Katong Park : Fort under the Park

Katong Park

It's the weekend. We had made a habit of finding parks to roam for the past month. Usually we would go to a park near our house for our parents weekend runs, while we exercise at the park's playground. Today we decide to take a detour and found ourselves at one of Singapore oldest park, Katong Park.

A little history

Did you know?

Katong Park is one of the oldest parks in Singapore. It is build in 1930s and was a popular park back in its heydays due to the location next to the sea ( back then East Coast Park did not exist)

History of Katong PArk

It was so popular then that there was a pagar (fence) build there to create a safe swimming zone. Unfortunately due to land reclamation in the 1960s, the park has slowly lost its lustre as a premier park for families.

Pictures form the National Archive of Singapore

Along the footpath on the park, you get to see signboards giving a little history of the park. Some historical facts on Katong Park

• Before the park became a family destination in the 1930s, it was actually known as Fort Tanjong Katong from 1879 to 1901. The Fort was buried as it was abandoned due to its then remote location.
• Katong Park was bomded 3 times in the Sep 1963 by Indonesia Konfrontasi to disrupt the formation of Malaysia.
• The Fort was rediscovered in 2001by Jack Sim, a local resident who is also the founder of World Toilet Organisation
• Excavation was carried out in 2004 to study the Fort. It was reburied again in 2005 to preserve it leaving only a small portion exposed.
• It was a was factory site servicing aircraft engines of military planes during the war years

Park history

The Playground

What can you see?

As much as we like the history lessons , we were more intrigued with a new playground discovery. The children playground in Katong Park has been renovated recently , and we get a chance to try out the new facilities in this old park.

Composite play equipment

The park is build for children age 2-12. there are 2 main areas. The composite play equipment, rope spinner, track ride and multiple swing are suitable for age 5 to 12. For those age 2 to 5, the series of play panels and spring riders will keep them entertain.

Playtime

We love the idea that the surface is filled with sand rather than path with composite material. It is quite rare to find sandy playground in Singapore.

I am Sandboy

For the exercise buffs, there is a fitness corner next to the playground. This makes it a great place for families. Mom and Dad got to exercise while we get to play! For the running fanatics, there is a walking / running track located around the perimeter of the park. Each round is estimated to be about 500 m, making it a choice jogging location.

Exercise Zone

Around the Park

After our play, Daddy decided to take us for a walk around the park. He showed us part of the exposed Fort that was excavated.

The old Fort

Seeing what Dad told us about the Fort buried beneath the park, we decided to do a little excavation of our own at the playground.
Don't think we have much success there.

The Wackies Evacuation

Back to the mini tour, there is a stage located in the middle of the park. It is not too big, but we are not sure what it could be use for.

Stage

There is a 30 m long foot reflexology path for those who need a little foot massage.

Foot Reflexology

The park is Dog Friendly as well, with a dog run corner specially for dogs. Great for dog lovers.

Dog Run

In case you need to answer to nature call, there are toilets there as well. However it was a little dirty when we check it out.

Toilets in the park

Did I mention that the park is great for gliding too?

Happy Cows

We spotted a few happy cows on the grass patch.These moove cows have a heart on their back and is part of the 'Happy Cows, Happy Hearts' celebrating Singapore as a City in the Garden. There are 600 of them around the parks in Singapore till 26th May. They are available for adoption at $250 and all proceeds will go to ComfortDlelgo/Lions Befriender Home improvement fund which serve to improve the living conditions of elderly in one-room flats.

Katong Park Guards

Before we leave, we spotted a pair of guards of Sikh and British origin guarding the park. These guards have become an icon in Katong and it is donated by Jack Sim, the same person who rediscovered the Fort under the Park

Courtesy of Jack Sim

It was an interesting park experience. While we were there on a Saturday morning, the park was not so crowded, given us acres of space to run around. We like how the park is nested amongst tall buildings, giving it a breath of fresh air amongst the modern skyline.
We love the quietness in this heritage park and will be back again for more evacuation in the future.

Gliding through Katong Park

For those driving, there is a side car park that is available along Meyer road. However do note , it has space for only 15 cars or so.

Have a nice day

Here is a map for those who like to venture to Katong Park. There is a underground pass to East Coast park from here, so for those joggers who like an extended run, you can consider this route as well.

SIngapore Top Indoor Playgrounds

All work and no play makes the Wackies a dull Duo

It is no secret that we are Playground Junkies.

Over the past 2 years, we must have visited countless playgrounds both indoors and outdoors. So it is only apt that we have an updated list of Singapore top indoor playgrounds. In no particular order, here is a brief of what to expect in the playgrounds selected. We only bring you what we had experienced, so these choice play places are the ones we had visited over the course of the past 2 years.

As for admission charges, do refer to individual playgrounds as they varies from time to time. General admission range from $15-$25 per entry. Weekdays are usually cheaper compared to weekends.

A little disclaimer

We are not connoisseurs of play, all opinions expressed are solely base on our playtime experienced on site. Observations are from our POV, so if you are an adult, read it at your own risk!Let the fun began!

By the Bay

Hokey Pokey @ Millenia Walk

Hokey Pokey@Millienia Walk

The Brief

A big play zone about the size of 2 basketball court loaded with toys for both genders. There is a GB graded ( Great for Babies) slide along with a big ball pit. Toys from dolls , make believe suits , train set, castle set, numerous cooking stations , cars of different sizes and shapes along with quality toys from Fisher Price, Imaginarium and more can be found here.Check out our review at Hokey Pokey.

What's Hot

• Singapore biggest toy playground ( at least to us). A kids toys haven.
• Toys suited for both genders, from doll houses to castles.
• No big kids , so the little tots can roam about freely.
• Safe slide and ball pit for the endless sliding pleasures.
• Open concept floor plan allows the adults to have a clear view of the children.
• Cafe counter at the side for adults to seat and work while envy us at play.

What's Not

• If you child is older than 6 , this would not be the place to be in.

Find them

Hokey Pokey Facebook

9 Raffles Boulevard Millenia Walk

#02-42/42/44/45 (Next to Parco) Singapore 039956

Recommended for

Toy lovers. This place is paradise to them.

Polliwogs@ Robertson Quay

Polliwogs @ Robertson Quay

The Brief

Indoor playground comes to the quay. The location means residents from the central region get to enjoy their share of fun. Armed with slides , ball pits, shooting gallery, flying fox , tot's zone and more. This place promises trills and spills at almost all corners. Full review here

What's Hot

• The 3 storey slides are a hit amongst kids.
• 360 degree shooting gallery promises countless shooting practices.
• Wall climbing area for kids.
• Place for tots under 3 as well.
• Cafe corner with free Wifi.

What's Not

• Watch the younger kids, they might get overran but the older ones.
• Lack of minders in this playground. Should have at least one for some crowd control as it can get rowdy at times.

Find them

Polliwogs homepage

11 Unity Street#02-18/19 Robertson WalkSingapore 237995

Recommended for

Hyperactive kids who loves climbing and obstacle courses.

The City @ Liang Court

The City

The Brief

Billed as Singapore first indoor learning playground, the City is not your typical indoor playground. Expect role playing in different locations such as the supermarket, the clinic, the superheros zone and lots more. Superheros outfits and princess gown are avaliable.Read the review here

What's Hot

• Great place to be a superhero. Dress up as Spiderman, Superman, Thor amongst others
• Want to experience shopping in the supermarket? How about a Doctor? A realistic mock up is on site to allow kids a trial
• Feels like a giant playroom

What's Not

• Play is not structured, thus learning is limited
• No slides or climbing structures for the hyperactive kids
• Limited toys option. Play is mostly dependant on the child's imagination.
• Not for younger kids below 2

Find Them

The City

#03-04A Liang Court, 177 River Valley roadSingapore 179030

Recommended for

The Superhero wannabe. Great place for a party for older kids.

Amazonia @ Great World City

The Brief

The first time we visited Amazonia, we were in awe of the jungle play gym. The sight of a 4 storey slide is utterly enticing. The climb up was a fun challenge and the way down was even more shiok. The toddler's play area was relatively big and 'enclose' away from the main play area ensuring younger tots have their share of fun.

What's Hot

• The best and highest slide in an indoor playground. Think Big Splash for the older generations who are reading this.
• Challenging vertical play structure.
• Jungle theme playground that takes the theme seriously.
• 3D Glow Golf and Space ball areas for kids and adults.

What's Not

• No Peak and off-peak price.
• Entrance fees at $33 per child age 3-12 is too much for a normal family outing.
• Other extras like Glow Golf and Space balls require additional fee.

Find them

Amazonia Webpage

Great World City mall, Level 3 Unit #03-08,1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore , 237994.

Recommended for

Special occasions due to the high fee. The birthday parties were a blast.

Central Park

Fidgets@ The Grandstand

Fidgets@The Grandstand

The Brief

The 'brand new' old kid of the block. Fidgets have undergone a facelift and is now known as Fidget's World. Now occupying almost the whole 3rd floor of the new Grandstand, it is refreshed with a new cafe , new toddler area, party rooms and impressive shoe racks.

What's Hot

• New look, flooring , new cafe , new toddler area, new activities. Same old great fun.
• The 3 different climbing structures and a wicked slide
• Space to run run run
• Most bang for the bucks $19 unlimited play on weekends and $95 for a pass for 7 visits ( $13.57 per visit)

What's Not

• Slogan change from keeps them moving to keep them screaming. It's real Loud in there.
• Separate cafe area from the main play area means your child is out of sight during play time.

Find Them

Fidgets website

200 Turf Club Road#03-10 Singapore 287944

Recommended for

Value adventurers. For the facilities and the space, it's a bargain.

Go Go Bambini

Go Go Bambini @ Dempsy

The Brief

Located in the swanky Dempsy area and next to Ben and Jerry's It is one of the first indoor playground that had emerged in Singapore. This was the first place where the wackies were exposed to indoor play. Expect the usual slides, obstacles and balls pit. There is a smallish toddler's area with a cafe on site.

What's Hot

• The 3 storey cage-like play structure
• One of the steepest slide found in indoor playground
• The swanky location

What's Not

• The location, you need to drive or to be driven in order to reach the premises.

Find Them

Go-Go Bambini Website

BLK 8 Dempsey Road, #01-15 Dempsey Hill, Singapore 247696 Recommended for

Ice cream lovers, after all it is a good excuse to visit Ben and Jerry next door.

Wild West

Playful Elves@West Coast Plaza

Playful Elves@West Coast Plaza

The Brief

Step into the magical forest located in the wild west of Singapore. There are the usual playpit, shooting gallery, slides. There is also a bouncy castle on site with a mini train set. It also houses Singapore first mini race track for future F1 racers in an indoor playground.We test drive it here

What's Hot

• Go zoom zoom round the mini racetrack.
• Slides are much gentle so it is more suited for tots.
• Who can resist the bouncy castle?
• Cafe by the side to watch over the kids.
• Minders in the playzone to watch over kids

What's Not

• The playground is a tad smaller , so older kids may find it limiting
• Lack of play area for tiny tots under 2

Find them

Playful Elves homepage

154 West Coast Road, West Coast Plaza, #02-02/03/04 S (127371)

Recommended for

Race car racers age 2-8

East End

Polliwogs @ East Coast

Polliwogs@ East Coast

The Brief

An indoor playground next to one of Singapore's largest outdoor playground for adults, the East Coast Park. The usual fare of slides and shooting gallery is found on site. Toddler are also invited to play at their own specific area. In addition there is usually an outdoor bouncy slide on site.

What's Hot

• Indoor and Outdoor play in one location
• Chillout area for adults indoor and outdoor, next to the beach.
• Great location for a day out to East Coast Park

What's Not

• May need to drive as public transportation options are limited in East Coast Park

Find Them

Polliwogs East Coast Website

1020 East Coast Parkway#01-02 Singapore 449878

Recommended for

The Sun Kiss kid. After all a tan is guaranteed if you decide to play on the outdoor bouncy slides. Alternatively you could always head to the beach thereafter to work on it.

Explorer Kids@ Downtown East

Explorer Kids@ Downtown East

The Brief

The largest indoor playground in Singapore. It has the only glowing ball pit in Singapore large enough to fit 10 children in it. Other facilities includes a mega play area, a toddler area and a rock climbing area known as the cliff. There is also a challenging rope course known as the adventure highlands.

What's Hot

• The glowing ball pit will entice most kids to jump in.
• The Cliff is a unique rock climbing structure perfect for monkies children.
• Large area for kids to roam about. No worries about lack of space here.

What's Not

• Located in the Far East at Pasir Ris meant losing 3/4 of the targeted audience.

Find Them

Explorer Kids Website

E! hub Downtown East 3rd Floor1 Pasir Ris Close, Singapore 519599

Recommended for

Runners - The space is huge!

Canopy@ Changi Airport

Canopy@ Changi Airport Terminal 1

The Brief

An indoor playground at the airport? You bet! Canopy is a smallish set up in Changi Airport Terminal one. Comprising of a 2 level structure, it occupies no more than 1 basket ball size area. With a small slide and trampoline, it will keep kids entertain for a bit.

What's Hot

• A playground in the airport gives families more reasons to visit the airport.
• It's free if you spend $30 as a Changi Rewards Member
• Only $6 per entrance. Cheapest indoor playground.

What's Not

• It's a tad too small to spend hours in it. It's more like dessert rather than the full course.
• Limited Play Options

Find Them

Changi Airport Terminal 1Viewing Mall, Level 3

Recommended for

Frequent flier kids age 2 to 12 who want a legit reason to fly around at the airport

The list is by no means exhaustive, there are plentiful indoor playgrounds in Singapore that we had yet explored. Here is a special mention of those that we have yet to visit.

Kids Amaze

SAFRA indoor playgrounds located in Jurong and Toa Payoh. Literately the highest in Singapore.

Peekaboo

Kallang Indoor Playground. Drop off allowed for kids above

Happy Willows

Indoor Playground located in Fusionpolis

Jumperzillas

Located at The Shoppes@ Marina Bay Sands. Classy shopping meets classy play.

The Petite Park

Nested at Changi City Point. Meant for kids under 7

The Playhouse@ RochesterHouse

Part of a colonial bungalow, this playhouse stands side by side with Seb's Bristo. There is an outdoor sandpit and water play area located at the same premises. Meant for kids under 7

Singkids@Playsystem

An international indoor playground in Singapore. Located at Changi Airport T3, Vivocity and United Square. Bumper cars are available at Vivocity.

Happy Playing!

 

LG Pocket Photo review

Product Review (Daddytalk)

LG Pocket Photo

A month ago, I was presented with the LG Optimus G for use and review. During the collection of the phone, I spotted a nifty box in LG Singapore Premises. I learn that it was a pocket printer otherwise known as LG Pocket Photo. At that point I wish I have this alongside with the LG Optimus G.

Unboxing

LG must have read my mind and decided to loan me a unit for review. Without hesitation, I agreed as I wanted to see is this is a worthy companion to the phone.

LG Pocket Printer

About the LG Pocket Printer

The LG Pocket Printer is an Android compatible pocket size portable printer with NFC Technology.

Connections

The LG Pocket Printer is about the same size as a typical portable hard drive, albeit a little fatter (2.8 X 4.7 X 0.5) It comes in 3 different colours from white to pink to orange. It has a slot at one end for putting Zink Paper and a USB connector on the side if you want to link a phone to it

Zink Paper

The Zink paper uses a printing technology that uses zero ink ( thus the name Zink). Instead it is coated with four colour dyes and uses heat to form the picture. Each packet comes with 3 sets of zink paper with each containing 10 photos. I have 2 boxes to use so that means a whopping 60 photos to print and keep . Yeah!Read more about Zink Technology here.Each photo is in the size of 2 X 3 inch.

Loading the paper.

Setting up

Setting up on the LG Optimus G was a breeze, just download the LG Pocket Photo app from Google play and you are good to go. Printing can also be done directly from smartphone or PC via Bluetooth without the App. Simply choose a photo and select [Bluetooth] in the [Share] option.

LG Pocket Photo

Connection to the Printer can be via bluetooth or using the USB cnnection. If your phone has NFC technology like the LG Optimus G, you can simply print the photo by placing the phone near the printer.

Start Printing

The photo quality is not super sharp nor are the colours true to the picture. Picture quality is similar to a typical Polaroid print (which incidentally uses similar technology for printing). Printing time is quite fast a about 45 second per print. Battery life is up to 15 pictures per charge, which we think it is too little for a portable printer.

Do print one photo at a time, multiple selection may cause the printer to jam up. A simple on/off will clear the jam photos, otherwise you can open the top panel to readjust the photos.

Top panel can be remove

However the LG Pocket Printer is position as a Fun printer. It prints anything straight off the phone so that means you can edit a photo on the phone with fancy boarders and just press print. I am sure the boys will love to use it whenever they fancy a print of themselves.

LG Pocket Printer

What we like

• Easy fuss free Set up
• Portable, so you can bring it anywhere
• Compatible with all Android Phone

What could be improve

• Battery Life ( we heard that there is a new portable charger for this)
• The Price - A Tad too pricey for a photo printer
• The Quality - The colours and quality of photos printed are not as what you see

Quick prints from LG Photo Printer

Possible uses

• Small parties like birthday celebrations
• Printing contact information such as instant namecards
• Printing on the go such as holidays

Party Printer!

The LG Pocket Photo is a good to have rather than a must have party printer. This is the first version from LG. Future version if LG choose to develop it would probably be thinner, prints more per charge and maybe cheaper. Photo quality may improve as well.

When that happens, I would probably get my hands on one of these printers. The technology is already a winner, I just need a future version of it.

LG Photo printer is available at Starhub, Harvey Norman,Best Denki and Popular at a princely $229 a pop. Zinc paper cost $ 18per box of 30 sheets

 

Volkswagen Family Weekend

Volkswagen family weekend

Volkswagen family weekend

"Raise your hands if you like to sit in a new car"

2 pairs of tiny arms shot up the sky followed by loud shrieks of YES!So it's no surprise we readily accept the offer to partake at Volkwsagen family weekend when Rise and Shine together with Volkswagen Singapore extended the invitation.

Events for sat

We were there on a Saturday and were greeted with activities for kids. There are the following activities on site

• Trip-cycle rides
• Creativity Corner
• Kid's Golf
• Food Art

Since it was the mother day's weekend, they have a Mom's pampering corner featuring different kinds of massagers for mom.

Activities galore

We were instantly drawn to the huge coloirful cut out of family portraits. They look like they are having fun, so we decided to join them.

Strike a pose

Didi decided he wants to be a baby again.

Who's that baby?

We think the Volkswagen family weekend is a great idea to bring families to car showrooms. At least we have something to do while the adults checkout the latest car models.

Colouring

While waiting for our turn to play, we were indulge ourselves in ink chicken burger, ice cream and potatoes.

Food food

There was quite a crowd during the event. We think this concept is fantastic and hope others will follow too. We like the carnival feel of the event. It certainly make car shopping a fun affair for the family.

Yummy

Along the food and game we spotted a mascot and gamely took a picture of him. Didi is less afraid of these giant mascot now, since his experiences with the gang from Sesame Street.

We do suspect that Daddy is here for another reason. He has been invited to test drive one of the family MPV for a mini review.

The showroom

He decided to pick the Touran for his test drive. This is his first time driving an MPV after driving sedans for over 20 years and we could tell he is quite excited about this. Daddy had been thinking if he should change to an MPV in the near future as we grow older and explore more of Singapore and beyond. An MPV would be a practical solution should we invite our grandparents along for road trips.

He will be doing a mini review of his ride next week on Techie Thursday.

Volkswagen Tour

As for me , I get to join in the fun as a passenger on the ride. Check out what I think about the ride together with Daddy!

My first MPV ride

Thanks to VW and Rise and Shine for the invite!

Disclaimer

We were invited by Rise and Shine for a day of family fun. All views expressed are of our own.