04/04/2025

FRIDAY | APR 4, 2025

LYFE 21 Family holiday fun in Singapore

O NE of the most stressful and frustrating parts of travelling is the planning. Doing all the research, scrolling through reviews, comparing your options, it can make your head spin, especially if you are gearing up for a festive family trip. Here is the good news: It has already been done. All you have to do is book the flights and pack the bags! Check into plush hospitality For your stay, look no further than Royal Plaza On Scotts. Not only is it a 100% halal-certified hotel, but it is also an absolute haven for Muslim travellers and it has just about everything a family could need. Its location on Orchard Road makes it accessible – the rooms are gorgeous, large and comfortable and you can have an easy, delicious breakfast at its halal buffet before heading out on the own. Once you are done exploring the city, you will love coming back and tucking the kids in before relaxing in the walk-in rainshower and sinking into the plush beds. Roller disco fun While the kids are full of energy and buzzing, strap on some wheels and have a blast whizzing around at Hi Roller Indoor Skating Rink. At this roller disco straight out of the 70s, you can have a good time gliding (and possibly falling) together. Parents can enjoy the nostalgic vibes while kids can pick up an exciting new skill and potentially a future hobby. But, do not fret if you have no idea how to skate, because there are certified instructors available – so, anyone can learn. Refuel with good grub After all that adrenaline, it is time to grab a bite and at the Summer Folks Cafe and Steakhouse, there is an option for everyone. Whether you opt for the brunch classic of the simple steak and eggs, splash out for the grilled Angus striploin or try out the refreshing and bright summer salad, you are sure to have a lovely lunch. For the kids, there is an adorable mini-me menu that includes a Junior Tomato Pasta set and even a Custard French Toast set for your little ones with a sweet tooth! Dine surrounded by nature Alternatively, for a refined culinary

Shoppers’ paradise Now that everyone’s bellies are full, it is the ideal time for some retail therapy. For your next open house, you have to make sure the whole family has a matching set of outfits, right? With that in mind, head over to Baju by Oniatta, open from 12pm to 6pm, Tuesday to Saturday. This outlet truly revives the art of batik , marrying style and heritage to create stunning, wearable pieces for the modern Muslimah. Each piece, uniquely and vibrantly patterned, tells a story of cultural pride and artistry, celebrating sustainable craftsmanship to boot. In addition, its Galeri Tokokita space is designed to educate and honour the cultural legacy of artisans in the broader Indonesian and Malay world, so it is a good learning opportunity for the little ones. Sweet endings After such a long day, it is time for a little sweet treat. For desserts that are equal parts Instagram worthy and irresistibly tasty, Boms & Buns has you covered. Open from 11am to 7pm on weekdays and 9am to 7pm on weekends, this dreamy eatery offers piping hot, beautifully baked buns and delightfully light, airy choux pastry “boms” to satisfy even the pickiest of snackers. A pro-tip: Pop by from Thursday to Sunday, where they put out a roster of ever-changing “Special Bakes”. Not to mention, with ready made sets such as the Bombag, holding two pairs of Nutella and raspberry lychee “boms”, you have got the ideal gifts to bring back for friends and relatives. At the heart of it all, no matter where you go or what you do, you can be sure that you and your family will go on amazing adventures and make wonderful memories just about anywhere in the Lion City. The best part? There is still so much to explore, and more and more hidden Muslim-friendly gems are popping up every day. Guess it is already time to plan a return trip!

o Head across to Lion City for Muslim-friendly vacation

Royal Plaza on Scotts.

Waterplay at Jacob Ballas Chidren’s Garden.

experience nature (especially if you opted for the Waterplay activities), head over to The Halia at Singapore Botanic Gardens. With lunch being served on weekdays from 12pm to 4pm, and brunch being offered on weekends and public holidays from 10am to 4pm, this eatery offers a gorgeous view of the plants and flowers in the Botanic Gardens that children will love exploring while you wait for your food to arrive. With highlights such as the tangy, saucy chilli crab spaghettini and the BBQ pulled beef dip served with bread and prawn crackers, you will have a hearty family meal with a menu large enough to accommodate even the pickiest of eaters. Splashing good time After your meal, you can cool off at the newly renovated Waterplay. Located in the Singapore Botanic Gardens at the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, this water park has just completed its out in

from hill to ground in the splash zones. The park is suitable for children aged between two and 12, who must be supervised by an accompanying adult at all times, but the best part of all is that admission does not cost a single cent.

renovation period. All of the new-and-improved features and amenities in the space are themed after the water cycle, where the kids can learn and play by exploring simulated rain with umbrella fountains and a splash bucket, or watch water flow

Summer Cafe and Steakhouse.

The Halia at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Boms & Buns.

Baju by Oniatta.