Category: Life in Singapore

Beerfest Asia 2011

It’s that time of the year to be jolly over beers – Beerfest Asia 2011 from 16th to 19th June 2011!

Same as last year, I purchased the “1-Day OCBC Exclusive Pass” for 19th June 2011, which I paid with OCBC credit card for S$15 each. It seems that the prices went up from S$12 last year. For last year coverage, please go to “Beerfest Asia 2010“. The reason that I chose to come on the last day is because there is less crowd and lots of promotions such as 1-for-1, price slash, bulk pricing, etc. Found out that it’s better from Beerfest Asia 2010 experience.

Performance on stage: All Star Beatles Tribute! This gig got lots of people doing the boogie!

Storm Beer – one of our favorite beer! Brewed in Bali but I didn’t managed to drink it during my trip to Bali in 2010.

Food and snacks are available too! But this time round, we didn’t eat any as we had an early dinner before going to Beerfest Asia 2011.

As each ticket comes with 2 free beers, the first one I went to exchange for Kronenbourg 1664. You can’t exchange any beers you want as there are fixed stations where free beers can be redeem. I rather Beerfest Asia give us the choice to redeem whether we want or just shave off the free beers pricing and introduce entrance tickets only.

We hang out at the open area nearer to Marina Bay most of the time as inside the tent was pretty noisy (loud music) and warm!

You can also admire the scenery while having your beer!

Free beer exchange – Jaz Lychee Beer. It’s a new lychee flavored beer which was recently launched only. Seems to be great for beginners or ladies!

Free beer exchange – Archipelago Summer Ale. Wanted to have Archipelago Belgium Wit but was sold out.

Scouting around to redeem for our next free drink… Magner’s

Harry’s at Beerfest Asia 2011.

Free beer exchange – Magner’s Irish Cider.

Singapore Flyer from Beerfest Asia 2011.

Another area where we hang out most of the time, it’s near to the entrance and also not so crowded. Only standing tables available!

Storm Beer Golden Ale – How can we not have this when we’re here? 😛

Schneider Weisse – I saw that it was a wheat beer and decided to have a try. Verdict – it’s definetly one of better wheat beers!

This year, I didn’t drink as much as I was suffering from serious gastric pain since a week ago from Beerfest Asia 2011. I didn’t want any relapse so took it easy on the beers but my impression is that Beerfest Asia 2011 beer makers are not as much as Beerfest Asia 2010. The selection is much lesser (so are the eye candies :P) – I might be wrong as I wasn’t given a handbook probably due to my late arrival (7pm). Seating area in the tentage was also significantly reduced as a large part was taken up by some Singtel bar or whatever – it was sort of fenced up and seems to be just for their customers (which is not many!). There was also a noticeable stink in the tent area, think many people vomited over the last few days. Haha!

Maybe it’s my form (not good), even photos I took this year is not as good!

Anyway, let’s see forward to how Beerfest Asia 2012 will turn out. My attendance is still confirmed!

Tags archipelago summer ale, asia beer awards, beer, beerfest, beerfest asia 2011, event, harry's, jaz lychee beer, kronenbourg 1664, magner’s irish cider, marina bay, schneider weisse, singapore, singapore flyer, storm beer golden ale

Life in Singapore

Sands SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands

Post author By Ronald Tan
Post date May 17, 2011
6 Comments on Sands SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands

Recently, my friends were staying at Marina Bay Sands and we were invited to visit Sands Skypark (340m-long and a 150m swimming pool, set on top of the world’s largest public cantilevered platform on 57th floor) since it will be free if we tag along with hotel guests. For members of public who wants to feast their eyes on the panorama view of Singapore, you can purchase tickets at Sands SkyPark ticketing counter located at Basement 1. Tickers holder will be only allowed to visit SkyPark Observation Deck as well as a portion swimming pool deck adjacent to the observation deck. The above photo was taken from the SkyPark Observation Deck.

SkyBar by Ku De Ta – Marina Bay Sands Skypark.

Poolside Terrace by Ku De Ta. The use of the swimming pool is only for hotel guests.

Such spectacular views of Singapore from Marina Bay Sands swimming pool.

You can swim and have fun while having a breathtaking experience at such high level. I should have brought along my swimming attire to swim… 🙁

The swimming pool is quite a long stretch – naturally, since it’s one of the largest cantilevers in the worlds. Wondering how’s the view is in the day?

Next, we took the lift down to level 55 to visit Banyan Tree Fitness Club Marina Bay Sands.

An area where you can rest after the workout and it is overlooking Gardens by The Bay, which is estimated to be completed by end of 2011.

Time to hit the gymnasium for some weights exercise.

Or you prefer cardio exercise while having great views of Singapore skyline?

To get back down to 1st level, we have to go back to level 57 first to take the lift down. This time we walk along the opposite stretch from the swimming pool.

Passing by one of the several jacuzzi pools, where you can order some drinks while relaxing in the pool and checking out the view. Although it’s a short time, it was an interesting experience and most importantly, it gives me a feeling wanting to come back again in the future to experience it further. Maybe I can come and stay at Marina Bay Sands during a special occasion? That’s a nice plan! 🙂

Tags banyan tree fitness club marina bay sands, casino, gymnasium, jacuzzi, ku de ta, kudeta, marina bay sands, poolside terrace, sands skypark, singapore, skybar, skyPark observation deck, swimming pool

Life in Singapore Photography

Sentosa Photo Shoot

Sometime in July 2010, I helped out my brother as a photography assistant. This time round the location is Sentosa and the sun is hot!

The team involved in the photo shoot:

Styling: Nur Abdul Samad bin Harun
Hair & Makeup: Sha Shamsi
Photography Assistant: Ronald Tan
Model: Anna Albrekht / Ave

Laying on the sand… Someone I always focus on the bracelet she’s wearing….

Anna was very enthusiast with this shoot and she was the one who wants to spread sand on her face and lips! Thumbs up!

So how was the photos? 🙂

Tags photo shoot, sentosa, singapore

Life in Singapore Photography

Photoshoot for Harper’s BAZAAR and ION Photography Awards 2010

Post author By Ronald Tan
Post date March 10, 2011
No Comments on Photoshoot for Harper’s BAZAAR and ION Photography Awards 2010

During February 2010, my elder brother, requested for my help as photography assistant for one of his photo-shoot and as I was available, I went ahead to join in the fun. This particular photoshoot for taking part in the Harper’s BAZAAR and ION Photography Awards 2010. This competition calls for a fusion of fashion, art and architecture. The criteria for the shoot is that the location will be at ION Orchard (outside or inside).

We reached pretty early around 7.30am to come for preparations as well as to conduct the shoot before any shopping crowd comes along. Well, there was another 2 teams shooting at the same day too!

Following are the team involved in the photo-shoot.

Styling: Winnie Loo
Hair & Makeup: Sha Shamsi
Photography Assistant: Ronald Tan
Model: Nataliya Zapolina / Mannequin

So what do you think of the photos? I thought they look great but unfortunately, we didn’t win anything in the contest. Even though, it still it was good fun and a fruitful experience!

Tags harper's bazaar, ion orchard, photo shoot, singapore

Events Life in Singapore

i Light Marina Bay

Passed by Esplanade and happened to see “i Light Marina Bay” ( 照亮滨海湾), – Asia’s First Sustainable Light Art Festival, which is held from 15th October to 7th November 2010 from 7.30pm onwards to midnight. The entry is free and there are 26 light artworks along 3.5km of Marina Bay. I only checked out a few and the above is exhibit 13 – Jellight by Pascal Petitjean & Aamer Taher (Singapore).

Exhibit 12 – Animal Tree by Pitupong Chaowakul (Thailand). If you look closely, the lamp actually consists of orange teddy bears!

Night scene of Esplanade Bridge with the skyscrapers in the background.

Exhibit 11 – Touch. Do Not Please The Work Of Art by Michael Lee (Singapore) & Cornelia Erdmann (Hong Kong). Strong lights are shone frequently at the glow-in-the-dark text.

This will be what you can see after the lights are off – Touch. Do Not Please The Work Of Art.

From the Esplanade Bridge, scene of Esplanade and surrounding buildings.

Exhibit 9 – Flora Magica by Studio KYbra (Australia & Germany).

Exhibit 7 – The Whirlpool by Martin Klaasen, Shane Richardson and Pascal Petitjean (Singapore & Australia).

Exhibit 8 – The Living! Project by Sun Yu Li, Allan Lim, Kenny Eng (Singapore). One of my personal favorites!

Look closely – it’s made from Starbucks used plastic cups!

And also used mineral water bottles, which is made into fan-like shape and it spins when the wind blows!

Exhibit 6 – C/Ɔ by Angela Chong (Singapore). I love this!

It’s actually a functional seating area made from acrylic!

The seat changes colors too! Nice!

Exhibit 5 – Singapora-Flora by Warren Langley (Australia).

I didn’t finish visiting the whole of the light artworks at Marina Bay, think I only went through a few. For those interested, you may want to visit “i Light Marina Bay” webby to find out the suggested walk routes. If you can take some time to leisurely walk 3.5 km around Marina Bay, you will be able to complete the 26 light artworks. It’s getting late and I going home! 😛

Tags esplanade, esplanade bridge, i light marina bay, light art festival, marina bay sands, maybank tower, singapore

Events Life in Singapore

Singapore Food Festival 2010

Post author By Ronald Tan
Post date July 21, 2010
No Comments on Singapore Food Festival 2010

The yearly Singapore Food Festival (first started in 1994) is back again and this time featuring the culinary cultures behind different Singapore Chinese dialects. From 16th to 24th July 2010 (4pm to 11pm), Clarke Quay Reed Bridge is transformed into Clarke Quay Food Street where you can enjoy and savour many unique flavours! For more information on other programs on Singapore Food Festival 2010, please head off to http://singaporefoodfestival.com.sg/.

There are more than 30 famous restaurants and hawkers available for your selection. Payment of the food is done via Singapore Food Festival Souvenir Card(Kopitiam Card).

Fortune Food Popiah is having a long queue. Uncle is wondering whether he should eat the popiah as there are so many food available! 😛

Another stall selling Pork & Bun. I didn’t get to try any of the food as I already had lunch and it wasn’t time for dinner yet but I am keeping it in mind to come back again before 24th July 2010. If you are interested in the price and food available, please visit “Local delights by famous hawkers and eateries at Food Street (Source: Soshiok)“. Please do visit Singapore Food Festival 2010! For tourists, you may want to check out deals on Singapore Hotels too!

Tags event, food, fortune food popiah, singapore, singapore food festival 2010, westlake pork & bun

Life in Singapore

Merlion Park

Passing by Esplanade area, so decided to head off to Merlion Park to hang out for a while and take some photos. Merlion Park is located near Marina Bay, Singapore and is a popular tourist attraction. Walking along Esplanade Bridge towards Merlion Park.

Mini-Merlion – great for children to take photos with.

Excerpt from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merlion):

The Merlion (Malay: Singa-Laut) is an imaginary creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, used as a mascot of Singapore. Its name combines “mer” meaning the sea and “lion“. The fish body comes from Singapore’s ancient name back when it was a fishing village — Temasek — meaning “sea town” in Javanese. The lion head represents Singapore’s original name — Singapura — meaning “lion city” or “kota singa”.

Marina Bay Sands – there are still some construction on-going but the main block is already open. You can also visit the Sands SkyPark which is 200m into the sky and see the spectacular views of Singapore.

The Merlion was used as the logo of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in use from 26 March 1964 to 1997 and is a well-known icon of Singapore.

From Merlion Park, you can see also see the beautiful views of the Marina Bay.

The tall buildings from the Singapore Central Business District forms the backdrop of Merlion.

One Fullerton – You call find swanky restaurants and bars here, most offering high floor-to-ceiling windows with great views of Marina Bay.

Another angle of the Merlion.

Visitors who wants to take a river cruise can buy tickets at Singapore River Cruise (next to Merlion). For 30 mins ride, the fees per adult is S$15 and children is S$8. There is also the 45 mins option, which is at S$20 for adults and S$10 for children.

I am done with my relaxing and enjoying the breeze so it’s back to the Esplanade. On the far right of the photo, you can catch a glimpse of the Singapore Flyer!

Think I will be back again another time in the evening/night to capture the night view of Marina Bay. Maybe I will hold on for a while until Marina Bay Sands is fully open?

Tags esplanade, esplanade bridge, marina bay, marina bay sands, merlion park, one fullerton, singapore, singapore flyer, singapore river cruise

Events Life in Singapore

Beerfest Asia 2010

20th June 2010 (Sunday) marks the day that I attended Beerfest Asia 2010. I wanted to get tickets for 19th June 2010 (Saturday) so that I can hang around later but it was already sold out. The event was held at Marina Promenade (F1 tracks behind Singapore Flyer).

Beerfest Asia 2010 is starting at 6pm and there was already a queue waiting to go in at around 5.50pm. This is the second year that Beerfest Asia is running and offer the opportunities to sample over 250 kinds of beers!

Collected my “1-Day OCBC Exclusive” tickets which I paid in-advance with OCBC credit card for S$12 each.

The “1-Day OCBC Exclusive” ticket comes with 2 redeemable beer. I had initially thought that we can choose the 2 beers that we wanted but at the entrance, we were given a redeemed beer each and another beer token (black) to redeem the other beer of choice in the event. The redeemed beer didn’t come with any label as it must have peeled off while in the ice bath. I had a peek at other attendees’ bottle and it’s actually “Super Bock“. My partner finds it up to her liking!

Sol beer, imported bottled beer from Mexico.

Jaz Beer and Starker from Malaysia. Starker won the gold at Asia Beer Awards for wheat beer category. Wheat beer is my top favorite and I didn’t managed to try Starker… 🙁

Wheat Beer (Source)
Gold: Starker Aromatic Wheat Beer, Starker Brewery, Napex
Silver: Brewerkz Wheat Beer, Brewerkz, Brewerkz
Bronze: Pump Room Wheat Beer, The Pump Room

Dead Frog Brewery from Cananda and Storm Brewery from Indonesia. Had a chat with the folks at Storm Brewery and he mentioned that the crowd on Saturday night was packed to the brim! Hmmm..I’m glad that I came on a Sunday… self consolation… hahaha

Sabeco from Vietnam which carries Beer 333, Saigon Export and Saigon Special. I had lots of them during my trip to Vietnam!

Brewerkz Restaurant & Microbrewery – winner of “Outstanding South East Asian Microbrewery Award”. (Source)

6 Drunk Men – featuring Fosters, Pure Blonde, Red Rock Lager, Victoria Bitter, Magners Cider, etc.

Singha beer from Thailand.

Since the event was held at the F1 tracks behind Singapore Flyer.. there is a showcase of a few F1 cars as well.

Beerlao from Laos. The banner mentioned “Asia Best Beer” (Voted by Times Magazine). Must find opportunity to try this beer!

B.I.D carries various beers – James Boags (Australia), Konig (Germany), Warsteiner (Germany), Samuel Adams (USA), etc.

Went to change for S$30 worth of Beerfest chips. Paid by OCBC card and got 5% off so I paid only S$28.50.

Food and snacks are available at Beerfest Asia 2010!

Sausage platter at S$14.

Outdoor sitting area for dining while you watch World Cup matches at the screen.

North Taiwan Brewery have some interesting concoction – Honeydew Melon Fruit Beer and Li Chee Fruit Beer.

König Pilsener from Germany.

Storm Beer, brewed in Bali. I would love to try the rest of the range (especially Storm Brewing Iron Stout) when I am in Bali next month. 🙂

Trying our Storm Golden Ale (brewed in Bali). I love it!

Golden Ale (Source)
Gold: Archipelago Summer Ale, Archipelago Brewery, Archipelago Brewery, Singapore
Silver: Storm Golden Ale, Storm Brewing, Storm Brewing
Bronze: Brewerkz Golden Ale, Brewerkz, Brewerkz, Singapore

Sky is getting darker but the crowd is still starting to pour in.

Live entertainment at Beerfest Asia 2010. Enjoy fantastic live music while you drink beers!

Moving out to enjoy the cool breeze…

Redeemed a Brewerk Golden Ale from Singapore.

Carlton Pure Blonde, good for ladies who are more weight conscious as it’s low carbohydrate. The beer ambassador mentioned to me that 6 bottles of Pure Blonde is equivalent to a slice of bread. Wow!

Low Carbohydrate Lager (Source)
Gold: No Winner
Silver: No Winner
Bronze: Carlton Pure Blonde, Carlton & United Breweries Ltd, 6 Drunk Men

I left around 9pm to go for dinner but the event actually goes on till 12 midnight. Look at the amount of people still enjoying themselves!

Anyway, Beerfest Asia 2010 is a really great event for beer lovers to have the opportunity to sample different brew and concoction of beer under one roof. It’s also a good event to arrange for a get-together session with friends and enjoy beer! I will be sure to attend the next year’s Beerfest Asia 2010!

Life in Singapore

Kusu Island

Here I am at Marina South Pier (滨海南码头) to take a ferry to Kusu Island (Singapore). There are also other regular ferries service heading for Saint John’s Island as well. It’s my first time going to Kusu Island!

Also I am not going to elaborate more about Kusu Island, as Wikipedia already contains huge information on it. In brief, Kusu Island is also known as “Turtle Island” and located on the island is a popular Chinese temple – Da Bo Gong or Tua Pek Kong (The Merchant God or God of Prosperity).

You won’t see any big resort hotels like Barcelo in Tunis or Britannia Grand Hotel, Scarborough— overnight stay is not permitted here. It is probably to preserve the pristine beaches, lagoons and peaceful shrines. It is easy to visit for the day though, and very popular with people coming for a nice afternoon picnic!

Bought the return ferry tickets to Kusu Island at S$14 and was quickly hurried to board the ferry as it was about to depart. Took this when I was already comfortably seated in the ferry.

The interior of the ferry. During Kusu Pilgrimage Season (18 October 2009 to 16 November 2009), ferry services to St john’s island are suspended. The annual Kusu Pilgrimage Season traditionally falls on the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and more than 100,000 devotees and visitors visited the tiny Kusu Island. Yup, I visited on the last day of the pilgrimage season so as to avoid the crowds.

After a 15mins ferry ride, I reached Kusu Island. Signboard above detailing about the history of Kusu Island.

Walking along the walkway and towards the popular Da Bo Gong temple (on the right).

Before you reach the Chinese temple, there is a wishing well where you can try to throw coins and hit any of the 3 bells in the lotus. If you manage to hit any of the bells, I believe it means that your wishes are heard and will come true! 🙂

The pavilion where the wishing well is located. Looks like most visitors try their hands at the wishing well!

Heading towards the Da Bo Gong or Tua Pek Kong (The Merchant God or God of Prosperity) temple.

In the Tua Pek Kong (The Merchant God or God of Prosperity) temple, you can find many tortoises that are reared by the attendants. Some visitors use coins to strike the back of the tortoise, I suppose it’s for luck, wealth or prosperity, which I promptly followed as well. 🙂

The main building which houses several deities, of which, the two main deities are the Da Bo Gong (Tua Pek Kong) and Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy). Offerings are sold at S$2 each.

After my prayers and offerings, I went to the food centre to grab some drink to quench my thrist. Although it wasn’t sunny but the weather was still pretty humid. Washrooms are nearby here too!

The food stalls at the food centre seems to be like a temporary setup, which occurs only during the Kusu Pilgrimage Season. There was only 3 stalls available during this time, maybe because it’s already the last day of the pilgrimage. Anyway, the nostalgic setup prompted me to try the food.

This was what I had – Pokka Green Tea S$1.50 and Oyster Omelet S$4.

Walking around the coastal line of Kusu Island, it seems to be a nice place to have a picnic. I also noticed that there were a few barbecue pits around but your barbecue will have to take place way before 1700hours as that’s the last ferry back. Overnight stay is not permitted on the island.

Pristine beaches and tranquil settings, away from the bustling city life. The swimming lagoon seems to be a nice place to enjoy the sun and sand.

Tortoise Sanctuary, where there are enormous amount of tortoises. 🙂

City skyline from Kusu Island. I can see the Singapore Flyer as well the upcoming Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort. The skies is turning black and seems like it’s going to rain pretty soon.

Didn’t want to get stuck on Kusu Island because of the upcoming rain, so quickly hurried back to the ferry terminal to catch my ride back to Marina South Pier. Last ferry is 1700 hours and 0vernight stay is strictly not permitted on the island.

Showing the interior of the ferry as this is a different model from the one I took when I came. You can go and enjoy the cooling sea breeze on the open upper deck. But it’s not a good choice for me as it’s going to rain soon!

After alighting the ferry, at another berth, I noticed this Chinese style cruise boat and believe that you can also take this and cruise around the Singapore waters. For more information, you might have to check out Singapore Island Cruise. Anyway, leaving you with the directions to Marina South Pier. Those who are driving, there are parking facilities nearby too!

Directions to Marina South Pier

Photos on this blog post are taken on Panasonic DMC-LX3K 10.1MP Digital Camera.

Tags beach, da bo gong, ferry, kusu island, kusu pilgrimage, marina south pier, oyster omelet, pokka green tea, singapore, tortoise, tortoise sanctuary, tortoise island, tua pek kong, turtle island, wishing well

Life in Singapore

Singapore Zoo

Just visited the Singapore Zoo (opened on 27 June 1973 with total land area of 28 hectares) on a Sunday noon. Yes, I got free tickets as well so did not visit the tickets counter. 😛

For more information on tickets, please visit Singapore Zoo official website. The day’s weather was pretty bad – it was raining and sunny at one point or another. Made it really difficult to roam around as well as taking photos.

Ah Meng Kopi at the entrance where you can grab some snacks – coffee, tea, toast, eggs, etc. Ben & Jerry’s, KFC, Pizzafari can also be found at the entrance area too!

Went in through the entrance and went straight to check out the map of Singapore Zoo as well as the animal shows timing. By the way, you will be also given a hand-held map when you go through the entrance.

Despite the weather conditions, there was still quite a crowd visiting the Singapore Zoo. 🙂

First up – Otters.

Babirusa.

Typical open-concept landscape that you will see in Singapore Zoo. Either you can walk around or go on Wild Discovery Tour, Tram Ride or Boat Ride where various tickets prices applies.

Beautiful landscape at Singapore Zoo. Made me feel that I am not in Singapore. 🙂

Hamadryas Baboons at “The Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia”.

An exhibit of a typical landscape that you will see in Ethiopia. If I remembered correctly, the above huts are used for grain storage.

African Spurred Tortoise having a humping good time!

Elephants of Asia – Seats are available for you to view the “Elephants at Work and Play” show.

Two playful elephants having a splash at the water and also to cool down from the hot weather.

“Rainforest Fights Back” show at the Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre.

Elephant rides at S$8 for each adult/children. Other rides such as wild animal carousel, horse carriage, pony are available as well.

Some ice for you at Ben & Jerry’s. Food also available at this area too!

An Meng Restaurant – which was themed after the beloved celebrity orang utan, Ah Meng. You can also attend the award winning programme “Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife”, where you can have breakfast with orang utans, elephants and snake. The programme runs daily from 9.00am to 10.30am.

One of the 3 white tigers we have in Singapore Zoo. The 3 white tigers are named – Omar, Winnie and Jippie.

Giant Tortoise are known for their long life, with average lifespan of 100 years or more.

Female Nyala.

Thanks for looking although I didn’t take much photos due to the rain. Anyway, Singapore Zoo offers more that what I have posted as it contain 315 species (16% of which are threatened species) and the total number of specimens is 2530. Also, Singapore Zoo also gets around 1.5 million visitors per year! So do consider to visit if you are in Singapore!

Photos on this blog post are taken on Panasonic DMC-LX3K 10.1MP Digital Camera and Canon EOS 400D Camera (aka Digital Rebel XTi).