3 Family Fun Activities | Singapore Labrador Nature Reserve | Labrador Park

Last weekend we had a wonderful family fun time exploring the nature of Labrador Nature Reserve. 

Entrance to Berlayer Creek

Labrador Park station 

Situated south of Singapore, you may be glad to know there is a Labrador Park mrt station just outside the entrance of Berlayer Creek. It was a relaxing 20mins stroll along the broad walk to the park.

Broad walk at the Berlayer Creek

Mangrove at the creek

Lookout point along the broad walk

Heart shaped leave 

First family activity was to explore the Berlayer Creek. As it was low tide at about 5pm, there wasn't much water creatures to be seen, but it was nice to see the different shape of leaves on the trees. And this particular leaf caught our attention. Yup, it was a lovely heart shaped leave.

Re-created Dragon's Teeth Gate

Walking along the promenade, many families were seen having a nice stroll just liked us. Not too long later, we came upon the re-created Dragon's Teeth Gate. It was formerly a gateway into the Keppel Harbour which was formed by two rocks. 

In the early days, it was a busy maritime gateway for the Asian and European sailors and traders to sail into Singapore.

Small children's playground

Continuing towards the park, we saw a small playground for children to have fun. Although not big, it was sufficient for younger children to handle comparing to the bigger playground where bigger kids were playing.

Family and friends bonding time

The park was also home to fishing enthusiasts as well as photographers. Family and friends were having fun bonding,while enjoying cans of beer and barbecue food.

Bigger playground and a maze 

As we approached our second activity, which was the bigger playground, the excited children ran towards it, leaving us behind. As the children were having fun at the playground which included a wooden maze, I decided to continue exploring other parts of the park.

Coastal path 

That was how I came across the Coastal Path which was the third activity. It was well hidden by the trees of the nature park and well paved steps were created for easy exploring.

Relic of Singapore war time

War trail history at Labrador Park

Reaching the top of the hill, I saw a war history trail that brought me back to the relic of our war time. Although I had taken history classes during my school days, sad to say, I don't remember a single history lesson right now. Guess my history class was wasted hahaha. 

To enjoy learning during the history trail, please remember to bring mosquito patch or insect spray repellent to avoid being bitten by bugs, which happened to me! Come to think of it, I was behaving like a monkey!

Finishing the trail, I went back to join the kids. As the sun started to set, the kids knew it was time to leave the place. They were having so much fun and were so reluctant to leave the park. 

We had a fantastic family day out which ended with a beautiful sunset.

Beautiful Sunset at the park

Fun Things to Do At Army Museum Of Singapore | Family Day Out Exploring

Army Museum of Singapore is a place where it is always close to the heart for many Singapore men. Located beside the SAFTI Military Institute (SAFTI MI), this was where we could get all the information and history about our Singapore Army. 

Entrance of Singapore Army Museum

After watching a touching movie of Dolphin Tale 2 at the Singapore Discovery Centre iWerks, we proceeded to take a guided bus tour of SAFTI MI.

For security reasons, photo taking was not allowed while on the tour. There wasn't much activities going on inside as the soldiers were preparing for their commissioning parade happening later that evening and we were on the last bus tour for the day. 19th October 2014 will be the soldiers' proudest moment of their life as it marked the day they become commissioned officers.

The well equipped training camp area was huge. It was interesting to understand the different levels of training the cadets go through to be an officer. At SAFTI MI, the cadets endure through 265 days of rigorous training before becoming an officer. 

Army Museum of Singapore 

After the bus tour, we headed towards the Army Museum of Singapore which was just opposite of Singapore Discovery Centre's Discovery Lake.

The museum is FREE entry for all Singapore citizens and PR. A small fee is applicable for non citizen.

Old bunk area in Pulau Tekong

Mock up of a soldier's bunk bed in the 1970s

After touring the camp, we continued our fun exploring the museum indoors. The first exhibit explains why and how Singapore decided to start the army conscription exercise in 1967. Then we came to an interesting room that showed our children how daddy survived the tough times when in army and the bed condition that he slept in.

Different types of Rifles used

There were also displays of some rifles and the different types of uniforms used for different occasions.

4D Show available at the museum

Moving on, we went to watch a 4D show. It was a realistic re-enactment of how the different vocations in army worked together to achieve success during mission time. 

Training to be a sharpshooter

Over at the Individual Marksmanship Trainer (IMT), you can try your hand at shooting electronic targets. Both the M-16 and SAR-21 is available for trying. "Firers, Watch Your Front!"

Mini SOC (Standard Obstacle Course) for children 

Finally we proceeded to outside where a fun mini SOC (Standard Obstacle Course) awaits the excited children. 

Different types of army vehicles 

Display of various army vehicles 

Beside it, there were static displays of decommissioned military vehicles, which includes a Howitzer, old M113 Armoured Personnel Carrier and others.

As you can see, the place was not crowded at all. During school holidays the museum has various fun family activities going on, so do check their website for news when year end holiday arrives.

Passing out parade

It's heartening to see that Singapore has such a credible Army protecting our homeland. Our defence force had grown leaps and bounds from the very early days of independence. With great protection, we are able to have peaceful sleep every night.

Address : 520 Upper Jurong Road Singapore 638367

How to get there by train : SMRT (Alight at Joo Koon station - East West Line)

How to get there by car and bus : Directions

Amazon Lifestyle Shopping For The Family

Singapore Maritime Gallery | All Aboard For A Fun Day Out

A Day Out At Singapore Maritime Gallery

Singapore port made out of Lego bricks

We can't believe that we had not visited this fun interactive gallery till now. Singapore Maritime Gallery was officially opened on 12 September 2012 and it occupies Marina South Pier 2nd floor. A magnificent view of our harbour can be viewed on the 3rd floor playground too.

Sad to say we had very little clue about our Singapore port development. Boy, were we glad to find lots of information in this gallery. We were impressed with the set up of the gallery and the vast information available.

In our opinion, there were 8 main core zones.

A Fun Interactive Connectivity Table 

Zone 1 : The Sea In Our Lives

An 'Interactive Connectivity Table' allows us to understand how our daily needs like rice, oil and medical supplies and many more, were met through daily shipment from other countries. We learnt also how Singapore facilitates the shipment and how Singapore's growth is important to other countries.

Journey of our Singapore Maritime Port

Zone 2 : A Cruise Through History

Over here we could discover Singapore's maritime development from a fishing village in the early days into a major port today.

A 20-foot container at the gallery

An interactive ship model

Zone 3 : Interactive Ship Model 

Walking through a 20-foot container brought us to this interactive display that showed the different processes ships go through at our Singapore port and the many variety of occupations involved in the maritime industry.

Fun experience as a Captain at Ship Bridge Simulator

Zone 4 : Ship Bridge Simulator

This is the one of the most fun activity. We got to act as a captain for the day and experience how to steer different vessels of ship. It was surprisingly realistic, with all 5 screens showing you exactly what you'll see as a captain on the bridge. We realised it wasn't that easy to steer a ship.

Interesting system to understand 

Zone 5 : Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS)

Another fun activity to check out. Here you get a first hand feel of how it feels like being a naval traffic controller on Singapore's sea. That's a huge responsibility given the large amount of sea traffic we have in our waters. 

Different kind of oil rigs built in Singapore

Ice Breaker display at the gallery

Zone 6 : Mega Structures of Oil Rig

This is an interesting section where we could see many different vessels of ships, oil Rigs, and many more.

Different methods of tying knots

Zone 7 : Bends & Hitches

This area highlighted the different methods of tying knots, commonly used on the naval vessels.

A fantastic harbour view at the relaxing area for  families

'Fun At Sea' Children's corner 

Zone 8 : 'Fun At Sea' Children's Corner

This room with a fantastic view of the harbour, was filled with fun activities available for children and families. 

Small but fun children's playground on 3rd floor of Marina South Pier

Singapore Marina South Pier

Singapore Marina Bay Cruise Centre

Not forgetting on the 3rd floor above the gallery, there was a small playground. Although it was small, the view was magnificent. It was quite therapeutic sitting there and enjoying the breeze. In a distance, we could see Marina Bay Cruise Centre. Interestingly the cruise centre structure was like a cruise ship which could be mistaken as a real cruise ship actually.

Although it was not a huge gallery, we had so much fun learning and playing as a family with the exhibits available. It was a great way to have family bonding time.

Currently the Singapore Maritime Gallery can be reached by taking the MRT to Marina Bay station and take bus no.402 to Marina South Pier, and also via car or taxi. Look forward to the extension of North-South line to Marina South Pier station which is just next to the Marina South Pier. How convenient it is going to be with Singapore's well connected MRT lines.

Address : Singapore Maritime Gallery 

Marina South Pier

31 Marina Coastal Drive

Singapore 018988

Opening Hours : Tuesday - Sunday (9.00am - 5.30pm)

Closed on Monday (except public holidays)

Admission is FREE

Singapore Largest Dog Adoption Drive by National Geographic

Singapore Largest Dog Adoption Drive by National Geographic

Last weekend was a fantastic day out for my family. We spent the breezy afternoon at East Coast Park Playground @ Big Splash for Singapore's largest dog adoption drive, held annually by National Geographic. We were so overwhelmed by all the cute dogs around us and of course the potential dog adopters too.

Some of the Singapore Dogs' Shelter Non Profitable Organisation

Singapore's largest dog adoption drive was back again on 4th and 5th October 2014. It was the 3rd year organised by National Geographic Channel (NGC) Free Pet Shop. There were eight non-profit animal shelters that came together to advocate responsibility and compassion towards animals. The eight shelters were :

Save our Street Dogs (SOSD)

Action for Singapore Dogs

Noah's Ark Care

Three Legs Good

Uncle Koh's K9 Shelter

Animal Lovers League

Causes for Animals

Gentle Paws

Puppies patiently waiting for adoption 

More dogs at the Singapore Dogs' Adoption Drive

Furry friends giving their support at the National Geographic event

It was lovely to see so many animal lovers around. Some were looking out for dogs to adopt while some were having fun playing with them. The dogs were having great fun getting all the attention and hoping to be fostered or adopted at the same time. Some fellow dogs were there to give their support for their furry friends too.

While chatting with the volunteers of SOSD regarding the adoption process, we were told of the following

• After putting down potential owner's names and the interested dog, the shelter will get back to you and access the home environment and at the same time asking some questions to see whether the potential owners are ready for adopting a dog.
• If everything goes well, the dog will home stay for a week (depending on which shelter).
• During the home stay, the volunteers will do house visits.
• Upon confirmation, adoption papers will be sign.
• There will be post adoption visits too.
• Last but not least, owner will have to pay a 1 time non refundable fee of $300 which covers the cost of microchipping, 3 vaccinations, sterilisation and administration process.

Different fun activities for the owners and their furry pals

Dog show at Singapore Largest Dog Adoption Drive

There was also a stage competition for registered teams of the dogs and their owners,  and we were so impressed with the tricks that the dogs could performed.

Different dog obstacle courses at the National Geographic event 

Doggie having a fun swimming day out

Nothing was complete without some obstacle courses set up for the dogs to have fun too. One particular dog caught many passersby attention as he was having fun swimming in a blown up pool. Guess dogs and humans liked the same way of cooling down from Singapore hot weather.

One of the therapy dog under the Therapy Dogs Singapore program

As we continued to walk around the area, something interesting caught our eyes. It was the Therapy Dogs Singapore (TDS) booth. You may be wondering what is TDS? It is a non profit voluntary organisation by dog owners who loves to share the love of their dogs with our society's disadvantaged. It was really heartwarming to know that there is such organisation in Singapore doing charity work to help the needy.

It was a well spent afternoon for my family outing for the day. Lots of information about our furry friends and their needs were shared. It was amazing how dogs were so well connected to their owners. It showed us that effort and commitment is needed if you want to keep a pet dog. So the next time when your family or friends are looking for a dog, DON'T SHOP...ADOPT! You will be giving these saved dogs a second life.

Singapore street dog up for adoption