By Karen Saltos, Taking The Kids Correspondent
Singapore is in Southeast Asia, at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Singapore became a British colony in 1824 after Sir Stamford Raffles established a trading post there in 1819. During World War 2, it was occupied by the Japanese. After it was liberated by the allies, it reverted to British rule until 1963.
Singapore merged with Malaysia on September 16, 1963, separated from Malaysia on August 9, 1965, and is now a parliamentary democracy. The population is about 5,840,558, and the main ethnic groups are Chinese, Indian, and Malay.
A direct flight from New York is approximately 18 hours, but comfortable if you plan ahead. I chose Singapore Airlines because the Premium Economy offers solo seats and meals, including a main course accompanied by a seasonal appetizer, bread, dessert, and cheese and crackers. In addition, beer, champagne, snacks, and wine are complimentary. I chose from 1,800 entertainment options such as apps, games, movies, music, and television programs with a video touchscreen handset and 13.3-inch HD-enabled touchscreen monitor with noise-canceling headphones. With all this, the flight time did not seem long.
About Singapore
Off-peak tourism seasons are February to May and September to October.
The country is hot and humid year-round due to its tropical climate and proximity to the equator.
I visited in mid-September when the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix activities began. The best flying option is the Singapore Airlines non-stop flight from JFK in New York City because the food and service are excellent.
After my arrival the entry process was smooth, and my hotel, YOTELAIR Changi Singapore, is conveniently located in the airport. Changi Airport is similar to a small city with gardens, restaurants, shops, and the largest indoor waterfall in the world.
Although many attractions are in the airport, several are downtown. The transit system is inexpensive and safe and you can take bus number 36 to most of the museums and the Gardens by the Bay.
Singaporeans are friendly and helpful. Most of them speak English fluently. The dollar is strong now so visitors can get more for American dollars than Singaporean dollars. Wear light clothing and take a hat or parasol to protect yourself from the sun.
I was there for a week and enjoyed every moment of my stay. Here are five reasons to visit Singapore in September:
1. ArtScience Museum
The museum’s lotus-inspired architecture and interactive exhibits create a unique and immersive experience for people of all ages. Two popular exhibitions are Future World: Where Art Meets Science and Animal Kingdom: Expedition into the Unknown. Stop in Miracle Coffee, a cafe located on Level 1 of the ArtScience Museum’s Rain Oculus. It offers delicious pour-over coffee, which is made with single-origin beans roasted by Miracle Coffee.
2.Changi Airport
Considered to be one of the best airports in the world, Changi offers an exceptional passenger experience which includes extensive shopping and dining options, a high standard of cleanliness, the Jewel Rain Vortex, the tallest indoor waterfall in the world, a play area for children, and the Discovery Slides.
3.Gardens by the Bay
Its Flower Dome is the largest glass greenhouse in the world. Gardens by the Bay was part of the country’s plan to transform its “Garden City” into a “City in a Garden”, to raise the quality of life by enhancing greenery and flora in the city. Check out the Cloud Forest, a cooled conservatory featuring a lush mountain where exotic plant species live.
4.National Museum of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore is about their art, history, and culture. It is the oldest museum in the city-state and one of the largest museums in Asia. Rediscover the joys of The Unlocking Cabinets of Play exhibition. It invites everyone to relive and connect over nostalgic memories centered on toys.
5.Singapore Grand Prix
The event runs from September 3-22, 2024. It features adrenaline-pumping car racing action, glamorous parties, and more. The Singapore Grand Prix has been described by drivers as being the “toughest race of the Formula 1 calendar”. Take the kids on the Singapore Flyer Ferris wheel to see the action from high up in the air.