7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Singapore, Malaysia
Friday, October 6: Arrival in Singapore
Welcome to Singapore! Start your trip by exploring the iconic Gardens by the Bay in the morning. Immerse yourself in the breathtakingly beautiful gardens, featuring the Supertree Grove and the Cloud Forest. In the afternoon, visit the Singapore Zoo and have a delightful encounter with various animal species. As the evening sets in, head to Clarke Quay for a vibrant riverside dining experience.
Gardens by the Bay: Admission cost: $20 per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Singapore Zoo: Admission cost: $35 per adult, $23 per child, Time spent: 4-5 hours
Clarke Quay: Cost varies based on dining preferences, Time spent: Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious local breakfast at Ya Kun Kaya Toast. Enjoy their famous kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and a cup of aromatic Singaporean coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For lunch, head to Lau Pa Sat Hawker Center. This bustling food court offers a wide variety of local dishes, from laksa and satay to chicken rice and seafood. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
In the evening, dine at Jumbo Seafood. This popular seafood restaurant is known for its mouthwatering chili crab and black pepper crab. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Saturday, October 7: Sentosa Island
Embark on a fun-filled day at Sentosa Island. Start your morning at Universal Studios Singapore, an exciting theme park featuring thrilling rides and attractions. In the afternoon, visit S.E.A. Aquarium to explore the incredible marine life. Enjoy the evening at the Wings of Time show, a spectacular display of lights, water, and fire.
Universal Studios Singapore: Admission cost: $79 per adult, $59 per child, Time spent: Full day
S.E.A. Aquarium: Admission cost: $33 per adult, $23 per child, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Wings of Time Show: Admission cost: $18 per person, Time spent: Evening
Restaurants
A perfect spot for breakfast is The Coffee Daily. Enjoy a cozy ambience while indulging in their scrumptious pancakes and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, head to Trapizza. This beachfront restaurant serves delicious wood-fired pizzas and Italian classics. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For dinner, try Din Tai Fung, a renowned Taiwanese restaurant chain. Their mouthwatering dumplings and other delectable dishes are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Sunday, October 8: Melaka, Malaysia
Take a day trip to the historic city of Melaka in Malaysia. Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage listed sites, including the A Famosa fortress and St. Paul's Church. In the afternoon, visit the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum to learn about the local Peranakan culture. Enjoy a river cruise and try local delicacies in Jonker Street for a memorable evening.
A Famosa: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
St. Paul's Church: Free entry, Time spent: 1 hour
Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum: Admission cost: $16 per adult, $11 per child, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Jonker Street: Cost varies based on dining preferences, Time spent: Evening
Restaurants
Head to The Daily Fix for breakfast, where you can enjoy delicious brunch dishes such as pancakes and eggs benedict in a charming vintage setting. Average cost for a meal is about SGD 15 per person.
For lunch, stop by Nancy's Kitchen for authentic Peranakan cuisine. This family-friendly restaurant offers dishes like nyonya laksa and ayam pongteh. Average cost for a meal is about MYR 25 per person.
End your day at Geographer Cafe for dinner, a popular spot in Jonker Street. Here you can savor a variety of Malaysian and Western dishes, along with live music and a vibrant atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about MYR 35 per person.
Monday, October 9: Singapore Botanic Gardens
Start your day at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the various gardens, including the National Orchid Garden, and enjoy a peaceful morning surrounded by nature. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of Singapore to delve into the country's rich history and culture. End the day at the vibrant Haji Lane, known for its quirky shops and trendy cafes.
Singapore Botanic Gardens: Free entry, Time spent: 2-3 hours
National Museum of Singapore: Admission cost: $10 per adult, $5 per child, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Haji Lane: Cost varies based on shopping and dining preferences, Time spent: Evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, visit Wild Honey at Scotts Square, which offers a range of delicious international breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For lunch, head to Burnt Ends, a modern Australian barbecue restaurant known for its mouthwatering meat dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $60 per person.
For dinner, try Raffles Hotel Singapore's Tiffin Room, which offers a colonial-style dining experience with a buffet featuring an array of North Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $80 per person.
Tuesday, October 10: Jurong Bird Park
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of birds at Jurong Bird Park. Spend the morning exploring the aviaries and enjoying interactive shows. In the afternoon, visit the Singapore Science Centre for a hands-on learning experience. End the day with a relaxing visit to the East Coast Park, where you can enjoy scenic views and indulge in water activities.
Jurong Bird Park: Admission cost: $30 per adult, $20 per child, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Singapore Science Centre: Admission cost: $12 per adult, $8 per child, Time spent: 2-3 hours
East Coast Park: Free entry, Time spent: Evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to BreadTalk located in Westgate Mall. This bakery offers a variety of freshly baked bread and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For lunch, dine at Din Tai Fung in JEM. This renowned restaurant specializes in delicious and authentic Taiwanese cuisine, particularly their famous xiao long bao. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, try Muthu's Curry located in Dempsey Hill. This Indian restaurant is known for its flavorful curries and traditional tandoori dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Wednesday, October 11: Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands
Start your day with a ride on the Singapore Flyer, a giant observation wheel offering panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, explore the iconic Marina Bay Sands complex, including the ArtScience Museum and the Gardens by the Bay. End the day with a visit to the vibrant Orchard Road for shopping and dining.
Singapore Flyer: Admission cost: $35 per adult, $25 per child, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Marina Bay Sands: Free entry, Time spent: 3-4 hours
Orchard Road: Cost varies based on shopping and dining preferences, Time spent: Evening
Restaurants
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Marina Bay Sands offers a variety of breakfast options, such as sandwiches and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Fish & Co. at Orchard Central is a great spot for lunch, serving delicious seafood dishes including fish and chips. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Din Tai Fung at Paragon Shopping Centre is a must-try for dinner, known for their famous xiao long bao (soup dumplings). Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Thursday, October 12: Chinatown and Little India
Explore the cultural enclaves of Chinatown and Little India in Singapore. Start your morning with a visit to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and aromas of Little India, where you can shop for spices and visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. End the day with a relaxing river cruise along the Singapore River.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: Free entry, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Little India: Cost varies based on shopping and dining preferences, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Singapore River Cruise: Admission cost: $25 per person, Time spent: Evening
Restaurants
Tong Ah Eating House - Enjoy a traditional Singaporean breakfast at Tong Ah Eating House, known for their signature kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs. Average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
Ananda Bhavan - Indulge in a vegetarian South Indian lunch at Ananda Bhavan, serving a variety of dosas, curries, and thalis. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
Muthu's Curry - Savor the flavors of authentic South Indian cuisine at Muthu's Curry, famous for their fish head curry and biryani. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique family-friendly experience, consider visiting the Singapore Zoo's Night Safari, where you can witness nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. Another off the beaten path attraction is the Science Centre Observatory, where you can explore the wonders of the universe through telescopes and hands-on exhibits. Locals also love taking a stroll along the Southern Ridges, a network of trails and bridges offering stunning views of the city skyline and nature.