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The challenges of moving home for junior expats

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Headmaster Andre Casson with students at Brisbane Boys’ College, Australia. Image by Leah Desborough SM (@leahdesboroughphotographer) 2024

When my family and I returned to Australia at the end of 2021 after over 17 years of living in both Shanghai and Singapore, the move was more difficult than we’d expected. This was my first insight into the idea of reverse culture shock. Reverse culture shock is best described as the challenges that a person faces when they have to readjust to life upon returning home after having lived overseas.

Interestingly, my wife and I found that the change was particularly hard for our two children. Studies do suggest that children are more at risk of reverse culture shock than adults. For adults, it’s easy enough to frame the return as a homecoming, and even then, the jolt of finding yourself in a completely different country is never easy. But for children, that change can be completely unmooring.

Children have a different frame of reference than adults do. For a ten-year-old, five years lived abroad is half a lifetime. In that context, adjusting to different customs, cities, and communities suddenly seems much more challenging. For a young person, returning to their country of origin might not feel like going home. It might feel like leaving it.

Three years into our return, now very happily settled in Brisbane, I know first-hand how important it is for families to be prepared for the challenges that can arise when moving back to their country of origin.

Andre with his wife and daughter back in Brisbane

Reasons Why Children Experience Reverse Culture Shock

Children may experience reverse culture shock as a result of:

  1. A loss of control while readjusting to their new environment.
  2. A big gap in their expectations of what home is going to be like versus the reality.
  3. How supportive and familiar the re-entry environment is. If friends and teachers can’t provide the right support, readjusting can be much more challenging.
  4. A potential lack of contact with friends and family during their time overseas.
  5. Potential difficulties fitting in and a lack of sense of belonging.

How To Support Third Culture Kids 

During my time as Head of School at the Australian International School in Singapore, welcoming students from a wide variety of backgrounds was a key part of my job. It remains so in my new role as Headmaster of Brisbane Boys’ College, which accepts both day and boarding students from across Australia and around the world. These positions have shown me how crucial it is for parents and educators to have the knowledge and tools they need to support children experiencing reverse culture shock to ensure they thrive.

Moving countries is an extreme change for a young person, even when it is a country they are already familiar with. Without the proper guidance, they can fall behind, both socially and academically, which can create additional challenges, particularly in secondary school. By equipping ourselves with the necessary knowledge and strategies, we can ensure that every child has the support they deserve as they go through the sometimes-challenging experience of repatriation. With our help, children can hit the ground running and leverage the extraordinary opportunity you have given them to thrive in their new homes.

Help Your Child Master Reverse Culture Shock – Event Details

Andre will be sharing further insights in the Studio at 1880 Members Club in Robertson Quay on Tuesday, 6 August, at 6:00pm.

Key topics the event will cover include:

  • The challenges children face on their return to their country of origin.
  • Practical steps to help your children succeed when returning home.
  • What to look for in a school to help minimise reverse culture shock for your children.

Helping your child master reverse culture shock when returning home will be hosted by Brisbane Boys’ College Headmaster, Mr Andre Casson.

Studio @ 1880 Members Club, Robertson Quay

Tuesday, 6 August, 6pm

Please register to attend this free information session here.

Best swim lessons in Singapore for kids

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Swimming is crucial for kids as it ensures safety, fitness, and fun. Learning to swim equips children with life-saving skills, reducing the risk of drowning. For good reason, ANZA Nippers is one of our most popular groups for children! But there is always more to learn, and confidence to build. Here’s where aquaDucks can help.

Swim like a champion

Hone your child’s natural ability to swim with our world-class teaching techniques. At aquaDucks, master all four strokes – Freestyle, Backstroke, Butterfly, and Breaststroke – with expert coaches at Singapore’s premier swim school. We believe in nurturing every child’s potential, ensuring they gain the confidence and skills necessary to swim like a champion.

The importance of swim lessons

Swimming is not just a fun activity; it is a crucial life skill that ensures safety and boosts overall health. Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in children, making swim lessons a vital preventative measure. Beyond safety, swimming promotes cardiovascular health, improves strength and coordination, and enhances lung capacity. It also fosters social skills and discipline, contributing to a child’s overall development.

Toddlers, kids & helpers can learn to swim

At aquaDucks, everyone should feel at ease and safe in the water. Our lessons are customized for toddlers, kids, and even your helpers and caregivers. Each program is conducted under the professional guidance of our experienced swim coaches, ensuring that all participants receive personalized attention and instruction tailored to their needs and skill levels. Our inclusive approach means that anyone, regardless of age or ability, can learn to swim confidently and competently.

8 locations across Singapore

From Hollandse Club and Queenstown to Mountbatten, choose from eight locations across Singapore featuring a variety of swimming pools. Whether you prefer an open pool, a semi-covered pool, or our first fully-covered indoor pool at Pasir Panjang (opening in August 2024), each one is designed to provide an exceptional experience for swimmers of all ages. Our diverse range of locations ensures that you can find a convenient and suitable environment to start or continue your swimming journey. Join us at one of our locations and dive into a world of aquatic fun and fitness.

To book a trial or to find out more about our programmes, visit aquaducks.com.sg.

aquaDucks is dedicated to fostering a love for swimming and water safety. Our comprehensive programs are designed to accommodate various skill levels, from beginners taking their first dip to advanced swimmers refining their technique. Our commitment to providing high-quality instruction in a supportive and engaging environment ensures that every participant can achieve their swimming goals.

 

 

ANZA Ladies Night, Gents Welcome @ Cuba Libre Wednesday 21 August

Join us for a special ANZA Ladies night in August, where the gents are also invited!

Ladies AND gentlemen, being a very welcoming community, ANZA is opening up its August Ladies Night to include the men in our lives for one month only!

Join us on Wednesday, 21 August, 6.30pm – 9.30pm, at Cuba Libre, Clarke Quay, for discounted drinks and snacks. There’ll also be a DJ playing Latin, Top40, Reggaeton, and R&B classics.

What’s in store at ANZA’s August Ladies & Gents Night:

  • $45 nett, enjoy 3-hours free flow of housepour spirits, beer, wine, and Prosecco
  • 10% off on tapas, Tex-Mex, pizza, and pasta

Arriving alone or with friends, the ANZA team will greet you on the night and make sure you’re comfortable. We can’t wait to welcome you all to our special Ladies & Gents night on 21 August.

Time : 6:30pm – 9.30pm
Venue: Cuba Libre, 3E River Valley Road, #01-03/04 @ Clarke Quay, The Circut, Singapore, 179024

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Understanding skin cancer & how to save your skin

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As someone who completed my medical training in Australia, you can imagine it was of upmost importance for a GP to be fully attentive to changes in moles and skin cancer. Two-thirds of Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. Skin cancer ranks as the sixth most common cancer in Singapore and is increasing in frequency.

The rise of tanning

Various tanning oils were used during the golden age of the tan in the 1960s -1980s, leading to the Bridget Bardot South of France golden tan look. Since then we have seen a 5x increase of melanoma – a sun-related skin cancer derived from moles. Many Australians got on board with the risks of skin cancer early but repeated exposure to UV rays is considered the most important risk factor in developing skin cancer. The UV Index ranges from 0 to 11+ (low to extreme). In Singapore, we average around six to nine on the UV Index with it even been known to reach ‘extreme’ levels at 15.

“Two-thirds of Australians
will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70”

Types of skin cancer

Skin cancer risks are determined by your skin type (the fairer you are, the higher the risk), family history, number of moles you have (the higher the risk), and the degree of sun exposure throughout your life.

Over 80% of skin cancer is considered preventable by reducing UV radiation exposure. Melanomas can spread quickly and are responsible for up to 90% of skin cancer deaths. The positive news is that if detected and treated early, melanomas have a 95% survival rate at five years. Other common skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).

How to protect yourself

  • Quit smoking – it is a risk factor for SCCs
  • Minimise ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and tanning beds
  • Ensure adequate sun protection before outdoor activities
  • Choose a sunscreen that is broad spectrum – anti UVA and anti UVB
  • The SPF index depends on your skin type. The fairer you are, the higher the SPF index, but it is not necessary to choose an SPF over 50. Well-applied SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB versus 99% with SPF 100
  • Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before leaving the house
  • Always apply sunscreen before any insect repellent
  • Watch for changes in your moles or skin texture that do not seem to heal well. Potential skin cancer can present as a progressive lump, nodule, ulcer and may bleed
  • Pay attention to moles or skin lesions that are difficult to see, so on the back of legs, back, between toes, behind ears, and scalp
  • Have regular skin checks with a trained professional. Depending on your risk factors, skin checks can be as often as every three months
  • Check your vitamin D levels. A low vitamin D level has been shown to increase the risk of skin cancer

It is in the early stages of skin cancer development that you have the best chance to see changes and seek help. Remember you cannot see all your skin (when did you last witness the tops of your ears or upper back?) so remain mindful.

Dr Valerie Druon is French speaking Australian-trained family physician who has been caring for the international community of Singapore for over nine years. She is based at the Osler Star Vista clinic.

 

 

Osler Health International
Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green,
# B1-27, The Star Vista, Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 6339 2727
 Email: starvista@osler-health.com
 www.osler-health.com

Get a taste for the Olympics


F
rom Friday, 26 July to Sunday, 11 August, France will host the Summer Olympic Games, including the Paralympics from Wednesday, 28 August to Sunday, 8 September. Capital city Paris, Marseilles on the Mediterranean coast, and the village of Teahupo’o on the French Polynesian island Tahiti, will all welcome athletes and visitors with the theme “Live together, play together”.

VENUES

Paris needs no introduction, with its River Seine, iconic Eiffel Tower, fashionable Champs Elysees, Notre Dame Cathedral, sidewalk cafes and renowned cuisine. The large port city of Marseilles, approximately 660km south of Paris, is well-known for its culture and culinary traditions. Teahupo’o, on Tahiti’s southwest coast, in the South Pacific Oean, is lauded globally for its spectacular seawater waves. Aside from watching approximately 10,500 Olympians give of their best at 329 events, acclaimed French cuisine will also attract the expected 15 million visitors.

NATIONAL CUISINE

Whether relaxing at sidewalk cafes with coffee and croissants or dining in Michelin-star restaurants, eating and drinking will surely provide meaningful memories. France’s national dish pot-au-feu (stewed meat and vegetables) mostly uses beef. Parisian dishes include boeuf bourguignon (stewed beef in red wine) and coq-au-vin (wine-braised chicken), with tipples of kirsch or absinthe adding to the mood. French onion soup, escargots, baguette, cheese, macaron …

In Marseilles, bouillabaisse (fish stew with fresh herbs) is favoured, also panisse (chickpea fritter) and navettes (biscuits flavoured with orange-blossom water). Sip on pastis liqueur with its anise appeal.

On a visit to Tahiti, my husband and I ambled through a market in capital Papeete where locally caught seafood took centrestage; tuna, parrot fish, delicate prawns and huge crabs abounded. We dined, seaside, on Tahiti’s national dish, poisson cru, comprising marinated raw fish with vegetables, providing zesty lime and coconut tastes, finishing with banana po’e (bananas in coconut milk). Local beer Hinano quenched thirsts, alongside fruit juices.

FRENCH FOOD IN SINGAPORE

Left: French toast courtesy Orchard Hotel Right: Tongan raw fish salad (akin to Tahitian-style) courtes S. Austin)

From simple cafes to Michelin-star restaurants, the choice is ours – kouign amann (butter cake) from Tiong Bahru Bakery outlets, croissants from Delifrance locations, elegantly crafted dishes at award-winning Odette in the National Gallery. National dish pot-au-feu is the signature dish of Clos Pasoh at Bukit Pasoh Road. For a taste of Marseilles, enjoy bouillabaisse at Claudine, Harding Road. Possibly the first French restaurant in Singapore is Les Amis. Now located at Shaw Centre, the wine cellar also attracts with its sterling choices. Hearty fare is found at L’Entrecote The Steak & Fries Bistro at Duxton Hill. For a rural setting, visit The Summerhouse at Park Lane in Seletar.

Though Tahitian, or South Pacific-style, poisson cru is hard to come by here, similar tastes are found in ceviche and poke at South American and Hawaiian eateries.

Cheer our teams on with the Olympic motto, “Faster, Higher, Stronger”.

Heat reducing hacks for hot weather days

Hydration is key, but what are the rules?

Tissues and organs in our body need water to work properly. Generally, people should aim to have at least eight glasses of fluid per day. These fluids should be non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages, and you may require more fluids in times of heat. Water is a great beverage of choice! Do not rely on thirst as an indicator of your body’s need for fluids as you’re probably dehydrated by the time you feel thirsty. If you notice your urine is dark and little, increase your fluid consumption.

Should I stop exercising in the heat?

Try exercising in the early morning or late evening when it’s generally cooler compared to the middle of the day. I also recommend that you take frequent breaks if exercising in a hot and humid environment, and it’s essential to get plenty of fluids as you go. Keep your workout gear lightweight and loose to allow for sufficient air circulation. Most importantly, understand the signs of heat-related illnesses and stop exercising and rehydrate if you start displaying any worrying symptoms.

How can I sleep better when it’s so scorching?

The heat can create an uncomfortable environment, making it difficult to fall and stay asleep. During the day, try to keep the windows closed on the sunny side of your home to keep the hot air out. Reduce your bedding and avoid using a thick duvet where possible. Lighter sleeping materials such as cotton and linen allow for better airflow. Be mindful that exercise generates heat and raises body temperature, so if you work out in the evenings, exercise at least 90 minutes before bedtime to give yourself a chance to cool down.

Are there any foods that help bring your temperature down?

Choose produce with a high water content such as watermelon, celery and tomatoes. Avoid processed food which generally doesn’t contain much water, and choose fresh produce that doesn’t need to be cooked to also reduce the amount of heat generated at home. Drinks containing caffeine and alcohol have a diuretic effect and can bring on dehydration by increasing urine production, so keep these to a minimum.

How can we look after the young and old during during such harsh temperatures?

Younger children have a greater exposed body area than the overall volume of body fluids compared with adults, resulting in greater heat absorption. In contrast, the elderly have a reduced ability to remove heat from their body. Hence, adequate hydration is very important for both. The elderly and young children should dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that allows for breathability.

ANZA Netball shines at the Daisy Tan Tournament

Tournaments have been centre stage once again for ANZA Netball with two of our teams taking part in the annual Daisy Tan Tournament for U14’s in Singapore. Organised by Netball Singapore, the tournament is open to the best of local secondary schools and clubs throughout the island. With twenty teams entered into the U14 age group, the heat was on!

The 2010 ANZA Galaxy and 2011 ANZA Cyclones competed in this fun and friendly extravaganza at the Kallang Netball Centre with the weather behaving itself all morning. Both teams were placed in separate pools for the first stage, the round-robin part of the tournament.

Victory all round

ANZA Galaxy in action

ANZA Galaxy played some great netball against worthy opponents, winning five games and drawing against the favourites, TNA Elite A in their pool. In the second pool, ANZA Cyclones won a marvellous four matches, experienced one loss and one draw. After a round of playoffs, ANZA Cyclones and ANZA Galaxy had to face each other in the semi-finals – the stress! Both teams played really well with all the ANZA parents cheering together from the sidelines, and Cyclones only just missed out on a win against the Galaxy team.

Despite the loss, ANZA Cyclones stormed to victory in the bronze medal match against Singapore Netball Academy (SGNA) Singha, while ANZA Galaxy went through to the gold medal final against SGNA Lions, winning in a nail-biting match on the final whistle! A big thanks goes to Li Ling and Grace for their coaching on Saturday which led to a fantastic outcome for ANZA Netball placing first and third in the U14 category.

Little wonders

Drills for the 2018 team

The youngest cohort at ANZA Netball are our 5 – 6 year-olds or those born in 2018. This age group joins the 6 -7 year-olds and play on the field at Tanglin Trust School every Saturday morning at 8am.

It’s fabulous to see so many volunteer coaches donning their ANZA coaching shirts and participating in the session, and the girls clearly love having their parents involved. Some are lucky enough to be able to chill from the sidelines.

Left: One of best cheering squads in town!

For our youngest players, the girls start off practicing with soft balls to gain confidence, work on hand-eye coordination, and learn how to reduce the risk of injury. They use bean bags to practice goal-shooting technique drills, and there are many games and relays to keep the sessions fun! What a lot of smiles (and cuteness)!

ANZA Netball Season 2 starts 7 September. Sign up for ANZA Netball here

 

Investing in Australian real estate: A strategic move for expatriates in Singapore

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As an expatriate living in Singapore, you’re likely weighing your options for securing your financial future and potentially returning home one day. Investing in Australian or New Zealand property offers a unique opportunity to achieve both financial stability and a tangible connection to your homeland.

Australian Real Estate

Australia’s robust economy, known for its stability and resilience, provides a solid foundation for property investment. Whether you’re considering capital growth, rental income, or diversifying your investment portfolio, Australian real estate offers compelling advantages. With high rental yields, strong demand in major cities, or even to maximise the potential of Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF), it’s a market designed to support investors, including those living abroad.

New Zealand Market

New Zealand, with its picturesque landscapes and thriving economy, also offers attractive investment opportunities. From dynamic urban developments in Auckland to serene properties in Queenstown, the New Zealand market combines natural beauty with strong potential for lucrative investment returns. Beyond financial benefits, owning property in Australia or New Zealand can serve broader lifestyle and retirement planning goals. Whether you envision a family home, a holiday retreat, or an investment property, the flexibility and security that Australian or NZ real estate provides are invaluable.

To explore these opportunities further, I invite you to join us at the iBuyNew Australia & New Zealand Property Expo in Singapore. Taking place on July 27-28 at the Carlton Hotel, this event will showcase a diverse range of projects from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast and New Zealand.

You’ll have the chance to meet industry experts, gain valuable insights on market trends, and discover exclusive investment opportunities tailored to your needs. Catch Terry Ryder from Hotspotting, a renowned Australia property market expert and media contributor,sharing exclusive insights. Hotspotting, a top Australian real estate research portal, is a 2024 PIPA Awards finalist.

  • Date – 27-28 July  (Sat & Sun)
  • 10am-6pm
  • Carlton Hotel, 76 Bras Basah Road, 189558
  • Clink the link here for further details

Knowledge & Resources

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or exploring property investment for the first time in Australia & New Zealand, our expo is designed to empower you with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions. iBuyNew is Australia’s trusted and effective source for new and off the plan property specialist, offering unparalleled guidance from search to settlement, access to exclusive stocks, and expertise nationwide for
long-term value and satisfaction.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with our investment specialists, learn from industry leaders, and take the next step towards securing your financial future with confidence. Reserve your place at the iBuyNew Australia & New Zealand Property Expo.

Register here now!

 

Let Odin Mortgage guide you home

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The Australian property market remained resilient despite the economic downturn, and started rebounding in 2024 amid many Australian expat families and overseas investors re-entering the property markets. Buying a property in Australia is complicated and doing so alongside applying for a home loan while living in Singapore can be even more challenging. However, with the right knowledge, tools, and guides, Odin Mortgage can help make your home-buying journey smoother.

Borrowing options

While buying a new place is exciting, it’s important to understand what’s affordable and your available borrowing options. Knowing your current deposit position, costs of buying a home and borrowing capacity will help you to define a purchase price.

Costs & deposits

Australian banks and lenders generally require higher deposits – 20-40% of purchase value for Australian expats or overseas investors where your deposit is just one of the costs. You’ll also need to consider taxes and government fees such as stamp duty, inspections and legal fees as well as insurances.

Getting a home loan

How much you’d be able to borrow is subject to income and expenses and Australian banks and lenders have rules and policies for borrowers living and working outside Oz. It’s important to talk to specialists like us to ensure you understand your borrowing profile.

Below are a few examples of the rules that may hurt your borrowing power. Some Australian lenders:

  • Apply a discount of 20-40% of gross income in a foreign currency
  • Apply Australian income tax rate for the purpose of calculation
  • Restrict self-employment income in a foreign currency

Make sure you explore the market and understand available borrowing options that suit your needs.

How Odin Mortgage can help

Whether you’re looking to refinance, invest or buy your future family home in Oz, Odin Mortgage can help.

We’ve recently expanded our operations to Singapore to better serve the communities and clients to make your Australian home buying journey simple. Our key service offerings include:

  • Home Buying: Whether you’re a first-time buyer, buying a future family home, or an investor building a portfolio, we navigate through property searching, market research, settlement and beyond.
  • Refinancing: We have access to the best available home loan offers partnering with Australian lenders and international banks in Singapore to help you find better offers in the market and optimise your home loan expenses.

Talk to us

Take the first step to securing a life back in Australia by talking to our specialists at Odin Mortgage. They’ll be able to help you guide through the home buying journey with best available home loan offers.

Contact details

+65 8714 8914
 support@odinmortgage.com

Book a meeting

Make a splash at Singapore’s best water parks

Singapore is a smart city: the effect of year-round sunshine is catered for with a huge amount of places and spaces to get soaked at! Whether you’re with family, friends, or flying solo; want to dive in or just dip a little toe; are happy to pay or looking for something more wallet-friendly; grab your swimmers and head here.

Fancy Waterparks For: Adventurous aquatic fun

Left: Aqua Adventure at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir Right: Wild Wild Wet
  • Aqua Adventure at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir
    At Singapore’s first integrated indoor water park, you can attempt an aquatic challenge rope course, scale climbing walls, and conquer water obstacles. Not forgetting the challenge of the 85m-long Black Hole Slide and duelling Double Trouble Slide. All too much? There’s also a lovely Laze Pool.
     900 Bedok North Road, 479994
     hometeamns.sg
  • Adventure Cove Water park
    From high-speed water slides such as Asia’s first hydro-magnetic coaster, to a gentle lazy river to float away in, plan a whole day here. Besides the park, you can snorkel with over 20,000 tropical fish and wade among rays.
     8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, 098269
    rwsentosa.com
  • Wild Wild Wet
    An oldie but a goodie, this somewhat retro water park boasts thrill slides, a lazy river, wave pool and kids pool. Little ones will love the meandering river, and older children can go crazy at Yakult Professor’s Playground complete with slides, ladders, water cannons and fountains. As for adults, gather some grown ups and speed down the four-lane ride ‘Kraken Racers’ to show the young ones how it’s done.
     1 Pasir Ris Close, 519599
    wildwildwet.com
  • Hydro Dash
    Singapore’s very first floating aqua park is where kids and adults can tackle a massive inflatable playground and obstacle course – think a giant bouncy castle in the sea. To keep everyone on their toes, Hydro Dash is split into four zones with varying difficulty levels.
     54 Palawan Beach Walk, 098233
    thepalawansentosa.com/hydrodash
  • Splash @ Kidz Amaze
    Five slides, eight play decks, interconnected climbing structures and big buckets of water ready to topple at any moment cover 23,000 square feet at Splash@Kidz Amaze. For those with tots aged 18 – 36 months, head to the separate wading area where water jets just spray streams at you. Babies under 12 months get free entry.
    SAFRA Punggol, 9 Sentul Crescent, Level 3, 828654
    safra.sg

Sporty Options: Get soaked, learn new skills

Left: Singapore Wake Park Right ANZA Watersports, Ola Beach Club
  • Singapore Wake Park
    While the aim here is to spend more time out of the water than in, getting soaked is all part of it. The park has a built-up lagoon and three cable systems: beginner, intermediate and full-size for adventure-seekers to try wakeskating, double-skis “cable-style”, knee-boarding and wakeboarding. An instructor will brief you about the cable system and safety instructions, then you’ll be directed to the best cable for you. The park caters to all levels from child to adult so it’s fab for a family day out.
    1206A East Coast Parkway,  449891
    singaporewakepark.com
  • Splash N Surf
    This water park perched on top of Kallang Wave Mall has a water play area open only to kids, plus a brilliant lazy pool. What’s extra special about this place is that you can also try a multitude of sporting activities such as riding waves on the Stingray, half-pipe surfing, bodyboarding or skimboarding. Park entry is free but mastering some ‘skillz’ starts from $30 per hour.
    Level 3 Kallang Wave Mall, 397629
    sportshub.com.sg
  • Pasir Ris Swimming Complex
    Slides always go down a storm with both kids and adults and Pasir Ris Swimming Complex is home to two of them. There’s also a training pool, two children’s pools with water features, a competition pool, and a Jacuzzi (which tends to be the go-to for parents!).
     120 Pasir Ris Central, 519640
     facebook.com/pasirrissc
  • ANZA Watersports
    ANZA Nippers has been keeping kids in the water for almost a decade, and last year we launched ANZA Watersports to offer adults the same kind of splashy fun. If Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP), kayaking and sailing float your boat, check out more details on our website.
     anza.org.sg/groups/watersports

Adventure Playgrounds: Splish, splash, splosh!

Left: Cluisa Cove Right: Lower Seletar Reservoir Park
  • Cluisa Cove
    This playground is designed with tidal patterns, surface ripples and currents that mimic the water of coastal shores. Little ones can control the water flow using the sluice gates, play in the pools and follow the channels that lead to rock pools.
    Jurong Lake Gardens, 104 Yuan Ching Road, 618661
  • Far East Organisation Children’s Garden
    After a stroll around Gardens by the Bay, let the kids chill out here. The Toddler Play Zone invites tots to scale a swaying bridge and take on the Fish Fountain. This zingy interactive play space also comes with water tunnels and funky fish sculptures. Did we mention it’s free?
    18 Marina Gardens Drive, 018953
    gardensbythebay.com.sg
  • Waterworks, Science Centre
    Mechanical water clocks, mazes, and a giant alarm clock to dry yourself off – this is a brilliant place to play while learning about the importance of water.
    5 Science Centre Road, 609081
    science.edu.sg
  • Coastal PlayGrove
    Rock up here for the tallest outdoor play feature in Singapore (16 metres high) with climbing activities, metallic tube slides, a nature play garden with sandpits and teepees, plus a water play area. Dip into the fun wading pool while the kiddos run riot splashing
    at the fountains. Come evening, the water fountains are illuminated for extra excitement!
    902 East Coast Park Service Road, 449874
    beta.nparks.gov.sg
  • Compass One
    Level four of a suburban shopping centre has never been so thrilling! Kids can beat the heat by running through the water tunnel and zooming down the water slide, while toddlers can keep occupied with calmer water fountains.
    1 Sengkang Square, Level 4, 545078
    compassone.sg

Ice, Ice, Baby: There’s literally nothing cooler

Left: Hyperactiv Singapore Right: Sphere Gym
  • The Ice Bath Clubs
    Yes, this is a club, but not as you know it. This new membership-based ice bath social club features ice baths, a magnesium salt hot bath, and a shared social sauna. There’s also a big group sauna at 80 Deg C. Afterwards, hit the hip cafe for a warm drink!
    241 River Valley Road, #01-01, 238298
    theicebathclubs.com
  • Hyperactiv Singapore
    Wim Hof sessions are guided by a certified instructor who begins with teaching breathwork before you immerse yourself into an ice bath. Sessions vary and include one-on-one, a one-year programme, and corporate options.
    25 Pemimpin Place, 576022
    weare@hyperactiv.us
  • Sphere gym
    Run past the personal fitness on the first floor and head for the sensory deprivation float tanks upstairs. You can choose a “warmer” plunge at 10 – 12 Deg C, or a colder shock of around 5 Deg C. Sphere also has a mega ice tub for up to eight people. The more, the merrier?
    137 Cecil Street, #01-02/03, 069537
    www.sphere365.sg
  • Athletic Collective
    The focus here is on helping athletes perform better at their sport and to recover faster from training.The ice bath generally remains around 5 – 7 Deg C, but can go down to 3 Deg C if you’re feeling hardcore.
    442 Claymore Connect, Orchard Road, #03-01, 238879
    theathleticcollective.com/recovery-room
  • Core Collective
    Core Collective offer a 15-minute cold water therapy session to leave you feeling refreshed and renewed. Whether you’ve just completed an ROI with ANZA Cycling, or are feeling the effects of an ANZA Ladies Night, a session here will sort you righ out!
     Anson and Dempsey locations
    corecollective.sg