Coming off a year that saw the opening of a new cruise terminal, the world’s largest aquarium and Gardens by the Bay, which it likes to call the “Central Park of Asia,” Singapore now looks forward to the launch of several new attractions, hotels and events through 2015.
This year, those attractions include several more international hotels, a new food festival and Asia’s first river-themed animal park.
River Safari: Asia’s first river-themed animal park had its soft opening last week. With displays of freshwater habitats inspired by rivers including the Mississippi, Nile, Mekong, Yangtze and Amazon, the River Safari will begin offering boat rides by the end of the year. Aiming to create greater awareness of freshwater habitat conservation, River Safari is located along Mandai Lake Road, adjacent to the Night Safari and Singapore Zoo. For more information, go to www.riversafari.com.sg.
The River Safari is the latest major animal and nature exhibit to open in Singapore, joining Marine Life Park: Resort World, home to more than 100,000 marine animals in more than 16 million gallons of water in two venues.
The park comprises Adventure Cove Waterpark, a water park with marine life elements, including Southeast Asia’s first hydromagnetic coaster, and S.E.A. Aquarium, which claims to be the world’s biggest, hosting animals such as manta rays and hammerhead sharks. The park opened on Dec. 7. See www.rwsentosa.com.
Street food: On May 31, Singapore will play host to the inaugural World Street Food Congress. The 10-day event aims to celebrate the richness and vibrancy of street food cultures from around the world. The festival kicks off with the World Street Food Jamboree, where up to 40 of the world’s best street food vendors will offer their fare, and includes the World Street Food Dialogue, a two-day thought leadership, networking and ideas conference on June 3 and 4. An awards event recognizes up to 16 top street food industry players. Visit www.makansutra.com/wsfcongress.
Hotels: Several hotels are opening in Singapore this year, including the Sofitel So Singapore, scheduled to debut July 1 in a building with a neoclassical facade. The 134 rooms and 23 suites offering what Sofitel describes as “a funky interior design theme that represents modern Singapore while preserving the building’s heritage.” Located in Singapore’s Central Business District, the hotel is walking distance to the Marina Bay area and minutes away from the Orchard shopping belt. Go to www.sofitel.com.
The Westin Singapore, slated for a November opening, will be located in Singapore’s financial district, on Marina Bay. Boasting city and bay views, the hotel will have 301 rooms and suites. The property will offer three on-site restaurants, an outdoor pool, gym and Heavenly Spa by Westin. See www.starwoodhotels.com.
Culture: Singapore’s City Hall and former Supreme Court building are being renovated to become the National Art Gallery, Singapore, a visual arts institution that will focus on the display, appreciation, promotion, research and study of Southeast Asian and Singaporean art. The gallery will also host international art exhibitions when it opens in 2015. Visit nationalartgallery.sg.
Follow Johanna Jainchill on Twitter @jjainchilltw.
Singapore openings build on momentum
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