Summer Break Must-Do: Visit these 3 Asian Destinations

If now is the time to use those hard-earned savings, we recommend three places in Asia that your brood would love to be in. Have fun!

Destination #1: SINGAPORE
Hailed as the Asian country with the best quality of life, Singapore is a highly-globalized city-state and is the favorite destination of many who want to experience the good life in a tropical setting. Due to the efficiency of transportation and public service, it’s very family-friendly as well. The climate is very much akin to ours, and with 42 percent of its residents foreigners, the cuisine is widely inclusive. Most businesses are conducted in English as well. There’s no culture shock happening on your first visit, that’s for sure.

Where family is king

Resorts World Sentosa

Resorts World Sentosa is a collection of resorts and attractions with fun-filled offerings for the whole family. Once on this island, you’ll never want to leave!

Festive Hotel

• There are six hotels in Resorts World Sentosa, and Festive Hotel is the family-friendliest. The rooms have a separate chamber for the parents and loft beds for the kids. Sofas also flatten for extra sleeping room.
• Have a dip in the pool!

Nom, nom, nom!
Because of Malaysian influences, some Singaporean foods are spicy, so always ask before you order for your kids. You’ll never run out of food choices, though, and you can even hop onto the next hotel, like in Starz Restaurant in Hard Rock Hotel, for an extensive buffet of international cuisines. You can visit neighboring country Malaysia, or you can opt to have your dinner at Malaysian Food Street.

Where fun is at
Families who come to this city-state often have a visit to Universal Studios Singapore in their itinerary, and with good reason. Daredevil dads and sons can get their adrenaline rush from rides like the dueling coasters of Battlestar Galactica and the 4D ride Transformers The Ride.

Sesame Street mascots

• Moms and very tiny tots will enjoy the Sesame Street Space Chase. Catch the gang in street performances and buy yourself a souvenir for old times’ sake.

• Hungry? There are plenty of food choices within Universal Studios.

Adventure Cove Waterpark

• Get wet and wild with the fish in Adventure Cove Waterpark and Marine Life Park. It’s the region’s only aquatic adventure park integrated with real marine life. You can snorkel over a coral reef, touch manta rays, zoom down a thrilling waterslide, or simply swim in peace.

• Take your kids to the Maritime Experiential Museum on your downtime. Learn about ships and the products people used to barter with each other ages ago.

S.E.A. Aquarium

• The world’s largest aquarium is right here in Asia! The S.E.A. Aquarium contains more than 800 species of marine animals, including some of the heavyweights of the sea! We love that the biggest viewing room is laid out like a movie house without the seats, so you can stay and just marvel at the marine animals for hours on end. No need to hurry out!

• Your kids can even touch some of the animals, like starfish.

Photos from Resorts World Sentosa

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Destination #2: HONG KONG
No one is ever too old for Disneyland. Dubbed the happiest place on earth (and with good reason!), this magical kingdom is now just a two-hour plane ride from Manila. It’s also the top reason why a visit to Hong Kong is on every family’s bucket list. We tell you how to make the most of your stay at this world-class resort.

Here we go
The most practical way to get to Hong Kong Disneyland is via the Mass Transit Railway (MTR). From the airport, take the airport express and ride the Tung Chung Line. Then, get off and hop on the train heading to Sunny Bay station (there are helpful signs everywhere so we doubt you’d get lost.)

Disney Resort Line

At the Sunny Bay station, wait for the train that rides the Disney Resort Line. You’ll know you’re on your way to meeting Mickey and Minnie as soon as you hop onto the charming train that will take you to the Disneyland Resort. Everything—from its windows to the handle bars—will remind you of the world’s most famous mouse. Plus, miniature bronze sculptures of well-loved Disney characters are there to greet you at every corner. This train ride alone makes for a great photo opportunity. What’s more, it’s just a quick trip to your enthralling destination.

Step right up!

Cinderella Carousel

Hong Kong Disneyland is made up of six main areas the entire family can tirelessly explore: There’s Main Street, U.S.A. which houses most souvenir shops and the Disney train that takes you on a 360º tour of the island. Walk farther down the road and you’ll know you’re about to enter an enchanting world as Sleeping Beauty’s majestic castle greets you. Fantasyland is a favorite among toddlers and pre-schoolers for all its fun kiddie attractions such as the engaging 3-D Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Cinderella Carousel, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, the whimiscal Madhatter Teacups, and many more. Take a detour to Tomorrowland where you and your little ones can zoom into the future aboard electric cars (Autopia), or steer your own flying saucer high above the ground (Orbitron), or go on a thrilling high-speed roller-coaster ride through Space Mountain.

Slinky Dog Spin ride

Meanwhile, Adventureland takes you on a jungle journey where you get to hang out at Tarzan’s treetop home, witness a Broadway-like performance in Festival of the Lion King, and go on a mysterious water adventure via the Jungle River Cruise (a certified family favorite!). Toy Story Land, which is exclusive to HK Disneyland, is total eye candy, what with its larger-than life-sized toys and thrilling attractions. Its blockbuster hits include the Toy Soldier Parachute Drop, RC Racer, and Slinky Dog Spin. Lastly, there’s Grizzly Gulch, HK Disney’s latest and largest themed land, where a wild, wild Runaway Mine Cars ride awaits only the brave at Big Grizzly Mountain. It’s also a great spot for some water play, so prepare to get soaked at Geyser Gulch!

Meet Mickey Mouse and friends

Mickey Mouse pancakes at the Hong Kong Disney Hotel

Get a thrill from seeing your favorite Disney characters up close. You’ll get many chances to do so throughout the park, particularly at the Fantasy Gardens in FantasyLand, where guests can fall in line for a photo and a quick chat with Mickey and friends. Don’t want to spend all your time lining up to meet the mascots, but still crave that golden photo opportunity with Disney’s famous cast? Then it‘s definitely worth signing up for buffet breakfast (or dinner!) at The Enchanted Garden inside Hong Kong Disney Hotel. While feasting on an international cuisine (that includes Mickey pancakes and Mickey ice cream!), Mickey and the rest of the gang will be tablehopping to keep you and your little ones entertained—definitely the highlight of your meal!

Happy ever after
To complete your magical Disney experience, make sure you book a room at any of the resort's two hotels: Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel—where accommodations are at its finest and the attention to detail (e.g., all things Disney!) will truly delight guests young and old. The former has a huge Mickey Maze you can wander about while the latter has a piano-shaped pool that’s perfect for early morning dips. Resort shuttles provide free drop-offs from the park to both hotels and vice versa.

Disney princesses on a parade float

Your happy trip advisor:
1. It’s ideal to visit the park during the cooler months of the year (around October to early March) so the heat doesn’t leave you and the kiddos feeling drained. Remember to check the weather forecast ahead of time so you can dress comfortably and be prepared in case it rains.

2. Bring a lightweight umbrella stroller because you will be doing a lot of walking and the kids may get tired from all the exploring. Strollers are also available for rent at the park.

3. When buying your tickets, include a Fastpass—it could help save you time! A Fastpass allows you to get on three popular rides at a scheduled time so there’s no need to line up. Use them wisely!

4. Plan your day well. Try to be there as soon as the park opens so you get first dibs on the most popular rides before the crowds pile up. Some rides like the happy cruise “It’s a Small World” close later than the rest so you can prioritize the other attractions that end before the spectacular fireworks display at night.

5. Pick up a copy of the Times Guide at the entrance or at the City Hall Guest Services so you can check the schedule of the shows and rides, and track down your favorite Disney characters, too! You won’t want to miss out on the Flights of Fantasy Parade and the Disney in the Stars Fireworks so make sure you know their “show time” and find a good spot to take in the sights.

6. Let older kids bring a tiny and lightweight knapsack where they can stash an extra shirt, a cap, and a small towel.

7. See a cast member? Step right up and ask (nicely!) for a Disney sticker or a trading card! You can even swap cool Disney pins with them!

8. Your little ones meeting the Disney gang for the first time? Don’t forget to ask them to bring a tiny notebook and pen so their favorite characters can sign their autographs! (Autograph books are also available at the souvenir shops.)

9. Plan to visit for at least two days as a day trip with young ones in tow is never enough. That way, you can also spread out your activities well. The kids will surely want to go back for their favorite rides or watch the shows they missed during day one. (It also wouldn’t hurt to catch the fireworks again!)

10. Famished? Refreshment carts are situated at almost every stop in the park. There are also many restaurants and cafes, such as Corner Cafe on Main Street, that serve hearty meals for sharing. A big hit among kids is the cotton candy that glows at night! (That and the Frozen Mickey lollipops!)

Photos by Mia Cruz

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Destination #3: TAIPEI CITY
Taiwan is not the knee-jerk answer when families gather ‘round to discuss regional vacation plans, but it should be on every parent’s list of places to see. An hour by plane from Manila, the city of Taipei is brimming with attractions for families with young kids, where they can have the most fun while spending the least money. Visit during the cooler months so that strolling is more comfortable. Most of the locals speak very good English.

Temple run
Temples are a great way to introduce your children to oriental culture. Taiwan has at least 5,000 of them. You may marvel at them from a purely architectural standpoint, or you can also segue into the concept of various spiritual beliefs.

The Confucian Temple, now over 300 years old, is the first and was, for a time, the highest educational institution in Taiwan.

The Longshan Temple

The Longshan Temple is rich in folk art.

The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a monument that’s surrounded by a park (where you can have a picnic under the shade of trees), the National Theater, and the National Concert Hall.

The kid-friendliest sight to see
Parks big and small are a common sight in Taipei. You’d definitely know which ones are going to be a hit with kids!

The Taipei Metro subway system is efficient and never congested. Quirky art, safety handrails, and an on-time performance all make for an easy-peasy, child-friendly transportation.

Love those lactobacillus drinks? They’ve got them here in all sizes. Some of the milk tea stores back home originated here so do try the original. You can also get some sushi on the go.

Taipei 101

Taipei 101 used to be the tallest building in the world, right before the Burj Khalifa in Dubai stole its thunder.

The Taipei Zoo is the largest zoo in Asia! Allot an entire day for this part of your itinerary, although that’s still not a guarantee you’ll get to see everything. Here are some of the areas of interest: Giant Panda House, Children’s Zoo (a petting zoo), Desert Animal Area, Bird World, Temperate Zone Animal Area, Education Center (where dinosaur replicas are on display), and the Penguin House. The best part yet? Only the head of the family pays, and only a measly 50 Taiwan Dollars at that (that’s P75). Smart tip: Save the viewing of the animals and exhibits within the enclosed, air-conditioned areas when the sun is at its hottest (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

The Maokong Gondola is a lift transportation that takes a passenger from the Taipei Zoo to the mountains of Maokong and back. Take a joyride and see the city of Taipei from up above. One adult ticket (NT50 or P75) gets two kids in for free. The Museum of Art in Taipei holds themed exhibits all week long. Visit on a Saturday when families get in for free!

A fun airport
Even as you prepare to head back home, one last reminder of how family-friendly Taipei is will manifest at the airport. A Hello Kitty lounge awaits! Buy some merchandise or kill time at the play area—or get your once-in-a-lifetime photo op on a pink payphone, stat!

Photos by Nikki Constantino. Disclaimer: One needs a visa to get into Taiwan.