Pulau Batu Puteh goes to Singapore

Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh: SINGAPORE (12 votes - 4 Votes)
Middle Rocks/Terumbu Tengah: MALAYSIA (15 votes - 1 vote)
South Ledge/Terumbu Selatan: WILL BE DECIDED SOON… (15 votes - 1 vote)

BERNAMA

The International Court of Justice here today ruled Singapore has sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh while Malaysia owns Middle Rocks, and South Ledge belongs to the state in whose territorial waters it is located.

The judgment brought to a close a 28-year-old territorial dispute between Malaysia and Singapore over the island which Singapore called Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.
Pulau Batu Puteh is located 7.7 nautical miles off the coast of Johor’s Tanjung Penyusuh. Both countries have pledged to abide by the decision of the ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, whose decision is final and not subject to appeal.

Malaysia and Singapore have also repeatedly emphasised that whatever decision handed down by the ICJ, would not strain ties between the two neighbours.

The judgment was delivered by ICJ Vice-President Shawkat Al-Khasawneh, who was the Acting President in the case, at 10am Netherlands time and ended reading out the verdict five minutes before noon.

Shawkat and 15 other judges had heard oral submissions by both countries from Nov 6-23 last year.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim regarded the judgment as a “win-win” situation and stated that the status quo remained although Singapore had sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh and Malaysia over Middle Rocks.

The delivery of the judgment was televised live by RTM from The Hague, Netherlands, from 10am (4pm in Malaysia).

Half price, Singapore Surprise for Malaysian tourists

The popular Half price, Singapore surprise (HPSS) promotion is back from May 23 to June 30 to enable Malaysians to enjoy the Lion City at Malaysian prices. If you are looking for a good bargain, now is the best time to visit Singapore. Those married with children can promise their kids a great holiday if your budget permits that is. Otherwise, there's no point going to a place and have to worry about money all the time. That might take away the pleasure of having a holiday. It's either go and don't save, or save but don't go. I think I'd rather don't go and save for my trip to Italy next year.

Back to Singapore, for places charging an entrance fee of S$18, Malaysians only need to pay RM18 or S$9. In other words, you can enjoy 50% off on regular admission tickets. However, you need to show your passport and embarkation card as proof that you are a genuine Malaysian tourist. HPSS also coincides with the great Singapore sale from May 23 to July 20 with outlets offering disounts of up to 70 percent. So people, shop till you drop!

Some of the incredible attractions promoted under HPSS include the Science Centre Singapore, Sentosa, Chinatown Heritage Centre, Singapore River Cruise, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park, the list goes on. Click the link for details.

World's Largest Ferris wheel

Singapore Flyer

London Eye

The world's largest Ferris wheel, the Singapore Flyer, opened its capsules to the public recently, offering a bird's eye view of the city as well as parts of neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia. It's a new icon for the city. You will be able to experience spectacular views of the Singapore skyline: the magnificent Marina Bay, towering skyscrapers, tropical greenery, and the bright lights and non-stop action against the beautiful skies. Having said that, I haven't been to Singapore for ages. There's so much development going on and it's bustling nevertheless.

Standing at 165 metres (541 feet) high, the Singapore Flyer, is 30 metres (98 feet) taller than the iconic London Eye. The capsule in London caters for 25 people, Singapore 28 while Beijing can cater for 40 people.

The Singapore wheel will not be the world's tallest for long, as the same group that will operate the Flyer is building a 208-metre high wheel in Beijing by the summer Olympics in 2008 and plans a 172-metre wheel in Berlin by 2009.

Initially, I intended to bring my family to conquer the Singapore Flyer during the upcoming school holidays but I changed my mind when I found out about the Beijing ferris wheel. I've climbed the Great Wall of China and god willing I 'd love to embrace the Great Wheel of China in the near future.

ferris wheels