[MUST-GO!] Walk Barefoot through Water & over Mirrors at teamLab Planets TOKYO

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Some call it a museum. Some call it an art gallery. But no matter what you call it, visiting teamLab's Planets when you are in Tokyo is a must-go, must-see and must-experience attraction! Simply because you go through the entire exhibition BAREFOOT. Wait, what?

If teamLab sounds familiar, that's because they are also the folks behind the 'Future World: Where Art Meets Science' exhibition at ArtScience Musuem right here in Singapore. A worldwide art collective that blends art, science, technology, and the natural world, teamLab is famed for creating digital artworks that offer an interactive and immersive experience for visitors.

Located in Toyosu, Tokyo, teamLab Planets TOKYO houses seven multi-sensory, full-body immersive art displays that utilises almost every of one's senses - touch, sight, sound and smell. Sprinkle in a dash of creativty and what you get is an experience unlike any other.

Here's what to expect at teamLab Planets TOKYO:

*You don’t have to worry about spoilers because even if I reveal every nook and corner at teamLab Planets TOKYO, my words will not be able to fully describe how you will actually FEEL when you are immersed within the artworks. 

First things first,

1. You will be barefoot for the entire experience.

Lockers are provided onsite for you to store your belongings and footwear.

2. Water levels can rise up to knee height.

That's right, you have to walk through knee-height water at certain portions. So what this means is it's better to wear shorts instead of pants/jeans to the exhibition. Else, ensure that your pants can be rolled up easily.

3. Do not wear dresses or skirts.

Certain installations are mirrored from top to bottom - where the entire floor area is also mirrored. So unless you wish for your underwear to be reflected (and turn up in other's photos and videos), it's advisable that dresses and skirts are not worn into the Planets. Else, shorts are available for free rental onsite as well.

teamLab Planets TOKYO essentially consists of TWO sections: the Water Area and Garden Area.

WATER AREA

Your first taste of the water experience begins right at the beginning, where you have to walk along a slightly inclined pathway with water cascading down.

Walk through a huge 'koi' pond

Titled 'Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People - Infinity', this installation is probably one of the most fun of all. 

Depending on how tall you are, be prepared to immerse in shin-deep or knee-deep water with swimming koi and flowers being projected onto the water.

Not only is the movement of the koi influenced by the presence of people in the water, you can touch the koi and watch it turn into flowers!

Fun fact: The projection is rendered in real time by a computer program. What this means is my interaction with the installation will never be similar to another person's!

Immerse yourself in the Infinite Crystal Universe

(yes, it's super IG-worthy too)

If you have been to Future World at ArtScience Museum, you will be familiar with this exhibit. But while the one at ArtScience Museum has a linear path, 'The Infinite Crystal Universe' at Planets is probably more than 5 times larger which means one is free to walk around and snap away!

Once inside, you will be surrounded by countless of hanging LED lights that change colour and pattern constantly. It is visually stunning and definitely the installation that most people loiter around the most - in search for that perfect shot! 😆

What makes it even more fun is one is able to influence the pattern of the 3D lights too! Simply download the teamLab app into your phone, select your desired pattern and release them into the artwork.

Experience 'Floating' in a universe of flowers

Enter the 'Floating in the Falling Universe of Flowers' and just chill.

Housed in a planetarium-like room, flowers are projected on the walls in a 360° manner. You can choose to stand, sit or even lie down to enjoy the installation.

I never knew this before my visit, but there is something really very relaxing in just lying down and simply watch the flowers 'dance' all around me.

Like the koi pond, this artwork is NOT a pre-recorded light show that plays on loop. It is created by a computer program that continuously renders the artwork in real time... so this means that previous visuals are never replicated.

Play with giant colourful balls

Okay, so the installation is more complex than just playing with colouful balls but I had to catch your attention. 😁

To be honest, the title of the installation is quite unsexy - 'Expanding Three-Dimensional Existence in Transforming Space - Flattening 3 Colors and 9 Blurred Colors, Free Floating'. But luckily, this room is full of riotous fun.

Consisting of suspended and free-floating spheres, they emit a sound and change colors when touched. And because different spheres are touched by different people at the same time, this creates an explosion of colours which resonates throughout the room.

Interestingly, when the spheres glow in the same colour, the once three dimensional perception of the spheres turns into a flat view of the whole space, which is what the title of the exhibit means.

 

Download an ever-changing NFT artwork

At the 'Matter is Void - Fire' digital installation, anyone can download and own the artwork itself. 

That's because the letters of the words in this artwork are continuously revolving and rotating. This means that each artwork is exclusive and authentic.

** There are 2 other smaller installations in the Water Area that I did not disclose as I feel the experience will be better if it came as a surprise. 😊

GARDEN AREA

The Garden Area may only consists of two installations but they are both visually stunning and amazing.

Revel in a Floating Flower Garden

Enclosed in a top-to-floor and wall-to-wall mirrorred room, the 'Floating Flower Garden' is as whimsical as it sounds.

Think a huge garden space with more than 10,000 natural orchids hanging from above with mirrors all around AND the flowers move UP AND DOWN according to people's movement! It's a stunning piece of work, if you ask me.

For obvious reasons, the garden makes for a great photo spot but beyond that, what is amazing about it is the flowers react to the visitors. The flowers gradually start to rise up as I got closer to them, as if they were welcoming me!

Push shiny big rocks at the Moss Garden

In the 'Moss Garden of Resonating Microcosms - Solidified Light Color, Sunrise and Sunset, installation, huge silvery ovoids fill up the entire room.

They depict mosses which were said to be the first terrestrial organisms to appear on Earth, where there was no life on land yet. These ovoids in the Moss Garden are reactive to the actual sunrise and sunset, the touch of a person, and even the wind when it blows.

With sunrise, the ovoids begin to reflect the world around them. When pushed down by a person or blown by the wind, the ovoid falls back and then rises, releasing a resonating tone. The ovoids around it also respond one after another, continuing to resonate with the same tone.

As the sun sets, the ovoids shine by themselves. When an ovoid is pushed by a person or blown by the wind, it shines brightly and emits a sound tone, as it rights itself. The ovoids around it also respond one after another, emitting the same light color and sound tone that continues to resonate out.

FREE ACTIVITIES FOR ALL

Even without paying to enter teamLab Planets TOKYO, one can also enjoy some cool FREE stuff there!

Right in front of the main building sits a tall obelisk. The 'Universe of Particles Falling from the Sky' interacts with vistors, with its fire particles will reacting to your position when you stand in front of it.

Also, if you download the 'Distributed Fire' app, you can harness that flame from the art and connect it with others who have done the same thing too!

Kids will love the 'One Stroke Bench', which like the stroke of a brush, this bench is a continuous bench that turns and loops through itself. The bench is open to the public and can be used as a bench for having lunch, a playground for children, and even a lounging area for relaxing.

Want a snapshot of what to expect? Here's a short video I did:

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As teamLab Planets was not intended to be a permanent exhibition in the first place, it will CLOSE officially by the end of this year (2023) so if you are planning to visit Tokyo this year, be sure to include it into your travel itinerary!

Everyone in the family - from the young to the mature - will love it. Because teamLab Planets TOKYO is an awesome experience for all ages that will astound you not only visually, but also immerse your other senses as well!

USEFUL INFORMATION

teamLab Planets TOKYO

Dates: From now until end 2023

Address: Toyosu 6-1-16, Koto-ku, Tokyo [MAP]

Opening Hours: All days 9:00 - 21:00

* Extended opening hours: Saturday, April 1 - Sunday, April 2; Saturday, April 29 - Sunday, May 7 9:00 - 22:00

* Last entry 1 hour before closing time

Admission:

[TIP: Pre-book your tickets through KLOOK to secure your time slot and at a slightly cheaper price!]

WEEKDAYS:

Adults (18 Years and above) JPY 3,200 | Junior high school / High school JPY 2,000 | Children (Ages 4-12) JPY 1,000 | Under 3 years of age FREE | Disability discount JPY 1,600

WEEKENDS, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS & DATES WITH EXTENDED OPENING HOURS:

Adults (18 Years and above)  JPY 3,500 | Junior high school / High school JPY 2,300 | Children (Ages 4-12) JPY 1,300 | Under 3 years of age FREE | Disability discount JPY 1,900

WEBSITE

10 Short 3D2N Getaways to Johor, Batam or Bintan for that Impromptu Holiday!

We all need a short break now and then... especially since overseas travel is becoming the norm again. Quick getaways that do not require too long of a travelling time or too much planning - just pack and go with the kids!

An easy 3D2N trip to either Malaysia, Batam or Bintan will do the trick. So I've compiled 10 getaway options - all of which are good for a 3-days-2-nights stay with the family. All of them are family-friendly, bursting with activities to keep the kids occupied!

So plan away! 😁

1. Talula Hill Farm Resort

(Kluang, Malaysia)

Situated a 1.5-hour drive from Singapore is a unique farm stay experience, with gorgeous cabins, farm animals and activities, and breathtaking views.

Set in the foothills of Gunung Lambak in Kluang, Johor, Talula Hill Farm Resort is a fruit, animal, and vegetable farm which also happens to offer cabins for guests to momentarily escape the bustle of city life and soak in the tranquility of the resorts's surroundings.

There are 4 types of cabins to choose from, ranging from the standard cabins for 2 pax to the Loft Cabins for up to 5 pax. For families of 5, book the Loft Cabin which is the most beautiful cabin of the lot. Three single beds occupy the first level while the loft level has a king-sized bed.

Activities include a mini farm with animals like ducks, chickens, goats and rabbits, fishing, water dipping at the grotto and helping to harvest vegetables.

Read my full review HERE.

Address: PTD 40612, Jln Padang Tembak, 86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia

Website

2. Kiki Beach Resort

(Batam, Indonesia)

Glamp over the sea at Kiki Beach Resort @ Batam! 😍😍😍

Accommodation comes in the form of a spacious sea villa - think a huge air-conditioned safari tent but built over the sea. Frankly, there is nothing better than just enjoying the sea breeze, sea views and tranquility while lazing on the hammock outside the villa.

But wait, there are actually plenty of activities to keep everyone busy too - a huge saltwater lagoon on the main island, kayaking either in the lagoon or out at sea, ATV riding, fishing and even go island hopping.

If you have younger kids, there are also Lagoon Villas which are built on the main island and with direct access to the lagoon. I’m sure the kids will love jumping into the water right from the front porch!

Getting to Kiki Beach Resort takes about 2hr 45 min in total: 1-hr ferry from HarbourFront to Batam Centre, a 50-min land transfer from the ferry terminal to another jetty and a 50-min boat ride from the jetty to the resort. Not as straight-forward a journey, but it will be totally worth it.

Address: Pasir Gelam, Karas, Galang, Batam - Kepulauan Riau
Website

3. Rainforest Treehouse

(Kulai, Malaysia)

If you have always wondered what it's like to stay in a Treehouse and spend the night in the middle of a forest, then the Rainforest Treehouse in Kulai will tick all the boxes for you.

Located in the state of Johor, Malaysia, Rainforest Treehouse is a 40-min drive away from Singapore but the surroundings is completely different from the concrete jungle we know in Singapore.

Rainforest Treehouse currently has four types of accommodation available for booking. Two of them are for 2 to 4 persons, and includes a loft where the 'bedrooms' are at. For larger groups, there is the newest Treehouse which is located near the entrance of the eco-resort which can fit 6 to 8 persons. Completed in 2021, this will be most suited for families with younger kids and elderly as one doesn't need to walk far to reach the accommodation.

But for the true blue Treehouse experience, you have to book the 3-storey Treehouse (for 5 to 7 pax), otherwise known as the 'Sunset' Treehouse.

Spending one night in this 3-storey Treehouse, surrounded by the dense rainforest was a surreal experience. The temperature at night was even colder than my aircon preset temperature at home! 😆

Oh, and even if you aren’t staying there, you can visit the hidden Rainforest Cafe too! The wood-fired bread and drip coffee is 👍. Head to my full review post HERE for more details on what to expect.

Address: Hutan Lipur Gunung Pulai, 25 Jalan air terjun Kg Sri, 81000 Kulai, Johor, Malaysia

Website

4. Telunas Resorts
(Riau Islands, Indonesia)

Combining the sun, sand and sea in an all-inclusive resort with full comfort and no airport time, Telunas Resorts is all about long days at the beach - building sandcastles, fishing, paddling in a kayak, without the distraction of technology. 

The Telunas Resorts is made up of two parts - Telunas Beach Resort and Telunas Private Island. For a more economical option, head to the family-friendly beach resort. Rooms are built over the sea so that when night falls, guests hear the gentle ripple of waves beneath the room.

But for the ultimate experience, book the overwater villa at Telunas Private Island!

Take your pick from the many nature-centric activities. Laze on the stunning beach where low tides are perfect for swimming, even with infants, as the waves are mild.

 Families can also go on a Jungle-Waterfall Trek, Mangrove River Tour, Low Ropes Obstacle Course, or simply experience the thrill of jumping from the dock into the sea.

Getting to Telunas takes a fair bit of travelling though - approximately 2.5 hours by sea. We started with a 1-hour ferry ride from Harbourfront to Sekupang in Batam, and followed up with an another 1.5-hour journey from the local pier at Sekupang to Telunas Resorts via a wooden long boat.

But trust me when I say that the journey will all be worth it.

Visit HERE for my full review.

Address: Desa Mentangun, Moro Kepulauan Riau (Riau Islands), Indonesia
Website

5. Sinar Eco Resort
(Johor, Malaysia)

Who says one needs to fly to Australia for a farm stay? Located in Pekan Nanas in Johor, Sinar Eco Resort is about one hour's drive away from Tuas Checkpoint. Not only can one stay in rooms constructed out of shipping containers, the resort is full of farm animals that kids can pet and feed. There is no better place where kids can come face to face with chickens, geese, horses, rabbits, cats, dogs, cows and goats.

Nestled in the quiet tranquility of an oil palm estate, the resort provides the perfect atmosphere for families to embrace the countryside. There are a total of 8 air-conditioned containers in all, and each consists of a queen-sized bed, safe, TV, refrigerator and private bathroom. For larger groups, book the apartment rooms which come with three bedrooms each. Each bedroom can sleep 4 persons.

The resort is split into two main areas which are separated by a gravel road. One area houses the accommodation and cafe while the other larger area is home to all of the farm animals and activities. If your kids adore animals, they will go absolutely bonkers here. Even better if they love FEEDING and CUDDLING animals! Besides the animals, families can go kayaking along a river, as well as taking a dip in its sheltered swimming pool.

Read my review HERE.

Address: Lot 2346 GM2535 kampung sungai molek Mukim jeram batu, Pekan Nanas
Website

6. Rimba Resort
(Pulau Sibu, Malaysia)

If you are looking to chill by the beach with only the bare necessities, then Rimba Resort is your answer. Located three hours from Singapore - 2.5 hours drive from Singapore to Tanjung Leman jetty and a 30-minute boat ride to Pulau Sibu, Rimba Resort offers the perfect place to relax without the usual resort frills.

That's right: NO aircon, NO hot water, NO TV, and NO WiFi. But what you do get are 21 charming seafront chalets all within a stone’s throw away from the resort's 350m private beach. And the beach will be where the kids will be spending most of their time there, thanks to the gorgeous house reef. Trust me when I say the monkies had never seen so many clown fish in one single snorkel session. In fact, they they begged to snorkel every single morning... and afternoon!

The resort is set up with a central dining room, lounge areas, bar, and sun deck. Meals are full board and are served at designated times. There is only one Family Chalet which comes with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, both with hot water showers while the other beach chalets each consist of one bedroom (1 queen bed, 1 single & 1 bunk bed) and one bathroom.

Besides snorkelling, other activities to keep the kiddos occupied include fishing, kayaking, jungle trekking, board games, beach vollyball and a mini library. For parents, the resort is the perfect place to get away from it all, just by relaxing on the beach with a cocktail and a good book whilst watching the sunset.

Address: Pulau Sibu, Malaysia
Website

7. Club Med Bintan
(Bintan Island, Indonesia)

Looking for a holiday where you can just kick back, relax and let the kids do all the planning of the activities? Then Club Med Bintan is the holiday resort you should be booking. The pioneer of an all-inclusive holiday where all meals, drinks and activities are included in the booking price, Club Med Bintan is just a short ferry ride from Singapore.

From treating yourself to a beautiful spa perched on the rocks, or gliding through the air on a flying trapeze overlooking the sea, or honing your land and water sports skills, I would recommend at least a 3-night stay to truly experience what the resort has to offer.

Kiddos can be packed off to the Mini Club Med (4-10 years old) or Junior Club Med (11-17 years old) where they will enjoy a full day's worth of activities while parents can chill the day away by indulging in their own activities as well. Come every evening, there will be a night show and dance segment where everyone will be encouraged to join in the revelry. Kids can even order all the mocktail bar counters!

Read about our experience HERE.

Address: Bintan Island, Indonesia
Website

8. Montigo Resorts, Nongsa
(Batam, Indonesia)

Montigo Resorts, Nongsa is THE place to head to with the kids for a luxurious and fun-filled getaway. A 40-min ferry ride from Singapore and a mere 5-min car ride away from Nongsapura Ferry Terminal, the resort is Batam’s first 5-star all-villa resort with villas dotting the coastal shoreline offering unobstructed magnificent views of the South China Sea. The villas come with three floors of living space, each one boasting a private infinity pool—right outside the living room.

The two storey Tilo Kids’ Club will be a hit with the kids! The first level houses several cubicles with game consoles like Wii and Xbox Kinect to keep older kids entertained while the entire second level is littered with toys, books, boardgames, three tube slides and a ball pit. The Kids’ Club also has a wading pool for kids. Sign the kids up for the full-day or half-day programmes (chargeable) and staff at the Club will look after them, while parents sneak off to indulge at the Montigo Spa.

Read about our experience HERE.

Address: Jl. Hang Lekir Nongsa, Batam, Indonesia
Website

9. UK Agro Farm
(Johor, Malaysia)

Situated in Johor - about an hour’s drive from Singapore - UK Agro Farm Resort is Malaysia’s largest goat and sheep farm, with 100 acres of grazing land for 4,000 sheep. It offers a farmstay experience in the form of the ‘Long House’, a traditional house structure that has its roots in the Iban community in Sarawak. Built on stilts and with long corridors, the rooms overlook vast green meadows and grazing pastures. Rooms come with the usual amenities like air-conditioning and water heater so they are pretty decent, clean and functional.

There are tons of farm activities to do such as touring the Herb Sanctuary and Mushroom and Fruit Farms to learn all about plants. The highlight of the farm tour is probably feeding and cuddling sheep at the Sheep Farm. Kids can try bottle feeding baby goats, or feeding grain to ostriches at the Ostrich Park. For the adventurous, try your hand at the Sheep Challenge where participants are given 3 minutes to catch a sheep in an enclosure, and they stand to win a prize if successful.

Our experience HERE.

Address: Plot 8, Project Pertanian Moden Kluang, KM13 Jalan Batu Pahat,  86000 Kluang, Johor, Malaysia
Website

10. Lotus Desaru
(Johor, Malaysia)

Located on the southeastern tip of Johor, the Lotus Desaru Beach Resort offers apartments (1–4 bedrooms) with living and dining areas, as well as a kitchenette (microwave and fridge). In addition to fun at the beach, there are various activities that families can enjoy while at Desaru. Visit the nearby Desaru Fruit Farm and Ostrich Farm for a fun-filled educational day. Or go on an evening Fireflies Cruise where kids will see these fascinating insects light up the trees.

With a massive ‘spash-tacular’ water park situated in the middle of the resort, what do you think? Water park features include numerous water slides, a water playground and a huge tipping coconut - all of which are guaranteed to elicit squeals and screams from delighted kids. Don’t miss the Lazy River - a meandering slide that starts at the top of a slope and brings sliders down four water channels and three whirlpools!

Our experience HERE.

Address: Lot 1854, Jalan Desaru, Bandar Penawar, 81930 Kota Tinggi, Johor Darul Ta'zim, Malaysia
Website