Singapore attractions too pricey for families

By Daryl Tan, June 9, 2008. The Straits Times

THEY are the crown jewels of Singapore attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each day.
Yet parents say that high admission fees and miscellaneous charges at spots like the Night Safari or Singapore Flyer are pricing them beyond a regular family's reach.

A check of 10 main attractions here found that a day out would set a family of four back by $125 on average.

For example, an outing to the Underwater World or the Singapore Flyer, or taking a Duck Tour will cost a typical family between $127 and $164.

Topping the list is the Singapore Night Safari. Taking into account a meal and souvenirs, a trip there could burn a $230-hole in the pocket.

Spokesmen for the attractions said that the quality of the experience and cost of upkeep justify the pricing.

Ms Isabel Cheng, a spokesman for the Singapore Zoo, Jurong BirdPark and Night Safari, said that admission rates are 'relatively low' compared to similar attractions in Australia and the United States, and that the experience one gets is worth the money.

Singapore Underwater World, for example, said it will be offering tickets to its Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon at a 30 per cent discount until June 22.

The Singapore Discovery Centre and Escape Theme Park are also offering discounted packages for families.

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My Conclusion:

(1) Singa-rean love to do comparison with those well-developed modern countries when talk about the cost of living(money), but they forgot(refuse) to evaluate these well-developed countries' people are actually drawing much higher salary than us here.

(2) These attractions are ONLY welcoming local families DURING school holiday.