The city state not only offers fun and wholesome experiences, but also provides a safe (and sanitary!) space for your young ones to explore and learn.
I must admit: I was nervous about traveling with my daughter alone for the first time. A 10-year-old, she is surely more manageable than a toddler or preschooler. But, still, being completely responsible for her in a strange environment is definitely a bit daunting without the rest of the family to lean on.
However, Singapore proved to be a wonderful country to visit with my curious little explorer after being isolated for most of her formative years during the pandemic. Located on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, it is a quick four-hour flight from Manila and packing is relatively easy since the weather there is very similar to ours, if not a tad more humid. Luckily, with the occasional passing rain cloud, the weather was not as punishing.
While there are surely more scenic sights and exciting experiences in other countries that incite more grown-up adventures, Singapore is definitely one of my favorite places now for families with young children. The city state, with its first-world amenities and conveniences coupled with their colorful convergence of cultures, truly has much to offer.
Here are my top reasons on why I will surely come back with the rest of the family and I highly encourage others to do the same.
1. One less thing to worry about
At a recent media luncheon hosted by another country’s tourism department, I was asked the question: What is your top priority when choosing a travel destination? Off the top of my head, I answered: safety. Singapore is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, and you feel it even if there was barely any police presence in the city.
Nothing ruins a family vacation more than a thief running off with your valuables or taxi drivers taking you on the “grand tour” just to rack up your fare. Taking the cue from the locals who were so secure with their things and children in tow, eventually I found myself relaxing knowing that I did not have to keep looking over my shoulder.
The discipline of its citizens is surely something we can all emulate, and it extends to other aspects of daily life. When I asked my daughter what she loved most about Singapore (other than the shopping) she exclaimed: “It’s so clean!” Even all of their bathrooms (the ones we used at least) and other public amenities are always spic and span. I noted, too, that their hospitality industry workers are still required to wear face masks which adds another layer of safety.
2. A cultural melting pot
Looking around, one will realize that there is no mold for what is a typical Singaporean as their citizens are composed of various ethnicities, predominantly Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European, too, since they were occupied by the British for two-and-a-half centuries before military defense in the region was completely withdrawn in October 1971.
Thus, the multi-cultural convergence is reflected in not only their people but also the food, architecture, and the arts. From the Buddhist temples in Chinatown to the street markets of Bugis at Malaysian town, all these cultures thrive and co-exist in this highly progressive island.
It seems second nature here to accommodate one another’s cultural distinctions and religious requirements. For instance, servers at restaurants will not wince when one mentions food restrictions, instead immediately offering replacements for ingredients that are not part of one’s diet. My daughter does not eat pork and most seafood, and when we mention this servers are quick to substitute, say, chicken for bacon when she ordered spaghetti carbonara.
3. Easy to navigate
While our travel group mostly moved around in a chauffeured minibus, it was easy to go from one area to another thanks to Singapore’s efficient and well-planned mass transportation. The bus lines are easy to figure out—simply find your way around through google and it will tell you which bus to take. Plus, with 140 stations across 6 MRT lines, one can get to pretty much any part of the island by train. Walking around the city is also a breeze especially at night when the weather is more temperate. The streets are lined with spacious sidewalks and crossing the streets is safe, even busy ones, with the help of overpasses.
When all the walking has become too much for your child’s small legs, just find the closest taxi queue or get a Grab.
4. Child-friendly amenities everywhere
When traveling, a constant source of stress for parents is when kids need to use the bathroom. Hygiene is truly always a concern, and as I have already mentioned, Singapore has always been good at ensuring this across the board. Add to that “child-friendly” stalls where mothers can comfortably sit their infants and toddlers securely on a harnessed stool attached to the stall wall so they are not left alone in their strollers.
Speaking of strollers (or prams as they are called there), there are lifts and ramps everywhere which means wherever you go, so can your little one.
5. Many places for exploration and learning
The last time I was in Singapore before this most recent trip was fifteen years ago, and clearly so much has changed since then. The country has not only grown in terms of population, urban development, and GDP, but also land mass through their extensive efforts at reclamation or landfill. Their booming economy has encouraged investments and there are many places that they built to encourage tourism as well as to provide the locals spaces where they can entertain themselves or be immersed in beauty and culture.
There are many zoos, bird parks, gardens, and museums to visit, as well as the various neighborhoods celebrating the different cultures that harmoniously co-exist in the country.
6. A lesson in “Passion Made Possible”
Each country has their own strengths and distinct character. For Singapore, it has always been (at least to me) a shining example of what a nation could be if its leaders and citizens work together in attaining their goals. Far removed from its colonial past and bygone days as port for its early settlers, they recognized their most valuable commodity— their people. Politics aside and as an outsider looking in, I recognize a strong economy built on the backs of hardworking, disciplined, and proud Singaporeans.
One of the other mothers in our travel group loves to visit Singapore with her family, and while she agreed with pretty much everything I mentioned above, she also stated that they keep coming back because she thinks it is vital to immerse her children, while they are young and impressionable, in this kind of environment.
