04 Mar 2021
To mark the release of Disney's Southeast Asian inspired movie, Raya and the Last Dragon, on Disney+ with Premier Access, from March 5 2021, travellers can reimagine their experience and turn fantasy to reality in Singapore with a pick of ten family experiences.
“Raya and the Last Dragon” is an epic fantasy-adventure movie which is deeply informed by the cultures of Southeast Asia. “Raya and the Last Dragon” will take us on an exciting, epic journey to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where Raya, a lone warrior, must track down the legendary last dragon to stop an evil force that has returned after 500 years to once again threaten her home world. Along her journey, she will learn that it will take more than a dragon to save the world – including trust and teamwork.
Singapore Tourism Board and Disney UK collaborated on the promotion of Raya & The Last Dragon as Singapore is one of the Southeast Asia destinations which filmmakers took inspiration from. The film's heroine also has a strong sense of adventure when exploring the region of Kumandra. Raya's passion for exploration, bonding with her comrades over their shared love of food and overcoming obstacles are evocative of Singapore's Passion Made Possible spirit.
The co-branded film can be seen here.
When travel is possible again, visitors to Southeast Asia can reimagine Raya's journey by planning an epic adventure starting in Singapore, at the heart of the region. You can follow a similar journey to Raya and reimagine your holiday by discovering family-friendly nature, adventure, cultural and foodie experiences in Singapore including:
NATURE
Be “amazed” at Singapore Botanic Gardens: Singapore's oldest garden is perfect for a family day of fun. The only tropical garden to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 158-year-old landmark is home to a variety of attractions families will love, including the National Orchid Garden, which boasts the world's largest orchid display (+60,000) – including 200 “VIP orchids” named after dignitaries such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Diana; and the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden featuring play areas, tree-houses and a maze, where children can get together to learn and play while discovering more about the plant life around them.
Traverse MacRitchie Nature Trail & Reservoir Park: Anchored by Singapore's largest reservoir, the park and nature reserve is a popular destination for families and nature lovers. Enjoy the Treetop Walk, a 250-metre aerial free-standing suspension bridge spanning the two highest points within MacRitchie; and the 11-kilometre nature trail loop, MacRitchie Trails, where families will likely encounter long-tailed macaque monkeys, squirrels, monitor lizards and, with a bit of luck, colugos (flying lemurs) or owls.
https://www.visitsingapore.com/see-do-singapore/nature-wildlife/reserves/macritchie-nature-reserve/
Futuristic masterclass at Gardens by the Bay: One of Singapore's most recognised landmarks, Gardens by the Bay features surreal sights, paradise-like spaces and lush greenery in the heart of Singapore. Gardens by the Bay's most iconic structures include the Supertree Grove – vertical gardens with towering structures connected by the dramatic arch of the OCBC Skyway; and the conservatories Cloud Forest (featuring a stunning 30m indoor waterfall) and Flower Dome (home to changing exotic flora and fauna displays). In the evening be sure to return to Supertree Grove for the visually arresting performance of Garden Rhapsody where the lights of the trees are choreographed with uplifting music.
https://www.visitsingapore.com/see-do-singapore/nature-wildlife/parks-gardens/gardens-by-the-bay/
Wildlife spotting at Pulau Ubin: Hop on a bumboat and head to the island of Pulau Ubin in just 15 minutes – even faster than Raya's ally Tuk Tuk. Families can explore the 1,020-hectare island on a rented bike, step back in time to Singapore's last remaining kampongs ('village' in Malay) and admire abundant wildlife at Chek Jawa Wetlands – one of Singapore's richest eco-systems. Keep your eyes peeled for fiddler crabs, red jungle fowls and mudskippers, among other wondrous creatures. Other outdoor activities abound on Pulau Ubin include hiking and camping – dare you spend the night there?
https://www.visitsingapore.com/see-do-singapore/nature-wildlife/singapore-islands/pulau-ubin/
ADVENTURE
Cycling at East Coast Park: If there is one place in Singapore synonymous with sporty outdoor activities, it is East Coast Park, where some seven million locals and visitors flock to for the variety of sporting, entertainment and dining attractions. The best way to explore this park is to rent a family bicycle (that fits up to three adults and two kids), then take in the vibrant hues of the sea and skyline as you cruise towards the popular Marina Bay. To amp up the action, families can hit up Singapore Wake Park for a heart-racing experience. The little ones can start out with the beginner cable-ski course, while parents can stroll along the 15-kilometre stretch of beach within the park.
https://www.visitsingapore.com/see-do-singapore/nature-wildlife/parks-gardens/east-coast-park/
Walk on the wild side at Night Safari: Singapore Zoo's Night Safari is an open-air wildlife park, home to over 2,500 creatures of the night. On a guided electric tram, families will be greeted by close to 900 animals from over 100 species – including many indigenous to the region such as the endangered Asian elephant, tapir and tiger. Those who want a bit more of an adventure can venture to one of the four walking trails as well as enjoy the exciting Creatures of the Night Show to witness the natural talents of fascinating creatures. You may even spot a Komodo dragon on your visit, but we can't guarantee it will be named Sisu!
https://www.visitsingapore.com/see-do-singapore/nature-wildlife/fun-with-animals/night-safari/
CULTURE
Discover South East Asian history at Asian Civilisations Museum: With its mix of races and cultures, Singapore has rightfully earned a reputation for being the cultural melting pot of Asia, clearly seen at the Asian Civilisations Museum – the only museum in the region devoted to exploring the artistic heritage of the region. One of the museum's features is “Let's learn about…”, a series of online resources perfect for children and grown-ups to enjoy together. Families should look out for a wide range of topics, bite-size fun facts, interactive quizzes, puzzles and videos to help them discover more about this vibrant region.
https://www.visitsingapore.com/see-do-singapore/history/history-museums/asian-civilizations-museum/
Peranakan appreciation at Joo Chiat/Katong: “Peranakan” is a Malay word that translates into “local born” and generally refers to people of Straits Chinese, Malay and Indonesian origin. The historic neighbourhood of Joo Chiat/Katong is the best place to learn about Peranakan culture – it is one of Singapore's liveliest areas. Families can start at Rumah Bebe to admire an array of Peranakan beadwork, embroidery and other trinkets in a multitude of vibrant colours; and then head to Kim Choo Guan to taste some delicious kuehs (cakes) and learn the intricacies of Peranakan beading on shoes, nonya kebayas and accessories.
https://www.visitsingapore.com/see-do-singapore/places-to-see/joochiat-katong/
Embark on a history walk along the Singapore River: After a day of adventures, take a leisurely stroll with your family along the scenic Singapore River, with a history that has been inseparable from that of Singapore. It was at the river's mouth that the founder of modern Singapore Sir Stamford Raffles first stepped onto the island, and where prince Sang Nila Utama saw the mythical lion after which the city is named: the Merlion, with the head of a lion and the body of a fish.
https://www.visitsingapore.com/see-do-singapore/places-to-see/singapore-river/
FOOD
Like the cast of Raya and the Last Dragon, Singapore is populated by passionate foodies, who enjoy a diverse array of delicious food at affordable prices across the city's hawker centres – an indispensable pillar of the Singaporean way of life. Singapore's Hawker Culture was recently added to UNESCO's List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and there are plenty of dishes for you to indulge in, and wash down with a cool glass of dragon fruit juice.
Chilli Crab: This is among Singapore's most mouth-watering culinary creations. Chilli crab is widely available in most seafood restaurants, which typically use mud crabs that have sweet and juicy flesh. However, the sauce is the star of the dish, full of tangy sauce laced with crabmeat and mopped up with mantous. You'll certainly make new friends when enjoying this hearty dish.
Fish head curry: This dish is unique to Singapore, the microcosm of the cultural melting pot. It mixes the spices of a typical South Indian curry with the whole fish head, a delicacy among the Chinese. Every ethnic group in Singapore has its own version of the dish, with slight variations to the curry. The only similarity is the head of a fleshy Red Snapper with a spicy gravy and a mix of vegetables such as okra (lady fingers) and aubergine.
Nasi Lemak: Translated as “rich rice” in Malay, this dish is a perfect mix of flavours: aromatic rice infused with coconut milk and pandan leaves, eaten with deep-fried fish or chicken wings, otah (grilled fish paste), fried ikan bilis (local anchovies) and peanuts, eggs, cucumber slices, and sambal (spicy chilli paste). This “rich” dish fuels enough energy for full day of adventures in Singapore.
Satay: These grilled meat skewers served on bamboo skewers are a staple of Singaporean communal dining and can also be found in many variations across Southeast Asia. Chicken, beef and mutton are the most common meats employed in this dish. After being skewered and seasoned in a concoction of spices like tamarind and galangal, the meat is grilled over a charcoal fire and served with a sticky and tangy peanut sauce.
Katong laksa: This is a spicy coconut milk-based noodle soup inspired by the Peranakans who live in the Katong area of Singapore. The defining characteristic of Katong laksa is the noodles: thick vermicelli cut into shorter pieces that can be easily slurped up with a spoon (no chopsticks needed), the perfect comfort food for a rainy day. Many variations of laksa exist across the region, but Katong Laksa is unique to Singapore.
Roti Prata: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, roti prata hits the spot every time. A South-Indian flat bread made by frying stretched dough flavoured with ghee, it is usually served with fish, chicken or mutton curry. It is believed that the dish evolved from original pancake recipes from Punjab in India. No matter where it comes from, roti prata is a satisfying family meal for any hour of the day.
Chicken rice: One of the nation's staple dishes, this delectable meal can be found at almost every dining spot, from humble hawker centres to high-end restaurants. All offer the same dish at a variety of prices: poached chicken served with fragrant rice, spicy chilli and ginger paste, what's not to love?
For further information on Singapore, visit www.VisitSingapore.com
