Exhibition on 700 years of Singapore's history

Exhibition on 700 years of Singapore's history to open at the National Museum



Pathway leading to the Colonial Singapore (1819-1942) section - the period when the British arrived in 1819 and set up a trading factory on the island.

A new exhibition chronicling 700 years of Singapore's history will open at the National Museum of Singapore on Tuesday.

The immersive exhibition will take visitors through the country's annals - from a humble fishing village to the independent nation-state it is today.

It will feature six sections: Archaeology in Singapore; Ancient Singapore (1300 to 1818); Colonial Singapore (1819 to 1942), Syonan-To (1942 to 1945); Road to Merdeka (1946 to 1965) and Independent Singapore (1965 to 1975).

The exhibition is targeted at students and families, and admission is free for citizens, permanent residents and visitors aged six and below.

National Museum director Angelita Teo said the Singapura: 700 Years exhibition aims to give visitors an immersive and multi-sensory experience.

"Visitors will virtually 'jump into an exciting storybook' of Singapore's history, walking through the exhibition and experiencing what it might have felt like then," said Ms Teo.

A key feature and highlight is the section on archaeology, said Ms Teo, as it showcases how archaeologists here have helped piece together a deeper understanding of Singapore's ancient and colonial past, through the excavation of 19 sites over the past three decades.

Some artefacts on display date back to as early as the 10th century AD. One of the finds on show include a rare porcelain compass used for navigation in 14th century Singapore.

Singapura: 700 Years, which is housed at the museum's galleries 1 and 2, will be the main exhibition on show as the rest of the museum's permanent galleries have been closing in phases to undergo a revamp. These spaces will reopen in September next year.

~News courtesy of Straits Times~

Visitors impressed by Madame Tussauds Singapore but let down by suspended ride

Visitors impressed by Madame Tussauds Singapore but let down by suspended ride


Ahmad Fadzil, 21, poses for a photograph with a wax figurine of famed boxer, Muhammad Ali. The wax figurine of table tennis player, Feng Tianwei, is on right.

Visitors thronged Madame Tussauds Singapore on Saturday, the first day the attraction on Sentosa was opened to the public, but the famous wax museum's local debut was not without a hitch.

A boat ride attraction called Spirit of Singapore was shut down from around 12.30pm due to a technical issue and remained closed for the rest of the day.

Visitors who could not take the four-minute boat ride, however, were given free tickets to visit the attraction again. The ride is expected to be fixed within a couple of days.

Despite the slight let-down, visitors generally said they were impressed by the realism of the more than 60 wax figures featured in the attraction, Madame Tussaud's 18th museum. These include Hollywood actors such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, as well as sports stars such as basketball player Yao Ming and golf legend Tiger Woods. Singaporean figures, from former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and his late wife Kwa Geok Choo to singer Stefanie Sun, are also featured.

~News courtesy of Straits Times~

Sri Thendayuthapani Temple expects more visitors with national monument status

Sri Thendayuthapani Temple expects more visitors with national monument status


A tour of Sri Thendayuthapani Temple is conducted after the official ceremony to gazette it as a national monument on Oct 20, 2014.

The Sri Thendayuthapani Temple's management expects more visitors, including Singaporeans and tourists, to flock to its sacred grounds after being gazetted as Singapore's 67th national monument on Monday.

The 15 Tank Road building is usually thronged by about 40,000 visitors and devotees during the annual festival of Thaipusam. Some 200 worshippers also swing by daily for prayers. The temple does not keep track of the number of tourists, but said that it is popular with Chinese and Korean travellers.

One key feature is its 23m high gopuram, or entrance tower, which has five tiers decorated with colourful idols such as Shiva, Vishnu, Brama and Ganesha. The gopuram is one of the tallest in Southeast Asia and the grandest in Singapore.

The temple also organises Walk-a-Jogs on the first Sunday of every month and provides Anna Thaanam or free food, on special occasions. The food is distributed to people of all ages and races.

It is expecting its devotees to stop by the temple from 7am on Wednesday, Deepavali, for prayers.

Honorary secretary N Shanmugam, 57, said the Chettiar temple - dedicated to the Hindu deity Murugan - welcomes all visitors.

Mr Shanmugam said: "We believe this (the gazette) will raise the temple's profile even further and make it more popular with tourists and locals. Visitors will also be able to experience the Chettiar culture, architecture and hospitality in one place."

In a Facebook post on Monday, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong who had officiated the temple's gazette ceremony, said he hopes more Singaporeans will discover and learn about the republic's national monuments as they are "special markers of our shared memories and history".

He said: "These (national monuments) are special markers of our shared memories and history. They are a vital part of our Singapore Story, having stood testament to our nation's journey through independence, survival, and progress."

~News courtesy of Straits Times~

Singapore named Lonely Planet's No 1 country for travel in 2015

Singapore named Lonely Planet's No 1 country for travel in 2015


The Singapore Flyer is seen in the background of the Flower Dome at Gardens By The Bay on Sept 26, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG

Global travel company Lonely Planet has named Singapore the world's number one country to travel to next year.

In its latest guidebook, Best in Travel 2015, published on Tuesday, Lonely Planet noted that multicultural Singapore is "always celebrating something" and has more reason to next year when it turns 50.

The book said "a slew of new developments has elevated the 'Singapore experience' to a new level", from Marina Bay to "a new crop of swanky hotels".

To coincide with its Golden Jubilee, Singapore is set to usher in a number of new attractions next year, including the National Art Gallery and the Singapore Sports Hub, it added.

Best in Travel 2015 is Lonely Planet's 10th collection of the best destinations, experiences and travel trends. It is available in eight languages and sold in more than 100 countries. This is the first time that Singapore has made it to any of the lists.

Coming in second is Namibia, followed by Lithuania, Nicaragua and Ireland. The Republic of Congo, Serbia, Philippines, St Lucia and Morocco round up the list of top 10 countries.

The top country for 2014 was Brazil, host of the World Cup.

Singapore Tourism Board's assistant chief executive Lynette Pang welcomed the accolade. "We are humbled by this tremendous result, and honoured by the recognition of Singapore's efforts not just in tourism, but also in heritage conservation, greenery, dining, arts and many other areas."

~News courtesy of Straits Times~

Air quality crosses into 'unhealthy' range

Air quality in Singapore crosses into 'unhealthy' range


The 3-hour PSI, which has been creeping upwards throughout the morning, reached a reading of 104.

The haze has reached low, unhealthy levels as of 11am on Sunday and is "likely to persist" for the rest of the day, according to the National Environment Agency (NEA).

The 3-hour PSI, which has been creeping upwards throughout the morning, reached a reading of 104 and hit 110 at 1pm. When the reading is above 100, it is recommended that people cut down on prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activity.

The numbers for the 24-hour PSI had been increasing though those numbers have yet to cross into the unhealthy range.

The southern and eastern parts of Singapore reported the highest levels - 94. The overall 24-hour PSI for Singapore is expected to be in the high-end of the moderate range and low-end of the unhealthy range on Sunday.

According to the NEA's haze microsite, Sunday's worsening air quality was likely due to smoke from Sumatra, blown in by the prevailing winds. But thundery showers forecasted in the afternoon may help dispel some of the haze.

The PSI measures soot, dust particles, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ground level ozone in the air.

~News courtesy of Straits Times~

Big buzz in Little India over Deepavali

Big buzz in Little India over Deepavali


Shoppers picking up deals in Little India.

Brightly-coloured bazaars, temple visits and the bustling Little India light-up usher in the Hindu festival of Deepavali, which falls on Wednesday.

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Deepavali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, and good over evil.

At home, families light oil lamps and decorate their floors with rangoli or kolam, traditional patterns made with coloured rice flour or powder.

Traditional goodies, from deep-fried murukku to sweets made from milk and ghee, are a staple of the celebrations.

~News courtesy of Straits Times~

Travellers will soon have more flight options

Travellers will soon have more flight options at Changi Airport

Travellers at Changi Airport will have more flight options in the coming weeks with existing carriers boosting services and new airlines landing.

Direct flights will be available for the first time to Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island.

More seats will be added to Kuala Lumpur, Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City, Colombo in Sri Lanka, London, and Auckland in New Zealand, with plans by carriers to either add flights or use bigger planes.

This should be a boon for travellers, said aviation analysts, as the increase is expected to bring fares down on these routes.

~News courtesy of Straits Times~

Foodcourt at MBS shuts temporarily after cockroach incident

Foodcourt at Marina Bay Sands shuts temporarily after cockroach incident

Netizen Kovit Ang posted a picture on Facebook on Monday afternoon showing a troop of five cockroaches at the foodcourt, 1983 - A Taste of Nanyang. -- PHOTO: FACEBOOK/KOVIT ANG

A foodcourt at Marina Bay Sands has been closed temporarily for thorough cleaning, after a photograph of cockroaches patronising one of its stalls went viral online.

This happened after netizen Kovit Ang posted a picture on Facebook on Monday afternoon showing a troop of five cockroaches at the foodcourt, 1983 - A Taste of Nanyang, with one of the cockroaches just inches away from a piece of fried meat that was being sold at one of the stalls.

The Straits Times contacted Mr Ang, 41, who said his "hair stood on end" when he saw the crawlies.

"It was such a joke though, because the cockroaches were so obvious and yet people were still ordering from the stall," said the fashion stylist, adding that he walked straight out of the foodcourt after snapping a picture of the sight.

Mr Ang's Facebook post has since been shared more than 200 times, with many netizens expressing disgust at the poor hygiene conditions of the foodcourt.

Said netizen Christina Chung: "No wonder they charge so ex(pensive)! Must be the "extra ingredients"!"

Marina Bay Sands issued a statement on Thursday to say that they were "aware of a pest incident" that occurred at 1983 - A Taste of Nanyang on Oct 6. The foodcourt, which is run by Koufu, is located at the South Promenade of The Shoppes.

"We immediately took action and worked with the tenant to conduct checks and investigate the incident," said the statement.

"The outlet is now closed temporarily for thorough cleaning and will reopen upon further notice."

The statement added that Marina Bay Sands maintains strict hygiene levels in their operations, and that they expect the same level of high standards from their tenants.

"We will continue to ensure these rules are applied consistently across the property. To prevent this incident from happening again, the tenant will increase the frequency of its pest control checks," it said.

~News courtesy of Straits Times~

Hazy conditions to persist on Sunday

Hazy conditions to persist on Sunday, PSI to fluctuate between moderate and unhealthy


The Singapore skyline shrouded in haze on Oct 6, 2014. -- ST PHOTO FILE

Hazy conditions persisted overnight with the three-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reaching 94 at 9am on Sunday.

The haziness was due to smoke haze from Singapore's surrounding region, blown in by the prevailing winds, said the National Environment Agency (NEA).

At 7am on Sunday, the one-hour concentrations of PM2.5 was 47 - 54 ug/m3, and the 24-hr PSI was 90 -104, in the Moderate to Unhealthy range.

For Sunday, the prevailing winds are forecast to be light and variable in direction. Thundery showers are expected in the afternoon, said NEA.

~News courtesy of Straits Times~

Battlestar Galactica ride may reopen this year

Battlestar Galactica ride may reopen this year


The Battlestar Galactica, USS' star attraction, was closed on July 21 last year. But last Wednesday, the tracks were seen to have a fresh coat of paint. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND FOO

It is billed as the tallest duelling roller coaster in the world - but since last July, it has also probably been the quietest. But screaming crowds might return by the year end to Universal Studios Singapore's (USS) 42.5m-high Battlestar Galactica roller coaster if plans to resurrect the ride proceed without a hitch.

The Sunday Times has learnt that Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), the ride's owner, has submitted technical and support documents for the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to review.

A spokesman for the authority confirmed that the review is being finalised. Once this is done, a Modification Permit would be issued so alterations can be made to the present ride. "BCA will allow the operation of the ride only after modifications are completed, safety checks are done and the Commissioner of Amusement Rides Safety is satisfied... with the safety measures in place," the spokesman added.

Sources within USS also said they have been told the ride would re-open before the end of this year.

Genting Group, which owns RWS and USS, revealed in its quarterly report in August that it was getting ready for the sci-fi-themed ride's relaunch. When contacted, an RWS spokesman confirmed this and said details would be announced at a later date.

The Battlestar Galactica, USS' star attraction, was closed on July 21 last year for what RWS called an "attraction review". It has not given further details on why it has been unavailable for more than a year.

The 90-second ride, which has sharp turns, vertical loops and can go as fast as 90kmh, got off to an inauspicious start when a seat fell off because of a technical glitch during a routine test in March 2010, just a week after USS opened. No one was hurt, but the ride's licence was suspended immediately.

When The Sunday Times visited last Wednesday, the doors to the two alternate tracks of the roller coaster were shut, but the tracks had received a fresh coat of paint. Park-goers have spotted other changes too.

"From September onwards, I started to see ride engineers on the track," said blogger Nicholas Yau, who has an annual pass to USS and visits the park every two to three weeks.

Malaysian student Ismail Ibrahim, 19, has fond memories of his first time on the roller coaster in June last year. When he visited the park again this week, he was disappointed to find the ride closed. "I can still remember the people screaming," he said.

~News courtesy of Straits Times~

2 S'pore-JB bus services raise their fares

Two Singapore-JB bus services raise their fares


Commuters boarding Causeway Link bus at Kranji MRT station, heading towards Larkin Terminal in Johore Bahru on Oct 3, 2014. -- ST PHOTO: LIM SIN THAI

Two cross-border bus services are raising their fares following the implementation of higher toll charges by Singapore on Oct 1.

Handal Indah, which runs the Causeway Link bus service between Johor and Singapore, will raise its fares by up to 80 cents from next Monday.

Passengers boarding the yellow buses at the Queen Street station will be ticketed $3.30 if they pay cash, up from $2.50 now.

"It's just unfortunate," said Handal Indah's station manager in Singapore, Mr Johnny Low. "We did not increase the bus fares drastically at all for about 10 years."

~News courtesy of Straits Times~

Air quality hits unhealthy range

PSI hits unhealthy range, conditions 'expected to persist': NEA

Hazy conditions were reported around Singapore on Monday afternoon (Oct 6), as the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading crossed into the unhealthy range. Hazy conditions are expected to persist for the rest of today, said the NEA.

The 3-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading crossed into the unhealthy region, hitting 125 as of 3pm on Monday (Oct 6), and the hazy conditions are expected to persist, said the National Environment Agency (NEA).

"The overall air quality is expected to be in the high end of the Moderate range," added the NEA.

"There was a significant deterioration in the air quality in most Regions of Singapore with the 1-hr concentrations of PM2.5 rising to 100μg/m3 in the Southern Region of Singapore," said the NEA on its website, adding that "the haziness was due to smoke haze from a nearby source in central Sumatra, being blown in by the prevailing southwesterly winds".

The three-hour PSI reading stayed in the moderate range in the morning, but climbed steadily to cross into the 'unhealthy' range at 1pm, with a reading of 104. Callers to the Channel NewsAsia's hotline also complained of a strong burning smell in the air.

The NEA had said in its report yesterday that that may be "occasional slight haze" on Monday, and the overall air quality was expected to be in the Moderate range.

On Sunday, the NEA said the total number of hotspots detected in Sumatra and Kalimantan was four and 63 respectively, attributing the low hotspot count was to "cloud cover and partial satellite coverage over both Sumatra and Kalimantan".

"Widespread smoke haze was visible in southern Kalimantan," the agency added.

~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Adha

Free Wi-Fi access at four Sentosa hot spots

Free Wi-Fi access at four Sentosa hot spots

Visitors to Sentosa can now get free Wi-Fi access with the rollout of the free national wireless network on the island.

The government-backed Wireless@SGx, which provides up to 2Mbps surfing speeds, is available at four key areas - the Beach Station, Imbiah Lookout, The Port of Lost Wonder and Mount Faber Leisure Group's cable car stations and retail outlets.

Whether the network will be extended to the beaches and the rest of the island depends on user acceptance during the one-year trial, said a Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) spokesman.

Since telco M1 rolled out the network on Sentosa in August, some 20,000 to 40,000 people have been using it daily.

For now, the focus is on providing visitors easier access to online information about the attractions and dining options on the island - minus mobile data charges, said Mr Eu Kwang Chin, SDC divisional director for information technology.

"We want to be a smart island tapping on technology to offer our guests better value and greater convenience."

Phone users need to do only a one-time registration and select Wireless@SGx as the network. The network can detect the phone using data stored in the SIM card in seconds.

Once set up, users can automatically log on to Wireless@SGx when their phones' Wi-Fi function is turned on.

Surfing speed has also doubled, which would attract users who wish to offload their 3G and 4G surfing onto the free network to avoid busting their mobile data caps.

Marketing specialist Grace Ang, 40, said free Wi-Fi is a good way of helping tourists and locals save on "expensive" mobile data charges.

But since access to Wireless@SGx is not islandwide, its benefits are limited. "It's nice to have free Wi-Fi at Sentosa beach, for instance," she said.

In April, the national network had a total of 5,000 hot spots in public areas, including hospitals and libraries. There are plans to increase the number to 10,000 next year.

~News courtesy of Straits Times~

Smooth traffic on Causeway as new toll charges kick in on S'pore side

Smooth traffic on Causeway as new toll charges kick in on the Singapore side


Drivers on the Seletar Expressway were reminded of new toll charges through overhead electronic signs, as the fee hike kicked in on the Singapore side on Oct 1.

Traffic was smooth on the Causeway in the early hours of Wednesday morning, the first day the revised toll charges on the Singapore side come into force.

It appeared to be business as usual when The Straits Times visited the Woodlands Checkpoint at 5.30am, with the new charges kicking in without a hitch.

Pumping petrol at Mesra petrol station was Mr Muhd Shawal, 40, one of those hit by the hike. The Singaporean businessman who lives in Johor was on his way to send his two children to school.

~News courtesy of Straits Times~