Advice on housing in Singapore pls

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I've read the previous threads on moving to Singapore but could anyone help with more specific advice regarding housing. It looks like we may be moving there later this year and DH's office will be based in the Jurong district which I understand is v industrial. We have a max of about 3,500 Sing dollars per month for housing and I'm interested in what you could get for this kind of money. We're not bothered about fashionable areas (just as well with our budget!) and ideally would like somewhere with a garden (cluster house?) as we have a dog and a cat as well as 3 kids. Ideally looking for somewhere with 4 bedrooms.

Are we being unrealistic? Does anyone have any insider knowledge about areas in the Southwest. Thanks so much to anyone who can help

will be over on the 24th (sat) for 4 days, you still up for a coffee Egypt? Hows bubs doing and dd1 doing?

Now I have a really silly question for you. I love shopping but am worried I'm not going to fit into anything! I'm tall and have size 41 feet - please tell me that I can buy shoes there!

yes definitely. coffee that is. cat me and i'll give you my phone number. my email is above somewhere.

as for clothes i've not managed to do any shopping in that way yet - but am desperate too now baby is out! think you'll be ok, well catered for expats.

bubs is doing fine, just like a usual newborn i guess! dd1 is still loving her and being fine. hope it continues.

have i missed you quokka?

Hi Egypt,
sent you mail on your home address, no reply!
Was getting worried! Apparently, still in singapore.
How are your little princesses?

hi!
i replied. how odd. will try and resend. we are fine thanks. off home on 10th so lots to do. especially with our recent events in our house.

Just sent you an email egypt, I'm really sorry I didn't call. I think I was being a bit optimistic, trying to meet up - was only there for 3 days. Did manage to find a place we liked near the aussie school smile.

hi quokka, sent u an email too. good luck with the move! we're in uk from 10th may to 11 june.

Sorry have been out of contact after your lovely response Egypt - and CONGRATULATIONS on DD2!

I've just returned from five weeks in London (still missing it terribly!), especially eggs benedict. Looks like you flew to the UK as I returned. I'm still very keen to meet up so if there's a coffee option on your return in June ... hopefully in time for Slim22 too?

Take care and enjoy the moderate and sunny temperatures, I had brilliant weather while there, has made me miss it even more I reckon.

Hey ladies

Just checking in to say hi - I spent 8 years living in Singapore and just came back to the UK last year.

If anyone is pregnant and wants help/support with finding a doctor, childbirth classes, a doula etc check out the wonderful women at parentlink.org (google them) and tell them Claire sent you!!

Have fun, Singapore is a wonderful place.

My local GP has warned me against taking my (nearly) 10 month old DD1 to daycare as he suggests children are not sent or kept at home if unwell. Can anyone recommend a reputable day care centre for an infant for a couple of mornings a week? I live in Chinatown but am prepared to travel if necessary.

I've no personal experience, but there's one called Sunflower Baby House (or similar) which sounds quite good, Bukit Timah way. THere was a thing about them expanding in the May issue of expat living magazine.

Alternatively, I have a part-time Singaporean babysitter who comes to me two days a week. She's a fantastic lady and I think she's looking for a bit more work, so if you're interested let me know.

What kind of place are you looking for biddymc? Most places request you to keep children at home if they are sick - running temp in 24 hours before, or with streaming cold. This is same for daycare and nursery's/playgroups I know of. The best places enforce it to keep the kids well. Are you looking for a place that will take your child even if unwell ... if so, think a regular baby sitter is best option. If you are looking for nursery drop off options - there is White Lodge but not sure if you can do drop off at 10m, and there are lots of montessori type places. Try getting a copy of the Expat Living Kids special publication - they should have it in the expaty areas bookshops (Tango Mango at Tanglin Mall had it I think, or you could call Expat Living at Tanglin Village/Demsey Road and they will be able to get a copy to you.)
Good luck

Thank You Lady Penelope and Oldnewmummy. I'm looking for the kind of place that does exactly what you suggest Lady Penelope, has the greater good of all the kids in mind. The doctor I saw just warned me that some centres don't enforce it. The referral to Expat Kids is a great one, I hadn't thought of that. Read through Expat Living last night and followed up on all their advertisers but not that many seemed to cater to my 10 month old. I'll look into White Lodge too.

Oldnewmummy, what area are you in? I'm keen to kill two birds with one stone and get DD1 out socialising as well as giving me a bit of me-time . Having said that, my husband and I haven't been out for an evening together on our own for 10 months ... so if your lovely local lady is comfortable with casual work and can get to Chinatown easily I would definitely be interested. Thanks again!

If you e-mail me on oldnewmummy at yahoo dot com dot sg I'll pass on her details.