Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Extension

The Sungei Buloh Wetland extension just opened a month ago (in Dec 2014) and we decided to check it out today. Blessed with good weather, we enjoyed an easy stroll along the coastal route. The route was mostly flat with paved or wooden plank paths. It is stroller friendly except for a section of gravel path, which might make for a slightly bumpy ride. Still, I'd recommend bringing a stroller along if you're bringing a baby / toddler who isn't capable of walking an almost 1.5km route independently.

We started at the Kranji Way entrance, which is a good starting point especially if you are taking the young ones along. The Junior Adventure Trial is right next to the Visitor Centre, and it is a good place to get the kids excited about the nature walk. The Visitor Centre houses the Mangrove Gallery which provides lots of information on what you might expect to see in a Wetland Reserve. It is a must visit before you embark on the trial, unless you plan on doubling back later.

Do visit the toilets located at the Visitor Centre before you embark on the trial, as you won't have access to one until the end of the trial.

We followed the Coastal Route (marked in red on the map below) all the way to the Wetland Reserve. It took us about 1h 15min to cover the 1.5km route at a leisurely pace. Thereafter, Dean walked thru Neo Tiew Carpark and down Neo Tiew Cresecent back to our car that was parked at the Kranji Way entrance, while we checked out the information boards at the Wetland Reserve while waiting for him to come and pick us up. It turned out to be a good arrangement as it took him just 10 minutes to get to our car, and I really doubt our boys would enjoy doubling back on the same coastal route nor walking along the road back to the car. It is recommended to visit during low tide, so do check tide timings when planning your visit.

1) Junior Adventure Trial

At the Junior Adventure Trial, kids can pretend to be mudskippers (or any mangrove creature they fancy) in a mangrove swamp. Adult supervision is recommended as some parts aren't exactly toddler friendly. The boys enjoyed riding on the pulley boat the most, and said that the Junior Adventure Trial was one of their favourite parts of the nature walk.

2) Observation Pods

There are four observation pods along the entire trial. The elevation allows visitors a bird's eye view of the Wetland Reserve. 

3) Mid Canopy Walk

A 120m long bridge takes you thru a mid canopy forest. We could hear birds, crickets and frogs as we made our way across the bridge.

4) Eagle Point

My personal favourite. Enjoy the breeze as you stroll along the board walk that takes you to the eagle point. 

5) Mud Flats

The boys liked the interactive display that tells us about the different creatures living at varying depths of the mud bed.

The mud experience involves walking across a rope bridge. Note that this is only possible during low tide. We spotted mudskippers and crabs on the mudflats. This was the other highlight for the boys.

The Sungei Buloh Wetland extension is worth a visit. Pick a day with fine weather, slap on the mosquito repellant and spend some time getting acquainted with nature. We'll be back!

Do check out the HSBC Tree Top walk as well. The Sungei Buloh Wetland reserve is more suitable for pre-schoolers though. 

KidsSTOP

KidsSTOP is an edutainment facility designed for kids 3 to 7 years old. It offers a range of hands-on activities for young children, where they get to learn about the four seasons, energy conversion, parts of the human body, gravity... in a fun way. Children also get to role play as pilots, construction workers, doctors and nurses. 

KidsSTOP operates two sessions per day for the general public. On weekdays, session 1 runs from 12pm to 3pm and session 2 runs from 4 to 7pm. On weekends, session 1 runs from 10 to 2pm and session 2 runs from 3 to 7pm. Tickets are valid for only one session. What this meant was that the place was not overly crowded, and the children did not have to wait for more than 5 minutes at each station. 

The boys enjoyed working with blocks, balls and a make-believe crane at the build zone.

Bob the Builder

Operating a "crane"

Bob at his work bench

Then they pretended to be pilots at the flight zone. The boys had a glimpse of what a cockpit looks like, though it probably doesn't look as complicated as an actual airplane's. 

Pilots wannabes

Pretending to fly a plane

Next we tried our hand at converting kinetic energy to light and sound energy. The children could either pedal with their legs or work a hand-crank wheel. 

I can generate wind and light energy!

Through shopping at a supermarket, the boys learnt about the different food groups, and the importance of eating healthily. They had fun filling their shopping baskets and couldn't resist "buying" their favorite chocolates.

Basketful!

Beep! Beep!

At the human body section, we got to measure our weight. Nathan, who weighs about 16kg, is as heavy as a bag containing 2,540 $1 coins.

As heavy as 2,540 $1 coins

We also saw the various part of the human body and understand the functions of some of our organs.

Dr Nathan at work

Nathan also experienced free falling and the effects of gravity. I was surprised he agreed to try, but he refused to go more than once. After being suited up, he was told to lie on a slide and hold on to a handlebar. The handlebar was raised to a height of 4 meters, and he was supposed to let go! Wheee!

Suited up an ready to go...

Hold on tight!

Higher!

All in all, it was an afternoon well spent. Recommended for families with kids aged 3 to 7 years old.

See you there!

For details on tickets, opening hours and latest maintenance schedules, check out KidsSTOP's official website.

Terrific Three!

Noah turned three last weekend. We had a celebration with his friends in school two days before his birthday, and he was so excited to see me in his classroom. I baked a Thomas the Train chocolate cake for him, and both Nathan and Noah requested for a second helping. Made all that hard work worthwhile. :)

He has always liked staying in hotels and has no problems sleeping in unfamiliar places. We decided to go on a staycation to Shangri-la's Rasa Sentosa Resort and we are so glad we did! It was so much fun! Leading up to the staycation, Noah kept asking... "are we going to the hotel now?"... he was really looking forward to it. We spent lots of time swimming at the pool (thanks to the ongoing dry spell) and building sandcastles at the beach. A short two days one night staycation where we took time to slow down a little and fill up all our love tanks.

At the end of our staycation, Noah asked if we could stay for a few more days or come back next week. Just shows how much fun our birthday boy had.

Some random facts about our 3 year old Noah...

1) Enjoys building things out of duplo blocks and magformers and his models are actually pretty impressive!

Duplo

2) Started school 'proper' this year and settled in really easily. Didn't shed a single tear. So glad that he loves going to school.

3) Falls asleep easily at night and hardly disturbs us till day break.

4) Loves his brother Nathan and it warms my heart when I see them playing together.

5) Favorite songs include:- the wise man built his house, walking with Jesus, 我要向高山举目. I love it when he starts belting out a song (c/w actions) now and then.

6) Getting more comfortable in the swimming pool but still doesn't like putting his head under water.

7) Tends to want to read the same story every single night. The record is probably The Gruffalo, 4 weeks in a row. We have read it so much, he can somewhat remember it by heart.

8) Doesn't like taking photos... We have to bribe him to smile for the camera.

9) Loves eating strawberries and drinking Chinese soups.

10) Full of wise cracks. His witty comments never fail to amuse me.

11) Wants to be Spider-Man, lord business and a policeman when he grows up.

Dear Noah,

You've been such a darling, I am so thankful for you. We pray that you'll continue grow in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and men. Know that you are greatly loved.

That Little Boy of Mine

Two eyes that shine so bright,

Two lips that kids good nite,

Two arms that hold me tight,

That little boy of mine.

No one could ever know how much your coming has meant.

Because I love you so, you're something heaven has sent.

You're all the world to me.

You climb upon my knee.

To me you'll always be.

That little boy of mine.

Children's Garden at Gardens By The Bay

We went to check out the newest playground in town. The boys had so much fun, we went two days in a row... and they still didn't get enough of it!

I love how it is out in the open with lots of fresh air for the kids, and yet there was ample shade so you aren't actually at the mercy of the scorching hot sun.

There are two tree houses, lots of web structures, swaying bridges, slides, stepping springs, a mini 'rock wall' slope...

And even a water play area for kids who love getting wet! I like how they have two water play areas - one for toddlers and another one for older kids. :)

We'll be coming back again... And the next time around, we'll be bringing our sand play toys.

The Far East Organisation Children's Garden opens from 9am to 9pm, from Tuesdays to Sundays. It is closed on Mondays for maintenance (except when Monday is a Public holiday). Pack a picnic basket, throw in a sand bucket, swim wear and sunglasses. See you at the Children's Garden!