Category Archives: Singapore

Singapore River Festival – a Fun-packed Event in Singapore

Singapore, well known for its rich culture, hosts several events and festivals during the last quarter of the year. If you are visiting this colourful metropolis in late-October, you can check out several exciting annual events. For instance, Singapore River Festival is one such gala event.

singapore

The 2015 edition of the event is scheduled from 23rd to 25th October at Robertson Quay, Clarke Quay and Boat Quay. There will be plenty of delicious food, live performances, and art exhibitions. Let’s check what all you can enjoy and experience at Singapore River Festival.

Headline Act – La Fura Dels Baus

This is the main event of the festival. There will be spectacular performances by La Fura dels Baus, a Spanish Theatrical Group, which promises a spellbinding experience. The Spanish group is popular for its musical opera, film and theatre productions. The act will take place on 23rd and 24th October at Riverside Point, Clarke Quay. At this show, La Fura dels Baus is going to pay tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Singapore.

Riverside Makers Market

On 24th and 25th October, this market will be set up at Robertson Quay between 5pm and 10pm. Visit this marketplace to enjoy locally made food and beverages. Also, you can buy a range of crafts. Entry to the market is free but you will have to buy tickets to attend workshops. The General Company is going to arrange the craft making workshops. Live Music is another highlight of this market. Local artists and bands such as Cheating Sons, L.A.B., and Steve McQueens will rock the stage with their powerful live performances.

SR Signatures

Handpicked by a panel of critics, SR Signatures is a collection of establishments that dish out some of the best of food along the Boat, Clarke, and Quays. Kobe Beef Hot Stone, 12-Hour Braised Lamb Shank and Avocado Chicken Parmigiana are among the most popular dishes to be sampled. Overall, there will be as many as 40 fabulous dishes out there for you. Besides, there will be a slew of special promotions and discounts.

Top Spots to Satiate your Thirst for Shopping in Singapore

When in Singapore, shopping is almost irresistible. Brimming with world-class malls, lively markets, and independent boutiques, the island nation is a Mecca for shopaholics.

singaore

After all, shopping is Singapore’s national pastime. With so many options available, you must be wondering where to go to quench your thirst for shopping. To help you out, here is our guide to the top shopping spots in Singapore.

Orchard Road

Myriad shopping venues, great deals & discounts, and a festive vibe – this 2.2km shopping boulevard has all this and much more. Most of the malls and shopping venues here are interconnected by underground tunnels, promising an endless and delightful shopping experience. With shopping spots like the Orchard Store, Plaza Singapura, and ION Orchard, and an eclectic array of bars, food joints and entertainment venues, Orchard Road will charm you in myriad ways.

Haji Lane

When it comes to a vintage shopping experience in Singapore, there is hardly a better place than Haji Lane. This narrow alley in Kampong Glam is lined, on either side, with glittering boutiques selling a wide array of local items at reasonable prices. Some of the great buys here include winter-wear, accessories, handicrafts and household items. The place is also famous for its dining spots. Here, you can find a range of restaurants and street hawkers serving local and inter-continental delicacies. Some of the popular shopping stores here are Dulcetfig, Loft, Soon Lee, and Rusty Button.

Mustafa Centre, Little India

At Mustafa Centre, you can shop any time, even in the wee hours of the morning. Open round the clock and selling everything from ethnic jewellery and handicrafts to modern clothing and the latest electronics, Mustafa Centre is indeed one of the best shopping sites in Singapore. During daytime, the place is often overcrowded. So if you want to avoid the chaos and crowds, visit early in the morning or late at night.

Chinatown

If you are hunting for a good bargain, Singapore’s Chinatown won’t disappoint you. The market here is a treasure trove of souvenirs, spices, cheap clothes, jewellery and made-in-China gadgets. Of course, haggling is the key to crack a good deal. However, be polite and don’t argue with shopkeepers.

Top 5 Cultural Attractions in Singapore

Singapore is a hot tourist destination for several reasons. Located in Southeast Asia, it is one of the four financial giants of Asia and has maintained its position as a premium tourist destination for many decades. The country is a cultural melting pot of three major ethnic races, namely Malays, Indians and Chinese. The destination is a unique blend of culture and traditions and yet has almost all the state-of-the-art amenities because of its developed infrastructure. Take a look at five of the top cultural attractions in Singapore.

Thian Hock Keng Temple

Thian Hock Keng Temple is considered to be the oldest and one of the most the respected places in Singapore.

Thian Hock Keng Temple by Pablo Sanchez/ CC BY

Thian Hock Keng Temple by Pablo Sanchez/ CC BY

Located in Telok Ayer Street, Thian Hock Keng was established in 1822 and is divided into two chambers. The main chamber is devoted to the Taoist goddess of the sea, Mazu while the other chamber is dedicated to Kuan Yin, the enlightened Bodhisattva of mercy. In 1973, it was recognized as a national monument and since then this place has become a highly popular tourist attraction.

Niu Che Shui (Chinatown)

Chinatown, also known as Niu Che Shui, is one of the most lively and vibrant neighbourhoods in Singapore. The whole area has a distinctive charm, which makes it one of the most popular destinations in Singapore. The enclave is located in the Outram district. It retains cultural and historical traditions and celebrates some of the most colourful festivals in town. Many culturally rich sections of Chinatown have been declared as national heritage sites by the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

Mosque Hajjah Fatima

Mosque Hajjah Fatima is one of the largest mosques in Singapore and one of the few mosques in the world to be named after a woman.  Built in 1846, Hajjah Fatima Mosque is surrounded by high rise buildings and is located on the way to the beach. It is a lovely example of medieval architecture in Singapore.

The Sri Mariamman Temple

Sri Mariamman Temple, apart from being very popular, is the oldest Hindu temple of Singapore.

The Sri Mariamman Temple by alantankenghoe/ CC BY

The Sri Mariamman Temple by alantankenghoe/ CC BY

Located in South Bridge Road, near Chinatown; Sri Mariamman Temple is a South Indian temple. Founded in 1827, it is one of the most important national monuments of Singapore and a great place to see the rich art and culture of India.

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, apart from being a Buddhist temple also serves as museum. Located in the heart of Chinatown, it is an incredible example of the Tang Dynasty architecture (Chinese). Established in 2002, this impressive temple is unlike most of the other temples of Singapore. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is home to some great ancient relics related to Buddhism.

Singapore’s Top Museums and Art Galleries

For culture vultures, there is a lot to explore in Singapore. This island nation is home to numerous museums that reflect its artistic magnificence and most tourists make it a point to visit Singapore’s popular museums and art galleries for an insight into the destination’s artistic and cultural side. In fact, art buffs visiting Singapore can spend a full day at museums and galleries.

Singapore Art Museum

Start your tour with a trip to the Singapore Art Museum. Also, known as SAM, this art museum is perhaps the best place in Singapore to admire contemporary art works created by local as well as other Southeast Asian artists.

The museum is housed in a 19th century building which was once a prominent school for Catholic boys. You can visit Singapore Art Museum all through the week and get a free entry on Fridays after 6 pm.

The Substation

This multidisciplinary art facility is around 450 metres from Singapore Art Museum and features various venues including a theatre, a dance studio, a gallery and classrooms. The theatre is a popular venue for music concerts, comedy shows and a range of art events whereas the gallery has a fine collection of visual and sound artworks. The dance studio, located on the second floor of the museum, is suitable for small scale performances and rehearsals.

Art Plural Gallery

Located just across the road from the Substation, this gallery is housed in a heritage building modelled on a beautiful Art Deco design. If you are a fan of modern art and design, visiting this gallery is a must. The Swiss art dealer, Frédéric de Senarclens founded this gallery in 2011 and it has been named as one of the best new galleries in the world.

Asian Civilisations Museum

This museum is a great place to explore the multicultural diversity of Singapore. Just a kilometre away from Art Plural Gallery, Asian Civilisations Museum features an extensive collection of artefacts from various pan-Asian cultures.Dehua porcelain figures, Chola Bronzes and Buddhist art from Tibet, India, Nepal and Vietnam are also on display at the museum.

Night Safari, Singapore: Take your Wildlife Fantasies to a New High!!

The Night Safari, opened in 1994, is one of the best tourist attractions in Singapore and attracts more than a million visitors every year. Here, one gets the chance to see around 2,500 wild animals in wonderfully simulated natural habitats. Guided safari tours are offered in the night, promising visitors a peep into the world of some of the planet’s most fascinating wild animals.

Night Safari by Greg Walters/ CC BY

Night Safari by Greg Walters/ CC BY

Attractions

Perhaps, the biggest attraction here is the guided tram ride that takes tourists to 7 different artificially created geographical zones of the world, including the rugged foothills of the Himalayas and plains of Equatorial Africa. While traversing the varied landscapes and vegetations, you may spot an array of enchanting animals, birds, reptiles, and insects. The tram guide shares fascinating facts about the landscapes and wildlife of different geographies. Besides spotting and admiring the unique wildlife, you may enjoy a meal in a traditional village ambiance at their Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant. The thrilling Thumbuakar performances, entertaining animal shows, and adventure-packed walking trails are some of the other attractions.

Night Safari by Alexander Baxevanis/ CC BY

Night Safari by Alexander Baxevanis/ CC BY

Opening Hours and Tickets

Night Safari is open every day of the year and the timings are 7:30pm-12:00pm. The first ‘Creatures of the Night Show’ begins at 7:30pm. Ticket prices, as shown on their official website, are 42 SGD for adults and 28SGD for children. Admission for kids less than 3 years of age is free of cost. Admission fee usually covers entry to the park and a tram ride.

Night Safari by Allie_Caulfield/ CC BY

Night Safari by Allie_Caulfield/ CC BY

Useful Tips

•    Don’t forget to apply mosquito repellent to protect your skin from mosquitoes and other insects.
•    Wear comfortable footwear, especially if you plan to explore the walking trails.
•    Don’t share your food with animals. It’s strictly prohibited.
•    Maintain an adequate distance from the animals. Be with your group while trekking across the trails.

Top Shopping Malls in Singapore for an Exotic Retail Therapy

singaporeEnjoy a huge range of lifestyle offerings at some of Singapore’s most famous shopping malls. These properties are not just popular with shopaholics, but also draw hordes of movie buffs and foodies. After all, few can resist the charm of numerous upscale stores, cinema halls, and eateries under one roof. Check out our list of some of the most prominent shopping malls in Singapore.

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

This sprawling 800,000-square-feet luxury mall is an excellent retail and dining retreat. You can experience a refreshing mix of international luxury brands and emerging labels. The Shoppes is home to numerous celebrated brands including Chanel, Gucci, Burberry, Cartier, Dior, Guess, Miss Sixty and Banana Republic. If hunger pangs set in, head to the leading celebrity-owned restaurants here such as Wolfgang Puck, Mario Batali and Guy Savoy.

Suntec City

Designed with great focus on feng shui, Suntec City symbolizes harmony among the various races in Singapore. This 830,000-square-feet property is segregated into four distinct zones, each showcasing its own character. Suntec City features 150 luxury stores, ranging from exclusive boutiques to international chains. The mall is even home to five soaring office towers and an international convention and exhibition centre. As far as the food goes, prepare to get spoilt for choice by more than 50 big and small restaurants that promise a gratifying dining experience.

Mandarin Gallery

The Mandarin Gallery of Singapore, with its perfect blend of aesthetics and elegance, presents an exclusive shopping experience, which is hard to find elsewhere. The ground level of this boutique style mall lures shoppers with high-end brands like Vertu, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Mulberry and Montblanc. The upper floor is stocked with products from Hansel and a few other local fashion labels. Mandarin Gallery also features restaurants such as Wild Honey, Jones the Grocer, and the immensely popular and usually crowded, Ippudo Ramen.

VivoCity

One of the largest shopping malls in Singapore, VivoCity is a one-stop solution for all your cravings for entertainment and shopping. The convenient location (near the Sentosa Island) makes it a beautiful place for a relaxed and fun-filled shopping experience. The property is also home to an open-air playground for the young ones, and a rooftop amphitheatre. There are many bars and restaurants, including open-air dining along the promenade and a large hawker centre-style food court.

Singapore Beckons Music Maniacs with the Future Music Festival Asia 2015

Asia’s two-day cross-genre music festival is just around the corner and hardcore music buffs who have not yet booked their flights to Singapore should pull up their socks and hammer the Internet for last minute ticket deals. After all, the event is none other than the Future Music Festival Asia 2015. This lively carnival is all set to transport people to a glorious world filled with fun, frolic and entertainment from March 13th to March 14th, 2015. The festival is expected to attract thousands of fans from different parts of the world and is set to feature its biggest line up till date.

music festival  by Olga Kruglova/ CC BY

music festival by Olga Kruglova/ CC BY

Venue

This year, the festival is all set to be hosted at Singapore’s Changi Exhibition Centre, one of the most celebrated venues in the country. This superb 140,000 square-metre giant convention centre is a popular tourist attraction in itself. This humongous place is almost as big as 14 football fields. There are stunning views of the sea from the Changi Exhibition Centre.

Line-Up

Unlike other music festivals in the region, Future Music Festival Asia maintains its great position as a thrilling Electronic Dance Music (EDM) performer and is amongst the biggest names in Pop, Hip Hop, Indie and Rock. Take a look at some of the most popular international performances.

Friday 13th March 2015: Sancer Van Doorn, Avicii, Prodigy, New World Punx, Giorgio and Moroder.

Saturday 14th March: Afrojack, Fatboy Slim, Ferry Corsten, Knife Party, Marcus Schulz and Public Enemy.

Other Events: Art Department, Bassjackers, Blasterjaxx Darude, Example, Gorgon City, Nero, Protoculture, Robin Schulz, Sigma, Tenishia, Terence C, Thelioncityboy, Wdtfaa, Xu And Ya5th.

With all this and much more, the festival is bound to be a great entertainment for travellers having interest in some great live music.

Tickets

Visitors can buy tickets for the different events of this festival online through its official website. Tickets can be bought in different categories namely – Single Day, Weekend 2 Day Pass, VIP First class and FMFA Groupie.

Top Reasons to Visit Singapore this Christmas

singapore-christmas

A place where lifestyle is as sensational as its skyline; culture is as diverse as its archipelagic topography; shopping is an obsession and options for hanging out are both soul and sense-tingling; Singapore hardly disappoints people who buy tickets to sojourn here! But during Christmas, the Lion City turns more magical and draws holidaymakers from far and wide. From the fascinating vigour of the annual fest to a colourful brew of art & history and the cool balmy climate; there is much more than the usual decoration that people visiting Singapore near Christmas can enjoy. Take a look!

Shopping at Orchard Road

The entire Singapore celebrates Christmas in style, but the famous Orchard Road takes the merrymaking to a whole new level. Resplendent in festive fervour, malls and shops in this one of the largest shopping precincts in Southeast Asia offer irresistible Christmas gifts, promotions and deals that make your shopping experience a little more merrier and worth every penny spent on flights and holiday deals.

From the big names in luxury fashion to local vendors selling quirky Singaporean concepts; this area on has a fantastic independent shopping scene which couldn’t get better than this during the festivity of Christmas.

Festive Feast

Christmas celebrations unveil ample of opportunities to feast. Many eateries on the island serve the most delicious cuisines and invite to savour delicious festive foods like potatoes, roast turkey, log-cakes and gingerbread cookies in an amazing festive vibe. You can head to the Ginger Garden at the Botanic Gardens for a sumptuous buffet of over 40 delicacies. Or contemplate a visit to 21 on Rajah, a Christmas communal set dinner that features mouth-watering baked salmon and braised duck leg confit.

Sentosa Island: Where Nature intermingles with Culture and Adventure

Singapore’s Sentosa Island is a holidaymaker’s dream come true destination with some of the island’s most fascinating attractions like Resort World Sentosa, Underwater World, Universal Studio and many sandy beaches. Wonderful dining and nightlife options also make this place a must-visit for all who have booked tickets onboard flights for Singapore holidays.

Marina Bay Sands Explicates the Extravagant Facet of Singapore!!

Singapore Hop-On Hop-Off Night Tour with Singapore River Cruise

Singapore Hop-On Hop-Off Night Tour with Singapore River Cruise

Premier entertainment destination, Marina Bay Sands is a marvellous tourist attraction that triggers the sale of air tickets to Singapore. Located in the Marina Bay waterfront, this luxury destination brims with vibrant diversity of attractions and facilities which assure whale of a time to merrymakers boarding flights to Singapore. Marina Bay Sands, much close to Gardens by the Bay has been successful in seamlessly blending leisure and business into a singular destination unlike any other place in the entire world. The property features almost everything from accommodation, entertainment and dinning to museum, and makes for a key component of perfect Singapore holiday. Here’s a quick rundown on Marina Bay Sands!

Sands SkyPark

Sands-SkyPark

The central and most highlighted attraction of Marina Bay Sands is Sands SkyPark that offers 360-degree spellbinding view of Singapore’s amazing skyline. This famous attraction caps the three stunning 55-storey towers of the property, which feature 2,561 luxury rooms and suites. The SkyPark even houses a 150-metre vanishing edge pool, plush restaurants, gardens and the world’s largest cantilever boasting a spectacular observation deck. SkyPark offers an amazing dining scene which includes local celebrity chef restaurants such as Sky on 57 by Justin Quek, KU DÉ TA, and The Club, an executive club lounge at Marina Bay Sands.

Entertainment

The expensive property hosts a wide plethora of events and festivals that keep the place bustling with international tourists, round the year. The events include theatre acts, musical nights, concerts, spiritual shows, educational programs and much more. Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, not very different from Sydney’s Opera House, is one of the most prominent choices amongst holidaymakers boarding flights bound for Singapore. It organizes opera, dance, classical concerts and similar entertainment programs, every day. Further, Singapore Flyer is a renowned tourist trap of Marina Bay Sands that stands 150 meters tall, just like London Eye!

Museum

Art-Science-Museum-singapore

Also a part of this world renowned property is Art Science Museum, a perfect heaven for science, art and fiction lovers. The museum is built in a large area of land and features state-of-the-art amenities that make it one of the most advanced museums in the entire world. This amazing piece of land even makes for an integrated resort that provides luxury accommodation to the privileged guests. It regularly hosts international travelling exhibitions that include Genghis Khan: the Exhibition, Van Gogh Alive, Shipwrecked: Tang Treasures and Monsoon Winds, and Dalí: Mind of a Genius.

Science Centre Singapore: A Junction of Education, Exploration and Excitement!

Science-Centre-Singapore

Singapore is a very popular tourist destination in Asia that has delighted the fancy of one and all. The city-state tempts tourists to net air tickets on flights to Singapore owing to its outstanding attractions and delights. Often dubbed as one of the most favourite holiday haunts in the world, Singapore has even emerged as a sought after educational tourism spot globally. This enigmatic destination brims with many educational centres which tops the travel itineraries of tourists. Amongst all, The Science Centre Singapore is a leading allure that promotes interest and creative learning in science and technology not just in locals but for visitors as well. The centre proudly makes science an inspiring and energizing experience for people of all age groups.

For more than 35 years now, Science Centre Singapore has strived as a successful custodian of innovation and creativity at its best. The centre organizes many distinct yet relevant shows, conferences and exhibitions which focus on captivating the development of scientific evolutions. Listed amongst one of the most innovative attractions in Asia, the centre features over 14 huge galleries which cover a good portion of titles all related to mathematics, science and technology. An additional 20,000m2 of outdoor exhibition space is reserved for display of Kinetic Garden, Eco Garden and Waterworks exhibition. The centre even offers a wide array of improvement programmes for eligible students that aim at balancing the school’s formal science education along with fun events, competitions and outreach activities that attract everyone.

Holidaymakers planning a trip to Science Centre must know that the excursion will take many forms. The place allows the visitors to expand their horizons, with something interesting at every step. One or two hours are quite enough for travellers who wish to know the bits but visitors seeking a full experience filled with exhibitions, shows and activities need to spend an entire day. The centre operates daily from 10 AM to 6 PM and tickets for the same can be booked online as well.