Category Archives: General

Singapore the new tourism hotspot

Singapore is now widely considered the leisure and tourism capital of the 21st century, offering a wide mix of cultures, modern developments and strong economy, according to the San Francisco Examiner.

With a land area of about 270 square miles and population of around five million, the city-state has emerged as a hot spot for travellers who stay in five-star hotels, shop and gamble.

The report also praised the island’s open-air hawker centres, the city’s architecture, marina and skyline.

At the same time, some hot-button issues have been raised that people would like resolved, such as political openness, labour rights and environmental protection. Additionally, some have called for the preservation of open spaces as many mega developments continue to spring up.

But these projects may also be credited for enhancing Singapore’s tourism appeal. For instance, the recently completed 250-acre Gardens by the Bay features meticulously landscaped gardens, futuristic “supertrees” and other nature-inspired attractions.

The article also shed some light on concerns faced by its citizens, such as the high cost of living which could be associated with “Las Vegas-style materialism”.

“As Singapore opens itself more to the world, one hopes — for a country so embracing of modernity, yet so dependent on smart development, careful management of its resources and tourism — that they are getting the model right.”

Source : ProGuru – 6 May 2013

Plans for Johor-S’pore rapid transit system in final stages

Outgoing Johor Chief Minister Abdul Ghani Othman says plans for the rapid transit system (RTS) linking Johor and Singapore are in their final stages.

Speaking to reporters in Singapore, Mr Abdul Ghani said both the Singapore and Malaysia governments will finalise the costing and design of the system by the end of this year.

He added that it is also important to think about a single customs immigration and quarantine (CIQ) complex to further accelerate the movements of people between the two countries.

Mr Abdul Ghani travelled by bus from Gelang Patah in Johor to Jurong East bus interchange in Singapore.

It was his first time travelling on the Causeway Link bus and he noted that the journey took more than an hour.

Mr Abdul Ghani believes the rapid transit system will help commuters cut their travelling time between Johor and Singapore substantially.

It will also reduce traffic congestion.

The RTS is scheduled for completion by 2018.

Source : CNA – 2 May 2013