Stylophone, Finally!

I was eyeing on the stylophone for the longest time, so I was so stoked to finally got it. And best of all, thanks to ecommerce, I don't have to fly to Europe/ US to get it and the price has fallen, making it affordable for the masses. Apart from trying out novelties, I also really enjoy collecting weird instruments. I still haven't master it. But I am so amused by it. The kids also had a great time fiddling around. 

For the older folks who love David Bowie, this is an instrument that is very familiar to them. If you have background in music, this is not too difficult to figure out. But to perform it with other instruments, that's a struggle for me (cos I am not musically inclined) >_< love its techno sound, here's how you could possibly perform it!

Night Safari Review

It has been a while since we went to Night Safari. I have always remembered it being a top-notch attraction and the tram ride was a true highlight. All the animals were roaming, some even up close. It was truly a night to remember. One of the fire shows was cancelled that day which was a bit of a bummer. We managed to catch "Creatures of the Night" which was pretty interesting, just that I wish the show was a little longer. 

For people who are uncomfortable in the dark, the whole Night Safari is pretty dimly lit. At certain pathway, it could be pretty spooky. Halloween Night potential spots. We started with the walking paths first. Can't really decide whether this was a good idea because the queue for the tram rides were crazy when the night was early. By the time we were done with the paths, we didn't have to queue for the tram rides. But the kids were exhausted, one fell asleep on the tram (thinking it ended). 

Photo-taking was also extremely difficult. Most of my photos were not sharp. It is really a place where you will remember with your eyes. For families with young kids, I wouldn't suggest coming here cos the park becomes alive when your kids are ready for their rest. Fortunately, we were staying within the park. But by the time, we headed back to the resort, the children were sound asleep. 

For someone who has been to the park previously, Night Safari isn't like the zoo whereby you can visit over and over again. It is those place which you would visit once every 10 years (LOL!). Don't get me wrong, I enjoy it. But even as an adult, I was drained after the visit and the dim lighting made me want to sleep. And I think it is extremely difficult to keep refreshing the park, given that it isn't huge. *

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Night Safari (for locals, please compare prices with at Mandai website): https://www.klook.com/en-SG/destination/p50057039-night-safari-of-singapore/

** 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.

Mandai Rainforest Resort Review

After lots of hype, we decided to make our way to the Mandai Rainforest Resort too. It was located right in the heart of Mandai Zoo, with lots of greenery, away from the bustling city life. First impression wasn't too bad. We were welcome by random monkeys. Check-in was very prompt and service was top-notch. Kids amenities/ room slippers were provided. You could even loan a stroller from the concierge. 

Our room was the Family Sanctuary. It was well decorated and spacious, and could possibly sleep up to 4A + 2C comfortably. The children were particularly excited about the bunk bed. For me, it was about the thoughtful, tiny details in the room that made it memorable. Plus, the room was really new :)

Each night cost a whooping S$400+ and we could only afford 2D1N on staycation budget. The first place we checked out was the pool. I thought it was pretty disappointing. It has an infinity pool but there isn't much to see. There was a half-hearted lap pool and kids pool. At 5pm, there was free ice cream distributed. But that was pretty much all. The kids had fun, but I expected more. 

There was a good amount of eateries within walking distance, but the queue could be really long during dining hours. I thought there should be at least discount for hotel guests. But nope, the same went for Mandai tickets (apparently, Singaporean citizens could get better prices if you buy via the websites.) During our 2D1N, we visited the Night Safari (read our review here). By the time we were done, it was nearly 10pm+ and the kids were dead tired. I was so relief that we only lived nearby. 

There is a kids club within the resort, but I thought it was ridiculous that they were charging S$10 per child per day given the limited and quite off the mill activities they had for them to do. (This should really be a free service). The playground look great, but couldn't really entertain the kids more than an hour, half an hour if you are lucky.

For those who wonders what is the catch, I think it is the complimentary breakfast. It was super impressive. The variety was huge (and the biggest I have ever seen in all my vast hotel/ staycation stays), including machines for you to create your own juice concoction, pancakes etc. There was even alcohol. Apart from that, non-typical breakfast menu such as ice-cream, chocolate fondues were available. I was so stuffed by the end. S$400+ is still quite a stretch for me, and I didn't even went for the most extravagant treehouse. Great for an one-time experience, but my pocket just can't do it again. 

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Mandai Rainforest Resort: https://www.klook.com/en-SG/hotels/detail/1752819-mandai-rainforest-resort-by-banyan-tree/

** 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.

Food Tour 64: Great Food Choices (CBD)

Not denying, I really love enjoying a good meal every now and then. Some of the great calories choices I have made recently.

1. Spicy Noodle

Initially, I thought my husband was exaggerating when he said they were good and he had them twice within a span of 1 week when he was in Taiwan. When they finally opened in Singapore, I decided to give it a try. And boy it was good. The noodles were nice and springy and the broth was thick and yummy. It is of my better find. And honestly, who cares about the price! I am definitely going there again!

2. Moon Moon Food

This was another recommendation from the husband and I think it taste way better than Du Xiao Yue (which also hails from Taiwan). I tried their signature spicy sesame noodle and it was not to be missed. It was so good I could finish one on my own. My other favourite was their braised platter. I have never tasted anything so good. I can safely say I will be back for more. 

Apart from that, we also had the soup and a fried rice for the kids. I also tried their grass jelly (combined with black fungus). I quite enjoy it but I don't think it is for all (thicker version of the grass jelly drink). In all, a place to check if you hadn't.

3. Yogurt Planet

Personally, I feel this is not for everyone. But it is my favourite meal/ dessert replacement because I feel it is healthy. Please tell if me if it isn't. You are charged based on the size of the bowl and you can fill it up as much as you want. Part of me always feel like I got a great deal cos I will fill up all the way to the brim. There are a few delicious yoghurt flavours to choose from and lots of toppings  variety, which include fruits. I use it to give my daily fruit intake. :) Some of the toppings are pretty exotic which makes it an interesting treat!

Trying to be Cultured: All about Impressionism

In a bid to be more cultured, we made our way to the National Gallery to catch the largest French Impressionist Exhibition in collaboration with Museum of Fine Arts Boston. To be frank, before going, I don't even know what is Impressionism. Seeing it for myself up close, I realised I am not much of a fan. I prefer a lot more details in my art as compared to vagueness. I do agree with some art critics that some pieces look so much more like sketches than complete pieces.  

In the past, I have only heard of Monet. But interestingly, after seeing his works, I am a bigger admirer of Daubigny and his sea/ ship/ port pieces. I absolutely hated Renoir's masterpiece. Haha. I just didn't like the fused, unrealistic portraits. Though the style was distinct, I felt some were borderline sloppy. And the "anime" eyes just didn't sit well with me. 

If there is one thing I learn about art, it is that beauty truly lies in the eyes of the beholder. Comments by other attendees sometimes amuse me. There was a lady who was gushing over a piece of art which I totally hated. Lol. Apart from Monet, you will get to explore some of the iconic works by other artists such as Manet, Degas etc. Although I am in no way trained in art, you can still kinda realise that some "water", "peaches' and "roses' etc. are better drawn than the rest. 

A guided tour (or bringing a friend who is into art) isn't a bad idea if you are not into self-exploration/ self-realisation. A blind following the crowd, some of the appreciation techniques I have learnt include seeing the art up close, from the side and afar to notice the paint strokes and layering to create different effects. It is also interesting to notice the colour palette use to create different effects (i.e. some artist would use pink instead of white for water/ clouds).

Overall, I would still recommend making a trip down because it is not everyday we get to experience such masterpieces conveniently. For once, you don't have to travel to Europe etc. just to get to see these. Also, it is priced so affordably to encourage local attendance. It will only be in town from 14 Nov 25 to 1 Mar 26. Catch it while it is here!

National Gallery: https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/1256-national-gallery-singapore/

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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.

Starting the year at Pororo Park

It has been a while since we last visited Pororo Park (read the post here) and it is such a refreshing change. This is the safest indoor playground in Singapore and is extremely suitable for your toddlers. Our 6YO was borderline growing out of it. We got the 2 hours slot, but the shows and play areas could barely keep him busy. 

Our younger toddler on the other hand was having a great time, wanting to go for everything at least twice. Since our last visit, they have introduced new rides - Harry's Tractor Ride, Bubble Party at Tong Tong's Theatre, the bouncy area at Crong's Backyard.

For parents, this place is great because it has a nursing room within. Also, the kids here are around the same age group so there is barely any rough play. The kids will also entertain themselves - befriending and playing with the other kids.  Parents can take a breather and just rest as the kids play. Not going to deny it, but I kinda enjoy this. 

From a price perspective, it doesn't deviate too much from the established indoor playgrounds. However, if you are a family with kids that have a wide age gap, this may not be the best place to entertain your older kids. The train is definitely still a highlight but now that other indoor playgrounds are having their own, it is no longer something exclusive to Pororo Park. Nonetheless, still a great place to kickstart every child's indoor playground journey. *Winks*

Day out of Bintan Resort

Bintan have truly changed quite a bit since we have last visited. There is now more man-made sites to visit, making the place more interesting. Here's our itinerary should you be considering a trip out!

1. Dharma Shanti Temple

Do not be deceived by the photos, but this area is really quite small. It is at the the top of a small, modest temple. But this area is pretty impressive. I don't see anyone possibly spending more than 30 minutes here. It is quite a hidden gem. 

2. Blue Lake

This was the highlight for me. If you have a budget, you can just walk around to take photos. As the weather was good (and the kids really wanted to take the ATV), we decided to take it here. For info, most places are stricter and won't allow toddlers as pillion riders. It is market rate - around S$50 per pax, but the ride was really long and scenic. The guide would also help to take photos and videos. His photos are ok, but video skills can be improved LOL!

The weather was seemingly cloudy that day but we still ended up sunburnt. Remember your sunblock guys! No worries about insects cos it is pretty sterile. Strongly recommend this place as a pitstop. After this, we had lunch at a kelong recommended by the driver. I feel it is just a convenient tourist stop, nothing much to rave about. 

3. 500 Lohan Temple

I saw so many photos about it, I was pretty excited. This is quite far-flung and also actually a small area with humble temples around it. If you are not into buddhism, I think you can finish the place within 45 minutes max. As it is a man-made attraction, it is pretty curated. But kudos to Bintan tourism, for making the island more interesting. 

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Private Day Tour: https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/127779-bintan-private-car-charter-driver/

Our driver was pretty good. We could negotiate on the day on the actual itinerary and make minor changes here and there. He even gave us an hour extra. 

** 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.