[ Moving around in Singapore ! (: ]

Monday, August 31, 2009

ATTRACTIONS IN SENTOSA!!! ((:

Dolphin Lagoon :D

Included in your Underwater World ticket price is a visit to the Dolphin Lagoon. You'll get to observe the highly intelligent Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins through a series of interactive, feeding and training sessions specially designed to demonstrate their natural ability of tail-walking synchronization. Lucky visitors might even score a peck on the cheek, or a chance to wade next to them, fully supervised by the trainers, of course.
"Swim with the Dolphins" Package
Experience the 'dorsal tow' for a fun ride in the lagoon or learn hand cues to give to the lovable pink dolphins!

Admission:
S$150/person
S$425 for Trio Package (3 persons).
Additional person for the Trio Package will be chargeable at S$140 each. (Price inclusive of admission to Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon)

Advance booking is required. For more information or booking
please call (65)6275 0030. Subject to availability of dates and timing.

How To Get There & How Much???
Admission
S$22.90 / Adult,
S$14.60 / Child
(Aged 3 - 12 years old)
Includes admission to Underwater World

Time
10.30am - 6pm daily
(last entry 5.30pm)

Dolphin Show Session
11am*, 1pm, 3.30pm & 5.30pm daily

*Training session on weekdays, usual show on weekends and public holidays.

Show may be cancelled in the event of rain.

Venue
Palawan Beach

Getting There
Yellow Line Bus
Red Line Bus
Palawan-Tanjong Beach Tram

Nearest CarPark
Dolphin Lagoon Car Park

UnderWater World

The Underwater World oceanarium on Sentosa is home to more than 2,500 fishes from 250 different species. Start your tour with the Touch Pool for some 'hands on' experience with starfish, stingrays and if you dare, baby sharks. Then venture into the ocean depths via a moving travellator that ferries you through an 83-metre-long acrylic tunnel. All around you, sharks, stingrays, eels and schools of fish glide past – engrossed in their own world. For those who don't mind getting wet, interactive programmes such as 'Dive with the Sharks' or 'Dive with the Dugong' are available upon advance booking.

"Dive with the Sharks" Package
Come nose to nose with our ever-vigilant sharks and colourful marine life on a fun-filled discovery into the underwater world!

Dive with the Sharks Package Price : S$120/person (inclusive of admission to Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon) Advance booking is required. For more information or booking, please call (65) 6275 0030. Subject to availability of dates and timing.

How To Get There & How Muchh?

Admission
$22.90 / Adult,
S$14.60 / Child
(Aged 3 - 12 years old)
Includes admission to Dolphin Lagoon

Time
9am - 9pm daily
(Last admission at 8.30pm)

Venue
Siloso Point

Getting There
Blue Line Bus
Red Line Bus
Siloso Beach Tram

Nearest Carpark
Beach Car Park

Songs Of The Sea

Get ready to fall under the spell of a new nightly extravaganza set in the sea. Songs of the Sea brings you a mesmerizing show with a live cast and dramatic effects pyrotechnics, water jets, brilliant lasers, special computer imaging, captivating music and stunning flame bursts. It's a one-of-a-kind entertainment that's not to be missed. Songs of the Sea is an outdoor, rain or shine event.

Awards
Winner of international and regional awards:
- Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement for Event Spectacular, March 08
- ASEANTA Award for Best ASEAN New Tourist Attraction, June 08

Get your Songs of the Sea tickets or Songs of the Sea Combos now!
- Online: tickets.sentosa.com.sg
- Sentosa Station (VivoCity Lobby L, Level 3), Beach Station or Imbiah Lookout Ticketing Counter

Tickets available up to 14 days in advance on a first-come-first-served basis.

Combo A (U.P. S$17.00):
Songs of Sea ticket + Oscar Combo Meal (Choice of Popcorn / Hotdog / Nachos)

Combo B (U.P. S$19.90):
Songs of Sea ticket + 6" Oscar Plush Toy (It is the Fish Shows In The Top Picture)

SENTOSA THEN~~~
Looking at Sentosa today, it's hard to imagine the island was once a fishing village known as Pulau Blakang Mati. It later became a British military fortress until 1967 and was handed back to the newly independent Singapore Government. In 1968, the Government decided to develop the island into a holiday resort for local visitors and tourists. The public was invited to suggest names for the island and "Sentosa" – meaning peace & tranquillity in Malay - was eventually chosen for the island resort.
Tasked with overseeing the development, management and promotion of the island, Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) was incorporated on 1 September 1972 as a statutory board under the purview of the Ministry of Trade and Industry. It also oversees the maintenance of nine other offshore islands south of Singapore – St. John's Island, Sisters' Island, Pulau Hantu, Pulau Biola, Pulau Jong, Lazarus Island, Kusu Island, Pulau Seringat, Pulau Tekukor.

SENTOSA TODAY~~~
Today, Sentosa is Singapore's premier island resort getaway with multi-faceted appeal, teeming with events all year round. Just 15 minutes from the city, it is a unique blend of leisure and recreational facilities including family attractions, sea sports, golf as well as hotel accommodation and retreats. A canopy of secondary rainforest covers 70 per cent of the 500-hectare island and is home to monitor lizards, monkeys, peacocks, parrots as well as other native fauna and flora. Sentosa has a 3.2-kilometre stretch of white sand beach, and is the only location in Singapore to offer beachfront accommodation and over 670 hotel rooms with full facilities. Accessed by cable car, bus, taxi or car, the island is open for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Since the island's inception in 1972, S$420 million in private investments and another $500 million from Government funding have gone into developing the island.

Offering a variety of experiences for all ages, Sentosa is a must-visit destination for tourists and a popular recreational playground for local residents.

In preparation for the many upcoming exciting initiatives, SDC re-aligned its corporate structure and transferred its day-to-day operations of the island to Sentosa Leisure Management Pte Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary. Another subsidiary, Sentosa Cove Pte Ltd oversees the development and management of Sentosa Cove, Singapore's first marina resort and residential project. Moving towards a more pro-business course, SDC and its subsidiaries are now known as the Sentosa Leisure Group.

Labels: Singapore Places of Interest (Sentosa)

5:40 AM Fun & Food Found In Singapore(:

Singapore Discovery Center

What Is A Singapore Discovery Center???

In 1988, the idea of building a museum to showcase the history of the SAF was first mooted. This idea later evolved into the concept of the Singapore Discovery Centre (SDC).

However, SDC has a larger role to play than emphasizing on the SAF. It aimed to provide a platform for Singaporeans to think about their future, and to help them prepare for the challenges of the future.

In October 1992, MINDEF approved the setting up of the Singapore Discovery Centre (SDC) at a cost of $70 million.

Located on the grounds of SAFTI Military Institute, the architects, Mitchell Giurgola & Throp Architects, developed the architectural design for the SDC. Previous buildings by these architects include the SAFTI Military Institute and the Australian Parliament House. SDC has a unique triangular roof structure and supporting rectangular buildings.

SDC was officially opened by then President Ong Teng Cheong on 23 November 1996.

In 1998, SDC started a review of the Centre to change from a historical to an issue-based orientation.

In early 2001, Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA) was selected as the design consultants for the project. RAA are planners, designers and producers of museum exhibitions, visitors centre and educational environments. They are behind many famous institutions such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington DC and the National Constitution Centre in Philadelphia.

A presentation was made to the Singapore Totalisator Board in 2002 and a grant of S$25 million was approved. Redevelopment work started in December 2002.

What Can You Find In Singapore Discovery Center???

iWERKS THEATRE

The pictures are so real you want to touch them, the sound so powerful you can feel them. You will change the way you look at movies.

Our giant screen movies will provide you with an unforgettable and exciting cinematic experience.

Next to the main exhibition hall is one of Singapore's largest flat-screen theatres showing 2D and 3D giant screen movies. Equipped with a five-storey high screen and excellent sound systems, this 344-seater world-class theatre offers a truly cinematic and realistic sensory experience.

For More Information,
Visit website: iWERKS Website

CROSSFIRE PAINTBALL

Experience the thrills, spills and spatter of Crossfire, an innovative new version of paintball brought to you by S'pore Discovery Centre.

A challenging arena, coupled with state-of-the-art replica Bravo-1 rifle, delivers an experience that is as demanding as it is exciting.

Ideal for teambuilding exercises, Crossfire offers fast entertainment and educational possibilities wrapped up in the visceral energy of the shoot-out.

For More Information,
Visit website: http://www.crossfire.com.sg/

SAFTI BUS TOUR: From Boys to Men

Curious about the lives of our military troops? Hop on our SAFTI bus and take a first-hand view of SAFTI Military Institute.

The bus tour brings guests around the 88-hectare training ground for officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force. If you are lucky, you might get to see some soldiers in training.

SHOOTING GALLERY

Aspiring to be a marksman?

Get up close with the SAR21 rifle or SIG SAUER P226 pistol at our shooting gallery now!
Specially modified for indoor, you can pit your shooting skills against your friends and family in the comfort of air-conditioned environment.

A four-lane computerized simulated shooting range has been set up separately for each type of weapon. So what are you waiting for?

Come and take up the challenge now!!

Labels: Singapore Places of Interest (Singapore Discovery Center)

5:19 AM Fun & Food Found In Singapore(:

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Esplanade

Venues

Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay sits on prime waterfront land by Marina Bay, and offers a complete lifestyle experience - dining, shopping, and the performing arts.

Milestones

The idea of a performing arts center was first floated some 20 years ago. In the 80's the idea picked up momentum and in 1989, the Advisory Council on Culture and the Arts, chaired by the then Deputy Prime Minister Ong Teng Cheong recommended that an arts center be built for Singapore. Work began in the 90's and a steering committee was formed to plan the project.

Esplanade Image Gallery

The images in our Esplanade Image Bank can be downloaded for editorial and personal use. They cannot be used for commercial or advertising purposes without the prior written authority of The Esplanade Co Ltd. For further information, please contact us.

Venue & Retail Spaces rental

Esplanade houses world-class performing spaces, supported by a comprehensive range of professional support facilities and services. This makes Esplanade the perfect choice for large and small-scale works in the performing arts and ideal venue for functions. With range of spaces, capable of handling events for 10 to 2,000 people, Esplanade meets every need, whether it is an arts performance or a high-powered executive meeting.

Hirer Handbook

The Hirer Handbook is specifically developed for users of Esplanade's venues as a guide to give clearer understanding of various areas.

Esplanade Tours

As the premier arts centre of Singapore, there is always something interesting and exciting happening under our prickly shells. Come down to our centre and join our iTour for a real Esplanade Experience! For more details on our iTour, please click on the image above.

http://www.esplanade.com/about_the_centre/library/index.jsp

The library@esplanade, Singapore’s first performing arts library, was officially opened on 12 September 2002 by Mr Khaw Boon Wan, then Senior Minister of State for Transport and Information, Communication and the Arts.

Getting To Esplanade

Getting to Esplanade is easy. Find out more on how you can get to Esplanade here.

More

Venues

Concert Hall

Esplanade's crown jewel is its 1,600-seat Concert Hall, which boasts superb acoustics by world-renowned acoustician, the late Russell Johnson of Artec Consultants Inc, USA. Designed with the best acoustics in mind, it hosts a diverse range of music performances.

Theatre

With a capacity of about 2,000 designed in an intimate horseshoe shape. It houses Singapore’s largest performing stage and easily adapts to performances of differing scales.

Recital Studio

An ideal setting for performances from chamber music and solo recitals, cabarets and jazz concerts.

Theatre Studio

Equipped with highly adaptable staging, lighting and sound systems, it is able to accommodate different staging demands.

Rehearsal Studio

Rehearsal Studio is a supporting venue for the large performing spaces.

Hospitality Spaces

The spaces offer different capacities catering to both big and small functions.

The Bay Room

An intimate space, often used for hosting private events and other Esplanade Presents'programmes.

Roof Terrace

Offering spectacular views of the bay and city skyline, it is a green refuge with ample seating areas to relax and also a location for perfect photo opportunities.

Outdoor Theatre

Set against the scenic waterfront along Marina Bay, the outdoor theatre is a place to look out for outdoor free performances.

The Edge

Esplanade’s other main outdoor performing venue, The Edge, offers experimental and innovative performances.

Forecourt

Located at the main entrance, the forecourt is a convenient meeting point for visitors to the centre.

Jendela (Visual Arts Space)

The "Jendela" (Malay for "window"), is Esplanade's ,main exhibition space for visual arts. This 215sqm gallery, located on second storey, offers views of Marina Bay.

Concourse

Fronting the main entrance Esplanade, the Concourse is the central meeting point for visitors to the centre.

Passages

Esplanade’s new exhibition space at the Upper Concourse enables visitors to find out more about the centre’s history, usage and place in the development of the arts in Singapore.

Tunnel

This space makes creative use of the 85 metre stretch of walls, floors and existing pillars that connects Esplanade to the MRT at Raffles City.

Community Wall

Located on the third level of Esplanade Mall, the works on display will surprise and delight.

Theatre Street Cones

The Skylight Cones lining the thoroughfare from the mall to the concourse known as Theatre Street make an unusual exhibition space, surprising and delighting passerbys who chance to look up.

http://www.esplanade.com/about_the_centre/venues/plasmas_b1/index.jsp

In the light of the growing number of video works and multi-media artwork, the plasma screens throughout the centre are an important source for screening and presenting certain forms of screen based art.

Getting to Esplanade

ADVISORY ON TYPE A INFLUENZA

Esplanade is following the Ministry of Healthâ€™s advice on precautionary measures to take with respect to Type A Influenza. We encourage our patrons to be responsible and not attend performances at Esplanade if you display symptoms commonly associated with Type A Influenza.

Visitors and patrons are also advised to fill in contact cards, which are located at all performance venues and the Esplanade Concert Hall Information Counter.

You may like to click here to download more information, approach our Customer Service Officers at the Esplanade Concert Hall Information Counter or call us at 6828 8377.

Taxi

The taxi stand is located at the Esplanade Mall entrance along Raffles Avenue.

Bus

The Esplanade is easily accessible via public buses.

Bus numbers: 36, 56, 70M, 97, 111, 133, 162M, 195, 502, 531, 1N, 2N, 3N, 4N, 5N, 6N, 75, 77, 106, 700A, 857, 960, 961, NR1, NR2, NR5, NR6, NR7, NR8.

The nearest bus stop is also located along Raffles Avenue, outside the Esplanade Mall entrance.

For the latest information, click on SBS Transit Bus Guide or SMRT Bus Guide .

Train
The Esplanade is just a 10-minute walk from the City Hall Mass Rapid Train Station (MRT) through an underpass which also links four shopping centres - Raffles City, Marina Square, Suntec City and Millenia Walk.

Labels: Places of Interest (Esplanade)

11:31 PM Fun & Food Found In Singapore(:

Chinatown

Map of Chinatown

Singapore's Chinatown evolved around 1821 when the first Chinese junk arrived from Xiamen, Fujian province in China. The passengers and all the men, set up their home around the south of the Singapore River which is known today as Telok Ayer. Chinatown’s local name - "Niu Che Shui" (Bullock Cart Water) arose from the fact that each household had to collect fresh water from the wells in Ann Siang Hill and Spring Street, using bullock-drawn carts.

Chinatown are divided into four main districts - Kreta Ayer, Telok Ayer, Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Pasoh with each of its own distinctive flavour.

Pictures of Chinatown:

Past -

Present -

Night view -

Four Districts:

1. Kreta Ayer

"Kreta Ayer" means bullock cart water, where trade and activities abound. In the old days, it was Kreta Ayer that housed the gambling and opium dens, brothels, restaurants and theatres. Its concentration of entertainment and night life earned itself the nickname “Bu Yeh Tien” – literally “the sky that is never dark”.Bound by the bustling South Bridge Road and New Bridge Road, and traversed by streets like Mosque, Smith, Pagoda, Temple, Sago, Banda and Trengganu. Kreta Ayer is a hub of activity, particularly during Chinese New Year where street vendors hawk their ware, from paper talismans and traditional costumes to Chinese pastries and snacks.

2. Telok Ayer

In 1822, Telok Ayer was set aside as the main landing site for chinese immigrants. As the street used to run along the seashore, it earned the name Telok Ayer, meaning “water bay” or “watery bay” in Malay.

Temples and mosques are plentiful in this area as they were built by Chinese and Muslim immigrants to show their gratitude for safe passage. Temples were constructed not only for religious reasons but also social ones as they were often used as meeting places for various clans and dialect groups. The more well known temples and mosques in Telok Ayer are Tak Chi Temple, now restored as a museum, the Thian Hock Keng Temple, the Nagore Durga Shrine, and the Al Abrar Mosque.

3. Tanjong Pagar

Along the fringes of Chinatown is Tanjong Pagar, with rows of pubs, bars and karaoke lounges in exquisitely conserved pre-World War II shophouses.

4. Bukit Pusoh

Also known as the Street of Clans, houses a number of Chinese cultural and clan associations. This area, where ladies of the night used to entertain, is now known for its cafes and boutique hotels.

11:20 AM Fun & Food Found In Singapore(: