Kid-Friendly Travel from Manila to Singapore

The Lego pit at NAIA-Terminal 1's Kiddie Traveler's Lounge.

Every little bit helps.  And I am one thankful mom.  Throughout our hectic trip from Manila to Singapore and back this last long weekend, I was all too glad to see a lot of helpful travel stuff created with kids in mind (and their frazzled parents too).  It's still a kind world out there, full of thoughtful people who are considerate enough to make life easier for those traveling with tiny ones.  It started with a pleasant surprise at the oldest airport terminal in Manila, good old NAIA Terminal 1.  We were walking towards our gate when we chanced upon the Kiddie Traveler's Lounge.

The entrance to the Kiddie Traveler's Lounge.

NAIA-1's kid's playroom is located near the phone booths, before the restrooms. It is a pleasantly cozy air-conditioned room with a colorful rubber floor, a Tiny Tikes playhouse, cartoons playing on tv, and a huge Lego pit.  There were also tiny tables and benches for the kids, and some recliners and sofas for their parents. The room was cheerfully decorated, and did a good job of keeping kids entertained.  Whoever is responsible for this play room has my gratitude :-D

Narra and Guijo with their freebies from Singapore Airlines

Then once on board our Singapore Airlines flight, Narra and Guijo received some freebies.  Narra got this cool Comic Book Making kit with stickers, crayons, coloring book and comic book panels featuring My Little Pony and Transformers.  Guijo got an age appropriate pair of soft building blocks which he loved throwing around.  For older kids, there were cool travel edition Activity Cards customized for Singapore Airlines by Hasbro, inspired by their famous games like Monopoly, Twister, Play Doh, and Pictureka.   The toys were very helpful indeed. Narra was glued to her seat the entire flight.

Upon landing at Changi Airport, I was happy to find a "strolley", a combination of a luggage trolley and infant carrier seat/stroller.  The seat itself is made by the cool brand for baby gear "Combi", and it is mounted on a specially designed cart with plenty of space for luggage underneath.  The wheels are your typical sturdy pushcart wheels, designed to carry a lot of weight.  I loved using this "strolley" and so did Guijo! I felt sad when it was time to leave the airport and that wonderful "strolley" behind!  Knowing such a thing existed really made me look forward to returning to Changi airport for our flight back to Manila.  It was the first thing I looked for when we checked in a few days later to fly home.

Guijo on his "strolley", Family Zone,  Changi airport.

So over at Changi Terminal 2, while waiting to board our flight, I used the "strollley" as a high chair as I fed Guijo his lunch.  There were food outlets conveniently located right next to the airport's Family Zone, where the kids can play while their parents grab a bite to eat nearby, close enough to keep an eye on them.  There was a huge playground with padded rubber flooring, and slides of varying heights for kids of all ages.  There was also a baby changing area, breast feeding rooms, and a lounge/playroom where parents can lie down for a bit (some parents were sleeping in the lounge when we took a peek).

The Family Zone, Changi Terminal 2, Singapore.

Right across the playground is "Kidzone", a fun store full of toys, books, and little knick knacks for tiny hands.  My sister Marion, the ever doting aunt, bought travel toys for Narra and Guijo from Kidzone.  We were so relaxed at the Family Zone that time flew by and we had to hurry up to our Boarding Gate to make the last call.  Narra didn't want to leave yet! Fortunately, there were planes right outside the window and I told her our plane would leave without us unless we run to catch it. 

My sis Marion, with Narra and Guijo at the Playground in Changi Airport.

Back in Manila, upon disembarking, Narra saw NAIA Terminal 1 and excitedly commented: "Mama there's Lego here! I want to play!" She still hadn't forgotten the pre-departure Kiddie Traveler's Lounge from a few days back.   This made me smile.  When it comes to airports, Singapore is on top of the heap, with truly world class facilities - and Manila's sad, old NAIA Terminal 1 is a far cry from shiny Changi.  My children, however, see beyond the glitz and see things from a simpler, purer standpoint.  They have fun in a play room, whether it is in a small room, or a big space. 

So I am thankful. To the wonderful people in Changi and Manila, and all other places where people bother to create space for children to have fun. It's a big help, for them, and for parents like me. Every little bit helps in a big way.