JESS DUBAI | SINGAPORE RUGBY AND NETBALL TOUR

Follow along with JESS Jumeirah and JESS Ranches on their incredible sports tour across Singapore!

March 15^th, 2025

Day 1 - Let the Adventure Begin!

And we’re off! The JESS Singapore sports tour is officially underway. After heartfelt goodbyes and plenty of hugs with parents, we made our way through check-in and security, buzzing with excitement. With breakfast enjoyed and spirits high, we’re all set for an unforgettable journey of sports, fun, and new experiences. Next stop - Singapore!

JESS DUBAI | SINGAPORE RUGBY AND NETBALL TOUR

Day 2 - Gardens and Goals

What an amazing first morning in Singapore for the JESS students!

The boys started their adventure at Gardens by the Bay, exploring the incredible Supertrees and futuristic domes. They were blown away by the Cloud Forest, home to the world’s second-largest indoor waterfall, and loved discovering the amazing variety of plants in the Flower Dome. From there, they headed to the ArtScience Museum to check out the Mirror, Mirror exhibition - an interactive and immersive digital art experience that had them fully engaged.

The girls kicked off their day diving into the same Mirror, Mirror exhibition before heading to their first big challenge - a netball tournament against three different ANZA netball teams. They played with exceptional talent and effort, taking on tough competition and making a great start to their netball tour.

A fantastic first morning packed with fun, excitement, and teamwork!

Day 2 - Trees and Trys

The afternoon saw a swap of activities, with the boys heading to their first rugby fixture of the tour against Tanglin Trust School. It was an exciting way to kick off their competitions in Singapore, and the JESS team put on a fantastic performance, showing great skill and determination to secure their first victory. A brilliant start for both the rugby and netball teams on day one!

After a well-earned lunch, the girls made their way to Gardens by the Bay to explore the amazing domes. There were plenty of laughs as they took on a fun photo challenge, recreating a flower as a group in the Flower Dome. They also got to take in the stunning waterfall from the very top, making their way down the incredible walkway.

As the day wound down, both teams regrouped back at the hotel for a well-deserved evening meal before settling in for a good night’s sleep - ready for another exciting day ahead!

Day 3 - Bunkers and Ball Games

Our third day in Singapore was packed with excitement! After a restful night and a delicious hotel breakfast, we headed straight to the Battlebox, an underground command center used during World War II. The tour was fascinating, and our guides answered plenty of great questions about Singapore’s wartime history.

Next, we explored the beautiful Fort Canning Park, a historic green space that has played a key role in Singapore’s past, from ancient Malay royalty to British rule. We took some time to soak in the lush surroundings, play games, and even enjoy a friendly round of rounders. A perfect mix of history and fun!

Day 3 - Cruising and Competing

After lunch, we made our way to Clarke Quay, where we hopped on a Riverboat Cruise for a scenic journey through Marina Bay. Seeing Singapore’s iconic landmarks from the water was an incredible experience - the majestic Merlion and the breathtaking Marina Bay Sands Hotel looked even more impressive from this unique vantage point.

To top it off, we enjoyed a delicious ice cream treat before heading to Dulwich College for today's tournaments. Competing against both the host school and Marlborough College from Malaysia, our rugby and netball teams put on an incredible display of skill and teamwork. It was a fantastic afternoon of sports, camaraderie, and memorable moments!

Day 3 - Wildlife and Wonder

After thanking our gracious hosts with a commemorative plaque from JESS, we set off for an unforgettable experience at the Singapore Night Safari. Our evening began with a delicious buffet dinner - much needed after an action-packed afternoon of sports!

Next, we hopped on the Night Safari tram, embarking on a magical journey through the park to spot incredible nocturnal animals in their natural habitats. From mighty Asian elephants and Indian buffalo to majestic lions and powerful rhinos, we witnessed a stunning variety of wildlife under the moonlit sky.

To cap off an already amazing day, we enjoyed a live animal show, where we got to see lots of fascinating animals and birds up close. It’s been a full day of adventure, excitement, and unforgettable memories!

Day 4 - Sights and Shopping

This morning, we set off on an exciting adventure around Singapore to discover more of its incredible sights! Our first stop was the Victoria Concert Hall, where we delved into the rich history of the building and its surroundings. From there, we strolled across Anderson Bridge and got to walk on the Singapore Grand Prix circuit which goes over the bridge - an amazing experience!

Next, we made our way to the iconic Merlion, getting a close-up view of the famous fountain with the breathtaking Marina Bay Sands as a backdrop. But the highlight of the day for everyone was undoubtedly Chinatown - a true shopping paradise! We spent time exploring, picking up unique souvenirs, and bringing home special memories of this vibrant city.

Day 4 - Cheering for the Champions!

The afternoon of day four was all about sports and team spirit! The boys took on the Singapore Saints at St. Andrew’s College in a thrilling tournament, where JESS emerged victorious once again. With some incredible tries and continuous improvement in every game, the team put on a fantastic performance. Meanwhile, the girls showed their support, bringing great energy as enthusiastic cheerleaders.

After the rugby, we all headed to a Hawker Market for a well-deserved meal, diving into Singapore’s famous street food scene. Many of us tried dishes we had never had before, making it a true cultural experience that brought everyone together.

Post-dinner, it was time for the girls to take center stage as they faced an incredibly strong opponent - Singapore’s champion U12 netball team! With the boys now on the sidelines cheering them on, the JESS U11 team played with incredible skill, reading the game perfectly and securing a remarkable victory. What a huge achievement!

Day 5 - An Unforgettable Day at Universal

Today was the day we had all been waiting for - our visit to Universal Studios Singapore! And it certainly didn’t disappoint. From the moment we stepped inside, the excitement was non-stop. We braved the high-speed twists and turns of Battlestar Galactica, soared through an immersive battle on Transformers and got thoroughly drenched on the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure. The rain may have made an appearance, but it did nothing to dampen our spirits - we embraced every thrilling moment and had an absolute blast!

After a day packed with adrenaline, we headed back to the hotel to freshen up before venturing out for dinner. We couldn’t resist returning to the Hawker Market, where we indulged in another round of delicious local dishes, sampling new flavors and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

All in all, an unforgettable day filled with adventure, great food, and fantastic memories!

Day 6 - Tricks and Turns

Our final day of activities in Singapore was an absolute blast! The energy remained high, and not even the monsoon rain could put a damper on the excitement. The morning was packed with fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled adventures.

The girls kicked things off at HyperDrive, an indoor go-karting experience on Sentosa Island. They raced each other around the multi-level track, navigating sharp twists and turns at thrilling speeds. The competitive spirit was strong, and they loved every second of it.

Meanwhile, the boys explored the mind-bending world of the Trick Eye Museum. With its clever optical illusions and AI-enhanced visuals, they captured some incredible shots, playing with perspective and creativity to bring the illusions to life.

Day 6 - Competitions and Celebrations

Unfortunately, the boys' rugby match had to be canceled due to the rain, but that didn’t stop the competition from heating up elsewhere. They took to HyperDrive, where the intensity ramped up once again. With adrenaline pumping, they tore around the track, pushing their racing skills to the limit. Laughter, rivalry, and sheer determination made for an unforgettable experience, proving that nothing could dampen their competitive spirit.

Meanwhile, the girls wrapped up their netball tour with a final tournament against Tanglin Trust School. Despite an action-packed week, they played with relentless energy, showcasing incredible teamwork and skill. Their efforts paid off with some fantastic wins, making for a triumphant end to their matches.

To close out an unforgettable trip, everyone came together at the hotel for an evening of celebrations. Over a delicious meal, well-deserved awards were handed out, recognising the hard work, dedication, and standout moments from the tour. It was the perfect way to end on a high, filled with lots of fun and laughter.

Day 7 - Goodbye Singapore

After an early start, it was time to bid farewell to the amazing city of Singapore and head to the airport. We shared our thanks and goodbyes with Jeffery and Janice, our fantastic guides who had made the week so special. With that, we began our journey home, eager to reunite with our families. The welcome back was so lovely - cheers, hugs, and pure excitement filled the air. It had been an unforgettable week, full of experiences and memories that will stay with us for a lifetime.