Botanic Gardens primary rainforest area expansion

NParks to expand primary rainforest area in Botanic Gardens

The National Parks Board (NParks) will be expanding the 6-hectare site of primary rainforest in the Singapore Botanic Gardens to include a 9.8-hectare Learning Forest to showcase the best of tropical trees.

National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said this at the launch of the "Wealth of the Rain Forest" exhibition on Friday.

The Learning Forest will also include a new marshland showcasing tropical wetland plant species and aquatic wildlife.

Mr Mah added that when completed, the Learning Forest will give visitors an exceptional forest and marshland experience within the city for nature education and nature watching.

Through thematic walks, visitors will get to see giant trees, trees with interesting forms and barks of various textures, a conservation collection of rare fruit and nut species, and a bamboo garden.

The indoor "Wealth of the Rain Forest" exhibition features the richness of plant life in the rainforests, and will be held until October 6.

The exhibition also reveals interesting facts on how certain rainforest plants have
healing properties and how the forests present opportunities for eco-tourism and other forms of recreation.

For example, quinine, the anti-malaria medication, was extracted from the bark of the Cinchona tree found in the forests on the Andes mountains of South America.

The Gutta-Percha (Palaquium gutta), a relative of the Chiku fruit tree, was discovered by the colonial British in Singapore during the mid-19th century for use to insulate the new invention of submarine telegraphic communications cable (from 1866) and is still the preferred non-toxic material for dentists performing root-canal fillings.

"The 'wealth' that tropical rainforests confer is multi-fold. They provide us with sustenance and valuable materials for fabrics, building, fuel, pharmaceutical and medicinal applications. Rainforests also present eco-tourism and recreational opportunities," said Mr Mah.

"But more importantly, rainforests are our key defence against global warming as a mega carbon sink, given their natural capacity to store large amounts of carbon. In fact, the amount of carbon stored in forests is estimated to be more than all the carbon found in the atmosphere."

-Info courtesy of Channel Newsasia-

Bird Park sees successful hatching of Eurasian Eagle Owl

Bird Park sees successful hatching of Eurasian Eagle Owl

SINGAPORE: The Jurong Bird Park has welcomed a successful hatching of the Eurasian Eagle Owl, one of the largest owls in the world.

The chick, which was hatched two months ago weighing 54 grammes, now weighs over one kilogramme.

The typical height of an adult Eurasian Eagle Owl is between 58 and 71 centimetres.

They are usually found in Europe and Asia.

The owls are sexually monomorphic, which means the male and female species look alike, although the females are larger in size.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-

Tiger Airways' passenger volume grows 18%

Tiger Airways' passenger volume grows 18% on-year

SINGAPORE: Mainboard-listed budget carrier Tiger Airways said it has maintained solid passenger volumes and load factors in August.

The total number of passengers in August grew by 18 per cent on-year to 442,000 compared to an 11 per cent increase in capacity.

From September 2009 to August 2010, Tiger Airways also said a total of 5.5 million passengers chose to fly with it.

That's an increase of 47 per cent over the 3.7 million passengers in the preceding 12 months.

The average load factor for the 12-month period to August 2010 was 86 per cent, an increase of five percentage points year-on-year.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-

Nearly 500 train trips to be added during F1

Nearly 500 train trips to be added during F1 Grand Prix

SINGAPORE : Close to 500 train trips will be added during the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix next week.

SMRT said most of the extra train trips will be added at night and early morning between September 24 and 26.

The extra train trips mean shorter waiting times for commuters.

It will also extend train and SMRT feeder bus operating hours for commuters returning from the race venue.

There will be a S$5 taxi location surcharge during race days for those who board taxis from 18 trackside locations.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-

Largest candy store in Asia opens at RWS

Largest candy store in Asia opens at Resorts World Sentosa

SINGAPORE : The largest candy store in Asia is opening its doors at Resorts World Sentosa.

Spanning some 9,000 square feet, Candylicious is home to the world's largest lollipop trees standing at 10 metres tall.

Customers will be spoilt for choice with the largest 'Pick and Mix' wall in Asia where they can find gummy bears, peach rings and jelly beans.

And to satiate that sugar rush, consumers can reach out for the Gourmet Candylicious gelato among the store's large range of sundaes.

With a wide array of candies and chocolates that has never been seen before in Singapore, those who have a sweet tooth are in for a treat.

The sweets and candies available at the candy store include Madelaine Chocolates, Rock Candy from Squire Boone Village, Messori Italian Cones and Peeps Marshmallow.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-

More foreign visitors, tourism dollars expected

More foreign visitors, tourism dollars expected at this year's F1 race

More foreign visitors and tourism dollars are expected for this year's Singapore Formula One (F1) Race.

This is according to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), which announced several lifestyle attractions as part of the Singapore Grand Prix (GP) Season.

International acts like Mariah Carey and Missy Elliott are already on the cards. Now they will be supported by other artistes - 400 in all - costing a cool S$5 million.

And revving up the entertainment factor, the Singapore Grand Prix Season will see a week-long period of F1-related events, ranging from art to parties.

This year, there will be something novel this year as well - Digital Nights@Orchard.

This is a showcase of new media and digital arts using the 3D technology, mapping familiar sights along Orchard Road.

Another feature - the Soundpark at ION Orchard - where the highlight is a 13-metre long Soundbox, replicates the sound of F1 cars whizzing by.

And all that din is expected to bring in the crowds and dollars, especially from overseas.

"About 40 per cent of the spectators this year will be foreign visitors. The season has gained traction; people are expecting and hearing the very exciting line-up that we have about the season, so we are already gaining a certain kind of reputation - to deliver an F1 experience that is quite unique to this part of the world," said Chew Tiong Heng, director of Destination Marketing at Singapore Tourism Board.

The board also expects about S$100 million in tourism receipts, up from S$93 million in 2009.

Part of the buzz will come from the two new integrated resorts.

The 2010 Singapore F1 race takes place from September 24-26.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-