Grand Hyatt Singapore

Singapore Events & Entertainment

January

Mid-Late January: Huayi: Chinese Festival of Arts. This 12-day festival welcomes the Chinese New Year with outdoor cultural events and carnivals, including an 88-member lion dance and electronic, rock, punk and pop concerts by Chinese bands. Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive. For information and tickets, call 6348-5555. Continues through early February

Mid-Late January: Thaipusam. In this dramatic Hindu festival, penitents with kavadis (semicircular steel frames) pierced to their bodies with spikes, hooks and skewers lead a procession from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to Sri Thandayuthapani Temple.

Late January: Chingay Parade of Dreams. Floats, marching bands, more than 4,000 performers, and lion and dragon dances in one of the grandest, multicultural street parades to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The route follows Orchard Road. For information, call 6736-6622. Continues through mid February

Late January: Singapore River Hong Bao. The Marina Promenade is home to this carnival by the river. Festivities include an elaborate fireworks show, Chinese arts and crafts, food, carnival rides and live entertainment. For information, call 6736-6622. Continues through early February

February

Early-Mid February: Chingay Parade of Dreams. Floats, marching bands, more than 4,000 performers, and lion and dragon dances in one of the grandest, multicultural street parades to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The route follows Orchard Road. For information, call 6736-6622. Concludes mid February

Early February: Huayi: Chinese Festival of Arts. This 12-day festival welcomes the Chinese New Year with outdoor cultural events and carnivals, including an 88-member lion dance and electronic, rock, punk and pop concerts by Chinese bands. Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive. For information and tickets, call 6348-5555.

Early February: Singapore River Hong Bao. The Marina Promenade is home to this carnival by the river. Festivities include an elaborate fireworks show, Chinese arts and crafts, food, carnival rides and live entertainment. For information, call 6736-6622. Concludes early February

March

Early-Late March: Birthday of Lao Zi Celebrations. Taoists celebrate the birthday of the philosopher and author of the Tao Te Ching with prayers, rituals and musical performances. Sago Lane and Chinatown Complex. For information, call 841-3691.

Early-Late March: Singapore International Festival For Children. Internationally acclaimed companies from around the world perform a repertoire of music, puppetry, drama, storytelling and plays for young audiences. Various venues. For information, call 6735-9986. For tickets, call 6348-5555.

Mid-Late March: Singapore International Comedy Festival. Top comedians, troupes and cabaret acts from around the world perform at venues including Jubilee Hall and Raffles Hotel. For information, call 6250-3347. For tickets, call 348-5555. Continues through early April

Mid-Late March: Golf. One of the richest golf tournaments in Asia brings world-class golfers to compete for US$900,000. Laguna National Golf and Country Club. For information, call 6720-1540. For tickets, call 6348-5555.

April, 2005

Early-Mid April: ARTSingapore, The Contemporary Asian Art Fair. More than 40 art galleries from Asia and throughout the Pacific exhibit contemporary paintings, sculptures, ceramics and other works by established artists and new talent. Suntec Singapore. For information, call 6235-4113.

Early-Mid April: Qing Ming Festival. Chinese equivalent of All Souls Day celebrations. Food and incense are offered to ancestors at cemeteries and temples, and families go to grave sites to clean them and pray. A good place to observe these ceremonies is Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple on Sin Ming Road.

Mid-Late April: World Gourmet Summit. Asia's leading gastronomical event features two weeks of dinners, master classes, shows and other events served up by master chefs, winemakers and international guest cooks. Various venues. For information and booking, call 6270-1254.

Mid-Late April: Singapore International Film Festival. Screenings of approximately 330 feature-length films, documentaries and shorts from more than 45 countries. Venues include Golden Village Grand Cinemas and the Alliance Francaise Auditorium. For information, call 6738-7578. For tickets, call 6296-2929.

May

Mid May: Horse Races. One of the world's richest horse races, the Singapore International Airelines Cup takes place at the Turf Club, Kranji Course. For information, call 6879-1350.

Mid-Late May: Vesak Day. Public holiday. Lord Buddha's entry into Nirvana is commemorated with chants by monks and the release of captive birds at temples. Good places to watch the ceremonies include Buddhist Lodge on River Valley Road; Thai Buddhist Temple, Jalan Buakit Merah; and Lian Shan Shuang Lin Temple, Jalan Toa Payoh. Continues through early June

Throughout May: Concert. The Singapore Chinese Orchestra performs frequent concerts of traditional Chinese music. Singapore Conference Hall, 7 Shenton Way. For information, call 6440-3839. For tickets, call 6348-5555.Concludes late May

Late May: Great Singapore Sale. An annual six-week shopping frenzy during which major stores and some designer boutiques cut prices by as much as 70% on clothing, electronics, jewelry and other items. For information, call 6223-6221 or 1900-777-7777.

June

Early June: Vesak Day. Public holiday. Lord Buddha's entry into Nirvana is commemorated with chants by monks and the release of captive birds at temples. Good places to watch the ceremonies include Buddhist Lodge on River Valley Road; Thai Buddhist Temple, Jalan Buakit Merah; and Lian Shan Shuang Lin Temple, Jalan Toa Payoh.

Mid June: Dragon Boat Festival. In Marina Bay, boldly decorated dragon boats race to the sound of gongs and drums in this ancient Chinese watersport. The races and other festivities attract thousands. For information, call the Singapore Dragon Boat Association at 440-9763.

July

Late July: Concert. The Singapore Chinese Orchestra performs frequent concerts of traditional Chinese music. Singapore Conference Hall, 7 Shenton Way. For information, call 6440-3839. For tickets, call 6348-5555. Continues through late May 2006

Throughout July: Concert. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra performs frequently at the Esplanade Concert Hall, 01 Esplanade Drive. For information, call 6338-1230. For tickets, call 6348-5555. Continues through late December

Throughout July: Great Singapore Sale. An annual six-week shopping frenzy during which major stores and some designer boutiques cut prices by as much as 70% on clothing, electronics, jewelry and other items. For information, call 6223-6221 or 1900-777-7777. Concludes late July

August

Early August: Billed as the largest gay and lesbian pride celebration in Asia, this annual event features three nights of parties, theatrical performances and art exhibits. Musical Fountain Garden, Sentosa, and other venues.

9 August: National Day. Public holiday. Military demonstrations, a parachute freefall, a parade and a fireworks display take place at National Stadium, 15 Stadium Road.

Mid-August: Hungry Ghost Festival. Spirits, some of them testy and vengeful, wander the earth and require appeasement by sumptuous banquets, street operas, candles and the burning of currency. Continues through 13 Sep

Late August: WOMAD. This annual international festival showcases world music, arts and dance groups performing throughout downtown Fort Canning Park. For information, call 734-5910.

Throughout August: Concert. The Singapore Chinese Orchestra performs frequent concerts of traditional Chinese music. Singapore Conference Hall, 7 Shenton Way. For information, call 6440-3839. For tickets, call 6348-5555. Continues through late May.

Throughout August: Concert. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra performs frequently at the Esplanade Concert Hall, 01 Esplanade Drive. For information, call 6338-1230. For tickets, call 6348-5555. Continues through late December

Throughout August: Art Exhibit. Ju Ming Exhibition. The internationally acclaimed Taiwanese sculptor presents a collection of 70 new, never-before-seen sculptures. Fullerton Singapore Hotel, 1 Fullerton. Phone 6339-0678.

September

Early-Late September: SeptFest. Singapore's first contemporary arts center hosts cutting-edge theater and dance performances by international companies, art exhibits, concerts and other activities. The Substation, 45 Armenian St. For information, call 337-7535. Continues through early October

Early September: Hungry Ghost Festival. Spirits, some of them testy and vengeful, wander the earth and require appeasement by sumptuous banquets, street operas, candles and the burning of currency. ]

Late September: Mid-Autumn Festival. Chinese celebration of the mid-autumn harvest. Revelers feast on mooncakes, tropical fruits and other sweets sold at food stalls throughout Chinatown, which is decorated with numerous lanterns.

Throughout September: Concert. The Singapore Chinese Orchestra performs frequent concerts of traditional Chinese music. Singapore Conference Hall, 7 Shenton Way. For information, call 6440-3839. For tickets, call 6348-5555 Continues through late May 2005

Throughout September: Concert. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra performs frequently at the Esplanade Concert Hall, 01 Esplanade Drive. For information, call 6338-1230. For tickets, call 6348-5555. Continues through late December

October, 2004
Early October: SeptFest. Singapore's first contemporary arts center hosts cutting-edge theater and dance performances by international companies, art exhibits, concerts and other activities. The Substation, 45 Armenian St. For information, call 337-7535.

Mid-Late October: Theemidhi Festival. The highlight of this Hindu festival is watching devotees walk barefoot across a pit of hot embers. Daylong festivities. Sri Mariamman Temple, 244 S. Bridge Road.

8-31 October: Hari Raya Puasa Light-up. Muslim festival of lights held in the streets of the Geylang Serai district, known for its large and culturally active Malay community.

Mid-late Oct: Ramadan. Muslims observe a month of daylight fasting, and prayers are offered at mosques each evening.

Late October: Deepavali Light-Up. Celebrations of the Hindu Festival of Light, with fairy lights, garlands and illuminated arches, take place along Serangoon Road and at temples (including Sri Veerama Kaliamman, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman and Sri Srinivasa Perumal). Special foods and delicacies are for sale at the Deepavali Festival Village on Campbell Lane in Little India. Continues through late November

Throughout October: Concert. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra performs frequently at the Esplanade Concert Hall, 01 Esplanade Drive. For information, call 6338-1230. For tickets, call 6348-5555.

Throughout October: Concert. The Singapore Chinese Orchestra performs frequent concerts of traditional Chinese music. Singapore Conference Hall, 7 Shenton Way. For information, call 6440-3839. For tickets, call 6348-5555.

November

Early-Mid November: Singapore Triatholon. Part of the Asia Cup series, this world-class, grueling athletic event requires competitors to swim 1 mi/1.5 km in the open sea, bike 25 mi/40 km and run 6.5 mi/10 km. Also other events geared toward different levels of ability. For information, call 6340-9631.

Mid November: Ramadan. Muslims observe a month of daylight fasting, and prayers are offered at mosques each evening.

1-21 November: Hari Raya Puasa Light-up. Muslim festival of lights held in the streets of the Geylang Serai district.

11 November : Deepavali. Public holiday. Little India celebrates with lights, decorations and cultural performances along Serangoon Road and Campbell Lane.

14 November : Hari Raya Puasa. Public holiday. This major Muslim holiday marks the end of Ramadan.

Mid November : Cheers Badminton Open. This World Grand Prix tournament circuit event draws top badminton players from more than 20 countries to compete for US$170,000. Singapore Indoor Stadium. For information, call 6344-1773.

Late November : Singapore River Regatta. More than 100 local dragon-boat teams compete in this race on the Singapore River. For information, call the Singapore Dragon Boat Association at 6440-9763.

Mid-Late November: Singapore River Buskers' Festival. More than 800 shows by local and international street performers, as well as a buskers' parade on the opening night of the festival. See actors, comedians, contortionists, magicians, mimes, sword swallowers, jugglers, escape artists and acrobats along the Singapore River Promenade, Orchard Road and Marina Bay. For information, call 6250-7977.

Mid-Late November: Christmas Light-Up. The Orchard Road shopping district is transformed into a fairyland of lights. Hotels and shops vie for Best Decorated Building honors. For information, call 6736-6622. Continues through early January

Throughout November: Deepavali Light-Up. Celebrations of the Hindu Festival of Light, with fairy lights, garlands and illuminated arches, take place along Serangoon Road and at temples (including Sri Veerama Kaliamman, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman and Sri Srinivasa Perumal). Special foods and delicacies are for sale at the Deepavali Festival Village on Campbell Lane in Little India. Concludes late November.

Throughout November: Concert. The Singapore Chinese Orchestra performs frequent concerts of traditional Chinese music. Singapore Conference Hall, 7 Shenton Way. For information, call 6440-3839. For tickets, call 6348-5555

Throughout November: Concert. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra performs frequently at the Esplanade Concert Hall, 01 Esplanade Drive. For information, call 6338-1230. For tickets, call 6348-5555. Continues through late December

December

Early December : Singapore International Marathon. This annual event features a full marathon, half-marathon, 10K run and minimarathon. The full marathon route begins at the National Stadium, 15 Stadium Road, and ends at the Padang. For information, call 6340 9609.

Throughout December: Christmas Light-Up. The Orchard Road shopping district is transformed with lights. Hotels and shops vie for Best Decorated Building honors. For information, call 6736-6622. Continues through early January

Singapore Destination Overview

Though physically small, Singapore is an economic giant. It has been Southeast Asia's most modern city for over a century. The city blends Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and English cultures and religions. Its unique ethnic tapestry affords visitors a wide array of sightseeing and culinary opportunities from which to choose. A full calendar of traditional festivals and holidays celebrated throughout the year adds to its cultural appeal.

In addition, Singapore offers luxury hotels, delectable cuisine and great shopping! The island nation of the Republic of Singapore lies one degree north of the Equator in Southern Asia. The country includes the island of Singapore and 58 or so smaller islands. Because of its efficient and determined government, Singapore has become a flourishing country that excels in trade and tourism and is a model to developing nations. The capital city, also called Singapore, covers about a third of the area of the main island.

Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore's tropical climate welcomes both leisure and business travelers year round. The island republic's excellent infrastructure enables visitors to enjoy its many sites and attractions in a safe, clean and green environment. Award winning Changi Airport provides airlinks to major cities around the world. The train and subway systems are clean, fast and efficient. In addition, its state-of-the-art cruise terminal has established Singapore as one of the premier cruising centers of South East Asia and an exciting port of call on any Asian cruise itinerary.

In the city, there is no need for a car. Public transportation is excellent and walking is a good way to explore the city . All major attractions are also accessible by tour bus. Since the city is only 60 miles (100k) from the equator, the tropical temperatures do not vary much. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed through the year.

No matter when you choose to visit, warm weather will be abundantly available. The visitor is struck immediately by Singapore's abundance of parks, nature reserves, and lush, tropical greenery. Singapore's progress over the past three decades has been remarkable, yet the island has not been overwhelmed by development. Visitors will discover a wealth of historical treasures from the past, in the beauty of older buildings, values and traditions that have survived in the face of profound social and geographical change. Lacking any noteworthy natural resources, Singapore's early prosperity was based on a vigorous free trade policy, put in place in 1819 when Sir Stamford Raffles first established it as a British trading post.

Later, mass industrialization bolstered the economy, and today the state boasts the world's second busiest port after Rotterdam, minimal unemployment, and a super efficient infrastructure. Almost the entire population lives in upscale new apartments, and the average per capita income is over US$12,000. Singapore is a clean, safe place to visit, its amenities are second to none and its public places are smoke-free and hygienic. Forming the core of downtown Singapore is the Colonial District. Each surrounding enclave has its own distinct flavor, from the aromatic spice stores of Little India, to the tumbledown backstreets of Chinatown, where it is still possible to find calligraphers and fortune tellers, or the Arab Quarter, whose cluttered stores sell fine cloths and silks.

North of the city, are two nature preserves, Bukit Timah and the Central Catchment Area, along with the splendid Singapore Zoological Gardens. The east coast features good seafood restaurants set on long stretches of sandy beach. In addition there are over fifty islands and islets within Singaporean waters, all of which can be reached with varying degrees of ease. Day trips are popular to Sentosa, the island amusement arcade which is linked to the south coast by a short causeway and cable car. Music, theater, nightlife: all are abundant in this remarkable city.

Singapore used to be considered a "stop over" on the way to larger Asian cities. This is no longer true!

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