Surviving JB during the school holidays

Back to JB again with the kids this time round so that it gives a better bang for our bucks. Don't be surprised but being novice we went during the school holiday...and survived it. Much to contrary beliefs, you SHOULD NEVER TAKE A CAR in. We took public transport and the wait was actually within acceptable standards. By the 5th bus (with 2 coming together), we were up and going. 

If you taking the train in, you would need to book way in advance. I heard it is at least 2 months. But for us, it was really a spontaneous decision. Although there were still train tickets, the timing just wasn't desirable. We decided to check out something off the beaten track - Eco Palladium. 

Lunch at The Courtyard Place

Though not fully occupied by tenants yet, Eco Palladium has lotsa of eateries. We settled on this because it seems to have more options for the kids. I really enjoyed this place because it serve a very healthy take on everything and some of the food was not something I could find outside. There was a kids menu available and also a mini play area to entertain the children as the adults have their own meals/ conversations. It is not very expensive too!

2. Work in Progress Studio

Next up, we went to get some crafts done! At Work in Progress Studio, you could make a moru doll or a silver ring. For the kids, we decided to go for the former because it was just easier for them. At Rm 88 (~S$30), you can make a doll with 10 tokens, a mystery accessory and unlimited beads. There was a lot of variety of apparels and accessories to pick from. My son being quite decisive, didn't use his full 10 tokens for his more simplistic doll. 

My daughter used his remainder to bring home cute little mini charm accessories to place in our mini house display (not all has to be attached to your doll). I really love their accessories cos some were really relatable like starbucks coffee and chagee bubble tea. The children had a lot of fun and it took around 1.5 hours in total to fully complete their moru doll. 

3. Kacha Kacha Studio (S$28)

Next up, we went to take some prints because the children were always badgering me about it and it is just way cheaper to do this in Malaysia. We only had 20 minutes to take our unlimited shots and 10 minutes to make the selection. It was pretty intense, given the toddlers had to be carried and dictated. We got to bring home some prints and digital prints for memories. It is a very popular place and some people travel to Eco Palladium just for it. 

4. Cuddle Co

The children needed a place to exhaust their energy so we decided to pop by Cuddle Co. Given its more outskirt location, I expected to be cheaper than the indoor playgrounds near the causeway malls. It turned out to be slightly more expensive. The staff, whom I initially thought to dislike children, turned up to be just anti-Singaporeans. They refused to speak to me in English and were basically very cold to us. The next family who popped by were Malaysians and they were absolutely charming. 

The indoor playground is very new and well-maintained. The kids had lots of good fun in an hour. There were cars for rent, photobooths services and also a top floor which sells overpriced kids clothings. You could also order food and drinks while you wait for the kids. However, the service was so deplorable and unwelcoming, I would 100% never step in again. 

After which, we headed back to the causeway malls for a quick meal and a pet cafe visit before we headed back home. No jam once again :D

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** Use the discount code "BABYNFAMKLOOK" when you book through Klook for a 5% Discount. Applicable to All Klook Activities with min. spend of SGD50. Discount capped at SGD15.

Steak & U.S. Poultry Buffet at Entrepot

For those are curious, a steak & U.S. Poultry buffet is basically a buffet without seafood. For me, I am more of a red meat person, so this is right up my alley. Apart from steaks, chicken and turkey, you get to enjoy flavourful pasta, salad and an array of desserts. Compared to many other buffets, the variety isn't as wide. But...every dish was top-notch. 

Maybe it is because Entrepot is helmed by Chef Nixon, the chicken served was extremely tender and delicious. To be quite frank, I am more of a beef than chicken person. Usually, I just take a tiny serving of chicken at buffets just to try. This is one of the rare occasions, I went for a second helping. Apart from the chicken, the pumpkin (yes shocking since it doesn't form my usual palette) was another show stealer. 

For the children, they indulged in the pasta (one of the best I have ever tasted to be honest) and the chicken. They tried a bit of turkey and rounded up their meal with lots of desserts and a delicious white rabbit ice-cream (original is better tasting in my opinion). Generally, the flavour profile at this buffet is richer. 

The meats taste better when paired with reds. For non-alcoholic options, you must try the exclusive The Robertson House Curated Teas and The Robertson Brew. To find the recommendations in their drink menus, simply look for the word Robertson, and you will find the Robertson Gin & Tonic (S$24 per glass), Dr. Robertson's Lager ($12 half pint/ $17 full pint), Dr Robertson's Chai Tea Lemonade ($12 per glass)

The Christmas buffets happens only from 24th to 28th December 2025. Children under 6 yo gets to dine free. It is priced pretty affordably too, especially the top-up for the alcoholic beverages. 

• Adults: S$78++
• Children: S$48++
• Unlimited Wine: S$28++ (Add an additional S$10 for Robertson Lager and Gin & Tonic, including House Spirits)

I can't wait for X'mas already and all its merry feasting. Entrepot is located at the fancy Robertson House. It is really new and gorgeous, perfect place for a staycation to wind down for the year. :)

Review of Oceanarium

Oceanarium rebranded and opened and we finally made our way there. To be quite frank, apart from the jelly fish exhibition, I didn't find the whole Oceanarium to be particularly impressive. The design of the whole area was a little like a maze. Halfway in, with the dim lights and all, I was feeling rather lethargic pretty eager to get out. 

Overall, it looks quite the same. I pretty much enjoyed the peep into the aquarist lab. There is the option of an insider experience, where you can have behind-the-scene visits and one-to-one with certain aquatic creatures. The additional price varies, but when you are coming as a family - it can add up to being pretty pricey. And at this stage, I just can't bear paying it and some just merely guided tours which feels like a rip-off. 

There was still an area for the guests to touch the marine creatures. I am not sure whether it is fixed - but touching the cleaner shrimps are just pretty meh. I have them in my tank at home too. So tell me, what's so special?!? Still, my kids went for the experience twice since the queue was non-existent. We got our basic tickets via klook so there was some slight discount, but it was really hard to utilize the complimentary food and retail vouchers. The food kiosk lacks mains and basically serve light snacks, while the minimum spending for the retail voucher was set too high in my opinion. 

Nonetheless, I think everyone should go to the Oceanarium at least once. There are some sea creatures which i don't really think is featured elsewhere such as the axolotl (a crowd favourite), skeleton fishes and deep sea creatures etc.  The sharks, dolphins and manta ray arena, honestly were not featured as prominently as it should given how much the public loves them. Much to improve...maybe wait for a while before you visit. (shrugs)

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Oceanarium: https://www.klook.com/en-US/activity/119-singapore-oceanarium/

** Use the discount code "BABYNFAMKLOOK" when you book through Klook for a 5%  Discount. Applicable to All Klook Activities with min. spend of SGD50. Discount capped at SGD15.