed cafés. So after our short explore of the airport then we were off and headed straight to our first hotel and checked in beating the afternoon rush, they stored our bags and allowed us to start using the hotel facitilies and exploring the island of Sentosa.

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Where We Stayed

Our first stop for two nights was on Sentosa Island at The Hard Rock Hotel, it’s a brilliant location right in the middle of Singapore’s entertainment precinct, so it was only minutes away from some of the region’s top attractions. Admittedly we chose the hotel for its amazing pool which didn’t disappoint, but the five-star service with a rock and roll edge was pure magic, we were lucky enough to be given the ‘Presidential Suite’ (only three of these suites are available in the world) and it comes complete with Keith Richards from the Rolling Stones costume right in the middle of our dinning room plus two large bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen and rock star lounge room.

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After two amazing days exploring Sentosa, we headed into the city to explore for 3 days and based ourselves at a luxury boutique hotel ideally located in the middle of the city the So Sofitel Singapore it’s set in a restored heritage building in Singapore’s Central Business District the luxurious So Sofitel Singapore offers modern rooms designed by Karl Lagerfeld, with a French-style and free WiFi. A big plus was the mini bar because everything was free! Coke, sparkling water and other canned drinks (non alcoholic). This was the first time I have stayed in a hotel where the mini bar was free of charge and we have stayed in more expensive hotels, but the mini bar was never free!

When we travel overseas our holidays are always so busy, out and about all day exploring and trying to fit in as much as we can. This time we decided that for the last few days we wanted somewhere we could relax and unwind before we returned home and you couldn’t get anywhere better than the 5 star luxury and tranquillity that is Sofitel Sentosa Resort and Spa situated atop a cliff above Tanjong Beach Sentosa. It was exactly what we were seeking, the surrounding so serene, like you’re in paradise, the pool was great and 5 minutes walk down the stairs to street level there is a most heavenly beach, the kids loved the pool, the roaming peacocks and the foot spa fish pond. The perfect place for families to enjoy each other’s company in this children friendly resort. If you are seeking luxury, tranquility, stunning views and generous size rooms, then seek no further. The Sofitel Sentosa Resort and spa is where you take your break. It’s worth it!

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Getting around

Singapore’s public transport system is fast and efficient and will whizz you to most places without fuss. Singapore’s MRT (mass rapid transit) system is probably the fastest way to zip around the city. The extensive rail network means that most of Singapore’s key attractions are within walking distance from an MRT station.

Singapore’s bus system has an extensive network of routes covering most places in Singapore and is the most economical way to get around, as well as being one of the most scenic.

All of Singapore’s trains and stations are accessible to wheel chair users and the visually impaired, as well as families with strollers.

You can buy tickets for single trips, but if you intend to use the MRT and basic bus services frequently during your visit, you can buy a Singapore Tourist Pass, a special EZ-Link stored-value card which will allow you unlimited travel for one day (S$10), two days (S$16) or three days (S$20). (prices correct at time of writing) The cards can be bought at the TransitLink Ticket Office at MRT stations.

Taxis are comfortable and especially handy if you want to go to places not accessible by the bus or MRT, we had a great taxi service pick us up from the airport and I have his email address if anyone wants it, just send me a message.

 

Eat and Drink

Singapore’s incredibly diverse range of dining options will cater to food lovers from all walks of life. If you appreciate a good meal, there’s a cuisine for every taste and budget. The local street fare is a delicious melting pot of Singapore’s diverse cultures, while the country’s vibrant fine dining scene has emerged as one of the world’s most exciting, featuring many celebrity chef restaurants.

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Raffles Afternoon tea

It’s not a trip to Singapore without a trip to Raffles for afternoon tea, Raffles High Tea and Singapore go together perfectly. Just visiting Raffles is like stepping back in time the food was absolutely delicious with a wide variety of sandwiches, savouries, cakes, scones and desserts, I do recommend you leave room for Raffles speciality “ Their own recipe Bread Pudding” and I highly recommend you book prior to going to Singapore as this experience is on a lot of bucket lists.

We also took some time to visit the Long Bar, where the tradition is to sip a Singapore Sling and toss all your peanut shells on the floor. The kids can also enjoy a non-alcoholic version of the famous cocktail.

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Things We Did –  Below is a list and some photos of just a few of our favourite spots.

Gardens by the Bay 

Amazing experience that you won’t regret! This is a free venue so perfect to save a few $$. We spent about 3-4 hours here and went in the afternoon/evening so we got to experience it both day and night, as there is a great light, sound and colour show each night, which is going to leave you speechless.  It was quite busy but the crowd wasn’t really much of a bother.

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Universal Studio Singapore 

At the top of many ‘to do’ lists is Universal Studios Singapore, based on Sentosa Island Universal Studios is definitely a must visit on any length of trip.

Top Tip Parent Swap:
If you have a baby or infant in your party who can’t go on a ride (height restrictions apply), then consider using the parent swap system. To do this, approach the ride staff and tell them that you want to take turns going on the ride. In some cases, they’ll simply let one adult head straight onto the single rider queue, and then when they return the other adult in the party then takes there turn. For some rides, they’ll issue the adult with a parent swap pass and you get to fast track up the queue and then once you’ve finished the other parent then gets their turn. This saves so much queuing time.

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Parent Room – Guest Services
There is a really well equipped parent room, right near the entrance within guest services. In this room there is a couch, perfect for feeding a baby on it, in addition to filtered water, a microwave for heating up foods, and changing stations. There are also a few toys if you’ve got toddlers in addition to babies with you. The room is beautifully air conditioned, so this is a great place to stop by for infant feeding time.

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KidzaniaLocated on Sentosa island KidZania is an indoor themepark where children aged 4 – 17 learn through hands on role play while exploring a kids sized city complete with building, paved streets, vechicles and functioning economy, just like the real world. Spend the day learning about different carers and the inner workings of a city all the while having fun.

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Little India

We loved walking around the quaint streets and exploring all that little India had to offer. We ate at some of the local spots and found the food inexpensive. The spice shops and Bollywood dvd shops add to the feeling. If you love colour then this is the place for you. Two or Three hours including meal time is more than enough to see everything.

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Chinatown

A colorful and delightful section of the city. This is a great place to go shopping for souvenirs which are very expensive elsewhere. Lots of bargains and knick knacks to be had very cheaply it’s the best place to visit for shops and food it’s vibrant busy and just makes you feel happy. It’s worth a visit just for some chili crab!

 

Our Top Tips for Traveling in Singapore

Singapore is hot and humid, so light, loose-fitting clothing should be worn and be sure to have hats and sunscreen on hand to protect your family from the hot, tropical sun.

Singapore has year round tropical weather you will most likely have some rain during your holiday in Singapore, so prepare for both sunshine and rain on your visit and you might want to consider disposable ponchos for the family too.

Tap water in the large cities and towns is safe but I always carry bottled water anywhere I go.

I could write for days about this amazing trip so if you do decide to take a trip feel free to contact me as I would love to chat.

Send us your questions, Love Kerry and Miss Piper xoxo

 

 



Piper Turns Three – Unicorn Dream Party

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This weekend we celebrated three years of Miss Piper with a colourful rainbow unicorn party in the backyard and I’m so excited to share the details of the day with you all.

We enjoyed the company of friends and family and the day could not have been more perfect.

On the big day I was so determined not to stress myself out and keep it as easy as possible. So most of the organising and planning was done in the month before, then we setup most of it on the day before so that the morning of the party we only had some food to prepare and some extra decorations to hang.

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Photo: My Heart Project

Being three years old, I didn’t spend any time trying to organise any games I hired a (unicorn) pony from Magical Ponies Party Hire that was a massive hit and the kids spent time riding around and taking turns. All of them except  Piper who decided on the day that she was scared of the pony and cried every time she tried to ride him!

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It wouldn’t have been half as fun and successful if it hadn’t been for the help from some amazing business that all deserve the BIGGEST Thankyou for the time and effort they put into helping me plan this special day I have added them below and can’t recommend all of then highly enough, if your party planning be sure to visit and let them help you too.

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We had so much fun choosing our decorations this year from the AMAZING Parties Made Pretty. The range is HUGE and they were literally my one stop shop this time around having everything I needed in all the right colours.

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The party wouldn’t have been the same without the amazing personalised invitations, chocolates and printed items from the fabulous Print and Party her amazing unicorn invitations is where I got the original idea for the theme and with all the personalised printed bits and pieces she has to offer it just tied everything together.

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The candy buffet was topped off with this amazing Gold name plaque from the amazing Bubz and Co. Go check them out if you love sparkly goodness as much as we do.

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The table was decked out with decorative goodies and small bite sized delicious food, everything I picked I tried to make sure it could be made the day before or even a few days before to reduce the stress.

 

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Being the fashionista that Piper is the ‘Birthday Oufit’ is always on the top of our list of priorities and we went with highly fashionable and colourful designs from the most amazingly talented designers. Tinker Bell Tailor , BB and Bub and Party Princess Australia  check out our instagram for more photos and details on the fab Auistralian designers. The photos speak for themselves.

Gold Party Romper and Unicorn tutu tail   Tinker Bell Tailor

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Photo: My Heart Project
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Stunning Flower Crown BB and Bub

Cake Smash – Pastel Unicorn inspired Rainbow Tutu and Personalised Lace Flutterby Wings Party Princess Australia

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Photo: My Heart Project

The stunning fashion photos above were taken by the amazing Sarah @my.heart.project she is so patient and kind to work with and her photos are something you will treasure forever. I highly recommend getting a photo shoot before the big day, it takes so much stress off you trying to get that ‘perfect’ picture on the day. I just can’t recommend Sarah highly enough please if your looking for a lifestyle or fashion photographer make her your first stop.

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Photo: My Heart Project
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Photo: My Heart Project

 

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The day ended with our guests excitedly leaving with the most stylish confetti themed party boxes for boys and girls from the talented mumma’s from The Loot Lab – eight options are available and each comes in the cutest lunchbox  filled with high quality treasures.

 

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Plus the cutest healthy and fun alternative to lolly bags Dough 4 Fun play dough party favors, designed to match our theme and personalised in unicorn colours with glitter they were a huge hit and will be making an appearance at all my kids parties from now on.

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 So that’s was Three, a fab day spent with our favourite people, opening presents, eating yummy food and riding unicorn ponies around the yard. Then throw in some super doper party decorations and stunning fashion and it makes becoming a threeanger a ball.

Thankyou again to all the talented people involved in making Pipers day so special, you all made my life so much easy and took all the stress out of party planning, I can’t thank you all enough xx

Love Kerry and Miss Piper xoxo

Now onto Mr Joshua turning the BIG 10 in a month!!! Mexican Fiesta here we come!



Our Cruise to Tasmania on the Carnival Legend, 4 day family Cruise

Warning: Before you start reading…. 

CRUISING CAN BE ADDICTIVE

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Ready to GO!

 

We have just returned from our 5th Family Cruise, this time aboard the incredible Carnival Legend to Tasmania, we have been to Tazzy before but love the place, so when the chance came up to take a short 4 day cruise right at the start of the year, we jumped at it!

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Luxury Shopping

As we have sailed with Carnival three times before in Australia and the USA, we knew what we were in for and ready for a vacation of legendary proportions! And it didn’t disappoint!

We set sail on a floating resort that’s so spectacular she needs a two-level promenade for all of her fabulous shops, lounges and nightclubs, plus an abundance of stateroom options such as balconies and interconnecting rooms and an unparalleled variety of activities. Then add the delicious dining, kids club and pampering service, and this “Fun Ship” becomes a legend in her own time.

The four-night Tasmanian cruise aboard Carnival proves an ideal short getaway, to refresh and unwind. Perfect if you have never cruised before and want a ‘sampler’ short trip to just ‘try out’ cruising. But trust me it’s addictive and you will be wanting to book again before you have even disembarked.

Whether you’re after an action-packed holiday or just want to relax and unwind, you can create the type of cruise holiday you want.

My favourite spot on board (apart from piano bar) is sitting on our balcony mesmerised by the ocean. Seabirds glide gracefully over the waves and ships come and go on the horizon it’s the perfect place to just chill, but it never lasts long as there’s heaps of  fun on offer and the kids drag me out the door!

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Water Park At Sea

You will find something for everyone little ones, big ones, the whole family.

Including the largest waterpark at sea in Australia, build-a-bear at sea and mini-golf. For the fitness minded check out the two-deck fitness centre, jogging track and sports court (not that I made it to any of these) But I did spend some ‘quality’ time in the Serenity area (adults-only) plus the day spa while the amazing kids club councillors kept the kids entertained.  With three different age-appropriate youth programs the kids get plenty of choices and its a great opportunity for them to make some new friends on-board.

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Splash Zone

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But all good things must come to an end and when we roll off the ship in Sydney 4 days latter its apparent we’ve consumed our share of the tonnes of food prepared each day and I regret not visiting the gym – but honestly, there just wasn’t time.

I will be cruising again as the entertainment never ended and you are just spoilt for choice no matter what your passion.

Here’s some photos captured during trip, and also some of my favourite spots on board!

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Mini Golf
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Seuss At Sea
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Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast
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Sitting Pretty Pool Side

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Want to know more about the ‘Green eggs and ham breakfast’ then be sure to check out a review I wrote on it in past posts under Family travel.

If you have any questions on Cruising or just traveling with kids drop me a line as I love a chat.

Love Kerry and Miss Piper xoxo