Jurong Bird Park ~ Asia's Largest Bird Paradise

 Singapore has so much to offer children and kids at heart ~ and Jurong Bird Park is one of them

Jurong Bird Park is Asia's largest birds paradise. It is home to almost 5,000 birds across 400 species (yes that many!). 

Here you can find different species of birds fly, swim and roam freely.

The park's major attractions include:

1. Penguin Coast - houses nearly 500 penguins across 5 species.

2. Lory Loft - a 9 storey high enclosure (the structure is so huge, it's hard too tell, you are in a bird cage) that offers close encounters with colorful lories that you can feed.

3. Waterfall Aviary - a 30 meter high man-made waterfalls, the largest walk-in aviary in the world.  We did not see much birds though and this attraction was in need of a little up-keeping.

4. Bird Shows - Jurong Bird Zoo also runs numerous shows:

• High Flyers Show (Pools Amphitheater; shows at 11am and 3pm) - is a showcase of birds' skills. My boys love the low flying birds as they did exhibition flights across the arena.  Very colorful and entertaining. 
• King of the Skies (Hawk Arena; shows at 10am and 4pm) - is a display of hunting birds' skills. It was educational to learn about hawks, falcons, vultures as they parade around.
• Lunch with Parrots (Songbird Terrace; show at 1pm) We gave this one a miss, over Breakfast with the Orangutan at the Singapore Zoo) 

  

5. Birds of Play - is a water playground (yehey)!  Remember to bring trunks and swimwear for your little ones.

 

Located near the water playground is Safari Scoops.  A perfect cool down and last stop at the bird park.


 TIPS:

1. If you intend to do numerous zoo parks suggest you get the park hopper tickets via their website: PARK HOPPER TICKET for discounts.
2. The park is huge.  Get the ticket with tram access.  You can hop on and hop off anytime.  I suggest you do a full ride first to familiarize yourself with the area before touring the park on foot.
3. The park opens at 830am. Come early to get the most out of the park. Any later would probably be too hot to enjoy your tour.
4. Wear comfortable shoes and bring lots of water. Don't forget your umbrella or cap and insect repellant.
5. Jurong is about 30-40 minutes away the city center.  There are various transportation options:

• MRT via the East West Green Line alight at Boon Lay (EW27) then transfer to a connecting bus at the bus interchange, bus no. 194 or 251 OR
• Direct bus via Singapore Attraction Express (SAEx). Check SAEx website for their schedule OR
• Like what we did take a taxi cab.

A sure hit attraction for picture obsessed individuals!

 

 

Trick Eye Museums have literally taken the world by storm,  and I fully understand why.

 

 

How can one resist, a picture perfect opportunity to get a shot or two, right next to really interesting and original 3D artworks and
backdrops?

 

 

****

 

Trick Eye Museum is finally in Singapore.

 

 

It is located in Resorts World, Sentosa, right next to the Malaysian Food Street, just a few meters away the Universal Studio.

 

 

Entrance to the Trick Eye was included in the Sentosa 1 Day Play Pass we bought.  Otherwise, a ticket would cost you SGD20 for children and SGD25 for adults. 

 

 

For discounted rates, you may opt for the RW combo/bundle tickets, through the Resorts World website.

 

 

I have posted some of our favorite photos below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 TIPS:

• Know your angles. 
• You may borrow a selfie stick from the museum, so don't fret if you forgot to bring your own. 
• Don't rush into the exhibit.  Take you time and shoot from the recommended photo-shooting angle.
• There is no rest room inside, so do your business before entering.
• Get the most out of the museum.  Come on a weekday to avoid the crowd. 

Your imagination is the limit!

For more information and tips on Sentosa Singapore, please visit my other posts... SENTOSA SINGAPORE

The Luge and Skyride at Singapore Sentosa

Included in our Sentosa 1 Day Play Pass is roundtrip ride to the Sentosa Skyline Luge.


The line at the Luge was long and winding (literally)... but that was fine since this ride is a MUST try when visiting Sentosa.


The Luge and Skyride are actually two rides. 

The Luge takes you downhill, while the Skyride takes you back up.
The ride downhill takes approximately 5 minutes, and the skyride about 10 minutes.


The LUGE is a gravity thrill ride, with a unique braking system that takes cruising or speeding downhill.  I was only at cruising  speed though since I was riding with my youngest. However, hubby and my eldest son were (hmmn...carefully) speeding downhill. 


The Skyride was like riding a ferris wheel only lateral.  I was a bit scared for the boys, as we were seated very high up, traversing on cable! 

 

 

VERDICT

1. It was fun riding the Luge and the Skyride.  Although the boys loved the Skyride more. I think the height adds to the excitement.
2. I can't say the Luge is really safe, since I saw a teen girl with bruised elbow being attended by the Luge medics. I guess one needs to exercise caution in steering the luge, especially next to steep corners.
3. Be careful driving, but don't forget to have fun!
4. It can be hot up on the Skyride so apply sunblock for protection.
5. Be careful with loose belongings, especially your cellphones, cameras and wallets. Please avoid booboos.

For updated pricing please visit the Sentosa website:  SENTOSA LUGE AND SKYRIDE.


For more travel tips on Sentosa, please visit also our other Sentosa Posts: Singapore Day 6 - SENTOSA.   
 

Images of Singapore LIVE (The Real Deal)

(Unfortunately they don't allow photography inside the IOSL, succeeding pictures are photo grabs from the IOSL website)


Images of Singapore Live (IOSL) is housed in the same building as the Madame Tussaud Museum.  IOSL used to be the Images of Singapore, but was enhanced to incorporate live actors in their program.

IOSL transports guests back in time.  Here you get to see real actors, with the help of special effects and  compelling backdrop the story of how Singapore came to be one of the most powerful nation we know today.


This is a one of kind attraction, that showcase how Singapore transformed from a small fishing village to a first world country. 

Inside the IOSL complex, you will see:

• Singapore Dock - Quayside Walk
• Four Winds Trading Company
• Malay Fishing Village
• Commercial Square
• Chinatown
• Jubilee Cinema (which was my favorite)
• Television shop (showing footages of Singapore in 1945 and 1965)
• the Miracle of Singapore (a visual interpretation of Singapore's success)
• the Spirit of Singapore Boat Ride (a boat tour of Singapore's best loved attractions and land marks) 

A visit to the IOSL is highly recommended.

 For ticketing and additional information on IOSL,

please visit their website at: IMAGES OF SINGAPORE LIVE.

Madame Tussaud Singapore Invasion

 

What is not to like about the Madame Tussaud Museum? 

 

We have been to the Madame Tussaud in Hongkong, and enjoyed our visit so much, that I can't let pass visiting their newest museum in Sentosa, Singapore.

 

We had so much fun, posing like stars besides country leaders, famous  athletes, rock stars and Hollywood A-lists.

 

 

It is an absolute haven for photo fanatics. 

 

 

Of the pictures we have taken, these are my favorites.

 

 

 

 


It was cool posing with the Terminator himself and pretending like famous rock stars after.


 

 

 

 

L-R/T-B: An upper-cut vs. Muhammad Ali, sit ups with David Beckhams, followed by an interview with the Queen of Talks "Ophra", a leisure biking with ET.

 

 

 L-R: Rocking it with Taylor Swift, striking a pose with Madonna and Madame Tussaud herself.

 

 

 

L-R/T-B: With his EX-girlfriend Nicole Kidman, idol Johnny Depp, taking a kick from Bruce Lee and rocking with the King "Elvis".  

 

 

 

 

L-R/T-B: Sit-ups with David Beckham, wanting to be an Artist, too cool for Arnold Schwarzenegger,

readying a punch for Muhammad Ali

 

  

Book a date with your favorite stars.

 

When in Singapore or HongKong include the  Madame Tussaud Museum in your itinerary.

 

Gardens by the Bay Singapore

Did you know that Singapore is also known as a Garden City? Amidst high-rise buildings are lush green parks and meticulously landscaped gardens all over the city. 


As part of our 8D/7N Singapore-Malaysia adventure is a visit to Singapore's premier green park, Gardens by the Bay. 

The Gardens by the Bay is a 101 hectares park located in Central Singapore.    It is divided into three uniquely themed world-class gardens: Gardens at Marina South, Gardens at Marina East and Gardens at Marina Center.

The Gardens main attractions are the:

1. Cooled Conservatories (consisting of the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome)
2. Super Trees
3. OCBC Sky Tower
4. Far East Organization Children's Garden

Due to limited time, we were only able visit the twin cooled conservatories: Cloud Forest and Flower Dome.

THE CLOUD FOREST

Via the Cloud Walk: fun and scary walk atop the Cloud Forest Mountain.

 Our favorite Cloud Forest's attractions is this

man-made Waterfalls.

 THE FLOWER DOME

  

  Awesome-awesome sight!

TIPS:

• If I had one regret, it was not having enough time to explore the famous Singapore's Gardens by the Bay.  We tried to cover both conservatories in only three (3) hours.  I recommend that you spend at least a day to get a full appreciation of The Gardens' beauty.
• The conservatories are air-conditioned. You may want to bring a light jacket to wear inside.

Please see also related articles on our Singapore-Malaysia adventure here:  Singapore-Malaysia Itinerary.


For more information regarding Gardens by the Bay attractions please check their website "Gardens by the Bay".

Singapore - Malaysia Budget

Sharing our expenses during our December 2014, 8D/7N travel to Singapore - Malaysia.

I admit our budget is nothing close to frugal travelling, but will try to add notes, on how you can possibly save and make the most of your hard earned money. 

Prices are in Philippine Pesos (using Php34 per SGD conversion) as of December 2014 and are broken down by day (except for hotel and combo tickets costs) based on our itinerary.  Cost is for 2 adults and 2 children, ages 6 and 10.

Since we travelled on a peak season, airfare and hotel prices were obviously higher. You would be able to save a lot if you choose to travel on a non-peak season.


If you have very little options and decided still to travel on a holiday, I suggest you book your airfare and hotel accommodations at least six (6) months in advance.  It is very rare that airlines and hotels will even lower their rates during peak seasons (which based on what I have seen starts 16th of December, all the way to the Chinese New Year). Remember: The earlier you book the more you will save.



I. AIRFARE

For 2 adults and 2 children is P 47,000 via Philippine Airlines (Booking PAL later on proves to be a wise decision, since Cebu Pacific had issues on numerous cancelled and delayed flights last December). 


II. TRANSPORTATION
Travel by taxi proved to be both efficient and convenient.  The attractions are not necessarily right next to the MRT or Bus station and still requires quite a bit of walking, which is strenuous if you are towing children.  Travel by taxi is roughly SGD15-20 from Orchard area to most of the tourists' attractions.  

III. FOOD
Price depends where you eat. Cost is expectedly more expensive inside resorts and parks.  I have noticed that most locals bring water container and refills it once empty. 

Meals at hawker center is about SGD5-8 per viand, while prices at fast food restaurants cost SGD15-20. Hotel buffets range from expensive at SGD25-30 (for breakfast) to SGD80-100 (for lunch and dinner).  Note that prices are higher for holiday lunch and dinner.


IV. HOTEL

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
ROYAL PLAZA ON SCOTTS (ORCHARD) - SUPERIOR ROOM - 4 NIGHTS	32,000.00	This hotel is located in Orchard area.  It is very accessible to public transport and taxi fare is never more than SGD20 in most of Singapore's tourists' attractions.  At P8,000/day, we get free mini-bar (replenished daily) and wifi access for multiple devices. BTW, we have been upgraded to a Royal Premier Suite, which gave us access to the Royal club which included free buffet breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner for two.
LEGOLAND MALAYSIA - 1 NIGHT	19,000.00	Rate is for a Standard Room and included buffet breakfast for 4 and two days combo tickets to the Legoland Wetpark and Themepark. We were again upgraded to a Premier Suite.  To make the most out of your Legoland visit I strongly suggest you get a two days combo pass (however, this is only available to hotel guests).
FESTIVE HOTEL RESORTS WORLD - 2 NIGHTS	29,000.00	Total cost is for a Deluxe Family Room and included tickets for 2 adults to SEA Aquarium, Universal Studio and Adventure Cove. Reservations was done through a Mastercard Promotion.

DAY 1 - SINGAPORE CITY

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
Asia Travel 3 in 1 combo ticket  - Adult P2400 / Child  P1800	8,400.00	Singapore Flyer, Ducktour and Gardens  by the Bay entrance to the twin conservatories

DAY 2 and 3 - LEGOLAND MALAYSIA

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
Singapore - Malaysia - Singapore via SGMYTaxi Private Transfers	7,140.00	There aree cheaper options of travel from Singapore to Malaysia, but we opted for a door to door private transfer.  Cost is SGD105 per way.
Tickets to Legoland Themepark and Wetpark inclusive in the	n/a	Included in our hotel cost.
Cabana Rental	3,220.00	Rental is not necessary, but very nice to have.  Cost is MYR280 for a whole day use.  Inclusive of Cabana rental, with mini refrigerator, electric fan, safety deposit box, 2 lounge chair, 2 lounge bed, 2 huge Legoland towels, 10 bottled drinks and wifi.

DAY 4 - JURONG BIRD PARK and SCIENCE CENTRE

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
Park Hopper Special 2 in 1	5,800.00	If you intend to do multiple zoo attractions, I suggest bookings online via zoo.com website and avail of their park hopper special.  We bought Jurong Bird Park and Singapore Day Zoo combo.
Combo Science Center with Transformer Exhibit Tickets	3,672.00	We bought the tickets directly at the Science Center complex.  Adult - SGD32 / Child SGD22

DAY 5 - SINGAPORE ZOO

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
Zoo Entrance	n/a	Included in the park hopper ticket.
Breakfast with the Orangutans	3,672.00	My boys enjoyed breakfast with Singapore Zoo's resident orangutans.  Adult SGD32 / Child SGD22

DAY 6 - SENTOSA

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
Sentosa Day Pass	10,064.00	The Sentosa Day Pass gives you single entry access to more than 20 attractions in Sentosa. Adult - SGD79/Child - SGD69.

DAY 7 AND 8 - UNIVERSAL STUDIO and SEA AQUARIUM

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
Universal Studio Singapore (USS) and SEA Aquarium combo tickets through Asia Travel	4,624.00	Our USS and SEA Aquarium adult ticket came free with our Festive Hotel bookings, so we only bought USS and SEA Tickets for our children. Cost is SGD68 per child.

Please see also the detailed itinerary of our Singapore-Malaysia travel. 

"SINGAPORE - MALAYSIA Itinerary and Tips (8D/7N)".


I hope you find this helpful as you plan your own Singapore-Malaysia adventure.  Let me know if you have questions, will try my best to answer them for you.

Our Singapore DuckTour Experience

Kids and walking really doesn't fit well together. 


I figured it would take a lot of walking if we insisted in touring the Singapore Marina area on foot, and so decided a tour onboard an open tour bus and the river cruise. However, due to limited time, I thought it is brilliant to do a Wacky Duck Tour instead.


The Original (with live commentary) Singapore Duck Tour takes you on a Singapore Heritage Tour by Land and Sea on onboard a DUCK, which is actually a remodeled WWII amphibious Vietnamese war craft

I booked a combo tour, through Asiatravel, which included: a ride on the Singapore Flyer; a DUCKtour and tickets to the Gardens by the Bay twin conservatories. 

The entire package costs SGD70 for adults and SGD55 for children. 

The tour boards by the Singapore Flyer tourist center and

lasts for about 60 minutes.

Hubby and I got to see most of Singapore's famous attractions without the trouble of dragging and forcing the kids around the city.

The land adventure included sights of Esplanade, the Historic Civic District and the Suntec City.  This is followed by the harbor tour view of Marina Bay, Merlion, Art Science Museum, Skypark and Gardens by the Bay Domes.


VERDICT

I think nothing beats walking, if you are yearning for a more authentic Singapore experience.  However, if you have children around, your next best bet is a Ducktour that combines both land and sea tours.


TIPS

• The chairs near the commentator may get wet, as the duck makes a huge splash as it enters the water.  It was fun to watch my kids giggle in laughter as they moved away from the "danger zone". 
• Remember to reserve seats though phone, especially if you intend to ride on a weekend or a holiday.  I have seen a couple, turned away since the tour is full and they have not made reservations.

Check out the Duck Tour webpage for additional details.

Festive Hotel - Resorts World Singapore

 

Hotels inside Sentosa are really expensive, if not for a credit card promotion, which included a 2 nights stay in Festive Hotel's Family Deluxe Room, inclusive of multiple attractions tickets for 2 adults in: SEA Aquarium, Universal Studio and Adventure Cove - staying in a Sentosa Hotel would not have been included in our Singapore adventure.

 

I booked via Agoda using my MasterCard and used earned reward points from my previous Agoda hotel bookings.  The entire package is less than P20,000 total.

 

Breakfast was not included in our package though, but no worries since there are numerous restaurants in the adjoining Forum Mall and nearby Malaysian Foodstreet.

 

Festive Hotel is connected to the USS Theme Park through the Festive Walk and Forum.  It is still about 5-10 minutes walk to and from USS, but a lot convenient than staying outside the Resort's World complex.  

The room was huge with a king size bed, loft bed and sofa bed, that can comfortably sleep 5 pax.  The hotel provided enough linens and pillow.


Room was clean enough (since my dust allergy was not trigger), although it has seen better days and would soon need renovation. 


There is a bath tub, but I find it quite high for the average Asian.  You would need to use steps to climb in and out the tub, which could be slippery when wet.  You have to be extra cautious, especially of the kids to avoid accidents.

There is also no bidet, which saddened by husband. Bidet sprayer happens to be one of his hotel requirements.

But that was okay, as the view compensated for the missing bidet....

Our room opens up to balcony, with a pool view and a glimpse of the USS park at the back ground.


VERDICT
Would like to try other hotels in Sentosa next time.  I have heard about Movenpick, which is cleaner and newer than Festive.  Would consider staying here again, but only if on promotion.


TIPS:

1. Entry via taxi is free for hotel guests, just show a proof of your hotel confirmation (SMS or print out).
2. Ask for the special children toiletries pack upon booking.
3. Request for Sentosa Espress Pass tickets.  This would give you free access to the Sentosa Express to and from Harbourfront Station.
4. Standard Hotel Check-in at Festive Hotel is 3pm, but you may leave you luggage at the hotel concierge before exploring Sentosa Island.   
5. Festive has a pool, but the Hard Rock Pool is much nicer.  Hotel guests may use the Hard Rock Pool, just by showing their Hotel Key card.
6. For convenience, you may opt for the hotel limousine for transfers outside Resorts World.  As the taxi bay, was located near the Forum Mall (5-10minutes walk from Festive, through Festive Walk), we decided on a limousine transfer to the airport which cost us about SGD55 (regular taxi, on a non-peak hour from Resorts World would cost approximately SGD22-25).  The limousine transfer was more expensive obviously, but so convenient, considering regular taxi going outside Resorts World is difficult to get especially during rush hour.  With 4 pieces of full luggage, excluding backpacks and 2 EXTREMELY (we've been walking across Singapore for 8 days straight  now) kids in tow ~ a hotel limousine was a welcome luxury.

 
For Festive Hotel bookings and inquiries, please visit the Resorts World Singapore website:  FESTIVE HOTEL


You may also check out, the rest of our Singapore-Malaysia trip here:

Day 1 - Singapore City
Day 2 and 3 - LEGOLAND Malaysia
Day 4 - Jurong Bird Park and Science Center
Day 5 - Singapore Zoo (with breakfast with the Orangutans)
Day 6 - Sentosa Island
Day 7 - Universal Studio Singapore 
Day 8 - SEA Aquarium and Vivo City