Happy Chinese New Year, everyone!
May the Year of the Rooster bring you prosperity, good health, and happiness!
新年快乐，大鸡又大粒!
From,
the cheekiemonkies, Mummymonkie & chunkiemonkie
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More than 25 Activities for Kids this Chinese New Year (CNY) Long Weekend 2017
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Barely less than a month of school and work, here comes another long weekend to celebrate the Year of the Rooster! Of course, there is the usual fare of house-to-house visiting and gorging. But if you are looking for fun ways to usher in the Chinese New Year in Singapore with the kids, then look no further. I've compiled the best family-friendly events happening during this CNY long weekend, PLUS additional activities to last through the entire FIFTEEN days of the new year!
OH AND REMEMBER, there is NO school for the kids on the fourth day of the Chinese New Year (31 Jan 2017)!
So get the kiddos decked out in their new clothes and join in the festivities... because with this list, there is absolutely 鸡-ro chance of being bored this Chinese New Year!
Usher in the Year of the Rooster by thronging the streets of Chinatown, taking in the sights and sounds of the month-long street light-up. Be enthralled by the creativity of the street light-up design, and drop by the street bazaar for a wide range of Chinese New Year goodies!
Street Light-Up
Now until 25 Feb 2017 | 7pm - 2am (Fri & Sat); 7pm - 12mn (Sun - Thu); 7pm - 6am (27 Jan 2017) | Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road
Festive Street Bazaar
Now until 27 Feb 2017 | 6pm - 10.30pm (Daily); 6pm - 1am (CNY Eve) | Pagoda Street, Smith Street, Sago Street, Temple Streetand Trengganu Street
Nightly Stage Shows
Now until 27 Jan 2017 | 8pm - 10.30pm | Kreta Ayer Square
Chinatown Chinese New Year Countdown Party
27 Jan 2017 | 9.30pm – 12.30am | New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street
Chingay 2017 Night Fiesta @ Chinatown
12 Feb 2017 | 7.30pm - 9.30pm | New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street
The Chingay parade, the annual largest street performance and float parade in Asia, will make an appearance in Chinatown this year to bring the celebrations to a great height but also marking the end of the Chinese New Year Celebrations. Join in the fun with your family and friends for a vibrant night that include special performances by local and overseas performers and not forgetting the 10 over beautifully decorated and lighted float.
Be greeted by the auspicious, gilded hues of yellow, orange and red Dahlias (大丽花) and Begonias (秋海花) as you step into the crisp climate of the Flower Dome. Take in the beautiful sights while strolling through the Chinese garden inspired landscape, complete with a three-tier pagoda, a pavilion, moon gates, and even intricate sculptures of adorable chickens to welcome the Year of the Rooster. Adding to the festive ambiance and bringing an innovative twist to tradition is the projection mapping depicting scenes of Lunar New Year celebrations - a first for the floral displays at Gardens by the Bay!
*Local seniors enjoys FREE admission with local adult conservatory tickets purchased. Applicable to Local Single or Double Conservatories ticket (Valid for on-site & online purchases).
Offer is valid from 28 Jan 2017 to 12 Feb 2017.
Spring Treats
30 Jan - 12 Feb 2017 | 12pm - 5pm | Flower Dome
Besides admiring the beautiful floral display in the Flower Dome, visit various craft booths where the entire family can have fun customising their very own prosperity egg or learnt the art of Chinese Calligraphy.
God of Fortune Meet & Greet
30 Jan 2017, 4-5 Feb 2017 & 11-12 Feb 2017 | 12pm, 2pm, 4pm | Flower Dome
Keep an eye out for the adorable God of Fortune, who will be making his appearance in the Flower Dome to share his "Wealth and Fortune" with you.
The Istana is throwing open its doors to the public for Chinese New Year! There will be a variety of performances on the grounds during the Open House. For an entrance fee of $2 for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents and $4 for others, visitors could tour selected function rooms in the Istana building and view a special display of gifts presented to the President and the Prime Minister. There are also guided tours of the Istana building, conducted by the Preservation of Sites and Monuments (PSM) volunteers.
Experience the Singapore Biennale 2016 artworks in fun and interesting ways and usher in the year of the rooster with free family-friendly activities from 11am to 6pm. Adding excitement to your festive season is a Lion Dance performance happening right at SAM’s front lawn. If you’re lucky enough, you may even spot the roving God of Fortune mascot!
Traditional Lion Dance & LED Dragon Dance
28 – 30 Jan 2017 | Beach Plaza
Lion Dance – 4.30pm & 6.30pm, Dragon Dance – 8.10pm & 9.10pm
The Jay Show & Chinese Acts Reinvented
28 – 30 Jan 2017 | Merlion Plaza
The Jay Show – 4pm & 6pm, Chinese Acts Reinvented – 5pm & 7pm
Merlion Magic Lights!
Now until 26 Feb 2017 | 7.45pm, 8.15pm, 8.45pm & 9.15pm | Two additional shows 9.45pm & 10.15pm on Weekends, Eve of Public Holidays, and Public Holidays | Merlion Plaza
Be amazed by dancing lights on Singapore's iconic Sentosa Merlion, The Guardian of Prosperity. The night extravaganza weaves together a dazzling display of colours, lights and music to give you an unforgettable visual and auditory experience.
12 Zodiac Lanterns
Now until 26 Feb 2017 | 11am - 11pm | Palawan Green
Capture a unique Lunar New Year memory with the 12 Chinese zodiac lanterns each stylised to tell a love story. Strike a pose with the 3D lanterns as you discover the fable they tell, and don’t miss the captivating view when the lanterns light up at night!
Bring the kids to the Spring Fun in the Park carnival located at the Level 1 City Green at City Square Mall, where a giant rooster slide inflatable and shooting gallery await.
KidsFest 2017, a theatrical extravaganza where world-class theatre productions take the stage, featuring a dazzling array of productions recommended for children from as young as three! Dedicated to creating and promoting a wide variety of performance styles from all corners of the world. KidsFest is an exciting Festival for the whole family where compelling characters are brought to life and scenes from well-loved books are enacted vividly on stage. For the full schedule, visit www.kidsfest.com.sg/schedule.asp.
Here are some of the shows that will be put up during the Chinese New Year period:
Horrible Histories Awful Egyptians
25 - 28 Jan 2017
Details & Tickets: www.sistic.com.sg/events/ckidsfest2017d
Stick Man
26 - 29 Jan 2017
Details & Tickets: www.sistic.com.sg/events/ckidsfest2017e
Horrible Histories The Best of Barmy Britain
27 - 29 Jan 2017
Details & Tickets: www.sistic.com.sg/events/ckidsfest2017f
Romeo and Juliet Untold
4 - 5 Feb 2017
Details & Tickets: www.sistic.com.sg/events/ckidsfest2017g
Romeo and Juliet Untold
8 - 12 Feb 2017
Details & Tickets: www.sistic.com.sg/events/ckidsfest2017h
*FIREWORKS & LASER SHOW nightly at 9pm (Except on CNY Eve at 12 midnight)
Held at the Floating Platform @ Marina Bay, this iconic event has become an integral tradition of Singapore’s Lunar New Year celebrations for locals and tourists alike. This lively festival offers a special Chinese cultural experience – from giant lanterns to mouth-watering food – that is a feast for your senses. Be astounded by the larger-than life lanterns depicting figures of Chinese myth and legend, handcrafted onsite by craftsmen from China at the River Hongbao Festival. Crowd favourites include the God of Fortune, and of course, the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. A myriad of fringe activities, ranging from amusement rides to carnival games, will ensure that there is never a dull moment. Opera and other street performances round up this colourful extravaganza.
Singapore Zoo
Zoo-diac Trail
Will you rule the roost this year? Learn about the zodiac predictions for the Year of the Rooster.
Follow the trail below and explore the park on foot.
Auspicious Mascots Meet & Greet
27 - 30 Jan 2017 | 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm | Singapore Zoo Entrance Plaza
Receive blessings as you say hello to Fu Lu Shou – the three gods of Prosperity, Status and Longevity – and God of Fortune. Snap a shot with them too.
Captivating Lion Dance
28 - 30 Jan 2017 | 10am & 2pm | Singapore Zoo Entrance Plaza
Be amazed by our rousing lion dance performance. Pose for a photo with them after the show!
Fowl Facts
28-30 Jan 2017 | 10am - 4pm | Outside Retail Shop
Come and learn how chickens evolved from wild fowls to domesticated birds!
Jurong Bird Park
Zoo-diac Trail
See what lies ahead with zodiac predictions for the Year of the Rooster. Will luck be on your side?
Follow the trail below and explore the park on foot.
Auspicious Mascots Meet & Greet
27 - 30 Jan 2017 | 11.30am, 12.30pm & 1.30pm | Penguin Coast
Receive blessings as you say hello to Fu Lu Shou – the three gods of Prosperity, Status and Longevity – and God of Fortune. Snap a shot with them too.
Majestic Lion Dance
28 - 30 Jan 2017 | 9.30am & 1.30pm | Penguin Coast
Roar into the New Year with our riveting lion dance performances. Stick around for snaps with them!
Fowl Facts
28-30 Jan 2017 | 10am - 4pm | Penguin Coast
Learn the importance of chicken to man and get an up-close look at our newly-hatched chicks!
Happy Hatch-day
28 - 30 Jan 2017 | Breeding and Research Centre
Drop by our Breeding and Research Centre to witness new chick hatchings!
Wings of Asia Encounter: Pheasant Edition
28 - 30 Jan 2017 | 11.45am | Wings of Asia
Set your eyes on these exotic birds on a guided tour within Wings of Asia. Pick up trivia, and catch the pheasants enjoying festive treats.
River Safari
Zoo-diac Trail
Will you have much to crow about in the Year of the Rooster? Find out what the horoscope forecasts.
Follow the trail below and explore the park on foot.
Auspicious Mascots Meet & Greet
27 - 30 Jan 2017 | 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm | Singapore Zoo Entrance Plaza
Receive blessings as you say hello to Fu Lu Shou – the three gods of Prosperity, Status and Longevity – and God of Fortune. Snap a shot with them too.
Captivating Lion Dance
28 - 30 Jan 2017 | 10am & 2pm | Singapore Zoo Entrance Plaza
Be amazed by our rousing lion dance performance. Pose for a photo with them after the show!
Good food. Great luck.
28 - 30 Jan 2017
Manatee Feeding: 12.15pm, Amazon Flooded Forest
Arowana Feeding: 11.50am, Squirrel Monkey Forest
Let blessings unfold as our manatees and arowanas reveal auspicious couplets upon having their fill of food.
Night Safari
Zoo-diac Trail
28 - 30 Jan 2017 | Elephant Courtyard
Let the zodiac predictions shed some light on what the Year of the Rooster has in store for you and your family.
Dazzling Mascots Meet & Greet
27 - 30 Jan 2017 | 6.45pm & 7.45pm | Night Safari Entrance Plaza
Let luck shine on you as you meet our auspicious LED God of Fortune and Fu Lu Shou mascots – the three gods of Prosperity, Status and Longevity!
Electrifying Dragon Dance
28 - 30 Jan 2017 | 7.30pm & 8.30pm | Night Safari Entrance Plaza
Be mesmerised as our bright and colourful LED dragon twirls and whirls in the dark of night.
Usher in the new spring and celebrate Chinese New Year with us at Gardens by the Bay. Spring Surprise 2017 offers an array of traditional performances as well as the biggest ever LED Phoenix making its debut appearance here in Singapore.
SPRING MELODIES
1 - 5 Feb 2017 | 5pm | Supertree Grove
Come and enjoy performances by talented young musicians from various schools and be entertained by the melodies played from various traditional Chinese Instruments.
ZINGO FESTIVAL DRUMS
3 - 4 Feb 2017 | 7pm | Supertree Grove
Begin your evening with an energetic drum performance by ZingO Festival Drums who will guarantee a spectacular evening of rousing music to get you in the mood for the Lunar New Year!
DANCE OF A THOUSAND HANDS
3 - 4 Feb 2017 | 7.15pm | Supertree Grove
Don't miss this mesmerizing performance "Dance of a Thousand Hands". An incredible masterpiece of seamless coordination and traditional fantasies. It is simply art in motion.
AERIAL CONTORTIONIST
3 - 4 Feb 2017 | 7.30pm | Supertree Grove
Catch the gravity defying performance by the aerial contortionist as she demostrates both grace and strength in her stunt.
SPRING STREET
3 - 5 Feb 2017 | 12pm - 9pm | In front of Floral Clock
Shop and complete your Spring Surprise experience by bringing home artisan souvenirs at our Spring Street.
RISE OF THE GOLDEN PHOENIX
3 - 4 & 10 - 11 Feb 2017 | 8pm (3-4 Feb) / 7pm (10-11 Feb) | Supertree Grove
Catch the thrilling stunts and dazzling performances by the LED dragons, lions and stilt walkers all underneath the iconic Supertrees. Behold and catch the biggest LED Phoenix dancing its debut in Singapore. Do not miss the golden opportunity!
AN EVENING WITH THE PHILHARMONIC WINDS
5 Feb 2017 | 7pm - 9pm | Supertree Grove
Enjoy your Sunday evening with the one and only Philharmonic Winds who will entertain you with familiar tunes and featuring vocalist Hong Shao Xuan, Tay Kewei and Dizi specialist Heng Xiangle.
Need help with answering your children's questions about wildlife and the natural world? Let award-winning naturalist Steve Backshall help you out with his entertaining and educational LIVE show in Singapore. Based on the hit BBC Earth series, "Deadly 60 Pole to Pole", the star of one of the most popular children's shows on the planet is coming to Singapore February 4 - 5. Steve will answer all your questions and share his experiences travelling from the South Pole to the North Pole, and his gripping encounters with majestic creatures from all corners of the globe.
Be captivated by fascinating performances, journey across Asia with incredible storytellers, or make your own masterpiece.
Usher in the year of Rooster at The Rink with spectacular dragon dance, traditional drums and flag performance!
Make arts and crafts based on the museum's collection, or go on a special, themed tour of the galleries. Dress up with the whole family in a batik shirt or sarong kebaya, and enjoy a fun-filled Sunday at the Peranakan Museum.
Welcome a new lunar year and celebrate together with the joys of play! A dazzling variety of festive live shows & activities await at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort! Before you begin your adventure, don’t forget to collect your Activity Trail Card at Festive Stage @ LEGO City, you will stand a chance to bring back the limited edition Lunar New Year 2017 commemorative brick. For more details, visit HERE.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay ushers in the Year of the Fire Rooster with an exciting and rousing line-up of performances by outstanding artists from Singapore and beyond at its 15th edition of Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts. Taking place from 3 – 12 February 2017, the annual festival will celebrate the Lunar New Year with the community through an exciting array of ticketed and free programmes featuring theatre, dance, music, visual arts and more. From Chinese dance, instrumental and choral music, to evergreen hits and getai performances by talented local singers and ensembles, there will be something for everyone.
For a complete listing of family-friendly programmes, visit HERE.
Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N (Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network) is a completely interactive experience that brings visitors into the cinematic world of Marvel The Avengers. This exhibition will provide a first hand look at intelligence files, classified studies, and experiments that explores the history and scientific origins of Marvel The Avengers including Iron Man, The Hulk, Captain America, Thor and more. This exhibition brings to life the science behind Super Heroes and allows fans of all ages to participate in a simulated recruitment, as if they were being trained to become Official Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N agent of the beloved Marvel Universe. For more information and tickets, visit HERE.
NASA – A Human Adventure is the most comprehensive and extensive touring space flight exhibition in the world. The exhibition marshals an extraordinary collection of over 200 historically significant artifacts from the U.S. and Soviet Union space programs. The objects on display in the exhibition are original and space flown objects or high fidelity replicas and scale models. For more details, visit HERE.
Playeum has refreshed its exhibition with 'A World Full of Stories', which combines the fundamental facets of stories with play. Specifically designed for children aged 1-12, the exhibition offers a series of interactive and open-ended spaces for young minds to feed their creative imagination through role play, storymaking, illustration, writing, drama and puppetry.
Encouraging children to employ the active use of imagination through creative expression, ‘A World
Full of Stories’ consists of ELEVEN installations in total! Check out my preview guide HERE.
OH AND REMEMBER, there is NO school for the kids on the fourth day of the Chinese New Year (31 Jan 2017)!
So get the kiddos decked out in their new clothes and join in the festivities... because with this list, there is absolutely 鸡-ro chance of being bored this Chinese New Year!
Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2017
Now until 25 Feb 2017
Usher in the Year of the Rooster by thronging the streets of Chinatown, taking in the sights and sounds of the month-long street light-up. Be enthralled by the creativity of the street light-up design, and drop by the street bazaar for a wide range of Chinese New Year goodies!
Street Light-Up
Now until 25 Feb 2017 | 7pm - 2am (Fri & Sat); 7pm - 12mn (Sun - Thu); 7pm - 6am (27 Jan 2017) | Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road
Festive Street Bazaar
Now until 27 Feb 2017 | 6pm - 10.30pm (Daily); 6pm - 1am (CNY Eve) | Pagoda Street, Smith Street, Sago Street, Temple Streetand Trengganu Street
Nightly Stage Shows
Now until 27 Jan 2017 | 8pm - 10.30pm | Kreta Ayer Square
Chinatown Chinese New Year Countdown Party
27 Jan 2017 | 9.30pm – 12.30am | New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street
Chingay 2017 Night Fiesta @ Chinatown
12 Feb 2017 | 7.30pm - 9.30pm | New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street
The Chingay parade, the annual largest street performance and float parade in Asia, will make an appearance in Chinatown this year to bring the celebrations to a great height but also marking the end of the Chinese New Year Celebrations. Join in the fun with your family and friends for a vibrant night that include special performances by local and overseas performers and not forgetting the 10 over beautifully decorated and lighted float.
Dahlia Dreams Floral Display
Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
Now until 19 Feb 2017; 9am - 9pm
Admission Charges apply
Be greeted by the auspicious, gilded hues of yellow, orange and red Dahlias (大丽花) and Begonias (秋海花) as you step into the crisp climate of the Flower Dome. Take in the beautiful sights while strolling through the Chinese garden inspired landscape, complete with a three-tier pagoda, a pavilion, moon gates, and even intricate sculptures of adorable chickens to welcome the Year of the Rooster. Adding to the festive ambiance and bringing an innovative twist to tradition is the projection mapping depicting scenes of Lunar New Year celebrations - a first for the floral displays at Gardens by the Bay!
*Local seniors enjoys FREE admission with local adult conservatory tickets purchased. Applicable to Local Single or Double Conservatories ticket (Valid for on-site & online purchases).
Offer is valid from 28 Jan 2017 to 12 Feb 2017.
Spring Treats
30 Jan - 12 Feb 2017 | 12pm - 5pm | Flower Dome
Besides admiring the beautiful floral display in the Flower Dome, visit various craft booths where the entire family can have fun customising their very own prosperity egg or learnt the art of Chinese Calligraphy.
God of Fortune Meet & Greet
30 Jan 2017, 4-5 Feb 2017 & 11-12 Feb 2017 | 12pm, 2pm, 4pm | Flower Dome
Keep an eye out for the adorable God of Fortune, who will be making his appearance in the Flower Dome to share his "Wealth and Fortune" with you.
Istana CNY Open House
29 Jan 2017; 8.30am - 6pm
The Istana
FREE for Singaporeans & PRs | $2 for other visitors
The Istana is throwing open its doors to the public for Chinese New Year! There will be a variety of performances on the grounds during the Open House. For an entrance fee of $2 for Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents and $4 for others, visitors could tour selected function rooms in the Istana building and view a special display of gifts presented to the President and the Prime Minister. There are also guided tours of the Istana building, conducted by the Preservation of Sites and Monuments (PSM) volunteers.
Singapore Biennale 2016 Celebrates Chinese New Year
29 Jan 2017; 11am - 6pm
Singapore Art Museum
Free with Singapore Biennale 2016 admission
Experience the Singapore Biennale 2016 artworks in fun and interesting ways and usher in the year of the rooster with free family-friendly activities from 11am to 6pm. Adding excitement to your festive season is a Lion Dance performance happening right at SAM’s front lawn. If you’re lucky enough, you may even spot the roving God of Fortune mascot!
Singapore Philatelic Museum CNY 2017 Open House
29 Jan 2017; 10am - 7pm
Singapore Philatelic Museum
FREE Admission
Gong SEA Fa Cai
Now until 11 Feb 2017; 10am - 7pm
S.E,A. Aquarium, Resorts World Sentosa
Admission charges apply
Dive into a sea of celebration this Lunar New Year with the Aquarium's fin-tastic line-up of festive programmes for you.
Trail of the Rooster (Hogfish)
Go from station to station, armed with clues to uncover fun facts about marine life considered auspicious in Chinese culture, such as the Leafy Sea Dragon and Abalone. This interactive trail will also bring visitors up close to threatened sea creatures such as the manta ray and this year’s star animal – the Rooster Hogfish. What’s more, you’ll be rewarded with treats at the end of your adventure!
Meet the Ancient S.E.A. Guardian
21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 Jan and 4, 5, 11 Feb 2017 | 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm | Before Shipwreck Habitat
Making a special appearance, this elusive personage is a lucky sight to behold, and those who completed the Trail of the Rooster can look forward to receiving golden chocolate coins from him!
Manta Mai Meet & Greet
1pm, 2:45pm, 3:45pm, 5:30pm daily | Ocean Gallery
Underwater Dragon Dance
2:15pm and 4:15pm daily (27 Jan - 11 Feb) | Ocean Gallery
This is no ordinary dragon dance – watch in wonder as the underwater dragon rides the currents of the Open Ocean Habitat and the mischievous monkey makes way for the tireless rooster, spreading luck to all spectators. Special lighting effects will be used to create an aquatic atmosphere with a Chinese drummer to heighten the excitement!
Festive Crafts Corner
10am – 7pm daily | Ocean Dome
Let us engage your little ones with origami, as they transform colourful squares of paper into cute little fish. Being creative can be so much fun!
Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2017
Now until 11 Feb 2017
Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm (extended till 10pm on 4 Feb; Lawn opening hours extended till 7pm from now to 11 Feb)
Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Ring in the year of the Rooster at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall’s Chinese New Year celebrations! The memorial hall will be presenting an exciting line-up of programmes suitable for the young and old throughout the festival such as special guided tours led by Y.E.S. 93.3FM DJ Zhong Kunhua, arts and craft workshops, snack bazaars, cultural performances, and more. Our festive rooster installations also promise to make for great family photo-moments this Lunar New Year. For a detailed listing of all activities, visit HERE.
Sentosa Celebrates Lunar New Year 2017
Now until 26 Feb 2017
Various locations on Sentosa
Island admission charges apply
Traditional Lion Dance & LED Dragon Dance
28 – 30 Jan 2017 | Beach Plaza
Lion Dance – 4.30pm & 6.30pm, Dragon Dance – 8.10pm & 9.10pm
The Jay Show & Chinese Acts Reinvented
28 – 30 Jan 2017 | Merlion Plaza
The Jay Show – 4pm & 6pm, Chinese Acts Reinvented – 5pm & 7pm
Merlion Magic Lights!
Now until 26 Feb 2017 | 7.45pm, 8.15pm, 8.45pm & 9.15pm | Two additional shows 9.45pm & 10.15pm on Weekends, Eve of Public Holidays, and Public Holidays | Merlion Plaza
Be amazed by dancing lights on Singapore's iconic Sentosa Merlion, The Guardian of Prosperity. The night extravaganza weaves together a dazzling display of colours, lights and music to give you an unforgettable visual and auditory experience.
12 Zodiac Lanterns
Now until 26 Feb 2017 | 11am - 11pm | Palawan Green
Capture a unique Lunar New Year memory with the 12 Chinese zodiac lanterns each stylised to tell a love story. Strike a pose with the 3D lanterns as you discover the fable they tell, and don’t miss the captivating view when the lanterns light up at night!
Spring Fun in the Park Outdoor Carnival (Uncle Ringo)
Now until 12 Feb 2017; Mon-Fri 6pm - 10pm | Sat, Sun & PH 12pm - 10pm
City Green, outside City Square Mall
Charges apply
KidsFest 2017
Now until 12 Feb 2017
KidsFest 2017, a theatrical extravaganza where world-class theatre productions take the stage, featuring a dazzling array of productions recommended for children from as young as three! Dedicated to creating and promoting a wide variety of performance styles from all corners of the world. KidsFest is an exciting Festival for the whole family where compelling characters are brought to life and scenes from well-loved books are enacted vividly on stage. For the full schedule, visit www.kidsfest.com.sg/schedule.asp.
Horrible Histories Awful Egyptians
25 - 28 Jan 2017
Details & Tickets: www.sistic.com.sg/events/ckidsfest2017d
Stick Man
26 - 29 Jan 2017
Details & Tickets: www.sistic.com.sg/events/ckidsfest2017e
Horrible Histories The Best of Barmy Britain
27 - 29 Jan 2017
Details & Tickets: www.sistic.com.sg/events/ckidsfest2017f
Romeo and Juliet Untold
4 - 5 Feb 2017
Details & Tickets: www.sistic.com.sg/events/ckidsfest2017g
Romeo and Juliet Untold
8 - 12 Feb 2017
Details & Tickets: www.sistic.com.sg/events/ckidsfest2017h
River Hongbao 2017
26 Jan - 4 Feb 2017
2pm - 11pm daily (CNY Eve on 27 Jan: 1am)
The Float @ Marina Bay
FREE Admission
*FIREWORKS & LASER SHOW nightly at 9pm (Except on CNY Eve at 12 midnight)
Held at the Floating Platform @ Marina Bay, this iconic event has become an integral tradition of Singapore’s Lunar New Year celebrations for locals and tourists alike. This lively festival offers a special Chinese cultural experience – from giant lanterns to mouth-watering food – that is a feast for your senses. Be astounded by the larger-than life lanterns depicting figures of Chinese myth and legend, handcrafted onsite by craftsmen from China at the River Hongbao Festival. Crowd favourites include the God of Fortune, and of course, the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. A myriad of fringe activities, ranging from amusement rides to carnival games, will ensure that there is never a dull moment. Opera and other street performances round up this colourful extravaganza.
Rooster in the Roo-nar New Year @ Wildlife Reserves Singapore
27 Jan - 11 Feb 2017
Zoo-diac Trail
Will you rule the roost this year? Learn about the zodiac predictions for the Year of the Rooster.
Follow the trail below and explore the park on foot.
Auspicious Mascots Meet & Greet
27 - 30 Jan 2017 | 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm | Singapore Zoo Entrance Plaza
Receive blessings as you say hello to Fu Lu Shou – the three gods of Prosperity, Status and Longevity – and God of Fortune. Snap a shot with them too.
Captivating Lion Dance
28 - 30 Jan 2017 | 10am & 2pm | Singapore Zoo Entrance Plaza
Be amazed by our rousing lion dance performance. Pose for a photo with them after the show!
Fowl Facts
28-30 Jan 2017 | 10am - 4pm | Outside Retail Shop
Come and learn how chickens evolved from wild fowls to domesticated birds!
Jurong Bird Park
Zoo-diac Trail
See what lies ahead with zodiac predictions for the Year of the Rooster. Will luck be on your side?
Follow the trail below and explore the park on foot.
Auspicious Mascots Meet & Greet
27 - 30 Jan 2017 | 11.30am, 12.30pm & 1.30pm | Penguin Coast
Receive blessings as you say hello to Fu Lu Shou – the three gods of Prosperity, Status and Longevity – and God of Fortune. Snap a shot with them too.
Majestic Lion Dance
28 - 30 Jan 2017 | 9.30am & 1.30pm | Penguin Coast
Roar into the New Year with our riveting lion dance performances. Stick around for snaps with them!
Fowl Facts
28-30 Jan 2017 | 10am - 4pm | Penguin Coast
Learn the importance of chicken to man and get an up-close look at our newly-hatched chicks!
Happy Hatch-day
28 - 30 Jan 2017 | Breeding and Research Centre
Drop by our Breeding and Research Centre to witness new chick hatchings!
Wings of Asia Encounter: Pheasant Edition
28 - 30 Jan 2017 | 11.45am | Wings of Asia
Set your eyes on these exotic birds on a guided tour within Wings of Asia. Pick up trivia, and catch the pheasants enjoying festive treats.
River Safari
Zoo-diac Trail
Will you have much to crow about in the Year of the Rooster? Find out what the horoscope forecasts.
Follow the trail below and explore the park on foot.
Auspicious Mascots Meet & Greet
27 - 30 Jan 2017 | 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm | Singapore Zoo Entrance Plaza
Receive blessings as you say hello to Fu Lu Shou – the three gods of Prosperity, Status and Longevity – and God of Fortune. Snap a shot with them too.
Captivating Lion Dance
28 - 30 Jan 2017 | 10am & 2pm | Singapore Zoo Entrance Plaza
Be amazed by our rousing lion dance performance. Pose for a photo with them after the show!
Good food. Great luck.
28 - 30 Jan 2017
Manatee Feeding: 12.15pm, Amazon Flooded Forest
Arowana Feeding: 11.50am, Squirrel Monkey Forest
Let blessings unfold as our manatees and arowanas reveal auspicious couplets upon having their fill of food.
Night Safari
Zoo-diac Trail
28 - 30 Jan 2017 | Elephant Courtyard
Let the zodiac predictions shed some light on what the Year of the Rooster has in store for you and your family.
Dazzling Mascots Meet & Greet
27 - 30 Jan 2017 | 6.45pm & 7.45pm | Night Safari Entrance Plaza
Let luck shine on you as you meet our auspicious LED God of Fortune and Fu Lu Shou mascots – the three gods of Prosperity, Status and Longevity!
Electrifying Dragon Dance
28 - 30 Jan 2017 | 7.30pm & 8.30pm | Night Safari Entrance Plaza
Be mesmerised as our bright and colourful LED dragon twirls and whirls in the dark of night.
Spring Surprise @ Gardens by the Bay
30 Jan - 12 Feb 2017
Supertree Grove
FREE
Usher in the new spring and celebrate Chinese New Year with us at Gardens by the Bay. Spring Surprise 2017 offers an array of traditional performances as well as the biggest ever LED Phoenix making its debut appearance here in Singapore.
SPRING MELODIES
1 - 5 Feb 2017 | 5pm | Supertree Grove
Come and enjoy performances by talented young musicians from various schools and be entertained by the melodies played from various traditional Chinese Instruments.
ZINGO FESTIVAL DRUMS
3 - 4 Feb 2017 | 7pm | Supertree Grove
Begin your evening with an energetic drum performance by ZingO Festival Drums who will guarantee a spectacular evening of rousing music to get you in the mood for the Lunar New Year!
DANCE OF A THOUSAND HANDS
3 - 4 Feb 2017 | 7.15pm | Supertree Grove
Don't miss this mesmerizing performance "Dance of a Thousand Hands". An incredible masterpiece of seamless coordination and traditional fantasies. It is simply art in motion.
AERIAL CONTORTIONIST
3 - 4 Feb 2017 | 7.30pm | Supertree Grove
Catch the gravity defying performance by the aerial contortionist as she demostrates both grace and strength in her stunt.
SPRING STREET
3 - 5 Feb 2017 | 12pm - 9pm | In front of Floral Clock
Shop and complete your Spring Surprise experience by bringing home artisan souvenirs at our Spring Street.
RISE OF THE GOLDEN PHOENIX
3 - 4 & 10 - 11 Feb 2017 | 8pm (3-4 Feb) / 7pm (10-11 Feb) | Supertree Grove
Catch the thrilling stunts and dazzling performances by the LED dragons, lions and stilt walkers all underneath the iconic Supertrees. Behold and catch the biggest LED Phoenix dancing its debut in Singapore. Do not miss the golden opportunity!
AN EVENING WITH THE PHILHARMONIC WINDS
5 Feb 2017 | 7pm - 9pm | Supertree Grove
Enjoy your Sunday evening with the one and only Philharmonic Winds who will entertain you with familiar tunes and featuring vocalist Hong Shao Xuan, Tay Kewei and Dizi specialist Heng Xiangle.
BBC Earth's Steve Backshall in Deadly 60 Live! Pole to Pole
3 - 5 Feb 2017 | 2pm
Grand Theatre, MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands
$30, $50, $70
Need help with answering your children's questions about wildlife and the natural world? Let award-winning naturalist Steve Backshall help you out with his entertaining and educational LIVE show in Singapore. Based on the hit BBC Earth series, "Deadly 60 Pole to Pole", the star of one of the most popular children's shows on the planet is coming to Singapore February 4 - 5. Steve will answer all your questions and share his experiences travelling from the South Pole to the North Pole, and his gripping encounters with majestic creatures from all corners of the globe.
Saturdays@ACM: Fowl Play!
4 Feb 2016; 1pm - 5pm
Asian Civilisations Museum
Free Admission
Be captivated by fascinating performances, journey across Asia with incredible storytellers, or make your own masterpiece.
Springtime Dragon on Ice!
4 Feb 2017; 5.15pm - 7.15pm
The Rink at JCube, L3
Adult $14 & Child $12 for 2-hour session (subject to festive surcharge)
Usher in the year of Rooster at The Rink with spectacular dragon dance, traditional drums and flag performance!
Straits Family Sunday: My Intan Berlian (My Diamond)
12 Feb 2017; 1 - 5pm
Peranakan Museum
FREE Admission
Make arts and crafts based on the museum's collection, or go on a special, themed tour of the galleries. Dress up with the whole family in a batik shirt or sarong kebaya, and enjoy a fun-filled Sunday at the Peranakan Museum.
CNY Celebrations 2017 at LEGOLAND Malaysia
27 Jan - 12 Feb 2017; 10am - 6pm
LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort
Admission charges apply
Welcome a new lunar year and celebrate together with the joys of play! A dazzling variety of festive live shows & activities await at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort! Before you begin your adventure, don’t forget to collect your Activity Trail Card at Festive Stage @ LEGO City, you will stand a chance to bring back the limited edition Lunar New Year 2017 commemorative brick. For more details, visit HERE.
Huayi 2017
3 - 12 Feb 2017
Various Shows & Dates
Esplanade
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay ushers in the Year of the Fire Rooster with an exciting and rousing line-up of performances by outstanding artists from Singapore and beyond at its 15th edition of Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts. Taking place from 3 – 12 February 2017, the annual festival will celebrate the Lunar New Year with the community through an exciting array of ticketed and free programmes featuring theatre, dance, music, visual arts and more. From Chinese dance, instrumental and choral music, to evergreen hits and getai performances by talented local singers and ensembles, there will be something for everyone.
For a complete listing of family-friendly programmes, visit HERE.
Chingay 2017
10 & 11 Feb 2017; 8pm
F1 Pit Building
10 Feb: $28.50, $40 & $50 |11 Feb: $28.50, $50 & $60
*20% discount for PAssion Card holders
In the special 45th Edition of the Chingay Parade, Chingay 2017 boasts exciting highlights that includes:
• Spectacular Water, Fire, Snow and Lighting effects
• Captivating Multi-ethnic Performances by Local Talents and International Acts
• Intricately Designed floats
• Reminiscing the Best of Chingay Classics
• Sing-a-long to Melodious and Evergreen Singaporean Music "Xinyao"
• Groove Along to Enchanting Dance Moves
• Stunning Pyrotechnics and Fireworks Display
For tickets, visit HERE. Visit chingay.org.sg/welcome for more information.
AVENGERS S.T.A.T.I.O.N.
Now until 5 Mar 2017
10am - 6pm
Science Centre Singapore, Annex Hall
Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N (Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network) is a completely interactive experience that brings visitors into the cinematic world of Marvel The Avengers. This exhibition will provide a first hand look at intelligence files, classified studies, and experiments that explores the history and scientific origins of Marvel The Avengers including Iron Man, The Hulk, Captain America, Thor and more. This exhibition brings to life the science behind Super Heroes and allows fans of all ages to participate in a simulated recruitment, as if they were being trained to become Official Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N agent of the beloved Marvel Universe. For more information and tickets, visit HERE.
NASA – A Human Adventure
Now until 19 Mar 2017
10am - 7pm
ArtScience Museum
Admission charges apply
NASA – A Human Adventure is the most comprehensive and extensive touring space flight exhibition in the world. The exhibition marshals an extraordinary collection of over 200 historically significant artifacts from the U.S. and Soviet Union space programs. The objects on display in the exhibition are original and space flown objects or high fidelity replicas and scale models. For more details, visit HERE.
Playeum's A World Full of Stories
Now until 30 Apr 2017
Tues - Sun: 10am - 6pm (Closed on Mondays)
Playeum
$22 per child (1-12) | Accompanying adult: Free | Additional accompanying adult: $10
Playeum has refreshed its exhibition with 'A World Full of Stories', which combines the fundamental facets of stories with play. Specifically designed for children aged 1-12, the exhibition offers a series of interactive and open-ended spaces for young minds to feed their creative imagination through role play, storymaking, illustration, writing, drama and puppetry.
Encouraging children to employ the active use of imagination through creative expression, ‘A World
Full of Stories’ consists of ELEVEN installations in total! Check out my preview guide HERE.
Managing Ayd's Myopia with Ortho-K
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What is the main difference in the two photos below?
The answer is pretty obvious, no?
Spectacles! Or rather, it's the lack of it for the past 6 months.
Unfortunately, myopia runs deep in my family. I started wearing spectacles in Primary School and the wifey trumps me by having a degree greater than 800. All these doesn't bode well for the monkies and in Ayd's case, he started developing myopia when in Primary 2. Since then, his degree has been steadily increasing.
Then I came to know about Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K for short.
Ortho-K is a non-surgical, reversible process that uses therapeutic lenses to shape the cornea while the patient sleeps. Ortho-K lenses function as "orthodontics for the eye" - something like braces, but for the the eye - and provide clear vision without the use of contact lenses or glasses in the day.
That's right, all the child needs to do is to wear specially-designed cornea moulds, which look like hard lenses, to sleep every night. The lenses reshape the corneas and by the time the child removes them in the morning, he/she can see clearly without glasses.
Of course, the perfect vision is not permanent. The myopia slowly returns after 12 hours from the time of removal so one will need to wear the Ortho-K lenses again at night for them to work their magic again. Over time, the perfect vision will be last longer throughout the day and for some people, they can even enjoy perfect vision for 2 or more whole days!
Sounds amazing!
As I did more research online, I found out that Ortho-K comes with risks too, predominantly the probability of scarring and eye infections if the procedure was not done properly.
And that was precisely the first thing I asked Titus Wu, Optometrist and Orthokeratologist at Titus Eye Care (TEC). Titus is currently one of only two accredited Fellows of the International Academy of Ortho-K in Singapore while his clinic is also the first in Singapore to sub-specialize in Ortho-K for children and adults.
It turns out that just like wearing normal contact lenses, hygiene is paramount. Hands and lenses must be cleaned thoroughly to prevent eye infections. Also at TEC, the Ortho-K lenses are customized for each individual cornea - no two lenses are the same... which helps to keep the risks minimally low.
This was 1.5 years ago. Yes, we first saw Titus back in July 2015 when Ayd was having myopia of 100 degrees.
Back then, Titus kindly checked on all of the monkies' eye health and while Ash's and Ale's eyesight were perfect (and still are, thank goodness!), he suggested to monitor Ayd's vision for the next one year.
Fast forward to July 2016 and and his myopia had increased by close to 100 degrees. In a short span of one year!
With the eyesight of myopic children tending to increase rapidly during the ages of 7 – 15, myopia can increase as much as 100-200 degrees per year. Which means that Ayd may have a more than 500 degrees by the time he reaches Secondary School! And this is an irreversible process. Sigh.
With the eyesight of myopic children tending to increase rapidly during the ages of 7 – 15, myopia can increase as much as 100-200 degrees per year. Which means that Ayd may have a more than 500 degrees by the time he reaches Secondary School! And this is an irreversible process. Sigh.
Together with Titus, we discussed the merits of starting Ayd on Ortho-K so as to curb his myopia.
Top-most benefit of Ortho-K will the slowing down, or even halting his myopia condition completely. And of course, the tangible benefit of Ayd being able to snorkel and see everything underwater clearly. Or at least that was what he hoped perfect vision would allow him to do. Heh.
Top-most benefit of Ortho-K will the slowing down, or even halting his myopia condition completely. And of course, the tangible benefit of Ayd being able to snorkel and see everything underwater clearly. Or at least that was what he hoped perfect vision would allow him to do. Heh.
And so in July 2016, his Ortho-K journey began.
And because the Otho-K lenses are customised according to each individual's eyes, Titus first performed an in-office corneal impression which profiled Ayd's corneas as well as allowed him to experience how it feels like with the Ortho-K molds in his eyes.
Turns out that he handled the foreign body sensation of the molds very well so a pair of molds was made to order specifically for his corneas. A few weeks later, the molds arrived and thus began the task of teaching Ayd how to put in and take out the lenses correctly.
Okay, I have to admit - I have NEVER worn contact lenses in my entire life. I find it rather scary to be pressing onto my own eyeball so I would imagine this will be the most daunting part of Ortho-K should a child decides to get started on the treatment.
And it definitely was not easy for Ayd in the beginning.
I remember on the first morning of putting on the lenses, he could not take them out! The wifey tried to help him but somehow, the lenses were still in his eyes. So I had to bring him down to Titus' clinic where his friendly nurse helped him out. We realised that he forgot a step prior to taking out the lenses and that made the difference.
I remember on the first morning of putting on the lenses, he could not take them out! The wifey tried to help him but somehow, the lenses were still in his eyes. So I had to bring him down to Titus' clinic where his friendly nurse helped him out. We realised that he forgot a step prior to taking out the lenses and that made the difference.
But it did get better with time, and with more practice.
In the first month, Ayd took about 15 minutes to put in the lenses at night and 20 minutes to remove them in the morning. Now after 6 months, he is so good at it that he only takes less than 5 minutes!
And he loves it! Because he gets to enjoy his daily school and weekends without the hassle of spectacles, he is more than happy to go through the night and morning rituals involving his Ortho-K lenses.
In fact, according to the regular check-ups by Titus, he is doing extremely well with regards to his myopia control. The molds are well-centred on both eyes, his eyes are pristine and healthy and his vision is 6/6 without any optical correction.
So now, he gets every Saturday off where he does not need to put on the Ortho-K lenses but hie eyesight still remains clear for 2 whole days!
So now, he gets every Saturday off where he does not need to put on the Ortho-K lenses but hie eyesight still remains clear for 2 whole days!
And speaking of regular check-ups, Titus has got to be one of the most patient and knowledgeable optometrist I have ever met. I feel he has a genuine wish to help myopic kids keep their myopia in check and not let it spiral out of control. Plus when it comes to kids, you know and I know that it is not the most pleasing thing in the world to explain about Ortho-K to them. Add coaxing them to put on the lenses correctly, and I think it is no easy task!
So one question remains... how much does the process cost?
The Ortho-K treatment starts from $2010 (Net Amount), with costs varying depending on the level of myopia. It includes:
- Initial Ortho-K evaluation, fitting and consultation
- ALL mold changes by the Orthokeratologist for the first 6 months to attain a perfect fit
- Two individual corneal molds
- All follow-up care for the first year
- All solutions for the first time
- All topography testing
Lenses have to be replaced after every 1.5 to 2 years.
If you are interested to find out more about Ortho-K for your child - or even for yourself, because adults can also go on the programme! - do fix an appointment with Titus to find out more. From the past 1.5 years of interacting with him, I feel perfectly safe with putting my monkies' eye health in his hands.
Now, Ayd is enjoying his daily freedom of doing sports and study activities without the need to squint his eyes. Of course, he is most happy when we go swimming because as he puts it, "I can see clearly through my goggles!"
And when he's happy, I am happy too.
Benefits of Ortho-K for children:
1. Halt myopia progression
2. Provides clear vision and freedom from any form of spectacles or contact lenses in the day (especially helpful for children who participate in water, contact and racket sports)
3. Non-surgical and reversible
4. Safe and effective.
Useful Information
Titus Eye Care
Address: 10 Jalan Serene Serene Centre, #02-15 Singapore 258748
Tel: +65 6467 6338
Opening hours:
Mondays to Fridays – 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
Wednesdays – 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Saturdays – 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
Sundays and Public Holidays – Closed
Lunch hour – 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Website: tituseyecare.com
How Reducing Food Wastage at Home Equates to Saving More Money for Family Outings!
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I think almost of us are guilty of this once in a while - cooking too much food at home or over-ordering food at an eatery and not being able to finish the food in the end. Truth is, we don't realise how much food we throw away every day, from uneaten leftovers to spoiled produce.
Partly because we live in a country where poverty does not seem to be a prevalent social problem, we tend to gloss over the issue of food waste. But here's some food (pun intended) for thought: when we buy, order, or cook too much food, we waste our hard-earned money. Money that could have been used for a fun family outing... or in my case, together with my monkies.
Did you know that Singapore generated 786 million kg of food waste in 2015? To put things in perspective, that is enough to fill more than 1,500 Olympic-sized swimming pools and equivalent to two bowls of food waste generated PER PERSON PER DAY. Gosh.
At this rate of producing waste, Singapore will need a new incineration plant every 7 to 10 years, and a new landfill every 30 to 35 years. Problem is, Singapore has only one landfill - Semakau Landfill - and it may run out of space sooner than expected if our habits do not change.
And with an increasing number of people making the lifestyle switch from eating out to having home-cooked meals, reducing food wastage begins right at home. By cooking smart and making good use of leftovers, we can reduce the wastage of food... and in the process, save money while protecting the environment at the same time.
And speaking of cooking at home, the wifey and I have all along been involving them in the process. Because by including kids in the meal preparation process, it increases their interest and appetite for healthy eating. When parents convey interest and enthusiasm for cooking nutritious meals, they are more likely to instill the same attitudes in their children.
The above photo was taken 4.5 years ago, and they were highly enthusiastic in conjuring up their very own ham and cheese sandwich. See how tiny Ale was back then?
Fast forward to present and she is a great helper to have in the kitchen.
But more than just being a great help, involving them in the food preparation process also encourages and teaches them how to prevent food wastage. By letting them participate in the kitchen, they get a first-hand look at the contents in our fridge and also, understand why it is important to always buy and cook just enough so as to prevent leftovers which might lead to food wastage.
Just like when we decided to head to the park playground over the weekend, but not before preparing some egg mayonnaise sandwiches as snacks.
Here are some tips that we follow when it comes to prepping food for the family:
Cook just enough
With the monkies growing day by day, their appetites have increased as well. So we make it a point to determine the amount to be cooked with their appetites and eating habits in mind so as not to prepare an excessive amount of food.
Keep track of what’s in our kitchen
We plan meals according to what we have in the kitchen, and what’s expiring soon. Which brings me to my next point.
Draw up a grocery shopping list
We involve the monkies in listing down the groceries we need by planning ahead for a week of meals. We usually only cook during the weekends so planning ahead not only reduces waste, it also allows us to make fewer grocery trips, saving time.
Cook a “use-it-up” meal every week
We use only what’s already in our kitchen, including leftovers. Much like the hard boiled eggs. There were 2 eggs left over from breakfast so after checking with everyone in the family if they would like egg mayonnaise sandwiches for snack time, we decided to boil another 3 eggs to ensure that just the right amount of sandwiches was prepared.
And here's another way to get the whole family involved to help build up some enthusiasm for using up leftovers: hold a cook-off contest to see who can make the best use of leftovers! Teach the kids to reduce food wastage by exploring ideas and recipes on how to repurpose leftover ingredients into new meals.
There is nothing wrong with bread ends and crust
Or bruised fruits and vegetables for that matter. Some kids are used to leaving bread crust untouched or cutting it away. In our household, we ensure the monkies eat all parts of bread. Hopefully, this teaches them the importance of valuing food.
Share
If there are any excess food that cannot be stored for too long, we share them with our neighbours
The great thing about having kids help prepare their food is they tend to finish their food promptly. No nagging required.
See what I mean? LOL.
Now that was super quick. Although I highly suspect this had something to do with their lightning eating speed.
Well, as long as they are happy, no?
By making small shifts in how we shop for, prepare, and store food, we can save time and money, and keep the valuable resources used to produce and distribute food from going to waste. And if you need more tips, there is a handy guide that you can download too at www.cgs.sg!
The guide will help you better understand how much food waste is generated in Singapore , and why it is a problem. More importantly, it contains tips on how to reduce wastage when cooking at home (including helpful recipes in using leftovers!), grocery shopping, eating out as well as kitchen hacks to get more out of the food in your kitchen!
With the new Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon, there're now SIX Theme Parks at Sunway Lagoon!
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The last time we went to Sunway Lagoon near Kuala Lumpur, Ale was barely 6 months old. That was back in 2011 and since then, a lot has changed within Sunway Lagoon... like adding a certain yellow sponge character to the mix.
That's right, Sunway Lagoon is home to the first Nickelodeon themed attraction in Asia, Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon - a brand new water theme park! That brings the total of theme parks within Sunway Lagoon to SIX.
Comprising of an Amusement Park, Water Park, Wildlife Park, Extreme Park, Scream Park, and Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon, Sunway Lagoon now offers a flat admission fee for visitors. I remember when I last visited in 2011, we had to purchase various bundles for the individual theme parks. Now, it cost RM153 (S$50) per adult and RM126 (S$42) per child, which is pretty value for money considering the number of attractions on offer.
For the monkies, the water theme park of Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon was undoubtedly the star attraction.
You know you have arrived when you come across all things Spongebob.
Located between the Wildlife Park and Extreme Park, Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon is home to colossal water rides, water playgrounds, canopy walks and meandering pathways.
Set amidst 10 acres of lush tropical rainforest and boasting a water playground for kids and six water slides, the water park promises to be kids' dream right from the start. Especially if they are fans of Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Okay okay, I admit. I was extremely excited when I first saw the colourful water slides too!
But first, we had to make a pit stop at Spongebob Splash Adventure... because which kid can resist a humongous water playground???
Comprising a combination of tall, short, covered and open water slides, the water playground is much like most kids' water playgrounds found in most water parks.
The difference? In true Nickelodeon fun, kids can look forward to SLIME TIME at 4pm everyday when green water pours down instead of normal water!
Granted that it is just green-coloured water instead of the famed green gooey slime, but try telling that to the hordes of kids (and adults) waiting in anticipation below the giant bucket.
If you prefer to stay by the sidelines, there are ample tables and chairs plonked right beside the water playground.
For younger kids, they can head to Splish Splash which is also situated beside the seating area.
With multiple water features that combines to create interactive water spray experience, the area was a great respite from the thrills and spills of the water playground...
At least that was until the monkies clamoured to go onto the main water slides!
If you are looking for good, fun and exciting slides that get your blood running but won’t give you a heart attack, head for Primeval where THREE water slides await.
Take your pick from Cobra Creek, Boa Constrictor and Crocodile Gully which are a different water slide experience on its own. Each water slide has its own twists, turns and drops along the way but I have to say the Boa Constrictor one stands out as the most thrilling of the lot.
One ride that the monkies - especially Ale - could not get enough of is Jungle Fury.
Do not be put off by its intimidating name. The ride is actually pretty mild (which explains why Ale loves it so much!), which consists of a family tube where up to four people can ride together down a curving track. With mild twists and turns, and absolutely no plunging drops, this ride is suitable for younger kids.
In fact, it was so fun for the monkies that we went on it 6 times!
If you prefer something much much much more adrenaline-inducing, then Monsoon 360 is the one you are looking for.
This is one slide where the person stands in the top of the slide, wait in anticipation for the trap door to open below and then descend into a vertical free fall!
We were all too chicken to try it out, so you will have to make do with a photo taken from Sunway Lagoon's website. LOL.
I don't think I will be able to bring myself to try that.
Luckily, there was still a pretty thrilling ride in the form of the Kubarango.
This is one ride where we experienced an exhilarating combination – rafting, a mega drop, a vertical burst and even weightlessness! Our dual raft was unleashed into a steep drop before shooting up and pausing momentarily... finally, gravity took hold for one last thrill and dropped us down with a giant splash!
And in an attempt to calm our hearts down, we headed to the main entrance area for the mandatory Meet & Greet.
Because what is a theme park experience with snapping photos with colourful and larger-than-life mascots, no?
In addition to Spongebob and Patrick, there are Meet & Greet sessions with Dora, Boots, and the pizza-loving Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Of course, there are ample opportunities to take home a Nickelodeon souvenir too.
Food-wise, there are food kiosks, serving a range of food from burgers and pizzas to rice dishes.
The Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon is a great addition to the existing them park experience rides at Sunway Lagoon, and best of all, there is NO extra charge! A good balance of exhilarating water slides (Monsoon 360, I'm looking at you) and family-friendly attractions (wading pools & small slides for younger kids kids), it makes for the perfect excuse to head to Sunway Lagoon!
Oh, and there is a new ride that is still under construction while we were there. What's that, you ask? A water roller-coaster! I think the monkies will be eagerly waiting for that to open.
Check out all the fun the monkies had at Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon in a brief video clip that I had compiled:
A fave of the boys back in 2011, the spinning Cowboy Boot ride found a new fan in Ale. As for the boys, they were found whizzing down the Colorado Splash flume ride. Yes, they simply could not get enough of water.
We made a brief stop at Extreme Park, which is dedicated to all adrenalin junkies, thrill seekers and extreme sport fans. Not surprisingly, most of the activities found here cater to older kids and up and activities like the Flying Fox, Bungy Jump, ATV and Go Kart require additional fees.
At least the Paintball Shooting was free for everyone.
We gave the Scream Park, which featured a walk-through Ghostbusters Adventure experience, a miss because well... the monkies were not fans of being scared. Heh.
And before Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon, there was original Sunway Lagoon Water Park. Here, you can find the perennial favourites of a lazy river, wave pool, water playground and of course, plenty of water slides.
I was glad that we were able to go on the Vuvuzela, the world's highest and largest vortex water slide. Yes, that's the orange and yellow structure in the photo.
This is by far the most thrilling water ride I have been on. It is tough to describe how the ride is exactly... but think of it like a Pirate Ship ride, where the raft slides up and down like a pendulum along the sides of the slide. The pacing of the ride is great and the tremendous drop into the funnel rivals that of many roller-coasters!
If you do go to Sunway Lagoon, make it a point to go on that slide. The queue can be unbearably long, so we waited until it was 30 minutes to closing time and we only had to queue for 10 minutes!
The Wildlife Park is also not one to be missed, especially if you have young kids with you.
Billed as the first and only fully interactive zoo attraction in Malaysia, visitors can get up close and personal with more than 150 species of animals from around the world. From a journey of learning through its unique Wildlife Encounters, to getting entertained by talented animal stars in the Wildlife Theatre, the Wildlife Park has loads of educational and interesting activities for the entire family.
But perhaps, the star attraction for the monkies had got to be the Pet Village.
Here, they got to dabble in some longkang fishing, feed guinea pigs and even cuddle some cute rabbits!
I am not kidding when I say Sunway Lagoon packs a lot of excitement into one location. With 6 theme parks to cover to cover at Sunway Lagoon, how can one get bored? In fact, I would say one day is hardly enough!
Accommodation-wise, choose from three options - Sunway Resort & Spa, Sunway Pyramid Pyramid Hotel and Sunway Clio Hotel. All three are located beside the theme parks, and connected to the iconic (AND HUGE) Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall.
We stayed at the newly refurbished Sunway Clio Hotel (formerly known as Sunway Pyramid Hotel West), with its guest rooms reflecting fresh details and textures with a contemporary functional design concept.
Overall, I had no complaints about the room - it was clean, functional and comfortable.
Useful Information
Sunway Lagoon
Address: 3, Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
GPS Coordinates: LATITUDE: 3.07199 ; LONGITUDE: 101.60515
Operating hours: 10am - 6pm daily
Admission:
Online rates - Adult RM153 | Child (12 & below) & Senior Citizens (60 & above) RM126
Walk-in rates - Adult RM170 | Child (12 & below) & Senior Citizens (60 & above) RM140
Accommodation: From RM380 per night (Sunway Clio Hotel's website)
Website: sunwaylagoon.com
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