Spacious family flat in a quiet and green but easily accessible part of Singapore

Our spacious apartment (~160 sqm) is on the top floor of a highrise (10 stories). We have wonderful light, great breezes and lots of greenery all around. The skylines of Johor Bahru (southernmost city in Malaysia) and downtown Singapore can be seen in the distance. Air conditioning and ceiling fans are in every room, plus there is digital cable TV and fast wired and wireless Internet access. Full laundry and kitchen facilities available.

There is queen size bed in the master bedroom and a private bath. There are single beds in the children's rooms and a shared bath in the hall. The floors are tiled, with a few throw rugs scattered about. The furniture is comfortable and represents a mix of Asian and Western styles. Some pieces are antiques.

We have a live-in maid from the Philippines who is available to help with cleaning and cooking. She can also quietly go about her business and stay out of your way, if you prefer. She is a delightful woman who is very accommodating and professional and can help make your visit more pleasant. We also have a new Honda Civic Hybrid that is available for exchange.

The apartment is on the far western side of the island. It's very peaceful and quiet, and a great place to go for walks or bike rides. Still, it's easy to get to the center of town and takes only 20-30 minutes by car or taxi. Other attractions like the zoo, bird park, and nature reserves are less than 15 minutes away. Public transportation is also available (5 minutes walk to the nearest bus stop).

At the base of the building is a playground that is usually shaded and has a nice breeze. Many friendly people, young and old, spend time there. There is a 24-hour convenience store only 100m away, and numerous dining options within easy walking distance. Sporting facilities, including a 50m swimming pool, are available and also within a few minutes walk. A large shopping mall with a cinema and many restaurants and shops is just minutes away by car, taxi or bus. The famed Orchard Road is only 20-25 minutes away by car or taxi (taxis are very affordable).

Singapore is a fun, easy and family-friendly travel destination. There's actually quite a lot to do here, especially if you are interested in the arts, culture, nature, and gastronomic adventures. Singapore is also an excellent base for regional travel. Getting anywhere in Southeast Asia is easy and affordable, but it's nice to come back to a place where you can drink the tap water and not be hassled by touts.

My wife and I teach at a local university and have been living in Singapore for nine years. We are American and sometimes get frustrated by some of the curbs on press freedom and other individual liberties, but we do not feel personally restricted in any way (we chew gum here). Gay family members and friends have visited us without any incident or hard feelings. In fact, they loved the place. On balance, we really like it here too, and feel like our children (ages 5 and 10) are having a wonderful experience growing up here. We have done two housing exchanges in the past two years and it has worked out great, so we would like to do it again.