The best family holidays will stay in our memories forever. If it’s time to plan your next adventure, let it be Singapore! You’ll discover many family hotels and kid-friendly attractions in this small city that packs a punch. It is, after all, a destination that’s perfect for the young and young at heart.
Credit: Giphy
From meeting the wildlife at Singapore Zoo to exploring the best of Jewel, follow our 4D3N itinerary for a family trip unlike any other!
Getting there
From any cities in Malaysia to Singapore
- Take a 1-hour flight from KLIA to Changi Airport.
- Some of the airlines that fly directly to Singapore include AirAsia and Scoot.
- The average price is between RM240 and RM300 for a return flight.
- P.S. Did you know that Scoot flies directly from Kuantan or Kota Bharu to Singapore? With fares starting from RM96 one-way, you have more ways to reach the Lion City!
From any cities in Indonesia to Singapore
- Take a 1 hour 45 min flight from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Changi Airport
- Some of the airlines that fly directly to Singapore include Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia and Scoot.
- The average price is between IDR1.2 million and IDR2.5 million for a return flight.
Day 1
Arrive at Changi Airport
- Take a taxi or Grab from Changi Airport to the city area. The fare varies depending on where you’re staying. For example, the estimated Grab fare from Changi Airport to Bugis is between $16 and $21.
- You can skip the taxi queue and book Singapore Changi Airport Private Transfer in advance on Klook too! Perfect for group travellers, they have comfortable vehicles catered to a group of 3-9 people.
- Alternatively, you can take the MRT from Changi Airport to Tanah Merah (East West Line towards Tanah Merah). Then, hop on a train from Tanah Merah to Bugis (East West Line 2 towards Tuas Link), if you’re staying in Bugis!
Check in to your hotel
- For family-friendly hotels with many halal dining options in the area, we recommend staying in Bugis!
- #HHWT Tip: We promise, this is the only Bugis halal food guide you’ll ever need!
- Orchard is the next best area, but hotels in the area are more expensive.
- #HHWT Tip: From mentaiko lobsters to traditional nasi padang, check out these awesome eateries in Orchard Road (with nearby prayer spaces)!
Where to stay in Bugis
1. Strand Hotel
- Rates: Starts from RM660 per night on Agoda (family room)
- Directions: 1-min walk from Bencoolen MRT
2. Village Hotel Bugis by Far East Hospitality
- Rates: Starts from RM820 per night on Agoda (family room)
- Directions: 5-min walk from Bugis MRT
3. Hotel Mi
- Rates: RM820 per night on Agoda (family room with breakfast)
- Directions: 1-min walk from Bencoolen MRT
Lunch at DC Comics Super Heroes Café (2 hours)
Imagine the look on your kid’s face when you take them to DC Comics Super Heroes Café! An American-style diner that’s decorated in the theme of DC Super Heroes, your kids will love the Super Kids menu that features Batboy Junior burger, Mini Hero chicken bacon pasta and Kid Detective mac and cheese. It also comes with a choice of apple or orange juice.
Halal status: Halal-certified
Average price of main dishes: $25
Opening hours: Mon-Thu; 11.30AM-11PM, Fri; 11.30AM-11.30PM, Sat; 11AM-11.30PM, Sun; 11AM-11PM
Address: L1-03, Bay Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018972
Contact: +65 6688 7610
Baby chairs: Available
Directions: Take the MRT from Bugis to Bayfront station (Downtown Line towards Expo). Then, walk for 4 minutes to Marina Bay Sands
Step into the digital world of the ArtScience Museum (2-3 hours)
- Take a 5-min walk from DC Comics Super Heroes Café to ArtScience Museum
- Step into the ArtScience Museum, the world’s first museum of its kind!
- Take your family to Future World: Where Art Meets Science to see futuristic digital installations by Japan’s famous art collective, teamLab.
- Our favourite is City In A Garden where kids can explore interactive scenes complete with waterfall, flower fields and urban streets.
- Reimagine the world of Walt Disney with Mickey Mouse and Frozen’s Queen Elsa at Disney: Magic of Animation.
- Happening now till 29 March 2020, it features interactive exhibitions, projections and audio-visual displays for your kids to explore.
- Book your ArtScience Museum tickets in advance on Klook
Opening hours: Open daily; 10AM-7PM
Address: 6 Bayfront Ave, The Shoppes, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018974
Contact: +65 6688 8888
Diaper changing facilities: Available. Find out more.
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Admire the seasonal blooms at Gardens by the Bay (2-3 hours)
- Teach your kids all about the exotic flowers at Gardens by the Bay that’s only a 5-min walk from ArtScience Museum!
- Find an Instagrammable corner for a family snapshot at the Flower Dome, a beautiful glass greenhouse.
- The Flower Dome is famous for its changing floral display. From 17 January to 23 February 2020, catch the Dahlia Dreams display featuring 70 colourful Dahlia cultivars complete with a grand Fu medallion at the Flower Dome entrance.
- Make your way to Cloud Forest, the world’s first indoor waterfall that’s enveloped by lush greenery!
- Take the ramp up to the top of the waterfall to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Cloud Forest.
- Feel the cold mist as you walk up to the top or take the elevator if you’re pushing a stroller.
- #HHWT Tip: To replicate the tropical rainforest setting, the temperature at Cloud Forest can go as low as 25 degree Celsius. We suggest bringing a light jacket or cardigan if you’re spending more time here!
- Book your Gardens by the Bay tickets in advance on Klook
Opening hours: Open daily; 9AM-9PM
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Contact: +65 6420 6848
Nursing room: Available. Find out more here.
Stroller and wheelchair rentals: Available. Find out more here.
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Dinner at Satay by the Bay (2 hours)
- How many satays can your family finish in one sitting? Find out at Satay by the Bay that’s only a 5-min walk from Gardens by the Bay
- Specialising in Singaporean cuisine, this food centre also has a steamboat buffet stall where your family can savour crayfish, crabs, salmon and more.
- Look out for the halal-certified stalls at Satay by the Bay such as Sri Geylang Sate (C5/C6), Opah Satay (C7) or Marina Bay BBQ Steamboat Buffet (Stall 12-15)
- Save up to 10% when you purchase Satay by the Bay cash vouchers in advance on Klook
Halal status: Only selected stalls are halal-certified
Opening hours: Open daily; 11AM-10PM
Average price of main dishes: SGD15-30
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, #01-19, Singapore 018953
Baby chairs: Not available
Directions: Walk for 1 minute from Gardens by the Bay to Satay by the Bay
Optional: Shop at the twinkling Orchard Road (2-3 hours)
- Take the MRT from Bayfront to Somerset (20 mins)
- Alternative: Take Grab from Gardens by the Bay to Orchard Road (18 mins)
- Orchard is dotted with many shopping malls, so get your wallets ready for souvenirs and stylish apparel.
- Some malls in Singapore offer tourist privileges including 10-15% discounts on selected brands (like Rabeanco, Pedro and Fila), shopping vouchers and welcome gifts. Check out these offers at Orchard Central, [email protected], ION Orchard, and Takashimaya!
- You can also shop duty-free at T Galleria by DFS and Robinsons, which are conveniently located on Orchard Road.
Day 2
Take your kids to Universal Studios Singapore
- Take the MRT from Bencoolen to Harbourfront (27 mins). Head to the third floor of Vivocity to take the Sentosa Express Monorail to Waterfront station.
- Alternative: Book a Singapore Private Attraction Transfer in advance from Klook that’ll pick you up from your hotel to Universal Studios Singapore (15 mins).
- Make your way to Universal Studios Singapore, Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park!
- Before your trip, book Universal Studios Singapore tickets in advance from Klook.
- Upgrade to the Universal Express pass on Klook if you hate queuing in lines. The express pass will come in handy during the weekends and school holidays when long queues are expected for rides like Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey and King Julien’s Beach Party-Go-Round.
- Do note that you need to purchase the Universal Studios Singapore tickets before purchasing the Universal Express Pass.
Explore the outdoor rides at Universal Studios Singapore (3 hours)
- Do check out the character meet and greets at Universal Studios Singapore!
- Meet the minions from Despicable Me and say hello to Elmo at the Sesame Street Meet and Greet.
- Take the kid-friendly outdoor rides including Treasure Hunters, Dino-Soarin’ and King Julien’s Beach Party-Go-Round.
Opening hours: Open daily; 10AM-6PM
Address: Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269
Contact: +65 6577 8888
Stroller rentals: Available. Find out more.
Nursing room. Available. Find out more.
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Enjoy a lovely family lunch (2 hours)
- Situated within Far Far Away, treat your family to seven-spice fried chicken, hot fries and nuggets at Goldilocks
- Perfect for sunny afternoons, your family can cool down with Ben & Jerry’s ice cream too
- For other halal-certified dining options, check out Mel’s Drive-In, Friar’s, Oasis Spice Café and Marty’s Casa Del Wild Food Court.
Halal status: Halal-certified
Opening hours: Open daily; 10AM-6PM
Address: Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
Perform your prayers (45 mins)
- Head over to the prayer room next to the Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cylon roller coasters
- It’s separated into men’s and women’s room, and both include a wudhu (ablution) area
- Prayer mats are available, but ladies are recommended to bring their telekung (prayer garment) as there are only two pieces to share
Explore the indoor rides at Universal Studios Singapore (3 hours)
- If it rains or you just want to escape from the sun for a bit, don’t worry because there are a number of indoor rides and shows too!
- Your kids will have the best time at Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase, Magic Potion Spin and Madagascar: A Crate Adventure!
Shop at Universal Studios Singapore (1.5 hours)
- Bring home some cool souvenirs from Universal Studios Singapore!
- Treat your kids to themed collectables, toys and apparel at Universal Studios Store.
- Step into Minion Mart to shop for Despicable Me t-shirts, plush toys and other themed merchandise.
- For the young at heart (that’s you!), shop for Sesame Street-themed collectables, toys and souvenirs at The Brown Derby.
Mural hunting in Chinatown
Credit: George Tan on Flickr
- Take the MRT from HarbourFront to Chinatown (10 mins) and get your kids to spot the stunning murals around this heritage enclave.
- Wander along the bustling roads to find colourful murals like ‘Life in a shophouse’ (30 Smith St), ‘Cantonese opera stage’ (Temple St, off South Bridge Rd) and Old trades/draftsman’ (Mohamad Ali Lane).
- Our favourite is the Letter Writer mural by street artist Yip Yew Chong. In the past, these writers would pen letters for Singapore’s Chinese migrants who wish to send their regards to their loved ones back in China.
- The same street artist also painted a special mural at Thye Shan Medical Hall to commemorate the Detective Conan: The Fist Of Blue Sapphire movie that took place in Singapore.
- It features the iconic teen detective sampling durian, the King of Fruits in heart of Chinatown. True to the film’s name, there’s a tiny sapphire hidden in the mural, so get your kids to spot it!
Dinner at Eighteen Chefs (2 hours)
- Take the MRT from Chinatown to Bugis station (13 mins) that’s connected to Bugis Junction. Then, head over to Eighteen Chefs on the fourth floor!
- Alternative: Take Grab from Universal Studios Singapore to Bugis Junction where Eighteen Chefs is located (20 mins)
- Fill your tummy with Japanese curry beef rice, salted egg crispy chicken and fish and chips!
- There’s a kids’ meal menu that consists of beef bolognese, fish and chips, butter rice with cheesy sausage and more. Your little ones will love the complimentary grape juice and ice cream.
Halal status: Halal-certified
Opening hours: Open daily; 11AM-10.30PM
Address: Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria Street, #04-06 (Next to Cinema), Singapore 188021
Contact: 6734 9741
Baby chairs: Available
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Day 3
Have a wild family day at the Singapore Zoo
- For small family groups, book a shared shuttle bus transfer to Singapore Zoo in advance on Klook. The pick-up points are conveniently located at various MRT and hotels in Bugis. It includes Lavender MRT, Village Hotel Bugis, National Library Singapore.
- For large family groups, book a private transfer to Singapore Zoo in advance on Klook.
- Since the private transfer will pick your family up from the hotel, so you can head there with ease of mind!
- P.S. Taking public transport to the zoo will be inconvenient especially if you have strollers so we highly recommend taking a transfer!
Arrive at Singapore Zoo
- Before your trip, book your Singapore Zoo tickets with tram rides in advance on Klook!
- You can also buy the Park Hopper Plus tickets from Singapore Zoo. The benefits include the free carousel, tram and boat rides as well as access to all four parks: Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Safari and Jurong Bird Park!
Begin a wild adventure at Singapore Zoo (3 hours)
- Begin your morning with a Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife
- Held at the halal-certified Ah Meng Restaurant, feast like a king at the international buffet breakfast spread.
- Look forward to butter croissant, nutmeg-infused French toast, waffles with maple syrup, assorted cold cuts and dim sum!
- The main highlight is a special appearance by a family of orangutans between 9.30AM and 10AM.
- Book your Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife ticket on their website
- Catch the friendly elephants interacting with the keepers at Elephants of Asia. The showtimes for the Elephant Presentation is at 11.30AM and 3.30PM. Be there early because the seats fill up very quickly before the show!
- #HHWT Tip: For the best seats, go to the sheltered hut at the centre of the stage. It also has direct access to the queue for the feeding session after the show.
- Feed the giraffes at Wild Africa with one of their favourite vegetables, carrots! The feeding sessions are at 10.45AM, 1.50PM and 3.45PM. The price for a cup of carrot sticks is $5, and the proceeds will go to the zoo’s wildlife conservation efforts.
- Fun fact: Did you know that the giraffes in Singapore Zoo are fed Australian hay and leaves from local starfruit, jackfruit and acacia trees? That’s a fun fact to share with the kids!
Credit: Chem7 on Flickr
- Head over to the Free-Ranging Orangutan Island, and join the Keeper’s Chit-Chat to learn more about these friendly primates!
- Fun fact: Ah Meng Restaurant was named after the first orangutan who hosted the Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife! After Ah Meng passed on in 2008, her granddaughter Ishta has been named the new ‘Ah Meng’ since she looks just like her grandmother!
- Download the Singapore Zoo map to plan your visit to other animal exhibits!
Lunch at KFC (2 hours)
- Savour finger-lickin' fried chicken and mashed potatoes at KFC!
- When there are fried chicken, nuggets and crispy tenders on the table, you know your kids are ready for mealtime.
Halal status: Halal-certified
Average price of main dishes:
Opening hours: Open daily; 8.30AM-6PM
Address: Rainforest Kidzworld, Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826
Baby chairs: Available
Perform your prayer (45 mins)
- If you’re looking for a prayer space, ask the staff at the Singapore Zoo’s reception counter for assistance.
- The staff will provide you with a prayer mat and a room, but you may need to bring your prayer garments.
- You can also perform your ablutions in a nearby toilet.
Have a wet and wild afternoon at the water park (3 hours)
- Get your kids’ swimwear ready for Singapore Zoo’s wet play area complete with animal-themed slides, colourful tubes, and spray shack.
- Remember that kids must wear proper swimwear and swimming diapers at all times.
- Since the wet play area is located at Rainforest Kidzworld, your little ones can ride a pony, play at the wild animal carousel and interact with adorable animals. Do note that additional charges apply for some rides.
Bring home a new friend from Singapore Zoo’s gift shop (1.5 hours)
- Bring home a souvenir to remember your wonderful family moments at Singapore Zoo
- For kids who are building their toy collection, look out for plush toys like the cute penguin or the zoo’s famous mascot, Ah Meng the orangutan!
- #HHWT Tip: To store your souvenirs, buy a small-sized reusable non-woven bag for $0.30 or a medium-sized one for $0.50. Your contribution will go a long way in reducing plastic waste and fund the zoo’s wildlife conservation efforts too.
Opening hours: Open daily; 8.30AM-6PM
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826
Stroller and wagon rentals: Available. Find out more.
Nursing rooms: Available. Find out more.
Diaper-changing facilities: Available. Find out more.
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Dinner at Ah Meng Kitchen (2 hours)
- Walk to Singapore Zoo’s entrance, and delight your family with a hearty dinner at Ah Meng Kitchen.
- Take your time and savour delicious meals ranging from nasi lemak to fried bee hoon.
- Since the restaurant closes at 7PM, we recommend having an early dinner before walking over to the next attraction!
Halal status: Halal-certified
Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 9AM-7PM; Sat-Sun, 8.30AM-7PM
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826
Arrive at Night Safari
- Just a 1-min walk from Singapore Zoo, take your family to the world’s first nocturnal zoo, Night Safari!
- If you’ve already bought a Park Hopper Plus ticket at Singapore Zoo or booked your Night Safari tickets in advance on Klook, you can skip the queue.
Visit the nocturnal creatures at Singapore Zoo (3-4 hours)
- Spot the animals in the dark on four main trails: Leopard trail, Fishing Cat trail, East Lodge trail, and Wallaby trail.
- We recommend exploring the Wallaby trail on foot, so your kids can get up close to the possum, sugar glider, and wallabies.
- Your family can also hop on the free English guided tram ride and check out other trails in the Night Safari.
- Otherwise, there’s a Safari Adventure Tour that combines a private buggy and walking experience where you’ll be able to learn many interesting facts from your friendly tour guide.
- Book your Safari Adventure Tour in advance on their website.
- Watch the otters, civets and other animals alongside their keepers at the Creatures of the Night!
- We suggest arriving 30 minutes before the show to get a seat. For the best seats, head over to the 3rd to 5th rows of the two blocks in the centre.
- Get your kid to raise their hands if the show presenter asks for volunteers! It’s a fun way to get them to be a part of the show.
- #HHWT Tip: If you’re excited to take some snapshots, remember to turn off your flash because it may distract the animals on stage
- #HHWT Tip: Remember to put on insect repellent! It’s even better to wear long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from insect bites. Mosquitoes are also attracted to dark-coloured clothing, so wear bright colours if you can.
Opening hours: Open daily; 7.30PM-12AM
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826
Stroller and wheelchair rentals: Available. Find out more.
Nursing room: Available. Find out more.
Diaper changing facilities: Available. Find out more.
Day 4
Check out from your hotel
- Take Grab from your hotel in Bugis to Changi Airport (15 mins)
- Alternative: Book Singapore Changi Airport private transfer in advance on Klook, so you can travel conveniently with your heavy luggage
- We know you’re sad to leave, but an exciting adventure awaits before your flight home!
Arrive at Changi Airport
Malaysian travellers
- For Malaysia Airlines or Firefly, go to Terminal 2.
- For AirAsia, go to Terminal 4
Indonesian travellers
- For Garuda Indonesia, Batik Air and Lion Air, go to Terminal 3
- #HHWT Tip: Check your return flight ticket to drop off at the right terminal or visit Changi Airport’s website for the latest airline information.
- Stroller and wheelchair rentals: Available. Find out more.
- Baby care rooms: Available. Find out more.
Early check-in at Jewel
- If you arrive at least three hours before your flight, early check-in is also available at Jewel!
- It only applies for participating airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Scoot and Silkair.
- Since Jewel’s early check-in is only allowed for passengers without excess baggage, you can leave your luggage at the Baggage Storage across all terminals and Jewel. Find out the exact locations here.
Lunch at Changi Airport (2 hours)
- Changi Airport has many halal dining options for hungry travellers.
- We recommend these yummy eateries that have ample seating space and kids-friendly menu!
- Terminal 2 (public area): Fish & Co, Jinjja Chicken, McDonald’s and Swensen’s
- Terminal 3 (public area): Kopitiam, Terminal M Food Court
- Terminal 4 (public area): Andes by Astons and McDonald’s
- #HHWT Tip: That’s not all! Check out our ultimate halal food guide to Changi Airport for more delicious halal restaurants.
Visit the world-famous Jewel (3-4 hours)
Getting there
- Getting to Jewel may require a bus ride and short walk, depending on your terminal location
- From Terminal 2, head over to the link bridge entrance in the Departure Halls on Level 2. The bridge will lead you to Jewel.
- From Terminal 3 and 4, take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2. Then, walk along the link bridge in the Departure Hall on Level 2 to reach Jewel
- #HHWT Tip: For the latest updates on Jewel’s shuttle bus frequency and exact pick-up points, visit Changi Airport’s website.
Explore the sights and sounds of Jewel
- Give your child a larger-than-life experience at the HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall!
- Standing at 40 metres high, the best vantage point is at the Canopy Bridge where you can appreciate the waterfall’s structure complete with cool fog and the sight of Changi Airport Skytrain passing by. Buy your Canopy Bridge tickets here!
- #HHWT Tip: Luggage and wheeled bags are not allowed on the Canopy Bridge, so we suggest storing it in the baggage storage or drop-off during your flight check-in. Find the nearest baggage storage here.
- Jump to your heart’s content at Manulife Sky Nets – Bouncing or test your balancing skills at Manulife Sky Nets – Walking. Remember to wear pants and comfortable covered shoes for this one!
- If you buy a ticket to Manulife Sky Nets – Bouncing or Manulife Sky Nets – Walking, it includes admission to Canopy Park too. It’s value for money!
- Otherwise, buy a separate ticket to Canopy Park to experience Discovery Slides, Foggy Bowls, Petal Garden and Topiary Walk on its own.
- Time to spend the rest of your afternoon at Canopy Park!
- Let your kids roam around the sculptural playground at Discovery Slides and play with the puffs of mist at Foggy Bowls.
- Don’t forget to take a family snapshot at Petal Garden and Topiary Walk that are surrounded by colourful floral displays and lush greenery.
- Here’s a final treat for the kids! Get them to pick a toy of their choice at the Pokemon Centre, Asia’s first permanent Pokemon Center outside of Japan.
- Walk around and notice how it looks exactly like the Pokemon Center featured in the original video games!
- Besides stocking up on Pokemon trading card games and video games, shop for Pokemon plush toys including Pikachu, Snorlax and Charizard.
- If you have a few more hours to spare, catch a light-hearted family movie at Shaw Theatre
- What’s great about Shaw Theatre is the children and family hall! It’s well-designed with lower brightness and volume as well as soft lighting
- It also has colourful seats and bean bags in the open space for kids
- Buy some local souvenir snacks for the rest of your family members!
- IRVINS salted egg skin, Garrett popcorn, and Ya Kun kaya jars will make perfect gifts. That’s not all, shop for more halal souvenir snacks to buy in Singapore here!
See you again, Singapore!
- Time to board your flight and plan your next trip to the Lion City!
There are so many things to do in Singapore, and that’s the exciting part about planning your family getaway here. You’ll never know the amazing experiences you’ll have at the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jewel until you step foot into Singapore. With memorable moments such as these, it’s always sweeter when shared with your family.
This article was brought to you by Singapore Tourism Board.