sublim3 asked:


If there’s one hotel in Kuala Lumpur that is well-loved because of its distance to tourist destinations, it would definitely be The Heritage Station Hotel Kuala Lumpur. This budget hotel is Proud of its perfect location in the heart of the city. It is surrounded by historical landmarks and attractions, allowing guests to get to popular tourist spots in 10 minutes or less, by foot!

1-minute walk

The Heritage Station Hotel Kuala Lumpur is literally just a stone’s throw away from the main terminals or regional and domestic road transport. These are train station for regional Bangkok and Singapore, Commuter Station for routes throughout the city, and Coach Depot for all major destinations in Malaysia & regional Bangkok and Singapore

3 to 5-minute walk

Explore the National Art Gallery and National Museum. With thousands of masterpieces, books and artifacts, you’re sure to gain a deeper knowledge on art and history. These museums also house galleries, auditorium, café and bars, library/resource centre, exhibition halls and also conduct workshops and seminars you are most welcome to attend to.

Have a refreshing walk and sightseeing at the lush Titiwangsa Lake Garden where you can relax at its man-made lake, landscaped garden, flower gardens, butterfly park, birds park; or enjoy walking and jogging at trails and exercise stations. Playgrounds and rowing boats are also in the area.

8 to 10-minute walk

From The Heritage Station Hotel Kuala Lumpur, walk all the way to Orchid & Butterfly Farm and let it mesmerize you as you explore this wonderful haven. You can shop till you drop at Kuala Lumpur’s very own Chinatown, night markets and central markets. Lots of for souvenirs and beautiful items that are uniquely Kuala Lumpur are available for you.

Walk your way to fun, exciting, and convenient exploration now. With The Heritage Station Hotel, touring Kuala Lumpur is made easy. For reservation, get best rates online through visiting its website at http://www.heritagehotelmalaysia.com.



Singapore Tourist Attractions

Lizathomas asked:


Macau, is a southern coast city of China. It is located at the south of Guangdong Province, on the tip of the peninsula formed by the Xijiang (West River) on the west and the Zhujiang (Pearl River) estuary on the east. Macau is situated 145 km southwest of Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province and 60 km western side of Hong Kong. It is next to the Zhuhai Special Economic Zone.

Macau facing the South China Sea in the south and east has thriving industries such as electronics, textiles and toys. There is also a remarkable Macau tourism industry that features a wide range of hotels, resorts, restaurants, stadiums and casinos. Macau, one of the richest cities in the world, tempts all with the variety of entertainment.

The Templo de A-Má, a temple built in 1448 dedicated to Matsu - the goddess of seafarers and fishermen - has given Macau its name. The following are the must see places in Macau:

* Casino at Venetian Macao

* Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre

* Grand Prix Museum

* Leal Senado (Municipal Council)

* Cotai Strip

* Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral

* Lisboa Casino

* A-Ma Temple (Ma Kok Miu)

* Largo do Senado (Senate Square)

* Monte Forte (Fortaleza do Monte)

Macau, an enthralling tourist location with a cluster of entertainment facilities, famous for its locales, casinos and nightlife.

Macau Hotels have a huge spread as far as budget and location are concerned. Hotels in Macau possess a great range of diversity in facilities and entertainment options. Macau hotels range from exotic five star accommodations at Lisboa hotel to the very economical three star accommodations of Fu Hua hotel.

The costs of accommodation in Macau Hotels range from as low as USD 65 to USD 142. Most of the Macau hotels provide air condition, television, radio, telephone as basic room facilities and hotel facilities includes beauty parlour, fitness centre, and laundry cleaning service. Other important facilities available in most of the Macau hotels are sauna, conference facilities and car parking.

Hotels in Macau offer great food and beverages that suits both holiday and business travelers. Most of the hotels in Macau have restaurants and serve a range of dishes in Chinese, Japanese and Continental cuisines. Food in Macau interests foodies from around the world. Macau provides Italian, French, American, Brazilian, Japanese, Korean and Mozambique cuisine as well as dishes from Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Burma, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Macau hotels offer a great array of entertainment facilities. Lisboa hotel, New Century hotel, Holiday Inn, Royal hotel and many other Macau hotels entertain with a scintillating nightlife.

The hotels in Macau also house busy casinos that are open on all days. Casinos are one of the big attractions in Macau.



Arts and Entertainment Singapore

Wolfgang Jaegel asked:


Situated in Guangdong Province, China, Shenzhen is a city with a population of over 12 million people. Any of the travel guides of China does not say much about this city except the fact that it is good only for shopping.

The impression is changed now due to its fast growth. Shenzhen is a sub-provincial city of southern China and is well-known for its great immediacy with the border of Hong Kong. Shenzhen is a hub of foreign investment and it has been one of the fastest growing cities in the world since the late 1970s. It also holds the busiest port in China after Shanghai. Now-a-days Shenzhen is a lively, multi-ethnic city that offers variety of cultural and leisure venues for travelers, as well as endless shopping and dining.

Shenzhen has three most famous city center places, Diwang Building, Grand Theater and Citizens’ Center, which attract thousand of tourists year round. With 69 floors, Diwang building is the tallest building in Shenzhen and is the symbol city’s fast growth. This building is home to the most high-status firms in the city. You can have a view over the whole city from the viewing deck in the 68th floor. Mix C, a multi-storied shopping center, is situated just opposite to the Diwang building. It has ice rink, cinema, and lots of international style restaurants.

Shenzhen Stock Exchange is situated near the Diwang. Completely renovated in 2006, Grand Theater is the best place to enjoy classical music and traditional Chinese music events. Near the Grand Theater is Lychee Park. A picture of Deng Xiao Peng, the “father of Shenzhen”, is displayed on the signboard which is placed on the corner of the park. Deng Xiao Peng made the plan to develop Shenzhen in to a global scale metropolis from a fishing village.

Citizens’ Center was built when the government decided to change the central business district out of the city center. Citizens’ Center is a large government building with “bird shape” roof. Children’s Palace amusement center and exemplary New Shenzhen Library near the Citizen’s Center are also worth visiting. New Exhibition Center which is built in typical Shenzhen style is around half a mile from the Citizens’ Center.

The Window of the World, Chinese Folk Culture Villages, Happy Valley, Splendid China, the Dameisha Promenade, the Safari Park in Nanshan district, Xiaomeisha Beach Resort in Yantian district, Zhongying Street, Xianhu Lake Botanical Garden, and Minsk World are some of the major place of tourist interest. There are several public park which offers free admission including Lianhuashan Park, Lizhi Park and Wutongshan Park. Shenzhen has several well-known restaurants which provide various mouth-watering cuisines and you can taste your favorite food from these restaurants.

The Window of the World is a theme park which is situated in the western part of Shenzhen. It holds around 130 reproductions of some of the well-known tourist attractions in the world. Sprawls around an area of about 480,000 square meters, the park houses the models of 108 meter tall Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal. The park also holds several international restaurants and mini exhibitions on well-known figures from world history.

In Window of the World you can eat Mexican food, see the Niagara Falls and stroll around Angkor Wat. It will take half a day to explore the whole park. Firework and laser shows will be there in the end of the day. You can enjoy Fervorous Paris Nights at Caesar’s Palace in the evenings. Happy Valley is another major tourist spot in Shenzhen. Several sightseeing areas are there in Happy Valley which includes Cartoon City, Mt. Advantage, Gold Mine Town, Shangri-la Woods, Sunshine Beach, Typhoon Bay, Happy Times, Playa Maya Water Park and Spanish Square are also worth a visit. Attractions in the Happy Valley include the Gold Mine Train, Space Port, suspended Looping Coaster and Shoot the Cute.

Splendid China, a complete miniature park, is capable of satisfying the visitors. It reflects the history, art, culture, ancient architecture, and customs and habits of various nationalities in the country. Developed and managed by the major travel and tourist corporation, China Travel Services, it is also the largest scenery parks in the world. The Minsk World, a military theme park, is situated in Dapeng Bay, Shenzhen. Opened on May 10, 2000, the park ground holds the huge former Soviet aircraft carrier. There is a theatre on the fifth floor of the park which can accommodate 776 people at a time. Why waiting still to visit Shenzhen? Plan your next vacation to this vibrant city now itself.



Entertainment Center

Wolfgang Jaegel asked:


Manila is an enchanting tourist destination, situated at the mouth of the Pasig River on the eastern shores of the Luzon Island - the largest island of the Philippines. The capital city of the Philippine, Manila is regarded as a gateway to the nation’s remarkable attractions.

Manila is home to a vibrant metropolitan area, the Metro Manila area, sometimes referred to as the National Capital Region (NCR), of which city forms a part. A fine blend of ancient traditions and modernity, Manila showcases an exceptional range of attractions, from colonial structures and parks and museums to fantastic restaurants and exotic shopping malls.

The city is also much famed for its breathtaking vistas comprising the exceptional Manila Bay as well as its scenic golden sunset. Equally worth mentioning is the Manila’s nightlife, with an astounding array of bars, casinos, clubs, and discotheques. Above all, Manila serves as an excellent base to enjoy a variety of exciting activities.

Erected in 1571 by the Spaniards, Intramuros is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Manila. A tour to this amazing walled complex is a great way to experience the rich heritage of the place. Found within the complexes are attractions such as Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church - the oldest church of the city, Fort Santiago - a 16th century fort built on the ashes of a Muslim king, and Casa Manila - a 19th century mansion graced with beautiful furniture

There is also a museum within the old monastery of the San Agustin Church, exhibiting a rare collection of oil paintings. Further, attractions here cover the Rizal Park - a sought after area for relaxing and enjoying recreational activities. Named in the honor of Jose Rizal - the national hero, the park also holds the distinction of being the largest park in Asia. For those who want to experience the influence of China on the Philippines, a great option would be visit China Town, dotted with superb malls, shops, and restaurants.

Your Manila vacation would not be complete without taking a tour to museums in Manilas, such as, the Metropolitan Museum of Art displaying both classical and contemporary fine arts and the National Museums, or the Museum of the Filipino Peoples, with exhibits portraying the ancient history of the place.

A good number of parks and gardens also form Manila’s attractions. Some of the renowned parks in the area are Greenbelt Park comprising small malls and Paco Park, a well-manicured park which was once a cemetery. Most prominent among the gardens are Chinese Garden, Everest Hills Memorial Garden, Father Blanco’s Garden, and the Japanese Garden. Also, while your stay at Manila take a tour to some of the ancient churches in the area like Bonifacio Shrine, Manila Cathedral, and Quiapo Church.

In addition, Manila is a venue to enjoy a great number of leisure activities. A trip to such destination as Tagaytay, which is much famed for its Taal Volcano, would be unforgettable. Another must-see spot nearby Manila is Laguna, an amazing spot blessed with hot sulphur springs. Similarly, an excursion to Pagsanjan via a canoe ride offers a unique experience.

Above all, Manila is home to a number of festivals, which among many others, are Cinemanila International Film Festival, Chinese New Year, Fiesta of the Black Nazarene, Bailes de Los Arcos, Likhang Kamay, Senakulo, and Metro Manila Film Festival.

Above mentioned are just few among many of the attractions in Manila. Hence, no wonder why tourists flock to Manila all-year round. Manila has accommodation options to cater every taste and pocket. From budget villas and hotels to high-end resorts and apartment, Manila’s accommodation choices are superb.

If you are ready to spend extravagantly, you can go for accommodation that are complete with comfortable rooms, automatic wake-up call, voice mail, air conditioning, data port, and satellite TV. Such facilities as business center, private parking facility, currency exchange facilities, and internet access, are also made available. Further, many of them are within the easy reach of the city’s top attractions. There are also some hotels and resorts, providing packages inclusive of accommodation, dining, and facilities to explore the attractions of the place.

Since many of the hotels, resorts, and other service providers have their own websites, it enables for easy booking of rooms online. All you have to do with regard to online booking is to just enter their website, and inform your budget and preference. Some of them even arrange transportation facilities to pick you to and fro the airport.



Entertainment Center

Raj Pillai asked:


Medical Tourism

Whenever we hear the term “Medical Tourism”, it invokes a mixed expression in our minds, one as a promising new alternative for the people who had to rely on already outstretched Public healthcare system in western countries, and the second is the uncertainty about the quality offered. The portmanteau “Medical Tourism” was created way back in the late 80’s by Travel agents and media as a catchall phrase to describe a new trend where people travel to other countries to obtain cheaper medical care. As we speak, this phenomenon has reached to a point where it has become one of the most promising foreign exchange revenue earners in some Asian nations predominantly India, Singapore and Thailand.

The reasons patients travel for treatment vary. Many medical tourists from the United States are seeking treatment at a quarter or sometimes even a 10th of the cost at home. From Canada, it is often people who are frustrated by long waiting times. From Great Britain, the patient can’t wait for treatment by the National Health Service but also can’t afford to see a physician in private practice. For others, becoming a medical tourist is a chance to combine a tropical vacation with elective or plastic surgery.

And more patients are coming from poorer countries like Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam, and many African nations, where treatment may not be available.

Medical tourism is actually thousands of years old. In ancient Greece, pilgrims and patients came from all over the Mediterranean to the sanctuary of the healing god, Asklepios, at Epidaurus. In Roman Britain, patients took the waters at a shrine at Bath, a practice that continued for 2,000 years. From the 18th century wealthy Europeans travelled to spas from Germany to the Nile. In the 21st century, relatively low-cost jet travel has taken the industry beyond the wealthy and desperate.

Countries that actively promote medical tourism include Cuba, Costa Rica, Hungary, India, Israel, Jordan, Lithuania, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Belgium, Poland and Spain are now entering the field. South Africa specializes in medical safaris-visit the country for a safari, with a stopover for plastic surgery, a nose job and a chance to see lions and elephants.

India

India is considered the leading country promoting medical tourism-and now it is moving into a new area of “medical outsourcing,” where subcontractors provide services to the overburdened medical care systems in western countries.

India’s National Health Policy declares that treatment of foreign patients is legally an “export” and deemed “eligible for all fiscal incentives extended to export earnings.” Government and private sector studies in India estimate that medical tourism could bring between $1 billion and $2 billion US into the country by 2012. The reports estimate that medical tourism to India is growing by 30 per cent a year.

India’s top-rated education system is not only churning out computer programmers and engineers, but an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 doctors and nurses each year.

The largest of the estimated half-dozen medical corporations in India serving medical tourists is Apollo Hospital Groupwith 37 hospitals, with a total capacity of 7,000 beds, which performed an estimated 60,000 surgeries on visiting patients between 2001 and 2004, and now under negotiations with Britain’s National Health Service to work as a subcontractor, to do operations and medical tests for patients at a fraction of the cost in Britain for either government or private care.

Medical Tourism in India began to grow in the mid 1990s, with the deregulation of the Indian economy, which drastically cut the bureaucratic barriers to expansion and made it easier to import the most modern medical equipment. The first patients were Indian expatriates who returned home for treatment; major investment houses followed with money and then patients from Europe, the Middle East and Canada began to arrive.

Thailand

While, so far, India has attracted patients from Europe, the Middle East and Canada, Thailand has been the goal for Americans.

India initially attracted people who had left that country for the West; Thailand treated western expatriates across Southeast Asia. Many of them worked for western companies and had the advantage of flexible, worldwide medical insurance plans geared specifically at the expatriate and overseas corporate markets.

With the growth of medical-related travel and aggressive marketing, Bangkok became a centre for medical tourism. Hospitals like Bangkok’s International Medical Center and Piyavate Hospital offer services in over two dozen languages, recognizes cultural and religious dietary restrictions and has a special wing for Japanese and Arabic patients.

Even though most of the medical tour companies targeting cosmetic surgery patients often put emphasis on the vacation aspects, offering post-recovery resort stays and holiday packages, private healthcare consulting companies, like, MedAsia Healthcare who specialize in critical care services like open heart surgeries had gone one step further by providing personalized care to the patients by offering surgeon screening, treatment planning, insurance support and even the surgery loan processing on behalf of the patients. With medical professionals who know the psyche of the patients, they can provide that extra comfort on quality and trust.

Emerging Destinations

Other countries interested in medical tourism tended to start offering care to specific markets but have expanded their services as the demand grows around the world. Cuba, for example, first aimed its services at well-off patients from Central and South America and now attracts patients from Canada, Germany and Italy. Malaysia attracts patients from surrounding Southeast Asian countries; Jordan serves patients from the Middle East. Israel caters to both Jewish patients and people from some nearby countries, and South Africa offers package medical holiday deals with stays at either luxury hotels or safaris.

Dental Tourism

The newest and fastest-growing area of medical tourism is a visit to the dentist, where costs are often not covered by basic insurance and by only some extended insurance policies. India, Thailand and Hungary attract patients who want to combine a teeth whitening, extraction or root canal with a vacation. Most notable destination for Dental tourism is Thailand, where the competitions between the clinics for expatriate customers are clearly visible. In a way that competition is actually serving good for the customers, as the clinics deploy the latest cutting edge technologies, employ overseas trained and qualified doctors, and multi lingual marketing team to keep their edge on the market; says Dr. Bob of Bangkok Smile Dental Clinic, a pioneer in the dental tourism industry with multiple clinics in Bangkok. Clinics like Bangkok smile offers the latest same dental implants where by the patient can fly in and get the implant fixed on the same day and fly back on the next day instead of the 2 – 3 visits before, at their clinics for almost 15 - 30 % of the cost one would have to pay if they get it done in US, Canada, Australia or UK. As we speak, Australia is one of the biggest markets for these clinics, and tour companies like Aussie Dental Tours based in Perth, Australia are quick to realize that and offers escorted dentist visits to Thailand.



Arts and Entertainment Singapore

Nancy Eben asked:


 

Singapore is a tourist destination, which the tourists all over the globe are eyeing for a holiday filled with all the fun and excitement. It is a small country but packed with tons of surprises that attract millions to the country. Located at the southern tip of Malay Peninsula, Singapore is both an island and a country, which has derived its name from the Malay words ‘singa’ meaning lion and ‘pura’ meaning city. This is also the reason why sometimes the city is referred to as the Lion city. From a sleeping fishing village, Singapore has developed into an important financial center and a popular tourist destination. The country makes an excellent destination for all kinds of traveler’s right from an adventure holiday, leisure trip, romantic getaway, to business destination and even a stop-off destination.

Holidaymakers travel to this city to experience a hi-tech cosmopolitan city that has a lot to offer them. The city appeals to all, which is always bursting with excitement and entertainment. The perfect blend of traditions, cultures and the modern infrastructure, along with an array of attractions and activities, makes the city a hot tourist spot. Add to it the warmth and welcoming nature of the people, Singapore is a wonderful place. Singapore can be visited any time of the year, as the city enjoys a pleasant climate the whole year. The temperature always stays close to 29°C and with a rainfall throughout the year. Thus, the climate is not a major concern area when planning to visit Singapore but the events that take place here. The country is a happening place and what better times than Singapore’s exciting special events, so check ahead for the date’s and reserve your Singapore hotel.

Singapore has a wide range and variety of accommodation to facilitate its visitors. The right mix of Singapore hotels caters to all kinds of travelers and their requirements. The Singapore accommodation on offer takes care that all from backpackers, budget travelers, family travelers to business travelers all get a comfortable and quality hotels Singapore. With the Singapore hotels providing utmost comfort and quality service, they are ideal pick for business or leisure travel. The colonial district is a popular choice for the tourists for putting up as it’s in close proximity to the city’s main tourist sites. Orchard road is another favorite place for the visitors to choose their Singapore hotel as this area is an important shopping center. If looking for a quite accommodation away from the hustle bustle of the city, there are options available in the Sentosa Island.

One of the most modern cities of Asia, Singapore is a cosmopolitan city that is also the wealthiest and cleanest city in the world. The country has an array of fun filled activities, attractions on offer for an exciting vacation. There is no better city, which keeps you entertained all the time with the festivals and events taking place through out the year. The country has a diverse culture, opportunities to explore the beautiful beaches, numerous attractions along with great shopping facilities. The country’s food and entertainment go hand in hand, offering a wide variety of food as Singapore is home to people from different cultures. The result is number of different cuisines available to the tourists. This is a unique city, which has all the right things to capture the visitor’s attention. Thus, the city has a vibrating, moving and exciting nightlife. After the night sets in, one can see the nightclubs, pubs and bars coming alive with activity. Its party time and people chill out until the wee hours.



Arts and Entertainment Singapore

Kevin Laura asked:


Traveling to Singapore has been a craze to many travelers across the globe. Singapore, known for its beauty, culture and high quality hospitality services, has attracted a lot of tourists. Particularly, Singapore hotels are known for its varied cuisines and for its excellent services. Many Asian travelers look out for cheap hotels in an international destination and their quest ends in Singapore cheap hotels.

Singapore, being the smallest nation, in Southeast Asia, enjoys the population of Malay, China, India and other nations. Singapore has a cosmopolitan outlook; however, Chinese forms the majority. People from all over the world, visit Singapore for different purposes. May it be a business purpose or a holiday visit, Singapore has its own unique way to serve the travelers.

Singapore offers many ways to make your visit enjoyable. Besides its distinctive heritage, remarkable environment, there are many added attractions also. Festivals, music, food and shopping centers have always been attracting the visitors to the city. It is obvious that travelers from far and wide come to Singapore to enjoy the exuberance of the city. Above all, Singapore hotels have never let down the expectations of the visitors.

Singapore hotels are famous for their warm hospitality services. You will be surprised to see the eminence of lodging facility that Singapore provides. Singapore offers a wide variety of hotels. The hotels, not only cater to the needs of rich elite class but also middle class families also find comfort, in Singapore cheap hotels.

There are many star hotels in Singapore which are known for its excellent services and food delicacies. Hotels in this category are Hilton, Holiday Inn and Marriot. These hotels provide outstanding facilities to their customers. Singapore hotel reservation is very easy and budget friendly.

For higher middle class travelers, hotels like, Allson Hotel, Berjaya Hotel, Fort Canning Lodge, Bayview Hotel, Furama City Center, Garden Hotel and Furama Riverfront provide star services with their own unique ways of services.

Hotels for lower middle class are ASPHotel inn, Fortuna Hotel Broadway and Singapore hotels. Hotel 81 and Gateway Hotel are located in the Changi region of Singapore which also caters to the needs of the visitors. If you wish to stay in the Chinatown, you can choose from Tropical Hotel and The Keong Saik Hotel. In the west coast, there is Harbour Ville which also falls in the category of serving the lower middle class.

Singapore hotels are said to match all types of budgets. Travelers, across the globe come to this island for its ultra modern appeal yoked with the aesthetic cultural heritage. Singapore hotel reservation is tied up with many Online booking websites. This has made it easier for travelers to find a suitable accommodation that suits their budget and needs. Thanks to the internet that has made traveling so easy.



Singapore Tourist Attractions

Gabriel Tan asked:


With its multi-ethnic population, Singapore celebrates a myriad of festivals throughout the year. If you plan on visiting Singapore, you’ll enjoy mingling with the locals during these festivals. Here are 3 festivals in Singapore which visitors would not want to miss.

Thaipusam Festival (moving date, January or February)

Thaipusam is a festival to honor the Hindu deity, Lord Subramaniam. It is a time for Hindus to perform acts of penance or to give thanks for answered prayers.

In the weeks leading to Thaipusam, devotees spend up to a month praying and fasting. When the day arrives, friends and family help to load a cage-like steel frame onto the devotee’s body. This frame, which is also called a kavadi, may weigh up to 30kg! It is elaborately decorated with images of Hindu deities and peacock feathers.

Now, if you think this is some weight training of sorts, think again. From the frame of the kavadi, numerous spikes extend inwards into the devotee’s flesh. Then, there are the skewers that go through the devotee’s cheeks and tongue. As if this is not enough, oversized fish hooks cling precariously to the devotee’s back. Quite amazingly, nobody cringes and nobody bleeds!

Then, just when you think that the man has been punished enough, he goes on a 4km procession with all these punctures on his body, often skipping and dancing along the way! Should you be in Singapore at this time, don’t miss Thaipusam. See it to believe it.

Chinese New Year (moving date, January or February)

Chinese New Year is probably the most loved Chinese festival. It originated in China, where it is also called the Spring Festival because farming communities traditionally ‘welcome the Spring’. In modern times, it is a season to put the past behind and look forward to the future.

In Singapore, Chinese families begin the celebrations by shopping for Chinese New Year goodies and decorations.

In the 3 or 4 weeks leading to Chinese New Year’s Day, the streets of Chinatown bustle with roadside stalls and throngs of shoppers. You know that the season has arrived when you see those quaint Chinese lanterns start to hang from buildings. If you are in town, remember also to check out the acrobats at Telok Ayer Square. See them bend, contort and perform stunts to rapturous applause.

Apart from the usual reunion dinner and visits to friends and relatives, Chinese Singaporeans look forward to the River Hong Bao Carnival.

Held at the Esplanade Park, the River Hong Bao is a place to see age-old Chinese beliefs in action. Look out for the incredibly huge lanterns representing the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Around the Golden Tree of Wishes, the locals make their wishes and then throw coins at the Tree for good luck. Watch and be amused, or join in the fun, for all the money collected is donated to charity.

Then when you have had your fill, head for the Esplanade Bridge to enjoy the fireworks display.

The Orchard Road Christmas Light Up (Mid-November to End of December)

For more than 20 years now, the Orchard Road Christmas Light Up has captivated both locals and visitors to Singapore. In fact, 20% of visitors at the Christmas Light Up are repeat visitors.

If you head down to Orchard Road during this time, you will obviously find the usual Christmas fare - dramas and carols performed by church groups.

But perhaps you will be most enchanted by the Christmas lights. Uncountable fairy lights, bells and baubles hang over Singapore’s main shopping belt. They adorn the entire 5km stretch from Orchard Road to Marina Bay. Take a ride on an open-top double-decker bus, or watch from the road-side as the Christmas floats make their way through this Fairyland of sorts. It’ll remind you of that first visit to Disneyland and its magical Parade of Floats.

If you come from the Northern Hemisphere, this is a great chance to experience Christmas with a difference, right in the warmth of the Tropics.



Arts and Entertainment Singapore

Kevin Laura asked:


Singapore offers perfect vacation spot for stressed out professionals of the modern world. You can relax in the quite surroundings amongst exotic vegetation unique to the place. Recently, many Singapore hotels have been in limelight for their luxury and attractive services at very competitive and affordable prices to the tourists.

Apart from being one of the busiest business spots, Singapore is also renowned for its parks and botanical gardens. National Orchid Garden has a remarkable collection of orchid. You can see more than 3000 orchid species in this well maintained garden. Some of these species

are native to Singapore. 

Singapore is situated at the south eastern tip of the Asian continent. It shares its borders with Indonesia and Malaysia. Singapore is connected with Malaysia through a set of bridges. Connection of Singapore to Indonesia is through the sea route. Ferry ports along the coast offer easy means of transportation. Sea coast of the Singapore offers wide choice of hotels for accommodation.

Singapore is one of the few surviving city states in the world. Over the years it has developed into major center of trade in the world. Besides trade it has also developed into a major tourist center. Keeping pace with these developments Singapore has done excellent work in modernizing and expansion of its infrastructure and air travel facilities. Air travel provides one of the easiest means of travel to the Island.

Vast virgin beaches of the Singapore are one of the main attractions for the tourists. Tropical climate of the island adds additional flavor to the vacations of the visitors. You can enjoy the beaches of the island through out the year. You will enjoy the warm and comfortable atmosphere at the beach anytime of the year. Rain may be the only disturbing factor. Romantic Rains adds one of the attractive features to the tropical climate. You can enjoy short spells of rain during autumn and winter and rarely in spring and summer.

Singapore is also famous for its open zoo. This happens to be world’s first open zoo. This zoo provides shelter to many species of animals from various locations of the world. This zoo or zoological garden in the island is one of the most popular attractions among the tourists. This zoo is open in the sense that animals in the zoo live in the natural surroundings and adequate precautions have been taken to keep the visitors at a safe distance from the animals. If you like you can find a great Singapore hotel of your choice in close proximity to the zoo. 

Besides these attractions there are many places of cultural and religious significance. These include Thian Hock Keng temple and shrines of Ma Po Cho. If you are not short of time, think of extending your vacation to neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia. Both these countries offer countless tourist attractions and excellent facilities for tourists.

What ever you choose all these places promise you a memorable vacation. You can use the online services to find out more details about Singapore hotels and available vacation packages.



Entertainment Center

Ethan Ong asked:


The cultural industry in Singapore has blossomed of late and now high art and the wonderful world of cultural exhibitions have invaded this island nation to an extent where the scene itself has piqued interest within the community. The National Arts Council and the Heritage Board, working together with MICA (Ministry of Information, Culture and the Arts) have worked together for years to build Singapore into a Renaissance City - hoping to emulate the explosion of culture and art in Italy in the 14th Century - and hopefully spawning their own Michelangelo or Leonardo Da Vinci.

The Singapore museum and the heritage museum are just some of the examples of how this nation has leveraged on its own culture and rich history to put together exhibitions and attractions that cannot be missed. Singapore’s founding, its prime leaders and its birth from a footnote in history to Sovereign nation are chronicled in a rich world of sound, art and words in the Singapore National Museum and the heritage gallery as well. Be sucked into the 1900’s again as chronicled in acute detailed is history of Singapore - with journals of our early colonial founders etched out in aching beauty and sound. Also, recently in the national museum was some of the notes of William Farquhar and his chronicle of some of the species of animals that used to reside in the Singapore jungles and some of the names the locals or ‘Orang Asli’ used to give to them.

The Asian Civilisation Museum is also a prime example of a cultural Singapore attraction that you must visit as soon as possible. The rich tapestry of the Asian civilisations are realised in life like and breathtaking models and statues transported from dig sites all over Inner Mongolia, China and all over South East Asia. Be amazed as they tell the histories and lifestyle of Old Asia in a way no - one can, through pictures and objects that inspire the greatest story teller of all - your imagination. This museum also deals with propaganda and cultural material and how politics of old and of new has changed the face of culture in countries like Burma, Indonesia and China.

There is no end to the sort of cultural experiences you can enjoy in Singapore. The National Heritage Board has a smorgasbord of facilities and organisations to whet the cultural appetite. They have converted the old Ford Factory in Singapore to a memorial - museum like emporium of the 1960’s. The Peranakan Museum and the Singapore Philatelic Museum are just some of the examples of rich locations where you can view great cultural pieces and demonstrations for just a nominal fee.

Singapore is culture. It is founded on culture, built by tradition and lovingly shaped by hundreds of years of history - a maelstrom of inculturality that has given this country an identity that is rich, varied and beautiful. Singapore has decided to share this with anyone who wants to look, as well as bringing the rest of greater Asia into a single location - to inspire a living heritage and dynamic cultural attractions.



Arts and Entertainment Singapore