East Coast and Changi beaches oil-free
THE East Coast and Changi beaches, and the sea off these beaches, are free of oil slicks, the authorities said yesterday.
And 98 per cent of the cleaning work at Chek Jawa, the nature area on Pulau Ubin, has been finished, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said.
It said: "Only small patches of oil film are visible on the water surface. Cleaning work is still continuing."
Some 2,500 tonnes of crude oil were spilt into the sea after an oil tanker and a bulk carrier collided off Singapore's south-eastern coast last Tuesday.
Patches of oil with debris sighted yesterday in the sea off SAF Yacht Club and Changi Naval Base were cleaned up, said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore yesterday.
It will continue monitoring Singapore waters, as "the possibility of small isolated patches of oil with debris surfacing remains", it said.
Work is still under way to clear bags of oil-stained sand removed from both beaches, NEA said yesterday.
It has taken 60.4 tonnes of contaminated sand to the Semakau Offshore Landfill.
-News courtesy of Omy-
Monday 31 May 2010
Marina Barrage welcomes its one millionth visitor
Marina Barrage welcomes its one millionth visitor
Marina Barrage welcomed its one millionth visitor on Sunday, less than two years after its opening.
It is Mr Charlie Lee's first visit to the Marina Barrage and he did not expect to be the one millionth visitor.
Mr Lee and his family were given a special welcome by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Environment and Water Resources, Amy Khor, and PUB mascot Water Wally.
PUB, the national water agency, says that since the barrage was opened, it has grown into a popular destination for people from all walks of life.
About 50 percent of the visitors are from schools, 45 percent are members of the public, with foreigners making up the rest.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Marina Barrage welcomed its one millionth visitor on Sunday, less than two years after its opening.
It is Mr Charlie Lee's first visit to the Marina Barrage and he did not expect to be the one millionth visitor.
Mr Lee and his family were given a special welcome by Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Environment and Water Resources, Amy Khor, and PUB mascot Water Wally.
PUB, the national water agency, says that since the barrage was opened, it has grown into a popular destination for people from all walks of life.
About 50 percent of the visitors are from schools, 45 percent are members of the public, with foreigners making up the rest.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
GSS 2010
GSS 2010 features more malls, more late nights, better deals
The Great Singapore Sale (GSS) is back and retailers say business is as good, if not better than previous ones, even with more malls opening along Orchard Road.
Rather than bringing in competition, the new malls are attracting more shoppers with their improved variety.
Retailers say extending opening hours is one way to attract more shoppers.
One shopper said many people only have time to shop after work, and extending opening hours would give them more time to do so.
313@Somerset is participating in the GSS for the first time.
Besides opening till 11pm, it is also giving out shopping vouchers to those who spend a minimum amount on two specific Fridays.
Over at Wisma Atria, those shopping after 9pm are pampered with massages and manicures, so long as they spend a minimum amount.
Jaclyn Ng, general manager of YTL Pacific Star Property Management, said: "We will consider to extend this Late Night Shopping during this GSS period, but of course we will need the tenants' support to do it, and this will also be carried out during the Christmas festive season."
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
The Great Singapore Sale (GSS) is back and retailers say business is as good, if not better than previous ones, even with more malls opening along Orchard Road.
Rather than bringing in competition, the new malls are attracting more shoppers with their improved variety.
Retailers say extending opening hours is one way to attract more shoppers.
One shopper said many people only have time to shop after work, and extending opening hours would give them more time to do so.
313@Somerset is participating in the GSS for the first time.
Besides opening till 11pm, it is also giving out shopping vouchers to those who spend a minimum amount on two specific Fridays.
Over at Wisma Atria, those shopping after 9pm are pampered with massages and manicures, so long as they spend a minimum amount.
Jaclyn Ng, general manager of YTL Pacific Star Property Management, said: "We will consider to extend this Late Night Shopping during this GSS period, but of course we will need the tenants' support to do it, and this will also be carried out during the Christmas festive season."
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Saturday 29 May 2010
Oil spill spreads to Chek Jawa & Changi Beach
Oil spill spreads to Chek Jawa & Changi Beach
The oil spill caused by the collision of two vessels at sea on Tuesday has spread to Chek Jawa, a wetland off Changi Point.
Oil patches have also been spotted along a 700-metre stretch of Changi Beach between car parks 6 and 7.
Clean up operations are still underway at East Coast Park, amid concerns on the damage on coastal wildlife.
The sand at Changi Beach was coated with oil as cleanup operations continue for a fourth day.
Singapore's Chek Jawa, which is popular with nature lovers, has also been hit.
As of Friday afternoon, oil patches were spotted along a 150-metre stretch of its coastal boardwalk.
The mudflat on Pulau Ubin boasts of several different ecosystems, as well as plants and animals that are no longer common in Singapore.
Contractors and officers have been sent to Chek Jawa, as well as Changi Beach to clear the affected sand and remove the oil.
Environmental groups are concerned that the oil slick will hurt Singapore's precious coastal wildlife.
Some of the oil has made its way to the shoreline, coating the sand and the rocks.
Since Thursday, animal protection group ACRES (Animal Concerns Research And Education Society) has been hard at work - rescuing animals and releasing them back into the wild.
ACRES said it found 20 dead crabs on Thursday. It managed to rescue another three, which were cleaned and released back into the wild at Sembawang Park.
Louis Ng, executive director of ACRES said: "We've seen a lot of dead animals, especially the inter-tidal species. Those are the animals that live on the shoreline. They really have nowhere else to run to. So we're trying to rescue these animals and release them at another site.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
The oil spill caused by the collision of two vessels at sea on Tuesday has spread to Chek Jawa, a wetland off Changi Point.
Oil patches have also been spotted along a 700-metre stretch of Changi Beach between car parks 6 and 7.
Clean up operations are still underway at East Coast Park, amid concerns on the damage on coastal wildlife.
The sand at Changi Beach was coated with oil as cleanup operations continue for a fourth day.
Singapore's Chek Jawa, which is popular with nature lovers, has also been hit.
As of Friday afternoon, oil patches were spotted along a 150-metre stretch of its coastal boardwalk.
The mudflat on Pulau Ubin boasts of several different ecosystems, as well as plants and animals that are no longer common in Singapore.
Contractors and officers have been sent to Chek Jawa, as well as Changi Beach to clear the affected sand and remove the oil.
Environmental groups are concerned that the oil slick will hurt Singapore's precious coastal wildlife.
Some of the oil has made its way to the shoreline, coating the sand and the rocks.
Since Thursday, animal protection group ACRES (Animal Concerns Research And Education Society) has been hard at work - rescuing animals and releasing them back into the wild.
ACRES said it found 20 dead crabs on Thursday. It managed to rescue another three, which were cleaned and released back into the wild at Sembawang Park.
Louis Ng, executive director of ACRES said: "We've seen a lot of dead animals, especially the inter-tidal species. Those are the animals that live on the shoreline. They really have nowhere else to run to. So we're trying to rescue these animals and release them at another site.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Great Singapore Sale kicks off
Great Singapore Sale kicks off
It is the first day of the Great Singapore Sale (GSS), the start of two months when shopholics and bargain hunters descend on the shopping belt.
And it is not just confined to people in Singapore. Tourists and visitors are expected to join the shopping frenzy.
The first day of GSS coincided with Vesak Day, a public holiday. The crowds at Orchard Road looked like the ones on any weekend.
When asked if they knew that Friday was the first day of the GSS, one shopper said: "Oh, I didn't know that. I don't really notice any difference. Just look like normal."
When asked if they were in town because of the Great Singapore Sale, one member of the public said: "No. I'm here to watch a movie."
While some were clueless that Friday was the first day of the GSS, others such as some tourists planned their trip to Singapore to coincide with the event as early as six months ago.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
It is the first day of the Great Singapore Sale (GSS), the start of two months when shopholics and bargain hunters descend on the shopping belt.
And it is not just confined to people in Singapore. Tourists and visitors are expected to join the shopping frenzy.
The first day of GSS coincided with Vesak Day, a public holiday. The crowds at Orchard Road looked like the ones on any weekend.
When asked if they knew that Friday was the first day of the GSS, one shopper said: "Oh, I didn't know that. I don't really notice any difference. Just look like normal."
When asked if they were in town because of the Great Singapore Sale, one member of the public said: "No. I'm here to watch a movie."
While some were clueless that Friday was the first day of the GSS, others such as some tourists planned their trip to Singapore to coincide with the event as early as six months ago.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Friday 28 May 2010
Singapore Food Expo
Singapore Food ExpoVenue : Singapore Expo Hall 5
Date : 28th May - 1st June 2010
Time: 1100hrs - 2200hrs
Thursday 27 May 2010
Beaches closed after oil spill
S'pore closes popular beaches after oil spill
Public beaches stained by an oil slick from a tanker damaged in a collision off Singapore have been closed ahead of the island's summer school holidays, officials said Thursday.
A chocolate-like film covered a stretch of water along the popular East Coast Park after crude from Tuesday's collision slipped out of a floating cordon at sea.
Officials maintained that most of the spill was still far from the shores of the city-state, which has one of the world's busiest ports and expects 11.5 million to 12.5 million tourists this year, more than double its population.
"The main oil slick is largely contained out at sea," a spokeswoman for the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) told AFP.
A National Environment Agency (NEA) advisory said "the extent of the impact is currently minimal, but will require some clean up over the next few days."
The NEA estimated that some 7.2 kilometres (4.5 miles) of beach and rock bunds along the east coast, as well as a canal, had been affected by the slick after wind and tide conditions made containment at sea difficult.
The Malaysian-registered tanker MT Bunga Kelana 3 was carrying nearly 62,000 tonnes of crude when it collided Tuesday with the MV Waily, a bulk carrier registered in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
About 2,500 tonnes of crude leaked from a gash on the double-hulled tanker's port side, officials said. Such tankers are designed to limit spillage in case of a rupture.
Emergency crews are using biodegradable dispersants and absorbent material to soak up the oil, while 3.3km of booms surround the main oil slick in a busy shipping lane straddling Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Signs have been put up to advise the public to stay away from the affected beaches until the cleaning is complete.
The month-long school summer holiday starts on Friday, a public holiday (Vesak Day).
On long weekends, Singaporeans, expatriates and tourists normally throng the park for swimming, barbecues and other activities.
Singaporean environmentalists were closely monitoring the situation and preparing to take part in the cleanup and animal rescue operations.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Public beaches stained by an oil slick from a tanker damaged in a collision off Singapore have been closed ahead of the island's summer school holidays, officials said Thursday.
A chocolate-like film covered a stretch of water along the popular East Coast Park after crude from Tuesday's collision slipped out of a floating cordon at sea.
Officials maintained that most of the spill was still far from the shores of the city-state, which has one of the world's busiest ports and expects 11.5 million to 12.5 million tourists this year, more than double its population.
"The main oil slick is largely contained out at sea," a spokeswoman for the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) told AFP.
A National Environment Agency (NEA) advisory said "the extent of the impact is currently minimal, but will require some clean up over the next few days."
The NEA estimated that some 7.2 kilometres (4.5 miles) of beach and rock bunds along the east coast, as well as a canal, had been affected by the slick after wind and tide conditions made containment at sea difficult.
The Malaysian-registered tanker MT Bunga Kelana 3 was carrying nearly 62,000 tonnes of crude when it collided Tuesday with the MV Waily, a bulk carrier registered in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
About 2,500 tonnes of crude leaked from a gash on the double-hulled tanker's port side, officials said. Such tankers are designed to limit spillage in case of a rupture.
Emergency crews are using biodegradable dispersants and absorbent material to soak up the oil, while 3.3km of booms surround the main oil slick in a busy shipping lane straddling Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Signs have been put up to advise the public to stay away from the affected beaches until the cleaning is complete.
The month-long school summer holiday starts on Friday, a public holiday (Vesak Day).
On long weekends, Singaporeans, expatriates and tourists normally throng the park for swimming, barbecues and other activities.
Singaporean environmentalists were closely monitoring the situation and preparing to take part in the cleanup and animal rescue operations.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Visitor arrivals up 20.4%
Visitor arrivals up 20.4% to record 938,000 in April
Visitor arrivals to Singapore grew by 20.4 per cent on-year to reach 938,000 in April.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said the figure was the highest ever recorded in the month of April and was the fifth consecutive month of record arrivals.
Fourteen out of the top 15 markets registered positive growth last month, with visitors from Thailand, Malaysia and India posting the highest growth.
STB attributed the growth in visitor arrivals to the continued improvement of the economic climate.
Visitors from Thailand increased by 57.5 per cent, while visitors from Malaysia and India grew 50.8 per cent and 30.8 per cent, respectively.
Singapore's top five visitor-generating markets in April were Indonesia (with 163,000 visitors), China (92,000), Malaysia (77,000), India (73,000) and Australia (70,000).
There were also improvements in hotel room revenue as well as the average occupancy and room rates.
Hotels saw an average 85.0 per cent occupancy rate in April, up 15 per cent from last year.
Hotel room revenue increased 36.5 per cent to an estimated S$158 million last month, while the average room rate also rose 12.2 per cent on-year to reach S$211.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Visitor arrivals to Singapore grew by 20.4 per cent on-year to reach 938,000 in April.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said the figure was the highest ever recorded in the month of April and was the fifth consecutive month of record arrivals.
Fourteen out of the top 15 markets registered positive growth last month, with visitors from Thailand, Malaysia and India posting the highest growth.
STB attributed the growth in visitor arrivals to the continued improvement of the economic climate.
Visitors from Thailand increased by 57.5 per cent, while visitors from Malaysia and India grew 50.8 per cent and 30.8 per cent, respectively.
Singapore's top five visitor-generating markets in April were Indonesia (with 163,000 visitors), China (92,000), Malaysia (77,000), India (73,000) and Australia (70,000).
There were also improvements in hotel room revenue as well as the average occupancy and room rates.
Hotels saw an average 85.0 per cent occupancy rate in April, up 15 per cent from last year.
Hotel room revenue increased 36.5 per cent to an estimated S$158 million last month, while the average room rate also rose 12.2 per cent on-year to reach S$211.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Casino cheat fined S$1,500
Casino cheat fined S$1,500 for cashing credits of another patron
A casino cheat was fined S$1,500 in court Wednesday morning for cashing out credits that did not belong to her from a game machine.
The incident happened in February at the casino at Resorts World Sentosa.
46-year-old Alice Lau was playing the Russian roulette machine beside another male patron, who left without cashing out the credits.
Lau then took the opportunity to cash out the credits worth $S630.
Shortly after, the man, who forgot about his winnings, informed the casino management which then proceeded to trace Lau and stopped her in the casino.
The money was later returned to the man.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
A casino cheat was fined S$1,500 in court Wednesday morning for cashing out credits that did not belong to her from a game machine.
The incident happened in February at the casino at Resorts World Sentosa.
46-year-old Alice Lau was playing the Russian roulette machine beside another male patron, who left without cashing out the credits.
Lau then took the opportunity to cash out the credits worth $S630.
Shortly after, the man, who forgot about his winnings, informed the casino management which then proceeded to trace Lau and stopped her in the casino.
The money was later returned to the man.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Kite Festival is backed
Kite Festival is back for second year with activities from now till Sept
Kite-lovers have more reason to be out flying kites for the next four months.
The NTUC Income Kite Festival Singapore kicked off recently with the Kite Education Programme for Schools.
The half-hour programmes include demonstrations by kite experts from Malaysia and Canada.
The students also learn more about the origins and types of kites and how to build one.
Come August, the Kite Festival Tour and Exhibition will be held in six malls islandwide, including Tampines Mall, IMM and Raffles City, where the public can view kite displays and take part in kite-making workshops.
The following month, the best kites will be flown in public with a series of music, dance and performances.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Kite-lovers have more reason to be out flying kites for the next four months.
The NTUC Income Kite Festival Singapore kicked off recently with the Kite Education Programme for Schools.
The half-hour programmes include demonstrations by kite experts from Malaysia and Canada.
The students also learn more about the origins and types of kites and how to build one.
Come August, the Kite Festival Tour and Exhibition will be held in six malls islandwide, including Tampines Mall, IMM and Raffles City, where the public can view kite displays and take part in kite-making workshops.
The following month, the best kites will be flown in public with a series of music, dance and performances.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Wednesday 26 May 2010
Get around by bicycle
By bicycle
Asked Singaporean about cycling in the city, many will be shocked, surprised and suggested that it is no difference than suicide, but this country is a greenhouse where people have a different definition on "safety". Contrary to popular perception, Singapore is fairly an easy place to use bikes as a substitute for public transportation.
The city is small, its landscape is flat, roads are well connected, air is pretty clean. Extraordinarily well disciplined drivers in Singapore mean that traffic is reasonably safe. In the city with such a low crime rate, there are not much designated bicycle parking places. Local people just lock it casually outside a shop. No surprise to all, there is a growing trend for this green transport.
The city has also seen some efforts to make it more bicycle friendly. You are now officially allowed to take a small folding bike on subway and approved to go cycling through the causeway to/from Singapore on the motorcyclist lane. A sign "Cyclists Ahead" can be seen on several major roads, although many bikers have experienced that some vehicles seem come extraordinarily close to you.
In most cases, police seems to have lesser harsh hands on bikers. Sometimes, local people may ride on pedestrian paths and in opposite directions but roads are as sophisticated as many big city. You have to figure out the legal routes and comply with traffic rules. Don't go by luck for riding on expressways. According to one account, he was stopped by the police 5 minutes after he rided on Bukit Timah Expressway to Malaysia. The police asked, "Did you read our law ah? Did you go to police station to ask approval? Do you know it's dangerous lah? Do you know you're in Singapore? Did you know Singapore is not the same? Do you know I can arrest you? Do you know we just want to protect you?" While the cyclist was finally released without being fined, the police called a towage order on the bike.
The thumb of rule is to ride as if you're driving in school districts. Your behaviour should be caring an gentle. Pedestrians always go first. Don't be rush and never scare anyone.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
Asked Singaporean about cycling in the city, many will be shocked, surprised and suggested that it is no difference than suicide, but this country is a greenhouse where people have a different definition on "safety". Contrary to popular perception, Singapore is fairly an easy place to use bikes as a substitute for public transportation.
The city is small, its landscape is flat, roads are well connected, air is pretty clean. Extraordinarily well disciplined drivers in Singapore mean that traffic is reasonably safe. In the city with such a low crime rate, there are not much designated bicycle parking places. Local people just lock it casually outside a shop. No surprise to all, there is a growing trend for this green transport.
The city has also seen some efforts to make it more bicycle friendly. You are now officially allowed to take a small folding bike on subway and approved to go cycling through the causeway to/from Singapore on the motorcyclist lane. A sign "Cyclists Ahead" can be seen on several major roads, although many bikers have experienced that some vehicles seem come extraordinarily close to you.
In most cases, police seems to have lesser harsh hands on bikers. Sometimes, local people may ride on pedestrian paths and in opposite directions but roads are as sophisticated as many big city. You have to figure out the legal routes and comply with traffic rules. Don't go by luck for riding on expressways. According to one account, he was stopped by the police 5 minutes after he rided on Bukit Timah Expressway to Malaysia. The police asked, "Did you read our law ah? Did you go to police station to ask approval? Do you know it's dangerous lah? Do you know you're in Singapore? Did you know Singapore is not the same? Do you know I can arrest you? Do you know we just want to protect you?" While the cyclist was finally released without being fined, the police called a towage order on the bike.
The thumb of rule is to ride as if you're driving in school districts. Your behaviour should be caring an gentle. Pedestrians always go first. Don't be rush and never scare anyone.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
Getting around on foot
On foot
Singapore is vastly pedestrian-friendly. Sidewalks and pedestrian crossings are in good shape and plentiful, roads are well signposted.
Drivers are usually more cautious and caring than pedestrians. If you still have 10 seconds away from zebras, expect a car will stop and wait for your passing by. By law, any accident between a pedestrian and a vehicle is presumed to be the driver's fault.
Jaywalking is illegal and punished harshly with fines of $300 and up to 3 months in jail, but it's not a jaywalking-free city. If you decide to go jaywalking, go only after local people.
Classic walks in Singapore include walking down the river from the Merlion through the Quays, trekking along the Southern Ridges Walk or just strolling around Chinatown, Little India or Bugis.
An unavoidable downside, though, is the tropical heat and humidity, which leaves many visitors sweaty and exhausted. Evenings can be cooler.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
Singapore is vastly pedestrian-friendly. Sidewalks and pedestrian crossings are in good shape and plentiful, roads are well signposted.
Drivers are usually more cautious and caring than pedestrians. If you still have 10 seconds away from zebras, expect a car will stop and wait for your passing by. By law, any accident between a pedestrian and a vehicle is presumed to be the driver's fault.
Jaywalking is illegal and punished harshly with fines of $300 and up to 3 months in jail, but it's not a jaywalking-free city. If you decide to go jaywalking, go only after local people.
Classic walks in Singapore include walking down the river from the Merlion through the Quays, trekking along the Southern Ridges Walk or just strolling around Chinatown, Little India or Bugis.
An unavoidable downside, though, is the tropical heat and humidity, which leaves many visitors sweaty and exhausted. Evenings can be cooler.
-Info courtesy of Wikitravel-
Tuesday 25 May 2010
Train Station relocating to Woodlands
KTMB station in Tanjong Pagar to relocate to Woodlands by July 2011
Singapore and Malaysia capped a historic day in relations on Monday with agreement on a long outstanding bilateral issue.
After 20 years, both sides have arrived at a solution on the Malayan Railway Land in Singapore.
The leaders of the two countries agreed to move the station at the heart of the city centre in Tanjong Pagar to Woodlands Train checkpoint, near the border by the 1 July 2011.
The smiles said it all - of a retreat that has been fruitful with significant moves.
The centrepiece must surely be the issue of the railway land and lines, spelt out in the Points of Agreement (POA) signed in 1990.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong: "Our focus has been developing our bilateral relationship at a time when we face many challenges in an uncertain and rapidly globalising world.
“There are many competitive alternative centres growing in Asia where we need to work together bilaterally in ASEAN and where we also need to clear issues which have been hanging over us for some time so that we can move forward and develop a win-win relationship.
“It is a matter for rejoicing. It is a good deal. Both sides are happy and this will benefit both sides considerably."
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak said: "A year ago, when we met, we decided that we wouldn't allow outstanding bilateral issues to be in the way of developing and strengthening bilateral ties and move forward in areas where we could achieve common agreement between our two sides.
“With that positive mindset in mind, we have achieved much within a year starting with the officials from both sides who have been working very hard to find a common ground.
“Today is quite historic because we see now the light at the end of the tunnel with respect to an outstanding issue which has been lingering for almost 20 years."
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Singapore and Malaysia capped a historic day in relations on Monday with agreement on a long outstanding bilateral issue.
After 20 years, both sides have arrived at a solution on the Malayan Railway Land in Singapore.
The leaders of the two countries agreed to move the station at the heart of the city centre in Tanjong Pagar to Woodlands Train checkpoint, near the border by the 1 July 2011.
The smiles said it all - of a retreat that has been fruitful with significant moves.
The centrepiece must surely be the issue of the railway land and lines, spelt out in the Points of Agreement (POA) signed in 1990.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong: "Our focus has been developing our bilateral relationship at a time when we face many challenges in an uncertain and rapidly globalising world.
“There are many competitive alternative centres growing in Asia where we need to work together bilaterally in ASEAN and where we also need to clear issues which have been hanging over us for some time so that we can move forward and develop a win-win relationship.
“It is a matter for rejoicing. It is a good deal. Both sides are happy and this will benefit both sides considerably."
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak said: "A year ago, when we met, we decided that we wouldn't allow outstanding bilateral issues to be in the way of developing and strengthening bilateral ties and move forward in areas where we could achieve common agreement between our two sides.
“With that positive mindset in mind, we have achieved much within a year starting with the officials from both sides who have been working very hard to find a common ground.
“Today is quite historic because we see now the light at the end of the tunnel with respect to an outstanding issue which has been lingering for almost 20 years."
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
JB-S'pore Rapid transit link
Propose rapid transit link between JB & S'pore
The Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Singapore have proposed the joint development of a rapid transit link between Tanjung Puteri, Johor Bahru and Singapore to enhance connectivity between the two countries.
A joint statement issued by Mr Lee Hsien Loong and Mr Najib Razak in Singapore on Monday said it will be integrated with public transport services in both Johor Bahru and Singapore.
For the convenience of commuters, the rapid transit system link will have a single co-located CIQ facility in Singapore with the exact location to be determined later.
The proposed rapid transit system link will be operational by 2018.
Thereafter, Malaysia may consider relocating the KTM Station from Woodlands to Johor.
A joint implementation team will further discuss the implementation details.
According to the statement, the team will complete its works by the end of the year.
It added that the outcome reached by the joint implementation team on the matters discussed should be reflected in a written instrument to be signed by both countries upon approval from their respective governments.
Both leaders agreed that the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station Passenger Terminal building would be conserved given its historical significance and would be a centerpiece for the new proposed development on the site.
In addition, the old Bukit Timah Railway Station building at Blackmore Drive can also be conserved.
Both leaders also discussed bilateral co-operation in the joint iconic project in Iskandar Malaysia.
They agreed that Khazanah Nasional and Temasek Holdings will form a 50-50 joint venture company to undertake the development of the iconic wellness township project in Iskandar Malaysia.
The project will involve the participation of private sectors from both countries.
Both leaders said they look forward to the launching of the project within a year.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
The Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Singapore have proposed the joint development of a rapid transit link between Tanjung Puteri, Johor Bahru and Singapore to enhance connectivity between the two countries.
A joint statement issued by Mr Lee Hsien Loong and Mr Najib Razak in Singapore on Monday said it will be integrated with public transport services in both Johor Bahru and Singapore.
For the convenience of commuters, the rapid transit system link will have a single co-located CIQ facility in Singapore with the exact location to be determined later.
The proposed rapid transit system link will be operational by 2018.
Thereafter, Malaysia may consider relocating the KTM Station from Woodlands to Johor.
A joint implementation team will further discuss the implementation details.
According to the statement, the team will complete its works by the end of the year.
It added that the outcome reached by the joint implementation team on the matters discussed should be reflected in a written instrument to be signed by both countries upon approval from their respective governments.
Both leaders agreed that the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station Passenger Terminal building would be conserved given its historical significance and would be a centerpiece for the new proposed development on the site.
In addition, the old Bukit Timah Railway Station building at Blackmore Drive can also be conserved.
Both leaders also discussed bilateral co-operation in the joint iconic project in Iskandar Malaysia.
They agreed that Khazanah Nasional and Temasek Holdings will form a 50-50 joint venture company to undertake the development of the iconic wellness township project in Iskandar Malaysia.
The project will involve the participation of private sectors from both countries.
Both leaders said they look forward to the launching of the project within a year.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
2nd Link toll charges to be cut
Second Link toll charges to be cut significantly
Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to reduce the toll charges for the Second Link to increase the road connectivity between the two countries.
This was announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong after they met for a retreat at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore on Monday.
The toll charges at both sides of the Second Link, connecting Tuas in Singapore and Tanjung Kupang in Johor, would be reduced significantly, both leaders said at a joint press conference after the retreat.
The new toll charges will be announced within a month.
Mr Najib said he and Mr Lee agreed that for the two countries to further enhance their bilateral ties, the road connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore needed to be increased and smoothened.
Both leaders also announced that the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) on Iskandar Malaysia, tasked to increase the connectivity between the two countries, had agreed on several moves.
Among these, the cross-border scheduled bus services will be doubled with the introduction of eight new additional routes (four from each side) between Pasar Bakti and Larkin in Johor and the two integrated resorts, Boon Lay, Yishun, Newton and Changi Airport in Singapore; and
The cross-border taxi services will also be liberalised with taxis being allowed to pick up and drop off passengers from any location on the domestic leg of that journey, instead of only at the designated taxi terminals.
The JMC has also formed a Cross Border Land Checkpoint Committee to facilitate cooperation on operational management and cross-border traffic.
As for the idea of a third link, which was floated when the two Prime Ministers met last year, Mr Najib said it's a long term project.
The immediate priority is to optimise the usage of the Second Link.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to reduce the toll charges for the Second Link to increase the road connectivity between the two countries.
This was announced by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong after they met for a retreat at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore on Monday.
The toll charges at both sides of the Second Link, connecting Tuas in Singapore and Tanjung Kupang in Johor, would be reduced significantly, both leaders said at a joint press conference after the retreat.
The new toll charges will be announced within a month.
Mr Najib said he and Mr Lee agreed that for the two countries to further enhance their bilateral ties, the road connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore needed to be increased and smoothened.
Both leaders also announced that the Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) on Iskandar Malaysia, tasked to increase the connectivity between the two countries, had agreed on several moves.
Among these, the cross-border scheduled bus services will be doubled with the introduction of eight new additional routes (four from each side) between Pasar Bakti and Larkin in Johor and the two integrated resorts, Boon Lay, Yishun, Newton and Changi Airport in Singapore; and
The cross-border taxi services will also be liberalised with taxis being allowed to pick up and drop off passengers from any location on the domestic leg of that journey, instead of only at the designated taxi terminals.
The JMC has also formed a Cross Border Land Checkpoint Committee to facilitate cooperation on operational management and cross-border traffic.
As for the idea of a third link, which was floated when the two Prime Ministers met last year, Mr Najib said it's a long term project.
The immediate priority is to optimise the usage of the Second Link.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Monday 24 May 2010
Phase one of Woodlands Waterfront opens
Phase one of Woodlands Waterfront opens
The northern region of Singapore now has a new leisure destination - Woodlands Waterfront.
And the park's launch on Sunday attracted some 2,500 people.
The park was designed with community-based events in mind.
Phase 1 opened up three hectares of the Woodlands Waterfront. The phased opening was by residents' demand.
"The project was actually planned in close collaboration with... input of the grassroots. Many of the facilities that we have provided were for community purposes," said Ler Seng Ann, group director of Conversation & Development Services with Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
Although only one-third of the park area has been opened, the URA said the main features are already in place.
One is a playground that's not just for children. Youths can also seek thrills at the two-storey Skywalk and crawl through the playground's tree pods.
The waterfront park, which overlooks the Straits of Johor, will also feature a refurbished 400-metre jetty - a reminder that the park used to be occupied by warehouses.
The remaining six hectares of the Woodlands Waterfront will be opened by the end of the year, with features like the Catilevered Promenade, nature area, trails and green spaces.
When fully completed, the Woodlands Waterfront will be linked to the nearby Admiralty Park and the park connector along Woodlands Centre Road and Admiralty West.
The Woodlands Waterfront will also add on to 1.5km of the 150km-Round Island Route, which allows seamless strolling, jogging or cycling around Singapore.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
The northern region of Singapore now has a new leisure destination - Woodlands Waterfront.
And the park's launch on Sunday attracted some 2,500 people.
The park was designed with community-based events in mind.
Phase 1 opened up three hectares of the Woodlands Waterfront. The phased opening was by residents' demand.
"The project was actually planned in close collaboration with... input of the grassroots. Many of the facilities that we have provided were for community purposes," said Ler Seng Ann, group director of Conversation & Development Services with Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
Although only one-third of the park area has been opened, the URA said the main features are already in place.
One is a playground that's not just for children. Youths can also seek thrills at the two-storey Skywalk and crawl through the playground's tree pods.
The waterfront park, which overlooks the Straits of Johor, will also feature a refurbished 400-metre jetty - a reminder that the park used to be occupied by warehouses.
The remaining six hectares of the Woodlands Waterfront will be opened by the end of the year, with features like the Catilevered Promenade, nature area, trails and green spaces.
When fully completed, the Woodlands Waterfront will be linked to the nearby Admiralty Park and the park connector along Woodlands Centre Road and Admiralty West.
The Woodlands Waterfront will also add on to 1.5km of the 150km-Round Island Route, which allows seamless strolling, jogging or cycling around Singapore.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Saturday 22 May 2010
River-themed park River Safari
Attractions of Asia's first river-themed park River Safari unveiled
Singapore will be home to Asia's first river-themed park, River Safari, in less than two years.
It will be the third nature-themed attraction in Mandai - after the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.
Together, they are set to become a "must-see" nature-based destination in Asia.
"With its tropical rainforest setting and rich biodiversity, Mandai area provides a compelling contrast to the largely urban environment of Singapore, with the potential to attract five million visitors a year," said Senior Minister of State, Trade and Industry, S Iswaran.
And Wildlife Reserves Singapore is confident of its strong appeal.
Claire Chiang, Chairperson, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, said: "This therefore provides a platform, for recreation, for edutainment, and for tourism, we are positive that it is going to add value.
River Safari is also touted to be the world's first and only river-themed park. It is expected to attract at least 820,000 visitors annually. The park is expected to be completed by the first half of 2012.
The park will cost some $180 million to build - $40 million more than the previous budget due to rising costs.
For an admission fee of $28 to $30, visitors can enjoy boat rides and soak in the freshwater habitats of famous rivers.
Fanny Lai, Group CEO, Wildlife Reserves Singapore said: "Rivers such as the river Nile, Yangtze River, Mississippi, Amazon [and] even the frozen river of Tundra will be featured in the river safari.
"On top of that, we have two major theme park rides - white water rides where they can see Malayan Tigers, and the Southeast Asia habitat plus the Amazon slow boat ride where they go on a boat to see more than 20 different types of animals from the Amazon River."
The park will feature more than 300 plant species and 500 animal species.
These include creatures like the anaconda, electric eel and a 350kg mekong river catfish.
The animals are being brought in from various institutions through exchange programmes.
River Safari will also be home to the Giant Pandas from China when they arrive by the third quarter of 2011 as part of a joint collaboration with the China Wildlife Conservation Association.
Each panda is expected to consume some 20kg of bamboo. And for this, different species of bamboo, will be planted throughout the enclosure.
When operational, the park will open from 9am to 9pm.
A minute's silence was observed at the groundbreaking ceremony as a mark of respect to the late Dr Goh Keng Swee, the brainchild behind Jurong Bird Park which opened in 1971.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Singapore will be home to Asia's first river-themed park, River Safari, in less than two years.
It will be the third nature-themed attraction in Mandai - after the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.
Together, they are set to become a "must-see" nature-based destination in Asia.
"With its tropical rainforest setting and rich biodiversity, Mandai area provides a compelling contrast to the largely urban environment of Singapore, with the potential to attract five million visitors a year," said Senior Minister of State, Trade and Industry, S Iswaran.
And Wildlife Reserves Singapore is confident of its strong appeal.
Claire Chiang, Chairperson, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, said: "This therefore provides a platform, for recreation, for edutainment, and for tourism, we are positive that it is going to add value.
River Safari is also touted to be the world's first and only river-themed park. It is expected to attract at least 820,000 visitors annually. The park is expected to be completed by the first half of 2012.
The park will cost some $180 million to build - $40 million more than the previous budget due to rising costs.
For an admission fee of $28 to $30, visitors can enjoy boat rides and soak in the freshwater habitats of famous rivers.
Fanny Lai, Group CEO, Wildlife Reserves Singapore said: "Rivers such as the river Nile, Yangtze River, Mississippi, Amazon [and] even the frozen river of Tundra will be featured in the river safari.
"On top of that, we have two major theme park rides - white water rides where they can see Malayan Tigers, and the Southeast Asia habitat plus the Amazon slow boat ride where they go on a boat to see more than 20 different types of animals from the Amazon River."
The park will feature more than 300 plant species and 500 animal species.
These include creatures like the anaconda, electric eel and a 350kg mekong river catfish.
The animals are being brought in from various institutions through exchange programmes.
River Safari will also be home to the Giant Pandas from China when they arrive by the third quarter of 2011 as part of a joint collaboration with the China Wildlife Conservation Association.
Each panda is expected to consume some 20kg of bamboo. And for this, different species of bamboo, will be planted throughout the enclosure.
When operational, the park will open from 9am to 9pm.
A minute's silence was observed at the groundbreaking ceremony as a mark of respect to the late Dr Goh Keng Swee, the brainchild behind Jurong Bird Park which opened in 1971.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Singapore Arts Festival
Singapore Arts Festival showcases 40 musicians from deserts of India
The Singapore Arts Festival is underway, and its gala event was held on Thursday evening at The Esplanade.
Titled "The Manganiyar Seduction", it was a colourful array of dance, song and rhythm.
Among those present were President S.R. Nathan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.
They were treated to a showcase of 40 musicians from the deserts of India, each housed in a cubicle.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
The Singapore Arts Festival is underway, and its gala event was held on Thursday evening at The Esplanade.
Titled "The Manganiyar Seduction", it was a colourful array of dance, song and rhythm.
Among those present were President S.R. Nathan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.
They were treated to a showcase of 40 musicians from the deserts of India, each housed in a cubicle.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Thursday 20 May 2010
Colourful Underwater World
Underwater World Singapore, situated on Sentosa Island of Singapore, is a unique and well-known oceanarium showcasing some 2500 marine life from 250 species from around the regions and is extremely popular with all our visitors for providing fun, leisure and educational experiences. Since our opening in 1991, close to 30 million visitors have been won over by our exhibits. With our aim to provide every visitor with a unique fun filled experience, Underwater World Singapore is actively involved in regular product renewal and program innovation.
At Underwater World Singapore, a 'voyage to the bottom of the sea' begins at the water’s edge, with shallow rock turtle and ray pools. Be greeted next by brightly colored corals and exotic ocean dwellers (including moray eels, sea dragons and jelly fishes) before you embark on a spectacular underwater journey through our 83-metre-long moving travelator with a tunnel housing the majestic rays, fearsome sharks, great shoals of other fishes and a host of other creatures that inhabit the ocean depths. At the end of the underwater tunnel experience, do not miss out on the rare opportunity to exchange some playful glances with our graceful dugong, Gracie. Also look out for the latest themed exhibit in our changing exhibit hall on the first level. The current theme is the "Living Fossils" exhibiting various unique and amazing marine and freshwater creatures, whose ancestors appeared more than a few hundreds of millions years ago!
Underwater World Singapore and Dolphin Lagoon9am to 9pm daily (Last admission at 8.30pm)
Rates include single admission to Underwater World Singapore and Dolphin Lagoon. Adult: S$22.90
Child 3-12 years old: S$14.60
Child below 3 years old: Free
For more information, simply visit the following site!
Sentosa - Dolphin Lagoon
Included in your Underwater World ticket price is a visit to the Dolphin Lagoon. View our adorable pink dolphins up-close! Its all the action closer to you with state-of-the-art panoramic viewing platform and VIP gallery overlooking crystal clear water, at the all-new Dolphin Lagoon!
AdmissionS$22.90 / Adult, $14.60 / Child (Aged 3 - 12 years old)
Includes admission to Underwater World
Time
9am - 9pm daily
With Effect from
1st April 2010:
Meet-the-Dolphins Sessions:
11am, 3.30pm, 5.45pm
Fur Seals LIVE! and Photo-taking
2.30pm, 5pm
Visit the website for more details!
http://www.sentosa.com.sg/explore_sentosa/attractions/dolphin_lagoon.html
Chinese cuisine
Chinese cuisine
Chinese food as eaten in Singapore commonly originates from southern China, particularly Fujian and Guangdong. While "authentic" fare is certainly available, especially in fancier restaurants, the daily fare served in hawker centres has absorbed a number of tropical touches, most notably the fairly heavy use of chilli and the Malay fermented shrimp paste belacan as condiments. Noodles can also be served not just in soup (湯 tang), but also "dry" (干 kan), meaning that your noodles will be served tossed with chilli and spices in one bowl, and the soup will come in a separate bowl.
* Bak chor mee（肉脞麵）is essentially noodles with minced pork, tossed in a chilli-based sauce with lard, ikan bilis (fried anchovies), vegetables and mushrooms. Black vinegar may also be added.
* Bak kut teh (肉骨茶), lit. "pork bone tea", is a simple-sounding soup of pork ribs simmered for hours in broth until they're ready to fall off the bone. Singaporeans prefer the light and peppery Teochew style, but a few shops offer the original dark and aromatic Fujian kind. Bak kut teh is typically eaten with white rice, mui choy (pickled vegetables) and a pot of strong Chinese tea, hence the name — the broth itself doesn't contain any tea. To impress the locals, order some you tiao fritters from a nearby stall and cut them up into bite-sized chunks to dip into your soup.
* Char kway teow (炒粿条) is the quintessential Singapore-style fried noodle dish, consisting of several types of noodles in thick brown sauce with strips of fishcake, Chinese sausage, a token veggie or two and either cockles and shrimp. It's cheap ($2-3/serve), filling and has nothing to do with the dish known as "Singapore fried noodles" elsewhere! (And which actually doesn't exist in Singapore.)
* Chee cheong fun (豬腸粉) is a favorite breakfast consisting of lasagna-type rice noodles rolled up and various types of fried meats including fishballs and fried tofu. The dish is usually topped with a generous amount of sauce.
* Chwee kway （水粿） is a dish consisting of rice cakes topped with chai po (salted fermented turnips), usually served with some chilli sauce.
* Fish ball noodles (魚丸麵) come in many forms, but the type most often seen is mee pok, which consists of flat egg noodles tossed in chilli sauce, with the fishballs floating in a separate bowl of soup on the side.
* Hainanese chicken rice (海南鸡饭) is steamed ("white") or roasted ("red") chicken flavoured with soy sauce and sesame oil served on a bed of fragrant rice that has been cooked in chicken broth and flavoured with ginger and garlic. Often accompanied by chilli sauce made from crushed fresh chillis, ginger, garlic and thick dark soy sauce as well as some cucumber and a small bowl of chicken broth.
* Hokkien mee (福建麵) is a style of soupy fried noodles in light, fragrant stock with prawns and other seafood. Oddly, it bears little resemblance to the Kuala Lumpur dish of the same name, which uses thick noodles in dark soy, or even the Penang version, which is served in very spicy soup.
* Kway chap (粿汁) is essentially sheets made of rice flour served in a brown stock, accompanied by a plate of braised pork and pig organs (tongue, ear and intestines).
* Prawn noodles (虾麵, hei mee in Hokkien) is a prawn-based dark brown soup served with noodles and a giant tiger prawn or two on top. Some stalls will serve it with boiled pork ribs as well.
* Steamboat (火鍋), also known as hot pot, is do-it-yourself soup Chinese style. You get a pot of broth bubbling on a tabletop burner, pick meat, fish and veggies to your liking from a menu or buffet table, then cook it to your liking. When finished, add in noodles or ask for rice to fill you up. This usually requires a minimum of two people, and the more the merrier.
* Wonton mee (雲吞麵) is thin noodles topped with wantan dumplings of seasoned minced pork. Unlike the soupy Hong Kong version, it is usually served dry.
* Yong tau foo (酿豆腐) literally means "fermented tofu", but it's more exciting than it sounds. The diner selects their favorites from a vast assortment of tofu, fish paste, assorted seafood and vegetables, and they are then sliced into bite-size pieces, cooked briefly in boiling water and then served either in broth as soup or "dry" with the broth in a separate bowl. The dish can be eaten by itself or with any choice of noodles. Essential accompaniments are spicy chili sauce and sweet sauce for dipping.
Chinese food as eaten in Singapore commonly originates from southern China, particularly Fujian and Guangdong. While "authentic" fare is certainly available, especially in fancier restaurants, the daily fare served in hawker centres has absorbed a number of tropical touches, most notably the fairly heavy use of chilli and the Malay fermented shrimp paste belacan as condiments. Noodles can also be served not just in soup (湯 tang), but also "dry" (干 kan), meaning that your noodles will be served tossed with chilli and spices in one bowl, and the soup will come in a separate bowl.
* Bak chor mee（肉脞麵）is essentially noodles with minced pork, tossed in a chilli-based sauce with lard, ikan bilis (fried anchovies), vegetables and mushrooms. Black vinegar may also be added.
* Bak kut teh (肉骨茶), lit. "pork bone tea", is a simple-sounding soup of pork ribs simmered for hours in broth until they're ready to fall off the bone. Singaporeans prefer the light and peppery Teochew style, but a few shops offer the original dark and aromatic Fujian kind. Bak kut teh is typically eaten with white rice, mui choy (pickled vegetables) and a pot of strong Chinese tea, hence the name — the broth itself doesn't contain any tea. To impress the locals, order some you tiao fritters from a nearby stall and cut them up into bite-sized chunks to dip into your soup.
* Char kway teow (炒粿条) is the quintessential Singapore-style fried noodle dish, consisting of several types of noodles in thick brown sauce with strips of fishcake, Chinese sausage, a token veggie or two and either cockles and shrimp. It's cheap ($2-3/serve), filling and has nothing to do with the dish known as "Singapore fried noodles" elsewhere! (And which actually doesn't exist in Singapore.)
* Chee cheong fun (豬腸粉) is a favorite breakfast consisting of lasagna-type rice noodles rolled up and various types of fried meats including fishballs and fried tofu. The dish is usually topped with a generous amount of sauce.
* Chwee kway （水粿） is a dish consisting of rice cakes topped with chai po (salted fermented turnips), usually served with some chilli sauce.
* Fish ball noodles (魚丸麵) come in many forms, but the type most often seen is mee pok, which consists of flat egg noodles tossed in chilli sauce, with the fishballs floating in a separate bowl of soup on the side.
* Hainanese chicken rice (海南鸡饭) is steamed ("white") or roasted ("red") chicken flavoured with soy sauce and sesame oil served on a bed of fragrant rice that has been cooked in chicken broth and flavoured with ginger and garlic. Often accompanied by chilli sauce made from crushed fresh chillis, ginger, garlic and thick dark soy sauce as well as some cucumber and a small bowl of chicken broth.
* Hokkien mee (福建麵) is a style of soupy fried noodles in light, fragrant stock with prawns and other seafood. Oddly, it bears little resemblance to the Kuala Lumpur dish of the same name, which uses thick noodles in dark soy, or even the Penang version, which is served in very spicy soup.
* Kway chap (粿汁) is essentially sheets made of rice flour served in a brown stock, accompanied by a plate of braised pork and pig organs (tongue, ear and intestines).
* Prawn noodles (虾麵, hei mee in Hokkien) is a prawn-based dark brown soup served with noodles and a giant tiger prawn or two on top. Some stalls will serve it with boiled pork ribs as well.
* Steamboat (火鍋), also known as hot pot, is do-it-yourself soup Chinese style. You get a pot of broth bubbling on a tabletop burner, pick meat, fish and veggies to your liking from a menu or buffet table, then cook it to your liking. When finished, add in noodles or ask for rice to fill you up. This usually requires a minimum of two people, and the more the merrier.
* Wonton mee (雲吞麵) is thin noodles topped with wantan dumplings of seasoned minced pork. Unlike the soupy Hong Kong version, it is usually served dry.
* Yong tau foo (酿豆腐) literally means "fermented tofu", but it's more exciting than it sounds. The diner selects their favorites from a vast assortment of tofu, fish paste, assorted seafood and vegetables, and they are then sliced into bite-size pieces, cooked briefly in boiling water and then served either in broth as soup or "dry" with the broth in a separate bowl. The dish can be eaten by itself or with any choice of noodles. Essential accompaniments are spicy chili sauce and sweet sauce for dipping.
Wednesday 19 May 2010
Racing
F1 Singapore Grand Prix
The inaugural F1 Singapore Grand Prix was held in September 2008, and will be a fixture on the local calendar until at least 2012. Held on a street circuit in the heart of Singapore and raced at night, all but race fans will probably wish to avoid this time, as hotel prices are through the roof. Tickets start from $150.
The Singapore Turf Club in Kranji hosts horse races most Fridays, including a number of international cups, and is popular with local gamblers. The Singapore Polo Club near Balestier is also open to the public on competition days.
The inaugural F1 Singapore Grand Prix was held in September 2008, and will be a fixture on the local calendar until at least 2012. Held on a street circuit in the heart of Singapore and raced at night, all but race fans will probably wish to avoid this time, as hotel prices are through the roof. Tickets start from $150.
The Singapore Turf Club in Kranji hosts horse races most Fridays, including a number of international cups, and is popular with local gamblers. The Singapore Polo Club near Balestier is also open to the public on competition days.
Casino Gambling
Casino Gambling
Singapore is no Las Vegas or even Macau, but nearly 10 billion dollars were poured into its two sparkling-new casinos and it shows. Marina Bay Sands at Marina Bay is the larger and swankier of the two, while Resorts World Sentosa at Sentosa aims for a more family-friendly experience. While locals and PRs have to pay a steep $100/day or $2000/year, visitors can enter for free. Visit their respective website for details.
http://www.rwsentosa.com/
http://www.marinabaysands.com/
Singapore is no Las Vegas or even Macau, but nearly 10 billion dollars were poured into its two sparkling-new casinos and it shows. Marina Bay Sands at Marina Bay is the larger and swankier of the two, while Resorts World Sentosa at Sentosa aims for a more family-friendly experience. While locals and PRs have to pay a steep $100/day or $2000/year, visitors can enter for free. Visit their respective website for details.
http://www.rwsentosa.com/
http://www.marinabaysands.com/
Zoo preps for China pandas
Singapore Zoo preps for China pandas
Singapore is preparing to welcome two pandas from China in August next year.
On loan for a 10-year period, they will go on display at the River Safari attraction at the Singapore Zoo.
Wildlife Reserves Singapore, which owns the attraction, also intends to start a breeding programme of the endangered species.
Two-year-old Hu Bao is playful and affectionate, while three-year-old Wujie is strong and stable.
They are the two panda cubs that will be making Singapore home next year.
Currently staying at Bifengxia Panda Base, zoo keepers are preparing them for their move.
"They are very healthy and in excellent condition. Both are lively and vigorous. Our main goal now is to ensure they grow healthier. This is a critical period for their growth and development as they are in their adolescence," said Le De Sheng, deputy director of the National Nature Reserve Wuolong in Sichuan Province.
They are still on a diet of milk, steamed bread roll and bamboo, but will eventually be weaned off milk.
Pandas are notoriously known to be fussy eaters - there are about 40 different types of bamboo for them to choose from.
And the pair appear to have acquired a taste for Singapore cuisine.
"Singapore has sent some sample bamboo to us. The pandas had a 'food-tasting' and accepted the bamboos," said Huang Shan, a zoo keeper at Bifengxia Panda Base.
The Singapore Zoo will be planting an 8,000-square metre of bamboo plantation just for the pandas.
Besides diet, pandas are also sensitive to climate and environment.
"Singapore is hotter than Sichuan, so our main task now is helping them adapt. The best solution is for Singapore to make adjustments. Giant pandas live in temperatures lower than 25 degrees Celsius," said Huang.
With that in mind, Wildlife Reserves Singapore is building a climate-controlled enclosure that will closely simulate the panda's natural habitat.
It is also planning to start a breeding programme of the endangered species.
And Chinese zoo keepers are confident the pandas will mate, although they have yet to meet.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Singapore is preparing to welcome two pandas from China in August next year.
On loan for a 10-year period, they will go on display at the River Safari attraction at the Singapore Zoo.
Wildlife Reserves Singapore, which owns the attraction, also intends to start a breeding programme of the endangered species.
Two-year-old Hu Bao is playful and affectionate, while three-year-old Wujie is strong and stable.
They are the two panda cubs that will be making Singapore home next year.
Currently staying at Bifengxia Panda Base, zoo keepers are preparing them for their move.
"They are very healthy and in excellent condition. Both are lively and vigorous. Our main goal now is to ensure they grow healthier. This is a critical period for their growth and development as they are in their adolescence," said Le De Sheng, deputy director of the National Nature Reserve Wuolong in Sichuan Province.
They are still on a diet of milk, steamed bread roll and bamboo, but will eventually be weaned off milk.
Pandas are notoriously known to be fussy eaters - there are about 40 different types of bamboo for them to choose from.
And the pair appear to have acquired a taste for Singapore cuisine.
"Singapore has sent some sample bamboo to us. The pandas had a 'food-tasting' and accepted the bamboos," said Huang Shan, a zoo keeper at Bifengxia Panda Base.
The Singapore Zoo will be planting an 8,000-square metre of bamboo plantation just for the pandas.
Besides diet, pandas are also sensitive to climate and environment.
"Singapore is hotter than Sichuan, so our main task now is helping them adapt. The best solution is for Singapore to make adjustments. Giant pandas live in temperatures lower than 25 degrees Celsius," said Huang.
With that in mind, Wildlife Reserves Singapore is building a climate-controlled enclosure that will closely simulate the panda's natural habitat.
It is also planning to start a breeding programme of the endangered species.
And Chinese zoo keepers are confident the pandas will mate, although they have yet to meet.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
SilkAir starts flights to Bangalore
SilkAir starts flights to Bangalore
The regional wing of Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, will be flying daily between Singapore and Bangalore, India, starting Monday.
The first flight, MI 428, will be taking off at 2250 hours on Monday from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 and will land in Bengaluru International Airport early Tuesday morning, at 0045 hours.
Silk Air said in a statement that the turnaround flight will depart from Bangalore at 0130 hours and reach Singapore at 0835 hours on Tuesday.
Customers on the first flights out of Singapore and Bangalore will be given special inaugural flight souvenirs to mark the special occasion, it added.
These newly introduced flights to Bangalore will complement Singapore Airlines' existing daily flights to the city.
In total, the SIA Group of airlines will be offering two daily flights between Singapore and Bangalore.
Next month, SilkAir will also be launching services to another Indian destination – Chennai. Daily flights to this capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu will begin on June 14.
With the addition of Bangalore and Chennai, SilkAir will fly to six destinations in India - the other four being Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Hyderabab and Coimbatore.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
The regional wing of Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, will be flying daily between Singapore and Bangalore, India, starting Monday.
The first flight, MI 428, will be taking off at 2250 hours on Monday from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 and will land in Bengaluru International Airport early Tuesday morning, at 0045 hours.
Silk Air said in a statement that the turnaround flight will depart from Bangalore at 0130 hours and reach Singapore at 0835 hours on Tuesday.
Customers on the first flights out of Singapore and Bangalore will be given special inaugural flight souvenirs to mark the special occasion, it added.
These newly introduced flights to Bangalore will complement Singapore Airlines' existing daily flights to the city.
In total, the SIA Group of airlines will be offering two daily flights between Singapore and Bangalore.
Next month, SilkAir will also be launching services to another Indian destination – Chennai. Daily flights to this capital city of the state of Tamil Nadu will begin on June 14.
With the addition of Bangalore and Chennai, SilkAir will fly to six destinations in India - the other four being Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Hyderabab and Coimbatore.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
New Chinese Visa Application Centre
Chinese Embassy sets up new Visa Application Service Centre
A new Visa Application Service Centre has been set up by the Chinese Embassy in Singapore to cater to the higher demand for visas to China.
The Chinese Embassy said it sees some 130,000 visa applicants each year.
And it hopes the centre, located in the Royal Brothers Building at Malacca Street, will help better facilitate the application process.
Singapore citizens require a visa if they want to stay in China for more than 15 days.
Officials said they expect to see 1,200 applicants a day at the new centre.
The centre allows Singapore citizens to book their appointments online and get their visas in two days under the 'Rush Service'.
A new S$25 to S$45 application service fee will be implemented on top of the current visa fees.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
A new Visa Application Service Centre has been set up by the Chinese Embassy in Singapore to cater to the higher demand for visas to China.
The Chinese Embassy said it sees some 130,000 visa applicants each year.
And it hopes the centre, located in the Royal Brothers Building at Malacca Street, will help better facilitate the application process.
Singapore citizens require a visa if they want to stay in China for more than 15 days.
Officials said they expect to see 1,200 applicants a day at the new centre.
The centre allows Singapore citizens to book their appointments online and get their visas in two days under the 'Rush Service'.
A new S$25 to S$45 application service fee will be implemented on top of the current visa fees.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Navy Open House on May 22-23
Navy Open House on May 22-23
The public can immerse themselves in the Navy experience during the Navy Open House at the Changi Naval Base this weekend.
Expect thrills and spills galore as the Singapore Navy shows off its muscle.
The public will also get to see how naval divers diffuse a hostage situation.
This is in addition to boat and weapons simulators that they can try their hands on.
The Open House is on May 22-23, 9am to 7pm.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
The public can immerse themselves in the Navy experience during the Navy Open House at the Changi Naval Base this weekend.
Expect thrills and spills galore as the Singapore Navy shows off its muscle.
The public will also get to see how naval divers diffuse a hostage situation.
This is in addition to boat and weapons simulators that they can try their hands on.
The Open House is on May 22-23, 9am to 7pm.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Monday 17 May 2010
European SIA flights rescheduled
Two SIA flights out of Europe rescheduled due to volcanic ash
Singapore Airlines said on Monday that two of its flights out of Europe to Singapore have been rescheduled due to the volcanic ash cloud moving over the continent.
In an update on its website, the airline said flight SQ 323, which was originally scheduled to leave Amsterdam at 1130 hours (Amsterdam time) on Monday will now be delayed by 4-1/2 hours.
Flight SQ317 out of London will, however, take off about 30 minutes earlier at 1125 hours (London time).
SIA said all other flights to Europe are not affected at this point.
However, it added that the situation remains fluid and it will continue to monitor the situation closely.
It said it will provide updates as soon as information is available.
It has advised customers booked on flights to, from and via points in Europe to check www.singaporeair.com regularly for updates.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Singapore Airlines said on Monday that two of its flights out of Europe to Singapore have been rescheduled due to the volcanic ash cloud moving over the continent.
In an update on its website, the airline said flight SQ 323, which was originally scheduled to leave Amsterdam at 1130 hours (Amsterdam time) on Monday will now be delayed by 4-1/2 hours.
Flight SQ317 out of London will, however, take off about 30 minutes earlier at 1125 hours (London time).
SIA said all other flights to Europe are not affected at this point.
However, it added that the situation remains fluid and it will continue to monitor the situation closely.
It said it will provide updates as soon as information is available.
It has advised customers booked on flights to, from and via points in Europe to check www.singaporeair.com regularly for updates.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Zoo's sun bear born in February
Singapore Zoo announces gender of sun bear born in February
The gender of a newborn sun bear takes two to three months to determine, and keepers at the Singapore Zoo are thrilled they now have a male sun bear in their care.
It will take another three months before visitors can see the cub, which was born in February.
Subash Chandran, curator, Zoology, Singapore Zoo, said: "She (the cub's mother Judy) is looking after this second cub very well and she is being very protective.
"For the first two months, we have only had glimpses of the cub in a depression on the ground, and she would not bring the cub out to show (him) to us."
But after gaining Judy's trust, keepers are now able to separate her from the cub every week.
They do so to monitor his growth, which contributes to the little research done on sun bears.
Mr Chandran said: "Sun bears essentially are solitary by nature. You can only keep maybe a pair together. If they have cubs, then the cubs can be kept with them until they reach sexual maturity. Then whether or not it is a female cub, it has to be separated from its parents. Otherwise there will be fights and a lot of unnecessary injuries."
The next step is to name the cub, but the zoo will do so when keepers allow mother and son to the exhibition area to join the cub's sister, father and grandmother.
So for now, it is down to the bare necessity of making sure the cub grows up well.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
The gender of a newborn sun bear takes two to three months to determine, and keepers at the Singapore Zoo are thrilled they now have a male sun bear in their care.
It will take another three months before visitors can see the cub, which was born in February.
Subash Chandran, curator, Zoology, Singapore Zoo, said: "She (the cub's mother Judy) is looking after this second cub very well and she is being very protective.
"For the first two months, we have only had glimpses of the cub in a depression on the ground, and she would not bring the cub out to show (him) to us."
But after gaining Judy's trust, keepers are now able to separate her from the cub every week.
They do so to monitor his growth, which contributes to the little research done on sun bears.
Mr Chandran said: "Sun bears essentially are solitary by nature. You can only keep maybe a pair together. If they have cubs, then the cubs can be kept with them until they reach sexual maturity. Then whether or not it is a female cub, it has to be separated from its parents. Otherwise there will be fights and a lot of unnecessary injuries."
The next step is to name the cub, but the zoo will do so when keepers allow mother and son to the exhibition area to join the cub's sister, father and grandmother.
So for now, it is down to the bare necessity of making sure the cub grows up well.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Friday 14 May 2010
Have a fiery Friday at arts fest
EMPRESS Place will be transformed into a "forest" of singlets with dozens of suspended singlets lit by fire pots in the evenings from tomorrow to Sunday.
And the "forest" will come with its own soundtrack music played "live" by saxophonist Yuka Okasaki.
The installation art is meant to encourage Singaporeans to chill despite the humidity, said Mr Low Kee Hong, general manager of the Singapore Arts Festival.
It is among 50 such art pieces created using 7,200 fire pots which make up a "fire garden" called Invitation To Dream, which is the opening act in this year's Singapore Arts Festival.
Also part of the opening act are two large fire balls bearing 120 fire pots, and flaming
All street lamps surrounding the area from Empress Place to Esplanade Park will be switched off, so the area will be lit by only the fire pots from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.
-News courtesy of Omy-
And the "forest" will come with its own soundtrack music played "live" by saxophonist Yuka Okasaki.
The installation art is meant to encourage Singaporeans to chill despite the humidity, said Mr Low Kee Hong, general manager of the Singapore Arts Festival.
It is among 50 such art pieces created using 7,200 fire pots which make up a "fire garden" called Invitation To Dream, which is the opening act in this year's Singapore Arts Festival.
Also part of the opening act are two large fire balls bearing 120 fire pots, and flaming
All street lamps surrounding the area from Empress Place to Esplanade Park will be switched off, so the area will be lit by only the fire pots from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.
-News courtesy of Omy-
Sentosa blooms
Sentosa blooms: fresh looks to draw more travellers
Hotels in Sentosa have been sprucing up to cash in on the increased number of visitors to the island a spillover effect from the opening of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) and its casino.
Of Sentosa's seven resorts, excluding those in RWS, four Rasa Sentosa Resort, Singapore; Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, Costa Sands Resort Sentosa and The Sentosa Resort & Spa have either recently upgraded their facilities or are doing so.
In addition, an eighth hotel, the six-star Movenpick Hotel Sentosa, will open partially this year.
So, by this time next year, Sentosa will have 1,332 hotel rooms outside of RWS 17 per cent more than what it had in March this year.
Four of RWS' six hotels Festive Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Crockfords Towers and Hotel Michael opened on Jan 20, adding 1,350 rooms to the island.
Its remaining two hotels, Equarius Hotel and Spa Villas, will add another 500 rooms when they are completed.
Its casino opened on Feb 14 while its theme park, Universal Studios Singapore, started operations on March 18.
In a March report in The New Paper, Sentosa Leisure Group said the number of visitors to Sentosa, excluding RWS, grew 17 per cent from January to March 23, compared with that of the same period last year.
-News courtesy of Omy-
Hotels in Sentosa have been sprucing up to cash in on the increased number of visitors to the island a spillover effect from the opening of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) and its casino.
Of Sentosa's seven resorts, excluding those in RWS, four Rasa Sentosa Resort, Singapore; Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, Costa Sands Resort Sentosa and The Sentosa Resort & Spa have either recently upgraded their facilities or are doing so.
In addition, an eighth hotel, the six-star Movenpick Hotel Sentosa, will open partially this year.
So, by this time next year, Sentosa will have 1,332 hotel rooms outside of RWS 17 per cent more than what it had in March this year.
Four of RWS' six hotels Festive Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Crockfords Towers and Hotel Michael opened on Jan 20, adding 1,350 rooms to the island.
Its remaining two hotels, Equarius Hotel and Spa Villas, will add another 500 rooms when they are completed.
Its casino opened on Feb 14 while its theme park, Universal Studios Singapore, started operations on March 18.
In a March report in The New Paper, Sentosa Leisure Group said the number of visitors to Sentosa, excluding RWS, grew 17 per cent from January to March 23, compared with that of the same period last year.
-News courtesy of Omy-
Thursday 13 May 2010
MacRitchie Reservoir's new submerged broadwalk
Walk on water at MacRitchie Reservoir's new submerged broadwalk
Visitors to MacRitchie Reservoir will soon be able to walk on water - at a new submerged boardwalk.
National water agency, PUB, says the 40-metre long submerged boardwalk extends from one bank of the reservoir to another.
Visitors will be able to walk through shallow waters to see water plants growing alongside the boardwalk and be in close contact with tadpoles, fish, snails and other aquatic life.
Water plants will be introduced as they help to purify rainwater before it flows into the reservoir.
Visitors can also look forward to a new F&B outlet at the hilltop.
Several improvements will be made to the bandstand, internal roads and footpaths.
A new building will also be constructed at the current Paddle Lodge to cater for the public and schools for their canoe and kayaking activities.
They're part of phase two improvement works at the reservoir park, costing some 4.5 million dollars.
Work is expected to be completed by the third quarter of next year.
The project is part of PUB's long-term initiative known as the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) programme.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Visitors to MacRitchie Reservoir will soon be able to walk on water - at a new submerged boardwalk.
National water agency, PUB, says the 40-metre long submerged boardwalk extends from one bank of the reservoir to another.
Visitors will be able to walk through shallow waters to see water plants growing alongside the boardwalk and be in close contact with tadpoles, fish, snails and other aquatic life.
Water plants will be introduced as they help to purify rainwater before it flows into the reservoir.
Visitors can also look forward to a new F&B outlet at the hilltop.
Several improvements will be made to the bandstand, internal roads and footpaths.
A new building will also be constructed at the current Paddle Lodge to cater for the public and schools for their canoe and kayaking activities.
They're part of phase two improvement works at the reservoir park, costing some 4.5 million dollars.
Work is expected to be completed by the third quarter of next year.
The project is part of PUB's long-term initiative known as the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) programme.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Jetstar to start long-haul flights
Budget carrier Jetstar plans to start low-cost long-haul flights
Jetstar, the low-cost offshoot of Australian flag-carrier Qantas, said Wednesday it will launch long-haul flights from Singapore to Australia, North Asia and Europe to tap on growing demand.
The new budget service is expected to commence from Singapore's Changi airport late this year, Jetstar said in a statement.
"Jetstar continues to grow strongly as we build our pan-Asian presence," chief executive Bruce Buchanan said in the statement.
Company spokesman Simon Westaway said Jetstar's plans to operate the long-haul budget service out of Singapore reflects the carrier's ambitions to tap growing demand for air travel in the region.
"IATA figures say the Asian market is now the largest in the world," Westaway told AFP after a press briefing in Singapore.
"It's only going to expand. The reason that we are doing all the investment in Asia is that we want us to be an Asian success in Asia because that's where the growth is."
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said earlier this year the Asia-Pacific region had overtaken North America as the world's largest air travel market with 647 million passengers in 2009.
Jetstar's experience from its international flights out of Australia has demonstrated that there is travel demand even in a shrinking market if the pricing is competitive, Westaway said.
He cited the Australia-Japan route as an example where Jetstar has enjoyed 35 percent growth in annual traffic even though the overall market is shrinking.
"So even in contracting markets, what's happening is that the customer base is moving towards the value-based providers because of obviously affordability," he said.
Westaway said the first long-haul flight out of Singapore is expected to take off in December but the destination has not yet been finalised and that the carrier will offer competitive fares.
"We will be very low-fare in the market. We will try to bring the overall low fares down by around 30 percent," he said.
Jetstar's fare pricing is on average 35-40 percent below that of Qantas, Westaway said.
Two new A330-200 jets will be deployed for the new service and Jetstar will be taking delivery of the first aircraft in November.
The carrier already operates long-haul services from Australia to destinations including Bali, Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok, Phuket and Honolulu.
It's Singapore-based affiliate Jetstar Asia currently flies to short-haul destinations from the city-state.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Jetstar, the low-cost offshoot of Australian flag-carrier Qantas, said Wednesday it will launch long-haul flights from Singapore to Australia, North Asia and Europe to tap on growing demand.
The new budget service is expected to commence from Singapore's Changi airport late this year, Jetstar said in a statement.
"Jetstar continues to grow strongly as we build our pan-Asian presence," chief executive Bruce Buchanan said in the statement.
Company spokesman Simon Westaway said Jetstar's plans to operate the long-haul budget service out of Singapore reflects the carrier's ambitions to tap growing demand for air travel in the region.
"IATA figures say the Asian market is now the largest in the world," Westaway told AFP after a press briefing in Singapore.
"It's only going to expand. The reason that we are doing all the investment in Asia is that we want us to be an Asian success in Asia because that's where the growth is."
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said earlier this year the Asia-Pacific region had overtaken North America as the world's largest air travel market with 647 million passengers in 2009.
Jetstar's experience from its international flights out of Australia has demonstrated that there is travel demand even in a shrinking market if the pricing is competitive, Westaway said.
He cited the Australia-Japan route as an example where Jetstar has enjoyed 35 percent growth in annual traffic even though the overall market is shrinking.
"So even in contracting markets, what's happening is that the customer base is moving towards the value-based providers because of obviously affordability," he said.
Westaway said the first long-haul flight out of Singapore is expected to take off in December but the destination has not yet been finalised and that the carrier will offer competitive fares.
"We will be very low-fare in the market. We will try to bring the overall low fares down by around 30 percent," he said.
Jetstar's fare pricing is on average 35-40 percent below that of Qantas, Westaway said.
Two new A330-200 jets will be deployed for the new service and Jetstar will be taking delivery of the first aircraft in November.
The carrier already operates long-haul services from Australia to destinations including Bali, Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok, Phuket and Honolulu.
It's Singapore-based affiliate Jetstar Asia currently flies to short-haul destinations from the city-state.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Wednesday 12 May 2010
Sentosa sees 30% surge in visitors
Sentosa sees surge of 30% in visitors with record numbers on some days
Sentosa is seeing a surge in visitors. From February to April this year, it had an increase of over 30 per cent in visitors compared with the same period last year.
It also had record numbers on certain days.
Sentosa is riding on new attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore and Resorts World Sentosa.
Longtime attractions and house staples managed by Sentosa Leisure Group like the Merlion and the Images of Singapore are enjoying renewed interest, drawing 26 per cent more visitors between February and April.
One visitor said: "It is a very nice place to visit because it is almost complete all the entertainment"
Sentosa said the good performance can also be attributed to the turnaround in the economy and it said that within the next five years, it's projecting guest arrivals to more than double than the current six million visitors it's seeing in the past two years.
A crowd size of up to 20,000 was previously seen on only a weekend but it's now typical on a weekday.
Rajavarman M, assistant manager, Admission Operations, Operations and Retail Division, said: "During a weekday, we see a weekend crowd before RWS has opened and on a weekend we are seeing a slightly more peak crowd that we used to see during certain public holidays. And during our current public holidays, we see an almost super peak crowd, like during Chinese New Year - we almost hit a 100,000 crowd which we have never seen before".
Manpower and resources have been stepped up by up to 50 per cent to manage the crowds.
Mr Rajavarman added: “We have got queue management plans and increased our trains. We see and study the traffic patterns and we increase the trains and buses accordingly like on a weekday.
“We have seven buses running last time but now we have got 14 buses. On a weekend, we increase to 21 buses. For the deployment for manpower and all that, we increase by 50 per cent.”
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Sentosa is seeing a surge in visitors. From February to April this year, it had an increase of over 30 per cent in visitors compared with the same period last year.
It also had record numbers on certain days.
Sentosa is riding on new attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore and Resorts World Sentosa.
Longtime attractions and house staples managed by Sentosa Leisure Group like the Merlion and the Images of Singapore are enjoying renewed interest, drawing 26 per cent more visitors between February and April.
One visitor said: "It is a very nice place to visit because it is almost complete all the entertainment"
Sentosa said the good performance can also be attributed to the turnaround in the economy and it said that within the next five years, it's projecting guest arrivals to more than double than the current six million visitors it's seeing in the past two years.
A crowd size of up to 20,000 was previously seen on only a weekend but it's now typical on a weekday.
Rajavarman M, assistant manager, Admission Operations, Operations and Retail Division, said: "During a weekday, we see a weekend crowd before RWS has opened and on a weekend we are seeing a slightly more peak crowd that we used to see during certain public holidays. And during our current public holidays, we see an almost super peak crowd, like during Chinese New Year - we almost hit a 100,000 crowd which we have never seen before".
Manpower and resources have been stepped up by up to 50 per cent to manage the crowds.
Mr Rajavarman added: “We have got queue management plans and increased our trains. We see and study the traffic patterns and we increase the trains and buses accordingly like on a weekday.
“We have seven buses running last time but now we have got 14 buses. On a weekend, we increase to 21 buses. For the deployment for manpower and all that, we increase by 50 per cent.”
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
Friday 7 May 2010
Contributors needed!!!
Contributors needed!!!
Hi everyone,
I am looking for contributors to this site. Anyone who lives in Singapore or visit Singapore regularly (or even not so regularly) is welcomed to write for this blog.
Please email me at quekpj(XXXX)gmail.com
Replace (XXXX) with @
Looking forward to any contributions. Thanks!
Hi everyone,
I am looking for contributors to this site. Anyone who lives in Singapore or visit Singapore regularly (or even not so regularly) is welcomed to write for this blog.
Please email me at quekpj(XXXX)gmail.com
Replace (XXXX) with @
Looking forward to any contributions. Thanks!
S$3 taxi surcharge for MBS
SMRT taxis to impose S$3 surcharge for Marina Bay Sands from May 13
From next Thursday, SMRT taxis will implement a S$3 location surcharge per trip for Marina Bay Sands.
This applies to passengers who board taxis from Marina Bay Sands.
The location surcharge will be in effect from 5pm to midnight from Mondays through Saturdays, and from 6am to midnight on Sundays and public holidays.
SMRT Corporation said the location surcharge is in response to a request from the management of Marina Bay Sands to reduce the waiting time for taxis at its premises.
SMRT's move came after the announcement by ComfortDelGro, TransCab and Prime Taxi that they will start imposing the surcharge from next Wednesday.
News courtesy of Channel Newsasia
From next Thursday, SMRT taxis will implement a S$3 location surcharge per trip for Marina Bay Sands.
This applies to passengers who board taxis from Marina Bay Sands.
The location surcharge will be in effect from 5pm to midnight from Mondays through Saturdays, and from 6am to midnight on Sundays and public holidays.
SMRT Corporation said the location surcharge is in response to a request from the management of Marina Bay Sands to reduce the waiting time for taxis at its premises.
SMRT's move came after the announcement by ComfortDelGro, TransCab and Prime Taxi that they will start imposing the surcharge from next Wednesday.
News courtesy of Channel Newsasia
Tuesday 4 May 2010
Marina Bay Sands sees crowds
Marina Bay Sands sees crowds on first weekend
It's the first weekend for Singapore's second integrated resort Marina Bay Sands.
As it gears up for the crowds, it's also getting ready to play host to former US Vice President Al Gore and delegates attending the Inter-Pacific Bar Association 20th annual conference.
The organisers said they wanted to bid for the event to be held in Singapore last year.
But due to construction delays at Marina Bay Sands, they decided to wait till this year to host the conference.
They said there were some issues at the start of the this year's conference.
They include taking some time registering the some 1,000 delegates but these issues have been ironed out.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
It's the first weekend for Singapore's second integrated resort Marina Bay Sands.
As it gears up for the crowds, it's also getting ready to play host to former US Vice President Al Gore and delegates attending the Inter-Pacific Bar Association 20th annual conference.
The organisers said they wanted to bid for the event to be held in Singapore last year.
But due to construction delays at Marina Bay Sands, they decided to wait till this year to host the conference.
They said there were some issues at the start of the this year's conference.
They include taking some time registering the some 1,000 delegates but these issues have been ironed out.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
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