Singapore Multi-Generational Trip: Seeing the World with Parents and Child

During the 2024 winter vacation, I embarked on a journey to Singapore with my newly retired parents and my 7-and-a-half-year-old daughter. This was a trip filled with both anticipation and careful preparation. We chose China Eastern Airlines, stayed at the well-located LYF Funan hotel, and made full use of the GO City ticket discounts. Our itinerary was packed with Singapore's classic attractions, from the bustling city center to the tranquil zoo and the vibrant Sentosa Island. Every day was an experience full of surprises and joy.

1. Preparations

Visa: Departure on 1/26, missed the visa-free policy. Three or more people applied for a group visa, which only required a copy of the passport cover, and the visa was issued in one day.

Hotel: LYF Funan (partnered with Ctrip, affordable, clean rooms, excellent location, very convenient for getting around)

Tickets: GO City. We did not buy the pass as it was not suitable for the elderly and children. We bought a 4-attraction pass, which can be exchanged for over 50 attractions. I recommend exchanging for more expensive attractions. I exchanged for Singapore Zoo + River Wonders + Night Safari + BIG BUS, saving about 200 RMB.

SIM Card: Purchased Singtel Hi Travel 4G card on Ctrip for 62 RMB, which is 18 SGD 2-in-1, 7 days 100G. After removing the SIM card, it can be used as a transit card (with 3 SGD balance).

Currency Exchange: Exchanged 1000 SGD in advance, which was more than enough, mainly used for topping up transit cards and buying food.

DAY 1: Departure and Arrival

We took a late-night flight departing from Pudong Airport. We parked the car near the airport, and there was a free shuttle bus that took us to Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, which was very convenient as it departed upon arrival. Our car insurance provided 5 days of free parking, but it was charged by the day, and we were charged an extra two days for parking, totaling 70 RMB. We arrived at Singapore Changi Airport the next morning. After changing clothes, clearing immigration, collecting luggage, picking up the SIM card, and purchasing MRT cards, we took the MRT to the hotel and began our Singapore trip.

DAY 2: City Exploration

After breakfast, we went to Merlion Park, then visited the金沙SkyPark Observation Deck. After lunch, we explored Gardens by the Bay, where the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest were breathtaking. In the evening, we enjoyed the mesmerizing fountain night show and light show, ending the first day of our journey perfectly.

DAY 3: Bus Tour

Considering that the elderly and children are not suitable for intense city walking, I chose the BIG BUS Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour. The service allowed us to explore the city freely. We could get on and off at any stop within 24 hours. Suntec City was the starting point. We boarded at the City Hall stop near our hotel. The driver helped us exchange the GO City pass. We first went to Suntec City and then took both the Yellow Line and Red Line. The Yellow Line took 1.5 hours, and the Red Line took 1 hour. When passing Little India and Chinatown, we got off to walk around and take photos. When passing Orchard Road, we got off for lunch and shopping. In the evening, we visited landmarks such as Clarke Quay and the Old Police Station. That day, we experienced Singapore's multiculturalism and bustling commerce.

DAY 4: Universal Studios

At Universal Studios Singapore, we experienced various thrilling rides. We bought tickets in advance and downloaded the Universal SG app to check waiting times and show schedules, which helped us plan our route efficiently and avoid long queues. The park opened at 10:00. We did not buy Express Passes, yet we managed to go on almost all the rides.

DAY 5: Zoo Adventure

That day we visited Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Night Safari. From morning till night, we watched various animal shows, experienced a unique rafting ride, and embarked on an extraordinary adventure at the Night Safari. The hotel was about an hour away. Singapore Zoo opens at 8:30 AM, so we set off early, taking the MRT and then a shuttle bus. At 10:30, we watched the sea lion show, which was fantastic. At 2:30, we watched the cat and dog show, which was mediocre. At 3:00, we went to River Wonders. The rafting tickets can be purchased on-site. The show is next to the rafting departure point and requires advance reservation. We watched the 4:30 show, and after rafting, we caught it. The Night Safari requires a reservation for entry. It starts at 7:15, and you can enter around 6:15 for dinner. The English tram is free, but the Chinese tram requires a ticket and is not very cost-effective. However, if the elderly and children don't understand English, it is necessary to buy tickets; otherwise, you'll see nothing in the dark. Be mindful of the tram timing as it may conflict with show times. There are three shows: 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30, which can only be reserved two hours in advance. We first walked the walking trail for about 45 minutes while it was still light, seeing many animals. Then we took the Chinese tram at 8:00, which shows different animals from the walking trail. It took about half an hour. After that, we had ice cream and drinks, then watched the 9:30 show, arriving early to get good seats.

DAY 6: Fun on Sentosa Island

After checking out and storing our luggage in the morning, we went to Sentosa Island again to experience the thrilling Skyline Luge. On weekdays, it opens at 11:00. We bought a 4-ride ticket directly. The first three rides had few people, but we queued a bit for the last one. I recommend going early; 4 rides take about 1 hour 15 minutes. Both the elderly and children can enjoy it. Transportation on the island is free. We took a bus from Beach Station to Siloso Beach and Palawan Beach, took photos at the famous suspension bridge, and enjoyed a leisurely time on the beach. Around 5:00 PM, we returned to the hotel to pick up our luggage and headed to Changi Airport. First, we checked in our luggage, then visited Jewel Changi for photos and fun. After that, we went through departure and shopped at the duty-free stores. We were only allowed into the departure lounge half an hour before boarding time.

3. Travel Tips

Itinerary Review and Optimization Suggestions: During this Singapore trip, we experienced the transition from a bustling city to a tranquil island. But looking back, I think it might have been better to swap the itineraries of Day 4 and Day 5. That way, we could have stayed one night on Sentosa Island to enjoy the unique charm of the seaside night more deeply. Alternatively, consider staying on Sentosa Island directly on the first day of the trip, then moving to a city hotel. Such adjustments could make the journey even more colorful.

Transportation Tips: Children under 7 years old can ride the MRT and other public transport for free. You need to exchange a dedicated children's transit card at the ticket service counter at the MRT entrance in Changi Airport T2 using the child's passport. Similarly, refunding the transit card balance is done at the same place.

Weather and Gear: Although our trip coincided with the rainy season, fortunately, we did not encounter any heavy rain. Even so, the rain ponchos we brought came in handy at Universal Studios for the rafting ride, water shows, and the sea lion show at the zoo—the so-called 'wet zone' lived up to its name. Additionally, since we departed from Shanghai in winter, we brought compression bags to compress down jackets and pack them in our luggage, saving space and making it easier to cope with Singapore's tropical climate.

4. Food Recommendations

Must-eat: Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, Ya Kun Kaya Toast Set, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Mr. Coconut, freshly squeezed orange juice from vending machines, coconuts, etc.

Excluding shopping, the travel cost was less than 9,000 RMB per person.