Great Singapore Sale

The Great Singapore Sale (GSS) is a nation-wide event co-organised by the Singapore Tourism Board and many other retail companies, stores and malls to promote the tourism industry in Singapore. It is held annually from May to July for a period of 8 weeks and is a time to indulge in up to 70% discount on just about everything, everywhere! Singapore, with her wide collection of shopping malls across the nation, is no doubt a shoppers' paradise and the GSS is the best time to pick up great deals and bargains.

The rejuvenation of the Orchard Road belt:

Ion Orchard

With the recent opening of ION Orchard, the Great Singapore Sale will feature an additional 66,000 sq metres of retail offerings at this stylish venue. This stunningly futuristic mall houses the likes of Dior Homme, Louis Vuitton and Diane von Furstenberg as well as trendy budget-friendly options such as River Island and Zara amongst many more. Their website boasts of well-designed convenience, so check it out here!

Three other shopping destinations, 313@Somerset, Orchard Central and the Mandarin Gallery, have also recently made their mark along this famous shopping avenue, providing more bang for your buck.

313@Somerset

Orchard Central

The Mandarin Gallery

But if you fall into that elite brigade of fashionistas who desire the forward looking, witty or plain eccentricity of budding local and international indie designers, then troop down to the breezy Haji Lane in the Kampong Glam precinct, for your bargain scouring fix and soothing post-shopping shisha or chai.

Haji Lane

If the colourful ethnic wear and knick knacks of the various races in Singapore have enthralled your senses, then be sure to get your very own bargain pieces during the Great Singapore Sale from the exclusive boutiques in the various ethnic enclaves like Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India. At these locations, you’ll find a stunning array of value-for-money steals and unique offerings that you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the world. These cultural precincts are not just great places for shopping, but are also well noted for their food offerings – so round off a day of shopping by having a sumptuous meal!

Come armed with a great fighting spirit to beat the dizzying crowds, recyclable bags to hold your shopping and credit cards to earn yourself some exclusive privileges when you shop here. A myriad of cashless payment promotions, reduced taxes and concierge services are also available for you when you shop during the sales period. The Great Singapore Sale runs for two full months, giving bargain hunters more than enough time to pick up items you fancy at a leisurely pace.

During this period, many major stores and malls in the country will extend their shopping hours till 12 midnight and beyond on selected weekends. In this period, there will be special privileges specially created for tourists to enjoy the range of exclusive lifestyle promotions, including gourmet dining, wellness experience, and nightlife & entertainment options.
Tourists can also apply for a Tourist Privilege Card at any Singapore Visitors Centre to enjoy special discounts from fashion apparel, accessories, jewellery, watches, electronic goods, cosmetics and fragrances, children toys to Singapore souvenirs, there will be discounted prices and even local attractions such as the DHL Balloon, Singapore DUCKtours and the Singapore Zoo.
Head down to the GSS website here for more information!

References: 1, 2, 3

Tiger Lunar Extravaganza

Soak in the festive spirit this Lunar New Year and join in the celebration with the world-renowned and homegrown beer, Tiger Beer for a night you will not want to miss. There will be great food, great company and of course, great beer at Singapore's largest dinner gathering – The Tiger Lunar Extravaganza 2011 – at The Promontory@Marina Bay on 11 February 2011 for Oktoberfest, Singapore style.

Hosted by Sebastian Tan and Denise Keller, the Tiger Lunar Extravaganza has lined up a high-energy programme which includes charismatic acts like Shi Xin Hui, one of Asia’s top Asian pop singers, Singapore’s powerhouse Wendi Koh and fire twirlers Fireflys; and great food including a 15-course Chinese buffet line from the renowned Peach Garden Restaurant and of course, Tiger Beer! The superb performance on-stage and the scrumptious meal off-stage would ensure all-round satisfaction.

Get your tickets from SISTIC from 7th January 2011 onwards and enjoy a FREE flow of beer, fun and food at this euphoric celebration of festive cheer.

Tiger Lunar Extravaganza
Date: Friday, 11 Feb 2011
Time: 6 – 10pm
Venue: The Promontory@Marina Bay
Tickets: $88 per person

Tickets available from 7th January 2011
at all SISTIC outlets
Reserve your tickets from now until January 5th to receive a special 10% early bird discount.
For more information, please visit Tiger Beer or Sistic.

Celebrate togetherness with Tiger this Lunar new year! You won't want to miss this!


References: 1, 2

Chingay 2011 Asia's Grandest Street and Floats Parade 2011

A dazzling extravaganza of colours and cultural diversity, Chingay Parade Singapore is known for its resplendent floats and multi-cultural local and international performances that are an insight to out festive traditions and delight the hearts of many Singaporeans and tourists.

The Chingay Parade is a traditional Chinese New Year procession. The word Chingay is from the Hokkien dialect, which means " the art of masquerade". This national festival of Singapore started in 1973 and began as a neighbourhood parade and was an all Chinese event. Today, the parade has evolved to be the grandest street and floats parade in Asia, showcasing the rich, vibrant multi-ethnic and cosmopolitan cultures of Singapore and exciting performance from overseas.

Chingay 2011 will be staged at the Pit Building against the backdrop of Marina Bay. Expect a fiery opening with Singapore's first pair of 88-metre long dragons-in-the-sky from Xi-An, China and a dragon entwined with firecrackers. Also, be sure to watch Singapore's iconic attractions on the move as the Singapore Flyer, Resorts World Sentosa and Wildlife Reserves each stage their float and performances.

Highlights of the parade include, the largest ever moving multi-ethnic performances, first ever travelling dance competition within the parade, a spectacular finale where heart-warming candle lights held by thousands of performers will flood the entire parade ground, an inaugural colourful Arts District/ Carnival and the most happening night party in town! Complete with dazzling floats under the night skies, the parade is a cultural extravaganza of performances from Singapore and that of around the world.

Chingay Parade Singapore 2011 Ticketing Information

How much is the ticket?

TICKET CATEGORIES*	Parade 1 Fri, 30 Jan 2011	Parade 2 Sat, 31 Jan 2011
Cat 1 (City Hall)	SGD 50.00 Seating Plan	SGD 65.00 Seating Plan
Cat 2 (City Hall)	SGD 40.00 Seating Plan Left Seating Plan Right	SGD 55.00 Seating Plan Left Seating Plan Right
Cat 3 ( Raffles Ave )	SGD 30.00 Seating Plan	SGD 45.00 Seating Plan

* Ticket prices exclude SISTIC booking fees: SGD 3 per ticket prices above GSD 20

Where do i get my tickets?

Buy your tickets through:

• SISTIC website: www.sistic.com.sg
• SISTIC Hotline: (65) 6348 5555
• SISTIC Authorized Agents island-wide
• Authorized Singapore Visitors Centres in Orchard Road

Do I get a discount?

• 20% discount for PAssion Card (Maximum 6 tickets)
• 10% discount for tourists (Upon showing passport over the counter)
• 10% discount for 10 tickets ans above/ 20% discount for 20 tickets and above

What are you waiting for? Get your tickets now!


References: 1, 2

Let's Welcome an Auspicious New Year Together!

Are you sick and tired of mundane holidays?
Wish you could visit another country to shop till you drop?
To experience it's culture?
To enjoy?

That's right,
Singapore welcomes you to join us in a string of exciting line ups early next year, which is certainly bound to leave you wanting more!

"新年快乐!" ( pronounced as xin nian kuai le ) is a new year's greeting which is used widely among the chinese to welcome in the new year. Chinese new year falls in February, however preparations for this festival starts in January.



This is a picture of Chinatown, an ethnic neighbourhood in Singapore featuring distinctly Chinese cultural elements and a concentrated ethnic chinese population.

During the Chinese New Year period, Chinatown street will be litted up with lanterns and decorated with many Chinese New Year decorations. Since Chinese New year is only celebrated annually, it will be a good experience for those who would like to experience the chinese culture to be present. Time to switch your cameras to night mode for those over-street fairy lights and over-sized lanterns guys.

Chinatown Street Light Up
When: 2-3 weeks leading to 3 Feb 2011, and 2-3 weeks after

The Chinese New Year Street Light Up will be launched about 3 weeks before Chinese New Year's Day. Expect fire crackers and fireworks!



During Chinese New Year, households decorate their houses with Chinese New Year decorations as it is said to be auspicious. Clothes worn are to be new and houses should be stocked up with lots of food items during this period. As such, new year shopping starts at least 3 weeks before the Chinese New Year holidays. Chinatown would be filled with stores selling either decorations, food items or clothings. A definite place to be at especially if you're looking for any of the stuff above as shop keepers usually give hefty discounts to customers to help clear their stocks.

Chinese New Year Shopping @ the Festive Night Market

When: 3 weeks leading to 3 February 2011; late afternoon till night.

Where: 100+ stalls along Pagoda Street, Temple Street, Smith Street, Sago Street and Trengganu Street.

Getting there: Take MRT to Chinatown Station. Take the Pagoda Street exit.

Take a break as you browse the night market and look out for the nightly stage performances at Kreta Ayer Square (beside Chinatown Complex).

In the years past, these have included lion dance competitions, acrobatics, and some enchanting Chinese dances. You can expect the same this year.

Thereafter, join the crowd near the MRT station for the Chinese New Year 2011 Countdown Concert, which is likely to culminate with fireworks at midnight.

This is a picture taken at Clake Quay. In celebration of Chinese New Year 2011, Clarke Quay will be holding performances to welcome in the Year of the Rabbit. Performances at Read Bridge include Stilt-walkers, acrobats and calligraphers will entertain on Friday and Saturday evenings.

In addition, there will be Lion dancers performing on a Chinese New Year boat as it sails down Singapore River. Evenings of Friday and Saturday.

Lastly, Fireworks on Saturday evenings which can be watched from riverside locations at Clarke Quay.

Celebrations at Clarke Quay
When in 2011: TBC

Where: Read Bridge at Clarke Quay; Singapore River.

Getting there: Take MRT to Clarke Quay Station.

**Do check back for updates on this event.

River Hong Bao is one of Singapore's signature event during Lunar New Year festivities. It has festive bazaars, cultural performances and fireworks to celebrate the new year.

The River Hong Bao 2011 Carnival


When: 1-13 Feb 2011.

Where: The Floating Platform @ Marina Bay.

Getting there: Take MRT to Esplanade or Promenade Stations and follow the directions to Esplanade Theatres. Thereafter, just follow the crowd.

Watch a demonstration of Chinese cooking, or Chinese papercraft. Then join in the fun.

Watch the acrobats contort on stage. And the enchanting dancers in their beautiful costumes.

Then walk among the super-sized lanterns: animals of the Chinese zodiac, the god of fortune and other mythical beings.

With all these exciting line ups for all, why not make Singapore your place to visit this season?

References: 1, 2

Celebrating your Christmas in Singapore!

Still thinking of a place to celebrate Christmas this year?

Whether if it's to stay away from the icy cold snows in the Northern Hemisphere or the fiery heat from the Southern hemisphere, why not make Singapore your choice to enjoy a tropical Christmas!

Singapore is a well known city to celebrate Christmas, especially with our established history of 'Christmas Light-up'. For the past 27 years in Singapore, Christmas in is a magical time for everyone as buildings all along Orchard Road will be dressed in their finest. You'll sense this great lighting build-up as early as mid-November. A magical event no visitor should miss during the enchanting festival is the annual Orchard Road Christmas Light-up. Cruising along Orchard Road at night in the open-top bus is the best way to enjoy this fabulous sight.

Every year, Singapore has always liked to tell the Christmas story in various ways and she will always have a theme to celebrate Christmas Day. This year, our theme is ''Christmas is Love". Out of the 12 days of Christmas, you can choose to celebrate with nightly music and drama performance put up to convey the true message of Christmas by our 'Celebrate Christmas in Singapore' (CCIS) association.

Finally, what is Christmas without giving gifts to loved ones? Yes, SHOPPING! With malls doing their darnedest to entice shoppers into their doors as Christmas time approaches, you can feel free to shop at any of the malls in Singapore be it from the East of Singapore - ''Tampines One Shopping Mall'',  ''Whitesands Shopping mall etc., to the heart of Singapore, our so called' 'town'' where you can visit ''Raffles City'', ''Orchard Road'' etc, to the west of Singapore, while businesses are all going for their final sale slashes as the crowds do their last-minute Christmas shopping! Fret not, the 7% Goods and Services Tax charged (GST) levied on all sales in Singapore can be refunded at Changi Airpot before your outbound flight, or at one of the four down town Global Refund offices. Please refer here for more details.

If you were to plan to spend your Christmas in Singapore with the tropic country’s celebration, kindly be reminded that you could use your passport to claim your FREE hypo bus at the counter beside the Singapore Tourism Board, Orchard Branch. Also, a static fronting featuring a 'Tree of Hope" will be displayed at Wisma Atria, a popular mall in the heart of Orchard Road.

Do pin up your hopes and wishes on the tree!

With all entertainment satisfied for Christmas, are you now hyped about celebrating your Christmas with us?

Till then, MERRY CHRISTMAS folks!

References: 1, 2, 3

New Year Countdown Parties 2010/2011

In the blink of an eye, 2010 is coming to an end. If you haven't exactly had a good year, it's time to put all troubles and woes aside and warmly welcome the year 2011!

If you happen to be in the lion city over the new year, Singfestivents has some New Year activities lined up for you:

Siloso Beach Countdown Party 2010/2011

Where: Siloso Beach
When: 31 December 2010, from 8pm - 6am

Beach lovers, come prepared to party at this beach party of the season! If the tropic heat gets to you, just dive into the giant foam pool.

Siloso Beach Party at Sentosa, Asia's grooviest New Year celebration is BIGGER and BOLDER this year! With resident clubs on Siloso Beach joining in the New Year celebrations, usher in a brand new year in style with a groovy line up of DJs, non-stop music, pyrotechnics display and fringe entertainment.

Party all night long at the 5 unique zones across the 1.2 km beach stretch which has been transformed into the ultimate countdown party arena.

Just remember to get enough rest beforehand, for you've going to need it for the full 10 hours of solid partying at the Siloso Beach Party 2010, counting down to 2011.

After all, what could be a better way to usher in the new year?

For more information, please visit the Siloso Beach Countdown Party website at www.sentosa.com.sg/silosobeachparty.




Marina Bay Fireworks Countdown 2010 / 2011

Where: Marina Bay
When: 31 December 2010, from 7pm

Ring in the New Year with a bang! The hottest countdown celebration is in town, with the iconic Marina Bay Sands as the backdrop for the very first time, complemented by the dazzling Helix Bridge and various other new attractions, this countdown celebration will indeed be a eye-feasting treat for the masses.

Count down to a brand new year with the crowds at Marina Bay, a perfect location for the gathering of the hopes and dreams of our future in the coming year. The tranquil waters of the bay will provide matching reflection of the dazzling fireworks sky above Singapore's iconic cityscape.

For more information, please visit the Marina Bay Fireworks Countdown 2010/2011 website at www.marinabaycountdown.sg.




91.3FM Countdown Party 2010


Where: Asian Civilisation Museum
When: 31 December 2010, from 5pm


Count down to the New Year with 91.3 FM as they spin the most popular radio hits of 2009. Stand to win exciting prizes while mingling with top 91.3FM deejays.


There is a host of exciting activities and entertainment lined up. 


Look out for exciting performances by chart-toppers Jack and Rai, be amazed by fire-eater magician Bosco and get your groove on with salsa percussion group Beatswork.


Explore the galleries of the ACM in the wee hours and catch the special exhibition The Land of the Morning: The Philippines and its People. End your evening with a picnic on the ACM Green – the perfect place to catch the exciting New Year's Eve fireworks at the stroke of midnight.


Visitors to the ACM galleries can also enjoy free UDDERS ice-cream, Coke and Bacardi cocktails and Royals mini-chicken pie. The first 500 early birds will also get special 91.3 FM goodie bags from 8pm onwards. (Whilst stocks last, terms and conditions apply)


Family-oriented visitors can look forward to this outing as fun for both the young and the young-at-heart.


For more information, please visit http://www.radio913.com.


With all these exciting activities going on, what are you still waiting for? Come celebrate the new year with us!


References: 1, 2