Travelogue: Koh Phi Phi

Some years ago, I brought Dumpling to Krabi for a surprise trip. Then she was still in K2 and I wanted to bring her away to do something different before formal school starts. We both have fond memories of the trip with us spending time in the pool, doing island hopping and snorkelling in the open sea, walks on the beach etc.

It has always been my wish to try and bring her to Krabi and Koh Phi Phi again. Interestingly, that’s rarely a choice destination amongst my friends with children. In fact, many ask why that choice and what do we and can do there. 

With that, I thought to share a bit on what we did in Koh Phi Phi as my first ever vacation post (I usually am very lazy to take notes and photos conscientiously when on vacay!)

:: Getting to Koh Phi Phi

If you have not been there before, here’s some background on PP. Koh Phi Phi is a standalone island where you will need to take a ferry to get there. If you are travelling out of SG, I guess the easiest way is to either take a flight to Phuket and then change to a ferry or to head to Krabi then change to a ferry.

I have always preferred Krabi to Phuket as it is less crowded and I prefer the small streets at Ao Nang.

Here’s a ferry schedule from Krabi:

Source

:: Getting to hotel

You can either arrange for a hotel transfer via your hotel in Krabi or you can do it online. Here’s a link to where I got my hotel transfer from (about 150THB cheaper than the hotel quote). I have stayed in Krabi Ao Nang thrice – Golden Beach Resort (this is located like at a corner, on one end of the shopping area), La Playa (not entirely new but not as old as Golden Beach but the breakfast selection was good) as well as GLOW, our latest choice there (great if you have young children as there’s a children’s room and a lap pool and the hotel is really nice and rooms are nicely decked out).

:: Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is somewhat a tad like Sentosa where it is standalone but with many stalls and shops, which reminds me of the pasar malam (night markets) here in Singapore. During my recent visit, there’s even a McDonald’s now but sorry, no Starbucks yet. :p

There are many choices for hotels and resorts, and the only advice that I can give is to choose one which is nearest to the places you wish to visit, for e.g. the diving centre.

 :: Activities

Once you are in Koh Phi Phi, I guess many would think of snorkelling and island hopping. But if your child is minimally 10 YO, here’s 2 recommendations which you can consider.

• Cooking at Pum Cooking School! 

Not many know but Koh Phi Phi boasts of a cooking school where you can learn how to cook some of your favourite Thai dishes. For that morning, Dumpling chose 3 dishes and I chose another 3 (be prepared to spend 3 hours there including the eating time!) 

If your child has never done cooking before and you are worried about things such as an open flame, fret not as Pum Cooking School uses induction stoves. 

Upon entering, R2 who is a chef there, conducted the class in English for us. A simple note book plus condiments tray, etc., were all prepared in advance. 

To be honest, I expected R2 to delve right into the cooking class but what was interesting was that he took the time to explain to us and got us to sample the various condiments and sauces used commonly in Thai cooking. 

Did you know that the fish sauce used in their cooking is made from sardines, which is different from Chinese fish sauce and even those used in Vietnamese cuisine? We also learnt about the types of chili used and when to use them in the various Thai dishes. 

 After getting "suited" up, we are good to go!

If you are worried about the cleanliness / hygiene level, you can rest assured that Pum Cooking School runs like a well-oiled engine where the ingredients are also prepared in individual portions, placed neatly on plates at your designated cooking stations.

One of Dumpling's dishes was Phad Thai. You can tell how passionate R2 is in sharing and imparting his knowledge. He was also very encouraging towards Dumpling. Before we started cooking, R2 shared that he really likes it when young children show an interest in cooking and also told me to try and be "hands-off" so that she can attempt it on her own.

Tada! 

Dumpling also chose to cook Gluay Buat Chee (bananas in coconut milk) for her dessert. Though she was unwell on that day and as the cooking class progressed, her energy level plummeted, she still wanted to try her hand to learn to make this dish. 

And in case you are wondering if it is all child labour, here's 2 of mine ~ Thai Beef Salad and Sweet & Sour Chicken.  

  

• Sea sport! 

Choices are a plenty when it comes to sea sports / activities. Besides island hopping, you can also consider snorkelling. Many dive centres run these eco snorkelling tours; we originally signed up for one but we cancelled it as there was a sudden surge of jelly fish that few evenings. 

If your child is 10 and above, you can also consider "Discover SCUBA". Dumpling completed only half of the course (with Blue View Divers ~ this was the same place that I went to when I got my open water licence years back!)  as unfortunately she was sick so we will need to return back in a few months time.

Here's sharing some photos!

Caroline, one of the owners of Blue View Divers, with Dumpling at a pool session right outside the centre. Pool session with a gorgeous view! 

The pool session goes through basic drills (clearing of mask, retrieval of your regulator, etc), hand signs and safety checks etc., before going into the open sea for the actual dives.

Dumpling was a real trooper as she told us to go ahead with our own dives while she waited for us at the dive centre. Here's some photos of the various fish we spotted:

Moray Eel

African Clowns (feisty these ones are!)

Koh Phi Phi being a standalone island has its own convenience stores and pharmacies peppered throughout it. As Dumpling started having fever shortly after, we were quite relieved that we were able to get paracaetamol, electrolyte sachets (she threw up) and lozenges (ya, she had the full works) etc., all on the island, though they were easily selling for twice the amount as compared to main land Krabi itself. There is also a medic centre if you need to see a doctor (so guys, please purchase your travel insurance!) 

Importantly, while their tap water is ok for general brushing and washing up, they are not suitable for drinking hence your resort / hotel will typically provide you with a regular sized bottle for each person staying there, which is hardly enough. So you will need to purchase them from the mini marts / convenience stalls. 

Food wise, choices are aplenty. From pizzas to thai food to seafood places which overlook the beaches (great for evening sunsets!) 

to simple food stands selling pancakes and sandwiches / burgers 

The pricing is pretty affordable. Most of these restaurants also offer free WiFi too! We will be back at Koh Phi Phi in a few months time and will update our travelogue! 

If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my Facebook Page where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on Pinterest and Instagram!  

Review: Dive Degree Scuba Try Out for Kids

I attained my Open Waters licence many years back before the kiddo came along. I recall the blonde moment when I got into the waters and I realize how different the feeling and scenery as compared to watching on TV.

Most of the time, when I watch TV programmes where there are underwater scenes; it is always somewhat a flat landscape with corals. However, nothing quite prepares you for the moment when the schools of fish swims in front of you and parts like a silvery curtain or when you see that it’s more than flat / low land with corals.

I had the chance to do snorkeling with the kiddo a few years back and thankfully, she was quite into it and was fascinated by what she saw. The hubs is a divemaster so this is one area which he is quite enthusiastic about letting the kiddo try out and have the chance to bond with her. So we were naturally excited when invited by Dive Degree for the kiddo to have a chance to do a Scuba Tryout!

:: About Dive Degree

Dive Degree is set up with the vision to deliver the ultimate dive experience and is committed to extend the privilege of exploring the underwater world to everybody with services reasonably priced and easily accessible (scuba programmes for children aged 8 years old and above) services.

Dumpling participated in a Scuba Try-Out on a weekend morning. The session is slated for 90 mins but may exceed as per our experience as this is dependent on the children's readiness and water confidence. 

:: Why let kids take up scuba diving at such a young age?

Some advantages of picking up scuba diving include, but are not limited to the following:

✓ Boosts kids’ water confidence 

✓ Learn safety rules & principles 

✓ Application of problem-solving skills & laws that apply to buoyancy and gravity real life in an underwater setting 

✓ Educate them on ocean conservation 

✓ Encourages discovery and exploration 

✓ Strengthen family bonding with our parent-&-child sessions

:: Learning objectives

As it is a try-out session, the main objective of the morning is to basically let the kids learn the basics they need as well as let them experience how breathing underwater feels like. Importantly, it is meant for the children to also learn some basic safety skills.

:: The experience

The morning started with a quick introduction by Jack, Dumpling’s instructor for that morning. Thereafter, she was led to a room to get herself geared up as Jack explained and did the fitting for the children. So basically, the course fee includes the rental of equipment.   

Once the fitting was done, the next part of the lesson was the safety briefing.

Safety Briefing

As with any sports, safety is of utmost importance and personally I feel that with Scuba diving, more so. Besides being well prepared, it is important to stay calm and know how to handle “situations”. Things such as mask clearing and the retrieval of the regulator are vital especially when you depend on these equipments in the water. Hence for that morning, the theory session took up about 35-45 mins, something which you may inform your child prior.

The briefing that morning covered these sharing:

1. Introduction to equipment
2. Inflating of BCD
3. Standard hand signals
4. Basic safety skills such as clearing of masks, retrieval of regulator, reading of air gauge

 

Pool session

The next part of the session was definitely the part that Dumpling enjoyed the most though when she first started, she was a bit hesitant. The hubs, who was there, helped her out with the gearing up, but reminded her that she will be pretty much on her own with the instructor as he was there to take photos + videos.

Jack started by demonstrating on how to enter the pool 

and once in it, it was a couple of minutes for the children to get used to the masks as well as swimming with their fins on.

In the water, Jack also went through with the children on swimming with their snorkels on, getting used to breathing through the mouths through their regulators. Importantly, Dumpling also had the chance to clear her mask, test her buoyancy as well as retrieve her regulator.

I'm OK!

The pool session ended with a game where Dumpling had to swim through hoops and assemble a Lego boat. :)

Gimme that brick!

Tired but happy with her Lego!

What we like about the session:

As this is a try-out session, we were very aware that it is mainly to give Dumpling a chance to trial this sport as well as get a chance to experience breathing underwater and try on the equipment. Personally, I like that the safety briefing was precise because as parents, safety is the top concern for most of us. Importantly, these skills will carry over if you decide to enroll your child for a full scuba certification course as a Junior Scuba Diver (10YO). 

The duration of the session was just right for us though it started getting hot as we finished closer to noon. Dumpling enjoyed the game section a lot as it was a great way to test out her water confidence in a fun way. On hindsight, she said that it would be nice if Uncle Jack can add in more games. :p

The tryouts are also conducted in small groups (no more than 4 children at one go) and Jack was patient and funny, both qualities which I believe help me to engage children too. :) 

Now that we got you interested, here's some course information! 

Course Info and Requirements:

- Child must be at least 8 years old

- Comfortable in water

- No prior experience needed

- Depth of pool: 2m / 6ft 

Keen to try out in September holidays? Here's Dive Degree's September promotions!

Sign up with a friend by 13 Aug (Quote "Beanie N Us")to receive a special offer of $180 for 2 for this try out session! (U.P. $120) 

Dive Degree will also be participating in Travel Revolution 4-6 Aug, at MBS. Hop on over if you wish to find out more in person! 

:: Dive Degree
67B Queen Street, Bugis Village
Singapore 188546
M: 8822 5764 (Whatsapp/Wechat)

W: www.divedegree.com
FB: www.facebook.com/divedegree
IG: www.instagram.com/divedegree

Disclaimer: We were invited for a media session to share our experience of the tryout. All opinions expressed are entirely our own.

If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my Facebook Page where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on Pinterest and Instagram!  

2015 September Holiday Activities! :)

Just like that, Term 3 is coming to a close. It is quite scary when I “took stock” with Dumpling and we spoke about her first day in school. It is a cliché but it really felt that it was just yesterday when the man and I took leave to be in school for her Day 1 Orientation.

I recall that my hands were clammy and I had that sick feeling in my tummy. After all, I have homeschooled for 6 years and it was hard to let go. I do not like the education system here and I still have gripes on many areas but well, it is what it is.

When we were just half way through her Term 3 tests, the kiddo was already asking what she can do during the holidays. In June this year, one of the activities which she enjoyed most was the Zoo Explorer Camp. Unfortunately, that would not happen again till end of the year so it was another round of mad research to look for activities for her to enjoy during this one week break! So here's sharing a list of activities that caught my eye :) hope that it's useful for you! 

:: Performing and Visual Arts

It must be a Roald Dahl season as there are 2 performances (based on his works) for this period:

1) Concerts for Children: Jack and the Bean Stalk (SSO)

SSO regularly puts out such productions targeted at children and the kiddo has enjoyed it previously.

Based on Roald Dahl’s “Revolting Rhymes" (which is hilarious by the way), and best suited for children between the ages of 4 and 14, this production features actors, puppets and a 60 foot bean stalk that rises out of the stage.

Date:	12 to 13 September 2015

To book from Sistic

2) Roald Dahl’s George Marvellous Medicine by The Player’s Theatre

Dumpling and I watched an earlier production (Roald Dahl’s Little Red Riding Hood) together with our buddies and we enjoyed it tremendously; the humor was dark and the comic timing of the actors, brilliant. Needless to say, we are quite excited about this upcoming production.

George’s and his parents’ lives are thrown into a disarray with the arrival of Grandma, a grizzly, grumpy and ghastly old woman. George’s “adventure” starts when he helps Grandma with her medicine four times a day and noticed that the medicine does not seem to help in any way. And so, he concocted his own medicine and incredible things start to happen…

Dates: 5 September 11am & 6 September 1pm

To book from Sistic

3) Heart Studio September Workshop

This is a must-do camp / workshop for Dumpling. It amazes me when I realized that she has been attending lessons at Heart Studio for 3 years and still loves it. This September, Heart Studio in its usual fashion, rolls out a workshop that offers different medium (canvas painting + clay, pot painting, pebble painting, etc.) and different art techniques! From age 3. 

Click here for more information

:: Outdoor Fun

For those who prefer the sun (and no AC!), here’s a list of what I thought sounds really interesting:

Sunggei Buloh Wetland Reserve

Sunggei Buloh Wetland Reserve is one area which I have always wanted to sign up for tours but somehow, the dates always clash with our plans! L But here’s sharing more on some tours:

1) Wow Wild West! – Feathers & Beaks (Bird Week)

Excerpt from the website:

Why is Singapore such an important place for birds? How do you tell different bird species apart? Why do some birds have metal rings and flags on their legs? This themed guided walk for families will showcase the wildlife of Sungei Buloh, and is part of the Wow Wild West event that runs from 29th August 2015 to 19th September 2015.

Families are encouraged to register early to avoid disappointment as there are only limited spaces each tour!

Registration for this walk opens on 28 August 2015.

Click here to explore other activities happening at “Wow Wild West! this week.

2) Storytime with Sara at Jacob Ballas Children's Garden (A Storytelling cum Guided Tour)

Excerpt from the website:

Join us for a fun-filled storytelling session, specially designed for little ones.  Children will explore Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden with Sara the Botanicosaurus and her squirrel friends, Fluff-tail and Twitchy. To conclude the programme, children will have the opportunity to get up-close and personal with plants that are featured in the story, and even have the chance to rock the Suspension Bridge and play hide-and-seek in the Maze.

Click here for more information

3) Fun with Math & Plants! (A Guided Tour)

Learn more on Math on the go! Dumpling and I have gone for a few of such guided tours and we have not seen this before. 

Excerpt from the website:

Have fun being a little Mathematician and discover plants at the same time! Learn basic Math concepts through colours, shapes, sizes and numbers. Practice your skills using leaves, flowers and other plant parts. You will discover that Mathematics is fun and interesting!

4) Young Mathematician of the Gardens (A Guided Tour)

Do you have an older child? Then this Young Mathematician workshop may be for him/her! 

Excerpt from the website:

How many petals are there on a flower? Count the number of leaflets on a leaf. Get introduced to addition, subtraction and many more mathematical skills that you can apply to plants. Be a young Mathematician of the Garden in this guided tour and have fun learning about Math and Plants.

Click here for more information

5) Celebrating Wildlife Series: Our Fabulous Furry Flying Friends! (A Biodiversity Investigative Workshop)

Excerpt from the website:

Did you know bats are awesome flying mammals? Bats are important to the ecosystem as they help pollinate plants which in turn produce fruits for us. They also help to disperse seeds when they feed on fruits while insectivorous bats help control pest numbers! Get a chance to make a bat craft and go on a guided tour looking for bat roosts and bat food hunt.

Click here for more information

6) Cold-blooded (Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish)

Excerpt from the website:

Why do reptiles love to bask in the sun? What are the differences between frogs and toads? How do fishes survive in the mangroves? This themed guided walk for families will showcase the wildlife of Sungei Buloh, and is part of the Wow Wild West event that runs from 29th August 2015 to 19th September 2015.

Click here for more information

:: Others

1) Sentosa FunFest 2015

Sentosa is organising its first mega inflatable beach festival at the Siloso Beach! Made up of giant inflatable slides, foam and water-oriented fun; children will have fun gliding down a 12-metre tall triple sliding inflatable plunging into the Bungee Run.

Click here for more information

2) The Deep Exhibition

The hubs and the kid love ocean life and this is one exhibition which I am keen to go for this holiday break. 

Excerpt from the website:

The deep sea is Earth’s largest reservoir of life but has remained largely uncharted by Man, with only 10 percent of the seafloor mapped so far. The Deep reveals the mysteries lurking in the deep through the display of perfectly preserved and extremely rare animals in crystalline details, accompanied by mesmeric images of captivating sea fauna and ethereal bioluminescent creatures, some photographed for the very first time. The Deep brings together the largest collection of deep-sea creatures ever displayed in South East Asia. Providing a unique opportunity to encounter the reality of the deep first-hand and to raise public awareness about the fragility of the deep sea ecosystem.

Click here for more information

3) The Singapore Journey: 50 Years Through Stamps

The kiddo has been showing an interest in stamps because she finds it rare. Upon reflecting I realise that it is not surprising considering how much we rely on emails these days! Stamps for her such a rare sight and with the nation celebrating her 50^th golden jubilee this year, this is one exhibition that we are both keen on!

 

Excerpt from website:

Singapore stamps document the growth of the nation, archiving trials, tribulations, achievements and aspirations.

Journey through 50 years of our nation's progress with specially selected stamps, philatelic materials and rarely seen original stamp artworks. Let these remarkable treasures tell you the story of Singapore in a way only they can.

Click here for more information. 

This list is updated as of 28 August 2015. I will be adding on to the list if there are more activities which catch my eye! :)

If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my Facebook Page where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on Pinterest and Instagram!  

The Little Company's "The Ugly Duckling" 丑小鸭 Giveaway !

Originally presented in English in 2005 to sold-out audiences, The Ugly Duckling has returned for another run but in Mandarin! The Little Company’s (TLC) second Mandarin production of the year, this classic tale is told through the magic of song and puppetry.

The Ugly Duckling is retold based on the Hans Christian Anderson classic about a duckling which looks different and was ostracized. Teased and bullied, the duckling ran away from the farmyard and embarked on an adventure where he meets a myriad of characters and learns the truth about himself and his identity.

A story that has been passed on for many generations, this is one tale that is still relevant in this day and age. It is also one of the earliest stories that I read with Dumpling when she was younger as I love the morals discussed in that show – that it is alright to be different and we are all made differently. This play also provides a good platform to discuss these issues with your children, and how acceptance is important and that bullying is never ‘right’.

I am pleased to share that I have a pair of tickets to give away!

Enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win a pair of tickets! 

NOTE: Winner’s tickets are for Saturday 11 July, 2pm. The date cannot be changed.

Tickets are to be collected from the box office prior to the start of the play. Please collect at least an hour in advance.

Comments are compulsory so do remember to leave a comment on "Who is the author for the original story of The Ugly Duckling"?

Event Dates

Fri, 10 Jul to Sat, 1 Aug 2015
Mon - Fri : 10am
Fri(17 Jul):11am & 2pm
Sat: 11am, 2pm

Venue

DBS Arts Centre - Home of SRT

To buy your tickets at SISTIC, please click here 

Disclaimer: The giveaway is kindly sponsored by Singapore Repertory Theatre. We are not compensated for the post. All opinions expressed are entirely ours.

If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my Facebook Page where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on Pinterest and Instagram!  

Giveaway! Sum of Fun bundle deal! Includes an entry to Underwater World Singapore + Buffet at Island Cuisine

Dumpling inherited the love of all creatures underwater from the dad. The two would spend time visiting various aquariums and the dad would indulge her buying fairly unusual ‘creatures’ such as apple snails, shrimps, etc. :)

We were recently invited to Underwater World for an all-inclusive-morning. Why all-inclusive? It is because they are currently running a 3-in-1 bundle promotion for just $19.90. What does it include and how was our morning? 

Here’s our day:

From 30 May to 28 June 2015, Underwater World Singapore will be hosting a special Sum of Fun bundle deal.

Enjoy up to 65% off the bundle deal which includes an entry to Underwater World Singapore + Sumptuous buffet at Island Cuisine + Other Fabulous Perks for only $19.90* per pax! 

(Meet the Dolphins and Fur Seals sessions: 11am, 2pm (excluding Wednesdays), 4pm & 5.45pm daily)

Looking forward to a fun-filled morning? I have not 1 but 5 pairs of tickets to give away!

Enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win the tickets!

Remember to leave a comment on who you would like to bring to Underwater World Singapore and why?

To find out more about the promotion, please click here

Terms and Conditions:

1.     Promotion is only applicable to local residents of Singapore. (i.e. Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, Holders of Employment Passes, work Permit or Dependent's Pass)

2.     Promotion is valid for both adult and child.

3.     To qualify, visitors are required to produce relevant identification, subjected to one admission ticket per local ID.

4.     This promotion is not applicable with any ongoing promotions.

5.     This promotion is not applicable for group tours.

6.     This promotion is only valid for watching the dolphin show. Charges are applicable should invited visitors wish to participate in the dive or have contact with the dolphins.

7.     Point-of-exchange for promotion: Underwater World Singapore ticketing counter.

8.     Promotion is only valid for communicated date of visit

9.     Guest must retain and present this invite for entry

10.  Guest must retain and present this invite to redeem buffet meal at Island Cuisine.

11.  Guests are only allowed to use this invite once.

12.  UWS reserves the right to refuse redemption, entry and/or participation if the above conditions are not fulfilled.

13.  UWS shall not be liable for cancellation of any programmes due to wet weather or unforeseen circumstances.

14.  Island Cuisine will offer local delicacies in a buffet format daily from 11.30am - 3pm (Last seating: 2.30pm) and 5.30pm - 9pm (Last seating: 8.30pm).

15.  Island Cuisine is not a Halal certified restaurant. Dishes do not contain pork/lard.

16.  UWS reserves the right to substitute the buffet meal with another item of equivalent value.

17. Winners will be contacted via email and should the selected winners do not respond with relevant details in 48 hours, I will reserve the right to select another winner. UWS will issue the tickets to winners.

18. Each winning ticket only permits a complimentary entry into UWS and a one-time buffet at Island Cuisine.

 Disclaimer: We were invited to visit Underwater World Singapore and Island Cuisine to give our opinions of it. We were not compensated for the post. All opinions expressed are entirely ours.

If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my Facebook Page where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on Pinterest and Instagram!