Earth’s Largest Greenhouse 29 Journey to the Lost World 30 You just got Served 31 Scrolling down Memory Lane 32 Let the Fun Resume

Resembling mighty glass clam shells embossed with lattice-worked steel that glint in the sunlight, the 2 giant conservatories that make up part of Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay are a sight to behold, whether from an aerial perspective or as you stare outwards from within.

Encompassing 8 separate gardens: The Flower Dome contains – Olive Grove, California, Mediterranean, South American, South African, Australian, Baobabs, and the Succulent gardens – a greenhouse that is testament to the value the city-state places on a seamless fusion of Mother Nature’s boons with the hightech fast paced lifestyle that defines the nation.

Spread across 1.2 hectares: the diversity of plant species representing large swathes of the Earth, in tandem with the cool art installations and decorations on display, is a landscaped haven under one roof that pleases all. Whether you embark on a slow leisurely stroll taking deep breaths as you draw everything in, or you dash around on that platinum trophy side-quest to spot and log everything on display, your sense of sight is in for a treat. The elaborate wood-carved installations of animals both real and mythical were my personal favourite and made for a fun game of ‘I Spy’ as horses, lizards, wildcats, sloths, snakes, and an eagle can be seen under the watchful gaze of a treeperched dragon.

The cavernous megastructure which holds the Guinness World Record for the planet’s largest greenhouse brings to mind that of a large terrarium. With the aid of specially selected glass that minimises solar heat while still allowing optimum levels of sunlight for the flora, the climate controlled temperature averages around a pleasant 25°C. With Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures (VDS) no longer applying there is a strong sense of freedom being returned, as the latest rules in place allow for groups of any size to travel together while exploring this space. We recommend a good hour minimum to bask in your surroundings.

Earth’s Largest Greenhouse

A cool but barely perceptible mist permeates the air. The undulating aerial walkways up above present numerous vantage points from which to view the central vista of a lush mountain that is home to exotic species of flora from across the globe. All against the roaring backdrop of water thundering down the 35-metre height of what was once the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.

Similar to the first conservatory: This 2nd glasshouse – Cloud Forest – which takes up 0.8 hectares of space, was added to Singapore’s skyline upon its completion in 2012, bagging both top-spot honours and bragging rights a decade ago. The passing of this green torch is one Singapore gladly relinquished, as it was the city-state who deliberately dethroned itself in order to build an even taller indoor waterfall at The Jewel outside Changi Airport. Well played dear neighbour, well played.

Making your way to the Lost World at its peak exposes visitors to unique vegetation native to cloud forest habitats that typically occur at 2,000 metres above sea level. From carnivorous pitcher plants and Venus Flytraps residing against verdant carpets of delicate ferns and mosses, there is actually more to this mountain then meets the eye. There is more to it than just panoramic views of the interior as well as the Marina Bay waterfront outside, as sustainability is the flavour of the day all year long across all facets of society here. This hollow structure is home to an educational gallery aimed at children, a theatre running documentaries pertaining to the

Journey TO THE

importance of our environment, as well as a secret garden.

With a 25°C temperature and a humidity rating of between 80% and 90%, the coolness of the air is maintained by a clever piece of innovation called thermal stratification, which involves chilled water pipes within the floor slabs. For you to be every single bit as impressed as us, we also recommend a minimum of 1 hour to soak in the ambience.

GARDENS BY THE BAY

18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953 Open daily: 5am-2am Closed once a month for maintenance

Reserve your tickets at:

gardensbythebay.com IG: @gardensbythebay FB: Gardens by the Bay

You just got Served

Well, we did anyway. Though I can say with the utmost confidence that with our citystate neighbours being a mere hop, skip and a jump away, it is only a matter of time until you do too (hint-hint: August and September school holidays for Brunei, as well as Sabah and Sarawak are just around the corner). Time for a sweet getaway perhaps?

Originating in the good old US of A, the setting up of a Museum of Ice Cream in Singapore in August 2021 marks the company’s very first international foray, and as specialist providers of magical experiences, they have made one heck of an entrance. This statement is gauged on the number of kids I bore witness to, screaming in sheer pleasure as they moved from room to room, their minds immersed in the 14 different multi-sensory installations on offer. A tourist attraction to be sure, it was great to see a mix of both Singaporeans as well as tourists from India, Japan, Korea, and Indonesia smiling wide grins as they undoubtedly thought to themselves just how much their little rug rats are going to love them at the end of the day.

Traversing down a corridor I am greeted by several giant ice-pops lodged in the ground, walls, and ceiling, with a group of youngsters using one as a bench for taking group photos for the gram. Walking up a short flight of stairs brings me face to face with kids on swings, teenagers shooting mini basketballs into hoops … and is that a giant unicorn’s head at the back of the room? It certainly complements the ambience of an innocent child’s sweet pink dreams. Rounding a corner, I am caught so off-guard by the banana archway it takes me a moment to notice the kids that went charging past me in joyous frenzy failed to linger as long as they should have. At the end of that walkway, beyond a ‘stick-and-leave-a-messageanywhere’ room, I quickly learn why. A sprinkle pit, that is right people, not a ball pit but a sprinkle pit occupies the central length of one of the rooms, and there are children – and adults too – wading, jumping, falling, burying themselves beneath it all, having the absolute time of their lives.

Being fairly in-tune with my inner Peter Pan, I admit to experiencing pangs of jealousy yet feel a radiating warmth as I soak up the aura of everyone’s happiness. Oh well, I suppose I will just have to settle for my 7th scoop of free flow ice cream that comes in 5 different forms from the 5 stations throughout the 60,000 square foot museum. Jealous yet?

MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM

100 Loewen Road, Dempsey, Singapore 248837 Open: 10am-10pm (Thurs-Sun) Mon - Wed closed

Reserve your tickets at:

Museumoficecream.com IG: @museumoficecreamsg FB: MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM SG

MINT MUSEUM OF TOYS

26 Seah Street, Singapore 188382 Open: 9.30am-6.30pm (Tues-Sun) Monday closed

Reserve your tickets at:

emint.com IG: @mintmuseumoftoys FB: Mint Museum of Toys Memory Lane Scrolling down

As an 80s kid who grew to be an avid collector of toys and comics, while straddling the line between both traditional and modern modes of play, I was wowed as The Petite Prince escorted me on a tour of the MINT Toy Museum’s visual menu of nostalgic delights. With an ever growing collection of 50,000 collectibles, roughly 8,500 unique items have so far been displayed within this 6-storey journey through childhood reminiscence.

It was already impressive to have high standards of curation applied to items sourced from over 40 countries that date back between the 1840s to 1980s. It was already impressive that it bagged the title of largest vintage toy museum in Asia from the day of its launch in 2007 till now. However, like the 80s-era G1 Transformers you can find inside, there is more than meets the eye. More than just a simple viewing gallery, MINT has tailor-made a variety of on-site programmes catering to students at the pre-school, primary school, as well as secondary school levels. The museum has also played host to private events inclusive of birthday parties, weddings, baby showers, and corporate gatherings too. Even a member of the administrative staff announced her “I do”, right here.

It was not enough for the museum whose staff are always on their toes thinking of how to spice up proceedings. The arrival of a certain pesky virus may have forced the museum to close in 2020, but with its arrival also came new ideas that MINT pursued with gusto.

Innovating in parallel to the pandemic enabled MINT to adapt by embracing the future to enjoy the past. An entrance fee allows you to tour and view the collectibles on display yourself, but for a little bit extra, you can embark on an augmented reality journey that will have childhood favourites such as Winnie the Pooh, Betty Boop, Astro Boy, Tin Tin and Snowy, come to life in the palm of your hands, literally. With different areas themed on Collectibles, Childhood Favourites, Characters, and Outer Space – we highly recommend that you buy the deck of 40 cards. Then simply use your smartphone or tablet to scan each card as you progress, so that Popeye, Mr Punch, and Buck Rogers can magically appear like small holograms, and tell you their histories, while you view their original physical forms sealed behind glass cabinets.

The story does not end there. To make matters better, a visitor can return to their home country and by downloading the museum’s specially designed ExperienceAR application, replay the cards over and over again, resulting in a tour that technically never truly ends.

SENTOSA Reserve your tickets at:

Sentosa.com.sg IG: @sentosa_island FB: Sentosa At the Imbiah Lookout (a cluster of numerous attractions) stands the tallest open-air panoramic ride in the country. Generating much fanfare prior to its opening 7 months ago, the SkyHelix takes 10 minutes to ascend its vertical helix frame. Upon reaching a height of 35 metres above ground the gondola and its tightly secured 16 passengers plus 1 friendly host rotates slowly for 12 minutes, providing a fantastic 360° view of the surroundings.1UP, UP AND AWAY!

Let The Fun RESUME!

With the simplifying of Singapore’s Safe Management Measures, and the transition to a Covid-19 resilient nation status, access to the Tanjong, Palawan, and Siloso beaches have been fully restored for individuals and families alike, alongside all the modes of entertainment on this getaway island. There is Universal Studios Singapore for the pop culture movie buffs seeking excitement. The S.E.A Aquarium for the environmentally conscious and wildlife advocates. Bungee jumping and the Skyline Luge for the thrill seekers. Riding the cable cars for photographers looking for amazing shots of the surroundings, and who can overlook the premium shopping and dining options at Quayside Isle and Resorts World? These are but a scant few of so many more attractions. Regardless of your personality type and interests, the State of Fun has you covered because boredom does not exist in their dictionary. With a brief 4 hours to kill the biG Team gravitated to the newer attractions that Sentosa has developed since 2020.

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A PHOENIX RISES

This twice an evening, 20-minute night light show is a visual extravaganza all its own that must be seen to be believed. A multi-sensory experience that transforms Siloso Beach into a bewitching light and sound spectacle, the much loved Magical Shores was an interactive wonder to behold until the pandemic put a stop to that. Rising like a phoenix from the ashes, May 18 saw the launch of the brand new Wings of Time. This spellbinding laser, fire, and water effects show backed up by a great soundtrack and narrative will have your children gasping in wonder. With a fireworks show to cap of the adventure of Rachel and Felix as they journey with the prehistoric bird Shahbaz, this show’s tickets sell out fast!

3Are you a fashionista with an eye for luxury retail shopping? Do you feel the need to scream riding down thrilling slides and rides at theme and ACROSS THE BOARD water parks? Have you ever wanted to view marine life up close, or better yet, get into the water with an Indo-Pacific Bottlenose dolphin personally? Are you forever hungry like Jughead Jones and myself? With 45 retail outlets, 20 dining establishments, and several parks under its purview, the answer to all these questions is: Resort World Sentosa. What are you waiting for?