Thursday 31 December 2009

We need your feedback

We need your honest feedback.
We welcome all visitors to provide us with suggestions and opinions.
Thank you so much!

Indoor Segway Circuit

Singapore's only indoor Segway circuit opens at Changi Airport

Segway personal transporters have made their way among the check-in rows of Changi Airport's Terminal 3, establishing Singapore's only indoor Segway circuit.

The ride was introduced as part of ongoing efforts by Changi to create buzz and excitement for travellers passing through the airport.

Three rounds on the circuit cost S$10. But airport visitors need to pay only S$5 for two rounds, for every S$20 spent at Changi in a single receipt.

Visitors and travellers have only until February to zip around these futuristic-looking two-wheelers.

Segway personal transporters are already available at Sentosa.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-

New Year's Eve 2009

Nightclubs, eateries plan bigger parties & more unique setups for NYE

Nightclubs and eateries are pulling out all the stops to prepare for New Year's eve celebrations and they're hoping the unique setups and bigger parties will help chase away the recession gloom of 2009.

Come December 31, nightclubs in Singapore want customers to party like it's already 2010.

Bernard Lim, chief executive officer, LifeBrandz, said: "Traditionally, we always put in a big effort for New Year's Eve. After all it is clearly the biggest night for all of us."

Tay Eu-Yen, executive chairman, The Butter Factory, said: "What we used to spend in terms of New Year's Eve itself - decor and party packs and all that, they have doubled or tripled in numbers."

Other clubs said their private rooms are also fully booked.

Checks with several restaurants showed many are having special menus and extra tables to deal with the expected surge in patrons.

While eateries and clubs are spending more on preparations for the New Year, they said they're looking at the extra costs as an investment aimed at drawing in more customers in the coming year.

But even with the plethora of parties, some are opting for a more intimate setting.

Said one man in the street: "I'll be meeting a couple of friends this weekend but that's about it."

Singaporeans will also be able to party the night away by tuning in to MediaCorp's Celebrate 2010 @ Marina Bay.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-

Tuesday 29 December 2009

Nov visitor arrivals continue upward trend

Singapore's November visitor arrivals continue upward trend

Tourism figures continued its upward trend with visitor arrivals to Singapore registering the highest growth for the year at 8.4 per cent in November.

Singapore greeted 830,000 visitors last month - mostly from Indonesia, China and Malaysia.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said the number of days tourists stayed in the country also saw its first year-on-year growth of 0.7 per cent, reaching an estimated 3.1 million days.

Average occupancy rate for the hotel industry in November was also positive at about 84 per cent, marking a 3.8 percentage point increase from the same period last year.

However, average room rate registered a decline of 15.1 per cent to S$198 last month, compared to the same period in 2008.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-

Monday 28 December 2009

Tourist attractions gear up for 2010

Tourist attractions in Singapore gearing up for 2010

Tourist attractions in Singapore are pulling out all the stops to draw in visitors this festive season.

And they are not stopping there. Many of them said visitors can expect more promotions and events in 2010. For example, visitors can feed flamingos at the Jurong Bird Park, as part of the attraction's Latin Fiesta-themed year-end celebrations.

Its sister attractions, the Night Safari and the Singapore Zoo, are also planning similar activities, including appearances by Wild Tarzan Santa and an elephant showcase.

Meanwhile, Sentosa is hosting a range of family-friendly activities, including sand sculpting, playing of percussions and puppet storytelling. And they are not the only ones hoping to cash in on the tourist dollar this festive period.

Others are hoping the opening of the two integrated resorts will help boost business by helping to attract tourists here.

Between April and November 2009, Sentosa saw an increase in visitorship as compared to the same period last year. And it expects visitorship to the island to more than double to 15 million to 20 million over the next few years when Resorts World opens.

While some operators remain unsure about what the year ahead will bring, most are already gearing up for 2010, with new packages, promotions and new attractions ready to draw in the tourists.

Noel Hawkes, vice president, Resort Operations, Resorts World Sentosa, said: "We are going to open with a bang. It is going to be 20 attractions within Universal Studios, which includes the fabulous duelling roller coaster, the Madagascar, Revenge of the Mummy... Jurassic Park and many, many more.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-

New Year's Eve party

New Year's Eve party to be held at Labrador Park

With just about a week left to the end of the year, planning for New Year's Eve parties has shifted into high gear.

People will be celebrating not just in downtown Singapore but further in the heartlands as well, where grassroots organisations are planning an all-night event starting from 10pm till 6.30am the next day.

The event is being organised in an effort to get Singaporeans and new citizens to mingle amidst the festivities.

Adding some spice to the night will be EZ50 dance group from China that will come on at about 4am.

The event will be held within the tranquil surroundings of Labrador Park.

Organisers said that they already have about 1,000 people committed to attend the party. But since admission is free, they hope to see up to 10,000 people.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-

Integrated Resorts outlook in 2010

Integrated Resorts in Singapore upbeat about outlook in 2010

Three years in the making and Singapore's two integrated resorts will finally open soon and the operators are upbeat about the prospects.

Resorts World Sentosa, due to open in a matter of weeks, expects to attract 13 million visitors in the first year alone.

The resort said it has been receiving thousands of enquiries from the public everyday. And one of the most talked about attractions is Universal Studios. The theme park is expected to attract some 30,000 visitors each day.

Visitors will encounter ferocious dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies and if that is not thrilling enough, a pair of duelling roller coasters should do the trick.

Resorts World Sentosa said with 60 F&B outlets, six hotels and retail options, there will be no lack of things to see and do.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-

Gears up for Youth Olympic Games

Singapore gears up for 2010 Youth Olympic Games

In 2008, Singapore sports made news globally, by staging the world's first Formula One night race and winning the country's first Olympic medal in almost half a century.

Moreover, in 2009, Singapore made sports history hosting the inaugural Asian Youth Games. Competitively, Singapore did well - collecting 30 medals, 9 of which were gold. And swimmer Quah Ting Wen bagged the title of Most Valuable Female athlete of the Games.

A test run for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games, Singapore was also given the thumbs up for organising a great event.

For the YOG, a count-down clock was unveiled at City Hall, and more may be seen around the island.

"We believe that the presence of the countdown clock is important all over the city, so we are thinking of plans to do that - whether that is a possibility to make countdown clocks to be visible across different parts of the city," said Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Teo Ser Luck.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-

Demand for air travel picks up

Demand for air travel picks up, accompanied by rise in ticket prices

Demand for air travel has been picking up in recent weeks especially during this year-end festive period. But that means, unfortunately for travellers, so have air ticket prices.

In July, an air ticket to Europe that usually costs between S$1,200 and S$1,500, plunged to as low as S$600 to S$900 in some cases as carriers slashed fares to stimulate demand.

The recent economic recovery has seen prices, especially for business and economy class tickets, increasing.

Shukor Yusof, aviation analyst, Standard & Poor's, said: "Air fares have gone up in the last few months because of the demand in travelling in both low cost and full service carriers.

"And it will continue to grow in future because of the growing demand for economy (fares), which has gone up 10 to 15 per cent from middle of the year."

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-

50% off at post-Christmas sales

Orchard Road shops offering up to 50% off at post-Christmas sales

Christmas may be over but cash registers are still ringing in the dollars.

Bargain hunters were out in full force on Saturday as the annual post-Christmas sales got underway. And with some stores slashing prices by almost 50 per cent, it is no wonder even tourists have their eyes on the best buys.

On the day after Christmas, crowds streamed into Orchard Road and some Singaporeans said they are planning to take full advantage of the post-Christmas sales. Even the rain was not enough to dampen their enthusiasm.

A quick check along the Orchard Road shopping belt revealed many shops offering discounts - with products like shoes, books and toiletries going for up to 50 per cent off their regular prices.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-

SIA step up security checks

Changi Airport, SIA step up security checks

Passengers flying to the US from Singapore can now expect stricter security checks, including body searches.

These are among the global stepped-up measures requested by US authorities, following a foiled bomb attack over Detroit on Christmas Day.

Singapore Airlines operates 35 flights to the United States every week.

And on Friday, security measures on-board were tightened to include - among other rules - requiring passengers to be seated during the final hour of the flight.

In-flight entertainment systems will also be shut off then, and blankets will have to be removed.

And like Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific and South Korea's Korean Air, the use of cabin phones will also be restricted.

But once travellers arrive in the US, they can also expect more security checks.

News courtesy of Channel Newsasia

Friday 18 December 2009

Riding the movies

Experience big screen action when Universal Studios Singapore at Resort World Sentosa opens in late December

RESORTS World Sentosa promises a unique way to be in the movies when it officially opens in the first quarter of 2010. For parked inside this massive 49 hectares of fun and entertainment on Singapore’s Sentosa Island (some one-tenth of the whole island) is the 20 hectares Universal Studios Singapore.

Within this are seven theme zones with 24 attractions – 18 of which are Universal Studios’ firsts (either new or specifically designed for this venue).

Among them is the world’s tallest pair of duelling roller-coasters – the Battlestar Galactica (Cyclon versus Human) – with one side seated and the other suspended as the two coasters propel thrill-seekers on a nail-biting 87-second-long ride along a 992-metre-long track that goes up to 42 metres in height!

Other attractionss include the world’s first Transformers attraction (opening in 2011); Lights! Camera! Action! hosted by award-winning director Steven Spielberg; Accelerator, an ‘inter-galactic’ whirling-twirling ride; Treasure Hunters; Dino Soarin’; Donkey Live; and Madagascar: A Crate Adventure.

Some favourite rides have also been given a new twist such as ­Revenge of the Mummy, Jurassic Park River Rapids and the ­Waterworld Stunt Show.

Resorts World Gentings, which is developed by Genting Singapore, has invested over US$1 billion on this theme park to ensure that ­visitors “get the chance to experience and ride the movies”.

“We are very excited to be here in Singapore,” said Douglas Trueblood, Universal Studios Parks & Resorts general manager, sales and marketing.

“One of the mantras of ­Universal Studios is we give visitors the chance to see the inside and go behind the scenes. We will be bringing in 18 new rides and shows which makes Universal Studios Singapore truly unique and unlike all the other Universal Studios.”

Universal Studios Hollywood began giving tours of its studio lots way back in the silent movies era. Around 1964, these tours ­became part of the company’s money-spinning ventures with tours added of the stars’ dressing rooms, actual production sets and staged events.

Over the years, attractions such as hi-tech rides, stunt shows and staged shows have helped turn the tours into a theme park visit.

Since then, Universal Studios Hollywood has opened four other parks - two in Orlando, Florida; one in Osaka; and now, in Sentosa island, Singapore.

For more, log on to www.rwsentosa.com

News courtesy of The Sun Daily, Malaysia
http://www.thesundaily.com/article.cfm?id=39741

Heavy rain, strong winds expected

Heavy rain, strong winds expected in Singapore from Dec 18-20

The National Environment Agency's Meteorological Services Division said on Thursday that a monsoon surge is expected to intensify from December 18 to 20.

Moderate to heavy intermittent showers are expected, accompanied by moderate to strong winds.

Coupled with high tides of up to 3 metres, this could result in flash floods, particularly in low-lying areas of Singapore such as Lorong Buangkok, Jalan Seaview, Meyer Road and Everitt North Road.

In the event of flash floods from heavy storms, the public can call the PUB at 1800-284-6600 for assistance, to report obstructions in drains or to check the flood situation.

News courtesy of Channel Newsasia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com

Wednesday 16 December 2009

Marina Bay




20-litre ruling takes effect now

20-litre ruling takes effect now

THE ban on the sale of petrol and diesel over 20 litres to foreign cars within a radius of 50km from any point of entry into the country will take effect today.

Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the ban, which was aimed at preventing the smuggling of petrol and diesel, would be in place until a new mechanism for the management of oil subsidy is implemented in May next year.

With the ruling, he said, only Singapore-registered vehicles were allowed to leave Malaysia with more than 20 litres in their tanks as the authorities in the republic had already imposed a ruling that all vehicles crossing its borders must have their tanks at least three-quaters full of fuel.

However, he said, if these vehicles needed to refuel within the 50km radius of the Singapore-Malaysia border, they were allowed to buy not more than 20 litres of fuel.

News courtesy of The Star
http://thestar.com.my/

SIA quits Penang-Singapore route

SIA quits Penang-Singapore route after 30 years

After three decades of serving the Penang-Singapore air route, Singapore Airlines (SIA) has finally called it a day.

SIA decided to terminate its flights between the two islands on Dec 1 with the emergence of several budget airlines on the route.

“The mushrooming of the budget airlines in this region had eroded the traditional airline market, like the Penang-Singapore sector,” an industry insider said.

SilkAir, SIA’s regional wing, has taken over the route. SilkAir now flies three times daily between the two islands.

News courtesy of The Star Online
http://www.thestar.com.my/

SIA to fly to Munich from March 28

SIA to fly to Munich from March 28

SINGAPORE : Singapore Airlines (SIA) will fly to Munich, Germany using the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from March 28 next year.

The five-times-weekly flights will operate the Singapore-Munich-Manchester route, departing Singapore on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Munich will be SIA's second destination in Germany after Frankfurt, which is served with two daily flights, one of which carries on to New York.

The addition of these flights increases SIA's frequency between Singapore and Germany to 19-times weekly.

As a result of the Munich flights, SIA customers travelling between Singapore and Manchester will also enjoy more flight choices, up from the existing three flights a week.

News courtesy of Channel Newsasia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/

Optimism on tourist arrivals in 2010

STB optimistic that tourist arrivals will be better in 2010

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) expects more holiday makers and business travellers to come to Singapore next year.

STB said it is cautiously optimistic that tourist arrivals in 2010 will surpass this year's 9 to 9.5 million visitors.

Among its trump cards will be the two integrated resorts and the Formula One Grand Prix.

High octane events like the F1 race have revved up the tourism scene in Singapore. It has also spiced up the nightlife, with F1 Rocks concerts attracting some 30,000 party goers in September.

In view of the good response, the Singapore Tourism Board aims to do more next year.

The event attracted more than 10,000 participants and saw S$2.2 billion worth of deals sealed this year.

Asia is likely to be where most of the visitors will be coming from. STB said currently, almost all of its top 10 markets are Asian, making up 70 per cent of total arrivals to Singapore.

And what's a visit to Singapore without visiting the two aces in the pack - the integrated resorts? Each attraction is expected to contribute a value add of S$2.7 billion or 0.8 per cent to Singapore's GDP.

With economic recovery underway, their prospects look bright. But some observers said it is too early to tell if they will live up to expectations.

Neo Boon Siong, director, Asia Competitiveness Institute, said: "We have a lot more competition now in Macau and elsewhere. So I think you have some positive effects, but it may take a while for us to learn how to reach those new tourist markets.

"It will not be an immediate big bang, I suspect. There will be incremental activities, but it will be largely an experimental market for the next couple of years."

And Singapore being plugged into the world could be exposed to some downside risks ahead.

Song Seng Wun, regional economist, CIMB-GK Research, said: "It could be US unemployment rising far more sharply then expected. Unemployment rate is already 10 per cent and it could go higher and for longer as well.

Despite the uncertainties, STB is cautiously optimistic about 2010. One key challenge though is manpower training and raising service standards.

News courtesy of Channel Newsasia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com

Sunday 13 December 2009

Religious & Cultural Exhibition

China-Singapore Religious & Cultural Exhibition 2009

Theme: Together Towards A Better World - Harmony Friendship & Progress
Date: 16 - 22 Dec 2009
Time: 10:30 am to 8:30 pm
Venue: Convention Hall 603, Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre

Website
http://www.china-singapore2009.com/

City Square Mall celebrates Xmas

City Square Mall celebrates festive season with eco-friendly Xmas tree

Singapore's first eco-friendly mall is celebrating the festive season with a Christmas tree that is green in more ways than one.

The Christmas tree is made of recyclable metal frames which can be re-used for up to 10 years.

It also uses LED lights which consume less energy, and the lights can be powered by people. The public can peddle the Christmas tree carriage by making a S$5 donation to the Singapore Environment Council.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/

Jetstar new route to China

Jetstar to launch direct flights from Singapore to Shantou

Low-cost carrier Jetstar will launch direct flights from Singapore to Shantou, a city located in the Guangdong province of China.

Flights will begin next year in February.

Currently, it takes 10 hours to travel there. The new flight will take less than four hours.

Jetstar will operate the new route three times a week.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
http://www.channelnewsasia.com

Zoukout

Singapore's biggest beach party ZoukOut returns

Singapore's biggest beach party - and possibly the region's too - ZoukOut is back for the ninth year running.

And while many party-goers are in it for the music, organisers have also added new elements, guaranteed to make a wild splash.

Wave House Sentosa is hosting one of the party's many stages.

Revellers also tried their hands at 'surfing the tube' at Siloso Beach's latest lifestyle attraction.

Another new stage features live acts with tunes ranging from Brazilian Samba-Funk to Indie-Alternative.

This year's musical line-up also features the world's number one DJ Armin van Buuren.

The outdoor dance music festival has attracted thousands of revellers annually - many from overseas. And this year it was no different - with nearly 40 percent flying in for the event.

Last year saw some 26,000 party-goers attending the event.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/

Christmas in Orchard




Thursday 10 December 2009

Foreign cars fuel limit

Foreign cars limited to 20 litres of fuel to curb smuggling

Foreign-registered vehicles will only be allowed to pump a maximum of 20 litres of fuel when travelling within a 50km radius from the border, said Domestic Trade, Co-operative and Consumerism Mini­ster Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Enforcement authorities at the checkpoints were also directed to ensure such vehicles leave the country with no more than 20 litres of fuel in the tank, he said.

Ismail added that the directive would be implemented soon.

Ministry officers were in the midst of issuing a circular on the matter to petrol stations in the affected areas in Kedah, Kelantan, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak, he said.

“This measure is to curb the increasing cases of fuel smuggling, as the prices for fuel are subsidised and cheaper in Malaysia compared to those prices set by neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia,” he said.

Ismail said for RON 95, it was sold at RM1.80 a litre in the country compared to RM4.01 in Thailand, RM4.31 in Singapore, RM2.26 in Indonesia and RM5.42 in the Philippines.

“It is unfair if foreigners get to enjoy the fuel subsidy provided by the Government,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby here yesterday.

He said the decision to limit the sale was made under the Control of Supplies (Prohibition of Export) 2000 Regulation.

Ismail warned that petrol station operators caught selling fuel exceeding 20 litres to foreigners risk facing action from the ministry, such as having their licences withdrawn.

In May 2008, the then Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Samad had barred petrol stations located in border states like Johor and Perlis from selling petrol and diesel to foreign-registered cars.

However, this ban was subsequently rescinded following complaints.

-News courtesy of The Star Online-

Tuesday 8 December 2009

Pig's Organ Soup

Pig's Organ Soup
(Non Halal)

Cheng Mun Chee Kee's (正文志记猪杂汤)
Jalan Besar, near corner of Beatty Lane and Foch Rd
$4.00 (Soup with rice)
Business hours 9am-5am (Closed on every Monday)

Merlion

Malay: Singa-Laut; is an imaginary creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. Its name combines "mer" meaning the sea and "lion". The fish body comes from Singapore's ancient name back when it was a fishing village — Temasek — meaning "sea town" in Javanese. The lion head represents Singapore's original name — Singapura — meaning "lion city" or "kota singa" .The symbol was designed by Mr Fraser Brunner, a member of the Souvenir Committee and curator of the Van Kleef Aquarium, for the logo of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in use from 26 March 1964 to 1997. The Merlion continues to be its trademark symbol since 20 July 1966. Although the STB changed their logo in 1997, the STB Act continues to protect the Merlion symbol. Approval must be received from STB before it can be used. The Merlion appears frequently in STB-approved souvenirs.


Original statue

On 15 September 1972, then-Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew officiated the installation ceremony of the Merlion statue. The original Merlion statue used to stand at the mouth of the Singapore River, at the tip of the current The Fullerton Waterboat House Garden with Anderson Bridge as its background.

It was conceptualised by the vice-chancellor of the University of Singapore (now known as National University of Singapore) then, Kwan Sai Kheong. Made from November 1971 to August 1972 by the late Singapore craftsman, Mr Lim Nang Seng, it measures 8.6 metres high and weighs 40 tonnes. Its body is made of cement, skin from porcelain plates and eyes from small red teacups. The project cost about S$165,000.

The statue spouts water out of its mouth into the river in a smooth arc until its water pump malfunction in 1998.

Relocation of original statue

The completion of the Esplanade Bridge, in 1997, blocked the views of the Merlion from the Marina Bay waterfront. By then, the original Merlion location was also no longer the entrance of Singapore River. So, in 2002, the statue and its cub were relocated 120 metres to the current Merlion Park that fronts Marina Bay where it stands on a newly-reclaimed promontory in front of The Fullerton Hotel.


Maintenance of original statue

From 5 June till 10 July 2006, the Merlion at Merlion Park underwent maintenance. The last one was right after its relocation. Dirt and stains were removed using high-pressure water streams, and various wear and tear of the statue was mended.

Other Merlion statues

Due to the influence of overseas Singaporeans, Singapore investors and friends of the country, variations of the Merlion statue can be found in Japan and China.

Merlion damage by lightning

On Saturday, February 28, 2009 at about 4.26 pm the Merlion in the Merlion Park was struck by lightning. A breaking news from 938LIVE local radio showed an image with fragments from the Merlion's head on the ground. Examination of the damage was done quickly with wooden scaffolding set up on Sunday, March 1, 2009 for workers to take a closer look at the hole. The incident happened as a result of the lack of lightning protection on the Merlion itself.

~Information courtesy of wikipedia~

Monday 7 December 2009

Media (Television)

Television wise, Mediacorp monopolised the free-to-air broadcasting industry of Singapore. Mediacorp TV owns 7 free-to-air television channels.

Channel 5
Channel Newsasia
Okto
Channel 8 (Mandarin)
Channel U (Mandarin)
Suria (Malay)
Vasantham (Tamil and other Indian languages)

Mediacorp TV's website
http://www.mediacorptv.com/

Television channels of neighbouring Malaysia

TV1, TV2, TV3, ntv7, 8TV, TV9

Television channels of neighbouring Indonesia

RCTI, SCTV, Global TV, Metro TV, TPI, TVRI, Trans TV, antv, Batam Televisi, Indosiar

Pay-to-view television

There are two pay-to-view cable televsion operators in Singapore. Namely
Starhub and Singtel mio tv. The following channels are available through these two operators.

CNN
BBC
CNBC
Fox News
Sky News
Bloomberg
NHK World Premium
NHK World
KBS World
Star World
Star Movies
Star Sports
ESPN
Supersports
HBO
Star Movies
Cinemax
Cartoon Network
BBC Entertainment
BBC Knowledge
Phoenix Chinese Channel

Nat Geo Adventure
National Geographic Channel

Discovery Channel
Discovery Travel and Living Channel
Discovery Turbo Channel
Discovery Home and Health Channel
History Channel
Star Plus (Hindi)
Star Gold
(Hindi)
Zee TV (Hindi)
Zee Movies (Hindi)
Colors (Hindi)
Star Vijay (Tamil)
Sun TV (Tamil)
Vannathirai (Tamil)
Asianet (Malayalam)
Channel i (Bengali)

Starhub http://www.starhub.com/tv.html
Singtel
mio tv http://mio.singtel.com/miotv/

Media (FM Radio)

Singapore English language radio stations

BBC 88.9 FM
Gold 90.5 FM
Radio913 91.3 FM
Symphony 92.4 FM
News 938 93.8 FM
Class 95 95.0 FM
Power 98 98.0 FM
987 FM 98.7 FM
Lush FM 99.5 FM

Malaysian English language radio stations

Lite FM 94.6
Hitz FM 97.6
Mix FM 99.1
Fly FM 102.5
Traxx FM 102.9

BookFest @ Singapore 2009

(Image courtesy of BookFest Singapore)

BookFest @ Singapore 2009
Suntec City Hall 401-404
11/12/2009 till 20/12/2009
10am till 10pm

http://www.bookfestsingapore.com/

Saturday 5 December 2009

Highway Map of Second Link

Click on image for larger view

(Image courtesy of PLUS)

Foreign Missions in Johor Bahru

Japan
Consular Office in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Suite 15B, Level 15, Menara Ansar,
Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim / Jalan Trus
80000 Johor bahru, Johor, MALAYSIA
Telephone Number 607 221-7621
Fax Number 607 221-7629
Office Hour 08:30-12:30 14:00-16:30 (MONDAY TO FRIDAY)
Counter Opening Hour 08:30-12:00 13:30-16:00 (MONDAY TO FRIDAY)

Indonesia
Consulate General of Indonesia in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
No. 723, Jln Ayer Molek
80000 Johor Bahru
Phone: 607-2212000 2223396 2229301
Fax: 607-2248309
Email: krijohor@tm.net.my

Czech Republic
Honorary Consulate in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Hotel Selesa, Business Centre, Jalan Dato Abdullah Tahir / Jalan Tebrau, Johor Bahru
PO Box 293 83000 Johor Bahru
Phone: 607 2513999
Fax: 607 3321999
Email: johorbahru@honorary.mzv.cz,ivo@mihrconsult.com

Thursday 3 December 2009

Addition to Komodo dragon family

Singapore Zoo welcomes first addition to Komodo dragon family in 34 years

Bima, a male komodo dragon and a long-time resident of the Singapore Zoo, has been courting a female komodo dragon named Yoko for one and a half years.

According to the Singapore Zoo, the diminutive female had not been receptive till late 2008.

Bima and Yoko now have a two-week-old baby, who has yet to be named. The baby is the newest addition to the Komodo dragon family at the zoo - the first in 34 years.

The Singapore Zoo is the first zoo in Asia to have bred the reptile out of its native home in Indonesia.

News courtesy of Channel Newsasia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/

Google Street View for Singapore

Google Street View launched in Singapore

Google Street View has arrived in Singapore - making it the first in Southeast Asia to have a virtual street guide based on photographs.

Cars fitted with cameras went around Singapore earlier this year to take the shots. The technology by Google allows users to view and navigate 360-degree street-level imagery, including the country's most iconic sights.

Google said that faces and licence plates are blurred out, and one can see what already is visible on public roads.

The web-based application can also be used on mobile phones. Businesses and organisations can add their own listings onto the application for free.

News courtesy of Channel Newsasia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/

Coach to Malaysia during CNY

Coach tickets to Malaysia during Chinese New Year nearly sold out

The prices of coach tickets to Malaysia are going up.

A ticket to Perak now costs an average of S$97 - a four-year high.

Compared to the last Lunar New Year season, the latest price is about 20 per cent higher.

This is the biggest hike after 16 operators and the Express Bus Agencies Association were fined in early November for price fixing.

They were fined a total of S$1.69 million by the Competition Commission of Singapore.

Operators of express coaches say tickets for February 12 - two days before the Lunar New Year - are almost sold out.

But there is a silver lining: they say ticket prices are usually determined by demand, and they expect a drop of 40 to 50 per cent in January, which is usually considered a slow month.

News courtesy of Channel Newsasia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/

Shuttle service to Sentosa

Shuttle service to Sentosa in the works

Visitors to Sentosa island could soon hop onto coaches from Changi Airport, Orchard Road and Marina areas, to various drop-off points on the island.

The Sentosa Development Corporation has called for a tender for "experienced and established coach operators" to operate a shuttle service network from March 1, as new attractions and Resorts World Sentosa come on board next year.

Slated to open by November next year, the 620-metre long Sentosa Boardwalk - designed to carry 8,000 guests per hour, in each direction - will allow visitors to walk onto the island.

On Tuesday, two new trains were added to the Sentosa Express fleet, raising its total carrying capacity to 4,000 guests per hour, in each direction.

Island entry has also been made easier - guests can now tap their way into Sentosa with their ez-link cards when they connect to the monorail at VivoCity, and skip the step of buying separate admission tickets.

News courtesy of Channel Newsasia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/

Thursday 1 October 2009

Ez-link replacement extension

LTA extends ez-link replacement deadline

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Wednesday announced an extension for the replacement of EZ-link cards.

The one-for-one free replacement of the EZ-link cards will continue for another week until October 7.

News courtesy of Channel Newsasia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1008300/1/.html

Wednesday 30 September 2009

Thian Hock Keng Temple

This Taoist temple, erected in 1821 by seamen grateful for safe passage, stands where Singapore's waterfront used to be before reclamation. The materials used to construct the temple are truly international, with ironwork from Scotland, tiles from England and the Netherlands, and towering granite pillars entwined with dragons from China. Many ancestral tablets stand in the courtyard, and massive lions stand guard at the doors.

Visitors are advised to dress conservatively as this is a place of worship.






Location
158 Telok Ayer Street Singapore 048613

Tel
(65) 6423 4616

Fax
(65) 6423 4626

Getting There
A short walk from Raffles Place (EW14/NS26) or Tanjong Pagar (EW15) MRT Station.


-Information courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board-

Tuesday 29 September 2009

Population 4.99m

Population 4.99m

The population of Singapore at the end of June stood at 4.99 million according to the 2009 Population Trends report.

The Department of Statistics report, issued on Monday, also showed that there were 3.73 million Singapore residents and 1.25 million non-residents.

Singapore Residents and Permanent Residents formed 75% of the population, with the resident population growing 2.55% in 2009, from the 3.1% total growth over the previous year.

News courtesy of CNA
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1007789/1/.html

Ez-link card replacement

Ez-link card replacement

Free 1-to-1 exchange of old cards to new cards will be ending on Wednesday (30 Sept 2009)

Commuters can also buy a new adult ezlink card from Thursday, however they are subjected to pay S$5 for the cost of the card.

844,000 people arrived in August

844,000 people visited Singapore in August

The number of visitors to Singapore reached 844,000 in August, down 0.7 per cent over the same period last year. The year-on-year decline was the smallest this year.

Indonesia, Australia, China, India and Malaysia were Singapore's top five visitor-generating markets. Visitors from the five countries accounted for 47.6 per cent of total visitor arrivals for the month.

The biggest increase in visitor numbers came from Malaysia, followed by Hong Kong. Arrivals from Malaysia rose 40 per cent on-year to 62,000, while 36,000 travellers arrived from Hong Kong, up 34.7 per cent.

News courtesy of CNA
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1007816/1/.html

Sunday 27 September 2009

Tips on watching F1 races

Everyone has their own set of tips to make their Formula 1 experience in Singapore more enjoyable, but getting the best out of the big sporting event will require some planning.

Support races start as early as 3pm, but it is best to avoid driving to the Marina Bay F1 Grand Prix venue. One is encouraged to take advantage of public transport and allow extra time for security screening.

"Just walk around during the practice a little bit. Don't sit all the time. Take your camera," one spectator advised.

Navigating around the 5.1-kilometre street circuit will also be more enjoyable when you are dressed in comfortable attire. "Short pants and track shoes. I think T-shirts are the best," another offered.

While some fans may enjoy the roar of the engines, others may prefer to block it out with earplugs.

Most of the F1 race track is exposed to the natural elements, so spectators are expected to make their own preparations for bad weather.

However, spectators are not advised to carry umbrellas because they could endanger the lives of F1 drivers if they get blown onto the race track.

Ponchos are recommended instead to ensure that the F1 race remains a safe experience for all those involved.

With an expected crowd of some 80,000 spectators, organisers said clearing out of the venue could take up to two hours.

To pass time, viewers could stay on and enjoy performances by Singapore and international artistes within the circuit park.

News courtesy of Channel Newsasia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1007467/1/.html

Monday 21 September 2009

Sunday 20 September 2009

Deepavali 2009

Deepavali date for year 2009 has been changed to October 17, Saturday. Instead of November 15, Sunday.

Wednesday 16 September 2009

Touch n Go Card for 2nd Link

With effect from 14 Sep 2009, the Singapore-Malaysian 2nd Link toll plaza (Malaysian side) accepts only Touch n Go cards for toll payment. Touch n Go cards can be purchased at the toll plaza.

Sunday 23 August 2009

Changi Airport Race

Tickets to be won to catch Changi Airport Race on Sep 5

The Changi Airport Race, dubbed the race of a lifetime between a jetliner and a car, will take place on September 5.

A first in Asia, the race between a Jett8 Boeing 747 aircraft and a Porsche 911GT3 Carrera Cup will determine the speed king of the runaway. The race car is now on display at the airport's Terminal 3 Departure Hall.

Members of the public have until August 31 to win tickets to watch the Changi Airport Race by spending a minimum of S$30 in a single receipt in Terminals 1, 2 or 3 to qualify for the lucky draw.

News courtesy of Channel Newsasia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/450104/1/.html

Jetstar Asia expansion

Jetstar Asia expands fleet and routes to keep up with competition


Singapore-based budget airline Jetstar Asia is taking steps to catch up with other low-cost carriers.

It is adding three new Airbus A320 planes to its fleet in Singapore by early 2010. This will expand its current capacity by 46 per cent.

Currently, Jetstar operates seven Airbus A320 planes to 17 destinations from Singapore's Changi Airport Terminal 1. It hopes to add two new countries to its routes by the year-end.

News courtesy of Channel Newsasia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/450077/1/.html

12th H1N1-related death

Singapore reports 12th H1N1-related death

A 41-year-old male foreigner is Singapore's latest H1N1-related fatality, and the 12th so far.

The Health Ministry said the man had a history of diabetes. The cause of his death at Tan Tock Seng Hospital was certified as pneumonia due to H1N1 flu infection.

News courtesy of Channel Newsasia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1000040/1/.html

Tuesday 18 August 2009

Public Transport to the Zoo

Public Transport to the Zoo and Night Safari

Solution 1
Alight at Ang Mo Kio station (NS16) and take bus service 138.

Solution 2
Alight at Choa Chu Kang station (BP1/NS4) and take bus service 927.

Solution 3
Alight at Woodlands station (NS9) and take bus service 926 (operates only on Sundays and Public Holidays).

-Information subjected to change without prior notification-

Sunday 9 August 2009

Singapore Map and History exhibition

Vignettes in Time: Singapore Map and History Through the Centuries

Featuring the collections of National Library Singapore and Lim Shao Bin

Exhibition Area, Level 10, National Library Building
1 August - 31 October 2009
10am to 9pm (except Public Holidays)

Happy birthday Singapore!

Happy birthday Singapore!
9 Aug 1965 - 9 Aug 2009.....

ion Orchard






Latest shopping centre in Orchard - ion Orchard
Located right above Orchard MRT Station

Website
www.ionorchard.com

Friday 7 August 2009

Largest national flag

Largest national flag on top of Tiger Sky Tower in Sentosa

The National Day celebrations have reached a new high in Singapore.

A massive Singapore flag is flying from the top of the Tiger Sky Tower in Sentosa, which is Asia’s tallest free—standing observatory tower.

The nation’s largest flag spans over 700 square metres, larger than a basketball court. Made of lightweight material, it weighs about 45 kg.

News courtesy of Channel Newsasia
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20090806/tap-237-largest-national-flag-top-tiger-231650b.html

Haze back in Singapore

Haze back in Singapore as 50 hot spots detected in Sumatra

The haze is back in Singapore and you can expect more hazy days ahead. Smoke haze shrouded Singapore on Thursday morning, with an acrid burning smell hanging in the air.

And the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI), which measures the air quality in Singapore, was around 60 on Thursday. Though this is still in the moderate range, it is however slightly higher than Wednesday’s reading of 52.

News courtesy of Channel Newsasia
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/cna/20090806/tap-289-haze-singapore-50-hot-spots-dete-231650b.html

Thursday 6 August 2009

Travel advisory

Travellers advised to plan journey when using land checkpoints

With the National Day holiday coming up on 9 August 2009, traffic flow through the land checkpoints at Woodlands and Tuas is expected to be heavy over the coming long weekend. For departures, the traffic build-up is expected to start from Thursday (6 August). For arrivals, traffic is expected to be particularly heavy on Sunday and Monday (9 and 10 August). Travellers intending to use the land checkpoints during the peak periods should take note of the following messages.

Travellers Have a Part to Play

2 The best way to avoid the congestion is to adjust your travel plans and avoid the peak periods altogether. With enhanced security checks, traffic build-up is inevitable, particularly when a large number of travellers want to use the checkpoints at the same time.

3 If you really need to travel during the peak periods, you can play a part to ease congestion at the land checkpoints by maintaining lane discipline. To avoid the congestion at the checkpoints, you are also encouraged to car-pool or make use of public transport. Singaporean travellers with valid passports and who are registered with the National Registration Office can use the eIACS (Enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System) lanes at the Bus Halls for immigration clearance. The eIACS allows you to clear immigration through automated lanes within 12 seconds at no additional cost.

4 Travellers are reminded to ensure that they are carrying their own passports before presenting themselves for immigration clearance at the checkpoints. ICA has detected a number of cases where travellers presented the wrong passports for immigration clearance. This has affected clearance efficiency and caused inconvenience to other travellers.

5 In addition, travellers should also make sure that they do not bring unlawful or prohibited goods into Singapore. The list of controlled and prohibited items is set out on ICA’s website http://www.ica.gov.sg.

Traffic Information

6 Travellers departing Singapore by land will be able to know in advance the traffic situation at Tuas and Woodlands Checkpoint from the LTA's Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System (EMAS) installed along AYE and BKE respectively. You can also call the traffic information hotline at 6863-0117, listen to TrafficWatch on the radio or visit LTA's One Motoring website (http://www.onemotoring.com.sg) to check on the latest traffic conditions at the land checkpoints before embarking on your journey.

Security is Our Utmost Concern

7 Our borders are our first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore's security. The enhanced security checks are critical to our nation’s security. ICA will put in every effort and continue to take the necessary measures to improve clearance efficiency as much as possible without compromising security. We seek your understanding and cooperation, as your security is our utmost concern.

IMMIGRATION & CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY
4 August 2009

testing

testing....

Botanic Gardens expansion

Singapore Botanic Gardens to be expanded with new parkland

Singapore's Botanic Gardens will be expanded with the addition of a new parkland.

National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said a 9.8-hectare parkland at Tyersall Avenue will be added to the Gardens.

This parkland will form a seamless extension to the west of the Gardens, bringing the total area of the Botanic Gardens to almost 74 hectares.

And there will be a new arboretum on the parkland. The Tyersall addition is slated to be completed by 2012.

Courtesy of Channel Newsasia. For more details, kindly visit the following link
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/446472/1/.html

F1 Rocks

F1 Rocks to see stars like Beyonce coming for Singapore GP

Some of the world's biggest music acts will descend on Singapore in September when the city hosts the F1 night race.

They will be taking part in the inaugural F1 Rocks event which was launched in London and Singapore on Tuesday.

Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas and Jacky Cheung are some of the stars that will perform at the US$8 million event.

It will be held at Fort Canning Park from September 24 to 26, and fans will be able to buy tickets which cost from S$150 to S$210.

More details from Channel Newsasia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/446820/1/.html

New Customs Tax Payment Kiosk

New Customs Tax Payment Kiosk saves travellers time

Singapore Customs has piloted an innovative new service for payment of duties and Goods & Services Tax (GST) at all Changi Airport terminals with the introduction of the Customs Tax Payment Kiosk.

With this new system, arriving passengers can now choose to make a self-declaration on their taxable items and pay the required duty and GST electronically through the kiosk, without having to visit the Customs Tax Office.

More information available from Channel Newsasia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/447052/1/.html

Two more H1N1-related deaths

Two more H1N1-related deaths in Singapore

Two more Influenza A (H1N1) patients have died in Singapore, bringing the total number of H1N1-related deaths in Singapore to eight.

News courtesy of Channel Newsasia
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/447227/1/.html

Wednesday 5 August 2009

2010 Public Holidays

New Year's Day
Friday
1 January 2010

Chinese New Year
Sunday*
14 February 2010
Monday
15 February 2010

Good Friday
Friday
2 April 2010

Labour Day
Saturday
1 May 2010

Vesak Day
Friday
28 May 2010

National Day
Monday
9 August 2010

Hari Raya Puasa
Friday
10 September 2010

Deepavali
Friday
5 November 2010 **

Hari Raya Haji
Wednesday
17 November 2010

Christmas Day
Saturday
25 December 2010

* As Chinese New Year falls on Sunday 14 February 2010 and Monday 15 February 2010, the next day, Tuesday 16 February 2010, will be a public holiday.

** The date for Deepavali, 5 November 2010, needs to be checked against the Indian Almanac when it is available. Should there be a change in date, the Ministry of Manpower will issue a press release to announce the change.