After a staid period of pandemic restrictions, we are all understandably craving new experiences. So if a standard theme park visit or hotel stay does not cut it for your family this March holidays, we don’t blame you. Here’s a curated list of five exciting experiences that will build new memories as we wait for the pandemic-to-endemic transition.
1. Escape on your private yacht
Yearning for a family getaway without the hassle of swab tests, immigrations and multiple Covid-19 restrictions? Why not book your own private family yacht to Lazarus Island? In addition to kayaking, fishing, snorkelling and lounging on a floating mat to the hypnotic rhythm of the waves, you could also explore the new mobile water-play park Splash Adventure. With water slides, diving boards and trampolines where you can bounce right off in the sea, you can be sure of a splashing good time. Bring your favourite snacks, or enjoy a barbecue on board.
SAFRA members enjoy up to 32% off a 4-hour yacht charter to Lazarus Island with White Sails. More info at www.safra.sg/promotions/white-sails
2. Explore Singapore via its newest green trail
Hike or cycle along the first phase of the Round Island Route (RIR), newly opened in January this year. Spanning 75km on the eastern half of Singapore, highlights include a boardwalk and waterfront lookout pavilion at Changi Bay, and the Sengkang Riverside Bridge connecting Sengkang Riverside Park to Sungei Punggol. The gorgeous greenery flanking the trail include critically endangered trees such as the Sepetir and Small-Leaved Nutmeg, as well as beautiful flowering coastal trees such as the Sea Beam, Penega Laut and Seashore Mangosteen. Wildlife visitors such as the white-bellied sea eagle, Brahminy kite, fiddler crabs and smooth-coated otters may also make an appearance. With exits at Rower’s Bay, Sengkang Riverside Park, Pasir Ris Park, Changi Beach Park, East Coast Park and Berlayer Creek, it is the perfect way to explore a new hood and discover new cafes.
Along the way, you can explore the Punggol neighbourhood as well, or make a beeline for SAFRA Punggol for a rewarding post-hike feast.
3. Rediscover our iconic gardens
If Gardens by the Bay conjures up images of slow walks amidst too many tourists, it is time to rediscover this gem. The iconic gardens now offer new activities for the entire family. Young kids may burn off extra energy at eight garden-themed bouncy castles at the Jumptopia: Wonder Garden, while slightly older children may prefer the wildlife-inspired multi-room sets, with storytelling and game technology at Otah & Friends, where they can assemble a rocket and blast off into space. There is also the Silver Lining: A Celebration of Nature in the Time of Pandemic photo exhibition, National Geographic “Weird But True” exhibition, a Miniature Rainforest Terrarium parent-child workshop on 12 March, and the annual Sakura floral display featuring Tokidoki and Japanese floral art at Flower Dome to look forward to.
Entrance fees vary for different attractions; more info at www.gardensbythebay.com.sg
4. Stay in a container hotel
Tired of standard staycations? Container hotels are the closest you can get to urban glamping in Singapore. These mobile shipping containers are fitted with the creature comforts of standard hotels, while being close to the ground, and situated in cool locations for an immersive experience. SG Hotel On Wheels offers 10 different themed rooms from Street Punk to Safari and Peranakan. Situated at Downtown East, a stone’s throw away from carnival games and amusement rides at D’Ultimate Xcape Park, and Wild Wild Wet, it offers many hours of family fun. Alternatively, The Container Hub’s two containers now sit amidst the thousands of statues from Chinese mythology and legends, including the 10 stages of hell, at Haw Par Villa. It’s sure to score you some cool points among your tweens.
Prices vary depending on date of booking; more info at sghotelonwheels.com and shippingcontainerhotel.com
5. Go on an all-terrain adventure
Get your heart racing on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) at a farm in Kranji. Singapore’s first ATV adventure park Mud Krank is designed for adventurous families and adrenaline junkies of all ages. It is the perfect place to give kids as young as four their first experience controlling their own set of wheels as they go off-roading through sand and mud. Helmets, elbow pads and knee guards are provided for safety.
ATV sessions start from $35 for 20 minutes; more info at mudkrank.com
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