Festival and Events Archives - 2bearbear Singapore Travel Blog: Travel | Food | Hotels | Flights

Updated on June 6, 2021November 26, 2012Asia Festival and Events S One Expo Stuttgart Singapore Attractions

S One Expo Stuttgart Germany : 7 Reasons Why You Should Go!

S One Expo Stuttgart (Beer Festival) Germany is held at the Marina at Keppel Bay from 6 November to 9 December. Here are 7 reasons why you should go!

7 Reasons why You should go to S One Expo!

1. Food – Stuttgart fare & Local Delights

You’ll get to experience authentic german food, especially those from Stuttgart such as the Maultaschen (meat dumplings – a traditional Swabian dish), Blackforest Cake as well as the Apple Pudding! Remember to choose the lentils (peas) to go with the Maultaschen, that is unless you’re fans of the cabbage or potato. The lentils have pieces of minced meat which adds to its flavour.

Maultaschen at S One Expo @ $8

Local Hawker Fare

If German food does not ring your taste buds, why not try the array of local delights available? Choose from hawker fare such as laksa, char kway teow, bak kut teh, fried hokkien mee, chicken rice and fried carrot cake. There’s even a soya beancurd/drink store to add to the local flavour!

2. Experience German Culture

There are several german booths such as Cuckoo Clocks, Wooden Toys as well as Ginger Bread. There are on-going demonstrations to allow you to better understand these crafts during your visit at the S One Expo. There’s also a S One Mart that sells produce.

Cuckoo Clocks at S One Expo

Wooden Figurines

S One Mart

3. Something for the kids

You might be wondering what are the other

things to do at S One Expo

– especially for the kids. Well, there are clog making sessions, snow man making sessions and even a giant snow globe for kids to revel in!

Winter Wonderland for the Kids

4. Live Entertainment

Enjoy your german fare to the sounds of jazz, german oktoberfest music or even popular acts such as Jack and Rai. Live Entertainment is available from 3pm onwards at the Music Pavilion.

Live Performance at the Music Pavilion

5. German Engineering & Museum

Out of the tent, you will see museums as well as booths featuring German engineering. Bosch, Mercedes as well as Porsche have set up booths with their sports car being the show piece. You may also choose to learn a little german history by visiting a few small museums that have been set up such as the Schiller Haus. Friedrich Schiller a famous german playright is featured in this replica of the building in Stuttgart.

Schiller Haus

6. Lucky Draw!

In addition to the culture and food that you get to enjoy, there’s even a lucky draw just for being there! You can take part in 2 separate draws. After registration, you’ll get a red coupon that allows you to take part in the daily draws to win prizes such as juicers, knives, pans and vacuum cleaners from brand names such as Bosch and WMF.

By spending only $10, you’ll get a blue coupon that allows you to take part in the grand lucky draw to win a Porsche Boxster!

Porsche Boxster to be won at S One Expo

7. Last but not least – FREEBIES!

After registration, you’d get $5 F&B vouchers free! $4.50 can get you local delights such as bak kut teh, fried hokkien mee. $1.5 can get you drinks as well as soya bean curd. But on weekends such as last week, each visitor could get either a sausage or beer (usual price $10) absolutely free!

Kate and I shared the beef german sausage as well as a lager for free! 😮

Free bratwurst and lager @ S One Expo

How to get to S One Expo

Driving is discouraged but the organisers have made free shuttle buses available at the following locations

Exit C @ Harbour Front MRT
Exit E @ Dhoby Ghaut MRT
Exit B @ City Hall MRT

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After all this talk about being in Germany, are you thinking about a trip to Stuttgart? You can check out the best hotel deals in Germany right here! With all the 7 reasons listed, don’t you agree that S One Expo is definitely worth a visit?

Updated on November 28, 2020October 28, 2012Asia Festival and Events Redbull Flugtag Singapore Sentosa Singapore Attractions Visit Singapore Attractions

Red Bull Flugtag Singapore : 1st Ever Red Bull Flugtag @ Siloso Beach Sentosa!

Today (28th October 2012) marks another milestone in Singapore’s tourism calendar as the 1st ever Red Bull Flugtag Singapore took flight at Siloso Beach Sentosa!

1st ever Red Bull Flugtag Singapore!

What is Red Bull Flugtag Singapore?

Well, Red Bull Flugtag (pronounced as Floog Tug – which means “Flying Day”) is actually an event whereby home-made flying machines take off from a platform at a height of 6 metres. Teams of 4 are then judged not only by flight distance, but also showmanship (explaining the dance performance of teams before their flights) as well as creativity of the aircraft (resulting in this year’s flying durian and prawns).

Flying bird @ Red Bull Flugtag Singapore!

Talk about technicalities

What we actually love about the event is that it commensurates both bravery (taking off from a height of 6 metres?!) as well as brains (you really need to be creative at the same time technical to build a craft worthy to appear at the event!). At the same time, it provides loads of entertainment to the crowds who soaked in every minute of it!

About Red Bull Flugtag Singapore

The inaugural Red Bull Flugtag Singapore took flight with 38 teams participating and the “Chick Mobile” took centre stage as it took the first ever Red Bull Flugtag in Singapore to a roaring start!

Chickmobile with its chicks sounders @ Red Bull Flugtag 2012!

Before the start of the flug tag, members of Chickmobile were seen giving out little chicks that made sounds as heard in the video! Audience were also requested to sound these chicks as chickmobile made their historic flight at Silosa Beach Sentosa!

Chicks given out by crew of Chickmobile @ Red Bull Flugtag Singapore

This video shows the team getting ready and moving up the ramp towards the platform while the next team gets ready. Notice the sounds in the background! (really sounds like chickens huh?)

Chickmobile getting ready for Redull Flug Tag’s inaugural flight!

Red Bull Flugtag Singapore: The first flight at the first ever!

Well, here it is, the first flight at the 1st ever Red Bull Flugtag Singapore by Team Chickmobile! As expected, it went down crashing but full points for entertainment value and courage!

First flight at Red Bull Flugtag Singapore!

Red Bull Flugtag Singapore took place from 12pm to 5pm today and the winners for this year’s Red Bull Flugtag Singapore are… (*Drumrolls*)

1st Place: Team Super Sevens
2nd Place: Team Riff Raff Rubber Ruckus
3rd Place: Team Flurry Express
Prize for the Wackiest Team Performance: The Serial Flyers
The MINI Prize for the longest flight distance:
Team Amphibious Dragonfly Drone (Distance: 18.2m)
Current World Record stands at 69.79m!

Photo Gallery of Red Bull Flugtag Singapore

We will now leave you with a gallery of some of the photos taken at this year’s Red Bull Flugtag Singapore!

Ramp @ Redbull Flugtag Singapore

Tents where the aircrafts were held

View of the 6 metres platform at Red Bull Flugtag Singapore

Directions to Red Bull Flugtag Singapore

Red Bull’s Mini Coopers

How to get to Sentosa

By MRT : First you will have to take the North East Line (NEL -purple colour line) to Harbour Front Station. Here you will arrive at Vivocity – one of the biggest shopping malls in Singapore

By Tram : After arriving at Vivocity, you can choose to take the tram into Sentosa which costs $3.50 The tram is available at level 3 of Vivocity

By Foot : Vivocity is connected to Sentosa via a boardwalk and if you enter Sentosa via the boardwalk, it costs only $1! Once you enter Sentosa, you can then take the Tram and buses around Sentosa! Cool eh?

By Cable Car : From Harbour Front MRT , head towards Harbour Front Tower 2. There, you can take the cable car into Sentosa for $29 and at the same time, take in inspiring views of Singapore!

By Car : You can also drive into Sentosa, entry costs between $2 to $7 and parking costs between $1 to $5. Car pool to save!

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in and around Sentosa right here!

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If you were there at this year’s Redbull Flugtag Singapore, tell us more about your experience in the comments section below!

Updated on August 17, 2023September 13, 2012Asia 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 Where to watch F1 Free in Singapore

Where to watch F1 for free in Singapore?

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

Again the F1 season is upon us! Many have been asking where can we watch F1 for free in Singapore? If you search close enough, there are actually several pretty good spots to watch F1 Formula One Singapore Night Race for free!

Book with Klook Here: Popular Activities in Singapore

Here’s a map of the F1 Singapore Circuit

F1 Singapore Circuit Map

Marina Square Food Court

Our top spot has got to be the Marina Square Food Court. Well, it used to be the top spot as there was an al fresco dining area there. However, now it has been air-conditioned. The bad thing is that you cant really take good pictures and videos with the glass panels. The good thing is that you can now watch F1 in an air-conditioned area! We were there about 5pm the last time round, so chope your seats early!

View of F1 Singapore free from Marina Square Food Court

Marina Square close to Pan Pacific

Marina Square has a few spots actually. Right in the thick of the action, the area between Pan Pacific Hotel and Marina Square has a few spots such as the staircase and connecting bridge. Do explore to find your favourite spot!

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Helix Bridge

Helix Bridge to watch F1 Singapore for Free

From the Helix Bridge you can catch some views of the race. You may want to consider a pair of binoculars as well. There will definitely be a crowd. Here you can watch the race action near the flyer and the float@Marina.

Paid Venues

There are a couple of other places that offer good views but you’ll have to pay for entry fees or hotel rooms

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Marina Bay Sands Skypark
Ritz Carlton
Pan Pacific Hotel
Park Royal Collection Marina Bay

Alternatively, why not join in the fun and catch the F1 action at the ciruit park itself?

Best Free Place to watch F1 Singapore

Of course, the best free place to watch F1 Singapore is home! In the comfort of your room! F1 is usually shown free on channel 5!

If you have other places to suggest, do add them to our comments below!

Have a great F1 Singapore Season!

For your convenience, we have arranged for the best hotel deals in Singapore right here!

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Singapore City Skyline Central Business District (CBD)

View of the Singapore City Skyline from Marina Bay Sands Skypark

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**Do check out our post on Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2014!

Ritz Carlton Singapore Staycation: Simply Shiok!

Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel Harbour Studio Staycation!

Updated on August 23, 2020November 17, 201120th World Orchid Conference WOC Asia Festival and Events Gardens by the Bay holiday Marina Bay Sands Places of Interest Singapore Attractions Singapore Travel Blog Travel Travel Blog Travel Tips vacation Visit Singapore Attractions

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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Updated on November 28, 2020August 14, 2011Asia attractions Chingay Parade Festival Singapore Chingay Parade Street Festival Singapore Festival and Events holiday Places of Interest Singapore Attractions Singapore Travel Blog top 10 must do things in Singapore Travel Travel Blog Travel Tips vacation Visit Singapore Attractions

Chingay Parade and Festival Singapore – Street Parade Culmination and Melting Pot of Cultures, Street Performances and Displays

Kate and I were invited to the Chingay Parade and festival and it was our first time ever! We were of course excited and decided to be there early to join in the ra-ra (pre-show audience warm-up) before the show started. Before we go into the details, a little bit about the origin of Chingay…

The Chingay Parade had its roots as a street performance or masquerade started in the 1970s. Today, it has evolved and has become an international festival with audience from all over the world. Touted as the grandest streets and floats parade in Asia, the Chingay Parade boasts of dazzling displays of colours and multi-culturalism that Singapore offers.

The Chingay Parade has been held at the Pit-Building (the actual Pit building for formula one on the F1 calendar) for the past couple of years. It is primarily a street performance where audience are seated on both sides of a street as the performers and displays pass by. The performance would include street performers from all over the world. In addition, organisations in Singapore , both private and public companies or organisations, would also stage performanances that attracts the attention of the crowd. At the pit-building, more than 150,000 spectators can be seated.

As Kate and I begun to get seated at our Category 3 seats (costs about $25 dollars), we noticed 2 of Singapore’s most famous hosts – Gurmit Singh and Quan Yi Feng. It was exciting to see how they warmed up the crowd and entertained us, getting us all psyched up before the first performers arrived.

We were surprised by the first few acts whereby firecrackers (something banned in Singapore except at festivals such as this) and fireworks were used. Stilt walkers and performers from China held huge flags and balanced them superbly as they passed the audience. It was awesome!

The whole parade was filled with dazzling colours and wonderful floats. One of the 2 floats that caught our attention was the USS (Universal Studio Singapore) floats with all the characters such as Kung Fu Panda and the Madagascar Characters. The other float that caught our attention was the HDB (Housing and Development Board of Singapore – Provides public housing for all Singaporeans). This is because the float featured the latest public project that garnered design awards – Pinnacle@Duxton. Here are some of the highlights of the evening…

Of course, to round of the entire parade, what else but FIREWORKS!

Kate and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves (as you may have heard from the screams of our video) and we were pleasantly surprised by how great and awesome a street performance can be. We formerly typified floats as boring as we see them drive pass during the parade season.

However, having come close to the performance, it actually brings us to see how much work the performers have put in and how much attention to detail have been placed into all the costumes and float designs. Impressive!

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We hope you’ll enjoy the Chingay Parade in Singapore this year!