Accomodation for 6 in Singapore?

[Us six]

We are flying Sydney to Europe with a two day stopover in Singapore at the end of this month, and would like a few tips on where to stay with with our kids 2,4,7 & 9. Endless internet searching is not very inspiring, and not many searches allow us to put in 4 kids.

We have not been to Singapore before and don't want to break the bank here (there is plenty of time for that during the following months....).

Tips welcome!

Dan

[Us six]

Well, we found somewhere to stay in Singapore that suited us down to the ground.

Following a lead from a Lonely Planet guide book, we booked on line to stay at the Costa Sands (Downtown East) resort. This is in the suburb of Pasir Ris, which is quite close to the Changi Airport.

We took a taxi from the airport to get there, which cost us $50SGD. It is straight forward to get there by train and bus but it does require an amount of experience with the public transport system, in that if coming from the airport one needs to change trains, and then catch the free shuttle bus to the resort. (Public transport in Singapore is fantastic; clean, fast and logical. The ticketting system is awkward though). Once you have your head around the system it is a straight forward 20 minute trip back to the airport.

Costa Sands is a resort village that also books people in as Youth Hostel members. We took a 4 bed room for the six of us (the beds were ample sized for the little kids to share), which to our initial surprise the Resort accepted at the time of booking. Two nights cost us $299SGD.

Costa Sands Village is one frequented more by SE Asian travellers than Westerners, but that was part of the charm of the place. Buildings are modern, simple, airconditioned. The room had the usual fridge, kettle, TV and phone, good shower and bathroom. Security seemed good with access by card only. There were plenty of tables and BBQ places in front of the rooms that were well used by other patrons.Our only criticism is that it was a bit noisey into the night as we were there on a public holiday weekend and there were lots of students also booked in.

There is a good pool system in the resort and 'Wet & Wild' is a water adventure park immediately next door. The Downtown East centre is adjacent to the Resort and numerous food outlets, starting with Macca's and improving from there, are right at the front door.

Pasir Ris centre is a five minute walk from the resort where there are more fantastic food outlets (no Macca's here though, its all real food) and the markets are, shall we say, enlightening.... We were still happy to eat the local tucker after visiting the market, but also happy for it to be loaded up with curry and spice.

I'd never been terribly interested in travelling to or through SE Asia before this trip, but found the people genuinely open and friendly. The newer parts of town are planned, tidy and clean, and tourist info well presented. "litle India' served us well for a dose of local noise, dirt and crowds, with some spectacular temples thrown in. We'll go there again and have no reason not to stay at Costa Sands.

Danny