Friday 25 December 2015
Friday 13 November 2015
Meet zoo's 1st giraffe calf in 28 yrs
Meet zoo's 1st giraffe calf in 28 yrs
The male calf, nicknamed Baby G, with its father, Growie, (left) and mother, Roni. It was born on Aug 31 and spent its first full day out in the giraffe exhibit yesterday.
The Singapore Zoo's fastest growing attraction - literally - is a baby which was born 1.9m tall and shot up 40cm in just more than 70 days to 2.3m.
Recent zoo visitors may have spotted its latest addition galloping around with its long-legged, long-necked family.
The Mandai attraction's first baby giraffe in 28 years was born on Aug 31 and spent its first full day out in the giraffe exhibit yesterday with its father, Growie, mother, Roni, and aunt, Lucy.
The male calf, which does not have a name yet, was 1.9m at birth, taller than an average person. It has grown to 2.3m and may more than double its height to 5.5m when it reaches maturity in three to five years.
Over the past two weeks, keepers have been letting the calf, nicknamed Baby G, to explore its exhibit periodically, to get it used to the presence of human visitors.
They also added barriers along the perimeter of the exhibit to prevent the calf from "doing the limbo" and wandering out, said assistant curator Azmi Amzah, 43.
Baby G had a shaky start when it was a few days old, as it was unable to coordinate its wobbly legs.
But it has since settled down well and has started nibbling on leaves and munching on fodder, instead of relying on its mother's milk only.
While giraffes are not an endangered species, unlike the pandas, Baby G's birth is still a cause for celebration, said Mr Azmi.
"Babies are a good indication that the animals under our care feel comfortable and secure enough to breed in the environment that we've created for them," he said.
His advice for visitors? Try not to make too much noise, as the calf is still startled by new things, including the zoo's trams when they rumble past.
Baby G has caught the attention of not just human visitors, but also its animal neighbours from across the road - the lions.
Mr Azmi said the lions perked up and "looked interested" when they saw the calf for the first time.
"The baby... didn't react at all. Maybe he doesn't know that lions eat them," he said with a laugh.
~News courtesy of My Paper~
The male calf, nicknamed Baby G, with its father, Growie, (left) and mother, Roni. It was born on Aug 31 and spent its first full day out in the giraffe exhibit yesterday.
The Singapore Zoo's fastest growing attraction - literally - is a baby which was born 1.9m tall and shot up 40cm in just more than 70 days to 2.3m.
Recent zoo visitors may have spotted its latest addition galloping around with its long-legged, long-necked family.
The Mandai attraction's first baby giraffe in 28 years was born on Aug 31 and spent its first full day out in the giraffe exhibit yesterday with its father, Growie, mother, Roni, and aunt, Lucy.
The male calf, which does not have a name yet, was 1.9m at birth, taller than an average person. It has grown to 2.3m and may more than double its height to 5.5m when it reaches maturity in three to five years.
Over the past two weeks, keepers have been letting the calf, nicknamed Baby G, to explore its exhibit periodically, to get it used to the presence of human visitors.
They also added barriers along the perimeter of the exhibit to prevent the calf from "doing the limbo" and wandering out, said assistant curator Azmi Amzah, 43.
Baby G had a shaky start when it was a few days old, as it was unable to coordinate its wobbly legs.
But it has since settled down well and has started nibbling on leaves and munching on fodder, instead of relying on its mother's milk only.
While giraffes are not an endangered species, unlike the pandas, Baby G's birth is still a cause for celebration, said Mr Azmi.
"Babies are a good indication that the animals under our care feel comfortable and secure enough to breed in the environment that we've created for them," he said.
His advice for visitors? Try not to make too much noise, as the calf is still startled by new things, including the zoo's trams when they rumble past.
Baby G has caught the attention of not just human visitors, but also its animal neighbours from across the road - the lions.
Mr Azmi said the lions perked up and "looked interested" when they saw the calf for the first time.
"The baby... didn't react at all. Maybe he doesn't know that lions eat them," he said with a laugh.
~News courtesy of My Paper~
Tuesday 10 November 2015
Wednesday 4 November 2015
Heavy traffic at Causeway, Second Link leading up to Deepavali
Expect heavy traffic at Causeway, Second Link leading up to Deepavali: ICA
Heavy traffic is expected at both Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints from Friday (Nov 6) until Deepavali on Tuesday (Nov 10), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said, adding that travellers using the land checkpoints during this period can expect delays.
"With security checks, traffic build-up is inevitable, especially when a large number of travellers use the checkpoints at the same time. To avoid a surge of travellers and vehicles seeking clearance at the land checkpoints, travellers are advised to adjust their travel plans if possible," said the ICA on Tuesday (Nov 3).
"The ICA will continue to take the necessary measures to improve clearance efficiency as much as possible without compromising security. We seek travellers’ understanding and cooperation when using the land checkpoints during the peak period."
Travellers are encouraged to car-pool where possible, maintain lane discipline at all times, and ensure that they do not bring unlawful or prohibited goods into or out of Singapore, ICA said.
Eligible users - Singapore citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents and Long Term Pass holders - are encouraged to use the enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS) lanes at the bus halls for immigration clearance.
Motorists are advised to check on the traffic situation at both land checkpoints before embarking on their journey, ICA said. Travellers leaving Singapore by Woodlands or Tuas Checkpoint will be able to know in advance the traffic situation from LTA’s Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System (EMAS) installed along the AYE and BKE, respectively.
For more information, the public can call 6863 0117, tune in to the radio for the latest traffic news, or visit these websites to check latest traffic conditions: http://onemotoring.com.sg or http://www.mytransport.sg.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Heavy traffic is expected at both Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints from Friday (Nov 6) until Deepavali on Tuesday (Nov 10), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said, adding that travellers using the land checkpoints during this period can expect delays.
"With security checks, traffic build-up is inevitable, especially when a large number of travellers use the checkpoints at the same time. To avoid a surge of travellers and vehicles seeking clearance at the land checkpoints, travellers are advised to adjust their travel plans if possible," said the ICA on Tuesday (Nov 3).
"The ICA will continue to take the necessary measures to improve clearance efficiency as much as possible without compromising security. We seek travellers’ understanding and cooperation when using the land checkpoints during the peak period."
Travellers are encouraged to car-pool where possible, maintain lane discipline at all times, and ensure that they do not bring unlawful or prohibited goods into or out of Singapore, ICA said.
Eligible users - Singapore citizens, Singapore Permanent Residents and Long Term Pass holders - are encouraged to use the enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS) lanes at the bus halls for immigration clearance.
Motorists are advised to check on the traffic situation at both land checkpoints before embarking on their journey, ICA said. Travellers leaving Singapore by Woodlands or Tuas Checkpoint will be able to know in advance the traffic situation from LTA’s Expressway Monitoring & Advisory System (EMAS) installed along the AYE and BKE, respectively.
For more information, the public can call 6863 0117, tune in to the radio for the latest traffic news, or visit these websites to check latest traffic conditions: http://onemotoring.com.sg or http://www.mytransport.sg.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Wednesday 30 September 2015
Haze situation worsens in S'pore
Haze situation worsens in S'pore
The haze in Singapore continues to worsen today, hitting the "very unhealthy" level despite some improvement earlier following light showers on Monday night.
This is due to prevailing winds blowing from the south-southwest, bringing denser haze from Sumatra towards the island republic.
As at 12pm Tuesday, the 24-hour pollutant standard index (PSI) read as 162 to 214, in the mid unhealthy and low range of very unhealthy, while the three-hour PSI was 227, according to the National Environment Agency.
The hazy condition is expected to persist today with the 24-hour PSI potentially in the mid to high sections of the very unhealthy range.
~News courtesy of Bernama~
The haze in Singapore continues to worsen today, hitting the "very unhealthy" level despite some improvement earlier following light showers on Monday night.
This is due to prevailing winds blowing from the south-southwest, bringing denser haze from Sumatra towards the island republic.
As at 12pm Tuesday, the 24-hour pollutant standard index (PSI) read as 162 to 214, in the mid unhealthy and low range of very unhealthy, while the three-hour PSI was 227, according to the National Environment Agency.
The hazy condition is expected to persist today with the 24-hour PSI potentially in the mid to high sections of the very unhealthy range.
~News courtesy of Bernama~
Monday 28 September 2015
Gardens by the Bay for Mid-Autumn Festival
300 lanterns on display at Gardens by the Bay for Mid-Autumn Festival
Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations are in full swing.
At Gardens by the Bay, 50 life-size goat lanterns were on display in celebration of SG50 and the year of the goat. The goat lanterns were made by more than 200 residents who took part in a lantern painting competition last Sunday.
The top design won a prize of S$2,000 for its intricate design. Second and third place winners bagged prizes of S$1,000 and S$500, while five consolation awards of S$100 each were given out.
Labour chief and Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Chan Chun Sing was at the event on Sunday evening (Sep 27). He enjoyed a traditional Chinese tea ceremony which was part of the Food Street, another festival highlight where visitors could enjoy local delicacies from about 30 different stalls.
Besides the goats, there were about 300 lanterns in various shapes like trees, flowers and even dinosaurs, all handmade by master craftsmen from the Zigong province in Sichuan, China.
The public can enjoy these for free until the festival ends on Oct 4.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations are in full swing.
At Gardens by the Bay, 50 life-size goat lanterns were on display in celebration of SG50 and the year of the goat. The goat lanterns were made by more than 200 residents who took part in a lantern painting competition last Sunday.
The top design won a prize of S$2,000 for its intricate design. Second and third place winners bagged prizes of S$1,000 and S$500, while five consolation awards of S$100 each were given out.
Labour chief and Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Chan Chun Sing was at the event on Sunday evening (Sep 27). He enjoyed a traditional Chinese tea ceremony which was part of the Food Street, another festival highlight where visitors could enjoy local delicacies from about 30 different stalls.
Besides the goats, there were about 300 lanterns in various shapes like trees, flowers and even dinosaurs, all handmade by master craftsmen from the Zigong province in Sichuan, China.
The public can enjoy these for free until the festival ends on Oct 4.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Hazy conditions expected to persist on Monday
Hazy conditions expected to persist on Monday: NEA
Hazy conditions are expected to persist on Monday (Sep 28), with winds forecast to blow from the south or south-southwest, said the National Environment Agency in an advisory on Sunday (Sep 27).
"The 24-hour PSI for the next 24 hours is expected to be in the low- to mid-sections of the Unhealthy range, with a possibility of entering the high-section of the Unhealthy range if denser haze is blown in by unfavourable winds," the advisory said.
Slightly hazy conditions on Sunday were due to the moderate to dense haze still persisting in central and southern Sumatra. "Some haze has spread to the sea areas west and south of Singapore," said NEA.
A total of 61 hotspots were detected in Sumatra on Sunday. NEA said the low count was due to the "cloud cover over parts of Sumatra". It added that most of the hotspots were detected in southern Sumatra. On Saturday, 24 hotspots were detected.
Indonesia has assured Singapore that it is taking the haze very seriously, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean in a Facebook post on Sunday.
"My Indonesian counterpart, Coordinating Minister Luhut Panjaitan, phoned me this afternoon. He assured me that the Indonesian government is taking the haze very seriously and deploying more troops to deal with the fires," said Mr Teo.
Mr Teo added that he told the minister that "Singapore’s offer to assist Indonesia in our own small way to put out the fires still stands – it would be a sign of cooperation between our two countries, so that Indonesians and Singaporeans need not suffer the haze".
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Hazy conditions are expected to persist on Monday (Sep 28), with winds forecast to blow from the south or south-southwest, said the National Environment Agency in an advisory on Sunday (Sep 27).
"The 24-hour PSI for the next 24 hours is expected to be in the low- to mid-sections of the Unhealthy range, with a possibility of entering the high-section of the Unhealthy range if denser haze is blown in by unfavourable winds," the advisory said.
Slightly hazy conditions on Sunday were due to the moderate to dense haze still persisting in central and southern Sumatra. "Some haze has spread to the sea areas west and south of Singapore," said NEA.
A total of 61 hotspots were detected in Sumatra on Sunday. NEA said the low count was due to the "cloud cover over parts of Sumatra". It added that most of the hotspots were detected in southern Sumatra. On Saturday, 24 hotspots were detected.
Indonesia has assured Singapore that it is taking the haze very seriously, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean in a Facebook post on Sunday.
"My Indonesian counterpart, Coordinating Minister Luhut Panjaitan, phoned me this afternoon. He assured me that the Indonesian government is taking the haze very seriously and deploying more troops to deal with the fires," said Mr Teo.
Mr Teo added that he told the minister that "Singapore’s offer to assist Indonesia in our own small way to put out the fires still stands – it would be a sign of cooperation between our two countries, so that Indonesians and Singaporeans need not suffer the haze".
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Thursday 24 September 2015
Haze conditions deteriorate
Haze conditions deteriorate, air quality could enter mid section of Very Unhealthy range: NEA
Given the air quality forecast for the next 24 hours, healthy people should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion, said the NEA. The elderly, pregnant women and children should minimise outdoor activity, while those with chronic lung or heart disease should avoid it altogether.
Hazy conditions in Singapore further deteriorated over Wednesday night, said the National Environment Agency (NEA) on Thursday (Sep 24). This was due to denser haze from Sumatra being blown in by the prevailing southerly winds.
As of 3pm on Thursday, the 3-hour PSI was 225, while the 24-hour PSI was 184-224, in the Unhealthy range. The NEA added that these conditions are expected to persist for the rest of the day, and that there could be further deterioration in the air quality on Thursday, as the prevailing winds are forecast to blow from the south-southeast or south-southwest.
The 24-hr PSI for the next 12 hours is expected to be in the high end of the Unhealthy range and the low end of the Very Unhealthy range, and may enter the mid-section of the Very Unhealthy range if denser haze from Sumatra continues to be blown in, said the NEA.
Given the air quality forecast for the next 24 hours, healthy people should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion, the NEA advised. The elderly, pregnant women and children should minimise outdoor activity, while those with chronic lung or heart disease should avoid it altogether.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Given the air quality forecast for the next 24 hours, healthy people should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion, said the NEA. The elderly, pregnant women and children should minimise outdoor activity, while those with chronic lung or heart disease should avoid it altogether.
Hazy conditions in Singapore further deteriorated over Wednesday night, said the National Environment Agency (NEA) on Thursday (Sep 24). This was due to denser haze from Sumatra being blown in by the prevailing southerly winds.
As of 3pm on Thursday, the 3-hour PSI was 225, while the 24-hour PSI was 184-224, in the Unhealthy range. The NEA added that these conditions are expected to persist for the rest of the day, and that there could be further deterioration in the air quality on Thursday, as the prevailing winds are forecast to blow from the south-southeast or south-southwest.
The 24-hr PSI for the next 12 hours is expected to be in the high end of the Unhealthy range and the low end of the Very Unhealthy range, and may enter the mid-section of the Very Unhealthy range if denser haze from Sumatra continues to be blown in, said the NEA.
Given the air quality forecast for the next 24 hours, healthy people should reduce prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion, the NEA advised. The elderly, pregnant women and children should minimise outdoor activity, while those with chronic lung or heart disease should avoid it altogether.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Vehicle Entry Permit to Johor delayed
Vehicle Entry Permit to Johor delayed
Drivers who make frequent trips to Malaysia will not be required to hold a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) until the end of the year at least.
The Oct 1 deadline to register will be pushed back by at least another four months to give authorities time to develop a radio frequency identification tag that is clone and tamper proof, a Malaysian Ministry of Transport (MOT) spokesman told The Straits Times yesterday.
The VEP, which has a five-year validity, costs vehicle owners an administrative fee of RM10 (S$3.27).
Upon payment, each owner will need to collect a tag to stick on their car windshield.
"Don't worry. If you have no tag on Oct 1, you will not be stopped at the border," said the spokesman. "The latest decision is that we want a better tag that is tamper and clone proof, so we are trying to enhance the tag at this point of time."
It will take about four months to finalise the tag's design.
Vehicle owners will then be given "ample time" - several months - to collect it, he said.
"We will announce the cut-off date for all Singaporean vehicles to display the tag when we are ready. It could be in June next year."
He added that collection information will be sent to applicants when the tags are ready. Although details are still being ironed out, the plan is for vehicle owners to be able to pick them up at several locations, including roadside rest areas.
Many motorists were fretting about the Oct 1 deadline. Some gave up on registering, citing the onerous process and problematic website. Others who managed to register said they had not received information on how to collect the tags.
About 74,000 drivers of Singapore-registered vehicles have submitted VEP applications since Aug 15, when online registration began.
Malaysian authorities expected 200,000 to 300,000 Singapore-registered private vehicles to be enrolled by the end of this year.
Muhammad Shiraq, 25, who registered his family car for the VEP in early September, has not received information on where to collect the tag.
The engineering student, who visits Malaysia once a month with his family for meals and shopping, also said that it was tedious filling up the registration form as it required specific information, like the vehicle chassis number and insurance expiry date.
"Having to wait after the tedious process is frustrating," he said. "Why can't they prepare everything on their side first before asking us to register?"
Malaysia's VEP will initially involve foreign-registered vehicles entering the country via Johor, and will later be implemented at the country's other 12 road entry points.
On Aug 1 last year, Singapore increased the cost of the VEP for foreign vehicles entering the Republic from $20 to $35 a day. It also raised the cost of the Goods Vehicle Permit from $10 to $40.
~News courtesy of My Paper~
Drivers who make frequent trips to Malaysia will not be required to hold a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) until the end of the year at least.
The Oct 1 deadline to register will be pushed back by at least another four months to give authorities time to develop a radio frequency identification tag that is clone and tamper proof, a Malaysian Ministry of Transport (MOT) spokesman told The Straits Times yesterday.
The VEP, which has a five-year validity, costs vehicle owners an administrative fee of RM10 (S$3.27).
Upon payment, each owner will need to collect a tag to stick on their car windshield.
"Don't worry. If you have no tag on Oct 1, you will not be stopped at the border," said the spokesman. "The latest decision is that we want a better tag that is tamper and clone proof, so we are trying to enhance the tag at this point of time."
It will take about four months to finalise the tag's design.
Vehicle owners will then be given "ample time" - several months - to collect it, he said.
"We will announce the cut-off date for all Singaporean vehicles to display the tag when we are ready. It could be in June next year."
He added that collection information will be sent to applicants when the tags are ready. Although details are still being ironed out, the plan is for vehicle owners to be able to pick them up at several locations, including roadside rest areas.
Many motorists were fretting about the Oct 1 deadline. Some gave up on registering, citing the onerous process and problematic website. Others who managed to register said they had not received information on how to collect the tags.
About 74,000 drivers of Singapore-registered vehicles have submitted VEP applications since Aug 15, when online registration began.
Malaysian authorities expected 200,000 to 300,000 Singapore-registered private vehicles to be enrolled by the end of this year.
Muhammad Shiraq, 25, who registered his family car for the VEP in early September, has not received information on where to collect the tag.
The engineering student, who visits Malaysia once a month with his family for meals and shopping, also said that it was tedious filling up the registration form as it required specific information, like the vehicle chassis number and insurance expiry date.
"Having to wait after the tedious process is frustrating," he said. "Why can't they prepare everything on their side first before asking us to register?"
Malaysia's VEP will initially involve foreign-registered vehicles entering the country via Johor, and will later be implemented at the country's other 12 road entry points.
On Aug 1 last year, Singapore increased the cost of the VEP for foreign vehicles entering the Republic from $20 to $35 a day. It also raised the cost of the Goods Vehicle Permit from $10 to $40.
~News courtesy of My Paper~
Thursday 20 August 2015
Slight haze due to smoke from fires in Sumatra
Slight haze due to smoke from fires in Sumatra: NEA
The slightly hazy situation in Singapore on Wednesday afternoon (Aug 19) is due to "smoke haze from fires in Sumatra being blown in by the prevailing south-southwesterly winds," said the National Environment Agency (NEA) in an advisory.
Members of the public reported hazy skies in areas such as Jurong, Buona Vista and Beach Road.
At 7pm, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index or PSI, was 62-68 - within the Moderate Range, NEA added.
Similar hazy situation in Beach Road. (Photo: Hedirman Supian)
According to NEA, smoke plumes from hotspots in central and southern Sumatra have been observed in the past few days, with 116 and 42 hotspots detected in Sumatra on Monday and Tuesday respectively.
Just 12 hotspots were observed on Wednesday, but NEA said this is due to the "partial satellite pass".
"Occasional hazy conditions may persist overnight and tomorrow," NEA stated, adding that "everyone can continue with normal activities".
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
The slightly hazy situation in Singapore on Wednesday afternoon (Aug 19) is due to "smoke haze from fires in Sumatra being blown in by the prevailing south-southwesterly winds," said the National Environment Agency (NEA) in an advisory.
Members of the public reported hazy skies in areas such as Jurong, Buona Vista and Beach Road.
At 7pm, the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index or PSI, was 62-68 - within the Moderate Range, NEA added.
Similar hazy situation in Beach Road. (Photo: Hedirman Supian)
According to NEA, smoke plumes from hotspots in central and southern Sumatra have been observed in the past few days, with 116 and 42 hotspots detected in Sumatra on Monday and Tuesday respectively.
Just 12 hotspots were observed on Wednesday, but NEA said this is due to the "partial satellite pass".
"Occasional hazy conditions may persist overnight and tomorrow," NEA stated, adding that "everyone can continue with normal activities".
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Tuesday 18 August 2015
National Museum to re-open permanent galleries
National Museum of Singapore to re-open permanent galleries on Sep 19
After almost one year, the 128-year-old National Museum of Singapore will re-open its permanent galleries to the public.
Set to reopen on Sep 19, the revamped galleries will present Singapore’s history in more “immersive and innovative ways” and showcase artefacts that have never been displayed before, said the museum in a news release on Monday (Aug 17).
The Singapore History Gallery updates the “Singapore Story”, charting the development of the island through four sections: Singapura (1299–1818), Crown Colony (1819–1941), Syonan-To (1942–1945), and Singapore (1945 to the present).
The gallery will have a broader representation of Singapore's post-independence history. including defining moments, challenges and achievements over the past 50 years, the museum said. It will also feature audio-visual multimedia displays.
The Life in Singapore: The Past 100 Years galleries will feature the everyday lives of people in Singapore during four main periods: Modern Colony (1925–1935); Surviving Syonan (1942–1945); Growing Up (1955–1965) and Voices in Singapore (1975–1985).
The Life in Singapore galleries will showcase artefacts including donated personal items such as a wash basin and sewing machine used during the war, as well as children's toys from yesteryear.
“These galleries uncover the special Singaporean experiences and stories that epitomise the spirit of multi-racial diversity, social resilience and shared values that make up the Singaporean identity and character,” the museum said.
Members of the public can also visit the Goh Seng Choo Gallery at the museum, which features works from the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings.
Director of National Museum of Singapore Angelita Teo said: “The revamp of the museum’s permanent galleries is timely as we celebrate Singapore’s 50th anniversary, and it also marks another phase in the museum’s transformation since our major redevelopment in 2006."
There will be free entry to the museum for all from 10am to 7pm on Sep 19 and 20, as part of the museum’s re-opening celebrations.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
After almost one year, the 128-year-old National Museum of Singapore will re-open its permanent galleries to the public.
Set to reopen on Sep 19, the revamped galleries will present Singapore’s history in more “immersive and innovative ways” and showcase artefacts that have never been displayed before, said the museum in a news release on Monday (Aug 17).
The Singapore History Gallery updates the “Singapore Story”, charting the development of the island through four sections: Singapura (1299–1818), Crown Colony (1819–1941), Syonan-To (1942–1945), and Singapore (1945 to the present).
The gallery will have a broader representation of Singapore's post-independence history. including defining moments, challenges and achievements over the past 50 years, the museum said. It will also feature audio-visual multimedia displays.
The Life in Singapore: The Past 100 Years galleries will feature the everyday lives of people in Singapore during four main periods: Modern Colony (1925–1935); Surviving Syonan (1942–1945); Growing Up (1955–1965) and Voices in Singapore (1975–1985).
The Life in Singapore galleries will showcase artefacts including donated personal items such as a wash basin and sewing machine used during the war, as well as children's toys from yesteryear.
“These galleries uncover the special Singaporean experiences and stories that epitomise the spirit of multi-racial diversity, social resilience and shared values that make up the Singaporean identity and character,” the museum said.
Members of the public can also visit the Goh Seng Choo Gallery at the museum, which features works from the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings.
Director of National Museum of Singapore Angelita Teo said: “The revamp of the museum’s permanent galleries is timely as we celebrate Singapore’s 50th anniversary, and it also marks another phase in the museum’s transformation since our major redevelopment in 2006."
There will be free entry to the museum for all from 10am to 7pm on Sep 19 and 20, as part of the museum’s re-opening celebrations.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
34°C days, thundery showers, slight haze expected
34°C days, thundery showers, slight haze expected in second half of August
Expect warm afternoons with day-time highs of 34°C as well as slightly hazy conditions on a few days in the second half of this month.
Short-duration thundery showers are also expected on three to five days, mainly in the late morning and early afternoon, while thundery showers with gusty winds are also expected on one to two days in the pre-dawn and morning, said the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) on Monday (Aug 17) in its fortnightly weather advisory.
The rainfall for this month is expected to be slightly below normal, said the MSS. Average rainfall for August is 175.4mm. The average daily maximum temperature for August is 30.9°C, while the average daily minimum temperature is 24.5°C.
From Aug 1 to 16, there were a few warm days with the daily maximum temperature at around 34°C and some wet days with daily minimum temperatures between 22°C and 23°C. Moderate to heavy thundery showers with gusty winds occurred on several days, particularly on Aug 12, when thundery showers brought heavy rainfall over the north-eastern part of Singapore.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Expect warm afternoons with day-time highs of 34°C as well as slightly hazy conditions on a few days in the second half of this month.
Short-duration thundery showers are also expected on three to five days, mainly in the late morning and early afternoon, while thundery showers with gusty winds are also expected on one to two days in the pre-dawn and morning, said the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) on Monday (Aug 17) in its fortnightly weather advisory.
The rainfall for this month is expected to be slightly below normal, said the MSS. Average rainfall for August is 175.4mm. The average daily maximum temperature for August is 30.9°C, while the average daily minimum temperature is 24.5°C.
From Aug 1 to 16, there were a few warm days with the daily maximum temperature at around 34°C and some wet days with daily minimum temperatures between 22°C and 23°C. Moderate to heavy thundery showers with gusty winds occurred on several days, particularly on Aug 12, when thundery showers brought heavy rainfall over the north-eastern part of Singapore.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Friday 14 August 2015
Travel agents offer deals for Chinese tourists as yuan falls
Travel agents offer deals for Chinese tourists as yuan falls
Travel agents in Singapore are coming up with special deals for inbound Chinese visitors, as the devaluation of the yuan threatens to hit the tourism market.
The Chinese currency has depreciated almost 3 per cent against the US dollar since Monday (Aug 10). If the lower yuan exchange rate continues in the next two to three months, travel agents may have to adjust their prices to remain attractive to the Chinese market, explained Ms Alicia Seah, director of marketing communications at Dynasty Travel.
"The peak season in July and August for the summer holidays will come to an end soon. The next peak season will be in October, for China’s National Day holiday break,” Ms Seah added.
Travel Star’s marketing manager, Zheng Lingna, shared how agents could attract customers: "We will come up with bundle deals for customers. For example, if they come to Singapore to travel for five days and four nights, we will give them a two-day-one-night Malaysia trip free of charge.”
The Singapore Tourism Board said that the yuan's drop against the Singapore dollar has been small and the number of Chinese tourists will remain stable. It will continue to reach out to them on key Chinese digital platforms to attract more visitors to the Republic.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Travel agents in Singapore are coming up with special deals for inbound Chinese visitors, as the devaluation of the yuan threatens to hit the tourism market.
The Chinese currency has depreciated almost 3 per cent against the US dollar since Monday (Aug 10). If the lower yuan exchange rate continues in the next two to three months, travel agents may have to adjust their prices to remain attractive to the Chinese market, explained Ms Alicia Seah, director of marketing communications at Dynasty Travel.
"The peak season in July and August for the summer holidays will come to an end soon. The next peak season will be in October, for China’s National Day holiday break,” Ms Seah added.
Travel Star’s marketing manager, Zheng Lingna, shared how agents could attract customers: "We will come up with bundle deals for customers. For example, if they come to Singapore to travel for five days and four nights, we will give them a two-day-one-night Malaysia trip free of charge.”
The Singapore Tourism Board said that the yuan's drop against the Singapore dollar has been small and the number of Chinese tourists will remain stable. It will continue to reach out to them on key Chinese digital platforms to attract more visitors to the Republic.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Wednesday 12 August 2015
Self-service kiosks for SIA, SilkAir fliers
Self-service kiosks for SIA, SilkAir fliers
SIA and SilkAir passengers can now print out their boarding passes and baggage tags at the machines across the SIA and SilkAir check-in rows at Terminal 2.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) and SilkAir travellers at Changi Airport's Terminal 2 can now print their own boarding passes and luggage tags.
In Changi's biggest rollout yet of self-service check-in kiosks, close to 25 new machines have been installed across SIA and SilkAir's check-in rows.
After a passenger has his passport verified, the machine prints the boarding pass and luggage tags.
All the passenger has to do is tag the bags and drop them off at designated counters, before heading to immigration. Those with no check-in bags can head straight to immigration without having to stop at the manned counters.
When The Straits Times visited T2 yesterday, a steady stream of travellers were using the kiosks, assisted by staff.
Marketing executive Jeffrey Lim, 36, said: "It's the first time I'm using a self-service check-in kiosk and it's really easy and convenient. It took me just a couple of minutes to get everything done. I'll definitely use it again. Great initiative by the airline and airport."
Indonesian housewife, Rina Wati, 44, said: "It's a simple machine to use which is good, especially for older travellers."
The machines, introduced about two weeks ago, are located mainly in front of the check-in counters.
Low-cost carrier Jetstar Asia was the first airline at Changi to introduce do-it-yourself check-in and bag tagging kiosks last year.
SIA spokesman Nicholas Ionides said the kiosks are part of a suite of "Fast and Seamless Travel" initiatives being provided by Changi to cater to passenger traffic growth.
Said a spokesman for Changi Airport Group, Ivan Tan: "The entire check-in sequence - including printing of boarding pass and bag tags, together with tagging and baggage drop-off - can be done in a matter of minutes.
"The time taken is expected to reduce as travellers gain familiarity with this mode of processing, given the growing use of automated check-in options in airports around the world."
Automation will also help raise efficiency and productivity of check-in operations, thereby providing cost savings for airlines, according to Mr Tan.
With manpower costs rising amid a tight labour situation, Changi Airport, its airlines, ground-handling firms and other partners are pushing for automation.
For travellers, this will mean getting used to fewer manned counters and more machines at the existing terminals as well as T4, which opens in 2017.
Mr Tan said the airport is in talks with other carriers to expand the use of the check-in kiosks.
~News courtesy of My Paper~
SIA and SilkAir passengers can now print out their boarding passes and baggage tags at the machines across the SIA and SilkAir check-in rows at Terminal 2.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) and SilkAir travellers at Changi Airport's Terminal 2 can now print their own boarding passes and luggage tags.
In Changi's biggest rollout yet of self-service check-in kiosks, close to 25 new machines have been installed across SIA and SilkAir's check-in rows.
After a passenger has his passport verified, the machine prints the boarding pass and luggage tags.
All the passenger has to do is tag the bags and drop them off at designated counters, before heading to immigration. Those with no check-in bags can head straight to immigration without having to stop at the manned counters.
When The Straits Times visited T2 yesterday, a steady stream of travellers were using the kiosks, assisted by staff.
Marketing executive Jeffrey Lim, 36, said: "It's the first time I'm using a self-service check-in kiosk and it's really easy and convenient. It took me just a couple of minutes to get everything done. I'll definitely use it again. Great initiative by the airline and airport."
Indonesian housewife, Rina Wati, 44, said: "It's a simple machine to use which is good, especially for older travellers."
The machines, introduced about two weeks ago, are located mainly in front of the check-in counters.
Low-cost carrier Jetstar Asia was the first airline at Changi to introduce do-it-yourself check-in and bag tagging kiosks last year.
SIA spokesman Nicholas Ionides said the kiosks are part of a suite of "Fast and Seamless Travel" initiatives being provided by Changi to cater to passenger traffic growth.
Said a spokesman for Changi Airport Group, Ivan Tan: "The entire check-in sequence - including printing of boarding pass and bag tags, together with tagging and baggage drop-off - can be done in a matter of minutes.
"The time taken is expected to reduce as travellers gain familiarity with this mode of processing, given the growing use of automated check-in options in airports around the world."
Automation will also help raise efficiency and productivity of check-in operations, thereby providing cost savings for airlines, according to Mr Tan.
With manpower costs rising amid a tight labour situation, Changi Airport, its airlines, ground-handling firms and other partners are pushing for automation.
For travellers, this will mean getting used to fewer manned counters and more machines at the existing terminals as well as T4, which opens in 2017.
Mr Tan said the airport is in talks with other carriers to expand the use of the check-in kiosks.
~News courtesy of My Paper~
Wednesday 29 July 2015
F1 tweaked from Turns 11 to 13
Formula 1: Singapore Grand Prix circuit tweaked from Turns 11 to 13
The track modifications were in line with the enhancements made to the Civic District, Singapore GP says.
The series of turns on the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix circuit spanning Fullerton Road and Anderson Bridge will be modified for this year's race, organisers said.
The Civic District has undergone significant enhancements to mark the country's 50th year of Independence. This includes the Urban Redevelopment Authority's integration of Esplanade Park and Empress Place to form a new arts, culture and lifestyle precinct which includes the Asian Civilisation Museum, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall and the National Gallery.
The FIA - F1's governing body - and race promoter Singapore GP have approved modifications to the alignment of the track between Turns 11 and 13 to dove-tail with the new Civic District enhancement plans.
The right-hand Turn 11 will be realigned to sit tighter with the left-hand side of Fullerton Road, for a slightly slower corner speed compared to the 2014 circuit.
The left-hand Turn 12 will be modified slightly so drivers enter the left lane of Anderson Bridge, which will allow them to accelerate to Turn 13 at 200kmh.
The hairpin at Turn 13 will be widened by 1 metre to enable more overtaking opportunities, organisers said.
The new Jubilee Bridge, linking the Merlion Park to the Esplanade promenade, has also been incorporated into the Circuit Park, Singapore GP said.
The changes to the Singapore circuit were overseen by Faithful+Gould Senior Project Manager and Engineering Track Manager Jonathan Giesecke.
"It's a fantastic challenge to translate changes to Singapore's Civic District into improvements to the Marina Bay Street Circuit. I expect the modifications from Turns 11 to 13 will enable closer racing and the potential for additional passing opportunities," he said.
The race takes place from Sep 18 to 20 this year.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
The track modifications were in line with the enhancements made to the Civic District, Singapore GP says.
The series of turns on the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix circuit spanning Fullerton Road and Anderson Bridge will be modified for this year's race, organisers said.
The Civic District has undergone significant enhancements to mark the country's 50th year of Independence. This includes the Urban Redevelopment Authority's integration of Esplanade Park and Empress Place to form a new arts, culture and lifestyle precinct which includes the Asian Civilisation Museum, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall and the National Gallery.
The FIA - F1's governing body - and race promoter Singapore GP have approved modifications to the alignment of the track between Turns 11 and 13 to dove-tail with the new Civic District enhancement plans.
The right-hand Turn 11 will be realigned to sit tighter with the left-hand side of Fullerton Road, for a slightly slower corner speed compared to the 2014 circuit.
The left-hand Turn 12 will be modified slightly so drivers enter the left lane of Anderson Bridge, which will allow them to accelerate to Turn 13 at 200kmh.
The hairpin at Turn 13 will be widened by 1 metre to enable more overtaking opportunities, organisers said.
The new Jubilee Bridge, linking the Merlion Park to the Esplanade promenade, has also been incorporated into the Circuit Park, Singapore GP said.
The changes to the Singapore circuit were overseen by Faithful+Gould Senior Project Manager and Engineering Track Manager Jonathan Giesecke.
"It's a fantastic challenge to translate changes to Singapore's Civic District into improvements to the Marina Bay Street Circuit. I expect the modifications from Turns 11 to 13 will enable closer racing and the potential for additional passing opportunities," he said.
The race takes place from Sep 18 to 20 this year.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Wednesday 22 July 2015
Events at Singapore Botanic Gardens celebrating SG50 revealed
Events at Singapore Botanic Gardens celebrating SG50 revealed
The Singapore Botanic Gardens, recently named a World UNESCO heritage site, will be celebrating the Republic’s 50th anniversary with a three-day lineup of activities from Aug 7 to 9.
The festivities were announced by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong last Friday (Jul 10). Organised by the National Parks Board (NParks), activities include a carnival, free concerts, and free outdoor movie screenings.
The National Day Parade will also be telecast live in the Gardens on Aug 9, following a series of prescreening performances by local artistes such as Lorraine Tan, Vocaluptuous and Wicked Aura from 4pm.
THREE-DAY CARNIVAL
The carnivals will include a range of activities and game booths from 10am to 5pm. Visitors can engage in traditional games and crafts, view cultural arts like botanical themed batik painting and calligraphy or eat childhood snacks such as old school biscuits and kacang puteh.
FREE CONCERTS AND MOVIE SCREENINGS
A concert recreating the “Aneka Ragam Ra’ayat” or “People’s Variety Show”, a regular occurrence at the Gardens up till the early 1960s, will be held. The concert was first held at the Botanic Gardens in 1959, and this edition will be hosted by Suhaimi Yusof and Vernetta Lopez.
The unveiling of the official Singapore Botanic Gardens’ World Heritage site inscription will also take place at the concert. The plaque will be installed at the Gardens’ Tanglin gate.
On Aug 7, local groups and artistes including 53A, Rui En, John Molina, Olivia Ong, Taufik Batisah, Shabir and Corinne May will perform at the concert from 4pm to 7pm. Their performances will be followed by the T'ang Quartest from 7.45pm to 8.15pm at the Bandstand, after which the movie It's A Great Great World will be screened from 8.30pm to 10pm at Lawn E overlooking Swan Lake.
On Aug 8, the Singapore Lyric Opera, accompanied by symphony orchestra and opera singers, will play classical melodies with The Sam Willows providing a modern-day twist. This performance will be followed by from 7.45pm to 8.15pm at The Bandstand, and the movie Singapore Dreaming will be shown from 8.30pm to 10pm at Lawn E overlooking Swan Lake.
FREE ADMISSION TO NATIONAL ORCHIRD GARDEN
From Jul 10 to Aug 31, as part of its anniversary celebrations, admission to the National Orchid Garden is free for Singaporeans and permanent residents. Over 16,000 orchid plants will be on display at the Botany Centre until Aug 10 as part of the “Orchids of Singapore Botanic Gardens and Their Heritage” exhibition, which showcases the Gardens’ orchid heritage.
The Gardens’ first exhibition of botanical art by international artists features plant portraits from the Shirley Sherwood Collection of Contemporary Botanical Art. Held in the CDL Green Gallery @ SBG Heritage Museum, the “Tropical Splendour: Plant Portraits from the Shirley Sherwood Collection of Contemporary Botanical Art” exhibition will run until Nov 1.
NATIONAL DAY FOOD AND BEVERAGE PROMOTIONS
Food and beverage outlets in the Singapore Botanic Gardens are offering National Day promotions in the month of August.
Halia, Casa Verde, Corner House and Di Wei at Food Canopy have lined up menus to celebrate the nation’s jubilee and the inscription of Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Garden Shops located at Tanglin Gate, Nassim Gate and the National Orchid Garden also have botanical inspired gifts.
NParks advises visitors to take public transport. Shuttle bus services will be available from Botanic Gardens MRT station on Aug 7 and 8 from 10am to 11pm. Aug 9, shuttle bus services will run from 10am to 10pm.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
The Singapore Botanic Gardens, recently named a World UNESCO heritage site, will be celebrating the Republic’s 50th anniversary with a three-day lineup of activities from Aug 7 to 9.
The festivities were announced by Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong last Friday (Jul 10). Organised by the National Parks Board (NParks), activities include a carnival, free concerts, and free outdoor movie screenings.
The National Day Parade will also be telecast live in the Gardens on Aug 9, following a series of prescreening performances by local artistes such as Lorraine Tan, Vocaluptuous and Wicked Aura from 4pm.
THREE-DAY CARNIVAL
The carnivals will include a range of activities and game booths from 10am to 5pm. Visitors can engage in traditional games and crafts, view cultural arts like botanical themed batik painting and calligraphy or eat childhood snacks such as old school biscuits and kacang puteh.
FREE CONCERTS AND MOVIE SCREENINGS
A concert recreating the “Aneka Ragam Ra’ayat” or “People’s Variety Show”, a regular occurrence at the Gardens up till the early 1960s, will be held. The concert was first held at the Botanic Gardens in 1959, and this edition will be hosted by Suhaimi Yusof and Vernetta Lopez.
The unveiling of the official Singapore Botanic Gardens’ World Heritage site inscription will also take place at the concert. The plaque will be installed at the Gardens’ Tanglin gate.
On Aug 7, local groups and artistes including 53A, Rui En, John Molina, Olivia Ong, Taufik Batisah, Shabir and Corinne May will perform at the concert from 4pm to 7pm. Their performances will be followed by the T'ang Quartest from 7.45pm to 8.15pm at the Bandstand, after which the movie It's A Great Great World will be screened from 8.30pm to 10pm at Lawn E overlooking Swan Lake.
On Aug 8, the Singapore Lyric Opera, accompanied by symphony orchestra and opera singers, will play classical melodies with The Sam Willows providing a modern-day twist. This performance will be followed by from 7.45pm to 8.15pm at The Bandstand, and the movie Singapore Dreaming will be shown from 8.30pm to 10pm at Lawn E overlooking Swan Lake.
FREE ADMISSION TO NATIONAL ORCHIRD GARDEN
From Jul 10 to Aug 31, as part of its anniversary celebrations, admission to the National Orchid Garden is free for Singaporeans and permanent residents. Over 16,000 orchid plants will be on display at the Botany Centre until Aug 10 as part of the “Orchids of Singapore Botanic Gardens and Their Heritage” exhibition, which showcases the Gardens’ orchid heritage.
The Gardens’ first exhibition of botanical art by international artists features plant portraits from the Shirley Sherwood Collection of Contemporary Botanical Art. Held in the CDL Green Gallery @ SBG Heritage Museum, the “Tropical Splendour: Plant Portraits from the Shirley Sherwood Collection of Contemporary Botanical Art” exhibition will run until Nov 1.
NATIONAL DAY FOOD AND BEVERAGE PROMOTIONS
Food and beverage outlets in the Singapore Botanic Gardens are offering National Day promotions in the month of August.
Halia, Casa Verde, Corner House and Di Wei at Food Canopy have lined up menus to celebrate the nation’s jubilee and the inscription of Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Garden Shops located at Tanglin Gate, Nassim Gate and the National Orchid Garden also have botanical inspired gifts.
NParks advises visitors to take public transport. Shuttle bus services will be available from Botanic Gardens MRT station on Aug 7 and 8 from 10am to 11pm. Aug 9, shuttle bus services will run from 10am to 10pm.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Saturday 18 July 2015
Boutique hotels sprouting up to meet growing demand
Boutique hotels sprouting up to meet growing demand
Boutique hotels in the Republic are gearing up for a growing group of travellers that are seeking unconventional experiences.
Such hotels tend to be more exclusive, intimate, and unique than major chain hotels, and they are seeing demand from millennials who seek differentiation and the thrill of discovering something distinctive.
One such boutique hotel is Naumi, which is designed to feel like a private home, while boasting of amenities such as an infinity pool and Apple TV's AirPlay. One suite in the hotel even allows you to indulge in the vintage world of Coco Chanel.
"If you look at the Singapore market 10 years ago, people may not have understood what a boutique hotel is all about," said Naumi Hospitality vice-president Peter Wong. "They may think that a boutique hotel is a budget hotel - I think that's a very wrong concept. If I can borrow an analogy from the fashion or retail industry, a boutique hotel is something like a Prada shop or Hermes, it's small, it has its own style, compared to a big retail shop."
Boutiques hotels have been sprouting up in recent years, to meet a growing demand.
Said Mr Victor Wong, Area & Development Director, Asia Pacific, Small Luxury Hotels of the World: "Now there is actually a growing trend among travellers especially in the luxury segment for them to look at something more local, authentic, experiential and boutique hotels are actually in a very position to tap on this market."
Industry observers say the popularity of boutique hotels lies on the back of a rising wave of millennial travellers that make up the bulk of their clientele.
"They're usually younger in terms of crowd, between 30 to about 45 years old, and they've got good spending power," said Mr Donald Han, Chesterton Singapore managing director. "They're non-cookie cutter type, they're looking for hotels which are typically smaller but don't compromise in terms of quality of services."
"They're not looking for a typical ball room, meeting, function rooms - they just want somewhere which is hip, trendy somewhere where you can be recognised in terms of your name," Mr Han added.
Chesterton adds that boutique hotels tend to generate higher profit margins than conventional luxury hotels.
And in Singapore, they are expected to hold their own, as nearly 80 per cent of new room supply coming onstream in the next couple of years are in the mid-tier segment.
French hotel operator AccorHotels says while families and business travelers still prefer the norm and predictability, the demand for differentiation is having an impact across the board, and even Accor's standard brands are increasingly providing ways for each hotel to develop its own identity and character.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Boutique hotels in the Republic are gearing up for a growing group of travellers that are seeking unconventional experiences.
Such hotels tend to be more exclusive, intimate, and unique than major chain hotels, and they are seeing demand from millennials who seek differentiation and the thrill of discovering something distinctive.
One such boutique hotel is Naumi, which is designed to feel like a private home, while boasting of amenities such as an infinity pool and Apple TV's AirPlay. One suite in the hotel even allows you to indulge in the vintage world of Coco Chanel.
"If you look at the Singapore market 10 years ago, people may not have understood what a boutique hotel is all about," said Naumi Hospitality vice-president Peter Wong. "They may think that a boutique hotel is a budget hotel - I think that's a very wrong concept. If I can borrow an analogy from the fashion or retail industry, a boutique hotel is something like a Prada shop or Hermes, it's small, it has its own style, compared to a big retail shop."
Boutiques hotels have been sprouting up in recent years, to meet a growing demand.
Said Mr Victor Wong, Area & Development Director, Asia Pacific, Small Luxury Hotels of the World: "Now there is actually a growing trend among travellers especially in the luxury segment for them to look at something more local, authentic, experiential and boutique hotels are actually in a very position to tap on this market."
Industry observers say the popularity of boutique hotels lies on the back of a rising wave of millennial travellers that make up the bulk of their clientele.
"They're usually younger in terms of crowd, between 30 to about 45 years old, and they've got good spending power," said Mr Donald Han, Chesterton Singapore managing director. "They're non-cookie cutter type, they're looking for hotels which are typically smaller but don't compromise in terms of quality of services."
"They're not looking for a typical ball room, meeting, function rooms - they just want somewhere which is hip, trendy somewhere where you can be recognised in terms of your name," Mr Han added.
Chesterton adds that boutique hotels tend to generate higher profit margins than conventional luxury hotels.
And in Singapore, they are expected to hold their own, as nearly 80 per cent of new room supply coming onstream in the next couple of years are in the mid-tier segment.
French hotel operator AccorHotels says while families and business travelers still prefer the norm and predictability, the demand for differentiation is having an impact across the board, and even Accor's standard brands are increasingly providing ways for each hotel to develop its own identity and character.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Friday 17 July 2015
Tuesday 14 July 2015
Heavy traffic expected at both land checkpoints
Heavy traffic expected at both land checkpoints during Hari Raya weekend
Heavy traffic is expected at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from Thursday (Jul 16), ahead of Hari Raya Puasa on Friday.
Traffic volume is expected to build up from Thursday and continue till Sunday, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a statement, adding that travellers using the land checkpoints during this period can expect delays.
For departure from Singapore, traffic at both checkpoints is expected to be particularly heavy on Thursday and Friday, ICA said. For arrival, traffic at both checkpoints is expected to be particularly heavy on Sunday.
The authority has advised travellers to adjust their travel plans if possible. If not, motorists should check on the traffic situation at both land checkpoints before embarking on their journey, it said.
Travellers are encouraged to car-pool where possible, maintain lane discipline at all times, and ensure that they do not bring unlawful or prohibited goods into or out of Singapore, ICA said.
For more information, the public can call 6863 0117, tune in to the radio for the latest traffic news, or visit these websites to check latest traffic conditions: http://onemotoring.com.sg or http://www.mytransport.sg.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Heavy traffic is expected at both Woodlands and Tuas checkpoints from Thursday (Jul 16), ahead of Hari Raya Puasa on Friday.
Traffic volume is expected to build up from Thursday and continue till Sunday, the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said in a statement, adding that travellers using the land checkpoints during this period can expect delays.
For departure from Singapore, traffic at both checkpoints is expected to be particularly heavy on Thursday and Friday, ICA said. For arrival, traffic at both checkpoints is expected to be particularly heavy on Sunday.
The authority has advised travellers to adjust their travel plans if possible. If not, motorists should check on the traffic situation at both land checkpoints before embarking on their journey, it said.
Travellers are encouraged to car-pool where possible, maintain lane discipline at all times, and ensure that they do not bring unlawful or prohibited goods into or out of Singapore, ICA said.
For more information, the public can call 6863 0117, tune in to the radio for the latest traffic news, or visit these websites to check latest traffic conditions: http://onemotoring.com.sg or http://www.mytransport.sg.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Friday 10 July 2015
One Direction reunited at Madame Tussauds
One Direction reunited at Madame Tussauds Singapore
In what could be the best news ever for those who think One Direction lights up their lives like nobody else - all five original members of the boyband are in Singapore, in the form of wax figures at the Madame Tussauds attraction at Sentosa.
Fans still yearning for a Zayn Malik return to 1D will be able to see him reunited with Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Harry Styles. A day before the official unveiling to visitors on Friday (Jul 10), hundreds of screaming fans got a preview of the fabulous five.
"Some people have asked, why five and not four members? Well, the five has Zayn, and he was one of the most-loved members," said Mr Craig Connor, general manager of Madame Tussauds.
"We knew this would give the fans a chance to see them all together, and we've seen tears and happiness, so it's just heartwarming to give the fans this memorable experience once more," he added.
Scores of fans queued up for a chance to see the boys hours before the doors opened at 7pm. Mey Ho, 15 and Kenme Lam, 13, were the first in line, and arrived at 4.30pm to secure their spot.
"We wanted to get the merchandise and we thought there would be a lot of people before us. I can't wait to see Harry, because he's my favourite member. We love One Direction more than anything in the world and it's great that Zayn is back! They're all together, and he should stay there forever," she gushed.
The One Direction wax figures are a touring set which will travel across 19 Madame Tussauds locations around the world. Singapore is their first stop in Asia. As the statues are an interactive exhibit, guests are encouraged to touch and take photographs with them.
Each of the band members sat for three hours with three studio artists who took 250 measurements of their face and body. The figures then took three months each to create, totalling 15 months for the entire project. As the cost for one figure is about S$300,000, the total cost for all five figures stands at S$1.5 million.
Nothing can come between you and I: A 1D fan cannot contain her excitement. (Photo: Elizabeth Goh)
The "boys" will be inspected and cleaned every morning before the attraction opens, so as to maintain their appearance for the next three months that they will be on display.
"We make sure they're perfect from top to toe, with paint and every part of their body intact, shoes shined and eyes sparkly," said studio manager of Madame Tussauds Kiran Kaur.
"A lot of girls would want to be kissing them, so we will be retouching and repainting them. I guess that shows the fans really love them!"
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
In what could be the best news ever for those who think One Direction lights up their lives like nobody else - all five original members of the boyband are in Singapore, in the form of wax figures at the Madame Tussauds attraction at Sentosa.
Fans still yearning for a Zayn Malik return to 1D will be able to see him reunited with Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Harry Styles. A day before the official unveiling to visitors on Friday (Jul 10), hundreds of screaming fans got a preview of the fabulous five.
"Some people have asked, why five and not four members? Well, the five has Zayn, and he was one of the most-loved members," said Mr Craig Connor, general manager of Madame Tussauds.
"We knew this would give the fans a chance to see them all together, and we've seen tears and happiness, so it's just heartwarming to give the fans this memorable experience once more," he added.
Scores of fans queued up for a chance to see the boys hours before the doors opened at 7pm. Mey Ho, 15 and Kenme Lam, 13, were the first in line, and arrived at 4.30pm to secure their spot.
"We wanted to get the merchandise and we thought there would be a lot of people before us. I can't wait to see Harry, because he's my favourite member. We love One Direction more than anything in the world and it's great that Zayn is back! They're all together, and he should stay there forever," she gushed.
The One Direction wax figures are a touring set which will travel across 19 Madame Tussauds locations around the world. Singapore is their first stop in Asia. As the statues are an interactive exhibit, guests are encouraged to touch and take photographs with them.
Each of the band members sat for three hours with three studio artists who took 250 measurements of their face and body. The figures then took three months each to create, totalling 15 months for the entire project. As the cost for one figure is about S$300,000, the total cost for all five figures stands at S$1.5 million.
Nothing can come between you and I: A 1D fan cannot contain her excitement. (Photo: Elizabeth Goh)
The "boys" will be inspected and cleaned every morning before the attraction opens, so as to maintain their appearance for the next three months that they will be on display.
"We make sure they're perfect from top to toe, with paint and every part of their body intact, shoes shined and eyes sparkly," said studio manager of Madame Tussauds Kiran Kaur.
"A lot of girls would want to be kissing them, so we will be retouching and repainting them. I guess that shows the fans really love them!"
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
More airlines, facial recognition technology planned for Changi's Terminal 4
More airlines, facial recognition technology planned for Changi's Terminal 4
Five more airlines will operate from Singapore Changi Airport's Terminal 4 (T4) when it opens to passengers in the second half of 2017.
Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines and the AirAsia group, including AirAsia Berhad, Indonesia AirAsia and Thai AirAsia, will move their operations from other terminals to the new hub, which expects the movement of 8 to 10 million passengers in the initial period of operations.
This would free up capacity at the other three terminals, which are operating at more than 80 per cent capacity of 66 million passenger movements per annum.
Currently, these airlines operate almost 800 flights per week and carried collectively seven million passengers last year. They will be joining Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific, which announced its move in 2014.
Changi Airport Group (CAG) said the terminal's design focuses on the experience of the passenger, making the check-in and boarding process fast, seamless and automated. More than 70 per cent of the structure has been completed.
More installation, testing and trials are underway before 'live' trial flights will begin, to ensure the terminal is ready for full operations.
The aim will be to ensure an improved travel experience for passengers by allowing options for wider in-terminal autonomy, such as self-service check-in, an automated baggage drop and self-boarding.
Facial recognition technology will also be introduced for the first time at Changi Airport, reducing the number of staff needed to perform manual visual checks of passengers.
Validation of passports and boarding passes will be scanned and verified automatically, without the use of any manpower, to ensure speedier clearances. It forms a complete suite of self-service and automation at the airport, which CAG terms its fast and seamless travel (FAST) initiatives.
"In T4, this is an opportunity for us to roll in a lot of productivity initiatives that would help the airline to save cost in operations," said Ms Poh Li San, Vice-President of Terminal 4 Programme Management Office. "For passengers, we have also designed the terminal in various aspects to improve the experience.
"They don't need to wait in long queues, and they don't need to wait for counters to be open before they can check in. The whole experience would be so much more smoother, faster, seamless and stress free."
Ms Poh added that this also results in greater capacity for the airport, as throughout would be much faster through the various touch points, and for airlines that means cost savings. AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said this could shave operating costs out of Singapore by as high as 40 per cent.
Some of the other features of the new terminal include a central Galleria, enhanced transit lounges, Pernanakan heritage shop fronts and green sanctuaries, including a boulevard of trees along a boarding corridor. Natural light will also figure prominently in the new design.
Terminal 4 was criticised last year by Scoot Airways CEO Campbell Wilson, who described the project as a “big folly”, arguing the airport lacked connectivity to other terminals and appropriate berths for larger jets. Scoot is in the process of rolling out a fleet of Dreamliners.
However, Mr Fernandes said he was satisfied with the set-up, and that the berthing issues were not relevant to AirAsia due to the airline operating narrow-bodied aircraft.
He said T4 offered an opportunity for the airline to offer new destinations, possibly in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and India, and increase frequency of existing services."What is driving volume is low fares. Low fares stimulate more demand and having a terminal like this will enable us to give lower fares and drive more traffic through," he said.
"We believe that eventually we'll be allowed to fly international to India, which will be a very big market for us into Singapore, and a couple of other countries we're looking at."
While Changi’s other terminals are connected via Skytrain access, passengers will need to transfer to Terminal 2 via a traditional shuttle bus.
"We do not have the Sky Train but what we do have is free bus shuttles with the same frequency level as the Sky Train," said Yam Kum Wung, Executive Vic President, Air Hub Development, Changi Airport Group.
"The distance from existing terminals to T4 is about five minutes. We have made enough provisions for bags, for passengers to be connected in a very similar and convenient manner," he said
CAG stressed that T4 will not be a budget terminal and the costs for airlines to be flying from there will be similar to the other existing terminals.
Terminal 4 is being constructed by Takenaka Corporation on the site of the demolished budget terminal, on a construction contract worth nearly S$1 billion. It is equipped to handle 16 million passengers a year, spanning an area of 195,000 square metres.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Five more airlines will operate from Singapore Changi Airport's Terminal 4 (T4) when it opens to passengers in the second half of 2017.
Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines and the AirAsia group, including AirAsia Berhad, Indonesia AirAsia and Thai AirAsia, will move their operations from other terminals to the new hub, which expects the movement of 8 to 10 million passengers in the initial period of operations.
This would free up capacity at the other three terminals, which are operating at more than 80 per cent capacity of 66 million passenger movements per annum.
Currently, these airlines operate almost 800 flights per week and carried collectively seven million passengers last year. They will be joining Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific, which announced its move in 2014.
Changi Airport Group (CAG) said the terminal's design focuses on the experience of the passenger, making the check-in and boarding process fast, seamless and automated. More than 70 per cent of the structure has been completed.
More installation, testing and trials are underway before 'live' trial flights will begin, to ensure the terminal is ready for full operations.
The aim will be to ensure an improved travel experience for passengers by allowing options for wider in-terminal autonomy, such as self-service check-in, an automated baggage drop and self-boarding.
Facial recognition technology will also be introduced for the first time at Changi Airport, reducing the number of staff needed to perform manual visual checks of passengers.
Validation of passports and boarding passes will be scanned and verified automatically, without the use of any manpower, to ensure speedier clearances. It forms a complete suite of self-service and automation at the airport, which CAG terms its fast and seamless travel (FAST) initiatives.
"In T4, this is an opportunity for us to roll in a lot of productivity initiatives that would help the airline to save cost in operations," said Ms Poh Li San, Vice-President of Terminal 4 Programme Management Office. "For passengers, we have also designed the terminal in various aspects to improve the experience.
"They don't need to wait in long queues, and they don't need to wait for counters to be open before they can check in. The whole experience would be so much more smoother, faster, seamless and stress free."
Ms Poh added that this also results in greater capacity for the airport, as throughout would be much faster through the various touch points, and for airlines that means cost savings. AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said this could shave operating costs out of Singapore by as high as 40 per cent.
Some of the other features of the new terminal include a central Galleria, enhanced transit lounges, Pernanakan heritage shop fronts and green sanctuaries, including a boulevard of trees along a boarding corridor. Natural light will also figure prominently in the new design.
Terminal 4 was criticised last year by Scoot Airways CEO Campbell Wilson, who described the project as a “big folly”, arguing the airport lacked connectivity to other terminals and appropriate berths for larger jets. Scoot is in the process of rolling out a fleet of Dreamliners.
However, Mr Fernandes said he was satisfied with the set-up, and that the berthing issues were not relevant to AirAsia due to the airline operating narrow-bodied aircraft.
He said T4 offered an opportunity for the airline to offer new destinations, possibly in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and India, and increase frequency of existing services."What is driving volume is low fares. Low fares stimulate more demand and having a terminal like this will enable us to give lower fares and drive more traffic through," he said.
"We believe that eventually we'll be allowed to fly international to India, which will be a very big market for us into Singapore, and a couple of other countries we're looking at."
While Changi’s other terminals are connected via Skytrain access, passengers will need to transfer to Terminal 2 via a traditional shuttle bus.
"We do not have the Sky Train but what we do have is free bus shuttles with the same frequency level as the Sky Train," said Yam Kum Wung, Executive Vic President, Air Hub Development, Changi Airport Group.
"The distance from existing terminals to T4 is about five minutes. We have made enough provisions for bags, for passengers to be connected in a very similar and convenient manner," he said
CAG stressed that T4 will not be a budget terminal and the costs for airlines to be flying from there will be similar to the other existing terminals.
Terminal 4 is being constructed by Takenaka Corporation on the site of the demolished budget terminal, on a construction contract worth nearly S$1 billion. It is equipped to handle 16 million passengers a year, spanning an area of 195,000 square metres.
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Tuesday 7 July 2015
Botanic Gardens to get even better
Botanic Gardens to get even better
With the Botanic Gardens now a newly minted Unesco World Heritage Site, efforts to protect it are ramping up.
Plans are afoot to improve facilities at the 156-year-old gardens, improve scientific research in horticulture and botany, and cater to an expected increase in footfall from 4.4 million today to six million by 2020.
A site-management plan was presented to the World Heritage Committee as part of Singapore's bid, and the Government has said it will adopt further measures to address concerns raised by a Unesco-appointed expert panel that assessed the gardens.
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong said the listing "will motivate us to do even more to strengthen our conservation efforts" in the gardens.
National Parks Board (NParks) chief executive Kenneth Er pledged to preserve the key attributes of Singapore's first World Heritage Site, including its contribution to botanical research and its role as a gathering space for Singaporeans.
He said: "We are also committed to ensuring that we continue to conserve the gardens' heritage buildings, landscape and ecological heritage for Singapore and the world."
To deal with the expected increase in visitors, NParks will conduct a site evaluation at the end of next year to assess visitor impact on soil erosion, biodiversity and potential damage to historic buildings there.
The gardens, which runs on an operating and staff annual budget of $15 million, will refurbish the National Orchid Garden by 2018.
This includes enhancing the Cool House, the Yuen Peng McNeice Bromeliad Collection enclosure and the Tan Hoon Siang Mist House to showcase a greater diversity of orchids and other plants.
More space will also be provided for the propagation of orchids.
Other improvements in the pipeline include upgraded irrigation systems for the the Plant Resource Centre by next year, said the gardens' assistant director of arboriculture and the centre, Elango Velautham.
The gardens will also implement a site-wide biodiversity conservation plan, and conduct more studies to maintain an "up-to-date understanding" of the species and habitats within its grounds.
The frequency of inspections of the gardens' historic buildings by a professional engineer will go up, from once every five years to once every two years.
Visitors can also expect an improved experience, with plans to enhance wayfinding and visitor facilities, and provide more information on the gardens' heritage, nature, conservation and scientific work.
These measures are important to protect the gardens from issues such as commercialisation, commodification, neglect and man-made disasters, said heritage conservation expert Johannes Widodo.
Describing the site as an "heirloom", he said: "The gardens is something we should keep, nurture and pass on to future generations."
~News courtesy of My Paper~
With the Botanic Gardens now a newly minted Unesco World Heritage Site, efforts to protect it are ramping up.
Plans are afoot to improve facilities at the 156-year-old gardens, improve scientific research in horticulture and botany, and cater to an expected increase in footfall from 4.4 million today to six million by 2020.
A site-management plan was presented to the World Heritage Committee as part of Singapore's bid, and the Government has said it will adopt further measures to address concerns raised by a Unesco-appointed expert panel that assessed the gardens.
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong said the listing "will motivate us to do even more to strengthen our conservation efforts" in the gardens.
National Parks Board (NParks) chief executive Kenneth Er pledged to preserve the key attributes of Singapore's first World Heritage Site, including its contribution to botanical research and its role as a gathering space for Singaporeans.
He said: "We are also committed to ensuring that we continue to conserve the gardens' heritage buildings, landscape and ecological heritage for Singapore and the world."
To deal with the expected increase in visitors, NParks will conduct a site evaluation at the end of next year to assess visitor impact on soil erosion, biodiversity and potential damage to historic buildings there.
The gardens, which runs on an operating and staff annual budget of $15 million, will refurbish the National Orchid Garden by 2018.
This includes enhancing the Cool House, the Yuen Peng McNeice Bromeliad Collection enclosure and the Tan Hoon Siang Mist House to showcase a greater diversity of orchids and other plants.
More space will also be provided for the propagation of orchids.
Other improvements in the pipeline include upgraded irrigation systems for the the Plant Resource Centre by next year, said the gardens' assistant director of arboriculture and the centre, Elango Velautham.
The gardens will also implement a site-wide biodiversity conservation plan, and conduct more studies to maintain an "up-to-date understanding" of the species and habitats within its grounds.
The frequency of inspections of the gardens' historic buildings by a professional engineer will go up, from once every five years to once every two years.
Visitors can also expect an improved experience, with plans to enhance wayfinding and visitor facilities, and provide more information on the gardens' heritage, nature, conservation and scientific work.
These measures are important to protect the gardens from issues such as commercialisation, commodification, neglect and man-made disasters, said heritage conservation expert Johannes Widodo.
Describing the site as an "heirloom", he said: "The gardens is something we should keep, nurture and pass on to future generations."
~News courtesy of My Paper~
Tuesday 30 June 2015
Easier walk for Pedestrian Night shoppers in Orchard
Easier walk for Pedestrian Night shoppers in Orchard
Models walking down Orchard Road on April 11, 2015. -- PHOTO: ST FILE
Less yoga, more shopping.
That is the plan at the upcoming Pedestrian Night in Orchard Road this Saturday, when more space will be given over to pedestrians to wander up and down Singapore's main shopping street and into the malls.
In previous instalments of Pedestrian Night, so-called because a stretch of the road is closed to vehicles, up to 70 per cent of the road was allocated to activities such as a mass yoga session and street tennis. Shoppers found themselves jostling for space to walk around.
From next month, however, the occupied space will be cut down to about 20 per cent, and used for activities such as busking, balloon sculpting and music performances.
Organised by the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) and the Singapore Tourism Board, the next series of Pedestrian Night will take place from 6pm to 11pm on the first Saturday of the month until December. Pedestrians will be able to walk on the road from around 6.30pm.
Said Mr Steven Goh, executive director of ORBA: "For previous (editions of) Pedestrian Night, we were heavy on events and did not have enough synergy with in-mall activities and merchants. For the next six months, we want more pedestrians to spill into the malls."
The first series, which started last October, had attracted an average of 50,000 people each time, about double the usual footfall on a Saturday night.
While this led to higher sales for street-side eateries and shops near public transport nodes, retailers in shopping malls did not see a big jump in sales. Some of them saw a fall in takings instead.
This Saturday, at least 26 stores, including department stores Tangs and Metro as well as high-street brands such as Topshop and Dorothy Perkins, will offer promotions, such as gift vouchers and discounts, in line with the event.
Most, however, will not extend opening hours. Said Mr Goh: "They are constrained by the operating hours of the mall. Extending hours would also mean higher costs, which have to be weighed."
There are currently no plans either to increase the frequency of Pedestrian Night, which cost hundreds of thousands of dollars each time, he added. "Once a month is acceptable to stakeholders. It takes a lot of manpower and there has to be safety and security measures in place as well."
Shoppers are looking forward to the upcoming instalments.
Said Mr Jason Fu, a 26-year-old graphic designer: "It sounds like it will be a proper street festival now. The last time I was there, the outside area was very crowded. It is not so much about the space allocated to activities, but whether they are engaging. I wouldn't mind going again."
~News courtesy of Straits Times~
Models walking down Orchard Road on April 11, 2015. -- PHOTO: ST FILE
Less yoga, more shopping.
That is the plan at the upcoming Pedestrian Night in Orchard Road this Saturday, when more space will be given over to pedestrians to wander up and down Singapore's main shopping street and into the malls.
In previous instalments of Pedestrian Night, so-called because a stretch of the road is closed to vehicles, up to 70 per cent of the road was allocated to activities such as a mass yoga session and street tennis. Shoppers found themselves jostling for space to walk around.
From next month, however, the occupied space will be cut down to about 20 per cent, and used for activities such as busking, balloon sculpting and music performances.
Organised by the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) and the Singapore Tourism Board, the next series of Pedestrian Night will take place from 6pm to 11pm on the first Saturday of the month until December. Pedestrians will be able to walk on the road from around 6.30pm.
Said Mr Steven Goh, executive director of ORBA: "For previous (editions of) Pedestrian Night, we were heavy on events and did not have enough synergy with in-mall activities and merchants. For the next six months, we want more pedestrians to spill into the malls."
The first series, which started last October, had attracted an average of 50,000 people each time, about double the usual footfall on a Saturday night.
While this led to higher sales for street-side eateries and shops near public transport nodes, retailers in shopping malls did not see a big jump in sales. Some of them saw a fall in takings instead.
This Saturday, at least 26 stores, including department stores Tangs and Metro as well as high-street brands such as Topshop and Dorothy Perkins, will offer promotions, such as gift vouchers and discounts, in line with the event.
Most, however, will not extend opening hours. Said Mr Goh: "They are constrained by the operating hours of the mall. Extending hours would also mean higher costs, which have to be weighed."
There are currently no plans either to increase the frequency of Pedestrian Night, which cost hundreds of thousands of dollars each time, he added. "Once a month is acceptable to stakeholders. It takes a lot of manpower and there has to be safety and security measures in place as well."
Shoppers are looking forward to the upcoming instalments.
Said Mr Jason Fu, a 26-year-old graphic designer: "It sounds like it will be a proper street festival now. The last time I was there, the outside area was very crowded. It is not so much about the space allocated to activities, but whether they are engaging. I wouldn't mind going again."
~News courtesy of Straits Times~
Thursday 18 June 2015
New JB-Woodlands train service from July 1
New JB-Woodlands train service from July 1
A new shuttle train service plying between Woodlands and Johor Baru (JB) Sentral will start on July 1.
Malaysian rail operator Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) will operate the service called Shuttle Tebrau.
There will be 14 trips daily: seven from JB Sentral Station and seven from Woodlands Station.
A one-way fare from Woodlands will cost $5, while the return trip from JB Sentral will be priced at RM5 (S$1.80).
KTM said in a media release that the shuttle service will provide a transport solution for commuters who are travelling daily from Johor in Malaysia to Singapore.
"It is also an effort to reduce the massive road congestion, especially during the peak hours at the Johor Causeway," the operator added.
The departure timings from Woodlands Station will be: 6.30am, 8am, 9.30am, 5pm, 6.30pm, 8pm and 11pm.
From JB Sentral, the timings will be: 5.30am, 7am, 8.30am, 4pm, 5.30pm, 7pm and 10pm.
On each trip, the train can ferry between 300 and 320 passengers.
Commuters said that, compared with taking the bus to JB, the train may be quicker but will cost more.
Travel blogger Liau Yun Qing, 29, said it took her about two hours to get from Queen Street in Singapore to JB Sentral on Saturday, using the Causeway Link bus service.
"This is because of the queues to clear immigration and queues to board the buses again (after clearing immigration)."
The ride cost her $3.30 going in and RM3.40 coming back.
There are currently seven cross-border bus services which ply between Singapore and Johor Baru: two are operated by SBS Transit, one by SMRT and the other four services by private bus operators.
Prices for the private services range from $2 to $7.
KTM said that, with the new shuttle, train services from Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Butterworth and Gemas stations - which currently end at Woodlands Station - will end at JB Sentral instead from July 1.
Commuters will have to use Shuttle Tebrau to complete the rest of the journey to Singapore.
Said beautician Janice Lee, 50, who visits JB occasionally to shop and eat: "I've never taken the train (to JB) before, but if this new shuttle service is convenient and safe, I wouldn't mind giving it a try."
~News courtesy of My Paper~
A new shuttle train service plying between Woodlands and Johor Baru (JB) Sentral will start on July 1.
Malaysian rail operator Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) will operate the service called Shuttle Tebrau.
There will be 14 trips daily: seven from JB Sentral Station and seven from Woodlands Station.
A one-way fare from Woodlands will cost $5, while the return trip from JB Sentral will be priced at RM5 (S$1.80).
KTM said in a media release that the shuttle service will provide a transport solution for commuters who are travelling daily from Johor in Malaysia to Singapore.
"It is also an effort to reduce the massive road congestion, especially during the peak hours at the Johor Causeway," the operator added.
The departure timings from Woodlands Station will be: 6.30am, 8am, 9.30am, 5pm, 6.30pm, 8pm and 11pm.
From JB Sentral, the timings will be: 5.30am, 7am, 8.30am, 4pm, 5.30pm, 7pm and 10pm.
On each trip, the train can ferry between 300 and 320 passengers.
Commuters said that, compared with taking the bus to JB, the train may be quicker but will cost more.
Travel blogger Liau Yun Qing, 29, said it took her about two hours to get from Queen Street in Singapore to JB Sentral on Saturday, using the Causeway Link bus service.
"This is because of the queues to clear immigration and queues to board the buses again (after clearing immigration)."
The ride cost her $3.30 going in and RM3.40 coming back.
There are currently seven cross-border bus services which ply between Singapore and Johor Baru: two are operated by SBS Transit, one by SMRT and the other four services by private bus operators.
Prices for the private services range from $2 to $7.
KTM said that, with the new shuttle, train services from Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Butterworth and Gemas stations - which currently end at Woodlands Station - will end at JB Sentral instead from July 1.
Commuters will have to use Shuttle Tebrau to complete the rest of the journey to Singapore.
Said beautician Janice Lee, 50, who visits JB occasionally to shop and eat: "I've never taken the train (to JB) before, but if this new shuttle service is convenient and safe, I wouldn't mind giving it a try."
~News courtesy of My Paper~
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