Spectacular Scandinavia

The above photographs were taken by my father who travelled to Scandinavia countries recently. I 've no idea how I'd feel about traveling around all those magnificent places by myself. It's rather difficult to find places as pristine as this. I felt so sorry for what we are doing to our Earth.

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.

May Day

Time flies pretty fast. It’s finally the end of April and tomorrow is Labour Day which means public holiday for most countries. The day recognises the contribution of working people towards society but much more than that, it is also an opportunity to take a break in more ways than one. Several countries celebrate Labour Day on May 1. However, a few countries celebrate on a different day. In United States and Canada, it takes place on the first Monday of September.

How I wish that this year's Labour Day falls on Friday instead of Thursday. At least, I can fully enjoy the weekends 3 days stretch in a row if the holiday falls on Friday. Anyway, a break is better than nothing. Some countries hold multi celebrations including parades, concerts and other patriotic and labour-oriented events. Well, nothing unusual is happening in Malaysia. Hopefully, the weather will be pleasant tomorrow so that I'll be able to go shopping. The freaking heat is just unbearable these days.

Here's wishing Happy Labour Day to everyone, although i guess most of you will just laze around and catch up on beauty sleep on the first of May.

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

Sweet moments are made of these

When you are facing crazy deadlines at work, it's good to unwind once in a while to gather yourself and destress. I won't be able to blog for the next couple of weeks as I'll be going on a backpacking holiday in Beijing, Xian, Chongqing & Xiamen with my hubby. Infact, I'll be out of town from 6/3 onwards which means I won't be able to cast my ballot this Saturday (8/3).

What more can I say? An experience of a lifetime awaits me in Great Wall of China. So can anyone blame me? It's going to be a great escapade for me. he he

Rest assured, I'll keep you posted when I come back.

Visit Malaysia Year 2008

The success of the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 campaign has spurred interest among the state governments to embark on a similar campaign in their states for the year 2008. Among the states that will organise a Visit State Year 2008 are Terengganu, Kelantan and Kedah.

While the VMY 2007 campaign has been more event-driven, with over 200 national and international-level events and activities, the One Golden Celebration campaign will focus more on enticing tourists to come and visit our many wonderful destinations.

These promotions are further enhanced by three visit-State-year campaigns by Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu – each with its own theme and campaign.

There are hosts of events to be promoted and included in holiday packages to woo both foreign and local tourists alike.

Don't miss out:

• KL Grand Prix City, March 1-24
• KL GP Sale, March 14-23
• Sunburst KL International Music Festival, March 15
• Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix, March 21-23
• Kedah Hot Air Balloon, March 18-23
• Labuan International Sea Challenge, April 19-27
• 11th International Malay Archipelago Drums Festival, April 10-16
• 15th Regatta Lepa Semporna, April 19-20
• Colours of Malaysia, May 24
• Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival, May 24-Aug 3
• Islanders Music Dance Festival, Langkawi, May 30-June 1
• Gawai Dayak Festival, June 1
• Rainforest World Music Festival,July 11-13
• Malaysia Flora Fest, July 18-Aug 3
• Perak International Skydive, July 19-20
• Merdeka Month Celebration, Aug 31
• Penang Lantern Festival, Nov
• Monsoon Cup Terengganu, Nov 27-Dec 1
• Malaysia Year End Sale, Nov 29-Jan 4

Keep these dates in your diary. If you intend to join in the events, make sure you book your hotel room early as aggressive promotions of the events are expected to bring in the crowd.