Singapore’s cultural festivals and events are the perfect opportunity to experiences the colorful diversity and character of this vibrant country.  From shopping sprees to delicious moon cakes, Singapore has a festival for every taste.  Don’t miss out on the chance to see Singapore’s exciting celebrations with highlights as follows:

The following is a highlight of the most dynamic celebrations & events taking place in Singapore in 2012:

§  Chinese New Year (begins January 23):  Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, is one of the most eagerly anticipated occasions each year. This is the biggest and most significant event of the Chinese community, and it is observed by Singaporeans from all walks of life. Singapore bursts with all sorts of activities and events during Chinese New Year each year. The centrepiece of the festivities is the Chingay Parade, a grand carnival-like street parade with dazzling floats, thrilling spectacles like fire-eaters, magicians and sizzling dance acts. Another popular annual Chinese New Year event is the River Hongbao. Held on the Marina Bay Floating Platform and the Esplanade Waterfront Promenade, the vicinity comes alive with the throbbing beat of lively street performances, shopping and games stalls, lanterns and fireworks – a crowd favorite during Chinese New Year.

§  Thaipusam (February 7): Thaipusam is a highly symbolic Hindu festival celebrated by Singapore’s Tamil community. It is an annual procession by Hindu devotees seeking blessings, fulfilling vows and offering thanks. In Singapore, the Thaipusam ceremony starts in the early hours of the morning where devotees fulfill their vows with a 4.5 km walk from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple along Serangoon Road to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road. The festival is not just an exclusively Indian affair; several Chinese devotees and people of other races also come to fulfill their vows on this day. The festival is a visual spectacle and it often brings traffic in the city centre to a standstill, with a colourful procession full of chanting and dizzying rhythms of Indian drums.

§  The Great Singapore Sale (May 27-July 24):  Singapore is a shopper’s paradise, but the best time to pick up bargains is during this annual event.  Each year, shopaholics from the region and beyond flood to these shores to get their hands on bargain buys during the Great Singapore Sale. With prices slashed up to 70% off its original prices at the main shopping belts and in suburban shopping malls throughout Singapore, this much-anticipated annual mega sale promises nothing less than tremendous bargains on a dizzying array of items from both Singaporean and international brands.

§  Hungry Ghost Festival (usually takes place in the month of August): Every year, the Chinese in Singapore observe a large-scale tradition of paying respects to the dead. Taoist Chinese believe that during this month, the “Gates of Hell” are opened and souls of the dead are freed and allowed to roam the earth. From grand feasts costing thousands of dollars to a mélange of puppetry, opera and singing performances, the various ways with which the Chinese appease these roaming spirits is fascinating to watch, these festivities usually take place across the various neighborhoods like Chinatown, Redhill and Geylang — so check these out if you’re feeling a little adventurous and want to lose yourself in a truly local experience.

§  Mid-Autumn Festival (September 30): Based on Chinese legend and traditions brought to Singapore by their ancestors, the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated to commemorate the selfless act of Chang’ e, the wife of a merciless ruler. Observe and capture the timeless fond traditions surrounding the festival by heading to Chinatown, the vibrant hub of the Chinese community, to soak in the convivial mood. For the culinary adventurous and budding gourmands, sample scrumptious mooncakes (a rectangular  box or circle shape thick pastry dough filled with yummy ingredients) in traditional flavors like lotus and egg yolk or exotic varieties like durian, chocolate, coffee and ice-cream.

§  Hari Raya Haji (October 26): Hari Raya Haji, otherwise known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, is celebrated over a period of three days by Muslims all over the world. It commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in the name of God. After a long day of carrying out customary religious practices, Muslims then pay a visit to their parents, families and friends for a hearty lunch and merrymaking. You can partake in the festivities in areas such as Geylang Serai and Kampong Glam, where lively bazaars and dazzling local decorations are held to mark this important day for locals and visitors to soak in the atmosphere.

§  Deepavali (November 13):  Deepavali is the celebration of good over evil, and light overcoming darkness. During Deepavali, the streets of Little India are artfully decorated and lit up in bright festive colours, transforming it with an explosion of vibrant, colourful arches and lights.  Festive bazaars and numerous cultural activities such as the Indian Heritage and Craft Exhibition, Street Parade, Countdown Concert are also held.

§  Christmas in the Tropics (Mid-November to early January):  Snow blizzards and parkas will hardly be missed during this month-long festival.  Watch as shopping centers compete to put on the best light show and street performers and stilt-walkers roam about the streets.  And for fashion fans, look out for the colorful make-shift stages which are decked out in glittering lights and decorative baubles, all ready for local and regional models to strut across them in the season’s trendiest style offerings.

§  ZoukOut (December, dates TBA): While Singapore’s nightlife is one of the city’s major attractions, you would not have seen nothing yet until you’ve been to ZoukOut. This decade old dance extravaganza is without a doubt one of the biggest outdoor beach parties in Asia, having played host to world famous DJs such as dance music luminaries Carl Cox, Hawtin Sasha, Armin Van Buuren, and James Lavelle. Held at Siloso Beach on the island of Sentosa, it is definitely a place to be seen.

(SINGAPORE – September 7, 2011) – Changi Airport, one of Asia’s best airports in the world, embraces new technologies and provides most up-to-date and accessible platforms for connectivity, usage and exceptional customer service. Among the offerings and services are complimentary internet terminals, free airport-wide Wi-Fi, mobile charging stations, iChangi application, and Changi’s SWIFT (Service Workforce Instant Feedback Transformation) automated feedback system.

Due to popularity and demand, Changi Airport currently provides more than 550 complimentary internet kiosks across all four terminals.  Additionally, passengers are also invited to use free Wi-Fi throughout the airport or visit any work areas with LAN (Local Area Network) points.  Mobile Charging Stations at all terminals allow travelers to charge their mobile devices at their convenience.  No worries if a charger was left behind or packed, chargers for Blackberry, Apple, HTC, LG, Motorola and Nokia phones are available.

The iChangi smartphone application, available through the Apple iTunes store, offers instant and personalized information at your fingertips allowing users to find out about flight times, departure gates, real-time updates and even details on special events, promotional campaigns for passengers and guides to shopping and dining. The app is also compatible with the Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone 7 smartphones.

SWIFT (Service Workforce Instant Feedback Transformation) is Changi’s customized and signature technological system which provides an instant voice for the passenger by rectifying and identifying issues on the ground. For example, in washrooms at the airport, SWIFT enables roving inspectors to receive immediate feedback on the condition of the washrooms. A ‘happy face’ icon signifies satisfactory conditions while an unhappy face will indicate otherwise. The feedback is ‘pushed’ to the supervisor who can then ensure prompt housekeeping at the premises.  There are also various customer touch points throughout the terminals, such as at check-in and immigration counters, and retail stores, to provide real-time feedback for frontline staff and their supervisors.

Named by Skytrax as “Airport of The Year” in 2010, the trusted independent aviation and airport research organization also awarded Changi Airport “Best International Transit Airport” and “Best Airport for Leisure Amenities,” in 2011.  Changi Airport features world-class amenities, facilities and services and is a favored hub for discerning leisure and business travelers who desire modern comforts, seamless travel, access to the latest technology essential to travel and exciting attractions ensuring a memorable travel experience.

About Changi Airport Group
Changi Airport Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd (CAG) (www.changiairportgroup.com) was formed on 16 June 2009 and the corporatisation of Singapore Changi Airport followed on 1 July 2009.  As the company managing Changi Airport, CAG undertakes key functions focusing on airport operations and management, air hub development, commercial activities and airport emergency services.  Through its subsidiary Changi Airports International, the Group invests in and manages foreign airports to spread the success of Changi Airport internationally.

Changi Airport (www.changiairport.com) is the world’s most awarded airport having garnered more than 370 accolades since it opened in 1981.  Changi handled more than 42 million passenger movements in 2010, an annual record in passenger traffic.  The airport, which has four terminals, serves some 100 airlines flying to over 200 cities in about 60 countries and territories worldwide.  A flight takes off or lands at Changi roughly once every 100 seconds.

John and I have been to Singapore several times. Our son was an exchange student for one semester at the National University of Singapore and often ate at hawker stalls, informal street-side eateries. He said, “A hawker stall was a great place for a filling meal on a limited budget.” Over the years the hawker stalls, just like Singapore, have transformed. The eateries are now hygienic places with food prepared by licensed staff but are still considered places for a good, inexpensive meal. Food is such an integral part of the Singaporean culture that the local greeting translates as “Have you eaten?”

On our trip in February 2009 we signed up for a cooking lesson at Palate Sensations. They offer a variety of cooking lessons at various prices but we were interested in learning how to make Singapore Chili Crab, the country’s national dish. In the 1950s Madam Cher Yam Tian and her husband, Mr. Lim Choon Ngee, set up a hawker stall on the seashore. Her specialty was crab in a chili-spiked sauce. Several restaurants have replaced her stall but the recipe has survived. Today there are many versions of the dish, which combines elements of the Malay and Chinese culture that are an integral part of Singapore life. I was impressed with the concern Chef Alfie Jerome and his wife, Chef Lulu, showed for the live crabs. Chef Lulu explained, “First we place them into the freezer until they go to sleep.” Chef Alfie finished with, “Then we kill them quickly with a knife through the heart.” Besides Singapore Chili Crab, the $70 lesson including Sayur Lodeh, which is a traditionally served for breakfast at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. For more information check www.palatesensations.com.

Singapore Chili Crab
2 fresh crabs
1/4 cup dried shrimp (optional)
2 tbsp grated ginger
1 large red chili diced
4 cloves minced garlic
1 medium onion – minced
2 tbsp chili sauce
1 tbsp sugar
salt to taste
1/2 tbsp soy sauce
4 cups chicken stock
1 egg
1/2 tsp corn starch mixed with ¼ cup of water
1 sprig coriander leaf
Oil for frying

Wash the crab, breaking off the claws and chop the rest of the body into pieces.
Heat oil in wok and fry crab parts until they have turned red. Put aside.
In wok fry the dried shrimp, ginger, red chili, garlic and onion.
Add chili sauce, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, soy sauce and the chicken stock.
When the stock is boiling, add in the crab.
Add cornstarch mixture and egg. Stir. Garnish with coriander.

Sayur Lodeh (Vegetable in coconut gravy)
1-1/2 Chinese cabbage cut in chunks
2 carrots – julienne
1/2 turnip – julienne
4 pieces of bean curd (tofu) – cut in triangles
15 long beans or string beans
2 pieces tempe (fermented soya beans) or more tofu
1-1/2 cups coconut milk
2 cups water
Cooking oil
1 tsp chili powder

Spice paste
Blend the following in a blender:
2 tbsp chili paste
1 tsp belacan (substitute 1 tsp shrimp paste or omit)
2 large red Spanish onions
4 garlic cloves
2 stalks lemongrass
20 small dried shrimp (optional)
1 inch fresh ginger
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder

Combine 1-1/2 cup coconut milk with water to form a thin coconut milk. Fry the blended spices until the oils in the paste oozes out. Add chili powder. Add coconut milk and bring to a gentle boil. Add all the vegetables and bean curd and simmer till all the vegetables are tender.

Sandra and her husband, John, are compulsive travelers and writers who have been exploring the world since the 1980s writing all the way. To see more of their travels go to www.sanscott.com. They are on the road seven months a year – half in the US and the other half exploring the rest of the world. They like to promote Slow Travel – taking time to enjoy the uniqueness of each area.

Here’s a chance for you to experience the inaugural flight of one of the latest transportation wonders, and contribute to humanitarian causes at the same time. Singapore Airlines, the first carrier in the world to fly the new double-decker Airbus A380, will auction all seats on eBay and donate the proceeds to these charities:

• One-third of the proceeds will go to Singapore’s Community Chest
• One-third of the proceeds will be split between the Sydney Children’s Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Sydney (Westmead)
• One-third of the proceeds will go to Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders.

If yours is a successful bid, this also gives you the opportunity to donate to an organization dealing in carbon offsets with a socially conscious bent. As airplane flight is one of the greatest contributors to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and there are many social needs, this is a win-win combination. For example, a company named NativeEnergy helps Native Americans with wind farm technology, providing sustainable economic development opportunities for communities in need. Another example, AgCert, is involved projects worldwide that relieve environmental stresses in developing communities by reducing methane emissions.

The actual date of the inaugural flight will be fixed soon, after final notification from Airbus about a delivery date. The opening date for first bids will be announced by Singapore Airlines soon after that date is known.

Singapore Airlines http://www.a380.singaporeair.com/
AgCert http://www.agcert.com/
NativeEnergy http://www.nativeenergy.com/welcome.html

At the recent ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Tourism Forum held in Davao City in the Philippines, I had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of several of Singapore’s most popular entertainers. One in particular stood out. Wendi Koh has a strong voice and is a fun entertainer to watch. She is enthusiastic, passionate and easy on the eyes. It is not hard to see why she has developed a strong following in her native Singapore and has won the hearts of the execs at Singapore Tourism. She is the voice of “Uniquely You,” the song that drives Singapore Tourism “Uniquely You” campaign. After the event ending fireworks display, I had a chance to grab Wendi Koh for a few words about two of her loves, singing and Singapore.

Are you a native of Singapore?
I’m a native Singaporean, but ethnically I’m Chinese.

Your English is excellence, have you always spoken English?
Many people are in Singapore speak pretty good English. Singapore is our official language. Malay is our national language; we all have a mother tongue, which for me would be Mandarin. So I call myself, perhaps rightly so, trilingual

I know you are a popular in Singapore and the vocalist for “Uniquely You?”
, When did you start singing?
Gosh, a long time ago, I made my initial and first foray in 1983. So that’s 23 years.

And your first album?
My first album was actually in EP, we wanted to test the market because it was in English, a brave step. It was a 4-song EP and that was in 1990. And then mine next album, which was all original music, even more brave, and in English, which was something I released in 2002.

So what’s your latest project?
I’m working on some music with a friend of mine. We had been talking and thinking about and putting together a musical. It’s difficult to say anything because musicals are so…they kind of move and change so much. In a month, one million ideas can happen. And, the whole story line can change. So we are going to take our time with it. I have already recorded one song in New York for this idea that we had and were to move forward on this. I also intend to be on stage more. In more theatrical production so for the moment I will be putting commercial pop aside for a while.

My last commercial album was in 2002, when I released “Gutsy Girl.” Because it was so warmly received, I sort of just promoted that and concentrated on that stuff, and also started producing shows of my own with other artists involved. I also started writing commercially, jingles and theme songs for corporations. I have started doing that more than the commercial way. I needed to think outside the box and try new stuff.

When did you start working with Singapore tourism?
Oh wow, when I was asked by Mr. Ken Low who is the Brand Director for the Singapore Tourism Board. He actually asked me to sing Uniquely You. He was really sweet. He told me that he wrote the song with my voice in mind. I kind of collaborated with him a little bit before that. we were in in Berlin in 2004, I think it was February of 2004, when he used to when he launched uniquely Singapore , and that was the first time that we had done in entire show that included the song, Uniquely You.

Has the song been presented internationally yet?
It already has been in a very subtle way. It wasn’t really going to be the theme song. As I understand it, it was meant to convey a feeling, because Singapore is so many things. The song kind of covered all that emotionally for me.

Where are you from in Singapore?
Singapore as you may have already heard repeatedly throughout the night, our island is very small. When you say are from Singapore, you are just from Singapore. It doesn’t really matter if you’re east or west or from the north or the south, we are all just from this tiny, super dynamic, energetic country. What I like say about it is that it is an incredible. I like the word potpourri. I like the word melting pot. It is really a lovely mix of just so much, and that’s what I love most about Singapore. It is even on the cover of “Uniquely You,” when I said, “it is our diversity that makes us so different.” I grew up knowing so much about other ethnicities, other cultures and traditions. I’m glad to see that we haven’t lost it despite going so fast forward. We are becoming so technologically advanced. We’re really doing it by great leaps, which can kill the culture and the tradition of the good old days of each ethnicity: the Chinese, the Malay, the Indians. It’s our community that has to preserve that. Our Asian values, Asian beliefs and traditions. Plus the trappings of modern life, you know, bio-technology, technology, etc. I could go on.

What should a westerner know about Singapore?
That this tiny island has so much. A lot of my friends from overseas, and people who have just been to Singapore for the first time that I meet didn’t know that Singapore was so interesting. They say, “I didn’t know that was so modern. It is very cosmopolitan. I didn’t know I could go see little India or Chinatown, and they have all these little pockets of culture too. I didn’t know you could have all sorts of fun. At the same time, stay out late and go little crazy. I can do anything and everything in this one little place.” Yeah, you have to be here in order to see all that there is to see and do. Yes, that’s what they’re always amazed by, and they love the food. Some of them will go “ugh, way too spicy.” But most of them say, “Oh my God, the food!”

So your favorite dish would be?
Oh gosh, that’s not fair.

Don’t worry, I have faith that you.
No, it is really not fair. You can have every kind of cuisine in Singapore. Some of the local dishes like… please forgive me, all the other a fine restaurants and talented chefs in Singapore, but I really love pepper crab.

Is that a restaurant?
That’s not a restaurant, that’s a dish. And the next thing would be chicken rice.

I don’t think anyone will be offended, I am not offended.
Yes, but there are so much more. I love it! You can get so much great food from where I come from. We are so lucky that way.

Can you think of a must see when visiting Singapore?
OK, wow! Again, that’s not fair. That’s really hard. If you are the clubbing sort, you might want to check out the legendary Zouk Velvet Underground and there is a Ministry of Sound that’s in Clarke Quay. For a little more adult entertainment, Crazy Horse has just started in Singapore. It’s kind of what you’d see in Moulin Rouge – an artsy cabaret. I haven’t really seen it myself. It is more male entertainment anyway. If you’re a daytime sort and like sporting activities by the beach. I would recommend a day at Sentosa. Definitely go try the luge, that’s just started. Yes, Sentosa Island, it is just at other end of Singapore.

You are my hero.
You are most very welcome. Oh, and please visit Chinatown, and little India. Please go to the Malay village. And if you need a great place to go just get asked any Singaporean. They all have their favorite places to go and are more than happy to tell you. Everyone’s got a different opinion of what’s great to see, but definitely go see.

Written and photographed by Devin Galaudet

For more on Wendi Koh visit www.wendikoh.com

Stay in Singapore

For more on Singapore at ITKT

I wasn’t sure what to expect from my first ASEAN Tourism Forum. For that matter, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Philippines either. As a destination, I have always imagined the Philippines as curious and exotic. At the same time, I know plenty of Filipino people who are just pleasant and friendly. Perhaps, a couple of good reason’s why I jumped at the chance to attend this year’s ATF.

I would soon dream of mysterious islands filled with social and fun people – barely considering the ATF, the reason why I would be going to the Philippines. I would soon discover that the ATF was a big deal. From the moment I landed in Manila, ASEAN logos were everywhere: plastered on banners, billboards, and magazine covers that littered the newsstands heralding the pending event – not to mention the logos affixed to my own luggage. When I landed in Davao, I barely made it out of the gate before I was met by a hero’s welcome. There were enthusiastic guides baring gifts. There were dancers, singers, fantastic drumming by local children dressed in colorful costumes and headdresses, and police escorts. I was not alone, 3000 delegates worldwide were expected to attend this year’s festivities.

I know what you’re asking, “What is the ATF?” Well, the ATF is a yearly gathering of the ten member nations that comprise the ASEAN community (Association of South East Asian Nations). These member nations gather to exchange ideas, set goals, strengthen cooperation between neighboring countries, explore tourism trends and decide on best ways to present Southeast Asia as a worthy tourist destination. These nations include: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Countries take turns hosting the ATF, by alphabetical order.

This year it was Davao City’s turn to host the ATF. While the ATF location was initially scheduled for Myanmar (Burma), Davao City became a last second replacement after Myanmar opted out as this year’s host. Myanmar’s nebulous decision left Davao City with only six months preparation time and journalists looking for answers. The event also marked the ATF’s 25th anniversary, which was themed, “Celebrating the many faces of ASEAN.” It was a good premise considering that Asia may be the most culturally diverse continent in the world and these countries are sometimes lumped together through their geography. I admit there was a lot to learn.

As one of the few American journalists at the event, I had the opportunity to learn about ASEAN’s commitment to protect western visitors from terrorism, the softening of visa restrictions for international travelers, and plans to promote tourism worldwide. Beyond the gathering of dignitaries, the ATF hosted a sea of press conferences with notable representatives from each country, networking events and the Travex convention. Travex presents several hundred ASEAN-based organizations under one roof. National and regional tourist boards, hotels, resorts, airlines and attractions get together and meet with tour operators from all over the world (49 countries to be exact), who put together tour packages that you and I eventually experience. It is the behind the scenes look at the travel industry.

As one of the few American travelers, I also learned some important tips about the region. Davao City is an ethnic melting pot and the capital of the Southern Mindanao Region and one of the world’s largest cities in terms of area. Its confines embrace a sprawling 244,000 hectares of land. It is clean, friendly and feels more like a village than a lively metropolis, at times. I was surprised by the uncluttered skyline and lack of street lights. In fact, there are only 15 street lights to direct the 1.4 million people (and 50 trillion cars) of Davao through the city. While appearing chaotic to the eyes of a westerners, Davao’s cars comfortably move together and intertwine like a nice plate of spaghetti. Davao is relatively smoke-free from heavy regulations and smoking is permissible only in a few designated areas. Visa and Master Card are readily accepted, American Express is less so. Davao also promotes itself as the safest city in the Philippines. This is probably true, but at a cost. Visitors can expect to see plenty of army, police and other security almost everywhere and can plan to have bags perused and their persons patted down when entering hotels and large markets. To Davao’s credit, this process is fast and relatively innocuous unlike my lengthy experiences at U.S. airports.

Here a few random thoughts that may brighten a dim understanding of the ASEAN region.

• Brunei, while frequently mistaken as being part of the Middle East, is surrounded by unspoiled rain forest and Malaysia as a part of Borneo. It is also one of the richest countries in the world with virtually no poverty.

• Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia offer plenty of cultural and historical attractions that are poorly marketed and, sadly, frequently overlooked by travelers.

• Thailand is celebrating their beloved Monarch’s 80th Birthday in 2006 and has scheduled numerous events and openings to mark the occasion.

• Vietnam has seven UNESCO sites worth visiting beyond the historical attractions of their long war.

• The tiny country of Singapore receives nine million visitors a year.

• The Philippines, while having a strict travel advisory from the U.S., may not deserve its present reputation – at least from my experience.

In between the press conferences and interviews, I did take a few moments to enjoy Davao. I recommend getting around by the most available mode of transport in the Philippines, the jeepney. The jeepney is very inexpensive, packed with locals and an opportunity to experience the Philippines’ traffic spaghetti. I also found mysterious islands and friendly people. Our readers can expect to see a lot more in the future from the ASEAN community on In The Know Traveler.

This year’s ATF was open from January 13-21, 2006. Next year’s ATF, Singapore!

Written and photographed by Devin Galaudet

For more on Philippines at ITKT