What a fun race to start 2016. This year the theme for the race was 'Lost'. You must be wondering what do we mean. Well it's easy, the race format is like Amazing Race.
Ultra Kids Category at starting point
For a start, there was a 1.6km and 2.5km run for the different kids category. After the run, the participants had to complete 13 stations. It can either be physical challenges or mental games.
Team bonding at Safra AVventura 2016 Race
Soapy climb up to the top
Family bonding at Safra AVventura 2016 Race
Cargo Net challenge at Safra AVventura Race 2016
The 13 stations were fun and interesting. Ranging from word search, unicycle, charade, mine field, knives on marshmallows, leopard crawl,flying fox, tent building etc.
The area for all these stations were nearby, from Safra Yishun premises to Yishun Park and Yishun Resevior.
We were very impressed by the planning of this year's race. All teams had to start at different allocated first station and the remaining stations were up to their own discretion.
There were no bottlenecks at the stations and even if there was a queue, the participants were given queue number to avoid dispute. So is really up to the participants whether do they want to queue or carry on to the next station.
The children had so much fun every year and this was their 5th year into the race. This year was the 10th Edition of the race and of course the race pack goodies were much better than previous years.
Snacks provided after the race
End of the race the participants were treated to free snacks of pop corn, candy floss and muah chee (glutinous rice cake).
Regular participants of Safra AVventura Race
Families for Life AVventura race is a race that you shouldn't miss. It creates bonding while having fun. These experiences will stay with the child forever.
For more information on races or Safra activities, do have a look here.
The day that all Spartans were waiting for had finally arrived. Singapore Spartan Race started from Nicoll Highway, passing through the scenic Marina Bay area and looped back from the floating platform to the main village.
It consisted of a 6km run with 28 obstacles, which sounded more daunting comparing to any races that was held in Singapore before.
Reebok Spartan Race Singapore
Thanks to the morning light showers, the weather was perfect for us.
When we reached the race area we saw a mini obstacle course set up for the Junior Spartan. Boy, were they enthusiastic! The kids sprinted down the course, and blitzed across the obstacles as fast as they could.
This is definitely something all kids should come and try.
Junior
Spartans at Singapore Spartan Race 2015
Junior Spartans conquering obstacles
After the race, some children were seen challenging among themselves and others were resting after the tiring obstacles race.
Junior Spartans post race activities
There was also a complimentary warm up session by Fitness First to help the Spartans to get ready. Looking at their serious faces made me wonder did I do enough training. Hahaha!
Warm up session by Fitness First
At the flag off, all were smiles and cheers anticipating the obstacles yet to come.
Flag Off at Nicoll Highway
The first few obstacles were quite easy to clear. Like the barb-wire crawl and low wall.
Lady Spartan at Singapore Reebok Spartan Race 2015
A low wall jump done in fine Spartan race form
As the obstacles were concentrated at 3 areas, you really max out your energy at each of these areas.
For me the most challenging obstacles, were the Bucket Brigade and overcoming the 2.4m high wall. The Bucket Brigade definitely drained me out as I had to zig-zag twice over the designated course, and it felt like never ending. I had to stop 4 times to catch my breath.
The 2.4m high wall was an obstacle that needed teamwork from fellow Spartans. A helpful push is a must, to scale the high wall after conquering other stations of obstacles.
Back to Spartan village, we had to conquer this cargo-net wall which can be a daunting obstacle for those who has a fear of height.
Spartan Cargo Net Wall
Rope Climb
Slippery slope before the finish line
Jumping over the fire was the finale of the Spartan race. This was indeed the most rewarding jump as the happy participants showed on their glowing faces while crossing the fire together as a team or individual.
Team mates crossing the fire together
Friends crossing the fire together
Spartan at the finishing line
Ending the race in style
There was also a complimentary wash down service after completing the race.
Wash down service after race
Even Mr Joe De Sena the Spartan CEO was there to give a helping hand.
Mr Joe De Sena enjoying washing down the Spartans
Overall, this was an enjoyable race to be experienced with like minded friends. To rebuild the kampong spirit and relive some good old army SOC (Standard Obstacle Course) days. It was indeed a race to forge awesome friendship bonds.
Singapore Spartans
We are very thankful for this wonderful experience, and we'll definitely train smarter for next year's Reebok Spartan Race!
Finisher Tshirt and medal
Till the next fun day out with welovedayout, AROO! AROO! AROO!
Universal Studio Singapore at Resort World Sentosa
We reached the themed park at 10.30am and I thought we will be done in 3 - 4 hours time, boy was I wrong about it. We were there from opening to closing because the children just keep going non stop.
The park was divided into 7 categories, namely : Hollywood, Madagascar, Far Far Away, The Lost World, Ancient Egypt, Sci-Fi City and New York.
Once entered into Universal Studios Singapore (USS), we step into the Hollywood world. We were right on time for the street performance by 'The Cruisers'. There was a 'Sesame Street Show' too.
Next we went to 'New York' and were greeted by another wonderful performance by 'The Rockafellas'.
Fun at Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase
'Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase' was fun too with the Sesame Street characters. You help Elmo and Grover defeat the Spaghetti villains riding in a space vehicle.
Battlestar Galactica : Human
Battlestar Galactica at USS
'Sci-Fi City' was a must for the adrenaline seekers as you get to queue for the 'Battlestar Galactica' ride. Definitely a no for my timid heart. By now the weather is getting a bit hazy, so out came our masks too.
TRANSFORMERS The Ride : The Ultimate 3D Battle
'TRANSFORMERS The Ride' was awesome, awesome, awesome! You are a Autobot tasked with protecting the Allspark from the Decepticons. The effects were awesome, you could feel the heat of the missile when it blows up!
Revenge of the Mummy
'Ancient Egypt' mummies at the entrance were really huge. 'Revenge of the Mummy' indoor ride was scary for the children, because 3/4 of the ride was in the dark. It definitely felt like a loooong ride in the dark!
Treasure Hunters at USS
Instead they queued up for the 'Treasure Hunters' jeep ride which in my opinion was pretty much nothing interesting. Don't bother to queue if it is a long queue.
At 'The Lost World' we miss the WaterWorld show as the kids were too hungry, so we had to stop for lunch.
Canopy Flyer st Universal Studios Singapore
After lunch we did the 'Canopy Flyer'. We decided to do the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure last as we were be getting wet from the ride.
Talking about lunch, you will not have any problem finding food in USS. If you find the price is too steep, you can actually request for a re-entry chop at the exit. So you can have lunch outside and re-enter the themed park again.
Puss in Boots Giant Journey spotted at Universal Studios Singapore
At 'Far Far Away' the children went onto 'Puss in Boots' Giant Journey ride. It was awesome and they had so much fun. 'Shrek 4-D Adventure was interesting and fun too. Remember to choose the moving seats in order to enjoy the 4-D effects. Oh and not forgetting the junior 'Enchanted Airways' roller coaster.
Madagascar World at Universal Studios Singapore
Next up was 'Madagascar'. We went on a 'Madagascar : A Crate Adventure' river boat ride which was quite similar to Disneyland's 'Small Small World'.
Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure
Last but not least we went back to 'The Lost World' for the 'Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure' as we will definitely be wet or soaked. It will be good to bring along a poncho for this ride. But it was fun for the children to get wet after a long day hahahaha.
Universal Studios Singapore
I wouldn't consider it a huge themed park, but it was sufficient to entertain family and friends. It would be good if USS can lower down their steep entrance fees.
We had so much fun and enjoyment that the children didn't really want to leave so early at 6pm.
The children were excited to head out for an outdoor fun after being stuck indoors for more than a month from the bad haze.
Finally last weekend we had some clear skies in the morning, so welovedayout quickly drove out to MacRitchie Reservoir for an awesome hike to HSBC Treetop Walk.
HSBC TreeTop Walk
We parked at Venus Drive and proceeded from Venus entrance towards TreeTop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir.
Venus Entrance of TreeTop Walk
Our walk started with a very welcoming guest of the forest. Seriously the monkeys were not afraid of humans. I think I'm more afraid of them.
Monkey along pathway
So we started on a leisure hike towards the TreeTop Walk bridge. Along the way, we came acrocss many interesting sights.
Big leaves, about half body long
Interesting cave looking structure
Cut tree in the forest
Walking pathway towards HSBC TreeTop Walk
Of course with kids it can never take an hour to reach. But it was always fun to explore the nature in a slow and relaxed pace.
Resting are along the way
There's always rest area along the walk. Hydrating and snacking is always part of a hike.
Please remember to bring along a plastic bag to throw any rubbish. We wouldn't want to contaminate the forest with unwanted rubbish which might kill the forest animals.
Directions to TreeTop Walk
There were directions sighted along the way to TreeTop Walk.
Staircase to conquer
We went through ups and downs to reach the bridge and finally when we reached, it was an amazing sight.
HSBCTreeTop Walk
The highest point of the bridge was at 25m and so our wobbly legs started when we walked slowly across the bridge.
It was a one direction traffic on the bridge and it started off from the Ranger Station via Peirce track. Do take note that the bridge closes at 5pm, so be sure to start early to avoid disappointment.
Jelutong Tower
After walking on the bridge, you wouldn't want to miss checking out Jelutong Tower which has another magnificent view at the top.
Amazing view at the top of Jelutong Tower
It was great fun to be able to enjoy the nature as a family again. Did you have a great fun day with your family? We would love to hear your sharing with us, which fun place did you and your family head out to.
