Fun family weekend finds

Singapore offers a multitude of activities for teens, visitors and families, but at times it can be hard to see the wood for the trees. Try these fun finds, also ideal for solving "Mum, I'm bored" woes.

Nature
Rent a bicycle or rollerblades at Bishan or East Coast parks. Surrounded by restaurants and play centres, the East Coast Parkway also provides access to water sports at Mana Mana East Coast (www.manamana.com) and sea views.
          Hop on a traditional bumboat at Changi Jetty for a quick boat ride to Pulau Ubin (www.wildsingapore.com) - a nearby island offering mountain bike trails and mangrove adventures. A flashback to life in Singapore in the 60s, this day-trip retreat also has a relatively easy one and-a-half kilometre walking trail, presenting opportunities to learn more about Singapore's unique flora and fauna.
          If wildlife's your thing, Singapore Night Safari (www.nightsafari.com.sg) allows you to get up close and personal with 1,000 nocturnal animals of 100 different species, along natural trails meandering through 40 hectares of forest. Take a walk through MacRitchie Reservoir or the Labrador, Bukit Batok, Bukit Timah and - newly-opened - Dairy Farm Nature Reserves (www.nparks.gov.sg) to meet monkeys, lizards and the occasional snake or wild boar. MacRitchie Reservoir, located to the west of Bishan, has treks ranging three to 11 kilometres and is home to more than 840 plants and 500 species of animals, plus an adrenalin-boosting treetop walk.
          If a relaxed picnic is more your style, the Singapore Botanic Gardens (www.sgb.org.sg) often hosts free outdoor concerts. You can also sign up for guided nature walks, plus gardening and environmental workshops. Nearby, Jacob Ballas Children's Garden has a fun range of educational exhibits.

Shopping
Aside from eating, many Singaporeans practically consider shopping to be a national pastime. Enjoy a day out at one of Orchard Road's many shopping centres. You'll find luxury boutiques at flagship malls such as the new ION (www.ionorchard.com) and revamped Mandarin Gallery - due to open by December 2009, as well as at Ngee Ann City (www.ngeeanncity.com.sg) and Paragon (www.paragon.com.sg) For quirky fashion and accessories at reasonable prices, check out Far East Plaza (www.fareast-plaza.com), or the stalls at Cathay Cineleisure (www.cathay.com.sg) and The Heeren (www.heeren.com.sg). Easily accessible, don't forget a day out on Orchard Road can also be as reasonably priced as the cost of window shopping and a bus or MRT fare.
          For a mall with "the mostest", head to VivoCity (www.vivocity.com.sg). Singapore's largest shopping centre is an ideal destination if you're planning a full day out and want to keep crowd jostling to a minimum. You'll find countless restaurants and shops, plus the island's largest Golden Village cinema complex (www.gv.com.sg), complete with three Gold Class theatres and Cinema Europa. VivoCity is also just a short stroll away from Sentosa (www.sentosa.com.sg) and all its attractions.
          For updates on the latest fairs and bazaars visit www.singaporefairs.com, while www.shopping.sg/about-singapore/flea-markets-in-singapore has a list of regular flea markets.
          With its distinctive Chinese cultural elements and architecture Chinatown is a must for visitors, or for sourcing Asian-inspired gifts. Travel by MRT to avoid traffic and spend an afternoon browsing in the traditional shophouses lining Pagoda, Smith and Temple Streets, before taking a breather over dim sum at Yum Cha on Trengganu Street.
          For a heady experience, immerse yourself in the ethnic enclave of Little India - complete with exotic ambience. Shop for freshly ground spices, fresh flowers, gold jewellery and colourful sari fabrics, arriving early to stroll through Tekka wet market for first pickings of Singapore's freshest fruit and veg.

Theme Parks & Attractions
Although Universal Studios Singapore (www.rwsentosa.com) opens next year, Sentosa (www.sentosa.com.sg) currently has a good range of fun attractions including the Luge, Skyride and Megazip Adventure Park. Sunbathe and swim at one of three beaches - Siloso is dog-friendly and also has beach volleyball, mountain biking, canoeing and rollerblading facilities. Be pampered at Spa Botanica (www.thesentosa.com) - immerse yourself in an open-air mud bath, tune out in the meditation labyrinth, or enrol in a holistic health programme at Seven Eden Wellness Centre.  End your day in style with a sea-view dinner at The Cliff (www.thesentosa.com), Il Lido (www.il-lido.com), Braise (www.braise.com.sg) or Barnacles (www.shangri-la.com). Or grab some take-away, feel the sand beneath your toes and enjoy a beach party with friends. To get there, catch the Sentosa Express from VivoCity, or fly high via cable car.  
          For more unique views of Singapore - and even parts of Malaysia and Indonesia - take a turn on the Singapore Flyer (www.singaporeflyer.com). Similar views can be had for the price of a drink at New Asia Bar, atop Swissotel (www.swissotel.com).
          If thrill seeking is your thing, both Escape Theme Park (www.escapethemepark.com.sg) and Wild Wild Wet water park (www.wildwildwet.com) in Pasir Ris are known for keeping kids and teens happy. You can also beat the heat by experiencing a winter's day at Snow City (www.snowcity.com.sg). Try your hand at skiing and snowboarding, or get the chills in the Snow Chamber - maintained at a consistent five degrees below freezing.

Text: Camille Sevestre & Michelle Jones-White

Posted on Sept 09