First SpongeBob Run in Asia!

The famous SpongeBob is going to be in Singapore in August for the very first run and it is going to happen in Sentosa!

Happening on 6 August 2016 between 4-8pm, join Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants in searching for his best friend, Patrick Star, via a fun run.  Covering 5km, it is going to be a route of iconic landmarks from the underwater city of Bikini Bottom, including the houses that SpongeBob, Patrick and Squidward Tentacles live in.

What is more fun than joining a theme run - something that children can look forward to while being active.  And along the way, there is a high possibility to snap selfies or wefies with Spongebob and his friends in life-size cutout boards.

After the race, join us at the carnival that will be filled with nautical-themed activities, food and beverages and of course, the screening of three episodes of Spongebob SquarePants, no matter if you are a fan or not.

Registration has started and you may register at Spongebob Run Singapore 2016 website here! 

And just for you, my readers, get S$5 off when you register with the code SBXCYNTHIA so hurry and not miss this promo as it ends 26 June 2016 23.59 hours.

If you are wondering what will be available, there are two categories of race entitlement packs:
- For BASIC (S$49.50 per pax), there will be an official event tee, an event medal and a runner's license.
- For NORMAL (S$59.50 per pax), there will also be an exclusive SpongeBob Run Singapore plush and drawstring bag, in addition to receiving the items in the Basic pack.

So, if you like plushs like my boys and I, go for the NORMAL category!

This medal is just too cute!

Disclosure:  We will be receiving 2 complimentary tickets to the run and purchasing 2 more so that the whole family will have fun.  Terms and product information about the product were provided by X-Change Republic.

I'm on Facebook!  Please like me on Facebook if you have enjoyed this post as it's where I connect constantly with my readers.  I'm on Instagram and Twitter too! 

OSIM Sundown Marathon 2016

We have joined many fun runs as a family but one that is at night?  Our first!  

The Sundown Marathon is the nation's first night race and from the first flag off at 8.30pm for the 5KM Fun Run, it stretches to 12.30am the following day for a full marathon.  We see participants of almost all ages, both local and overseas.

Photo Credit : Sundown Marathon

At the flag off point.  Often carrying the 2 boys so that they can see the stage and what is happening at the front, we will put them down once we are pass the starting line.  Being "seasoned" participants, we also know that we should always keep to the left as we are not the fastest and do not want to block other people's way.

It is really passion that we will bring the children out for such fun runs.  Yes, there are times we get frustrated, times we have to carry them, times when we hear them "niam" aka complaining.  But when we are at the finishing line, all are forgotten.  And it is through such runs that we see how much each child has changed and what each kid is capable of.  E actually surpassed our expectations.  He was running and walking for at least a good 2.5km before he fell.  After getting whiny for awhile, he continued, trooped on and running towards the finishing line at the last 100-200m.  Absolutely proud of him because a year ago, he was being carried all the way for another 5km fun run.

I guess the weather plays a big part too.  Cooling,  no scorching sun, a night run is definitely more bearable than a day run.  We made the children nap in the afternoon so that they will be able to sleep later as by the time we are done and at the race village, it was 9.30pm.

I also wonder if E is competitive in nature.  He loves his medals.  He went around telling almost everyone and showing them his medal.  So cute, so proud, so funny.

I am often asked "why bring them to such runs?  5km is not a short distance."  I often replied that it is good for them to sweat it out.  
I also believe that such non-competitive runs, for a start, build up their endurance.  It does not matter if you walk, run, jog, stroll, or even complaining while walking.  What is important is we finish the task that we are at and realise how much we can achieve.  And as with all family runs we had been to, there are always sweet rewards for completing them (be it the banana, 100plus, medals).  

It is also so interesting that whenever there is a new run coming up, they will be keen to participate.  

Disclosure:  We were invited to OSIM Sundown Marathon 2016.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photographs, unless otherwise stated, and opinions are true to my own.

I'm on Facebook!  Please like me on Facebook if you have enjoyed this post as it's where I connect constantly with my readers.  I'm on Instagram and Twitter too! 

ESCAPE Penang: Escaping to have Fun Outdoors

How time flies and it is 6 months since we went Penang.

One of the highlights of the trip was to go ESCAPE and oh boy, did we try so many new things. 

ESCAPE offers free shuttle services from hotels / resorts along the Batu Ferringhi stretch.  Check with the hotel's concierge as we did not know about this till they told us when we wanted them to help us get a taxi.  We stayed at Golden Sands Resort Penang (read reviews here) and the bus came at about 10.00am.

Each person is given a wrist tag which will also act as the payment card after topping up money in it. As food and drinks are not allowed in the park, one has to buy everything, even water, from the shops in the park.  Lockers are available for rental too as no bags are allowed when "playing" at the attractions.

Here you go... the price list, though I am unsure if it has changed now.

Penang is generally hot.  Very hot most of the times.  Luckily, the trees and greenery make it slightly more bearable.

Sometimes, adults just need to be reminded.

Back to the kampong days...  Please be reminded to be in proper attire and the right sports / trainer shoes.

Each attraction will have their own safety rules and age requirements.  Despite reaching at about 10.30am and leaving about 4.00pm, we did not manage to finish everything.  I believe we will be back when the boys are older as there are some attractions like the Monkey Business that we did not manage to do.

The children went up on this Tots Trail on their own.  And it is quite interesting to see how each challenge themselves, with adults out of the trail and guiding them by the side, to finish the trail and have their reward of a slide down.

Was looking forward to this but it was cordoned off because there was a beehive on one of the trees near it.  Then again, was grateful that they take such precautions too.

So, how much does this cost in Singapore?  S$10?  It is unlimited here!

Can you spot the man who decides to be a Jungle Swinger?

This Gecko Tower challenges you to reach the top.  The bad is when the sun is hot and glaring at you.  Also, the very sensitive to hot adults / children will find the bars, stills too hot to touch.  Why do I know?  Because this little boy complained.  :P

Guess what I am going to do?

Just so proud of myself to try the "Trapeze Americano".  Pretending to be Alex or Gia?

The Foxy Burrow is such fun for E that he went on twice or thrice with his friends and brother.  Just for children, adults can view their movements through these screens outside. 

D actually loved this.  I cannot remember how high this is but D went for this twice.  And can you hear what he said?  Awwwwwwwww.

Would love to be back again because there are lots that we have not explored.  We left at 4.00pm as that was the time the shuttle bus depart ESCAPE Penang to drop guests off at their respective hotels / resorts along Batu Ferringhi.  The boys were hot and sticky, but sweating happy.  :)

ESCAPE Penang

Address: 828 Jalan Teluk Bahang

11050 Penang, Malaysia

Tuesday to Sunday 9.00am to 6.00pm (Closed on Monday)

I'm on Facebook!  Please like me on Facebook if you have enjoyed this post as it's where I connect constantly with my readers.  I'm on Instagram and Twitter too! 

Where Fun Flows @ SAFRA Punggol

We used to think of Punggol as somewhere ulu.  The same logic as Jurong being so far, Punggol is a rural area.  No longer now!

The Waterway Point, and the newest SAFRA Punggol.  The landscape has changed in Punggol.

An one-stop club that features play and fitness choices, enrichment and dining options for the whole family, not forgetting the first indoor water playground in Singapore.

With lots of area to run about and greenery surrounding it, it seems like a good place to hang out.

One of the play and enrichment services in SAFRA Punggol is Artary.  

With art programmes for children aged three to fourteen years old, what caught my attention is the walls.  Safra members enjoy a 5% discount.

There is a Pizza Hut in Safra Punggol.  One of your dining options there as many children I know love pizzas.

We had fun at the pizza making workshop held.  But, sadly, it is currently not available at SAFRA Punggol. Let's hope they bring such workshops here!

This last activity we had is what the boys look forward to the most.  I believe there has been much talk about this water playground and many reviews already done.  But this is what we think about Splash @ Kids Amaze.

As it is very new, and with many already "sick" of indoor playgrounds, this is something refreshing.  A water playground indoors, without the need for sunscreen.  Sounds good, doesn't it?

Being very shallow at about 0.3m, it is pretty safe for toddlers and children but that does not mean parents should not watch them. 

When the weather gets too hot outside, this seems to be a nice place to be in.  But, I wonder how long can one stay in here?  Without the fingers and toes getting wrinkly?  Just in case you are wondering too, the play hours during weekends are split into 4-hour blocks.

D's favourite slide.  One of the 2 taller slides whereby only those above 1.2m can try.  Compared to the tallest slide which D said will bump his head, this is a better ride.  To him.

So, that meant this can only be E's favourite slide.  What I like is that there are lifeguards / crew to prevent too many children or adults going down this slide at the same time and that all's clear before another person slides down.  

Very lovely and spacious party rooms!  There are a total of 3 different themes room.  And I thought they look pretty huge compared to many other party rooms I have seen.

Lockers ($4 for medium or $6 for large) are available in the shower rooms.  A door split into 2 for their showers which I suppose is for adults to supervise their children?  No?  And I like that everything is new now.  Which I hope they maintain in years to come.

Someday, I would like to try out their Bikes @ Waterway which is part of the PCN Pitstop network that offers a large variety of bicycles for rent.  And the part where customers can conveniently return these bicycles at any of the "pitstops" located along the Eastern PCN sounds more tempting for people like me who do not own any bicycles.

Credit:  Safra Punggol

Are you thinking of where to go or what to do this holiday?  Check out SAFRA Punggol!  And if you do not stay in that vicinity, make it a day trip there and enjoy the Punggol Waterway Park too.

SAFRA Punggol

9 Sentul Crescent Singapore 828654

6-min walk from Punggol MRT station

1-min walk from Sam Kee LRT station

Disclosure:  We were invited to the event by SAFRA.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photographs and opinions are true to my own.

I'm on Facebook!  Please like me on Facebook if you have enjoyed this post as it's where I connect constantly with my readers.  I'm on Instagram and Twitter too!