Tiger Tales

Planning Ahead: Fun For The Family

 

It’s never too early to plan for your year-end trip with the clan. Tiger Tales brings you a guide to the destinations that offer a terrific time for the whole family – at great prices too! By Imelda Lee.

The thought of “travelling with the family” is enough to strike terror in the heart of every parent. Will it be too hot? Too cold? Will there be drinkable water? What about transportation? How much is it all going to cost?

It’s enough to make you want to park the kids at grandma’s – or bring them to the zoo and hope that they don’t notice there are another five weeks and six days left to their school vacation!

But with a little planning, you can bring the brood on a fuss-free vacation to a Tiger Airways’ destination. In fact, with Tiger’s low and affordable fares, you could bring them to more than one holiday spot!

DARWIN – WILD AT HEART

WHY YOUR FAMILY WILL LOVE IT:

The warmth of its people matches its weather in Darwin. Its natural attractions, museums and galleries will keep the whole family busy.

To experience the Northern Territory, squeeze the clan into a four-by-four and drive out to Kakadu National Park, where you can stay in the belly of a crocodile at the Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn, truly an experience in itself.

The hotel is a great jump-off point to the many wildlife adventures nestled in Kakadu National Park, such as the Yellow Water Cruise which takes you down the crocodile-filled Yellow Water Billabong as you listen to tales of Aborigine legends.

Food-wise, Darwin is as Asian as it is Australian. From gorgeous Aussie fare on Mitchell Street to tasty Singaporean foods at Parap Markets, the family will suffer no culinary lack.

When in doubt, head for Hanuman – its menu is Peranakan/Thai/Tandoori and a good remedy for homesickness.

EXPERIENCES NOT TO MISS:

Crocodylus Park (815 McMillans Road, Knuckey Lagoon, tel: +61 (8) 8922 4500; open daily from 9am to 5pm)
– Come face to face with the world’s largest reptiles – 16-foot crocs no less! Kids will have plenty to squeal at, including big cats, primates and hawksbill turtles.

Australian Aviation Heritage Centre (13 kilometres south of Darwin along Stuart Highway, tel: +61 (8) 8947 2145)
– From WWII Spitfire to the B52 bomber, this is one place the boys (big and small!) will love to get up close and personal with some history-making aircraft. ✿ Territory Wildlife Park and Berry Springs (Cox Peninsula Road, Berry Springs, tel: +61 (8) 8988 7200) – Just 45 minutes south of Darwin, the Park features wildlife in their natural habitat. Swim in the clear natural pools of neighbouring Berry Springs Nature Park, the ideal spot for a picnic or barbecue. For more details, visit www.territorywildlifepark.com.au.

KIDS’ HOLIDAY MOMENT:

Hand-feeding milkfish at Aquascene (28 Doctor’s Gully Road, tel +61 (8) 9891 7837) where the fish come right up to tourists at the edge of the shore.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Water – It is generally safe for children from six months onwards to drink Australian tap water.

Bites – In Darwin, there are more markets and restaurants than people! The variety of food represents its multicultural society, so go ahead and be adventurous!

Weather – Wet season is from November to April; dry season is from May to October. While the dry season is popular for holidays, the wet period delivers the Northern Territory its most beautiful scenery.

If you are travelling from September to October, carry lightweight clothes and tubes of sunscreen. From November onwards, bring your umbrellas and windbreakers. Jeans and galoshes/waterproof boots are a must.

Culture – Australia aims to preserve its aboriginal heritage. Obtain proper permits to travel through aboriginal land. Neat dress standards are maintained in clubs, restaurants and hotels.

Entry Requirements – Obtain your visa from the Australian Embassy. Passport must be valid for at least six months. Most food items – including fruits, plants and vegetables, fresh and packaged food, seed and meats are not permitted in Australia. For baby formula, bring an unopened can.

WHERE TO STAY:

From SGD217
SKYCITY Darwin (Gilruth Ave, Mindil Beach, tel: +61 (8) 8943 8888) Located next to Mindil Market, SKYCITY has a casino, golfing range, a huge pool, a kid’s pool and babysitting services too.

From SGD169.50
Mirambeena Resort (64 Cavenagh Street, tel: +61 (8) 8946 0111) Centrally located, this resort features a lagoon-style salt water pools and spas. Babysitting services are also available.

From SGD89
Melaleuca on Mitchell (52 Mitchell Street, tel: +61 (8) 8941 7800) Set right in the heart of Darwin city, this one-star hostel style establishment has no frills but is safe and clean.

KRABI – SUN, SAND AND SEA

WHY YOUR FAMILY WILL LOVE IT:

With more than 130 islands, including the famous Phi Phi Islands, Ao Nang and Railey are two world-class beaches which offer endless fun for families who enjoy diving and snorkelling. Kids can watch schools of fish throng around them in crystal-clear waters

EXPERIENCES NOT TO MISS:

Susaan Hoi – Translates into “shell cemetery”, this exquisitely beautiful beach is made entirely of dead shells.

Klong Thom Hot Springs and Emerald Pool – The hot springs are a natural outdoor jacuzzi. Visit Emerald Pool early in the morning to see the intensity of its turquoise-coloured water.

Khao Khanap Nam – Regarded as the symbol of Krabi, Khao Khanap Nam is two mountains about 100 metres tall. Awesome stalagmites abound here.

Phi Phi Islands – Famous for its part in Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach, this is an excellent place to snorkel.

KID’S HOLIDAY MOMENT:

Long-tailed boat ride – enjoy the seaspray as you ride this iconic boat to the islands.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Water – Tap water is clean but avoid drinking it. Bottled water is recommended.

Weather – November to March are the most popular tourist periods for Krabi, when the northeast monsoon brings fair weather and blue skies with an average temperature of 24 to 32 degrees.

Clothing – Shorts, sleeveless shirts and beach-style attire are inappropriate when not at the beach or in a resort area.

Culture – Public displays of affection are frowned upon. It is considered rude to point your feet at a person or object.

WHERE TO STAY:

From SGD111.50
Phra Nang Inn Resort (19 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Amphur Muang, tel: +662 6776 240) The resort-style hotel by the beachfront of Ao-Nang Beach offers babysitting services as well as car rental facilities.

From SGD197
Rawi Warin Beach Resort & Spa (139 Moo 8, Lanta Yai, tel: +66 (75) 607 400) Top-of-the-range suites and villas with private pools, and every room is seaview. Super child-friendly, with a kid’s pool, babysitting services and its Swiss chef is happy to alter meals to suit any finicky kid. Tired parents get the top-end spa.

HANOI – CULTURE CLUB

WHY YOUR FAMILY WILL LOVE IT:

Hanoi’s charming architecture has been carefully preserved, offering tourists opportunities to inspect its 4,000-year history. Citadels, ramparts, royal tombs and pagodas are reminiscent of ancient culture dating back to the Chinese occupation in the 2nd century BC, while the French-style Old Quarters explain why Hanoi is called the “Paris of the East”.

The city also offers breathtaking natural wonders, with no less than 18 lakes crisscrossing the great plains, such as the Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake and Truc Bach Lake.

Kids will delight in the enthralling excitement of theme parks: Ho Tay Water Park and Moon Park. At night, enjoy stories told by the famed Municipal Water Puppet Theatre by Hoan Kiem Lake. Hanoi also offers a great variety of mouth-watering food, from the old favourite Pho to French cuisine.

For a caffeine boost, try the famous (and ultra-potent) Viet Ca Phe. There’s lots of shopping too – any Mum worth her handbag must head to Ipa-Nima (59G Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem District, tel: +84
(4) 942 1972) to pick up one of Christina Yu’s internationally-desired mad bags.

EXPERIENCES NOT TO MISS:

Ho Tay Water Park (Ho Tay District) This theme park has five entertainment sections with thrills you can’t afford to miss: the Tibetan suspension bridge, the hair-raising swinging ropes, and the 3.5 metre diving pool. Smaller children will be safer on the specially-designed pools, sliding lanes and water games.

Old Quarter – Lots to see and buy in this packed square kilometre that sells just about everything.

Young Pioneer Palace (36 Ly Thai To Street) – A building dating back to the French occupation that is now converted into a recreation centre for kids.

One Pillar Pagoda – An example of an ancient architectural wonder, this famous wooden structure sits on stilts over a lake.

PKIDS’ HOLIDAY MOMENT:

They won’t forget a cyclo ride in a hurry!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Weather – Up to September, it’s hot with heavy rains. From October through year end, it is dry and lovely, about 23 degree celsius.

Getting around – Transport from the airport to your hotel is about USD2 (SGD3.20) by bus and USD10 (SGD16) by taxi respectively. To get to other parts of Vietnam, Hanoi Railway Station is the starting point.

Water – It is safer to drink bottled water in Hanoi.

Clothes – Bring sufficient cold-weather gear if travelling from September until end of the year.

Culture – Though lively and hospitable, Vietnamese are a soft-spoken lot who shun loud voices and bad-mouthing. Locals get around on bicycles, so be on the lookout when crossing roads.

Entry requirements – Visas to Vietnam can only be obtained from the embassies and consulates abroad. Nationals of ASEAN member countries (Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Laos) can stay for up to 30 days without a visa. French nationals can stay up to three months without a visa.

WHERE TO STAY:

From SGD159 Melia (44B Ly Thoung Kiet Street, tel: +84 (4) 9343 343) * Right in the heart of Hanoi’s diplomatic district, Melia is near to shopping, cultural tourist and entertainment hubs.

From SGD133 Sunway (19, Pham Dinh Ho Street, Hai Ba Trung, tel: +84 (4) 9713 888) Live in four-star comfort in a quiet and peaceful location by the fringe of Hanoi’s old district.

From SGD18.75
Manh Dung Guest House (No 2 Tam Thuong) Located in the Old Quarter, this is a quiet, comfortable an clean family guesthouse. Ensuite rooms and air-conditioning are available at a small extra cost.

PADANG – A COUNTRY HOLIDAY

WHY YOUR FAMILY WILL LOVE IT:

A family vacation is a great way to expose your kids to the rich indigenous culture of Indonesia – and relax in the deliciously slow pace of life here.

Tourists often aim for Bukittinggi, with its breathtaking mountain resorts; the surfers’ paradise that is Mentawai Islands, or Kerinci-Seblat national park. Waters surrounding Padang are a treat with beautiful reefs, fish, and sea shells.

Adventurous parents may consider immersing the family in Minangkabau culture by doing a guided stay with a Breathtaking waterfalls are a sight for sore eyes – and a real kick for kids. Minang family. Call Shaan Travel Agency (tel: +62 (752) 32530) for more details.

The place where Nasi Padang originated, restaurants are famous for their spicy cuisine. Small dishes filled with food will be put on your table. You only pay for what you eat.

KID’S HOLIDAY MOMENT:

Snorkelling around the Bungus Island, and spotting dolphins and manta rays!

EXPERIENCES NOT TO BE MISSED:

Adityawarman Museum – Housed in a traditional Minang house, the city’s main attraction features Minangkabau culture, textiles, kris and fine basketware.

Pasar Raya – Trade the shopping centres for Pasar Raya, a terrific general market. Get a Minangkabau songket, cotton and silk cloth brocaded in gold; and Sumatran silver filigree.

Bukittinggi – A scenic resort town 1,000 metres above sea level, explore the lush countryside with an extensive outdoor market.

Mentawai Islands – These islands offer surfers of all levels the most spectacular waves to ride on.

WHERE TO STAY:

From SGD105
Hotel Bumiminang (20-28 Jl Bundo, Kandung, tel: +62 (751) 37555) This four-star hotel is very conveniently situated downtown Padang. Its intricate architecture reflects the Minangkabau tribal homes. Babysitting and childcare facilities are available; amenities here include a children’s pool.

From SGD100
Novotel Bukittinggi Coralio (Jl Laras Datuk Bandaro, Bukittinggi, tel: +62 (752) 35000) The most luxurious hotel in Bukittinggi pays tribute to local architecture with its romantic bullhorn-style rooftops as well as intricate woodcarvings. Babysitting and childcare services are available.

GUANGZHOU – PARK PLEASURES

WHY YOUR FAMILY WILL LOVE IT:

One of the most prosperous trading cities in China, Guangzhou is a shopper’s paradise. Also enjoy its beautiful flowers all year round as well as its produce of sweet fruits and fresh vegetables.

Shop at the famed Shangxiajiulu Commercial Streets and Flower Pagoda pedestrian streets. Besides man-made commerce, Guangzhou’s parks are also a great feature for the family. The Grand World Scenic Park (Dongpu, Tianhe; open daily from 9.30am to 8.30pm) showcases the world-famous sites, Lilliput-style, including daily performances and an amusement park featuring bumper cars, space-themed rides and water rides.

EXPERIENCES NOT TO MISS:

Zhu Jiang River – Enjoy a moonlit river cruise or take an ocean liner and dine your way through beautiful views. Nightly cruises at 6pm, 8pm and 8.30pm.

Panyu Xiangjiang Wildlife Park – This park boasts the biggest menagerie in the world, with 10,000 animals and nearly 300 species.

Lingnan Country Orchard, Xinjiao – Located in Xinjiao Town, Haizhu District, sample Lingnan’s exquisite starfruit, pomegranate, banana, papaya, orange, lychee, longan, pears and tons more.

Octagonal Flower Pagoda – In the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, the pagoda has nine storeys from the outside, but actually has 17 floors inside. The temple is the oldest architectural wonder in the city.

KID’S HOLIDAY MOMENT:

Go global at Grand World Scenic Park – they will be thrilled by the amusement park and performances.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Water – Tap water is only safe for bathing or washing clothes. Bottled drinking water is easily available.

Weather – The temperature hit 31 to 33 degrees Celsius in September and cools to 10 to 12 degrees in December.

Entry requirements – Everyone, including infants, needs a valid passport with a tourist visa stamped in it to enter China for stays of up to 90 days.

Health check – Everyone must pass the Quarantine Test for infectious diseases.

WHERE TO STAY:

From SGD130 Ramada Pearl (9 Mingyue Yi Road, tel: 86 (20) 87372988 This family-friendly hotel has a playground and playroom, as well as an indoor and an outdoor pool. It has awesome views of the Pearl River, and reasonable proximity to major attractions. Rate is for a double room, plus child. Babysitting is available.

From SGD49.90 White House Hostel (17 Ren Min Nan Road, Yuexiu District This child-friendly hostel in the business disctrict offers satellite TV and air-conditioning, plus a cafeteria with Continental and Chinese food. Rate is for three-bed private ensuite. Tiger Tales

DISNEYLAND BY BOAT

For a more leisurely, scenic (and cost-effective) way to bring your family to Hong Kong Disneyland, fly Tiger Airways to Macau.

En route, while your husband (or wife) grabs a game at the renowned Macau Golf and Country Club, your kids will love you for taking them to Macau Tower (www.macautower.com.mo), where a whole gamut of activities have been built around the tower, from a life-size Carousel to Bungy Trampoline and Skywalk.

Take a boat ride to Hong Kong (just 45 minutes away) and head for Hong Kong Disneyland (www.hongkongdisneyland.com), where they’ll get to meet Buzz Lightyear and zoom happily into outer space with Stitch.

WELCOME TO THE BABY CLUB

Phuket is a common destination for parents with young children, as many hotels have family-friendly services, from babysitting to children’s activity clubs.

Club Med now goes the extra mile with their new Baby Welcome that takes the hassle out of travelling with babes under two. Parents get priority check-in and priority ground-room bookings (with a pathway that avoids stairs).

Available equipment includes bottle warmers in restaurants, baby bathtubs in-room, potties and baby chairs. Child supervision facilities, Club Med-style, are also available.

MAID ALERT!

Thinking of bringing your helper? If you’re headed for Darwin, the employer has to apply in person for a visa (SGD96) at the Australian High Commission. If Padang is your destination, be aware that you have to pay an exit fee for her. It’s SGD50 if done in Singapore, or SGD200 if you’re paying as she exits Indonesia. And as always, your helper needs to have her work permit on her at all times.

TIGER AIRWAYS FLIES FROM SINGAPORE TO: DARWIN, FOUR TIMES A WEEK; PADANG, THREE TIMES A WEEK; HANOI, FOUR TIMES A WEEK; KRABI, FOUR TIMES A WEEK AND GUANGZHOU, THREE TIMES A WEEK. BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS AND STAYS AT www.TIGERAIRWAYS. COM FOR EXCLUSIVE DEALS.