The Pleasures of Singapore Zoo

Narra and I at the pygmy hippo's observation dug-out.

We were there for the kids. But we ended up enjoying ourselves as well. This, to me, is one of the perks of being a parent. It gives one the motivation to make time and exert effort to learn about the world all over again.  We do it to introduce our children to wonderful things, and in the process, we become enchanted ourselves.  Our afternoon in Singapore Zoo was full of "look at this" and "look at that" moments.  So well have the zoo's designers recreated the natural habitats of the animals on display that scoping the exhibits was truly a rewarding exercise in discovery.  

The exhibits have thoughtful lay-outs with strategic viewing points for zoo-goers at a respectful distance from animals.  There were also thrilling sections where animals were free-roaming, I couldn't believe my eyes!  The rainforest exhibit inside a gigantic aviary-like enclosure was one of my favorites.  Once inside, a mouse deer approached me and came within arm's length while I was walking on the foot path. A Philippines mouse deer!!! Back home, I've only seen these shy creatures in cramped cages in zoos outside Manila.  To find them here, roaming freely in lush surroundings, was a welcome surprise.  Just above our heads were crawl posts for all sorts of tree-dwelling creatures - like monkeys and lemurs. I had to wheel Guijo's stroller out of the way so we wouldn't be too near a lemur stationed right above the main walkway.  There were also birds, like multi-colored parrots to be found hiding under vegetation, we got excited when we unexpectedly spotted some.  There were also awesome fruit bats and lovely butterflies fluttering about.   I was somewhat scared to be wheeling my babies in a cage full of animals, but I trusted the Singaporeans with safety standards - I knew that when it came to controlling behavior through intelligent design, they know what they're doing.  

A lemur resting conspicuously above the Rainforest footpath.

Singapore Zoo, like the rest of Singapore, is carefully planned and thoughtfully designed - and perfectly executed.  The gently sloping inclines meant for strollers and wheelchairs were judiciously  integrated into the landscape, so intelligently and artfully, that one would tend to forget they're there at all.   And everywhere one looks, one would see meticulous attention to detail.  A stretch of land next to a foot path, for instance, was made into a delightful garden.  What could have been an otherwise negligible corner was transformed into a focal point with the creation of a pocket lily pond.  We came to the zoo to see the animals, but we ended up enjoying the plants just as much. 

At a pocket Lily pond by the reservoir.

The selection of plants for the garden was deliberate, guided as it was by an underlying agenda: to give a sense of place in the tropics and particularly in Southeast Asia.  On display were typical vegetables and fruit-bearing trees and shrubs from the region.  The "Bahay Kubo" vegetables were there, and it would have been an excellent opportunity to introduce Narra to the origins of her table food - but she was napping as we took our leisurely stroll.  With kids fast asleep, Oliver and I had the chance to focus on Mama, and share in her enjoyment at seeing flowers, shrubs, trees and fruits from her childhood - plants she hadn't seen in ages.  Mama Rubi is an outstanding cook, and traveling through a vegetable garden with her is profoundly delightful and enlightening.  She pointed at each leaf, and fruit, with unbridled enthusiasm, saying what they were, and what they're for.  She carefully inspected a vine that produced a cross between a patola and upo, and contemplated on whether it was more like the former or the latter.  There were vignettes of personal recollections too, of Mama's neighbors that had this tree, and that shrub, and where this plant once stood in which part of the garden in the home she grew up in.

Oliver filming Mama as she pushed Narra's stroller through the garden.

"Look at that - it's a Rozelle!" she said excitedly at a rich burgundy clump of flowers.  "That's what Haw Flakes are made of", she informed me. And I accepted this tiny bit of information with great interest - I loved Haw Flakes, and consumed them with reverence for 3 decades, without ever knowing what they were made of.  It was a moment of revelation!   That walk in the garden is special to me, it gave me a chance to marvel at my mother in law and get a brief glimpse of the depth of her culinary genius.  To know Mama Rubi is to cook with her, and since I don't cook - I miss out on the opportunity to bond with her.  I didn't expect that a short walk through a vegetable patch would offer me the opening I didn't know I was hoping for.  It was a perfect setting for a bonding moment, as we snaked our way through a garden by a lake, with overcast skies and a cool breeze, and we pushed strollers with the babies peacefully asleep.  

Guijo and I on the tram ride to the zoo's exit.

We realized we had walked the entire zoo without once taking a ride on the tram (despite the fact that we bought tickets for unlimited tram rides).  We hadn't planned on walking the entire park, but we ended up doing so because of the shaded paths through thick foliage.  There were some majestic old trees that towered above the rest.  They reminded us that a big part of the zoo's many inducements is its being in a true nature reserve with a thriving ecosystem.  Parks designed for tourism tend to feel somewhat contrived - and in some ways the entire island of Singapore can sometimes feel like one big well-planned theme park - but the presence of these huge, centuries-old trees in full glory makes me feel closer to nature.  I remember just standing in front of one particularly powerful tree outside the buwaya exhibit.  The sun hit the trunk at a magical angle, making its wood shine with deep and rich orange-yellow-gold tones.  Oliver and I admired it (we love trees), and we stopped for a moment to breathe.  Our day at the zoo had come to an end. We took the tram to take us back to the entrance. What a fun afternoon appreciating flora and fauna it was, even for the kids!

At Universal Studios Singapore With Our Young Children

Oliver and I with our sleepy kids before entering Universal Studios Singapore.

I've read it in blogs and heard it from friends: Universal Studios Singapore is not as baby-friendly as Disneyland - so we went to the theme park with that mindset. We were going to make the most out of the situation - the basic plan was to hit the baby-friendly attractions while the kids were awake, and make a mad dash for the grown-up attractions while they took naps.  To put this plan into action, we needed a few essentials: 1) Universal Studios Express Passes - to allow us to breeze through queues; 2) Strollers - one for each kid, so they can nap on the go; 3) The Child Swap Program that allowed Narra to go twice on a ride she liked, without having to queue up twice; 4) the Baby Center, where I could wash, change, and feed the kids in air-conditioned comfort, and most importantly, 5) Helpful companions! My mum-in-law Mama Rubi, and sister Marion joined us on this trip to help us take turns in watching the kids.  The result: precious bonding time! (though we were all dead tired by day's end).

With Guijo, riding King Julien's Party-Go-Round, Madagascar.

I got to bond with our birthday boy, Guijo, on the few attractions fit for babies: King Julien's "Party-go-Round" in Madagascar; "Lights, Camera, Action" in New York; and in the land of Far, Far, Away - I got to take him on "Shrek's 4D Adventure" (we sat on stationary seats designated for mothers with lap babies) and the attraction he enjoyed the most: "Donkey Live!"  The interactive show was a hit with our kids. Guijo clapped as Donkey sang his short Happy Birthday song, and both Narra and Guijo danced along quite happily when the audience was asked to join the fun.  I liked the fact that that the theater was cool, and dark, and we were seated in benches, and this offered a welcome break from the intense heat outside.  Guijo also enjoyed the Baby Center for the same reasons. It was cool. And quiet. And he could walk around without us restraining him. And we adults, enjoyed the sofa to rest on. My sis gave Guijo an ice cream cone and he was delighted! It's a good thing the Baby Center had a sink and nice changing table, so I got to wash his sticky fingers and face, and change his clothes after.

My sis Marion, and Narra, entering Madagascar zone.

Narra, being taller than Guijo, could ride on more attractions. She was already tall enough for the junior roller coaster, "Enchanted Airways" and she was thrilled! We took advantage of the child swap program so she can ride on it twice, first with me, then with her Ninang Marion.  I had a great time riding the attractions on this trip. With Narra, I felt nervous/excited like a typical anxious/proud mama; with my sister, I felt nostalgic - and I reminisced about all the other rides we took together since our youth - from the Octopus ride at our school fair, to the caterpillar in Fiesta Carnival, to our first trips to Disneyland and Universal Studios decades ago.  I loved having my sister there, she always says the right things at the right time that makes me snap out of any negative modes I get into.  I say something to complain, she'll call my attention - and coax me back to my happy place - she's my guru! She's my ticket to a happy trip! I'm glad we had the chance to do some rides together, just us sisters.

Narra, greeting "Diane" the newly hatched Triceratops in Jurassic Park.

I was most scared with the ride I had with my Mom-in-law - we tried "The Mummy"  together, just the two of us, while Oliver and my sister waited outside with the kids.  The ride was in complete darkness at times, and rather jerky, and full of rapid twists - and I wasn't scared of the ride per se, but of my mum! What if she gets a neck sprain, or loses her eyeglasses, or God forbid, what if she faints! Oh dear! I invited her to join me on the ride so I felt responsible! I was soooo scared!!!  What will my sis-in-laws say??? But Mama won my respect that day. She went for the roller coasters and thrilling rides with enthusiasm and great energy, and emerged youthfully triumphant. She rode with Oliver on a roller coaster, and he looked scared! (and I could relate with him! riding with a senior citizen is peculiarly nerve wracking). She's one cool lola who knows how to have fun! 

"The Mummy" parading down Sesame Street in New York zone.

One ride that proved to be quite cathartic, was the ultimate roller coaster: Battlestar Galactica.  Oliver and I left our napping kids with Mama and Marion at the Diner in Hollywood zone, and we speed walked to Sci-Fi City and rode Cylon, the blue coaster.  The ride had so many twists and turns at such exhilarating velocity that even my ponytail came undone, with the elastic flying off mid-ride.  Oliver and I were shouting our guts out - and boy, all that screaming felt good!  Everyone needs a good scream every now and then - it's just so liberating.  I felt shaken clean, inside out, with all the bad vibes dissipating in the air.  We were still high from Cylon when we rushed to "Transformers", and that ride left me spell-bound.  That was the one ride that made me feel like a little kid, fully absorbed in a make-believe world, and I truly believed as Optimus Prime looked me in the eye, that he was really talking to me, and me alone.  It was a violent, brutal ride - and I am really against war and violence in real life - but I have to admit, that ride, had a great story-line and worked some kind of magic.  I allowed myself, for a moment, to be someone else, to get into character.  The last time I remembered being gripped by a ride in the same way was with Dineyland's chilling "Pirates of the Caribbean", and dreamy "Peter Pan" ride over London in miniature some twenty years ago!  Universal Studios' action-packed Transformers' ride is one for the books. I loved it!

The Woodpeckers with Marion, me and Narra, Mama Rubi and Oliver, and
our celebrant, Guijo - fast asleep.

Ok, ok. So maybe we adults enjoyed Universal Studios Singapore more than our kids did, and the attractions I liked the most were truly not baby-friendly.  Just as well, our kids were asleep half of the time anyway. And we made sure that when they were awake, we took them to the few kid-friendly attractions there were, which they did enjoy! It was August 19th, Guijo's 1st Birthday, and we decided to celebrate his milestone by indulging the inner kid in each of us, and having one fun day at the theme park. 

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.