Experience the Excitement of the F1 Season at Cape Inn

This September 25 to 27, Singapore will once again be a-buzz with anticipation for perhaps the most prestigious event in car racing: the 2009 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. With some of the best racers in the world coming over, local and visiting fans alike will surely be vying for the best seats in the house to see their idols get pitted against each other in healthy competition.

For those looking for a convenient place to stay during this significant event, Cape Inn is an ideal choice. The Singapore hotel places guests where all the action is, being just a five-minute drive from Orchard Road and just 10 minutes away from the MRT. With such a strategic location, going to the race circuit or just simply touring the city-state is made easy as the hotel is near pretty much everything.

Popular tourist attractions that are proximate to the hotel include Clark Quay, Esplanade, Rochester Park, Underwater World, Holland Village, Jurong Bird Park, Kampong Glam, Wala Wala, and the Sultan Mosque. There are also numerous dining and entertainment options to choose from like the Makansutra Food Safari, Club Street and Far East Square, and Eastcoast Parkway. For the shopping enthusiasts, there's Little India, Orchard Road, Raffles Hotel Shopping Arcade, Paragon Shoppine Centre, and Jurong. For the artsy crowd, there's the Singapore Art Museum, Chinatown Arts Belt, and the Waterloo Street Arts Belt. Indeed, guests will find it hard to run out of things to see and do during their stay.

Aside from its convenient location, Cape Inn takes pride in offering practical Singapore accommodations at affordable rates. Its cosy, modestly furnished guestrooms provide comfort that won't hurt the budget. Each air-conditioned room is equipped with basic amenities such as coffee and tea-making facilities, Internet connectivity, cable television, queen-sized bed, private toilet and bath with shower, mini-fridge, telephone with voicemail system, ironing board, and hair dryer.

This Singapore hotel also keeps its guests' safety as its top priority. Modern security features such as CCTV cameras are installed within the hotel premises, and electronic access cards are employed for room access instead of ordinary keys. Other practical services offered include airport and city transfers, currency exchange, wake-up calls, laundry, massage services, and an in-house restaurant for dining purposes.

To learn more about Cape Inn, visit its official website http://www.capeinn-singapore.com/, where you can also make direct reservations and get instant confirmation online.

The Claremont Hotel’s Great Long-Stay Package

Planning a long vacation in Singapore soon? The Claremont Hotel is now offering its Great Long-Stay Package to guests that make reservations at the hotel until November.

Book five consecutive nights and enjoy the SGD 50 discount on all rooms in the Singapore hotel. From Super Single, Deluxe Double, Superior Triple and Deluxe Family Room, guests can pick the room that they want via an easy-to-use online reservation system available on the hotel website. Rates inclusive of all taxes, the special offer is available from August 28 to November 30, 2009. The promo also makes available daily breakfast for guests.

Rooms at The Claremont Hotel are equipped with air-conditioning, mini-bar, private toilet and bath, queen-sized bed, telephone, room safe, coffee/tea maker, and other amenities. Complimentary coffee and tea are provided.

This Singapore hotel also offers a variety of services. Laundry services, mail and postal services, car parking, faxing services and a 24-hour front desk will surely make guests’ stay more comfortable.

Invite your friends for an extended movie marathon or your loved one for that much needed bonding moment. The Claremont Hotel’s Great Long-Stay Package is the ideal promo for those that want to spend quality time with the people they care about.

For more information about The Claremont Hotel and its packages, visit http://www.claremont.com.sg.

YWCA Fort Canning Lodge Gives You Quality Accommodations For Less

If you’re looking to visiting Singapore this week, then you’re in for a treat. YWCA Fort Canning Lodge is offering a Last-Minute Promo that entails you to get 10% off on your room reservation, if you book for a minimum of two (2) nights.

From 30 August to 03 September 2009, Fort Canning Lodge in Singapore is giving you discounted rates on any room of your choice. Choose among the hotel’s affordable rooms ranging from Standard with pools and park views, Deluxe, to Family suites. Fort Canning Lodge boasts of 175 rooms on 13 floors – all non-smoking and furnished with rich wood furniture.

Each room comes with colored TV, air-conditioning, private shower, hair dryer and room safe. Water and energy-saving devices, as well as safety devices for heat and smoke detection are also built into each room. To ensure your privacy, as well as the security of all hotel rooms and floors, you are given an electronic keycard upon check-in.

Fort Canning Lodge is owned and managed by YWCA of Singapore. The hotel is located on Orchard Road and is just a stone throw’s away from Singapore’s popular entertainment and shopping districts.

For hotel inquiries or for direct online reservations, log on to www.ywcafclodge.org.sg.

Feel the Need for Speed at the Singapore Grand Prix 2009

Sure to be a scene that would rival the exhilarating car racing action sequences of the movie The Fast and the Furious the Singapore Grand Prix will once again attract racing enthusiasts everywhere next month. From September 25 to 27, 2009, the event will be one to remember, as the audience is treated to not only the adrenaline-inducing sights and sounds of race cars whizzing by, but the light spectacle that complements the circuit as well. With over 1500 light projects suspended over the tracks, people might want to bring their camera along to take photos of the lavishly designed event.

The circuit is five kilometers long, winding around Singapore’s famous landmarks such as the world’s biggest Ferris Wheel, the Singapore Flyer, the Esplanade, and many more. Feel the rush with fellow F1 enthusiasts and marvel at the beauty of Singapore upon seeing the city’s breathtaking tourist attractions.

Travelers heading to Singapore to be a part of this exciting event don’t have to worry about where to stay. Ever since it was built in 2008, Happy Hotel-Spring has been a go-to place for visitors who value comfortable accommodations at low rates. The hotel is located in the vibrant district of Geylang, which is a food lover’s haven. The Geylang district is filled with establishments that serve one-of-a-kind and affordable dishes sure to enrich the appetite, such as Frog Legs Porridge. And sure, it may sound a little odd, but visitors shouldn’t miss out on getting a taste of authentic Singaporean cuisine.

The rooms are furnished with basic amenities such as a cable TV, private bath, and coffee/tea maker. Hair dryers and kettles are available upon request. The hotel also arranges tours and transportation for its guests so they will have an easier time getting around the city. The staff is always available to help guests with their accommodation needs because at Happy Hotel – Spring, the aim is to keep the customers happy.

After watching the exciting Singapore Grand Prix, travelers would be pleased to know that the hotel is located near Singapore’s areas of interest. A visit to local attractions such as Orchard Road, Singapore Zoo, Sentosa, Suntec City and Esplanade Theatre will surely enhance one's vacation.

For more information on this hotel and its direct online reservation system, visit www.happyhotel.com.sg

Celebrate Singapore National Day. Book at Fort Canning Lodge

If you’re planning to fly to Singapore to celebrate National Day, then you’re in for a special treat. From August 8 to August 10, 2009, Fort Canning Lodge is offering a special “National Day Package” if you book the hotel’s Superior Room during the promo period.

The “National Day Package” is inclusive of daily breakfast, 2 launderette tokens, Internet usage, daily newspapers, “Singapore Sling” welcome drinks, free on-site parking, and special buffet lunch discounts at the hotel’s in-house restaurant The Coffee House. The hotel also gives you the option of late check-out until 2PM, subject to room availability.

Package rate is SGD 88.00/night and subject to 10% service charge and government tax.

Superior Rooms at Fort Canning Lodge come with air-conditioning, single/twin beds, colored TV, private showers, in-room safes, and hairdryers. Rooms are also equipped with water and energy-saving devices, as well as safety devices for heat and smoke detection. Electronic keycards are given to ensure your privacy, as well as the security of all hotel rooms and floors.

For inquiries about Fort Canning Lodge packages or for online bookings, log on to http://nof.ywca.org.sg/index.php.

Fly To Singapore and Get Great Discounts When you Book at Fort Canning Lodge

Singapore is fast becoming a city known for its entertainment and nightlife. If you’re looking into checking out the Singapore scene this August, then book your stay at Fort Canning Lodge.

On August 2 and August 5, Fort Canning Lodge is giving discounted rates if you book the hotel’s Superior Room and/or Executive Room. Rooms at the hotel all come with air-conditioning, private showers, colored TV, hair dryers, and room safes. They are also equipped with safety and energy-saving devices for your security and peace of mind. For your privacy, the hotel will provide you with electronic keycards for secure access to your room and other hotel floors.

Fort Canning Lodge is located near Orchard Road and is owned and managed by the YWCA of Singapore. The hotel is just a stone’s throw away from various shopping and entertainment sites, so enjoying the luxuries of Singapore is a cinch. If you’re in Singapore for business, the Singapore Hotel has function rooms, exhibition halls and business facilities that should cater to your every business need.

For hotel inquiries or for direct online booking, log on to http://nof.ywca.org.sg/index.php.

Celebrate National Day at Harbour Ville Hotel Singapore

National Day in Singapore will be exciting and eventful this year. Dazzling fireworks and colorful parades await those who are anticipating the occasion this coming August 9, and Harbour Ville Hotel Singapore will not be left behind in treating its guests extra special during the long weekend.

From August 7 to 10, 2009, the Singapore hotel is offering guests some big discounts and other perks with its National Day promo. With the attractive new deal, guests that make a minimum two-night reservation for the hotel's Standard Queen accommodations for two persons will pay only the discounted rate of SGD160 net and get two hours of free Internet usage, daily breakfast (except on Sundays), and the option to upgrade to Superior Rooms for an additional SGD10 per room night.

A convenient base for those looking forward to the fireworks display and parade this August, Harbour Ville Hotel is a business and economy class accommodation located just minutes away from local attractions and the Central Business District of Singapore. It provides comfortable yet elegant guest rooms at very reasonable rates, all of which come complete with modern amenities such as air conditioning, private toilet and bath, cable TV, Internet access, coffee and tea-making facilities, and telephone with IDD.

Facilities and services of the boutique hotel in Singapore include a mini gym room, housekeeping services, free parking, laundry and dry cleaning, and the in-house Snack Cafe, which serves freshly prepared breakfast and brewed coffee or tea daily, among many others.

For more information on Harbour Ville Hotel Singapore and its National Day promo, visit http://www.harbourvillehotel.com/.

Revisit Singapore’s Colorful Past at Fort Canning

Fort Canning Park is one of the most prominent parks in Singapore. It is widely regarded as the cultural and artistic hub in the industrial city-state. Previously called Bukit Larangan, which means “Forbidden Hill” in Malay, the park is reminiscent of Singapore’s rich colonial past. Remnants of ancient fortresses and other relics have recently been unearthed, affirming earlier suggestions that the hill used to serve as a final resting place of Malay kings. In World War I, Fort Canning was used as a strategic military base.

The tiny patch of land that is Fort Canning Park offers tourists relaxation and interesting discoveries amidst the busy and modern city-state. With a history dating back up to 700 years, a day’s tour in Fort Canning is sure to leave visitors awestruck and nostalgic of the not so distant past.

Aside from interesting historic sites like the 14^th Century Walk, the Fort Gate, the tomb of revered Temasek leader Iskandar Syah, an archaeological site, and Parit Singapura (“Moat of Singapore”), tourists can also enjoy relaxing views of Singapore River, which used to be an important trade channel for ancient Singapore and where the Singapore Stone once stood.

Other must-see places at Fort Canning Hill include the Spice Garden, a botanical garden proposed by Nathaniel Wallich in 1882. The Raffles Terrace, which housed a long line of governors, provided magnificent views of the township in the 19^th century. The Battle Box is another place sure to rouse the interest of bold explorers. Found nine meters underground, it used to be a big military operations complex operated by the Malaya Command Headquarters.

Fort Canning Park allows for various activities like bird watching, dining, exercise, and guided tours. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna – a true sanctuary for the city dweller. The park also forms a sloped bowl for outdoor events like concerts and cultural shows. Bands like Muse and Beastie Boys have given performances at the park, which has also hosted Singfest and WOMAD, the largest music festival in Singapore. The venue can accommodate up to 10,000 people.

The park has also become a popular venue for garden weddings. It is located close to the Registry of Marriages so the sight of ceremonies and receptions is also commonplace at Fort Canning Park. The hill also houses the Singapore Dance Theater and Flutes at the Fort. Park management hosts the Heritage & Nature Guided Walk to accompany tourists in revisiting Singapore’s colorful past. The free guided tours begin at the courtyard, Fort Canning Center, and last for one to two hours.

Visitors wishing to establish closer communion to nature, culture, and history also have the option to reserve accommodations within the complex. One accommodation provider is the Fort Canning Lodge, which also gives access to the commercial district along Orchard Road. The hotel offers mid-priced yet elegant accommodations to leisure and business travelers. For more information on Singapore accommodations, visit www.ywcafclodge.org.sg.

Enjoy Discounted Rates with YWCA Fort Canning Lodge's Superior Room Package

Guests at YWCA Fort Canning Lodge in Singapore are in for some big savings when they reserve the hotel's Superior Single or Twin rooms this year.

With the hotel's new Superior Room Package, guests who reserve a minimum of two (2) nights' stay at the hotel's Superior Single or Twin rooms will enjoy the discounted rate of only SGD 113.00++ per room per night, inclusive of breakfast. The discounted rate is subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government tax. This promo is valid until September 24, 2009.

YWCA Fort Canning Lodge's Superior rooms all come complete with air-conditioning, electronic key card locks, colour TV with cable channels, telephone with IDD service, broadband Internet access, in-room fridge and safe, private toilet and shower facilities, hairdryer, heat detection safety devices, energy and water-saving devices, and 220-volt sockets - easily assuring guests of a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Other hotel features and services include an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court, meeting and banquet facilities, a gift shop, high speed Internet access anywhere within the hotel, travel and tour assistance, laundry and dry cleaning services, 24-hour security, and The Coffee House restaurant which serves local, Chinese, Thai, and Western cuisine.

For more information on YWCA Fort Canning Lodge and its Superior Room Package promo, visit http://www.ywcafclodge.org.sg.

Experience the Ultimate Valentine’s at The Treasure Resort Sentosa

Indulge your significant other to a Valentine they’ll never forget. Bring your loved one to the Treasure Resort Sentosa and treat them to a romantic Valentine package. Wow him/her with a four course candlelight dinner, a ride on the cable car to Sentosa, or a tour of the Song of the Sea and Cineblast or Underwater World and Lagoon attractions, and a two (2) days and one (1) night stay at a Deluxe or Premier Room.

Enjoy a truly romantic moment with a scrumptious dinner at the Treasure Bistro or privately in your room. The four course dinner consists of a Caesar salad and grilled chicken breast as a starter, butter nut pumpkin soup with rock lobster avocado, and a choice of either pan-fried treadfin fillet with lemon butter sauce with a side of grilled potatoes and sautéed vegetables or grilled rib eye served on grilled asparagus with sautéed vegetables and topped with a red wine reduction as the main course. Finally, end the night on a sweet note with a cleverly coined dessert, the Adam and Eve Slice of Life.

Sitting elegantly atop a gentle slope, the Treasure Resort can be found right beneath the Merlion where lovers can take leisurely walks along the Merlion walk as the sun sets in the distance. The 1940s colonial architecture also adds a touch of romance in the air to this Sentosa resort.

For those looking for a more exciting Valentine, the Treasure Resort is just five minutes away from the Siloso Beach and minutes away from the Imbiah station and the Sentosa light rail. Going to the Sentosa 4D Magix, Singapore Cable car, Carlsberg Sky Tower, Butterfly Park and Insect kingdom, Images of Singapore and the Songs of the Sea from the resort only takes a short walking distance.

Treasure Resort Sentosa in Singapore offers this Valentine Package from February 13 to 16. For more information and other packages, log on to http://www.treasure-resort.com/.

A Beginner’s Guide to Sentosa

Formerly known as Pulau Blakang Mati ("The Island After Death" in Malay) Sentosa Island is popular among native Singaporeans and tourists as Singapore’s quick island getaway.

The island’s best attractions are undoubtedly its beaches, with several man-made attractions as well. While a large number of these attractions are viewed by the general public as overpriced, Sentosa is currently in the midst of a multi-billion construction program that will bring a Universal Studios theme park to the island, among other things.

Getting There
As the island is a mere 15 minutes away from Singapore’s city centre, visitors have several options on how to get there—by walking, taking the cab, the bus, or the monorail. The cheapest by far, however, is to take the North-East MRT to Harbour Front, and from there the Sentosa Express monorail (found on the 3rd level of Vivocity). All-day tickets are priced at SGD3, which includes the price of admission to the island.

The Sights and Sounds of the Island
Take the cable car to Imbiah Lookout, home to various attractions such as the Merlion, the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, Sentosa 4D Magix, Tiger Sky Tower, Sentosa Luge & Skyride, Sentosa Cineblast, and Images of Singapore.
Savour local cuisine the likes of the Nonya Lobster Laksa and the Jumbo Satay at Tastes of Singapore. Other restaurants such as Barnacles Restaurant & Bar, The Cliff, the Il Lido, and the Samundar are also worth a visit.
Meanwhile, those who require a spot of relaxation can visit Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, the Spa Botanica, Rasa Sentosa Resort, and the Underwater World.
One more thing to catch before ending a day at Sentosa is Songs of the Sea, a multi-million dollar water show that features a live cast, pyrotechnics, water jets, lasers, and computer-generated imagery.


Where to Stay
While the island has a reputation for being overpriced, Sentosa has many accommodation options that will fit discerning travelers’ needs. The island currently has three spas and six hotels/resorts, one of which is the Treasure Resort, slated as one of the island’s premiere leisure and recreational destinations. The resort is the embodiment of old-world charm with a touch of modern comfort, and is ideally located at the heart of Sentosa Island.

Celebrate the 2009 Chinese Year of the Ox at The Claremont Hotel

Preparations for the Chinese New Year of Ox in 2009 begin months in advance so that the celebrations are observed in splendor and brilliance. The Chinese communities in towns or cities often hold dragon dances, parades and other festivities that are open to the public.

To prepare for the Chinese New year, The Claremont Hotel in Singapore is offering guests a Chinese New Year Holiday package. Guests can choose from Superior Single, Deluxe Double, Superior Triple, and Deluxe Family Rooms during the Chinese New Year Holidays.

Holiday rates are:

Superior single – SGD 280
Deluxe double – SGD 300
Superior triple – SGD 330
Deluxe family – SGD 370

The Chinese New Year package celebrates the Year of the Ox and the culture and diversity that Singapore has to offer. Guests planning to stay at The Claremont Hotel from January 25 to 30 for three days and two nights can avail of lower rates through early resevations. The holiday promo begins as early as October and ends on December 1 of this year.

Claremont Hotel readily provides holiday makers with the perfect accommodation type and excellent hotel services. The 90 rooms are fitted with air-conditioning, private toilet and bath, a mini-bar and other conveniences much needed by every guest. Each is designed to offer everything: from a luxurious business retreat to a cozy home. Every vacation and holiday is made special at The Claremont Hotel.

Besides top-quality accommodations, guests of the hotel can also enjoy the local cuisines and unique food culture of Singapore. The room service menu features South Indian, North Indian, and Chinese cuisines

Guests can avail of the Chinese New Year early bird promo through The Claremont Hotel’s secure and guest-friendly online reservation service which gives the flexibility of choosing rooms within a specific budget and preference. Guests of The Claremont Hotel are also guaranteed the lowest rates online.

What every F1 fan should know about Singapore

There is an air of unmistakable excitement in Singapore as the country heads into the opening night of the 2008 Formula1 Grand Prix on September 28. It will be the first F1 race to run at nighttime and on a street circuit, so expect many surprises from the Singapore GP than you will normally expect from previous F1 Grand Prix. This is going to be a part of motor racing history.

Come get-go time on September 28 Singapore will be overflowing with both F1 fans and tourists alike. Before the frenzy start, here are Singapore must-knows that every visitors ought to know. As part of our F1 Grand Prix coverage, the Singapore Travel Blog gives this essential introductory guide to Singapore and 2008 Formula1 SG races:

General Travel Information—The Singapore Changi Airport is one of the more technologically advanced air terminals in Asia. With the opening recently of the state-of-the-art Terminal-3 of Changi Airport, Singapore has lessened passenger gridlock at its airport and is able to clear tourists off the immigration from 15 to 20 minutes after they leave their flights. So that you can zoom-zoom faster out of the terminal and into your hotel in Singapore for the Formula1 races, be sure to be ready with these travel documents (must be met prior to arrival):

1. A passport with at least six months validity

2. Sufficient funds to last for the intended period of stay in Singapore

3. Confirmed onward/return tickets (where applicable)

4. Entry facilities to their onward destinations, e.g. visas.

5. Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate*

*if you are from any of these countries that are endemic for Yellow Fever.

Hotel, Inn, and other Accommodation—The Marina Bay area has a handful of hotels that will get you near the action of the Formula1 races. Most of these hotels, like the Ritz Carlton, are on the southeastern side of the city. Another vantage point in Singapore is the Bras Basah Road and Orchard Road, which forms the retail and hotel ‘heart’ of the city. Here you can find the Raffles Hotel as well as a cluster of other less-priced hotels.

A little further West from the city center are places of interests such as Chinatownl Little India, the Robertson Quay eating and leisure area, among others. There are also a slew of resort-type hotels on Sentosa Island south of the city and linked by a causeway and cable cars. Below is a list of hotels in Singapore, from three- to five-star hotels, worth checking out:

Cape Inn Singapore
Singapore Beach Hotel
Harbour Ville Hotel
Joo Chiat Hotel
Park View Hotel
Treasure Sentosa Resort
YWCA Singapore Hotel
Tekka Hotel
The Aspinals Hotel
The Ambassador Hotel

Transportation, Communication—From the airport, the Marina Bay area where the races will be held is about 20 minutes away by taxi. It is not a major problem to look for taxis in Singapore. They are cheap and easily available. Taxis are on call 24 hours a day at the taxi stand of the airport departure gate and it normally costs around SGD 20.

A number of hotels also offer shuttle service that serves two or three hotels at a time. Information on fares and availability can be had from the hotel itself. Another way to travel around Singapore is the country’s MRT system.

The East-West line of the system runs from the airport to the city center of Singapore and it normally takes 30 minutes to cover the entire route. The East-West line is connected to the North-South line at the City Hall station. From here you can access the Orchard road area.

Single fare tickets from the airport costs SGD 1.50. If you intend to use the MRT system often, the Singapore Tourist Center website offers transportation packages for unlimited travel on buses and MRT.

For your communication needs, there are wi-fi internet services in Singapore that serve most of the city center. Public areas in the city are hooked up to wireless@sg that gives wireless broadband access with speeds of up to 512 kbps. Also, most GSM and 3G mobile phone services are supported provided you have the necessary international roaming account.

Discover History and Art on International Museum Day 2008

Culture and history buffs, you’re going to love this: from May 31 to June 2, Singapore will be holding International Museum Day, a cultural event wherein the country’s 46 museums will be featuring 39 fun-filled events and activities all aiming to show that museums can be lively and just as interesting tourist destinations when you're visiting Singapore.

With the theme “Museums ALIVE!” the National Heritage Board of Singapore hopes to pique the interests of museum-goers young and old with unique activities such as cultural bus tours, calligraphy classes, and free visits to selected museums. Each day offers something new, and interested visitors can have their choice on what events to check out.

A convenient place to stay during your museum-hopping would be the Tekka Hotel located just near the Mustafa Centre Mall, and is minutes away from Singapore's Museum District. This nicely situated budget hotel offers easy access to Singapore's tourism and culture centers like the Veerama Kaliamman Temple, Sim Lim Square, and even the Singapore Zoo.

Another would be the Beach Hotel, also a lovely but affordable hotel that is just walking distance from Singapore's National Museum, St.Andrew's Cathedral, and the War Memorial. If you ever take a break from visiting your museums of choice, there's still lots of interesting places to go sight-seeing.

For more information on International Museum Day, visit their official site.

Shop 'Til You Drop at the Great Singapore Sale 2008

So you’re a shopaholic and you’ve decided to go crazy at the Great Singapore Sale this year. You‘ve got your credit card or hard-earned cash in hand, comfortable walking shoes on, and probably even a huge bag where you plan to stuff all your purchases in. You might even have a list of your target shopping venues so you can strategize how to go about your mission of finding the best bargains. There’s a determined look on your face; and if other people saw you, they might even think you’re ready for war.

Well soldier, you definitely have the makings of a plan! All the way until July 20 when the Great Singapore Sale closes, you have plenty of time to scour Singapore for those good finds. One other thing you might want to consider, though, is the place you’ll be staying when you need to take a break from your shopping excursion. A good Singapore hotel to choose would be one that’s near most of those target shopping venues on your list so you can conveniently drop off your haul, rest your feet for a while, then easily go right back out for another round of shopping.

If you plan on targeting the Mustafa Centre or Little India, ideal hotels to check in would be The Claremont Hotel, the Aspinals Hotel, and the Tekka Hotel. All three budget hotels offer affordable comfort and are conveniently located within the area and are all walking distance from these shopping hubs. The Farrer Park MRT Station is also just nearby, ready to shuttle you off to other shopping destinations like Orchard Road or Suntec City.

If you’re thinking of going to Bugis, the Marina or Raffles City, the Park View Hotel and the Beach Hotel would be good budget hotel choices, as they are located just a few blocks away from the Bugis Junction, reputed to have fine accessory finds. The Beach Hotel is also near Suntec City, known for their electronic goods. Both offer cozy, reasonably-priced rooms aside from the convenient location.

For more information on the Great Singapore Sale this year, visit their site to learn more about their tourist specials and coupon deals for those much appreciated discounts. Happy shopping!

A taste of Singapore: Comfort food at your comfort

Great holiday starts with great food. From May 23 to 27, the Singapore Food Expo will bring together what’s hot in Singapore cuisine to start off the tourist season in Singapore. Featuring a record-high number of 150+ exhibitors, the 9^th Singapore Food Expo is poised to showcase the widest selections of food and beverages now available in Singapore.

Also scheduled to top-bill the event are the kitchen products, condiments, and spices from local merchants. If there is an upcoming event in Singapore that combines shopping and food at their best, the Singapore Food Expo would be it.

The Singapore Food Expo will be held at Hall No. 5 of the Singapore Food Merchant Association, located at the Changi District in downtown Singapore. The trade fair is five minutes away from the airport, accessible by busses and MRT stations, and close to hotels and other accommodation providers in Singapore’s Changi District.

In anticipation of the Singapore Food Expo, accommodation providers in Singapore like the Harbour Ville Hotel open up an online reservation system where Singapore visitors can make reservations with instant confirmation.

Located at the Singapore Harbour Front, formerly World Trade Center, the Harbour Ville Hotel is a cheap and chic (boutique) hotel on the southern coast of Singapore. The Harbour Ville Hotel in Singapore is within the vicinity of the Harbourfront MRT and busses regularly ply the route so that moving around Singapore will not be a problem.

Each room at the Singapore Hotel of Harbour Ville is well-appointed, serene, and ready, providing a sharp counterpoint to the bustling city of Singapore. Also, the hotel location of Harbour Ville is convenient. For those really keen on food, the famous Maxwell Hawker Centre is just minutes away from the hotel. At Harbour Ville Hotel, great holiday starts with great food choices.

Experience Asia without leaving Singapore

Asia is a nice place to seek a change of scenery, different in one country, not the same in the next. Asia has everything for everyone, from its refreshing vacation spot to its captivating culture and cities far removed from the usual. What makes it an even better place is that you can experience Asia by being in only one country: Singapore.

One of Asia’s celebrated playgrounds, the tiny tropical island of Singapore offers a wide range of itinerary ideas. Visitors will find it convenient that the imported sand of thecelebrated Siloso Beach in Singapore is just minutes away from the shopping centers, cultural hubs, and modern theme parks across Singapore.

Added charms in Singapore can be found at the Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European districts that stand cheek-by-jowl to one another in downtown Singapore. From food to arts and crafts and entertainment, the melting pot of culture in Singapore takes visitors across Asia without leaving Singapore.

What to do

Get a high-rolling start on your Singapore vacation with the newly opened Singapore Flyer on Raffles Avenue. With its 165-meter top, the Singapore Flyer outsized the London Eye Ferris wheel and provides a 360-degree panoramic view of Singapore.

From the Singapore Flyer, one can see most of Singapore. Singapore’s playground, the Siloso Beach, lies on the southern coast while the city’s sky scrapers are up north. Each carriage is air-conditioned and UV-protected, really the nicest Singapore attraction that should be on anyone’s itinerary.

Below the Singapore Flyer is the street track for the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix, which is scheduled for flag-off on September. Already, though, there are shops in and around Raffles Avenue that will draw your attention.

After getting off from such great height, a good follow-up would be to get a fix for your shopping needs. Singapore visitors can take a walk or hop on a taxi to Suntec City, Mustafa Center, Little India, Chinatown, or to Orchard Road.

Don’t overindulge, though, because there remain the Siloso Beach and Mount Faber on a Singapore itinerary. Located 500 meters off the southern coast of Singapore, Sentosa Island can be reached through road, monorail, or cable car.

A good time to visit the island would be in the late afternoon, when life really starts in Sentosa. Must-sees in this vacation island include the travelator at the Underwater World, the Butterfly Park, and the Insect World.

Where to stay

Hotels are scarce and prime in Singapore all through the year, so that there is a good chance of getting a great value hotel if you book well in advance. Prime hotels in Singapore include those on Raffles Avenue and around Marina Bay, where midsize and big hotels stand next to one another.

Medium-size hotels in Singapore like the Claremont Hotel are located at the busy city center of Singapore. The Claremont Hotel in Singapore is located in front of the 24-hour shopping haven of Mustafa Center, 20 minutes from the Changi Airport, and is pretty much a walk away from many city attractions in Singapore.

The Marina Bay area, on the other hand, offers easy access to a bucket-and-spade holiday in Sentosa Island. Harbour Ville Hotel, a small boutique hotel in Singapore, offers convenient hotel accommodation south of Singapore. The Singapore hotel of Harbour Ville is right at the Harbour Front district, where cable cars offer a great way to reach the Sentosa Island.

In the middle of the Old World charm of the Singapore City Hall district is the Park View Hotel in Singapore’s Beach Road. Located 15 minutes from the airport, the Singapore Hotel of Park View offers guest convenience. Among other places of interest near their hotel in Singapore are the riverside plazas of Clark Quay, the Raffles City, and Little India.

Get Your Culture Fix at the 2008 Singapore Arts Festival

If you ever find yourself yearning for a taste of the arts in Singapore this May and June, then you are in for quite a treat. The Singapore Arts Festival will be held at various venues around the metro from May 23 to June 22, 2008, showcasing the most eclectic mix of local, regional, and international works. Known for being appreciative of innovative artistic endeavors, the annual Arts Festival in Singapore promises to deliver the finest in the fields of dance, music, theater, and visual art, featuring both Asian and international world-class artists.

The various shows and exhibits will be held at several venues all over Singapore, and so it would be wise to familiarize yourself with the very efficient train system to get yourself to the event of your choice. Just as wisely, it would be good to find a comfortable but cheap hotel that enables easy access to most of the places that the festival will be held at, such as the Claremont Singapore Hotel. Located at the heart of Little India, opposite of the huge Mustafa Centre shopping mall, it is just a minute’s walk away from the Farrer Park MRT Station.

Ideal for business and vacationing travelers, this particular Singapore hotel offers affordable accommodations without sacrificing topnotch service and quality facilities. Quite favored for its proximity to the local attractions, the Claremont Hotel will allow you to fully enjoy your stay as you hop around Singapore, shopping and sightseeing, and of course, checking out the various cultural events offered by the Arts Festival.

For tickets and bookings to the Singapore Arts Festival, get in touch with the SISTIC Authorized Agents and Hotline at +65 63485555 or visit their site.

Around Singapore… with a fork

The World Gourmet Summit is one event in Singapore where all people speak the same language, the language of food. So leave the travel brochures home. If you are in Singapore this spring, a fork may be what you’ll need to get a taste of the island.

Where to go

Pierre Herme Culinary Master Class, April 19, Singapore Tourism Board Auditorium—Find out what makes this pastry shop in France one of the famous in the world. Each of the Pierre Herme master chefs in Singapore will be conducting a cooking demonstration and prepare their signature dishes for the Singapore audience.

An evening with Curtis Stone, April 21, Pan Pacific Singapore—Get your dose of the Take Home Chef from Discovery Travel and Living when the 2008 World Gourmet Summit presents celebrity chef Curtis Stone. Singapore visitors will be treated to a private dinner with the TV show host, and get a chance to get intimate with some of his culinary secrets and gastronomic creations.

An Evening with Anne-Sophie Pic, April 25, Grand Hyatt Singapore—One of the only three female chefs in Germany to receive a Michelin rating, Anne-Sophie Pic is scheduled to work on her fish specialties and signature dishes. Backed by the culinary team of Grand Hyatt Singapore, An Evening with Anne-Sophie Pic guarantees that only the crème de la crème will be served at the table.

Where to stay

The World Gourmet Summit is scheduled throughout April in select venues across Singapore. Singapore visitors will find it easy to go to the summit events via the Singapore MRT. Singapore hotel that fringe one of the key MRT stations in the island is the Park View hotel in Singapore.

Located at Beach Road in the Bugis District, the Park View Hotel offers affordable convenience at one of Singapore’s busiest and oft-visited districts. Park View Hotel is 5 minutes from the Bugis MRT, near the City Hall area, and on a location commonly plied by buses.

With 88 well-appointed rooms available, the Singapore hotel of Park View gives budget hotel accommodations a touch of discreet luxury. Intimate and snug, each room provides escape from the hassles of city life that Singapore guests will find sufficient and satisfactory.

Park View Hotel
81 Beach Road
Singapore 189692

Singapore Guide to 2008 Spring Fashion and Music Festival

Nurture culture in Singapore this March with a dose of these musical, fashion, and arts festivals lined up across different events destinations in Singapore. From fashion shows to musical performances and arts festival, Singapore plays host to the following spring events this season of the arts in Singapore.

Singapore Fashion Festival—Top designers and international models come to Singapore for fashion exhibitions and club parties presented by the 2008 Singapore Fashion Festival. Scheduled from March 28 to April 6, the Singapore Fashion Festival brings not only the biggest names in the international fashion industry, but also the season’s hottest buys straight off the runways of New York, Paris and Milan. For fashion show and club party schedules, visit the 2008 SFF website.

Getting There—The 2008 Singapore Fashion Festival is scheduled to hold exhibitions and parties at different events destinations in Orchard Road and Somerset areas. MRT Stations NS22 in Orchard and NS23 in Somerset bring Singapore visitors to the fashion festival, or the hotels in Singapore’s nearby Fort Canning area like the YWCA Singapore Hotel. The shows and parties across Singapore are for free unless those specified as By Invitation only.

Singapore Mosaic Music Festival—Now on its fifth year, the Singapore Mosaic Music Festival features different genres of live music performances from March 7 to 16 at the Singapore Esplanade. The 10-day music festival in Singapore promises to be as comprehensive in its scope as it has ever been with scheduled performances from top artists in Jazz, Indie, Rap, Hip-Hop, Funk, and many others. Highlight of the festival is scheduled on Saturday, March 15, as simultaneous performances takes center stage at the Singapore Esplanade:

• House of Blues II, Singapore Esplanade theater studio
• Yanokami with Akiko Yano and Rei Harakami, Singapore Esplanade recital studio
• Nanu and The Disclaimers, Singapore esplanade Concourse

Getting There—The Esplanade Concert Hall is located near the MRT City Hall Station. Singapore visitors will find the Singapore Esplanade easily accessible from different MRT stations and bus stops across Singapore, or from hotels in the area that offer convenient hotel accommodation like the ParkView Hotel in Singapore’s Beach Road. Tickets for the music festival are available online at the mosaic music online store in Singapore.

We Will Rock You Singapore—From British comic writer Ben Elton comes the musical discography of rock band Queen scheduled from March 28 to April 13 at the Singapore Esplanade Concert Hall. Starring New Zealand’s pop princess Annie Crummer and Rockstar: INXS finalist Mig Ayesa, We Will Rock You reprises in Singapore one of theater’s most successful musical about the legendary Freddie Mercury and Brian May band whose hits include the Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are The Champions, Killer Queen, Another One Bites The Dust and This Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

Getting There—The Esplanade Concert Hall is located at the City Hall area in Singapore, and can be accessed through the MRT City Hall Station, CityBuzzTM routes C1, C2, and C3, and numbered busses that go to the Clark Quay in Singapore. Visitors on a short stay in Singapore can find hotel accommodations in Singapore’s Beach Road area, or near the Ferrer Park MRT at the Aspinals Hotel in Singapore. For show schedules and ticket information, visit the Singapore Tourism Board.