Plan for heavy traffic at land checkpoints during holiday period: ICA
Travellers heading out of Singapore via the land checkpoints are advised to plan for the expected heavy traffic due to the coming Good Friday long weekend.
The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said it is best to avoid the peak periods altogether.
Travellers leaving Singapore by land will be able to know in advance the traffic situation at Tuas and Woodlands Checkpoint from the Land Transport Authority's (LTA's) Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System (EMAS) installed along AYE and BKE.
Travellers can also call the traffic information hotline at 6863-0117, listen to TrafficWatch on the radio or visit LTA's One Motoring website.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Tuesday 30 March 2010
Monday 29 March 2010
Tickets for 2010 YOG
Tickets for 2010 Youth Olympic Games available from Wednesday
Up to 320,000 tickets will be available for sale worldwide from Wednesday for the inaugural 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.
Releasing the competition schedule, the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC) said that in order to watch regular sports events, it will cost S$10 for the preliminary rounds, S$15 for the quarter-finals/semi-finals and S$30 for the finals.
Although there will be no discounts or season tickets, SYOGOC chief executive officer Goh Kee Nguan believes the tickets are affordably priced.
Every ticket purchase will also come with a Singapore 2010 DBS Visa Prepaid Companion Card that offers up to four free MRT train rides and unlimited bus rides for the day of the event that the ticket is purchased for. It can also be used as a pre-paid top-up card.
Tickets will go on sale on a first-come-first-serve basis at www.singapore2010.sg/tickets on Wednesday, March 31 at 9.00am, and via the Singapore 2010 Ticketing Call Centre Hotline at +65 63482010 from 9.00am to 10.00pm daily.
They are also available at any of the 29 authorised SISTIC ticket counters in Singapore, payable by cash or Visa.
Visit www.singapore2010.sg for further details.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Up to 320,000 tickets will be available for sale worldwide from Wednesday for the inaugural 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.
Releasing the competition schedule, the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC) said that in order to watch regular sports events, it will cost S$10 for the preliminary rounds, S$15 for the quarter-finals/semi-finals and S$30 for the finals.
Although there will be no discounts or season tickets, SYOGOC chief executive officer Goh Kee Nguan believes the tickets are affordably priced.
Every ticket purchase will also come with a Singapore 2010 DBS Visa Prepaid Companion Card that offers up to four free MRT train rides and unlimited bus rides for the day of the event that the ticket is purchased for. It can also be used as a pre-paid top-up card.
Tickets will go on sale on a first-come-first-serve basis at www.singapore2010.sg/tickets on Wednesday, March 31 at 9.00am, and via the Singapore 2010 Ticketing Call Centre Hotline at +65 63482010 from 9.00am to 10.00pm daily.
They are also available at any of the 29 authorised SISTIC ticket counters in Singapore, payable by cash or Visa.
Visit www.singapore2010.sg for further details.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Sunday 28 March 2010
Tom Jones' concert rescheduled
Welsh singer Tom Jones has rescheduled his Singapore performance to April 1.
The 69-year-old sang just two songs in Resorts World Sentosa's Compass Ballroom on Friday night before announcing he could not continue performing.
In a statement, the Integrated Resort said the singer has been diagnosed with Acute Laryngitis.
Under doctor's advice, he will remain in Singapore to recuperate over the next few days.
Tom Jones and his management also apologised to concert goers for the unexpected postponement.
Guests must produce their ticket stub from Friday's concert for entry to the rescheduled event.
A full refund including the S$3 SISTIC booking fee will also be available those who choose to give the concert a miss.
However, the S$1 handling fee will not be refunded.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
The 69-year-old sang just two songs in Resorts World Sentosa's Compass Ballroom on Friday night before announcing he could not continue performing.
In a statement, the Integrated Resort said the singer has been diagnosed with Acute Laryngitis.
Under doctor's advice, he will remain in Singapore to recuperate over the next few days.
Tom Jones and his management also apologised to concert goers for the unexpected postponement.
Guests must produce their ticket stub from Friday's concert for entry to the rescheduled event.
A full refund including the S$3 SISTIC booking fee will also be available those who choose to give the concert a miss.
However, the S$1 handling fee will not be refunded.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Friday 26 March 2010
Changi sees highest passenger traffic growth
Changi Airport sees highest passenger traffic growth in 6 years in Feb
Changi Airport said it saw the highest growth in passenger traffic in six years in February.
Passenger traffic grew 21.5 per cent to 3.11 million passengers.
The Changi Airport Group said contributing factors included the Lunar New Year holiday and the Singapore Air Show.
Passenger traffic on both full service and low cost carriers grew.
All of Changi's top 10 country markets registered year-on-year growth, with particularly strong passenger growth on routes to and from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and China.
On the cargo front, air freight movements at Changi in February increased 16.2 per cent on-year to 130,578 tonnes.
Aircraft movements increased 11.4 per cent to 19,617 during the month, with both full service and low cost carriers registering increases.
As at March 1, Changi Airport is served by 84 airlines operating 5,000 flights to some 200 cities in about 60 countries and territories.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Changi Airport said it saw the highest growth in passenger traffic in six years in February.
Passenger traffic grew 21.5 per cent to 3.11 million passengers.
The Changi Airport Group said contributing factors included the Lunar New Year holiday and the Singapore Air Show.
Passenger traffic on both full service and low cost carriers grew.
All of Changi's top 10 country markets registered year-on-year growth, with particularly strong passenger growth on routes to and from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and China.
On the cargo front, air freight movements at Changi in February increased 16.2 per cent on-year to 130,578 tonnes.
Aircraft movements increased 11.4 per cent to 19,617 during the month, with both full service and low cost carriers registering increases.
As at March 1, Changi Airport is served by 84 airlines operating 5,000 flights to some 200 cities in about 60 countries and territories.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Formula Drift race 2010
Formula Drift race to be held at F1 Pit Building this year
The Formula Drift race, back for a third year, hopes to make a bigger impact - both in Singapore and regionally.
The roar of engines and screeching tyres is expected to get everyone pumped up next month, from April 24-25.
And this time round, the action will drift to a new venue - the F1 Pit Building - instead of the Changi exhibition area.
This means more people can catch the action, which will be provided by the 45 drivers who have signed on for the event.
Last year, 35 drivers entertained a crowd of some 5,000 spectators.
Another first for Singapore this year is that it will kick start the inaugural Asian Drift series, with the other stops being Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and China.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
The Formula Drift race, back for a third year, hopes to make a bigger impact - both in Singapore and regionally.
The roar of engines and screeching tyres is expected to get everyone pumped up next month, from April 24-25.
And this time round, the action will drift to a new venue - the F1 Pit Building - instead of the Changi exhibition area.
This means more people can catch the action, which will be provided by the 45 drivers who have signed on for the event.
Last year, 35 drivers entertained a crowd of some 5,000 spectators.
Another first for Singapore this year is that it will kick start the inaugural Asian Drift series, with the other stops being Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and China.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
S'pore Garden Festival
Part of Gardens by the Bay to be re-created at S'pore Garden Festival
Visitors to the Singapore Garden Festival will be able to catch a glimpse of Gardens by the Bay.
A 100-square metre exhibition of the gardens will be on display at the festival when it opens in July.
Some 400 individuals - both young and old chipped in to plant seedlings onto a huge centrepiece.
Titled 'The Man Who Planted Trees', it is inspired by a French tale of a lone shepherd who transformed a barren valley into a Garden of Eden.
Taking centre stage will be a five-metre tall piece with 130,000 plants.
Dr Wong Wei Har, director, Singapore Garden Festival, said: "It mirrors what we are doing in Singapore. If everyone of us take ownership and do our part in taking the garden city as our own, we can also recreate and keep the garden city going and perhaps even stronger.
“For every kid and every individual who is here, it will touch your lives because you will remember planting this man and when you come in July, you will see all the plants fully grown."
After the festival, the centrepiece will be located permanently at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Other than Gardens by the Bay, new exhibits this year include balcony garden displays and miniature gardens.
60 community groups will also be showcasing their gardens.
The Singapore Garden Festival will be held at Suntec City from July 15 to 22.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Visitors to the Singapore Garden Festival will be able to catch a glimpse of Gardens by the Bay.
A 100-square metre exhibition of the gardens will be on display at the festival when it opens in July.
Some 400 individuals - both young and old chipped in to plant seedlings onto a huge centrepiece.
Titled 'The Man Who Planted Trees', it is inspired by a French tale of a lone shepherd who transformed a barren valley into a Garden of Eden.
Taking centre stage will be a five-metre tall piece with 130,000 plants.
Dr Wong Wei Har, director, Singapore Garden Festival, said: "It mirrors what we are doing in Singapore. If everyone of us take ownership and do our part in taking the garden city as our own, we can also recreate and keep the garden city going and perhaps even stronger.
“For every kid and every individual who is here, it will touch your lives because you will remember planting this man and when you come in July, you will see all the plants fully grown."
After the festival, the centrepiece will be located permanently at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Other than Gardens by the Bay, new exhibits this year include balcony garden displays and miniature gardens.
60 community groups will also be showcasing their gardens.
The Singapore Garden Festival will be held at Suntec City from July 15 to 22.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Battlestar Galactica ride closed due to glitch
Battlestar Galactica ride in Universal Studios Singapore closed due to glitch
Universal Studios Singapore has closed a popular ride, Battlestar Galactica, for the time being due to a technical glitch.
The ride will be closed for at least a few days for a complete inspection.
The spokesman for the theme park, Robin Goh, said a technical problem was detected on one of the ride vehicles during the park's daily pre-opening testing on Thursday morning.
"In keeping with our commitment to employee and guest safety, the ride was immediately closed and will not be operating until we determine the cause and solution," Goh said.
Experts from the ride's design, engineering and manufacturing company are assisting the ride and show team in the inspection.
"No one was injured and all the proper authorities were notified, which is a standard Universal Studios Singapore operating policy," said Goh.
He stressed that employee and guest safety is the number one priority.
All rides go through a daily series of detailed inspections and testing before the park opens to ensure that all the safety systems are functioning properly.
"No ride will be operated at any time unless it has passed all daily inspections and tests," Goh said.
"We understand some guests may be disappointed. However, the safety of our employees and guests remains our top priority," he added.
Police said the safety authorities will work with Universal Studios Singapore to determine the cause of the problem.
It must also recommend rectification measures and re-certify the safety of the ride, before the licence can be reinstated.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Universal Studios Singapore has closed a popular ride, Battlestar Galactica, for the time being due to a technical glitch.
The ride will be closed for at least a few days for a complete inspection.
The spokesman for the theme park, Robin Goh, said a technical problem was detected on one of the ride vehicles during the park's daily pre-opening testing on Thursday morning.
"In keeping with our commitment to employee and guest safety, the ride was immediately closed and will not be operating until we determine the cause and solution," Goh said.
Experts from the ride's design, engineering and manufacturing company are assisting the ride and show team in the inspection.
"No one was injured and all the proper authorities were notified, which is a standard Universal Studios Singapore operating policy," said Goh.
He stressed that employee and guest safety is the number one priority.
All rides go through a daily series of detailed inspections and testing before the park opens to ensure that all the safety systems are functioning properly.
"No ride will be operated at any time unless it has passed all daily inspections and tests," Goh said.
"We understand some guests may be disappointed. However, the safety of our employees and guests remains our top priority," he added.
Police said the safety authorities will work with Universal Studios Singapore to determine the cause of the problem.
It must also recommend rectification measures and re-certify the safety of the ride, before the licence can be reinstated.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Thursday 25 March 2010
Changi named World's Best Airport
Changi named World's Best Airport
Changi Airport has bounced back from third placing in 2009 to become the "World's Best Airport" this year in Skytrax World Airport survey.
In the annual survey of travellers worldwide last year, Changi was placed third, trailing behind Seoul's Incheon and Hong Kong. But this year, Changi overtook Incheon and Hong Kong to top the ranking. Changi also won the Skytrax award for Best Leisure Amenities.
This is the third Best Airport award Changi has received this year. Last month, the airport won the Top Worldwide Airport by Wanderlust and Best Airport in Asia Pacific by DestinAsian.
Changi has won the awards by Wanderlust and DestinAsian eight and five times
respectively.
Since its opening in 1981, Changi Airport has won more than 340 airport awards.
Changi Airport Group's CEO, Mr Lee Seow Hiang, expressed appreciation to Changi Airport's many stakeholders for their support.
He said: "changi's success would not be possible without the affirmation, encouragement and feedback that we have received from our stakeholders, including the millions of passengers and visitors we serve every year.
"This has motivated us to continue to improve and innovate. We are honoured to receive these awards and thank everyone for their vote of confidence."
Mr Lee added: "In an ever-competitive operating landscape, these awards are also a testament to the hard work and tireless efforts of all airport staff and partners in the Changi community to deliver the Changi Experience. I want to thank them too for their contributions."
Mr Edward Plaisted, chairman of Skytrax, said: "This is the largest ever Skytrax airport survey with 9.8 million travellers from over 100 nationalities taking part, and underlines the unrivalled, global coverage of this study.
"Taking pride of place in being named World's Best Airport for 2010 is Singapore Changi Airport.
"Changi has always been one of the world's best performing airports during the 10 years of the World Airport Survey, and I congratulate them on achieving this number one position in 2010.... in what was an extremely competitive survey environment".
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Changi Airport has bounced back from third placing in 2009 to become the "World's Best Airport" this year in Skytrax World Airport survey.
In the annual survey of travellers worldwide last year, Changi was placed third, trailing behind Seoul's Incheon and Hong Kong. But this year, Changi overtook Incheon and Hong Kong to top the ranking. Changi also won the Skytrax award for Best Leisure Amenities.
This is the third Best Airport award Changi has received this year. Last month, the airport won the Top Worldwide Airport by Wanderlust and Best Airport in Asia Pacific by DestinAsian.
Changi has won the awards by Wanderlust and DestinAsian eight and five times
respectively.
Since its opening in 1981, Changi Airport has won more than 340 airport awards.
Changi Airport Group's CEO, Mr Lee Seow Hiang, expressed appreciation to Changi Airport's many stakeholders for their support.
He said: "changi's success would not be possible without the affirmation, encouragement and feedback that we have received from our stakeholders, including the millions of passengers and visitors we serve every year.
"This has motivated us to continue to improve and innovate. We are honoured to receive these awards and thank everyone for their vote of confidence."
Mr Lee added: "In an ever-competitive operating landscape, these awards are also a testament to the hard work and tireless efforts of all airport staff and partners in the Changi community to deliver the Changi Experience. I want to thank them too for their contributions."
Mr Edward Plaisted, chairman of Skytrax, said: "This is the largest ever Skytrax airport survey with 9.8 million travellers from over 100 nationalities taking part, and underlines the unrivalled, global coverage of this study.
"Taking pride of place in being named World's Best Airport for 2010 is Singapore Changi Airport.
"Changi has always been one of the world's best performing airports during the 10 years of the World Airport Survey, and I congratulate them on achieving this number one position in 2010.... in what was an extremely competitive survey environment".
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Tuesday 23 March 2010
Casinos exempted from smoking ban
Casinos exempted from smoking ban in public spaces
Smoking is banned in most enclosed places in Singapore, but it is a different story for the two casinos at Resorts World Singapore (RWS) and the soon to be opened Marina Bay Sands.
A casino patron recently wrote to MediaCorp's English daily TODAY, saying she was surprised to see a designated smoking area at the RWS casino.
She asked if there are any "double standards".
The decision to exclude casinos from the smoking ban came in 2008 after a year-long discussion between the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the two Integrated Resorts (IRs).
NEA said "it is a common practice for casinos in many countries to put in place house rules to designate smoking and non-smoking areas".
However, NEA also added that smoking is allowed within casino premises only if smokers "comply with the house rules set out by premise owners".
Following feedback from patrons, RWS said it is looking at better ways to keep out the smoke drift.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Smoking is banned in most enclosed places in Singapore, but it is a different story for the two casinos at Resorts World Singapore (RWS) and the soon to be opened Marina Bay Sands.
A casino patron recently wrote to MediaCorp's English daily TODAY, saying she was surprised to see a designated smoking area at the RWS casino.
She asked if there are any "double standards".
The decision to exclude casinos from the smoking ban came in 2008 after a year-long discussion between the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the two Integrated Resorts (IRs).
NEA said "it is a common practice for casinos in many countries to put in place house rules to designate smoking and non-smoking areas".
However, NEA also added that smoking is allowed within casino premises only if smokers "comply with the house rules set out by premise owners".
Following feedback from patrons, RWS said it is looking at better ways to keep out the smoke drift.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Monday 22 March 2010
Duty-free liquor allowance change
Duty-free liquor allowance to change from April
From April, the duty-free allowance for liquor will be changed to allow for an additional one litre of wine or beer in lieu of one litre of spirits. This was announced by Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam in his Budget statement in February.
Currently, the duty-free allowance is one litre each for spirits, wine and beer - including stout, ale and porter.
Singapore Customs said travellers with quantities of liquor that exceed the duty-free allowance have to declare them, and pay duty plus GST on the excess quantities.
Payment can be made at either the Tax Payment kiosks located at Changi Airport or at the Singapore Customs Tax Payment offices.
The conditions for duty-free liquor remain unchanged.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
From April, the duty-free allowance for liquor will be changed to allow for an additional one litre of wine or beer in lieu of one litre of spirits. This was announced by Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam in his Budget statement in February.
Currently, the duty-free allowance is one litre each for spirits, wine and beer - including stout, ale and porter.
Singapore Customs said travellers with quantities of liquor that exceed the duty-free allowance have to declare them, and pay duty plus GST on the excess quantities.
Payment can be made at either the Tax Payment kiosks located at Changi Airport or at the Singapore Customs Tax Payment offices.
The conditions for duty-free liquor remain unchanged.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Sunday 21 March 2010
No BA flights affected by strike so far
Changi Airport says no BA flights affected by strike so far
British Airways (BA) has said it is confident of keeping at least 60 per cent of passengers flying, using staff who are not striking, as well as by using up to 22 planes with pilots and crew leased from other European airlines.
In Singapore, Changi Airport said that as of Saturday night, none of its daily BA flights have been affected so far.
BA cabin crew started their three—day strike on Saturday after talks on a dispute over pay and conditions failed.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
British Airways (BA) has said it is confident of keeping at least 60 per cent of passengers flying, using staff who are not striking, as well as by using up to 22 planes with pilots and crew leased from other European airlines.
In Singapore, Changi Airport said that as of Saturday night, none of its daily BA flights have been affected so far.
BA cabin crew started their three—day strike on Saturday after talks on a dispute over pay and conditions failed.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Same—day tickets for Universal Studios
Same—day tickets for Universal Studios on sale from Monday
Starting Monday, Universal Studios Singapore will release tickets that can be bought on the day itself.
Tickets that were sold since the theme park opened on March 18 had to be purchased at least a day in advance.
But for 600 underprivileged children visited the park on Saturday, they were invited to join in the fun for free.
The children from various charities such as Mendaki and the Children’s Cancer Foundation arrived early for their one—day visit to Universal Studios Singapore.
They started their visit by watching a performance at the theatre and they also took part in quizzes.
Ivan Wong from Make—A—Wish Foundation was of the children.
He said: "I took pictures with Kung Fu Panda. Later I am going to take roller coasters."
Despite the rain, the number one attraction at the park was Battlestar Galactica.
Universal Studios Singapore has welcomed thousands of visitors since it opened. And there are plans to admit more.
Robin Goh, assistant director, Communications, Resorts World Sentosa, said: "Considering this is only the soft opening phase, and we are only third day into our operations, we have limited the number of tickets that are available, which accounts for the park not looking as crowded as it is.
"However, it will be ramped up as we ease in the operations, the rides, and the retail and F&B as well. "
Resorts World Sentosa is looking into the possibility of extending the theme park’s opening hours on weekends.
Its opening hours are from 9am to 6pm daily.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Starting Monday, Universal Studios Singapore will release tickets that can be bought on the day itself.
Tickets that were sold since the theme park opened on March 18 had to be purchased at least a day in advance.
But for 600 underprivileged children visited the park on Saturday, they were invited to join in the fun for free.
The children from various charities such as Mendaki and the Children’s Cancer Foundation arrived early for their one—day visit to Universal Studios Singapore.
They started their visit by watching a performance at the theatre and they also took part in quizzes.
Ivan Wong from Make—A—Wish Foundation was of the children.
He said: "I took pictures with Kung Fu Panda. Later I am going to take roller coasters."
Despite the rain, the number one attraction at the park was Battlestar Galactica.
Universal Studios Singapore has welcomed thousands of visitors since it opened. And there are plans to admit more.
Robin Goh, assistant director, Communications, Resorts World Sentosa, said: "Considering this is only the soft opening phase, and we are only third day into our operations, we have limited the number of tickets that are available, which accounts for the park not looking as crowded as it is.
"However, it will be ramped up as we ease in the operations, the rides, and the retail and F&B as well. "
Resorts World Sentosa is looking into the possibility of extending the theme park’s opening hours on weekends.
Its opening hours are from 9am to 6pm daily.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Thursday 18 March 2010
Free shuttle service from Airport to RWS
Free shuttle service from Changi Airport to Resorts World Sentosa
Tourists arriving at Changi Airport can now make use of a free shuttle service to get to Resorts World Sentosa and Universal Studios Singapore.
The shuttle service, which operates from 8am to 11.30pm, makes 21 trips daily at 45-minute intervals.
It ferries about 20 passengers on weekdays and 100 on weekends.
Taxi drivers remain divided on whether the free shuttle service would affect their business.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Tourists arriving at Changi Airport can now make use of a free shuttle service to get to Resorts World Sentosa and Universal Studios Singapore.
The shuttle service, which operates from 8am to 11.30pm, makes 21 trips daily at 45-minute intervals.
It ferries about 20 passengers on weekdays and 100 on weekends.
Taxi drivers remain divided on whether the free shuttle service would affect their business.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
SE Asia's first Universal Studios
SE Asia's first Universal Studios opens in Singapore
Southeast Asia's first Universal Studios theme park, featuring rides and attractions from box-office hits such as "Shrek" and "Madagascar", opened to enthusiastic crowds in Singapore on Thursday.
Hundreds of visitors including foreign tourists lined up to be among the first into the 20-hectare (50-acre) park, part of the US$4.4-billion Resorts World Sentosa casino complex built by Malaysia's Genting Group.
The casino, Singapore's first, started operations last month as part of a drive to draw more visitors to the city-state, which relies on man-made attractions to entice tourists.
Singaporean newlyweds Raymond Ling and Liew See Eng took the day off to try the roller-coaster rides at the seaside amusement centre.
"The whole goal was to come here first and experience the most terrifying rides. We'll definitely be taking it as many times as we can," Ling told AFP after getting off a ride called "Battlestar Galactica Human".
"It was very scary! At the first drop, I felt like my heart was going to come out," Liew said after their front-seat experience.
The park has seven zones of movie-themed attractions, including an area devoted to Steven Spielberg's "Jurassic Park" and a version of Hollywood's famous "Walk of Fame".
Nine-year-old Chai Jing Xuan, a Singaporean girl who was one of the first to try the "Shrek 4D Adventure" ride, gave it a thumbs-up. "The best part of the ride was seeing the donkey. He was very funny," she said.
Chinese tourist Huang Wenhui, 26, an engineer who was in Singapore for a one-day stopover, joined the early crowds. "I'm not a thrill-seeker, but I'm enjoying the whole experience very much," he said.
The park houses 24 rides and attractions in all, with 18 of them originally designed or adapted for Singapore.
The theme park is also promoting itself overseas, especially to neighbouring countries.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Southeast Asia's first Universal Studios theme park, featuring rides and attractions from box-office hits such as "Shrek" and "Madagascar", opened to enthusiastic crowds in Singapore on Thursday.
Hundreds of visitors including foreign tourists lined up to be among the first into the 20-hectare (50-acre) park, part of the US$4.4-billion Resorts World Sentosa casino complex built by Malaysia's Genting Group.
The casino, Singapore's first, started operations last month as part of a drive to draw more visitors to the city-state, which relies on man-made attractions to entice tourists.
Singaporean newlyweds Raymond Ling and Liew See Eng took the day off to try the roller-coaster rides at the seaside amusement centre.
"The whole goal was to come here first and experience the most terrifying rides. We'll definitely be taking it as many times as we can," Ling told AFP after getting off a ride called "Battlestar Galactica Human".
"It was very scary! At the first drop, I felt like my heart was going to come out," Liew said after their front-seat experience.
The park has seven zones of movie-themed attractions, including an area devoted to Steven Spielberg's "Jurassic Park" and a version of Hollywood's famous "Walk of Fame".
Nine-year-old Chai Jing Xuan, a Singaporean girl who was one of the first to try the "Shrek 4D Adventure" ride, gave it a thumbs-up. "The best part of the ride was seeing the donkey. He was very funny," she said.
Chinese tourist Huang Wenhui, 26, an engineer who was in Singapore for a one-day stopover, joined the early crowds. "I'm not a thrill-seeker, but I'm enjoying the whole experience very much," he said.
The park houses 24 rides and attractions in all, with 18 of them originally designed or adapted for Singapore.
The theme park is also promoting itself overseas, especially to neighbouring countries.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Wednesday 17 March 2010
Universal Studios roller-coasters
Universal Studios roller-coasters get pulses racing
ADRENALIN junkies are dying to get on the world's tallest pair of duelling roller-coasters a much hyped-up highlight of the Universal Studios theme park in Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).
The 40m-tall, blue-and-red Battlestar Galactica two roller-coasters that start at the same time but move separately is the most anticipated ride by 10 of 15 people whom my paper interviewed yesterday.
Property agent and self-professed thrill-seeker Rina Ng, 38, said: "I expect it to be as fun and thrilling as the roller coasters I've tried in Los Angeles."
Primary-school pupil Chan Tai Chen, 11, his cousin Sophie Lim, 10, and sister Wei Wen, nine, declared the Cylon supposedly the more exciting Battlestar Galactica ride a must-try.
It propels riders 14 storeys into the air, through corkscrew turns, zero-gravity rolls, and other breath-stopping twists.
A handful of other people polled prefer tamer rides, such as the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure water ride, and an animated show called Shrek 4-D Adventure, housed in Far Far Away Castle.
The castle is a world first, said RWS spokesman Robin Goh. "Universal Studios Singapore has the largest collection of DreamWorks animation theme- park attractions," he added.
The 20ha amusement park has 24 attractions and rides, 18 of which are completely new or adapted for Singapore.
-News courtesy of omy-
ADRENALIN junkies are dying to get on the world's tallest pair of duelling roller-coasters a much hyped-up highlight of the Universal Studios theme park in Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).
The 40m-tall, blue-and-red Battlestar Galactica two roller-coasters that start at the same time but move separately is the most anticipated ride by 10 of 15 people whom my paper interviewed yesterday.
Property agent and self-professed thrill-seeker Rina Ng, 38, said: "I expect it to be as fun and thrilling as the roller coasters I've tried in Los Angeles."
Primary-school pupil Chan Tai Chen, 11, his cousin Sophie Lim, 10, and sister Wei Wen, nine, declared the Cylon supposedly the more exciting Battlestar Galactica ride a must-try.
It propels riders 14 storeys into the air, through corkscrew turns, zero-gravity rolls, and other breath-stopping twists.
A handful of other people polled prefer tamer rides, such as the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure water ride, and an animated show called Shrek 4-D Adventure, housed in Far Far Away Castle.
The castle is a world first, said RWS spokesman Robin Goh. "Universal Studios Singapore has the largest collection of DreamWorks animation theme- park attractions," he added.
The 20ha amusement park has 24 attractions and rides, 18 of which are completely new or adapted for Singapore.
-News courtesy of omy-
Tuesday 16 March 2010
Travel information on the go
MyTransport.SG packs travel information on the go
A new mobile service launched by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Tuesday, will make it easier for commuters and motorists to access land transport information on a single platform.
MyTransport.SG allows commuters to access a comprehensive range of transit and traffic information from COE bidding results, locations of MRT stations to taxi call numbers from any Wi-Fi or GPRS-enabled mobile device.
Users simply type and bookmark the web address mytransport.sg on their mobile phones to access the site. The applications are free, but data charges apply.
LTA chief executive, Yam Ah Mee, said the new mobile service is another step forward in delivering accurate, comprehensive transport information easily and quickly.
It complements existing LTA and third-party travel information and planning tools to help commuters better manage their travel time, transfers, and make more informed transport decisions.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
A new mobile service launched by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Tuesday, will make it easier for commuters and motorists to access land transport information on a single platform.
MyTransport.SG allows commuters to access a comprehensive range of transit and traffic information from COE bidding results, locations of MRT stations to taxi call numbers from any Wi-Fi or GPRS-enabled mobile device.
Users simply type and bookmark the web address mytransport.sg on their mobile phones to access the site. The applications are free, but data charges apply.
LTA chief executive, Yam Ah Mee, said the new mobile service is another step forward in delivering accurate, comprehensive transport information easily and quickly.
It complements existing LTA and third-party travel information and planning tools to help commuters better manage their travel time, transfers, and make more informed transport decisions.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Final safety checks for Universal Studios
Final safety checks underway ahead of soft opening of Universal Studios
Final safety checks are underway as Universal Studios Singapore gets ready for its soft opening on Thursday.
After months of waiting, the public will finally be able to go on the rides.
The Universal Studios theme park includes existing crowd pleasers like its Water World show. Members of the public can also check out the attraction based on the animation film Madagascar, the only one in the world
18 of the 24 attractions planned for the park are either newly created or adapted for the Singapore park.
No theme park would be without a rollercoaster, and the Battlestar Galactica trumps them all. It is Asia's first duelling rollercoaster, and the world's tallest too.
At several points, riders on the two rollercoasters whizz by one another with just inches to spare. It is certainly not for the faint-hearted!
When MediaCorp journalists visited the studio on Tuesday, some rides were closed briefly due to technical and safety glitches. The park said this could happen from time to time, lasting anywhere between a few minutes and a few hours. But it expects the rides to be fully operational come opening day.
John Hallenbeck, director of Operations, Universal Studios Singapore, said: "We've been testing attractions for months, and that's just part of the process. And it's not just the testing phase, but every day every attraction gets looked at - not only from a technical or mechanical standpoint, but also from an operational standpoint.
"As far as the processes that we have (are concerned), checklist, everything gets put together to ensure that we're 100 per cent safe. There are times when attractions will have technical difficulties - that's just the nature of theme parks and Universal Studios Singapore won't be an exception on that."
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Final safety checks are underway as Universal Studios Singapore gets ready for its soft opening on Thursday.
After months of waiting, the public will finally be able to go on the rides.
The Universal Studios theme park includes existing crowd pleasers like its Water World show. Members of the public can also check out the attraction based on the animation film Madagascar, the only one in the world
18 of the 24 attractions planned for the park are either newly created or adapted for the Singapore park.
No theme park would be without a rollercoaster, and the Battlestar Galactica trumps them all. It is Asia's first duelling rollercoaster, and the world's tallest too.
At several points, riders on the two rollercoasters whizz by one another with just inches to spare. It is certainly not for the faint-hearted!
When MediaCorp journalists visited the studio on Tuesday, some rides were closed briefly due to technical and safety glitches. The park said this could happen from time to time, lasting anywhere between a few minutes and a few hours. But it expects the rides to be fully operational come opening day.
John Hallenbeck, director of Operations, Universal Studios Singapore, said: "We've been testing attractions for months, and that's just part of the process. And it's not just the testing phase, but every day every attraction gets looked at - not only from a technical or mechanical standpoint, but also from an operational standpoint.
"As far as the processes that we have (are concerned), checklist, everything gets put together to ensure that we're 100 per cent safe. There are times when attractions will have technical difficulties - that's just the nature of theme parks and Universal Studios Singapore won't be an exception on that."
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Singapore International Film Festival
23rd Singapore International Film Festival to take place from April 15-24
The Singapore International Film Festival kicks off next month. The S$500,000 festival will showcase close to 200 films from over all over the world.
It's one of the most anticipated festivals for movie buffs in Singapore. Now in its 23rd year, the Singapore International Film Festival is back with a wide selection of films.
One of the highlights is a film called "Shake Hands With the Devil", a sad tale about the struggles in Rwanda seen through the eyes of a U.N peacekeeper.
Meanwhile Park Jin Pyo's latest effort, Closer To Heaven will also be showcased.
And setting the tone for the festival is the film, "Mao's Last Dancer". It's about a dancer from China who defects to the US and eventually becomes a principal dancer for the Houston Ballet. It stars one of Asia's most established actresses, Joan Chen.
This year's festival includes special segments on Dance, Women in Film as well as cutting edge flicks from New York.
Kirpal Singh, festival director, Singapore International Film Festival, said: "We are showing films that have very broad appeal and will reach out to both the general viewership as well as the niche film going public.”
When it comes to censorship, organisers said they have had meetings with the authorities and have been pro-actively persuading them to give more leeway.
Majority of the films have been passed while some are still in consideration.
Geoff Malone, chairman & founder, SIFF, said: "We don't show films if they want cuts for it but I don't think we've got anything hugely controversial. Of course with the Board of Film Censors, the whole thing has opened up a lot more these days, it certainly got a lot better than when we first started the festival. Singapore's come a long way."
Festival Director Kirpal Singh added: "We've had meetings with people in the MDA. We have also been very pro active in trying to persuade them that it is time that the Singapore Film Festival became like every other big international film festival.
“This means that films that have to go through the usual process of censorship are actually submitted for viewing but are given more leeway in their screening so that Singaporeans can also proudly walk anywhere in New York or Paris or London and say that these days even the Singapore Film Festival is liberal and shows films now that weren’t allowed five years ago.”
And it's not long before the festival kicks off from April 15 to 24.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
The Singapore International Film Festival kicks off next month. The S$500,000 festival will showcase close to 200 films from over all over the world.
It's one of the most anticipated festivals for movie buffs in Singapore. Now in its 23rd year, the Singapore International Film Festival is back with a wide selection of films.
One of the highlights is a film called "Shake Hands With the Devil", a sad tale about the struggles in Rwanda seen through the eyes of a U.N peacekeeper.
Meanwhile Park Jin Pyo's latest effort, Closer To Heaven will also be showcased.
And setting the tone for the festival is the film, "Mao's Last Dancer". It's about a dancer from China who defects to the US and eventually becomes a principal dancer for the Houston Ballet. It stars one of Asia's most established actresses, Joan Chen.
This year's festival includes special segments on Dance, Women in Film as well as cutting edge flicks from New York.
Kirpal Singh, festival director, Singapore International Film Festival, said: "We are showing films that have very broad appeal and will reach out to both the general viewership as well as the niche film going public.”
When it comes to censorship, organisers said they have had meetings with the authorities and have been pro-actively persuading them to give more leeway.
Majority of the films have been passed while some are still in consideration.
Geoff Malone, chairman & founder, SIFF, said: "We don't show films if they want cuts for it but I don't think we've got anything hugely controversial. Of course with the Board of Film Censors, the whole thing has opened up a lot more these days, it certainly got a lot better than when we first started the festival. Singapore's come a long way."
Festival Director Kirpal Singh added: "We've had meetings with people in the MDA. We have also been very pro active in trying to persuade them that it is time that the Singapore Film Festival became like every other big international film festival.
“This means that films that have to go through the usual process of censorship are actually submitted for viewing but are given more leeway in their screening so that Singaporeans can also proudly walk anywhere in New York or Paris or London and say that these days even the Singapore Film Festival is liberal and shows films now that weren’t allowed five years ago.”
And it's not long before the festival kicks off from April 15 to 24.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
SilkAir to fly Bangalore & Chennai
SilkAir to start new services to Bangalore & Chennai in India
SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines (SIA), will soon add two more cities in India to its route network.
Subject to regulatory approvals, SilkAir will offer daily flights between Singapore and Bangalore, the capital city of the state of Karnataka, from May 17.
It will also offer daily flights between Singapore and Chennai, the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu, from June 14.
The flights will be operated by SilkAir's Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft.
The introduction of these new services will complement Singapore Airlines' existing daily flights to both cities.
The third most populous city in India, Bangalore is known as the 'Silicon Valley of India' and is home to numerous software companies.
Chennai, formerly known as Madras, has a diverse economic base anchored by the automobile, technology, hardware manufacturing and healthcare industries.
SilkAir said the two cities' buoyant economic growth offers favourable prospects for business traffic and commercial cargo on its services.
It also has great potential for attracting tourism and leisure traffic with its many sights including World Heritage sites and historical and cultural attractions.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines (SIA), will soon add two more cities in India to its route network.
Subject to regulatory approvals, SilkAir will offer daily flights between Singapore and Bangalore, the capital city of the state of Karnataka, from May 17.
It will also offer daily flights between Singapore and Chennai, the capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu, from June 14.
The flights will be operated by SilkAir's Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft.
The introduction of these new services will complement Singapore Airlines' existing daily flights to both cities.
The third most populous city in India, Bangalore is known as the 'Silicon Valley of India' and is home to numerous software companies.
Chennai, formerly known as Madras, has a diverse economic base anchored by the automobile, technology, hardware manufacturing and healthcare industries.
SilkAir said the two cities' buoyant economic growth offers favourable prospects for business traffic and commercial cargo on its services.
It also has great potential for attracting tourism and leisure traffic with its many sights including World Heritage sites and historical and cultural attractions.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Disabled get free entry to Night Safari
A group of about 10 elderly and disabled persons were the VIPs at the Night Safari on Monday evening.
They enjoyed free admission with their Developmental Disability Registry card.
Besides serving as a form of identification, the card entitles them to exclusive offers by partners of the National Council of Social Service.
In the council's latest collaboration with Wildlife Reserves Singapore, members can visit the Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo all year round for free.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
They enjoyed free admission with their Developmental Disability Registry card.
Besides serving as a form of identification, the card entitles them to exclusive offers by partners of the National Council of Social Service.
In the council's latest collaboration with Wildlife Reserves Singapore, members can visit the Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo all year round for free.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Monday 15 March 2010
Open House for new CCL stations
Open House for new Circle Line stations on April 4
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is giving the public a sneak peek of the new Circle Line (CCL) stations from Dhoby Ghaut to Bartley on Sunday, April 4.
This is about two weeks before the MRT line opens for passenger service on April 17.
The CCL Discovery starts at 11.30am and ends at 6pm.
The CCL from Dhoby Ghaut to Bartley is 11-kilometre long, comprising 11 stations - Dhoby Ghaut, Bras Basah, Esplanade, Promenade, Nicoll Highway, Stadium, Mountbatten, Dakota, Paya Lebar, MacPherson and Tai Seng.
Members of the public can hop on the train at any of the 10 stations from Bras Basah to Tai Seng.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is giving the public a sneak peek of the new Circle Line (CCL) stations from Dhoby Ghaut to Bartley on Sunday, April 4.
This is about two weeks before the MRT line opens for passenger service on April 17.
The CCL Discovery starts at 11.30am and ends at 6pm.
The CCL from Dhoby Ghaut to Bartley is 11-kilometre long, comprising 11 stations - Dhoby Ghaut, Bras Basah, Esplanade, Promenade, Nicoll Highway, Stadium, Mountbatten, Dakota, Paya Lebar, MacPherson and Tai Seng.
Members of the public can hop on the train at any of the 10 stations from Bras Basah to Tai Seng.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Police reminder
Police remind visitors to Universal Studios to be vigilant
Police have issued a reminder to visitors of Universal Studios Singapore to be vigilant against criminals who might seize the opportunity to commit crimes.
The theme park at Resorts World Sentosa will open its doors to the public on Thursday.
Visitors are also advised to be considerate towards others and refrain from actions that may compromise safety.
Members of the public can call Police at '999' immediately should they require police assistance or spot any suspicious-looking persons or items.
Alternatively, they can approach police officers who are deployed on the ground or lodge a report at the nearest Police station.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Police have issued a reminder to visitors of Universal Studios Singapore to be vigilant against criminals who might seize the opportunity to commit crimes.
The theme park at Resorts World Sentosa will open its doors to the public on Thursday.
Visitors are also advised to be considerate towards others and refrain from actions that may compromise safety.
Members of the public can call Police at '999' immediately should they require police assistance or spot any suspicious-looking persons or items.
Alternatively, they can approach police officers who are deployed on the ground or lodge a report at the nearest Police station.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Sunday 14 March 2010
Hotels in Sentosa renovate
Hotels in Sentosa renovate, restructure to reap benefits from IR opening
Hotels in Sentosa are riding on the latest wave to hit the island - the opening of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).
Some have even closed down for renovations to ride on the expected increase in visitors.
Rasa Sentosa Resort has been on the island for 17 years, and had been renovated only once. It is time for a major makeover to prepare for the increased business that is likely to be generated from the buzz of the integrated resort.
After RWS opened, Rasa Sentosa saw occupancy rates rise by 10 per cent. The hotelier feels it is worth spending almost 10 months on renovations.
Ben Bousnina, general manager, Rasa Sentosa Resort said: "I think it is a good time to close now. I don't think we are really missing the boat. Business, I think, will be flowing.
"The integrated resort is not seen as competition. I think it is an added value to the island and to Singapore."
Another hotel company is also cashing in on the excitement from the integrated resort. Millennium & Copthorne International will open its sixth local branch on Sentosa this year.
Ng Chee Theam, regional CEO, Millennium & Copthorne International said: "Overall the casino has increased the occupancy percentage of hotels in Singapore - average rate has increased. And also, we saw an increase in length of stay for all the guests in Singapore."
The group is working with Universal Studios to offer holiday packages for families.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Hotels in Sentosa are riding on the latest wave to hit the island - the opening of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS).
Some have even closed down for renovations to ride on the expected increase in visitors.
Rasa Sentosa Resort has been on the island for 17 years, and had been renovated only once. It is time for a major makeover to prepare for the increased business that is likely to be generated from the buzz of the integrated resort.
After RWS opened, Rasa Sentosa saw occupancy rates rise by 10 per cent. The hotelier feels it is worth spending almost 10 months on renovations.
Ben Bousnina, general manager, Rasa Sentosa Resort said: "I think it is a good time to close now. I don't think we are really missing the boat. Business, I think, will be flowing.
"The integrated resort is not seen as competition. I think it is an added value to the island and to Singapore."
Another hotel company is also cashing in on the excitement from the integrated resort. Millennium & Copthorne International will open its sixth local branch on Sentosa this year.
Ng Chee Theam, regional CEO, Millennium & Copthorne International said: "Overall the casino has increased the occupancy percentage of hotels in Singapore - average rate has increased. And also, we saw an increase in length of stay for all the guests in Singapore."
The group is working with Universal Studios to offer holiday packages for families.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Saturday 13 March 2010
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt
Bring your children to see real mummies and 4,000-year-old artefacts from ancient Egypt at Singapore National Museum on March 17 from 9.30am to 6pm. Children will be introduced to the world of ancient Egypt and learn the mummification process. They will also get to decode ancient Egyptian words and solve Egyptian mathematical puzzles. Open to children aged between nine and 13 years. Closing date is March 14.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Bring your children to see real mummies and 4,000-year-old artefacts from ancient Egypt at Singapore National Museum on March 17 from 9.30am to 6pm. Children will be introduced to the world of ancient Egypt and learn the mummification process. They will also get to decode ancient Egyptian words and solve Egyptian mathematical puzzles. Open to children aged between nine and 13 years. Closing date is March 14.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Wednesday 10 March 2010
Universal Studios's ticketing website
Universal Studios Singapore's ticketing website overwhelmed with bookings
Tickets for Universal Studios Singapore theme park went on sale at 9am Wednesday morning, but some people were left frustrated when they tried to book tickets online and on the phone as they were unable to get through due to overwhelming demand.
Some resorted to going down to the box office at Resorts World Sentosa to get their tickets.
MediaCorp could not make an online booking when it tried to do so at 4.00pm. The hotline was also busy.
Resorts World Sentosa spokesperson, Robin Goh, said the difficulties were caused by overwhelming demand on the system.
He said the system was tested before going "live", but Wednesday's response was "unforeseen".
Mr Goh said steps are being taken to rectify the problem. "We have actually increased the number of hotline stations. It's just that at any one time, we can easily get thousands of calls trying to call in to book tickets. So that's a little bit of a stretch for us."
"But what is happening is that we have increased manpower and the number of hotline stations, in the hope that this will alleviate the situation," he said.
Mr Goh said another channel for bookings has been created. Those unable to buy tickets online or get through the hotline can send a purchase request via email.
They can expect a response within 48 hours.
The theme park is slated to open on March 18.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Tickets for Universal Studios Singapore theme park went on sale at 9am Wednesday morning, but some people were left frustrated when they tried to book tickets online and on the phone as they were unable to get through due to overwhelming demand.
Some resorted to going down to the box office at Resorts World Sentosa to get their tickets.
MediaCorp could not make an online booking when it tried to do so at 4.00pm. The hotline was also busy.
Resorts World Sentosa spokesperson, Robin Goh, said the difficulties were caused by overwhelming demand on the system.
He said the system was tested before going "live", but Wednesday's response was "unforeseen".
Mr Goh said steps are being taken to rectify the problem. "We have actually increased the number of hotline stations. It's just that at any one time, we can easily get thousands of calls trying to call in to book tickets. So that's a little bit of a stretch for us."
"But what is happening is that we have increased manpower and the number of hotline stations, in the hope that this will alleviate the situation," he said.
Mr Goh said another channel for bookings has been created. Those unable to buy tickets online or get through the hotline can send a purchase request via email.
They can expect a response within 48 hours.
The theme park is slated to open on March 18.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Sentosa Luge & Skyride upgrade
Sentosa's Luge & Skyride set to provide more thrills with second track
A popular attraction on Sentosa - the Luge & Skyride - is set become an even bigger draw.
It now has a second track that promises to double the fun for those who enjoy the thrill of charging downhill.
The track at Imbiah Lookout, which is dubbed the Dragon Trail, is designed to give a mystical backdrop to the ride.
Built at a cost of $2 million, it has an elevated course, tighter corners and numerous turns.
Together with the original track, visitors can enjoy over one kilometre of downhill thrill.
And there are more plans for Sentosa.
Suzanne Ho, Deputy Director of Corporate Planning Division at Sentosa Leisure Group, said: "We are developing the scene at night to make it more exciting for our guests and to give them more choice in terms of what they want to enjoy and how much time they want to spend here on the island."
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
A popular attraction on Sentosa - the Luge & Skyride - is set become an even bigger draw.
It now has a second track that promises to double the fun for those who enjoy the thrill of charging downhill.
The track at Imbiah Lookout, which is dubbed the Dragon Trail, is designed to give a mystical backdrop to the ride.
Built at a cost of $2 million, it has an elevated course, tighter corners and numerous turns.
Together with the original track, visitors can enjoy over one kilometre of downhill thrill.
And there are more plans for Sentosa.
Suzanne Ho, Deputy Director of Corporate Planning Division at Sentosa Leisure Group, said: "We are developing the scene at night to make it more exciting for our guests and to give them more choice in terms of what they want to enjoy and how much time they want to spend here on the island."
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Saturday 6 March 2010
Forecasts 20-30% jump in arrivals
STB forecasts 20-30% jump in visitor arrivals this year
Singapore could be seeing a jump of as much as 30 per cent in visitor arrivals this year.
In about two weeks, Universal Studios Singapore will open its doors to the public, which will add to the buzz surrounding the opening of Singapore's first integrated resort at Sentosa. And with Marina Bay Sands due to open in April, Singapore officials are optimistic about their outlook for the year.
According to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), visitor arrivals could hit between 11.5 million and 12.5 million this year - up by as much as 30 per cent from 2009. This will translate into tourism receipts of S$17.5-18.5 billion.
This compares to 9.7 million visitors in 2009, bringing in S$12.4 billion in revenues.
The forecasts appear to be at the low end by industry estimates, but officials are keeping cautious.
Aw Kah Peng, chief executive, Singapore Tourism Board said: "We hope industry leaders are very right because we would love for these numbers to be exceeded in every way.
"Yes, there is still a bit of uncertainty given the global situation, particularly as governments unwind assistance measures in the second half of this year. We will track this very closely and look at whether we need to revise our forecast."
STB is making an aggressive push to attract more tourists. It has launched a new brand strategy and interactive website to make it easier for visitors to book hotels, flights and tours and plan their trips to Singapore. An advertising campaign will begin on Saturday across key markets.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Singapore could be seeing a jump of as much as 30 per cent in visitor arrivals this year.
In about two weeks, Universal Studios Singapore will open its doors to the public, which will add to the buzz surrounding the opening of Singapore's first integrated resort at Sentosa. And with Marina Bay Sands due to open in April, Singapore officials are optimistic about their outlook for the year.
According to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), visitor arrivals could hit between 11.5 million and 12.5 million this year - up by as much as 30 per cent from 2009. This will translate into tourism receipts of S$17.5-18.5 billion.
This compares to 9.7 million visitors in 2009, bringing in S$12.4 billion in revenues.
The forecasts appear to be at the low end by industry estimates, but officials are keeping cautious.
Aw Kah Peng, chief executive, Singapore Tourism Board said: "We hope industry leaders are very right because we would love for these numbers to be exceeded in every way.
"Yes, there is still a bit of uncertainty given the global situation, particularly as governments unwind assistance measures in the second half of this year. We will track this very closely and look at whether we need to revise our forecast."
STB is making an aggressive push to attract more tourists. It has launched a new brand strategy and interactive website to make it easier for visitors to book hotels, flights and tours and plan their trips to Singapore. An advertising campaign will begin on Saturday across key markets.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Friday 5 March 2010
Sentosa Theme Park opens Mar 18
Sentosa Theme Park opens March 18
Resorts World Sentosa will open the gates of the Universal Studios Singapore theme park on March 18 at 8.28am.
Ticket sales for the soft opening phase will begin at 9 am on March 10 and on March 13, the park's first guests will be team members of Resorts World Sentosa, who will be the first to enjoy Universal Studios Singapore with their families.
As it's still during the theme park's preview phase, there will be limited tickets and certain attractions may be temporarily unavailable as Universal Studios Singapore continues its technical and creative adjustments.
A news release from Resorts World Sentosa said ticket prices will therefore be partially rebated by shopping and dining vouchers valid for use at Universal Studios Singapore.
Mr Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts, said: "We are thrilled to be taking the next step toward a grand opening, and we are excited that, at Universal Studios Singapore, guests from throughout the region will get to experience the excitement and adventure our parks are so well known for around the world."
Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Executive Chairman of Resorts World Sentosa, added, "we are excited to be gearing up to take our first guests on the rides, which are naturally the highlight of the park. This is the region's only Universal Studios theme park, and it will be a tourism crown jewel for not just Singapore, but Asia as a whole."
Tickets for the preview phase must be purchased online at www.rwsentosa.com, or via phone bookings at +65 6577 8899.
Tickets can also be purchased for future dates only at the ticket booths from 9am to 6pm daily at Universal Studios Singapore.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Resorts World Sentosa will open the gates of the Universal Studios Singapore theme park on March 18 at 8.28am.
Ticket sales for the soft opening phase will begin at 9 am on March 10 and on March 13, the park's first guests will be team members of Resorts World Sentosa, who will be the first to enjoy Universal Studios Singapore with their families.
As it's still during the theme park's preview phase, there will be limited tickets and certain attractions may be temporarily unavailable as Universal Studios Singapore continues its technical and creative adjustments.
A news release from Resorts World Sentosa said ticket prices will therefore be partially rebated by shopping and dining vouchers valid for use at Universal Studios Singapore.
Mr Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO, Universal Parks & Resorts, said: "We are thrilled to be taking the next step toward a grand opening, and we are excited that, at Universal Studios Singapore, guests from throughout the region will get to experience the excitement and adventure our parks are so well known for around the world."
Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Executive Chairman of Resorts World Sentosa, added, "we are excited to be gearing up to take our first guests on the rides, which are naturally the highlight of the park. This is the region's only Universal Studios theme park, and it will be a tourism crown jewel for not just Singapore, but Asia as a whole."
Tickets for the preview phase must be purchased online at www.rwsentosa.com, or via phone bookings at +65 6577 8899.
Tickets can also be purchased for future dates only at the ticket booths from 9am to 6pm daily at Universal Studios Singapore.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Thursday 4 March 2010
Another cheating at casino
Another charged with cheating at casino
A second person has been hauled to court in successive weeks for cheating at the casino.
Assistant accountant Alice Lau Qian Xiu was charged on Wednesday with trying to claim S$630 from Resorts World Sentosa's casino cashiers by using a "cashout ticket" - issued when punters wish to stop at the electronic jackpots - belonging to another gambler on February 16.
Lau is out on S$5,000 bail and will be back in court on March 31. If convicted, she faces up to two years in jail and/or a fine of up to S$10,000.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
A second person has been hauled to court in successive weeks for cheating at the casino.
Assistant accountant Alice Lau Qian Xiu was charged on Wednesday with trying to claim S$630 from Resorts World Sentosa's casino cashiers by using a "cashout ticket" - issued when punters wish to stop at the electronic jackpots - belonging to another gambler on February 16.
Lau is out on S$5,000 bail and will be back in court on March 31. If convicted, she faces up to two years in jail and/or a fine of up to S$10,000.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
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