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20th World Orchid Conference (WOC) at Marina Bay Sands with Preview of Gardens by the Bay

Seriously, we did not know that the World Orchid Conference (WOC) was already into its 20th year but we were pleasantly surprised by the splendid showcase of orchids by various groups from all over the world…

20th World Orchid Conference (WOC)

Logo of the 20th World Orchid Conference WOC

At the entrance…

Wall to the entrance of 20th World Orchid Conference WOC

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $9 for senior citizens or students. There are also 10% discounts for ntuc, passion, safra (among the cards we can remember). The cost of this price also includes a preview of Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome (an air conditioned indoor display of plants and vegetation) scheduled to open in 6 months time in 2012.

Ticket to 20th World Orchid Conference WOC (includes preview of Gardens by the Bay)

There is also complimentary shuttle bus service from Marina Bay MRT to Gardens by the Bay to the Marina Bay Sands, Sands Expo and Convention Centre (looping in that order)

Complimentary shuttle service from Marina Bay MRT to Gardens by the Bay to Marina Bay Sands , Sands Expo and Convention Centre

Entrance to the 20th WOC World Orchid Conference at Marina Bay Sands

Map of the 20th WOC (World Orchid Conference) at Marina Bay Sands

Before we start, perhaps we should learn more about orchids and its origin…

Words in the gents...bet you didnt know about this! — Words in the gents…bet you didnt know about this!

Close to the entrance are the VIP orchids such as this named after Nelson Mandela

and of course our national flower – The Vanda Miss Joaquim

Vanda Miss Joaquim at 20th WOC (World Orchid Conference)

The organisers have put in much effort to bring in different orchids and their hybrids from all over the world…

Orchids from all over the world at the 20th WOC (World Orchid Conference)

Unique orchids include…

Orchid that looks like a crib with a baby inside

Arty Farty Close Up Shot of really small Orchids

There are also displays from different societies and countries from all over the world such as

There were also real pitcher plants…

a huge one at that…

as well as flower arrangements…

the winner…

There are also displays for competition at the schools and junior levels…

The standing categories…

Some walkabout videos at the 20th WOC (World Orchid Conference) at the Marina Bay Sands, Sands Expo and Convention Centre…

Walk about Part 1

Walk about Part 2

Walk about Part 3

Revolving Petronas Tower

Gardens by the Bay

Next we headed to the Gardens by the Bay via the free shuttle service. The tickets to the WOC included a complimentary preview to the Gardens by the Bay! The shuttle bus came at a high frequency (i.e. short waiting time) at least during our wait. We waited for only about 5 minutes eventhough the expected waiting time was about 10-15 mins.

Iconic Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay with Marina Bay Sands as the backdrop

As we entered, we were awed by the huge strange looking trees and cactus. The temperature was quite cold (around 23 degrees). The temperature and humidity is strictly controlled in here for these vegetation and plants to flourish…

The Flower Dome is about 45 metres high and spans 1.2 hectares. The most eye catching plant in the Flower Dome has got to be the Baobabs. The bulbous trunks (looking like a prenant tree) helps the tree to store water during dry seasons. They are also known as bottle trees.

Throughout the Flower Dome, there are other gardens such as the Succulent Garden (mostly cacti), the Australian Garden, the South American Garden, Mediterranean Garden as well as the Olive Grove so do take time to check them out as well!

View of the trees with bulbous trunks that store water

View from the highest point in the flower dome

We were directed by the staff to make a loop to the highest point in the Flower Dome, before heading downstairs where the exit was. The overall feel was as if you had entered an enchanted garden. It was amazing to see Singapore having such an attraction!

Here are some videos from within for our readers…

Preview of Gardens by the Bay Part 1

Preview of Gardens by the Bay Part 2

Preview of Gardens by the Bay Part 3

Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and Helix Bridge

Before we left the Marina Bay area altogether, we took some shots at the Shoppes as well as the Helix Bridge overlooking the Marina Bay…Enjoy!

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

View of the Marina Bay from Helix Bridge Part 1

View of the Marina Bay from Helix Bridge Part 2 (The other end of the bridge)

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the 20th WOC as well as the Gardens by the Bay. The organisers have indeed put in alot of effort to make it all happen and here at 2bearbear.com we would like to congratulate them for a job well done!

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We hope you have enjoyed our coverage of the 20th WOC World Orchid Conference!

Updated on June 6, 2021October 3, 2011Asia attractions Formula One F1 Grand Prix Night Race Singapore holiday Places of Interest Singapore Attractions top 10 must do things in Singapore Travel Travel Blog Travel Tips vacation Visit Singapore Attractions

Singtel Formula One F1 Grand Prix Singapore Night Race Street Circuit with Performances by Rick Astley and Shakira

This weekend, Kate and I decided to attend the Singtel Formula One F1 Grand Prix Night Race Street Circuit Singapore (what a mouthful!). As mentioned during a previous post, we are not really fans of F1. However, the main attraction for us this time round was Rick Astley and Shakira! (With hits such as Together Forever, Never gonna give you up, Hips dont lie, Waka Waka)

However, in order to catch them in the Fan Zone (dedicated area in front of the stage at Padang), we had to arrive at 3pm (gates open at 3pm) to get the Fan tickets that allowed us to enter the Fan Zone. It was quite fun to see that as soon as the gate opened, there were many people running towards the Padang Stage to get the fan tickets. We estimated that it was about a 200 metres sprint. Many faltered along the way, at the escalators and at the stairs.

For future fan zone tickets, it is worthy to note that even after most have gotten their fan zone tickets, there were still extra. So it really was unnecessary to run….

The first place we headed to was the Esplanade to catch the Rick Astley concert! There was already a long queue when we re-entered at 5pm! We entered from gate 3 because it was easily accessible via the City Hall MRT station/interchange.

Along the way, we got to catch the Porsche race as well…

However, we were slightly late for the Rick Astley concert

See how crowded it was!

Hence we had to settle for a bird’s eye view and enjoy an unobstructed view of the city…

Are you able to spot the energetic dancer in this clip? Clue: He is in white…

Next we headed to glutton’s bay to quelch our hunger. The prices were actually jerked up for the F1, fried oyster can cost up to $12 and people actually ordered it!

Of course we had to rush our dinner to ensure that we had a good view at Shakira’s concert…thankfully, there was a extension right in the middle of the stage that allowed Shakira to get closer to the fans in the middle. This was where we caught an excellent view of her.

Halfway through the concert, an enthusiastic fan just mounted upon his friend and bashed their way closer to the stage! But we could see he was a fan, being able to sing all the songs in Spanish as well…

After the performance, we are convinced that she is actually a very good performer live…take a look at these clips…

Shakira Dancing to the beat of the drums

Shakira on the harmonica and performing “Gypsy”

Shakira also did perform Hips Dont Lie and Waka Waka after the encore chants from the fans. This was how the concert ended, with mini fire works and confetti…

After the concert, we hurried back to catch the qualifying…however we were only able to catch the Q3 and final lap by the time we were seated (it took quite a while before we could leave the concert area at Padang)…

It was another long wait to leave the Bay Grandstand. However, we did enjoy this year’s F1 Race. We think that with all the festivities (sourvenirs, tents for food and drinks as well as concerts), it makes Singtel Formula One Singapore an unique event and one that is really prominent on the F1 calendar.

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Updated on June 6, 2021August 22, 2011Asia attractions Festival and Events Formula One F1 Grand Prix Night Race Singapore holiday Places of Interest Singapore Attractions Singapore Travel Blog Travel Travel Blog Travel Tips vacation Visit Singapore Attractions

Formula One (F1) Grand Prix Night Race Singapore

Kate and I always enjoy things that are cheap and good (in hokkien : ai pi ai chee). So when the formula one (f1) grand prix night race came to Singapore, we were eager to be part of the event. This is also because there are only 2 of such f1 night races in the world and it is also one of the most spectacular street circuits on the f1 calendar. However, the F1 tickets were quite expensive (eventhough it includes F1 live which includes acts such as mariah carey, linkin park etc.) and we were not really that much of F1 fans. So, in order to be part of the grandprix, we decided to hunt around the race track to see where we would have free close up view of the event.

After some scouting, we realised that the marina square food court had a good view of the formula one race. Not only that, as the Singapore f1 leg was also a night race, it provided a stunning backdrop to the grandprix.

Whats more, we also had food from the food court as we enjoyed the f1 race! 🙂

Before the race started, there was a display of vintage cars that went around the track…

As night descended, we also had splendid view of the marina bay area

View of the Marina Bay towards the direction of the Merlion

It is important to note that, whenever you are attending any formula one grand prix race, BRING EAR PLUGS! For those who are sitting right at the podium of the F1 races, it is strongly recommended to bring ear defenders. These will help to protect your ears from the deafening sounds from those high-performance formula one engines! Also, if you are considering these free spots around the track, do remember to turn up early to chope (book) those seats. Kate and I were there 2 hours before the race started to ensure we had “one of the best seats in the house”!

The race this year was very exciting as Lewis Hamilton who was starting at 2nd position, crashed out in the 35th lap due to an accident. Later during the race we find Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber battling hard to gain the top 3 spots from 8th,5th and 6th positions respectively.

As the race wore on, we saw 2 distinct groups pulling away, namely 1,2 and 3,4,5,6. So as we watched the race, the first 2 cars would pass by,silence, followed by 4 cars ,silence then the rest of the pack. In the end, it was Alonso who battled and fought at corners to stay on course to clinch the top spot from the 8th starting position. Great race, great determination!

Kate and I thoroughly enjoyed the race from our free spot at Marina Square. Later on, many fans also packed the place as this is now an open secret! Hence, for those of you F1 fanatics out there who missed out on those valuable f1 tickets, you might want to consider the newly renovated marina square food court for air-conditioned, bird’s eye view of portions of the track!

However, with F1 live as part of the package of the race, it is definitely worth it to buy those tickets, especially when the acts are one of your favourites. Enjoy the race!

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The start of the race where the cars form up

The Formula One F1 Grand Prix Night Race Singapore Street Circuit

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