Singapore: A Must-See Destination for Filipinos

Here’s a treat to all the Filipinos especially with the upcoming summer season: the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) one of Singapore’s key service sectors and a leading economic development agency in tourism, has launched a marketing campaign solely for the Philippines, dubbed as ” Singapore. See where the world is heading.” The marketing campaign is aimed at encouraging Pinoys to experience the pulse of the world through the various innovative and world-class adventures the country, Singapore has to offer.

With the Filipino visitors’ needs in mind, STB Director for Philippines and Brunei Sherina Chan said that this the first time they customized a tourist package specially and specifically designed for the Filipinos, adding that they really took time to ask the market what they want to find out the perfect package that would entirely fit the Filipinos’ ideal holiday vacation. “Over the past years, we have been actively engaging the Filipino market to better understand their needs and preferences. By incorporating these insights into the “Singapore. See where the world is heading.” marketing campaign, we are confident of being able to better curate and deliver offerings and experiences that are customized to the Filipino traveler in order to engage them at a deeper and more meaningful level,” Chan said.

483 meter-long Amazon River Quest boat ride on an open-topped boat seeing wildlife of the world’s famous Amazon River. (Image credit: events.insing.com)

NEW EXCITING FEATURES

This summer, take time to indulge in an ultimate summer vacation in Singapore with the new offerings of the country. For one, there is thrill-rich water sport JetPack flight at the SeaBreeze Water-Sports in the Wavehouse, Sentosa. Take off 30 feet above water which harness power of controlled water pressure and be one of those who can try it without having to go Hawaii, USA. Rookies need not fear for there are certified instructors who will train and direct your movements in the air.

Experience the newly-launched Amazon River wildlife likewise in the Amazon River Quest Boat Ride at the River Safari, riding in an open-top boat and which allows you to get up close and personal with over 5,000 individual animal and 150 plant species that are found across eight of the world’s great river zones such Egypt’s Nile River, China’s Yangtze and Asia’s Mekong River among others. You can also see Singapore’s very own giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia at the River Safari.

Flooded Amazon Forest Aquarium at River Safari. (Image credit: edunloaded.com)	Haji Lane in Singapore featuring fashion finds. (Image credit: yoursingapore.com)

Go natural with the ‘Gardens by the Bay Around the World Series’ only at the Gardens by the Way. Be in awe by dozens of kinds of flowers from all around the world with a floral depiction of the “War of Roses’ , a feudal war between the Royal House of Lancaster and Royal House of New York in the 15th century.It is a sight to see at the Flower Dome until April 6. Over 5,000 roses of 60 varieties in an array of scents, shapes and shades are featured. Meanwhile, catch a breath-taking scenery of the Dutch springtime with Tulipmania with a marvelous display of 20,000 tulips all bloom in spring colors. The largest tulip-themed floral show in Singapore, Tulipmania will transport visitors to Netherlands as they stroll with Dutch windmills and wooden clogs in the background.

Get exhilarated and experience being a FORMULA 1 driver through the Ultimate Drive. Grab the chance to drive a Ferrari F430 F1 Spider or a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder on Singapore’s FORMULA 1 circuit. Another new feature among Singapore’s attractions is the world’s first and largest vertical indoor skydiving–the iFly. Get on the excitement of flying at 12,000 feet with a generous view of the South Chna Sea and Siloso Beach. Wanted to become an aviator but never had the chance? Be the captain of an Airbus A320 and fly in and out of 20,000 airport scenarios from all around the world in an incredible Flight Simulator experience.

SHOPPING

As what the identity of Singapore is as a shopping haven, with top and first-class international and local brands, that are just less than four hours away from Filipinos’ reach, a bevy of shops are present. For one, there is the new 150,000 square feet flagship store at Orchard Road from Robinsons with Kate Spade Saturday that just opened among other existing brands and personalized concierge services.

There is also the wide array of contemporary garments by up and coming designers at the creative Haji Lane. Allow yourself to be taken back to memorabilia at the picturesque Ann Siang Hill which hosts vintage boutiques and toy stores. Tiong Bahru gives you a dose of fascinating books and handcrafted items, while a must-stop for every shopaholic and fashion forwards–the Louis Vuitton Island Maison at the Marina Bay Sands–is a glass and crystal pavilion with its own nautical-inspired design that is on a spectacular “floating” island, housing collections,specially curated books and artworks.

Enjoy up to 70% in discounts on a fabulous selection of clothes, beauty products and accessories from a mix of international and local brands during the Great Singapore Sale from May 30 to July 27. Tourists will treated to a variety of tourist privileges and perks upon presenting your passports.

ENTERTAINMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Staging of the 70s cult classic Grease from April 25 to May 11, Bruno Mars at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on March 26 and Taylor Swift concert on June 12 are just some of the entertainment highlights that each one can look forward to in Singapore. Be enthralled and get grooving at the music they have to offer.

DELICIOUS CULINARY OFFERINGS

Ongoing now is the Singapore Restaurant Week which takes foodies on a food extravaganza until March 23. Guests can avail of three-course dinners and lunches from a selection of top restaurants in the city starting at B$35++. Check www.restaurantweek.sg for a complete list of participating restaurants. Likewise,take delight also on the sumptuous specialties,whipped up by world-renowned chefs, at the World Gourmet Summit from March 26 to April 5 showcasing the talents of Michelin-starred Master Chefs and internationally acclaimed vinters. The World Gourmet Summit was hailed as “one of the six best gourmet events in the world” by the Sydney Morning Herald.

Prepare for delectable gourmet whipped up by internationally-acclaimed guest chefs in World Gourmet Summit this April–another from Singapore! (Image credits: four-magazine.com, asiadreams.com)

The “Singapore.See where the world is heading.” campaign of STB launched a microsite and consumer interactive digital platform called #TheCuriousTraveller at yoursingapore.com/ph and a downloadable application to encourage Filipinos, not just to look at the aspirational experiences Singapore has to offer, but discover them on their own, provoking and inspiring them to become their own #TheCuriousTraveller. The organization has appointed a key opinion leader to be the face of the campaign through #TheCuriousTraveller, Erwan Heussaff, who himself is a frequent traveler to Singapore and offers to share his experiences. In this platform, the public will have the opportunity to vote for innovative experiences or challenges that they wish for Erwan to undertake during his visits to Singapore.

To provide more leverage for the Filipinos for the campaign, Singapore Airlines sweetens the deal through affordable airfares at $150 and $190 deals during this campaign. Singapore Airlines Country Manager for Philippines and Guam, Ranjan Jha said Singapore is among their customers’ destination of choice, and partnering with STB is a great opportunity for them to continue providing travelers to Singapore with the best service at the lowest fares.

“Whatever the reason for travelling – romantic getaway, barkada trip, or relaxing family vacation, the Singapore Tourism Board is dedicated to making sure Filipinos have the ultimate differentiated bonding experience the whole year round,” We hope Filipinos will take to our campaign positively, be amazed by the bountiful new offerings that Singapore has to offer and see where the world is heading,” concluded Chan.

For more information, visit www.stb.gov.sg or www.yoursingapore.com (With Press Release)

Photo above: The Fall at night at Gardens by the Bay’s Cloud Forest. (Image credit: Singapore Tourism Board)