Posts in ‘Things to do in Singapore’

Hello “isangoers”!

In January we have released a great number of new tours, activities and experiences and I would like to introduce them all to you. We have some exciting products in New York (spa days, river cruises and others), things to do in Orlando, San Francisco, a selection of tours for Elvis Presley fans, activities in Singapore and more. So without further ado, this is what we have “fresh from the oven” just for you:

New Things to do in New York

Statue of Liberty Cruise - This one-hour audio-guided tour explores the history of New York City and shows the best views of its present. It tells the story of the harbor from its first settlement through 9/11 till the present day.

New York Hop on Hop off Tour (1 or 2 days) - Get unlimited access to a fleet of fast, fun boats serving ten stops at the city’s hottest neighborhoods and attractions. Water Taxis are fast and fun, so you’ll see more sights in less time and enjoy a stress-free, breezy ride.

Sunset Cruise in New York - Unwind after a long day of sightseeing with a drink and a front-row seat to the greatest show in the world – the sun setting behind the New York skyline.

Exploring New York with the Flexpass -Make the most of your stay in New York City with this very convenient and great-value Flexpass. Choose between a Single Flexpass or a Double Flexpass and enjoy the flexibility to tour the Big Apple according to your convenience and comfort.

Fourth of July in New York - Be prepared to be mesmerized on this unforgettable Fourth of July cruise as you watch the New York skyline explode with a dazzling display of fireworks. continue reading

The bustling city-state of Singapore demonstrates its spiritual side with the Hindu festival of Pongal from January 14th to 17th.

Rooted in south Indian tradition and celebrated during the important month of Thai, the event lasts for four days and is a form of harvest festival.

On the first day, which celebrates Lord Indra, the symbolic act of cooking rice in a new pot is performed to draw together themes of new beginnings and of the relationship with the earth.

The fourth day brings the event to a lively climax as temples throughout Singapore reverberate with the sound of drumming and percussion shells being played in time to ancient rhythms.

To experience the city at its most reflective, the festival of Pongal should be on the itinerary of any visitor on Singapore tours at this special time of year.

Singapore – Enjoy the wonderful shops or explore Singapore’s colonial history, whatever you do end the day with a Singapore sling at Raffles.

Singaporeans young and old will usher in 2009 in their own inimitable fashion in Marina Bay on December 31st.

The Countdown event will see thousands of locals and visitors on Singapore tours descend on this fabulous coastal spot on this occasion for reflection and, above all, celebration.

Across the country people are being asked by the organising body to participate in Wishing Spheres, which will see thousands of New Year messages written by members of the public released into the night sky over the bay in a gesture of goodwill and hope for the world.

The evening will also see the culmination of a photography competition which will have recorded countless special moments in the lives of ordinary people from across this most fascinating of countries.

Singapore – Enjoy the wonderful shops or explore Singapore’s colonial history, whatever you do end the day with a Singapore sling at Raffles.

One of the most world’s most popular ballets is to make a timely seasonal appearance in Singapore this Christmas season.

On December 12th to 13th and 17th to 20th, The Nutcracker will delight fans of dance and curious visitors on Singapore tours at the Esplanada Theatre.

In the show, the life of central character Clara is transformed when she is given a peculiar doll by Dr Drosselmeyer, which then comes alive on the stroke of midnight.

Aided by the doll in evading an army of rats that find their way into her bedroom, Clara instantly becomes close to her new friend and they embark on a series of exciting adventures together, including a journey into the Kingdom of Sweets.

Featuring one of the most famous pieces of music in stage entertainment, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the ballet is set to the music of the Nutcracker Suite by legendary Russian composer Tchaikovsky.

Singapore – Enjoy the wonderful shops or explore Singapore’s colonial history, whatever you do end the day with a Singapore sling at Raffles.

One of the world’s biggest and best dance music parties will return to Singapore on December 13th.

The stunning Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island, located at the southern tip of Singapore, is the setting for the annual ZoukOut festival.

Kicking off at 18:30 and continuing until 08:00 local time the next morning, this epic event is set to attract partygoers from across the world.

The roster of DJs and special guests reads like a who’s who of the international dance music scene, with the likes of Sasha, DJ Yoda, Dimitri from Paris and the legendary Erol Alkan all due to get the crowd on its feet.

Visitors on Singapore tours should make this year’s event an essential experience while in the city and those making a visit at any time would be well advised to hit the Zouk club for an unforgettable evening.

Last year’s Zouk Out won the award for Best Leisure Event Experience at the 2008 Singapore Tourism Awards in March, with the Zouk Club also scooping Best Nightspot Experience.

The first night race in Formula One (F1) history will take place in Singapore from September 26th - 28th.

It is also one of only three races to be run anti-clockwise this season, as drivers speed their way around 61 laps of the 24-turn circuit in the city’’s Marina Bay.

Drivers have had their practice schedule specially extended for the night event to allow the teams extra time to adjust to the new conditions.

The Singapore Grand Prix is also the ever first race to be held on a street circuit in Asia, alongside old favourite Monaco and this year’’s European Grand Prix in Valencia, Spain.

At last week’’s dramatic Italian Grand Prix at Monza, the Championship really heated up, with British driver Lewis Hamilton seeing his lead trimmed to just a single point.

However, the real story was Toro Rosso’’s Sebastian Vettel becoming F1′’s youngest ever winner, giving his team its first victory with a faultless performance.

Current world champion Kimi Raikkonen says "it will take a miracle" to retain his title, but commentators suggest this year’’s Ferrari car might be suited to the heat and humidity of Singapore.

"The atmosphere will be very exciting", said the Finn.

Singapore - Enjoy the wonderful shops or explore Singapore’’s colonial history, whatever you do end the day with a Singapore sling at Raffles.

Singapore’’s Changi International Airport has opened a Butterfly Garden right in the centre of Terminal 3′’s Transit Mall.

The garden has been designed as a tropical nature retreat, and is home to more than 1,000 free roaming butterflies.

A variety of 47 species that are native to Singapore and Malaysia were specially selected for the garden, which is kept as close to the butterflies” natural habitat as possible.

Travel Daily News quoted Lim Hwee Hua, senior minister of state for finance and transport, as saying: "The Butterfly Garden is a unique attraction designed to complement Terminal 3′’s nature theme and Singapore’’s tropical garden image.

"Passengers will have a tranquil haven offering a respite from the stresses of traveling."

Singapore Changi Airport serves flights to more than 180 cities in over 50 countries.

It is estimated that after Terminal 3′’s recent opening, Changi Airport will have an annual handling capacity of more than 70 million passengers.
Singapore – Enjoy the wonderful shops or explore Singapore’’s colonial history, whatever you do end the day with a Singapore sling at Raffles.

From August 31st to September 30th, visitors to Singapore are in for some beautiful evenings as the streets of Chinatown light up for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The festival is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month among Chinese communities worldwide.

It is a time of gathering and reunion for families and friends, many of whom come together to enjoy mooncakes, Chinese tea and appreciate the moon at it fullest.

In Singapore, friends of all races join in the celebrations, making it truly multicultural in a way that only Singapore can be.

Enjoy the amazing display of themed lanterns and shimmering festive lights that adorn the streets of Chinatown and celebrate with locals in the traditional way.

The Mid-Autumn Festival dates back over 3,000 years to China’’s Zhou Dynasty.

In Malaysia and Singapore, it is also sometimes referred to as the Lantern Festival or Mooncake Festival.

Singapore – Enjoy the wonderful shops or explore Singapore’’s colonial history, whatever you do end the day with a Singapore sling at Raffles.

The critically-acclaimed Singapore Sun Festival returns for another celebration from October 17th to 26th.

This annual multi-arts premium lifestyle festival celebrates The Art of Living Well, through seven disciplines - music, visual arts, literature, film, wine, cuisine and wellness.

Mr Lim Neo Chian, deputy chairman and chief executive of Singapore Tourism Board said: “Well-travelled and discerning visitors can expect an exciting and memorable experience in Singapore.”

The festival opens at the Esplanade Concert Hall where for the first time, Oscar-winning director and actor Robert Redford, the legendary grand dame of opera Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the renowned Vienna Boys Choir will share the stage.

Oil paintings by German-born abstract artist, Sibylle Szaggars, and works by acclaimed artist Hans Mendler make up this year’s Visual Arts programme, while the Literature programme features talks and workshops by Australia’s bestselling author Cameron Forbes, award-winning novelist and playwright Merlinda Bobis; and published travel writer and accomplished political foreign correspondent Andrew Forbes who will delve into the world of history, fiction, food, poetry and news journalism.

There are also talks, workshops and events around wine, food, film and wellness.

Singapore – Enjoy the wonderful shops or explore Singapore’s colonial history, whatever you do end the day with a Singapore sling at Raffles.