Singapore Family Adventure: 6 Days, 8 People, Unforgettable Memories
Our family trip to Singapore – six days and five nights with eight of us (four adults and four kids aged 10-14) – was an absolute blast! It was also incredibly educational for the kids.
Day 1: Arrival and City Views
Touching down at Changi Airport was impressive in itself! We quickly picked up our TravelGram SIM cards (a perk from booking our Singapore attractions through them) and navigated to our hotel, Furama RiverFront, using the MRT/Bus with TravelGram's loaner transport card. Lunch in Chinatown was a delicious way to start before checking in. That evening, we went to the Singapore Flyer. The views were spectacular; the city lights twinkled like diamonds!
Day 2: River Wonders and Singapore Zoo
The kids were captivated by River Wonders and Singapore Zoo. The animal shows were a big hit; we just reserved seats and made our way to each show in time. The zoo's lush greenery made for a relaxing experience. The Amazon River Quest was a thrilling ride, and seeing the pandas was a must. Back at the hotel, we enjoyed a swim before heading out for an evening river cruise, capped off by the mesmerizing Spectra light show.
Day 3: Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore was a unanimous favorite! No need to elaborate; it's a must-visit for families. After a full day of adrenaline, we caught the Wings of Time show, though we found it wasn't as impressive as other shows we've seen elsewhere. It was an action-packed and exhausting day.
Day 4: Orchard Road and Cultural Exploration
Rainy weather led us to Orchard Road for some shopping. When the sun peeked out, we made a beeline to the Merlion for the iconic photo opportunity. Afterwards, we explored the grounds of the National University of Singapore (NUS). The kids seemed genuinely interested in the campus. In the evening, we enjoyed dinner at a local food center and watched another captivating light show.
Day 5: Gardens by the Bay
After a few busy days, we opted for a more relaxed pace. The kids enjoyed swimming at the hotel pool before we explored Gardens by the Bay. We biked around, took photos at Supertree Grove during the day, and then enjoyed a free, enchanting musical performance at night.
Day 6: Farewell, Singapore!
Our final morning was spent swimming and packing. After checking out, we headed to the airport, squeezed in some last-minute fun, and bid farewell to Singapore!
Getting Around
We primarily used public transport. The cost was around 800k-1 million VND per person for the entire trip. We also walked extensively (averaging 15km a day!). The kids initially complained, but by day three, they were navigating and leading the way, which they enjoyed.
Note: There are two types of cards, EZ-link and NETS (TravelGram). The NETS card can't be used on buses to the Zoo. You can use a Visa card or a spare EZ-link card, but if you can't use it for a second swipe, you can pay cash to the driver.
Food Adventures
We had breakfast at the hotel. For lunch, we usually ate at food courts. The kids relished choosing their own meals and standing in line. We even brought a small rice cooker to make brown rice for lunch, which we paired with sesame salt, hard-boiled eggs, salad, and sausages bought at 7-Eleven. It was a fun and budget-friendly way to bond. Evenings were reserved for sampling Singaporean specialties.
Impressions
Singapore's cleanliness and well-planned greenery left a lasting impression. Riding the double-decker buses offered a unique perspective of the city.
Gratitude
We're thankful for TravelGram's support, especially for their help in crafting our itinerary. As first-time independent travelers, their assistance gave us the confidence to explore other destinations!
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