Destinations, Travel tips, Festivals and Public Holidays
Singapore Holiday
Affordable Shopping At Bugis Village
Feb 9th
Why is this area called Bugis Village? In 1950, this place was the destination of the Bugis sailors who want to trade with local people of Singapore.
During 1950 to 1980, Kampong Bugis or Bugis Village has been well known because this area was established as local nightclubs. After that there are many changes. This area turned into a market area with permanent buildings without changes even if surrounded by large buildings. The interesting thing about this area is still maintaining and keeping some form of existing buildings, and this area became the main attraction for tourists.
Bugis Village, today, is the market that sells all kinds of goods such as souvenirs, with lower price. T-shirts, bags, ornaments, knick-knacks, paintings, and even sex stores can be found here. We still able to make an bargain with traders based on the type and condition of goods. So if you are going to shopping here, do not forget to always make bargain in order to get reasonable price. Besides souvenirs, we also can find fresh fruits as well as juice. We also can visit the coffee shop and eating house usually located in the outside before we entered the street in the form of hall and corridor.
Still in Bugis Village areas, we can also visit the Parco Bugis Junction. Uniquely, this shopping place is built using glass cover and this architecture style is the first in Singapore. So even in the spray of hot sun, visitors who walk in the Parco Bugis Junction still feel the shade and coolness. In this shopping center, visitors can visit the various shops that sell all kinds of electronic goods , clothes, including accessories. Especially for those who love the variety of clothing specially labeled such as Astro Boy-themed products to Superman, they can find them at Parco Bugis Junction.
If you still have time, you can also see the two places of worship of different religions, namely Krishnan Temple and Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple. These places are built very close to each other and only a few meters apart. Around this area there are a few stores that sell the tools of worship for Buddha and souvenirs for tourists.
Near Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, you can find a variety of lotus crysant flower that usually sold one dollar per stem. So it can conclude that Bugis Village not only provide the market with cheaper price but interest also place with its own unique.
Sightseeing In Orchard Road Singapore
Feb 4th
You have never really been to Singapore if you have not visited the Orchard Road, the South East Asia’s center of fashion, retail and entertainment. There are more than 40 shopping malls in that 6 miles stretch of the Orchard Road, aside from landmark buildings and and other futuristic and unique buildings right in the heart of Singapore’s commercial activities.
These shopping paradise provide and fulfill the needs of people to be handsome, beautiful and stylish with variety of exclusive products and world famous luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, Zara and others. With a large pavement for pedestrians, take a long slow stroll along the street, or take a seat shaded by large trees if your shopping appetite has been taken care of.
Even Great Singapore Sale (GSS) which is always considered as a fixed agenda make its own appeal, especially for shopping in this area. Various objects and lifestyle needs are there, ranging from high-end class of goods made in Paris to cheaper goods made from China.
There are many popular malls such as Delfi Orchard Road, ION Orchard, Midpoint Orchad, OG Orchard Point, Orchard Emerald, Orchard Plaza, Orchard Tower. Tucked in the middle of the Orchard Road, Orchard Central Mall is the highest malls in this area with a height of 12 floors. The mall also has the highest escalator in the Orchard that can make your heart pounding when you try the escalator. Each level of this mall has different interior concept. The place namely Discovery and the Rooftop Garden Walk is open for 24 hours. The mall also has the highest climbing wall in the world, challenging enough adrenaline of visitors to try.
Orchard Central Mall
Another attraction is that Orchard Central positioned itself as a center of innovation from new retail concepts, new brands, shapes and designs of new buildings, new shopping style. And these are all intended to provide a new nuance with a new lifestyle, too. In relation to life style, the mall that reflect life style for young generation combines eight world-class artwork permanently displayed in the mall. One of them, for instance, Tall Girl or tall women with high heels holding a shopping bag as the result of German artist work, Inges Idee. This statue is 20 meters in height, equivalent to four-storey building.
It’s the time for you to begin planning a vacation in Singapore with many special surprises in Orchard Road. So save you money now and plan to visit Orchard Road.
Why Singapore Holiday?
Feb 4th
Why holiday in Singapore?
In Singapore not only we can experience a rich cultural heritage but also enjoy a lot of amazing place for holiday. Singapore is an island-country that inherit her culture from the whole South East Asia. Singapore’s multi-racial heritage give it a rich culture while its efficiency and modernity ensure comfort.
Singapore population is a mix of mainly Chinese, Malay, and Indian. Other cultural strands include Arab and Eurasian. English is the lingua franca, or the main communication language. The costumes and customs of all these races give this country a unique character.
Multi-racialism then brings another benefit. Food for example, in Singapore is varied and wonderful. From local favourites like Malay’s nasi lemak, Indian’s roti prata, or Chinese’s hainam chicken rice to international delicacies, including those from Egypt and South Africa, Singapore has it all to make any epicurean’s dreams come true.
This culinary paradise also offers one of the most exciting shopping experiences in Asia. From luxurious malls, suburban town centres to old-fashioned shop-houses, you will find a wealth of irresistible shopping. Look out for year-round sales at various shopping centres and shops- a sure way to stretch those shopping dollars.
The daily activities provides a lot of events and beautiful scenery. From day to night, Singapore has an array of activities to entertain you during your stay. From museums to historical sites, cultural areas and thrill-seeking spots, Singapore has it all. At night, relax at one of our many cafes for a brewed cuppa or dance the night away at a heart-thumping disco. With an extensive range of special pubs, you are sure to find one typically Singaporean or close to your heart.
Providing the comforts of home and the excitement and adventure of an ever changing destination. Where were you and wherever you are, Singapore awaits you….
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.
10 August Singapore Holiday
Aug 7th
We got some questions from our readers: What Singapore holiday is 10 August 2009?
It is actually the 44th Singapore National Day, which falls on 9 August every year. However, since 9 August 2009 is a Sunday, official public holidays and school holidays for the National Day 2009 is substituted to Monday, 10 August 2009.
Check out also other Singapore Holidays 2009
F1 Singapore GP Night Race – 27 September 2009
Jul 24th
2009 FORMULA One Singtel Singapore Grand Prix
Get the ultimate Formula One racing experience at the 2009 Singapore GP. See top F1 drivers & Formula 1 racing teams in action at the Singapore GP.
Temperatures are set to rise when the Formula 1 Grand Prix returns to Singapore on 27 September 2009, with fast and furious action happening in the Marina Bay race circuit. Being the only Formula 1 night race and one of the two Formula One street-racing (the other being Monaco), locals and visitors alike have been in ticket buying frenzy.
If you haven’t got your ticket by now, grab it before too late. Race Promoter Singapore GP Pte Ltd has announced on 20 July 2009 that the sale of the remaining early bird tickets will be discontinued as of midnight, 31 July 2009. All tickets will then revert to regular prices from 1 August 2009.
Complementing the world’s only FORMULA ONE night race, the Singapore GP Season 2009, organized by Singapore Tourism Board, will take place from 18 September 2009 to 27 September 2009, presenting a slew of exhilarating race-themed events, intoxicating parties and irresistible retail and dining experiences, all with an Asian touch.
While you are in Singapore, pamper your taste buds also. Singapore’s cultural diversity is very much reflected in the variety of local food it has to offer – Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan and much, much more. The palatable pleasures they serve will definitely makes you enjoy your stay even more.
Be prepared for adrenaline-pumping and breath-taking events that will rev you up to the world-class FORMULA ONE action!
Links:
Singapore GP Season official website
F1 Singapore GP ticket
Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix official website
Official Formula 1 website – Singapore race details
Some funny , almost true facts about life in Singapore
Jul 22nd
This is so funny………………and most are so true……..
Funny truths about life in small small Singapore….
1. At night – Most people sleep with cooling air-conditioner while putting on thick blankets; At daytime – Most people will bathe with heater on
2. Day – Cannot Wake up; Nite – Cannot Sleep
3. Translation is needed between Singaporean Chinese and Mainland Chinese
4. Smell Of rubbish besides letterboxes; Letters inside Rubbish bin
5. Singapore Chinese use different languages other than Chinese to communicate.
6. Singaporeans never like to vote, but like to complain
7. There are quite a number of rich/poor in singapore – They have Car, Credit Card, CPF(self-funded retirement savings) but no Cash and is liable to lots of loans
9. There are quite a few high-tech barbaric singaporeans -they know how to use state-of-the art equipment, latest web widgets, 3g mobile phone and powerful computers but they dunno how to use a simple dustbin or a toilet
10. Half Singaporeans rushed to buy Hello kitty, but the other half are busy killing stray cats
11. Chewing Gum – You can chew, but not allowed to buy (Restricted to buying)
12. Cigarettes – Convenient to buy; not convenient to smoke
13. Private Cars – Getting cheaper to buy one, but getting harder and more expensive to maintain
14. Public Bus – Half the Crowd squeeze in front section of the Bus, Second section is for Carrying Ghost
15. Education – Teachers teaching Less but expects students to learn More
Singapore National Day 9 August 2009
Jul 22nd
Singapore National Day is observed yearly to celebrate Singapore’s Independence on 9 August 1965.
Singapore celebrated its first National Day in 1966, one year after Singapore’s independence from Malaysia.
This year, the 44th birthday of Singapore falls on Sunday, 9 August 2009, with this year theme is “Come Together – Reaching Out, Reaching Up”
As the National Day (Independence Day) holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday, 10 August 2009 will be a public holiday.
One of the most important aspect of this holiday is the National Day Parade.
The National Day Parade is a national ceremony in Singapore that, as its name implies, includes a parade on Singapore’s national day on August 9, in commemoration of Singapore’s independence.
The first National Day Parade started in the morning at 0900. People came as early as 0700 in order to get good vantage points. Singapore’s first President, Mr Yusof bin Ishak and Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, were seated with members of the government at the grandstand on the steps of City Hall.
Over the years, the Parade has become the biggest national event in Singapore. What is perhaps most memorable at each celebration is the fireworks display marking the climax of the parade; the sky would be bursting with the wonderful colors of the visual vista, dazzling it as well as the hearts of fellow Singaporeans. On this very special occasion, most Singaporeans would be decked out in patriotic colours – namely, red and white.
The Singapore National Day Parade is usually held in the Singapore National Stadium or the Padang. For the first time in 2007, it was held in Marina Bay and future parades, including this year’s 9 August 2009 National Day Parade will be held there until the new sports hub is completed in around 2011.
Due to the enormous popularity and support from the people, in 2003 Singapore government set up the e-balloting ticketing system. Such ticketing system enables citizens to stand a chance at winning the tickets(free of charge) by registering their e-mail addresses or mobile numbers at the NDP website or phonelines.
While it is very unlikely for visitors to ever get hold of the Parade ticket, you can always join the local and tourist crowds at the Waterfront (near Esplanade) to enjoy the beautiful fireworks.
Some hotels (e.g. One Fullerton) also have rooms well positioned to view the fireworks display.
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.
Looking for best deals on anything and everything in Singapore? Check out The Great Singapore Sale !
Singapore Airlines (SQ/SIA) Destination Countries, Cities & Airports
Jul 3rd
Here is a list of Singapore Air destination, departure and arrival country, city, and airport, with the link to the official websites and their IATA codes.
Africa
Egypt
- Cairo – Cairo International Airport (CAI)
South Africa
- Cape Town – Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
- Johannesburg – O R Tambo International Airport (JNB)
East Asia
China, People’s Republic of
- Beijing – Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
- Guangzhou – Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
- Hong Kong – Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
- Nanjing – Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG)
- Shanghai – Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
China, Republic of
- Taipei – Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Japan
- Fukuoka – Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
- Nagoya – Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
- Osaka – Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- Tokyo – Narita International Airport (NRT)
South Korea
- Seoul – Incheon International Airport (ICN)
South Asia
Bangladesh
- Dhaka – Zia International Airport (DAC)
India
- Ahmedabad – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD)
- Bangalore – Bengaluru International Airport (BLR)
- Chennai – Chennai International Airport (MAA)
- New Delhi – Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
- Kolkata – Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
- Mumbai – Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
Maldives
- Malé – Malé International Airport (MLE)
Pakistan
- Karachi – Jinnah International Airport (KHI)
- Lahore – Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE)
Sri Lanka
- Colombo – Bandaranaike / Katunayake International Airport (CMB)
Southeast Asia
Brunei
- Bandar Seri Begawan – Brunei International Airport (BWN)
Indonesia
- Bali Denpasar – Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS)
- Jakarta Cengkareng – Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)
Malaysia
- Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
- Penang – Penang International Airport (PEN)
Philippines
- Manila – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
Singapore
- Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
Thailand
- Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Vietnam
- Hanoi – Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
- Ho Chi Minh City – Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Southwest Asia
Kuwait
- Kuwait City – Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
Saudi Arabia
- Jeddah – King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)
- Riyadh – King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
United Arab Emirates
- Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
- Dubai – Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Europe
Denmark
- Copenhagen – Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
France
- Paris – Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Germany
- Frankfurt – Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Greece
- Athens – Athens International Airport (ATH)
Italy
- Milan – Malpensa Airport (MXP)
- Rome – Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Netherlands
- Amsterdam – Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Russia
- Moscow – Domodedovo International Airport (DME)
Spain
- Barcelona – Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN)
Switzerland
- Zürich – Zürich Airport (ZRH)
Turkey
- Istanbul – Atatürk International Airport (IST)
United Kingdom
- London – London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- Manchester – Manchester Airport (MAN)
North America
United States
- Houston – George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
- Los Angeles – Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- San Francisco – San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- New York City – John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Newark – Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Oceania
Australia
- Adelaide – Adelaide Airport (ADL)
- Brisbane – Brisbane Airport (BNE)
- Melbourne – Melbourne Airport (MEL)
- Perth – Perth Airport (PER)
- Sydney – Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD)
New Zealand
- Auckland – Auckland Airport (AKL)
- Christchurch – Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
