Aw Kah Peng, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board talks about Singapore's latest tourism initiatives – Marina Bay Sands and Sentosa Resorts World, the new Sports Hub, and sustainable attractions – plus shares her own Singapore sightseeing picks.
Q. Singapore is often cited as a “stopover” destination. What do you think about this statement?
Actually, Singapore should be called a “stayover” destination – there is so much one can do; from sightseeing to shopping, and dining to clubbing. Singapore is also well-established as an excellent place to do business, pursue quality education and seek medical treatment.
Q. There has been some discussion about a large new sports hub – could you tell us a bit more about this and what it means for tourists?
The new Sports Hub is set to be Singapore’s largest premier land and sea sports, entertainment and lifestyle hub. Located on a 35 hectare site next to the city, the inclusion of leisure and commercial facilities will make it stand out from all other sports developments in Singapore. With the new Sports hub, visitors can look forward to enjoying more international sports and entertainment events.
Q. Could you give us any progress updates or highlights of the Marina Bay Sands and Sentosa Resorts World developments?
We understand from Marina Bay SandsTM that it is scheduled to open by the end of this year, and from Resorts World at Sentosa that it is scheduled to open by early next year.
Marina Bay SandsTM is set to be the centrepiece of Singapore’s downtown Marina Bay. The integrated resort will combine 120,000 square metres of world-class convention and exhibition facilities, a luxury hotel, an iconic ArtScience Museum, state-of-the-art theatres, entertainment, gaming and a plethora of shopping and dining outlets in one landmark location. It will be a strong draw for MICE event organizers and business travellers.
Resorts World at Sentosa will home to Southeast Asia’s first Universal Studios theme park and the world’s largest oceanarium, Marine Life Park. Universal Studios Singapore® will offer 24 attractions, of which 18 will be specially designed for Singapore.
Q. What are some of the family-friendly attractions Singapore has to offer?
Having breakfast with one of orang-utans and visiting the Rainforest Kidzworld at the Singapore Zoo will be some of the unforgettable experiences for families. It is also an adventure trudging around the world’s first Night Safari to witness the activities of nocturnal animals up close.
On Sentosa Island, families will be able to handle insects and learn about the huge variety of butterflies at the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom or swim with the dolphins at the Underwater World’s Dolphin Lagoon. And for children who have a knack for Science, I would strongly suggest making a trip to the Singapore Science Centre for a multi-sensory learning and fun experience.
Q. Are there any sustainable tourism initiatives you would like to highlight?
Chek Jawa, one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems preserved, is worth visiting. It is a gem of marine wildlife located off the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin. If you have the time, do also pop by Marina Barrage, Singapore’s first urban reservoir at Marina Bay area which houses a Sustainable Gallery and the largest Solar Park in Singapore with 405 panels.
Q. If you had to give someone who had never been to Singapore a 24-hour tour what would you do with them?
Start the day with breakfast at Chinatown’s Maxwell Food Centre for a taste of local hawker fare such as carrot cake and kaya toast. Then take a trishaw ride to discover Little India’s spice-scented streets where you can make a sari and get a temporary Henna tattoo in a traditional design.
Next, we would head to one of the trendy alfresco restaurants at Rochester Park for lunch.
Retail therapy follows shortly at Orchard Road and if we are in the mood for bargain-hunting, we could make our way to Bugis Street.
Just before sunset, we would take a ride on the Singapore Flyer, the world’s tallest giant observation wheel, to enjoy some breathtaking and panoramic views of the Marina Bay and Singapore.
Dinner would be a local all-time favourite dish of chilli crab accompanied by a cool refreshing Tiger beer.
Finally, we would head to one of the nightspots at Clarke Quay for more drinks and to party the night away.
Q. What is your vision of Singapore in 20 years time?
By then, Singapore would be well established as a choice global city for work, play and stay. Many exciting projects would have come on stream such as the opening of the International Cruise Terminal, which is capable of accommodating the largest cruise ships; River Safari, which would be Asia’s very first freshwater river-themed park at Mandai; and Gardens by the Bay, a 101-hectare garden located in the heart of the city.
Q. Later this year?
Come down in September to experience the thrill of Formula One at night and see Singapore like you have never seen it before. Complete the experience by participating in any of the events under the Singapore Grand Prix season.