How to Plan a Family Trip to Singapore

Last updated on March 8th, 2018 at 09:01 pm

Singapore is celebrating its 50^th birthday in 2015! It is also Lonely Planet’s top travel destination for the year as well, two great reasons to make it the travel choice for your family vacation this year! Singapore is a world-class city in a garden, an unexpected paradise for fanatics of the green and natural. A perfect balance of sparkling skyscrapers (Singapore is one of the cleanest cities in the world) and wild tropical landscape. So much so, you can hop on a bus in the city and end up in ancient rainforests alive with leaping monkeys, see sleepy farms bursting with bananas and papayas, and tour through muddy marshes overrun with lobsters and gigantic lizards! It is definitely sure to keep families entertained with its electrifying fusion of cultures, adventurous activities, and fun kid-friendly attractions.

Where to Stay?

Singapore offers a variety of accommodation choices to families. Known as an expensive city to visit, there are still many affordable hotels in Singapore and over 1,000 budget-friendly Airbnb rentals to choose from as well! Many travelers choose to stay in the Colonial District, close to most of the major historical sites. If shopping is your gang’s priority, stay in or close to the renowned shopping area in the Orchard Road District. Alternatively, if you prefer to stay out-of-town where it’s more laidback, the island of Sentosa or the nearby resort island of Bintan are both relaxing choices.

What is There to Do?

There is so much! Check out popular attractions like the Jurong Bird Park or the Singapore Zoo where you will find over 250 species, more than 3,000 animals! The Night Safari Zoo allows you to see the rare nocturnal activity of animals including the one-horned rhino. Visit Sentosa Island, meet the pink dolphins at Worlds Dolphin Lagoon, and learn about Singapore’s colonial history at Fort Siloso, home to the country’s largest collection of World War II memorabilia. There are festivals throughout the year in Singapore. They highlight lively performances and activities like feisty dragon boat races and ornate street parades. This year there are even more festivals and public performances because of SG50. There are so many fun and exciting things for families to experience in Singapore with many being inexpensive or free to do!

How to Get Around?

Singapore, a very well-organized city, boasts a tremendously efficient public transit system. The MRT (mass transit system) subway is a cheap and convenient way to navigate the city. If your budget allows, metered taxis are easy to find and hail when needed. Another fun option is tri shaws in Chinatown or on back streets, but make sure you agree on a fare with the driver before you ride.

Singapore is a great city to visit for families this year or any year, given its vibrant culture and myriad of family-friendly things to see and do. Singapore is hot and humid year-round so light and loose-fitting clothing is best to stay cool and comfortable. Many languages are spoken in Singapore, but the four official ones are Mandarin, English, Malay, and Tamil. Most people you meet will speak English.

Do you want to take a family trip this year? Singapore should make the shortlist of possibilities if not be the outright winner! If you have been before and have any tips on how to plan a family trip to Singapore, please share them in the comments below.