Singapore, my second home. I always feel giddy whenever I get the chance to go back to this beloved country where I used to work as an English teacher. It always feels like my first time-new places to go to, new hawkers to try out and old faces to meet once again. This time, my father asked me to give my brother a tour before his school year starts. So where did I bring him?

DAY1

We dedicated one whole day in Universal Studios Singapore of course. It was a weekday so we didn’t experience long lines. I said I was just gonna babysit but found myself enjoying almost all the rides. Feels like a day off for this busy Mama!

We just had to stop by Candylicious. I’m not going home without my pack of assorted jelly beans which are not available here in Manila. On our way back, I thought of bringing him to the other parts of Sentosa but what the heck, we have better beaches here so we headed back to the city. 

It was already 7PM yet the sun was still beaming on us I decided to bring him to Chinatown and Searngoon (not in photos) just to show him where I used to work. 

All the cheap pasalubong right this way. My brother bought a fidget spinner which was the only thing he asked to bring home. Honestly, most items here are already in Greenhills so don’t bother. Hehe.

Lovely sunset. We walked around a few blocks and saw the Chinese, Muslim and Indian temples in one street. We saw how Muslims eat“dinner” that time because it was Ramadan so it looked like they were having a feast.

DAY2

On our second day, the morning was spent looking and testing out electric guitars near Raffles. My brother did his research and he knew exactly where he wanted to go. Anyway, I told him that we need to catch up on our itinerary so we headed to the National Gallery. They’re holding an exhibit called Children’s Biennale which is open to the public until October 8. So if you’re travelling to SG make sure to drop by, it’s worth it. I enjoyed it myself!

Now here’s the fun part you can check out the gallery for free, it’s already part of the entrance fee.

Homogenizing and Transforming World by teamLab

This is quite similar to the ones we saw at the Art Science Museum. The glowing orbs change color and produce sounds when touched.

This Changed My Life by Lynn Lu

You’re supposed to write down a piece of memory on a piece of ribbon and tie it together with other shared memories.

The Obliteration Room

This is my favorite spot! You have to paste colorful stickers all over the white furniture and walls. I’m not a spoiler so I won’t show you the gallery has to offer. *wink

And we still had the energy to visit Gardens by The Bay (actually I was already pushing myself to walk towards here but reallyyyyy all I wanted was to sit and drink some Kopi)

There are 2 sections- The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Singapore really put effort in building these domes to showcase and emphasized the importance of nature and natural resources for their country because it’s something that they lack. Wish we Filipinos could appreciate our land instead of taking advantage of these resources.

What a beauty. I’m afraid of heights but I walked here because I can’t be a scaredy cat around my brother!

DAY3

This time I wanted to show him another part of the city. It’s not a tourist attraction but still invites tourists to come around to go SHOPPING. Well, we didn’t do that exactly. We started with Somerset, Orchard, Bugis, Arab Street and Haji Lane.

Welcome to Orchard Road

Bugis for more SG pasalbuong and cheap chocolates!

Sultan Mosque

Ok, so we had to stop at Juice Clinic located at Haji Lane for happy hour, I mean pump hour. You have to try their fresh fruit shakes. And do not hesitate to ask them in Filipino because most servers are Pinoy.

Probably the place he loved the most, Swee Lee in Bras Basah

And before our last dinner with my friends, we walked towards Merlion to have our photo taken (he’s been asking where it is!) with the Marina Bay Sands in our background. 

And the very famous Makansutra Gluttons Bay. Enjoy local dishes like chili crab, cereal prawns and satay from stalls lined up. The problem is that you have to wait a little longer to find some good seats.

DAY4

It was our last day and I wanted to squeeze in some IKEA time to see what I can bring home for my kids.

Colorful and clean at the same time. Classroom peg!

Those sheets for my kids. Hay!

Aside from home furniture, I always enjoy having lunch here because of their yummy food selection. 

IKEA meatballs with gravy and cranberry sauce. I can eat this for a week!

Our last hawker stop with my friend, Acy. She let us stay in her house together with her housemates who are like family to me (imagine how much we were able to save!). Wouldn’t survive this trip without her help. Thanks again if you’re reading this! :)

Other tips when travelling with a child:

1. Make sure to get the DSWD travel document (my dad did all the paper work) if you’re travelling with a child who is not your own.

2. Plan an itinerary but make sure to pace yourself. I’m so lucky that I have an easy-going brother. He did not even complain about the heat, the long walks and the weird food that I asked him to try. LUCKY!

3. Do not force yourself to visit all the kid-friendly spots because there’s just too much unless you plan to stay there for a month? HAHA For us, we skipped the Zoo because the last time I was there, I wasn’t really able to see the animals and they were all just sleeping. So it wasn’t worth the effort.

4. Make sure to bring meds just in case. And water! Children won’t say they’re thirsty but you have to ask them to drink once in a while especially with Singapore’s weather.

5. Enjoy the trip and don’t sweat it (well with the humid weather you’ll sweat a lot tho HAHA). Singapore is a very busy country and it feels like you have to keep up with their pace especially when riding the train or bus. Relax and just take photos or save mental photographs of the unique spots this small yet beautiful country has in store for you :)