Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Singapore and Malaysia
Wednesday August 30: Arrival in Singapore
Welcome to Singapore! Start your family-friendly adventure by visiting the iconic Gardens by the Bay in the morning. Explore the stunning Supertree Grove and the Cloud Forest, an indoor tropical rainforest. In the afternoon, head to Universal Studios Singapore for thrilling rides and entertainment. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll along the vibrant Clarke Quay, known for its waterfront restaurants and nightlife.
Gardens by the Bay: Admission cost starting from $20 per adult, 2-3 hours
Universal Studios Singapore: Admission cost starting from $79 per adult, 4-6 hours
Clarke Quay: Free to explore, evening
Thursday August 31: Singapore City Tour
Embark on a city tour of Singapore in the morning. Visit the majestic Merlion Park and enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline. Explore the cultural neighborhood of Chinatown, where you can indulge in delicious street food and visit historic temples. In the afternoon, take a family-friendly river cruise along the Singapore River. Wrap up the day by visiting the interactive exhibits at the ArtScience Museum.
Merlion Park: Free to visit, 1-2 hours
Chinatown: Free to explore, 2-3 hours
Singapore River Cruise: Starting from $25 per adult, 1-2 hours
ArtScience Museum: Admission cost starting from $19 per adult, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Toast Box, a local chain known for their traditional kaya toast and aromatic kopi. Average cost for a meal is about SGD 5 per person.
For lunch, head to Maxwell Food Centre where you can try Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, famous for its tender chicken and fragrant rice. Average cost for a meal is about SGD 6 per person.
In the evening, dine at Lau Pa Sat, a historical food market offering a wide variety of local and international cuisines. Try the satay from Chuan Kee Satay, known for their perfectly grilled skewered meats. Average cost for a meal is about SGD 10 per person.
Friday September 1: Sentosa Island
Head to Sentosa Island in the morning for a day of family fun. Start with a visit to the S.E.A. Aquarium, home to a wide variety of marine life. Enjoy thrilling rides at Adventure Cove Waterpark and have a splash in the wave pools. In the evening, watch the spectacular Wings of Time show, a multimedia extravaganza featuring water, laser, and fire effects.
S.E.A. Aquarium: Admission cost starting from $34 per adult, 2-3 hours
Adventure Cove Waterpark: Admission cost starting from $38 per adult, 4-6 hours
Wings of Time show: Starting from $18 per adult, evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Trapizza, a beachside restaurant that offers a range of breakfast options including pancakes, eggs, and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, try Good Old Days Bistro, a cozy family-friendly restaurant known for its delicious comfort food. Enjoy a variety of lunch options such as burgers, sandwiches, and pasta. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For dinner, visit Coastes, a laid-back beach bar and restaurant perfect for a casual dinner by the sea. Indulge in their seafood platters, grilled meats, and refreshing cocktails. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Saturday September 2: Melaka, Malaysia
Take a day trip to the historic city of Melaka in Malaysia. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Jonker Street, known for its vibrant night market and traditional Peranakan houses. Visit the iconic Stadthuys and climb up St. Paul's Hill for panoramic views. Don't forget to try the delicious local cuisine, such as chicken rice balls and Nyonya laksa.
Jonker Street: Free to explore, 2-3 hours
Stadthuys: Free to visit, 1-2 hours
St. Paul's Hill: Free to visit, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Melaka is The Daily Fix. This charming cafe serves up delicious pancakes and a variety of coffee and tea options. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Nancy's Kitchen, a renowned restaurant known for its authentic Nyonya cuisine. Try their signature dishes like ayam pongteh and asam pedas. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, visit Manis Jelita, a cozy restaurant that offers a unique blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavors. Indulge in their flavorful nasi lemak and chicken tandoori. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Sunday September 3: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Travel to the bustling capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Start your day by visiting the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and enjoy breathtaking views from the Skybridge. Explore the vibrant Central Market, a haven for local arts and crafts. In the afternoon, immerse yourselves in the interactive exhibits at the Petrosains Discovery Centre. Wrap up the day with a visit to the Batu Caves, a stunning limestone hill temple.
Petronas Twin Towers: Admission cost starting from $17 per adult, 2-3 hours
Central Market: Free to explore, 2-3 hours
Petrosains Discovery Centre: Admission cost starting from $8 per adult, 2-3 hours
Batu Caves: Free to visit, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to the famous Jalan Alor Street Food Night Market to savor authentic Malaysian cuisine. Try the local favorite, Nasi Lemak, and enjoy a typical breakfast meal for around $5 per person.
For lunch, visit Atmosphere 360, a revolving restaurant located in the KL Tower. Indulge in a buffet spread of international and local dishes while enjoying panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur. A lunch buffet here costs approximately $30 per person.
For dinner, dine at Bijan Bar & Restaurant, known for its traditional Malay cuisine with a modern twist. Feast on signature dishes like Rendang Tok and Udang Galah Sambal Petai while experiencing the warm ambiance of the restaurant. Expect to spend around $25-30 per person for a delightful dinner.
Monday September 4: Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
Spend the day exploring wildlife in Singapore. Start with a visit to the Singapore Zoo, where you can see various animal species up close. Enjoy the animal shows and interactive exhibits. In the evening, venture into the Night Safari, a unique nocturnal zoo experience. Embark on a tram ride through the park and witness the wonders of the animal kingdom under the stars.
Singapore Zoo: Admission cost starting from $39 per adult, 4-6 hours
Night Safari: Admission cost starting from $47 per adult, evening
Tuesday September 5: Singapore Botanic Gardens and Orchard Road
Visit the beautiful Singapore Botanic Gardens in the morning. Explore the various themed gardens and enjoy a leisurely picnic. In the afternoon, indulge in a shopping spree along Orchard Road, Singapore's premier shopping district. Discover luxury brands and dine at one of the many restaurants and cafes. End your trip with a visit to the vibrant Haji Lane, known for its boutique stores and street art.
Singapore Botanic Gardens: Free to visit, 2-3 hours
Orchard Road: Free to explore, 3-4 hours
Haji Lane: Free to visit, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at The Providore in Singapore Botanic Gardens for a delicious breakfast. They offer a diverse menu of breakfast classics, from hearty eggs benedict to healthy acai bowls. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For lunch, head to Din Tai Fung at Paragon Shopping Centre along Orchard Road. Indulge in their famous steamed dumplings filled with juicy pork or delicate crab roe. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at No Signboard Seafood at Esplanade Mall. Enjoy their iconic chili crab or black pepper crab, along with other delicious seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a hidden gem, head to Pulau Ubin, a small island off the coast of Singapore. Rent bicycles and explore the rustic landscapes, mangrove swamps, and old kampongs (villages). It's a great way to experience nature and escape the city bustle. Locals also love visiting the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, where you can hike through lush rainforests and spot diverse wildlife.