Singapore Grand Prix 2023: Get Ready for the Ultimate Formula 1 Spectacle! (15-17 Sep 2023)

Photo by shawnanggg on Unsplash

Rev up your engines and fasten your seatbelts, Formula 1 fans, because the Singapore Grand Prix 2023 is just around the corner! As the city-state prepares to host another adrenaline-fueled race, we bring you all the exciting details and reasons why this year's event promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans worldwide.

The Spectacular Night Race

There's nothing quite like the electrifying atmosphere of a night race, and Singapore delivers it like no other. Against the stunning backdrop of the city's iconic skyline, the Marina Bay Street Circuit transforms into a breathtaking sea of lights as the world's finest drivers navigate the challenging track under the stars. Get ready to witness the fusion of speed, technology, and sheer spectacle like never before!

Unique Circuit Challenges

The Marina Bay Street Circuit is renowned for its unique challenges, making it one of the most demanding tracks on the F1 calendar. With its combination of high-speed straights, tight corners, and unforgiving barriers, drivers need to display exceptional skill and precision to conquer this urban battleground. It's a true test of bravery and strategy that keeps fans on the edge of their seats throughout the race.

The Clash of the Titans

The Singapore Grand Prix attracts the crème de la crème of Formula 1, meaning you'll witness the ultimate clash of the titans. From reigning world champions to rising stars, the grid will be packed with extraordinary talent, each driver fiercely competing for victory. With the championship battles heating up, expect wheel-to-wheel action and nail-biting overtakes that will leave you breathless.

Off-Track Entertainment

Singapore Grand Prix isn't just about racing; it's a full-blown entertainment extravaganza! When you're not cheering in the grandstands, indulge in a wide range of off-track activities and concerts by world-renowned artists. From heart-pumping performances by international superstars to delectable gourmet delights, there's something for everyone to enjoy beyond the thrilling race action.

Soak in the Vibrant City Atmosphere

Singapore is more than just a host city; it's a vibrant metropolis brimming with culture, innovation, and unparalleled hospitality. Immerse yourself in the city's unique blend of traditional charm and modern marvels as you explore its bustling streets, iconic landmarks, and gastronomic delights. Whether it's sampling local delicacies at hawker centers or experiencing the stunning Gardens by the Bay, Singapore offers a truly unforgettable experience for every visitor.

Get ready to have your senses ignited and your heart racing at the Singapore Grand Prix 2023 (15-17 Sep 2023)! From the awe-inspiring night race to the fierce battles on the track, this Formula 1 event promises to be an exhilarating spectacle that will leave fans in awe. With the backdrop of Singapore's stunning cityscape and a lineup of world-class entertainment, this is one race weekend you won't want to miss. So mark your calendars, book your tickets, and join us in celebrating the pinnacle of motorsport in Lion City!

Grab your tickets here! 

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Singapore Inbound Tourism Seen to Boost, Chinese and Indian Markets to be Tapped

Photo by Mike Enerio

  

SINGAPORE -  Inbound traffic of travelers, mainly from China and India, is expected to be the source of a huge boom in Singapore tourism for the next few years. This is after a recent survey shows that outbound tourism will slightly decline as many Singaporeans are quite contented already with the amount of travel they had gone through.

 

The survey showed that almost 7.3 million trips from Singapore were conducted since 2010; whereas in China, only 4 percent of the population had gone out of the country. India has 1 percent. These statistics had driven the authorities to assume that the two nations are proven lucrative markets, and are worth the tap.

 

Therefore, it is presumed that given that the industry will exert more effort to reach out to the Chinese and Indian markets, better inbound tourism will be in order. The trick is to lure travelers by opening more attractions that would cater to all age groups, and provide more opportunities for entertainment and fun for the people.

This is not exactly a difficult thing to do because Singapore has already been at it since day one. Spearheading the lists of attractions that travelers would buy air tickets for to see are Resorts World Sentosa, Universal Studios Singapore, and Gardens by the Bay. The fact that Changi International Airport is one of the world’s best also contributes to its reputation.

 

Furthermore, Singapore promises particular attention to the various needs of travelers. Safety is the top-most priority, and that is basically what people from India, China, and other nations are after. 

 

Basically, this move does not just improve the number of tourist arrivals. It also strengthens tourist takings. Singapore hotels will particularly benefit from this – especially those hotels located in Little India and Chinatown – as travelers are expected to find a place to lodge while in the country.

 

Singapore, in spite of being a rather small nation, is indeed up for some spectacular leaps in inbound tourism for the next few years. It is totally equipped to cater to the needs of Chinese, Indian, and other nationalities. Though it is already ahead of others in the race, Singapore vows no stopping in furthering what it can give to people in terms of tourism. 

 

Tiger Airways Guarantee Better Transit Experiences at Changi

Image source: Travel Daily News Asia

Low-cost carrier Tiger Airways now assures hassle-free transit experiences for its passengers at the Changi International Airport. With this move, the airline company has set better standards for other budget airlines which said the airport had been servicing. This means better travel feats for many who have to fly through Singapore to other cities around the world.

Known as the TigerConnect, passengers with connecting flights at Changi are now permitted to obtain their onward boarding passes directly from the transfer desk at the transit area. Because of this, they can easily continue with their travel without the need to pass through immigration and baggage concerns.

The service, which is basically a part of the Changi Airport Groups’s (CAG) Changi Connects, will require passengers to pay SG$16 (US$13) per person. Budget travelers will surely find it affordable, considering the convenience it assures. Not going through the immigrations and baggage concerns is certainly a comfort for those who are just transiting through Singapore.

It is also stated that TigerConnect will be available not just to Singapore, but to 50 other destinations as well. It will also apply to the partner airline companies of Tiger Airways – Mandala Airlines and SEAir. Join itineraries with Scoot will also be offered, as well as an airport transfer feature.

According to Mandala Airlines President/Director Paul Rombeek , this will particularly benefit those coming from Indonesia as most of the flights to China, Australia, India, and others are transiting at the Changi International Airport in Singapore.

TigerConnect will be offered beginning February 1, 2013.  As a kick-off promo, there will be a 50% discount on connecting flights through selected routes booked from January 10 to 16 from its website.

Tiger Airways is the second LCC to offer this kind of development. Singapore-based Scoot Airlines has previously launched Scoot-Thru which is basically similar to the TigerConnect feature. It is also a program under Changi Connect.

This is definitely an exciting implementation from Tiger Airways and Changi International Airport. Aside from guaranteeing convenience, it will certainly allow passengers to save time and eventually grant them more chances to enjoy the features of the world-renowned airport while waiting for their flights. Hopefully, more and more budget airlines will follow the trend.

New Stopover Packages from Changi Airport, SIA and SilkAir

 

Aiming to provide better services to the people, Changi Airport Group (CAG) has renewed its ties with two top airline companies in Singapore, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and SilkAir. This rekindling of partnerships paves the way for the introduction of new stopover packages.

 

Until March 28, 2013, people can avail of exciting packages for cheap promotional rates which start from S$54 (US$44). Promos are applicable only to flights scheduled from October 1, 2012, to March 31, 2013.

 

Known as the Singapore Stopover Holiday packages, these offers cover good accommodations and complimentary transfers. Making it more exciting, there are also packages that offer unlimited SIA Hop-on Bus rides and free admission to 14 top Singapore attractions like the Singapore Flyer, MINT Museum of Toys, HiPPO Rivercruise, Singapore Zoo, and National Orchid Garden.

 

Basically, this move from CAG, SIA, and SilkAir will contribute immensely to the tourism industry of Singapore. According to Peh Ke-Wei, VP for Passenger Development of CAG, these packages will surely encourage travelers to experience Singapore and Changi Airport at their best.

More Filipinos Travel to Hong Kong and Singapore on 2012

Photo by Simon Zhu 

According to recent surveys, many Filipino tourists still prefer to travel to Hong Kong and Singapore for vacation and leisure. Thanks to the frequency of flights to the city offered by different airline companies, said Tim Tio, sales and outbound marketing manager of Travelite Travel and Tours Philippines.

Hong Kong received a 15.6-percent increase in arrival from the Philippines from January to July 2012. In 2011, it received 659,829 visitors. Singapore, on the other hand, has been visited by 677,681 Filipinos that year; and had served 154 flights, compared to the 148 which landed in Hong Kong.

It is the boosting tourism industries of Singapore and Hong Kong that are held responsible for the statistics. Hong Kong is very much known for its shopping culture which Filipino travelers truly take pleasure in. On the other hand, it is the Singapore attractions - Resorts World Sentosa and Universal Studios Singapore - which immensely contribute to the strong number of arrivals from the Philippines.

This kind of set-up is expected to continue especially with the opening of the Legoland in Johor Bahru (Malaysia), which is easily accessed from Singapore. Some travel agencies in the Philippines have begun to offer tours to the amusement park, which will cover transfers from a hotel in Singapore to Legoland, and back.

But if Singapore and Hong Kong are enjoying a great reception from Philippine tourists, Malaysia seemed to have experienced a drop in 2011. That is why Malaysia has prompted a more aggressive tourism program which includes product seminars in Manila, Clark, Cebu, and Davao. Positive results have been noted in June 2012 though.

Furthermore, new air links have been established by different airline companies originating from the Philippines to Malaysia. Airphil Express, Zest Air, and SEAir offered flights to the country earlier this year; while Cebu Pacific Air is set to launch flights from Cebu to Kuala Lumpur, come December.

Travel News: 2011, Busiest-ever year for Changi Airport

Image Source: SingaporePictures

Records showed that 2011 is the busiest-ever year for Singapore’s Changi Airport. It handled over 45 million passengers for the first time ever last year.

The airport registered 46.5 million passenger movements and 302,000 aircraft movements in 2011, an increase of 10.7 % and 14.5 % over the year before, respectively.

December 2011 was also recorded as the airport’s busiest ever month with 4.53 million passenger movements which is about 11.4 % more than its succeeding year and 27,700 aircraft movements, showing a 16.0 % increase from last year.

The substantial increase in the airport’s passenger and aircraft movements was attributed to the strong travel demand in Asia-Pacific. South-east Asia and North-east Asia were the two best-performing regions registering double-digit growth, while traffic to and from South Asia and South-west Pacific also enjoyed positive growth.

Jakarta, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Manila occupied the top five positions among Changi Airport’s top 10 routes. On the other hand Taipei, Manila, New Delhi, Melbourne and Hong Kong registered the strongest percentage growth with at least half a million passengers who travelled to Singapore last year.

 

It should also be noted that seven new carriers joined the airport’s portfolio of airlines in 2011. They are Air Macau, Hong Kong Airlines, Finnair, TransAsia Airways, IndiGo and Lao Airlines.

News Source:

TTG Asia

Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia Announced New Darwin Services and Frequent Flyer Tie-up

Singapore Airlines together with Virgin Australia announced the new international and domestic routes to Darwin and the launch of the frequent flyer programme cooperation last December 13, 2011. It is considered as the first two milestones of the recently approved alliance between the two airline companies. 

Part of the joint plan of the new alliance is to provide more flight services to northern Australia.  Starting on 26 March 2012, SilkAir – Singapore Airlines regional full-service airline will begin a four-times-weekly service between Singapore and Darwin. Virgin Australia will be complementing these services with a daily flight between Sydney and Darwin from 02 April 2012.

The two airlines had also merged their frequent flyer recognition which started last 20 December 2011. This program will enable KrisFlyer members to earn and redeem frequent flyer points on Virgin Australia’s entire network which goes the same for the Velocity members who can earn and redeem points on Singapore Airlines-operated flights. Reciprocal lounge access will also be available for eligible customers. 

Singapore Airlines Executive Vice President Commercial and SilkAir Chairman, Mr Mak Swee Wah, was quoted saying: “We are delighted to be adding Darwin to our network and providing more travel options for our customers as a result of our alliance with Virgin Australia. Our partnership enables us to better serve this important market, particularly with the introduction of a strong business-class product and extensive international connections.

Mr Swee Mah added that the launch of the reciprocal frequent flyer ties will deliver tangible benefits to the customers of both airlines providing them more choice for domestic and international travel with excellent service.

On the other hand, Virgin Australia Group Executive of Alliances, Network & Yield Management, Ms Merren McArthur stated that their alliance with Singapore Airlines enable them to open up important new routes in Australia and Asia.

Miss McArthur said: “Darwin is the gateway to the Northern Territory’s popular tourist destinations and is an increasingly important commercial hub. Together with Singapore Airlines, we will be able to offer visitors from Singapore, Asia, and Europe the opportunity to visit the Northern Territory and then travel on to Sydney and the East Coast of Australia. Our services will also be attractive to business travelers who now have the option of a quality business class service from Sydney to Darwin and on to Singapore and beyond.

Virgin Australia also announced that it would open a lounge at Darwin Airport that would accommodate eligible Virgin Australia guests and those of its alliance partners.

Both airlines are expecting to commence the codeshared arrangements on each other's services from early 2012.

Singapore Citizen’s Travel Visa Guide

Photo by yousef alfuhig

Singaporeans are the most well-traveled people in the Asia Pacific region according to the Channel News Asia based on a survey conducted by MasterCard during the month of August 2011. The survey revealed that 85% of Singaporeans made at least one international leisure trip within the 12 month period the survey was conducted.

Having a passion for traveling, this guide for the latest visa requirement for popular travel destinations in Asia will be useful for Singapore citizens who are planning to secure an air ticket booking to spend a holiday abroad. This guide covers Singapore citizens, holders of passports issued in Singapore, and those who were born in Singapore and wish to attain a Tourist Visa, not including Business and Diplomatic Visas.

Applying for a Tourist Visa can be sorted out into three categories – no advanced planning, three-day preparation, and two-week preparation.

Asian countries like Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, India, and Indonesia fall into the “no advanced planning” category. It means that a tourist visa will be granted automatically upon arrival at the airport thus no pre-arrangements or payments are necessary.

The number of days a tourist was allowed to stay or the date a tourist must leave the country will be stamped on the passport by the immigration officer. That stamp will serve as a “visa” which allows the tourist to enter the country multiple times within a specific number of days, starting from the date of arrival. It is also known as a multiple-entry visa.

For countries like India and Indonesia, a visa on arrival comes with a fee. Visitors will be asked to approach the ‘visa-on-arrival counter’ to submit a visa application. A passport-sized photo will be required along with the stamping fee.

While other countries grant visas upon arrival, some countries in Asia such as Australia require visitors to submit a visa application in advance, before arrival at the entry point. The processing period takes at least three working days. Applying for a visa can be done online without handing over the original passport then the letter of approval will be sent through e-mail. A visa will be valid only for a particular period of time thus the applicant will be asked to enter the country within a specific number of days. Some nations will grant the visa without payment however some will ask visitors to pay for a stamping fee at the visa-on-arrival counter.

On the other hand, tourist visa applications for some countries such as Myanmar and Russia take around two weeks processing period. In this case, an applicant must approach the embassy of the country he/she wishes to visit to apply for a visa. Another option will be through a travel agent as they have “runners” who can process the application in the embassy without the presence of the applicant. Usually, the validity of the visa begins once it has been issued, not on the day the visitor arrived in the country.

Sights to Explore in Singapore - Part 2

Photo by Janna Maica

Although Lion City is just a small country, you’ll be amazed how it maximized its land to pave the way for parks and nature sanctuaries perfect for re-charging and relaxing after a day of conquering the streets of Singapore. Botanical Garden, Bird Park, National Orchid Garden, Marina Bay, and Esplanade are some of the places where you can just sit and take a rest while enjoying the sights around you.

Marina Bay

Photo by Reuben Chew

Another attraction that will be worth booking air tickets to Singapore is the Asian Civilisation Museum. It is considered the pioneering museum in the region to specialize in pan-Asian cultures and civilizations. It offers in-depth information regarding the material history of China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and West Asia, from which the diverse ethnic groups of Singapore trace their ancestry. Paying a visit to this museum will certainly enrich one’s knowledge and understanding of the country and its people.

For those who just love to be with animals, exploring the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari will surely be an entertaining and enjoyable experience. Singapore Zoo is one of the world’s most spectacular zoos, using natural barriers like streams, rock walls, and vegetation to separate the animals from the visitor, to present an “open zoo” concept. It is home to 3,600 mammals, birds, and reptiles, including rare and endangered species.

Photo by Wayne Chan 

Night Safari is considered the world’s first nocturnal zoo. It is among the popular tourist attractions in Singapore, housing more or less 1,040 animals of 120 species, 29% of which are endangered species. The Night Safari is an open-air zoo set in a humid tropical forest that is only open at night. Its eight geographical zones can be explored by foot or by tram.

A tour of Singapore’s outlying islands will give its visitors an experience of total contrast to life on the mainland. Offering peace, tranquility and in some cases, a traditional village lifestyle that has changed very little over the years, these small islands are perfect for those who would like to have a break from the crowded street of the city. The island of Pulau Ubin, Kusu Island, St. John Island, The Sister’s Island, and Pualu Hantu is just around the corner from the glittering skyscrapers of the CBD area and the swanky shopping malls of Orchard Road, thus making them easily accessible to tourists.

It also features varying fascinating sightseeing opportunities, fantastic attractions, and activities who would like the best destination for outdoor lovers; its strong economy attracts millions of business travelers each year; this tiny island occupies a strategic position, it has always been the gateway of the surrounding countries to the rest of the world. As one of the busiest cities in Asia, Singapore has the highest standard of hospitality to achieve the satisfaction of all levels.

Singapore always welcomes you with a promise to give you a breathtaking experience that will always last in your memories. To experience this modern island in its full strength you would need a little help and guidance to reach the island's talking points.

 Sights to Explore in Singapore - Part 1

Sights to Explore in Singapore - Part 1

Photo by Jisun Han 

Singapore is a paradise for tourists offering a unique blend of modern, historical, and natural beauty. The city has a modern transportation system, world-class hotels and restaurants, an English-speaking population, and a mix of Chinese, Malay, and Indian cultures. With its unique blend of cultures, reflected in its architecture, festival, and cuisine, Singapore offers a multitude of sightseeing opportunities to anyone who wishes to book air tickets to Singapore to explore the lion city.

Its tropical climate allows each visitor to have a wonderful time discovering the city’s places of interest at any time of the year. The country’s efficacy and modern technology also entice tourists in securing an air ticket. Being a small country with an area of 693 sq. Km., you can even do sightseeing in Singapore within the day or while waiting for a connecting flight to your destination. Here are some of the places commonly visited by tourists in Singapore for their significant and important role in the country’s history and development.

Photo by Lily Banse

Chinatown is one of the oldest Chinese settlements in Singapore. It is an ethnic neighborhood featuring distinctly Chinese cultural elements and a historically concentrated ethnic Chinese population. The Chinatown Heritage Center, Chinatown Food Street, and Chinatown Night Market are among the popular places which appeal to tourists. While exploring Chinatown, you can taste the traditional Chinese food and pick up some artistic handicrafts from the shops along the way.

Photo by paul silvan 

The fascinating Little India is a place where one can experience Indian culture. It’s quite popular with tourists because of the authentic cuisine and an array of souvenir items that can be purchased at very affordable prices. Mustafa Shopping Centre, Tekka Centre, Tekka Mall, Little India Arcade, and Serangoon Plaza are some of the places where one can find the cheapest stuff. The temples, mosques, and churches reflecting the diverse culture and religious beliefs of its citizens are also sights to explore so be sure to have your camera with you.

Aside from these above-mentioned places where one can experience the different cultures existing harmoniously in the modern city of Singapore, a tour of the city itself will enrich the visitor’s knowledge about its humble beginnings and its greatest achievement as one with the strongest economy in Asia.

Photo by Steven Lasry 

The Parliament House which is located in the Civic District within Singapore’s Central Business District is a cultural landmark that houses the Parliament of Singapore. Within the Central Area which features the tallest buildings and landmarks of the country is Raffles Place, the commercial district named after the founder of modern Singapore - Sir Stamford Raffles. Across the road is the Supreme Court building designed to represent a contemporary architectural expression of its stateliness and authority. The prism-shaped top of the building is considered a modernist take on the traditional dome.

Sights to Explore in Singapore - Part 2

Lao Airlines Fly Directly To Singapore

Lao Airlines is the newest link of Singapore to its neighboring countries, which means that the Lion City is now directly connected to all other nine ASEAN members. November 29, 2011, marked the arrival of the first direct flight from Vientiane to Singapore. Flights from Vientiane to Singapore will be a thrice-weekly service.

This newest direct flight shows strong bilateral ties between Laos and Singapore. According to Travel Weekly Asia, Laos’ top ten foreign investors include Singapore, with investment from sectors of manufacturing and hospitality. It also stated that the bilateral trade between the two countries saw a substantial growth of 40 percent year-on-year to reach U$ 29 million during the first nine months of the year 2011.

Since Laos joined the ASEAN in 1997, Singapore and Laos have been regular cooperation and exchange partners in education, health care, and tourism. Passengers traveling between the two countries increased steadily within the last five years. The statistic shows that Singaporean visitors to Laos grew by about 8% annually while the number of citizens of Laos who purchased an air ticket booking to Singapore increased by some 25% every year. With the direct flight connecting the two countries, business and leisure travel are expected to increase in numbers.

Laos is also positioning itself as an attractive place for investment as well as a tourist destination featuring rich heritage sites which visitors from around the globe will enjoy.

Home to many ancient wonders such as the mysterious Plain of Jars, the UNESCO World Heritage of Luang Prabang, and the Vat Phou Temple complex, Laos is indeed rich in culture and history.

With this new direct flight, Singapore is more accessible now for the citizens of Laos who would like to seek medical treatment, tour the Lion City or expand their field of study as well as use Singapore as a stop-over point to other destinations.