Tag Archives: Singapore

Singapore Writers Festival 2013 – an outstanding literary event

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The much anticipated Singapore Writers Festival is a delightful experience for anyone interested in the field of literature. Having completed 15 years of successful existence, the yearly event has secured a strong reputation as one of Asia’s most significant literary extravaganzas. Having evolved into being one of the mainstays of the international literary calendar this event attracts many notable writers from across the globe.

The festival has featured notable literary personalities like Steve Levitt, Michael Chabon, Bi Feiyu, Neil Gaiman and Gail Simone. The engrossing organised events like lectures, workshops and other features combined with the cosmopolitan ambience of Singapore make this extravaganza a unique experience.

Initially the event commenced as an offshoot of an arts festival and a springboard for local Singaporean writing talent. However the event has developed into a truly international occasion which draws the attention of literary aficionados the world over. A noteworthy aspect of the event is that it is multi-lingual, with English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil panels and the necessary translations available. The festival is also significant for its diverse topics and themes which make it appealing for a broad cross-section of readers and writers. The extravaganza encompasses various genres such as highbrow concerns, cookery writing, sports writing and children’s fiction just to name a few.

This is also an excellent venue for aspiring writers to show off their work and if fortune favours them, to leave the event with an agent’s attention or even a book contract. Aspiring writers should take the opportunity to attend features like lectures, workshops and symposiums which will explain how to develop a novel, biography, screenplay or poem from a mere idea to completion and publication. It is even possible to have a meal with your favourite author and discuss literary matters.

Although this is unquestionably a premier literary event many of the events are modestly priced while others are free of charge. Anyone with an interest in books will be enthralled by this splendid event.

Visitors to the city seeking hotels in Singapore will find an exemplary choice in the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Singapore. These fine Singapore hotels offer well-appointed interiors and an array of amenities.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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Events & Festivals in Singapore – Vibrant and exciting

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Travellers on the lookout for Singapore hotel promotions should keep Days Hotel Singapore in mind. A 3 Star hotel in Singapore of this calibre never fails to ensure a pleasurable holiday experience in the region. With a rich ethnic and religious diversity, Singapore celebrates a variety of events and festivals. Among the major ethnic and religious events are Deepavali, Hari Raya, Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese New Year whilst Singapore Food Festival, Singapore International Film Festival and the Singapore Arts Festival are special cultural highlights. From musical performances and exhibitions to sporting events and vibrant nightlife entertainment, the events are truly diverse. Among the well known annual events are F1 Singapore Grand Prix, Mosaic Music Festival and the Chingay Parade.

 

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Christmas in Singapore – a winter wonderland in the sun

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Renowned as Asia’s Christmas epicenter, the metropolitan landscapes of the Lion City transforms into a winter wonderland, come the month of December. Perfectly suited for those who wish to spend a Christmas in a tropical paradise, the month-long programme of festivities organized by the city this year offers visitors from around the world a rage of yuletide attractions infused with plenty of Christmas spirit.
One of the must-have experiences in Singapore during the Christmas season is of course a tour of the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ “Walk the Trees of the World” enclosure where the pathway from the Bandstand to the Tanglin Core showcases an impressive 200 Christmas trees. Dubbed “tropical” Christmas trees, the elaborately decorated trees each represent a culture and country displaying the national characteristics of various nations through decorations. A virtual snow storm all takes place each evening on December days when the Christmas showcase in front of Tanglin Mall explodes in a snow storm of soap bubbles. The malls around the city also compete for the yearly Best-dressed Building Award and shoppers can experience snow-infested environs along with bargain Christmas sales when they shop at Ngee Ann City, Paragon, Ion, and Wisma Atria department stores this December.

Christmas lights are also visible down Orchard Road where store after plush store is decked in their holiday best for the season. Renowned as Singapore’s trendiest shopping street, the glittering storefronts down Orchard Road is only surpassed by the Christmas Light Up held in Marina Bay. Both attractions can be viewed on board an open top bus tour at night for a steal of a deal as visitors have the choice of hopping on and off the buses at will.

Scrumptious Christmas buffets also take centre stage in the city’s major hotels where guests can enjoy yuletide specialties and local delicacies in an all-in-one, family-style meal fit for a king. Christmas treats such as cakes and other baked goods also feature heavily in the lunch time buffets, which also incorporate traditional Asian flavors into conventional Christmas specialties. Caroling choirs and outdoor winter fashion shows also hit an all-time high during Christmas, where visitors can discover the styles of the season from the country’s and the world’s leading fashion brands.

Travellers in search of Singapore luxury suites from which to best enjoy the holiday season will be more than pleased with the living spaces of The St. Regis Singapore. Providing guests with the finest suites in the Lion City, it is little wonder this stylish rest is among the luxury hotels Singapore counts among its best accommodation providers.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+

Christmas in Singapore – Christmas in the Tropics

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Singapore is a beautiful country that boasts of state-of-the-art facilities and cleanliness beyond imagination. Everything here is streamlined and urban with echoes of traditionalism still alive in the heart of the citizens. The authentic array of cuisines along with stylish boutiques, this country is definitely the place to be. This is the case where on Christmas Day you can spend this holiday in the most unique way in Singapore.

The term ‘Christmas in the Tropics’ is what is commonly used by anyone spending this holiday season in Singapore and it is a month-long celebration. The Singaporeans go absolutely all-out where the malls compete with each other to out-light by decorating their buildings with delightful and copious amounts of lighting; stilt-walkers and acrobats roam the street entertaining the crowd and taking pictures with everyone. For fashion-lovers, makeshifts ramps are set up on the streets where models show-off the latest and trendiest designs while the entire atmosphere is like a carnival of the highest order.

Spend some time at the Botanic Gardens of Singapore which showcases ‘Trees of the World’ where the part from the Tanglin core to the Bandstand is lined with 200 Christmas trees representing a different culture or country through its unique decoration. One element of Christmas is its food and Singapore delivers dutifully. The Christmas buffets have everything and more than you can imagine and should be tried and tested in at least three different places. Shop to your heart’s content at the immensely adorned malls that offer incredible discounts and make sure to visit a church that displays the true spirit of Christmas.

Most importantly, see the lights down Orchard Road, Sentosa Habourfront and Marine Bay where the light shows are exotically out of this world. Entire streets are lit up wonderfully and the performances will render you speechless. Singapore is indeed a jolly place to be on Christmas- instead of missing out on anything you’ll be gaining an experience of a lifetime.

A luxury resort Singapore and the backdrop of Christmas is a beautiful combination to make you spend this holiday season in the tropics. The amazing Sentosa resort Singapore offering the best of style and adventure, the W Singapore Sentosa Cove and the endless possibilities in which to spend Christmas in awaits your presence. So are you ready?

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Upcoming Events in Singapore – What’s On in the Lion City

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A dynamic metropolis that is constantly evolving while being rooted with its rich history, Singapore hosts a wide range of events and festivals throughout the year that can be enjoyed by young and old alike. No matter what time of year you visit, make sure to find centrally located accommodation and those in search of such luxury hotels Singapore has to offer can consider The St. Regis Singapore. Featuring plush Singapore luxury suites, this well placed property can be found in the embassy quarter and is an ideal place from which to set off to the city’s event venues.

One of the most eagerly anticipated events this year is the 2013 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix which gives you the chance to witness F1’s only night race at the Marina Bay Street track. The event which is scheduled to run from 20th to 22nd September also features lively entertainment including performances by The Killers and Rihanna. If you love shopping for “bling” make sure to visit the Singapore Jewellery & Gem Fair (October 12th to 15th) at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre which will play host to more than 200 jewellery houses from around the world. Art lovers will be pleased to known that Singapore Biennale 2013 (October 26th, 2013 to February 16th, 2014) will take place at several venues in the Bras Basah-Bugis precinct, while shopaholics will not want to miss the Sentosa Boardwalk Bazaar (runs up to December 28th) where one can purchase a variety of new and second-hand items and apparels.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

New Year Celebrations in Singapore – A joyous event

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While the 31st December, the eve of the New Year is a special one for almost everybody all over the world, it is even special for Singaporeans. The Singapore New Year countdown is indeed everybody looks forward to. Celebrate this event at one of the most comfortable luxury hotels Singapore has on offer and a recommended choice would be The St. Regis Singapore which offers Singapore luxury suites fulfilling every possible need of its visitors. New Year is an important event for all since it signifies the ending of a year and the beginning of a new one, thereby signifying new beginnings. It is a symbol of hope which is why the dawning of the New Year is celebrated in a large bout of fanfare in this island. Get into the groove of thumping music, vibrant firework and frenzied dancing at the Padang at City Hall facing Marina Bay, Merlion Park, Esplanade Bridge, and the Benjamin Sheares Bridge. While all the top hotels of the country will be taking part of the joyful event, there will also be exciting beach parties for all those who are eager to celebrate to their hearts content at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s eve.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Mid-Autumn Festival Singapore

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The mid-autumn festival held in Singapore was brought by their Chinese ancestors and is still celebrated with much mirth and ardour. A yearly even in August or September, the festival has many legends attached to it. Also called the Mooncake or Lantern festival, the traditional date for the festival is the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. Originally a harvest festival over the centuries, it has become a celebration of fertility and harvest.

Moon worship is an integral aspect of this event and it is believed that the sun and moon are a couple while all the stars are their children. According to such beliefs, the moon becomes round when she is pregnant and after giving birth she changes to a crescent. Another legend associated with the moon is that of Chang’e; the moon goddess of immortality. While one version of it states that Chang’e became a goddess by drinking the elixir of immortality to prevent her husband’s evil apprentice stealing it, another states that she drank it to prevent her husband who became a tyrannical ruler, reign forever.
Similar to Thanksgiving, the mid-autumn festival is more of a family gathering where you spend quality time with your loved ones. People also head over to Chinatown to soak in the carnival atmosphere. The origins of lanterns becoming part of this festival is unknown, over time however they have evolved to become the symbol of the event. Today thousands of lanterns, in various hues, brightly lit and beautiful decorate the city.

Mooncakes are another important element of the mid-autumn festival. Distributing a round mooncake to everyone in the family and sharing it together is considered a symbol of unity and reunion. Mooncakes can be found in a variety of flavours like lotus, egg yolk, durian, chocolate, coffee, ice cream and many other scrumptious tastes.

This celebration attracts tons of visitors and the city can get very crowded, therefore finding suitable accommodation means booking Singapore hotels in advance hotels in Singapore are available for any budget and early booking offers are also available. Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Singapore is one of the renowned hotels.

F1 Singapore 2013 – Coming This September

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Few spectator sports offer the same thrills as Formula One racing. One’s heart rate starts to climb the minute the cars roar past the start line and does not come down until the race concludes. The races are held in several destinations around the world and are widely televised. However, nothing can compare to actually being there. Of all the races, the Singapore Grand Prix has given has given spectators some really good ones over the past few years. Held annually at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, the Singapore Grand Prix is an event that is not to be missed.

The races in Singapore are particularly thrilling as they take place on a street circuit. The constantly shifting landscape ensures that there is no monotony. The track, which is only about five kilometres in length, features twenty three turns and plenty of opportunities to overtake opponents and spectators can get really close to all the action. One need not be a race enthusiast to enjoy a day at the races. The electric atmosphere, the rise and fall of car engines as they whiz by, and the nerve and skill displayed by drivers can be enjoyed by everyone.

So those planning on visiting Singapore this September should definitely try to get tickets to the Singapore Grand Prix. Opportunities like this only come once in a while and visitors should grab the chance when they can. Tickets can be purchased through the race’s official website. The 2013 edition of the Singapore Grand Prix is not just about racing; it will also feature concert and shows by some of the world’s leading contemporary performers. It is just another thing to look forward to at the F1 Singapore 2013.

Tourists can ensure that they miss none of the action by staying at centrally located hotels in Singapore. The Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Singapore offers a chain of conveniently located Singapore hotels, each with the same excellent facilities and high level of service. Their hotels are situated next to the island’s business and leisure centres, so that guests never have to travel too far to enjoy the best that Singapore has to offer.

Witness the Singapore Street Festival

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“Singapore” is a dazzling country that tops most of the top holiday destinations around the world lists. This is a place where anyone would find something to enjoy themselves while on vacation. The massive shopping malls with an elegant setting are a common attraction to all who visit. The numbers of things that one could purchase from these malls are endless and overwhelming. Browse through many options and find the most suitable thing to suit your requirement for a very reasonable price.
The amusement parks are another highlight; these are created with world class standards and quality ensuring the safety and entertainment of both young and old. The Singaporean culture can be considered as a very vibrant one, the mix of many nationalities living in the country have been the major reason for this vibrancy. Starting from the world famous “Merlion” the number of things that are available for sightseeing are countless.


The food and cuisine that one would find here would be varied and mouth-watering. Again the major mixes of ethnicities that live in the country have been the reason for this variation. To add more excitement to its visitors there are many events that takes place in Singapore throughout the year.

The Singapore Street Festival also known as SSF is a one such major annual event. This festival is based on the idea of providing a global platform for youth talents of Singapore to achieve new grounds. The youngsters from around the country gather to show their talents in the areas such as health, fashion, entrepreneurship, technology, lifestyle trends, urban sports, and environment as well as to build new friendship. Visitors also have the opportunity to see witness the talents of the youth who take part in these trainings. Street graffiti, circus stations, D’J parties, singing competitions, magic shows and contests and belly dance competitions are some of the programs included in this event.

These are a number of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Singapore that would provide you a perfect place to relax after all this excitement. Compared to most of the hotels in Singapore these Singapore hotels are elegant and cosy and have all the modern amenities to pamper you throughout your stay. The friendly staff and the international standards that they follow would surely add more value to your vacation.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Wonder Full Light and Water Show – A Mesmerizing Sight

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All those who witness Wonder Full, the amazing light, water and sound show lighting up the skies and water around the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort in Singapore is not going to forget it ever. For 13 spellbinding minutes occurring twice daily and three times a day on Fridays and Saturdays, viewers are getting wowed by this show that has no equal. Not only is this visually beautiful, but this is the first time that lasers, video projectors and other paraphernalia has been used to tell a story so compellingly. Lighting up the 20 ha area around Marina Bay Sands with a sound, light and water show titled “Beacon across the Bay” it is a novel way of encouraging more people to visit the integrated resort.

Based on the song “What a Wonderful World” made famous by Louis Armstrong, Southeast Asia’s newest spectacle is about water and light creating life and thus starts with a drop of water to signify birth and then moves on through the various stages of life to end in a puff of smoke and bubbles. The performance is enacted to the accompaniment of music composed by some of Singapore’s best-known composers and sung by popular singers and played by a 140-piece orchestra.

This multi-media spectacular show uses the most advanced laser vision technology. Equipment used to deliver the spectacle includes 3 huge water screens, 15 high powered lasers, 30 searchlights, 09 high definition video projectors, half a million watts of light, 250,000 LEDS and a fantastic surround sound system that provides clear sound in the open air under any weather condition. “Dramatic in scale and unique in sight” is how this 360-degree attraction has been described. A team of 100 specialists from around the world toiled in the planning and design of the show that took three years to perfect. Original footage for the movies projected onto the water screens was shot in Singapore. Visitors are advised to come early to get a good viewing position for a 180-degree view to appreciate the scale and magnificence of the performance. For those who miss the show, the soundtrack is broadcast live by the radio station of Marina Bay Sands.

Exuding a trendy, hip atmosphere, the Studio M hotel Singapore was purpose-built as a collection of loft style spaces to live and relax in appeals to a diverse range of guests who appreciate the contemporary styling of the premises. Not only does the hotel provide some of the most up to date Singapore Hotel Accommodation but a range of guest services and facilities to suit the whole family. Take advantage of special offers and promotional packages to experience this Singapore Hotel and to enjoy access to some of the city’s major attractions, shopping and entertainment areas.