Rice offering during Pongal Festival

                    (Photo courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board)

Around this time, direct from Mumbai, “The Merchants of Bollywood” (12 – 17 January 2010), a music and dance performance featuring a galaxy of internationally renowned dancers/performers will be at the Esplanade Theatre.


Come 30th January 2010 during Thaipusam, do not miss catching the sight of devotees walking along Little India carrying milk pots and wooden Kavadis with their bodies pierced with spikes and hooks.

Thaipusam procession

                      (Photo courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board)

This February will be saying goodbye to the Year of the Ox and welcoming the Year of the Tiger. Though the Spring Festival (Chunjie), or Chinese New Year, is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world, what makes Singapore’s celebration unique is the way the tradition is given a modern spin. Expect to see a dazzling display of lights, decorations and spectacular arches, themed to welcome the Year of the Tiger.

Highlights:–
• Light-up along the streets of Chinatown (23 January 2010 – 7 March 2010)
• Festive street stalls selling goodies and souvenirs (23 January 2010 – 13 February 2010)
• Nightly stage shows at Kreta Ayer Square (23 January 2010 – 13 February 2010)
• International Lion Dance Competition

Singapore River Hongbao Festival

                  (Photo courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board)


One of the highlights showcasing Singapore unique way of welcoming the Chinese New Year is “Singapore River Hongbao Festival” (12 – 20 February 2010). Visitors will be enthralled to watch Marina Bay’s floating platform being transformed with majestic, large scale displays of popular Chinese mythical creatures from the Chinese Zodiac animals and the God of Fortune. Coupled with the daily line-up of traditional and contemporary song and cultural dance performance, make sure you savour all the local culinary Festive food and delicacies at the many stalls!
 
Chingay 2010 (19 – 20 February 2010) for the first time will introduce a fun-filled carnival theme “Passion Meet The Movie Characters Night” on the 2 parade days. Showcasing talents from China and International performance, the “Grandest Finale in Chingay History” will debut with a poignant presentation of the “Colours of the Lion City and Celebrations”. This giant street bash will definitely have revellers partying till the wee hours of the morning.


Venue : F1 Pit Building

Capacity : 36,000 seats (for both days)

One of the many performance in the Chingay Parade

                     (Photo courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board)

There is also the M1 Fringe Festival (13 – 24 January 2010), a showcase of cutting-edge arts. And if that is not enough, the Huayi-Chinese Festival of Arts (19 – 28 February 2010), and event which unites all overseas Chinese with a vibrant extravaganza that celebrates the talents and diversity from Singapore and the region. Expect 10 exciting days of cutting-edge theatre, music, dance, visual arts and movie. Something not to be missed!

“Eternity by Fuchsia Lane” (26 January 2010 – 13 February 2010). Inspired by architecture and Peranakan beading and embroidery, this is the World’s first bridal and art fashion showcasing local designers Justin Lee and Susan Ong’s creations. Presented by Ou Cheong Jewellery, the showcase is held at ION Orchard Art Gallery.
 
Other exciting events to look forward to are:

• AMIT Live First World Tour (29 – 30 January 2010)

          A concert by popular artiste A*mei at the Singapore Indoor Stadium

•  Puccini’s “La Boheme” (29 – 30 January 2010 & 1 – 3 February 2010)
  
  For film buffs, “Next Reel International Film Festival” is from 31 January 2010 – 4 February 2010. This event is organised by New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. It is only held once every 2 years.
  

Singapore Black Knights performing at Singapore Airshow

                 (Photo courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board)

While you are here for a visit, do not forget to go to the Singapore Airshow which will be held from 2 February 2010 – 7 February 2010. This is Asia’s biggest aerospace and defence exhibition. It will be held at Changi Exhibition Centre. In the month of February, Hong Kong icon, Sam Hui, the godfather of cantopop will be holding a live concert on 19 February 2010.

One of Singapore’s biggest music events, “Mosaic Music Festival”, returns in March from 12 – 21 March 2010. The 10-day music experience comprises genres from Jazz and Blues to Hip-hop and World Music. The festival will be held at the Esplanade. Timbre Rock & Roots (26 – 27 March 2010) is a 2-day music festival featuring a range of soulful and eclectic performance from musical legends and cutting-edge artists. It takes place on Marina Promenade. Ollie and the Slurge (2 – 19 March 2010) is a family musical for all ages with wonderful puppets and live music. And should you want to find out more about the latest trends in furniture design, then do not miss the International Furniture Fair that will be held from 9 March 2010 until 12 March 2010.

Mosaic Music Festival

                     (Photo courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board)

It is only the first quarter of 2010 and there is so many to look forward too. Indeed Singapore is a “culture chic” city.

SEE YOU AROUND. HAVE FUN!!!

2009 Formula 1 SingTel SG GP

The 2009 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX returns this year with even more after-dusk action. Set in the heart of the city, the world's only FORMULA ONE night race promises thrilling high-speed action on the streets of Singapore, past some of the of the city's most iconic and historic landmarks.


Besides the night race, ticketholders can also catch more action off the track. Rock band Travis, soul-queen Chaka Khan, international sensation Backstreet Boys, are just some of the artistes that forms this year's exciting entertainment line-up.

New Hotels in Singapore

Written by: Belinda Sunshine

Are you planning a trip to Singapore in the next couple of months? Whether it is for business or pleasure, you would be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. For the discerning traveller, let me introduce you to 3 new hotels which will surely make your stay memorable.

NOSTALGIA HOTEL
(77, Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 168727)

Nostalgia Hotel at night
(Photo courtesy of Nostalgia Hotel)

“Nostalgia” is Singapore’s unique “Boutique Experience”. Elegant yet cosy, “Nostalgia Hotel” is a non-smoking, affordable, luxury hotel situated in one of Singapore’s most historic areas, minutes from the Central Business District, Orchard Road, and Chinatown. Classic décor, eclectic designs with fine furnishing and chandeliers give the hotel a unique and welcoming ambience. This charmingly affluent new world pleasures, with a sense of affordable luxury experience. Its target guests would be high-end independent traveller and top SME corporate, but families are also welcomed.
The 50 business friendly rooms are spread over 4 floors, with 4 different room categories. Each room has a 2-themed design. One reflects the romantic, historic aspect of the district; the other, a colonial theme that illustrates the colonial heritage of Singapore. All rooms are individually furnished with lavish facilities and graced with original art work by local acclaimed Andre Tan. The rooms are also equipped with the latest technology and quality amenities, and provides impeccable services.

Exclusive Room

                         (Photo courtesy of Nostalgia Hotel)

It has a swimming enclave, a remarkable al-fresco restaurant named Potion which serves contemporary Asian food and it is opened for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It also has an indoor lounge bar.

Al-fresco dining at Potion Restaurant

                           (Photo courtesy of Nostalgia Hotel)

Published room rates* are:-
Superior Room : S$250 (single) / S$300 (double)
Deluxe Room : S$350 (single) / S$400 (double)
Exclusive Room : S$450 (single) / S$500 (double)
Balcony Room : S$550 (single) / S$600 (double)

For reservation enquiries,
please call : (65) 6808 1818
or via e-mail : reservation@hotelnostalgia.com.sg

*Please note:
1. Rates quoted are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes.
2. All rates are on per room per night basis.

Entrance to Santa Grand Hotel Bugis

                     (Photo courtesy of Santa Grand Hotel Bugis)

If you love the characteristic charm of the colonial era, but cannot live without modern amenities, then look no further then the Santa Grand Hotel Bugis, a brand new hotel located in the vicinity of Arab Street, where the diverse cultures of the Middle East and India meet in a melting pot of exotic cuisines, textiles, oriental carpets, and ethnic goods. Santa Grand Hotel Bugis provides guests with a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of urban life while giving easy access to the Orchard Road shopping belt and the Central Business District.

Family Suite

                     (Photo courtesy of Santa Grand Hotel Bugis)

Housed in a modern 4 storey building, its architecture is Javanese in design, with wooden shutters and flooring. Each of the 73 rooms is in itself a cosy and tranquil retreat equipped with the latest technology and amenities. Guests can enjoy workouts in the gymnasium or perhaps relax in the open-air sundeck located on the rooftop next to the pool.

Rooftop pool

                       (Photo courtesy of Santa Grand Hotel Bugis)

The rates* are reasonable and are priced at:

Standard Room : S$128
Family Suite : S$258

For reservation enquiries,

please call : (65) 6298 8638
or via e-mail : enquiries@santa.com.sg

*Please note:

1. Rates quoted are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes.
2. All rates are on per room per night basis.

VALUE HOTEL THOMSON

(592, Balestier Road, Singapore 329901)

Value Hotel Thomson along Balestier Road

                                             (Photo courtesy of Value Hotel Thomson)

This is the largest of the 3 Value Hotels in operation. Located near the junction of Balestier Road and Thomson Road with easy access to the City Centre, Value Hotel Thomson is a majestic 12 storey hotel with 366 rooms.

It has a 24-hour Café and a Restaurant which serves Western and Asian cuisines and delicacies, a 24-hour convenience store, a swimming pool and a work-out room on the 7th floor.

Work-out room on 7th floor

(Photo courtesy of Value Hotel Thomson)

All rooms are equipped with the usual amenities and internet access. The room categories range from Standard (single/twin) to Superior, Deluxe, and Triple room. Standard Room’s rates* are very affordable at S$79nett (valid for nights of Sunday to Thursday) and S$89nett (valid for nights of Friday and Saturday).

Getting around Singapore is a breeze from Value Hotel Thomson. It is only 30 minutes to Changi Airport, 15 minutes to the Central Business District and 10 minutes to popular Orchard Road shopping belt. One can also explore the old world charm of Balestier neighbourhood. Besides when it comes to food, Whampoa Market and the new al-fresco Balestier Market offer scrumptious local delights at reasonable prices.

Superior Room

(Photo courtesy of Value Hotel Thomson)

For reservation enquiries,

please call : (65) 6358 2323
or via e-mail : vht-res@valuehotel.com.sg

Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay

Know by the locals as the Durian because of its spiky roofing, Esplanade is another premiere performing arts venue in Singapore. Esplanade features a 2,000-seat theatre, a 1,600-seat concert hall, two smaller studios, a mall as well as two outdoor theatres and is situated along the promenade. The two spiky looking domes are the large theatre and concert hall and have more than 7,000 pieces of aluminium roofing (resulting in the spiky effect which is supposed to look like microphones). Shows performed here include live music, dance and theatre.

The 8,000sqm Esplanade Mall is a mixture of retail outlets, restaurants and entertainment facilities housed over three levels. Esplanade is also used for lifestyle and arts-related events too. Another part to visit is the library@esplanade, on its third floor – Singapore's first performing arts public library. Library hours are from 11:00 – 21:00 daily)

Located just by Marina Bay at the mouth of the Singapore River, it's a well-known meeting point for locals and offers lovely central-city views of the harbour. Also on many occasions live music is played between the Esplanade exit and the river.Location: Between Raffles Avenue and Esplanade Drive, just by Marina Bay at the mouth of the Singapore River.

Merlion Park

The Merlion is the mythical symbol of Singapore, situated at the Merlion Park at Marina Bay. The statue is a creature that is a cross between a fish and a lion, spouting water out from the mouth into the river. This famous imaginary beast attracts over a million visitors per year. The park itself has a nice setting with terraced seating offering great views of Singapore’s city skyline and landmarks as well as scenic waterfront. Nearby there are lots of shops selling souvenirs, especially of Merlion icons such as refrigerator magnets, T-shirts, key chains and photo frames. Open: All dayLocation: On the waterfront at Marina Bay, not far from Raffles Place MRT Station.