Our region might be perfect for getaways but why plan for a staycation elsewhere and get your pockets burned when we have a manifold of affordable and family-friendly stay-over resorts in Singapore – true gems that you might not have discovered prior to our review here!

To arouse your inner vacay needs, we went on a trip up to Northern part of our Sunny island to experience a marvellous family staycation at the ORCHID COUNTRY CLUB‘s resort namely Orchid Lodge. With our bikinis, sun block lotions and pool toys ducked into our travelling bags for a 3D2N getaway to curate all the fun stuff to do in this tranquil part of Singapore!

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For those who are familiar staying in Yishun, you may know of Orchid Country Club for its international championship manicured Golf course and varied recreational sports, or even for some; their wedding banquets venue.

However, with the recently increased need of weekend getaways, Orchid Lodge offers charming resort stay promotion for young families to enjoy a range of affordable fun and staycay options in Singapore!

Vanda Hole 6 — credits: Orchid Country Club

Well, in case you wondering, what we had was their 3D2N Full board package worth at $450++ for NTUC members including $90 worth of meal vouchers with complimentary use of Gym, Swimming pool & Sauna.

BEGINNINGS

Starting as a golf and country club in the early 1990s, Orchid Country Club was envisioned by Late President Ong Teng Cheong to offer a quality lifestyle while at the same time develop a recreational hub for the Singaporean workers and strengthen their belief that the successful progress of the country indeed belongs to everyone.

Thus along the years with more activities created, transformed the Club into more than just a Golfer’s haven but also a gathering hub for all the recreational essentials to refresh and rejuvenate.

FAMILY ROOM

Engulfing the mood for a well-deserved retreat, we slotted our keys into a comfortable spacious room that comes with a cozy balcony to indulge in the splendid scenery of lush greenery and a fish lagoon perched right in front of our room. It overlooked the well-manicured Golf course and Lower Seletar Reservoir. Somehow it was far beyond picturesque, rather, it was more liked a visual feast for the soul.

With all the experiences we had in all our staycation reviews, never have we had such a spacious deluxe family room before, not to mention there are 3 beds that consist of a queen-sized bed, and two single-sized beds, alongside with a sofa bed locked with chains if needed be it can be unlocked to cater more pax. Time to roll and tuck in!

Our room came with all the essentials you can find in any distinguished hotels, each guest room features:

Balcony in all rooms overlooking the golf course
Bedside room control system
Cable TV channels
Complimentary coffee & tea-making facilities
Direct-control air-conditioning system
Direct dial telephone with IDD/STD
Electronic key card system
In-room hairdryer
In-room safe deposit box
Iron & ironing board
Free internet access

Look at how comfy our little one snuggled into the bed once we arrived at the room, and it took him a long while to have enough of these fluffy pillows before he willing to head out and explore with us. True to its name, Orchid lodge had lots of Orchids painting and visuals within the room, therefore boosting a sense of comfort and simplicity for those who desire a good rest after a long day.

Check out the bunker pool with steps ( We assumed for kids to frolick ) located right outside our rooms, in total there are 3 pools for you to dip your feet in! Continue with us in our article below to find out where to find them!

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Considering this is a country club, no lack of activities to do within your stay! Make sure you catch the right timing and plan your day ahead. So let’s follow us as we put down a list of activities you can do with your kids!

1. SOCIAL CLUBHOUSE

Starting from one of the 3 distinct buildings is the sprawling Social Clubhouse where you may find a comprehensive range of social and recreational activities for the whole family. There are also karaoke rooms, darts and pool tables, jackpot room and even a reading corner and theatre hall (members only).

HOW TO GET AROUND? Only one lift per clubhouse, so getting around is easier by accessing thru the basement car park which was linked to the entire country clubhouses. Social Clubhouse is linked to Recreational Clubhouse.

2. RECREATIONAL CLUBHOUSE

Over at the Recreation Clubhouse, an Olympic-sized pool and landscaped fun pool, sauna rooms, tennis courts, 36-lane bowling alley and a 5,000 square feet gym to stretch those limbs for a sporting experience.

Funpool ( Recreation Clubhouse, Level 1)

The gigantic Fun pool comes with a slide, water fall, and fountain! Endless fun all day long! And don’t worry about washing up as there are also a kids wash up area by the pool!

Olympic Pool ( Recreation Clubhouse Level 1)

Operating Hours: 7.00am – 9.00pm daily

Gymnasium & Healing Touch (Social Clubhouse, Level 1)

Healing Touch has been established since 2001. They offer East-West fusion therapies for massage, slimming and facials that are natural, organic and effective. Operating Hours: Daily: 11am – 10.30pm (Last appointment from 9pm).

Work out at their spacious and air-conditioned GYM that is fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Operating Hours: 6.30am – 10.30pm (Sun to Thurs) | 6.30am – 1.00am (Fri & Sat).

Rent a bike, Massage Chair, Outdoor Playground (Social Clubhouse, Level 1)

To our amazed, we’d never thought that there will be a childcare centre (Little Skool House) with an outdoor playground though we can much agreed that it’s the best learning ground for kids.

Orchid Bowling (Recreation Clubhouse, Level 2)

Strike pins at Orchid Bowl with options of game or hourly rates, together with delicious refreshments, this is the perfect indoor activities to bring your kids for some family bonding and simple recreational time together! Don’t forget to set the bumper for the little ones!

Operating Hours: Mon – Thurs & Sun: 10.00am – 1.00am | Fri & Sat, Eve of PH: 10.00am – 3.00am

3. DRIVING RANGE

The 160-bay driving range is one of the biggest driving ranges in South East Asia. It features a state-of-the-art ball automatic tee-up system activated with a smart card, consisting of two levels with 80 computerised tees at the sheltered lower level and 80 manual tees on the upper level. The only auto-tee system in Singapore!

If you wish to let your kids try golfing, why not sign them up for KinderGolf – a fun, safe and creative preschooler golf learning environment for young children from ages 2 to 7! It said that its a proven preschooler golf learning methodology that builds very strong fundamentals for young children in a holistic development of golf, mental and life skills.

Operation Hours: Daily: 7.00am – 11pm | Range closed for maintenance: Every Monday, 7am – 12pm

4. DINE-IN CAFE & RESTAURANTS

VANDA TERRACE (Golf Clubhouse, Level 1)

Alfresco-style dining outlet serving breakfast and local specialities. Bask in the relaxed atmosphere that commands an expansive view of the golf course and the Seletar Reservoir. We had our lunch and dinner here as this was the only restaurant to be open during odd meal hours! As much as it’s great for families to enjoy meals in a cozy environment with friendly staff, getting here can only be accessible by the basement car park as lifts are not available at the golf clubhouse, either way you can take the stairs if you dont have prams/strollers.

Operating Hours: Daily (Mon to Sun): 7.30am – 10.00pm (Last order at 9.30pm)

ROYALE CAFE (Social Clubhouse, Level 1)

Royale Cafe is a rustic themed cafe, making its debut in Orchid Country Club, offering a wide selection of gourmet coffees. Enter Royale Cafe, and be enfolded by the warm and cosy atmosphere, and the intoxicating aroma of freshly ground coffee. The environment is intimate and friendly, and the muffins are to die for. Find this charming cafe right beside the Jackpot Royale!

Operating Hours: Closed on Mondays | Tuesday to Thursday: 10.00am – 8.00pm | Friday: 10.00am – 10.00pm | Saturday: 9.00am – 10.00pm | Sunday: 9.00am – 8.00pm

ARANDA LOUNGE (Social Clubhouse, Level 2)

The Aranda Lounge is an all-exclusive lounge focal point for members where they can enjoy exclusive dining privileges, family high tea, and dance nights. Please note that this is a non-smoking lounge. Only the Karaoke rooms allowed kids, other than that no kids can enter the lounge.

Operating Hours: Sun – Thurs: 2pm to 12am | Fri & Sat : 2pm to 1am

OTHER DINE-IN OPTIONS:

Himawari Japanese Restaurant (Driving Range, Level 2)
Par Lounge (Golf Clubhouse, Level 2)
Peach Garden Chinese Restaurant (Social Clubhouse, Level 2 & Driving Range, Level 1)
Gayatri Restaurant (Social Clubhouse, Level 1)
Subway (Recreation Clubhouse, Fun Pool Pavilion)

SHUTTLE BUSES TIMING

If you are even thinking of heading out (why would you?), grab a copy of their shuttle buses timing, and it is advised that commuters arrive 5-10 minutes in advance for the bus trip to prevent any inconveniences. Click here for the schedule. A NTUC outlet is located right by this waiting area! This Shuttle bus will take you to Yishun MRT.

GETTING AROUND

Don’t forget to have a copy of their MAP too! We almost lost our way hiking around the clubhouses if not for the friendly guidance by their staff here. And if you are driving to OCC, great news is that parking is complimentary and you can take these roads from the road directory below……

OVERALL VERDICT:

Our little one had not fully recovered from the wonderful experience we had at Orchid Lodge, if only the beds are not huge or comfy enough, if the staff here aren’t approachable enough, if only the swimming pool aren’t entertaining enough, you won’t see us sharing this great news! If you are looking for a tranquil getaway, complete with beautiful scenery to wake up to, look forward to spending time together as a family, why not stay locally in our very own Singapore charming resort? It might just be the best idea for the holidays!

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