Destinations, Travel tips, Festivals and Public Holidays
Ethnic Quarters
Cultural Tour In Little India
Feb 11th
Singapore
In order to study the Indian culture, you do not have to go to India. When you in Singapore, you can also find this culture. Located in Serangoon Road, Little India, is a small speck in the modernization of Singapore who still nuanced India. The first Indian settlers in Singapore arrived with Sir Stamford Raffles as assistants and soldiers in 1819. In the late 19 th century, more and more Indian immigrants who came to find work, both as a builder of roads or occupy important positions in the civil service sipil.Little India still save a lot of traditions that continue to be preserved. Distinctive odor of spices and incense is a sign when we entered this area.
There is one spot that towered over there. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, an Indian Hindu worship site in the middle of Little India area. The temple was built in 1835 and has undergone renovation in the year of 1987 (as the inscription is written in front of this site). This temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, the god of strength and cruel incarnation. The Veeramakaliamman means The Brave Kali.
The temple was full of interior. On the outside part, there are a variety of ornamental statues of Hindu gods, against the wall next to the soaring roof of this temple. Inside is a statue of Goddess Kali is flanked by two sons, Ganesha and Murugan. Kali is the goddess who has a lot of hands holding weapons of all. If you want to watch a religious ceremony in the temple, according to the information I gather, came in on Tuesday or Friday.
Little India Arcade and Campbell Lane, is the center of culture, commerce and entertainment of India. Try a sari, watch spice grinder to grind spices with aroma, or ask a parakeet to read your fate. All this you can do in one day! There are still some places in Little India giving more attractive place to visit, such as the Masjid Abdul Gofur which is the only mosque that is designed with 25 rays of the sun. Its a symbol of 25 prophets chosen. In this mosque there are reportedly using the clock sunlight. Again, there was more activity in Little India that is fun to be tried, Indian Fortune Teller. Do you want to know your future live? Ask!
River Hongbao At Marina Bay 2010
Feb 11th
Singapore
In spirit of 2010 Chinese New Year celebrations, The Float@Marina Bay will be transformed into a fairyland of lantern displays and decorations with the God of Fortune and twelve Chinese Zodiac Animals.
Look out for the firing of firecrackers and fireworks against the spectacular skyline. Join in the Chinese Lantern riddle-guessing and other onsite competitions while savouring an array of mouth-watering local cuisines, specialty food from Chengdu (China) and beverages.
There will also be onsite cooking demonstrations, handicrafts and specialty products for sale. Visitors can also look forward to line-up exciting performances from Chengdu, Taiwan and local groups.
Dates: 12 Feb 2010 to 20 Feb 2010
Time: From 12 noon to 2330 hrs
FREE Hotel Pick Up Time: 13:00, 15:00 or 18:00
Except for CNY eve (13 Feb 2010):12 noon to 1.00am.
Price: S$19.90 (Adult) / S$15.90 (Child)
Package includes:
A) FunVee City Attractions Hopper Pass
B) FunVee Ethnic Attractions Hopper Pass
C) FunVee Marina Attractions Hopper
D) Complimentary Sentosa Attractions Hopper
E) Complimentary Marina Bay Walking Tour (worth S$12)
F) Complimentary Drink at Hard Rock Cafe
G) Complimentary Drink at Manchester United Cafe & Bar (worth over S$35)
Tel Citytours : (+65) 6738 3338 | (+65) 8188 6000
Email : enquiry@citytours.sg
Website : www.citytours.sg
Big Shopping At Little India
Feb 11th
Singapore
During vacation, when you are still in Singapore, there is one unique place with India nuanced. Visit a “street shopping” that offer a lot of cheaper products. The location is Little India namely. From its name, Little India, you can guess that this area is dominated by Indian culture & heritage. In Little India, people still keep a lot of traditions to be preserved.
Using public transportation, train, you can stop at Little India MRT Station. Little India is one of shopping centers that known with its cheapness. And most important things is that this area is opened 24 hours a day! Satisfy yourself with some jewelry – silver engraving, bridal jewelry, bracelet, anklet cheap and colorful, and other jewelry. See also special sheets of India and a giant photograph of Indian movie stars.
Visiting Little India will not be complete without seeing the two main interesting place, Tekka Center and Mustafa Center. Tekka Center on Buffalo Road, known as street market by the locals. It provides full of vegetables, fish, meat, spices and fresh flowers. For small souvenirs, look to the store for brass or other small shops. At the other end of Serangoon Road, in Serangoon Plaza there is Mustafa Center, a department store with emporium and Aladdin cave that is open 24 hours. When you go inside , there is classical and you’ll find all sorts of things with the cheapest price in Singapore. This department store is a popular shopping center for electronic goods and household goods. Buyers can find all kinds of items from its collection that reaches more than 120,000 products.
Other places that is still interesting is Little India Arcade. It’s like a tunnel that contains the vendor offering a variety of ethnic Indian collection. In addition, in this place is also filled with a variety of outlets that offer the most unique clothing of India, “Sari”. And for you who love the art you can visit Chellas Gallery specializes in paper boxes and other objects collections from Kashmir.
Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2010
Feb 11th
Singapore
Chinatown is a key focal point for Chinese New Year festivities in the few weeks leading to up to Chinese New Year and a few weeks following that. Visitors can immerse in the entire Chinese cultural experience and experience the festive hustle and bustle simply by walking the streets of Chinatown. Chinatown is also where local Chinese congregate year after year to shop for the necessary new year items for the home and to soak in the festive atmosphere.
One can expect a colourful and elaborate street light-up along the main and side streets of Chinatown with interactive light displays and photo opportunity points on the Garden Bridge and other key focal points. Take your pick from over 500 festive street stalls offering Chinese New Year goodies in Chinatown & People’s Park (23 Jan to 13 Feb 2010). Nightly cultural stage shows at Kreta Ayer Square will feature renowned local and overseas performances (23 Jan to 13 Feb 2010).
Firecrackers and pyrotechnics display during these three main events:
- Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2010 Official Light-Up & Opening Ceremony
23 January 2010 | 6pm-10pm - Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2010 Countdown
13 February 2010 | 9.30om – 12.30am - Chinatown Yuan Xiao Jie
28 February 2010 | 7pm – 10pm
Chinese New Year Celebrations Package
Dates: 23 Jan 2010 to 28 Feb 2010 Tour Starts: 18:30
Hotel Pick Up Time: 18:00
Price: S$32.90′ (Adult) I S$29.90 (Child)
Package includes:
A) Chinese New Year Light-Up Tour (worth S$23.00)
B) FunVee City Atttractions Hopper Day Pass and
C) FunVee Ethnic Attractions Hopper Pass (worth over S$35)
D) FunVee Marina Attractions Hopper
E) Complimentary Sentosa AttractionsHopper
F) Complimentary Marina Bay Walking Tour (worth S$12)
G) Complimentary Drink at Hard Rock Cafe
H) Complimentary Drink at Manchester United Cafe & Bar
Tel Citytours 
+65) 6738 3338 | (+65) 8188 6000
Email : enquiry@citytours.sg
Website : www.citytours.sg
Hari Raya Puasa 21 September 2009 Holiday
Aug 8th
Hari Raya Puasa / Hari Raya Aid Il Fitrj falls on 20 September 2009. Due to 20 September 2009 is a Sunday, the holiday is substituted to 21 September 2009 Holiday.
Holiday date is based on Islamic Calendar, every thus year the date is different. Due to shorter year (with approximately 355 days) in Islamic calendar, generally every year the holiday will falls on earlier date than the year before.
This is slightly different from Chinese calendar. Eventhough both are using lunar (moon) movement for calculation, in Chinese lunar calendar there are leap years, where one of the month will be calculated twice. Example, this year 2009, in Chinese calendar the fifth month happen twice.
Hari Raya is the most important religious festival for Muslims around the world. It celebrates the end of Ramadan (or fasting month), signifying the triumph over evil.
After prayer at the mosque, people will pay visit to each other, especially more for young people to visit the elder. The common greeting is “Selamat Hari Raya” (Happy Eid) and “Mohon Maaf Zahir Batin” (I seek your forgiveness). Many also greet “Min Al Aidin Wa Al Faizin”. This last greeting, originated from Arabic words, was commonly thought to mean the same as “Mohon Maaf Zahir Batin”, but actually it has different meaning. Loosely translated, it means “People who return and people who are triumphant”.
In this region, Hari Raya Puasa is a public holiday celebrated in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Holiday Destinations & Tourist Attractions in Singapore
Jul 20th
Where to go in Singapore? What are the popular destinations? What are the places of interest in Singapore?
We got asked these questions quite frequently.
Singapore is one of the most amazing places in the world to go on a vacation with incredible tourist attractions, great nightlife, awesome cuisines and wonderful spa retreats.
A lot of people like to go on a Singapore holiday in order to make the best of their vacations and have a great time with their friends and family. It is a shockingly modern city and a fantastic place to visit during the holidays. It has a great deal of almost everything to offer to its visitors. The major tourist attractions will leave you bewitched with its charm.
So to give you a bit of overview, here we compile a list of Popular Holiday Destinations & Tourist Attractions in Singapore
Sentosa Island
Sentosa island is the undisputed No 1 most popular holiday destination of Singapore. In brief, it is a whole island converted into an attraction park. It is big and will probably take you 1-2 whole days to explore everything. Sentosa Island is the answer of Singapore to Disneyland, and will be even more so with the opening of Universal Studio with the Integrated Resort (IR) next year.
Beach lovers can enjoy exciting games and sea sports along the 3.2-km long sandy beaches stretching across Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong.
Fort Siloso is the Singapore’s only preserved coastal fort stands as an important window to our colonial past and a poignant reminder of the war years.
What else to do ? Ride a movie (Cinemania) / Join the army (Fort Siloso) / Spot sharks without getting wet (Underwater World) / Admire butterflies / Erupt yourself (VolcanoLand) / Splash yourself (Fantasy Island) / Fall for dolphins (Dolphin Lagoon) / Climb the Merlion for a panoramic view / Walk on a dragon / Have a look at other countries (Asian Village) / Relax on spotless artificial beaches / Rollerblade on the alleys or rent a bike / Spot skeleton on a nature walk / Have a photo with a snake / Watch monkeys getting coconuts / Walk a suspended bridge / Admire a collection of shells / Cool off by one of the numerous fountains or manicured gardens (orchid, scented, spices,…) / Bike on water / Dream at the musical fountain / Stand on the southernmost point of the Asia continent / Ride the monorail around for free / Dance on the beach in swim suit at the two beach bars (regular foam parties as well) / Swim in the laguna
Orchard Road
From the world famous city, comes the world famous shopping destination – the Orchard Road Singapore. There are over 30 malls and shopping centers located in the stretch or road, closely connected to each other by pavements and underground pass. Here, you’ll find everything like the stylish Louis Vuitton, the exquisite Bergdorf Goodman, the elegant Tiffany & Co., the ever popular Prada, the immaculate Versace, Cartier, Fortunoff, Dior, Fendi, and Chanel. And the list goes on and on…
Ethnic quarters
As a multiracial country, Singapore host a number of unique destinations which celebrates the cultural diversity of the different races. Here are some places where you can experience the culture, customs and traditional festivals.
1. Geylang Serai
It was earlier known as the Geylang Kelapa; Geylang Serai was an abode to many of the Malay Kampongs. It is famous for the exquisite quality of lemongrass that grows here in abundance. There are traditionally made Malay-Kalimpong houses and a cultural museum as well.
2. China Town
China Town was historically the home to Chinese population who lived here. The place can be best explored on foot and can be marveled at the various interesting areas of Chinese worship. The main places of worship include the Thian Hock Keng temple, Sri Marimman temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic temple. The China Town market is very popular for its cheap bargains where you can buy a lot of stuff like the textile, medicinal herb and Chinese handicraft.
3. Little India
Little India is a district endowed with Indian culture’s ethnic elements. The most attractive features of here are Sri Veeramakaliamman temple and Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple. The latter is known more for its massive Buddha statue. Exquisite Indian silk, brassware, gold jewelry and trinkets can be bought from the exotic market. Little India’s cuisine and henna are also very popular.
4. Arab Street/ Kampong Glam
The colorful district of Kampong Glam got its name from a local tree, Gelam. It has a Malay Heritage Centre and Sultan Mosque. Also known as the Masjid Sultan, the mosque excels in architectural splendor. The textiles, fabrics and the baskets made of cane, straw and rattan of the market, trinkets, and perfumes are very famous here.
Nightlife
As for a taste of Singapore nightlife, some popular night spots highly recommended are Chijmes Singapore , Singapore Boat Quay, Mohammed Sultan Road, Singapore Robertson Quay and Holland Village Singapore. Arguably, some of the most popular party destinations currently are Zouk, St James Power Station (coal-fired power station turned into large entertainment complex), and MoS (Ministry of Sound)
Food
As a metropolitan where most of the population dines out, Singapore naturally has huge array of gastronomical offers. From posh five-star restaurants to economical food hawker centers, you can find and enjoy international as well as local food almost everywhere in Singapore.
Other destinations
You will never go wrong with the well-known Singapore tourist attractions such as the Singapore Zoo, Singapore Night Safari (Night Zoo), Jurong Bird Park and the Singapore Flyer etc.
Cambodia 2010 Public Holidays Calendar
Jul 17th
List of Public Holidays in Cambodia for year 2010.
Please note that many public holidays in Cambodia are either traditional festivals or Buddhist holidays, which are based on lunar calendars, thus the holiday dates change from year to year.
We do not and cannot guarantee accurate of the calendar. Use it at your own risk.
International New Year’s Day
The celebration of New Year’s Eve has become more and more popular in Cambodia, and although not an official holiday, many offices are closed.
Friday, 1 January 2010
Victory over Genocide Day
This national holiday commemorates Vietnamese-backed troops taking the capital from the Khmer Rouge in 1979. It marks the end of the Khmer Rouge regime after their defeat to the Vietnamese.
Thursday, 7 January 2010
Meak Bochea Day /Magha Puja Day
An important Buddhist holy day, celebrated in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos on the full moon day of the third lunar month in Buddhist Calendar. The month is known in the Thai language as Makha (Pali: Magha). Bucha, also a Thai word (Pali: Puja), meaning to venerate or to honor. As such, Makha Bucha Day is for the veneration of Buddha and his teachings.
Sunday, 30 January 2010
Chinese New Year
First new moon in the Chinese lunar calendar. An important celebration to Cambodians with chinese origin.
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Not a public holiday
Women’s Day
This United Nations-inspired holiday, International day for women has become a big deal. Don’t hope to get anything done.
Monday, 8 March 2010
Cambodian Khmer New Year/Chaul Chnam Thmey
Possibly Cambodia’s most important holiday. The cities empty as Cambodians rush to spend the holiday with family. The holiday lasts for three days beginning on New Year’s Day. This time of the year is at the end of the harvesting season. The farmers enjoy the fruits of their harvest and relax before the rainy season begins. Gifts and tips are especially auspicious during April and should be accompanied with the phrase ‘Sok Sabay, Ch’nam Tmey’ (Happy New Year!)
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Friday, 16 April 2010
Visaka Bochea / Visaka Buja Day
Vesak Day, Buddhist observance commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Labour Day
A relatively minor holiday. Embassies advise avoiding large labor-related gatherings and rallies falling on this day as union disputes can occasionally turn violent.
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Royal Ploughing Day Ceremony
Known in Cambodia as Pithi Chrat Preah Neangkol, this public holiday corresponds to the start of the planting season. Royal astrologers will predict the coming season’s weather.
Sunday, 2 May 2010
HM King Sihamoni’s Birthday
Commemorates the birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni on 14 May 1953. The current king was crowned in 2004 after the abdication of his father, Norodom Sihanouk.
Thursday, 13 May 2010
Friday, 14 May 2010
Saturday, 15 May 2010
HM the Queen Mother’s Birthday
Commemorates the birthday of The Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk. Cambodians have a deep affection for the queen mother. Even so, this is a minor holiday which does not usually affect travel.
Friday, 18 June 2010
Cambodia Constitution Day
A public holiday called to celebrate the anniversary signing of the Cambodian new constitution by King Sihanouk on 24 September 1993
Friday, 24 September 2010
Pchum Ben Day
Festival of the Ancestors. Buddhist tradition demands Cambodians visit many pagodas over two weeks. Food, flowers, rice and gifts are given to the monks to convey to the afterlife so the dead do not haunt the living. This is a particularly poignant celebration given Cambodia’s recent history.
Thursday, 7 October 2010
Friday, 8 October 2010
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Cambodia Coronation Day
Cambodia Coronation Day is the anniversary of the coronation of current King Norodom Sihamoni.
Friday, 29 October 2010
Former HM King Sihanouk’s Birthday
Retired king Sihanouk is indisputably Cambodia’s most important modern monarch and still widely regarded as divine.
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Cambodia Independence Day
Marks anniversary of independence from France. King Sihamoni visits Independence Monument in Phnom Penh.
Thursday, 9 November 2010
Water Festival / Bon Om Thook
Millions teem into Phnom Penh from the provinces to celebrate the end of monsoon season. Dragon boats race for three days with the king overseeing. Perhaps the best time of any for meeting the people and enjoying the culture of Cambodia but the capital is impossibly crowded!
Saturday, 20 November 2010
Sunday, 21 November 2010
Monday, 22 November 2010
Human Rights Day
A United Nations-inspired holiday. Unlikely to affect travel plans but government offices are closed.
Friday, 10 December 2010
Also check out 2010 Public Holidays in other countries.
Thailand 2010 Public Holidays & Festivals Calendar
Jul 16th
Here is a list of Thailand Public Holidays & Festivals of calendar Year 2010. There are national holidays, as well as some of the most important festivals and celebrations in Thailand.
Many of Thailand important holidays are based on thai lunar calendar, thus it will have different dates from year to year.
The dates for these 2010 Thai holidays are estimates. We do not and cannot guarantee the accuracy.
Celebrate the festivals and events in the Kingdom as follows:
New Years’ Eve
The day before the Western New Year day is always marked a national holiday.
Thursday, 31 December 2009
New Year’s Day
The beginning of the western New Year is a national holiday in Thailand, one of three “new year” holidays celebrated every year.
Friday, 1 January 2010
Chinese New Year
The beginning of the Chinese lunar year is celebrated in the Chinatowns of every city throughout Thailand. Some businesses close for the day, but it is not a national holiday.
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Makha Bucha
Makha Bucha celebrates the Buddha’s first sermon in to his disciples.
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Monday, 1 March 2010 (substitution)
Chakri Day
Chakri Day commemorates the founding of the current dynasty by its first king, Rama I.
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Songkran
Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year, generally celebrated as a water festival. Be prepared to get wet all over as revelers abound, ready to soak you as a form of celebrating this season!
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Thailand Labor Day
International Labor Day is also celebrated as a national holiday, even though there isn’t much ado about it. Some businesses may be closed.
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Monday, 1 May 2010 (substitution)
Coronation Day
Celebrates the day when the current king Rama IX was crowned in 1949.
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
An ancient royal rite held in Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Visakha Bucha / Vesak Day
The holiest Buddhist holiday celebrates the birth, enlightenment and entry into nirvana of the Buddha.
Friday, 28 May 2010
Asalha Puja Day
Commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon in the Deer Park in Benares and the founding of the Buddhist sangha.
Monday, 26 July 2010
Buddhist Lent Day (Wan Khao Phansa)
This day marks the beginning of the Buddhist ‘lent’ period, a time when monks are supposed to retreat to their temples while new life springs forth.
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
H.M. The Queen’s Birthday
Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday is a national holiday, also serving as the country’s Mothers’ Day as well.
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
Celebration of the death anniversary of Thailand’s one of the most revered kings, Rama V.
Saturday, 23 October 2010
Monday, 25 October 2010 (Substitude)
End of Buddhist Lent Day (Wan Awk Phansa)
This day marks the end of the Buddhist ‘lent’ period or the Rains Retreat.
Friday, 22 October 2010
Thod Kathin
Presentation of Monk’s Robes after Rains Retreat.
Saturday, 23 October 2010
Loy Kratong
While it is not marked a national holiday, it is an evening when Thais pay respect to the goddess of the waters by floating candlelit offerings on any and all waterways around the kingdom.
Saturday, 20 November 2010
H.M. The King’s Birthday
His Majesty the King’s birthday is celebrated throughout the country and also
Sunday, 5 December 2010
Monday, 6 December 2010 (Substitution)
Thai Constitution Day
Celebrates the date in 1932 when the country was granted its first constitution.
Friday, 10 December 2010
New Years’ Eve
The day before the Western New Year day is always marked a national holiday.
Friday, 31 December 2010
Check out also other countries national holidays:
Singapore Public Holidays 2010
Indonesia Public Holidays 2010
India Public Holidays 2010
China Public Holidays 2010
Brazil Public Holidays 2010
Malaysia Public Holidays 2010
