How to kill 3 birds with 1 stone!
Handy
MAP
OF
SINGAPORE BATAM BINTAN JOHOR
Handy Map of Singapore Batam Bintan Johor : Longing for a holiday to Singapore, Batam & Bintan (Indonesia) and Johor & Johor Bahru (Malaysia)?
You have arrived at the right place! Handy Map of Singapore Batam Bintan Johor (www.temasekmap.com) will prepare you for the most enjoyable and value for money trip.
Unlike other virtual maps, Handy Map of Singapore Batam Bintan Johor provides physical map of Singapore, map of Batam & Bintan and map of Johor and Johor Bahru.
You will not only be able to visit Singapore, but also its neighbours i.e. Malaysia (Johor state & Johor Bahru) and Indonesia (Batam and Bintan Islands) as long as you are holding a valid international passport! You will be able to make a planned and informed trip with ease without any hassle!
Backpackers and birdwatchers in particular, should not miss this website!
LIST OF ARTICLES:- 
1. Singapore's Fifth Avenue - Orchard Road
2. Sentosa - The Key Tourist Spot in Singapore
3. The Integrated Resorts of Singapore
4. The Southernmost Tip of the Asia Mainland - Tanjung Piai
6. The Mini Miami in Malaysia - Desaru
7. Batam
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ATTRACTION 1
SINGAPORE’S FIFTH AVENUE – ORCHARD ROAD
Orchard Road in Singapore is one of the major tourist attractions especially during Christmas festive season every year. Tourists come here for shopping, eating and accommodation. Orchard Road is a one-way street stretching 2.5 km from the intersection with Orange Grove Road and ends at the intersection with Handy Road. Three (3) Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations serve the whole stretch of the Orchard Road.
Orchard Road has its name from the nutmeg, pepper and fruit orchard that is abound at both sides of the street in 1800s. Mr Orchard had a garden and plantation here and hence the road got its name.
Among the notable historical sites to visit along the Orchard Road are the Istana which is the residence of the President of Singapore. It is only open during open days usually during festive celebration.
Goodwood Park Hotel is another historical site. Previously known as Teutonia Club, it exists since before World War 1.
For those who are nature lover and who wishes to have relaxation, Singapore Botanic Garden should be his choice.
Orchard Road is synonymous to shopping paradise. It is ornamented by pedestrian shopping malls, upmarket restaurants, bistros, coffee chain, hotels, night clubs etc.
Tang
Dynasty
Tang Plaza with its typical Chinese pagoda Tower is a homegrown department store. Situated at the junction between Orchard Road and Scotts Road, it is founded in 1934 and established on Orchard Road in 1950. Visitors can purchase garments, accessories et here.
Ngee Ann City
For visitors with deep pockets, a visit to Ngee Ann City will not be disappointing.Its anchor tenants include branded boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Channel, Vacheron Constantin and a Japanese department store – Takashimaya. It also houses the Southeast Asia largest bookstore – Book Kinokuniya.
For learned visitors, beside Book Kinokuniya at Ngee Ann City, one may pay a visit to Wheelock Place – the Borders. It has a rich collection of not only books but also CDs, DVDs on various topics and themes. American visitors will definitely feel at home there even though you are in Singapore. Plenty of Americans visitors and expatriates frequent this bookstore.
If one is looking for produces from the Philippines, Lucky Plaza is surely his choice. It is a focal point for domestic Filipino workers during weekend and public holidays.
Far East Plaza
Far East Plaza at Scotts Road is famous with its cheap fashion items and food outlets. Visitors may find cheap and good local food at the food courts here.
Down near the Somerset MRT is the CentrePoint where one can find another old department store – Robinsons and Mark and Spencer.
The Center Point
Plaza Singapore is located next to the Istana entrance. It houses the Golden Village Cineplex, Carrefour and other shops.
The Plaza Singapura
This article has been published in
http://www.ezinearticles.com on 3.1.2008.
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ATTRACTION 2
SENTOSA – THE KEY TOURIST SPOT IN SINGAPORE
Once known as Pulau Belakang Mati, in Malay “Island of Death from Behind”, in a 1972 contest organized by Singapore Tourist Promotion Board, this island was renamed “Sentosa” meaning in Malay “Peace and tranquility”.
Sentosa Island together with a neighbour island Pulau Brani naturally plays an important role in protecting the Singapore Keppel Harbour which is one of the busiest harbours in the world, from the monsoon and rough sea.
Sentosa has an area of 704 kilometre square and is located 0.5 km from the Southern tip of main island of Singapore. 70% of the island is covered by secondary rainforest. It is a habitat of monitor lizards, monkeys, peacocks, parrots and other native flora and fauna. It has a beach stretching 3.2 km.
Historically, Sentosa is an important military spot. It was fortified to protect the harbour and coal stock. During World War II, the island was used as a British Military Fortress. Following the surrender of the Allied Forces on 15.2.1942, the island became a prisoner of war camp for Australian and British prisoners of Japanese./p>
In 1970, the Singapore Government decided to develop the island into a
holiday resorts for local visitors and tourists. Since then, some S$420
million of private capitals and another S$500 million of Government
funds have been invested to develop the island.
One of the attractions available in Sentosa is Underwater World & Dolphin Lagoon which is an oceanarium located on Western part of Sentosa. Opened in 1991, it has more than 250 species from different region of the world.
The oceanarium has a 83m long travelator that moves visitors along a submerged glass windowed tunnel from which visitors can look at the marine live like sharks, turtles, fishes, coral etc. A Dolphin Lagoon was included which houses some Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. “Meet the dolphine” sessions are held daily.
Song of the Seas show was started on 26.3.2007 replacing the 25 years old Musical Fountain show. It is the world’s only permanent show set in the sea. It has a spectacular pyrotechnics displays, a live cast and an open air viewing gallery for 2500 visitors.
Situated at the Imbian Lookout Zone, Carlsberg Sky Tower is the tallest
free-standing observation tower in Asia. At 110 m above ground, 131
metre above the sea level, it offers visitors a panoramic view of
Sentosa, Singapore and the Southern Island.
Merlion is a 37 metre high structure. It was opened in 1996. It recalled the story of Sang Nila Utama who saw a lion in Temasek (Singapore’s old name). Visitors can take a lift up to 12th floor to view the city state.
Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom is another attraction. It has 15,000 live butterflies with more than 50 species. The Insect Kingdom houses some 3,000 species of rare insects from all over the world.
Cineblast is the only Singapore ride. It was opened on June 2007. It is a simulation ride which brings visitors on an extreme 3D long ride using the latest technology. It is equipped with unique sound and light technology that is found in theme parks like Universal Studio in the United States.
Fort Siloso which is situated at the west of the island was built by the British in 1880 to guard the narrow western entrance to Keppel Harbour. On display are ammunition bunkers, barracks, gun emplacements of the fort and collection of photographs, documents and film chips.
Visitors who like fun may join the new year eve party i.e. Siloso NYE (New Year Eve) Splash held annually at Siloso Beach.
Sentoso aims to be one the world's most luxurious holiday locations. It
has the first Asia tourism academy. One of the Integrated Resorts
- Resorts World at Sentosa incorporating a casino is situated at Sentosa. It costs S$5 billion.
When it is completed in late 2009, Sentosa will be much more competitive
in tourism industry in the Region.
This article has been published in ezinearticles.com on 4 January 2008.
PURCHASE MAP OF SINGAPORE BATAM JOHOR
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ATTRACTION 3
The Integrated Resorts of Singapore
Integrated Resorts by definition is resorts with mixed development like hotel, restaurant, convention centre, theme park, shopping, casino etc. Because of the gaming component – casino, integrated resorts development has stirred a great controversy among the Singaporeans.
The Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Long announced the cabinet’s decision to develop 2 integrated resorts in Marina South and Sentosa. The Singapore Government stated that the aim of the Integrated Resorts is to boast the country’s tourism industry. There has been very keen competition from the neighbouring countries like Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong. According to the Government, the Integrated Resorts are expected to create some 35,000 jobs directly and indirectly.
There has been debate among the Singaporeans on the plan to build Integrated Resorts. Religious groups and social workers voiced their disapproval as the negative social impact of gambling.
The Government however, promised to have proper and strict safeguards to limit the social impact of gambling, among others exorbitant entrance fee and the casinos would not extent credit to local population.
Marina Bay
It is located at the Marina South of Singapore. Currently, there are a few prestigious hotels operating like Ritz Charlton Millenium, Oriental Hotel, Marina Mandarin Hotel and Pan Pacific Hotel. It has panoramic view of the sea and tranquil environment.
The Government of Singapore called for request for concept in December 2004. It received overwhelming response from the industry. A total of 19 bids were submitted during the request for concept.
In the formal bids later, 4 companies/consortiums submitted their tender including:-
i. MGM Mirage/CapitaLand
ii. Harrah’s Entertainment/Keppel Land
iii. Las Vegas Sands
iv. Genting International/Star Cruises
Eventually, Las Vegas Sands succeeded in their tender, by committing the highest development investment of S$3.85 billion. The concept was designed by Moshe Sofdie consisting of 3 layer shells containing conference halls, 3 hotel towers linked to top floor of a sky garden.
Sentosa
Sentosa which means transquility in Malay is a popular island resort in
Singapore. Previously, it was known as Pulau Belakang Mati (Island of
Death from behind). Statistics shows that it has been visited by some 2
million people annually. It has a shetered beach of more than 2
kilometres in length on the southern coast, historical Fort Siloso from
World War II, two golf courses and 2 5-star hotels.
Sentosa island has an area of 704 square kilometers. 70% covered by secondary rainforest. It is the habitat of monitor lizards, monkeys, peacocks, parrots as well as native flora and fauna.
Since its inception of development in 1972, Some S$420 million of private capitals and S$500 million Government fund have been invested to develop the island.
3 consortiums submitted their proposal on 10 October 2006. They are:-
i. Kerzner International with CapitaLand
ii. Genting International with Star Cruises Universal Studios
iii. Eight Wonder with Publishing and Broadcasting Limited, Melco International Development Limited, Isle of Capri Casinos Inc.
The bid were reviewed by a ministerial committee and a tender evaluation committee and results were announced on 8 December 2006. Genting International and Star Cruises won the bid. Genting committed to a development investment of S$3.85 billion.
What makes Genting Interntioanal stood out is its track record in gaming operation and running a theme park at Genting Highland in Malaysia.
This article has been published in ezinearticle.com on 4 January 2008.
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ATTRACTION 4
The Southernmost Tip of the Asian Mainland-Tanjung Piai
Tanjung Piai Monumnet
Asia is the biggest continent on Earth. It spans across a few climatic zones. Its southernmost tip is located in the State of Johor of the Peninsula Malaysia known as Tanjung Piai. The exact location of the tip is at latitude 01 degree 16 North/longitude 103 degree 30 min 46 East.
Tanjung means “cape” in Malay. Tanjung Piai is named after a fern, Acrostchrum aurem (Paku Piai Raya) which flourishes in the mangrove here.
The climate there is tropical with shining sun the whole year round. It has relative humidity of above 90% and temperature 24 – 32 degree Celcius.
Located within the District of Pontian, State of Johor, Malaysia, Tanjung Piai is a haven for diverse species of flora and fauna. Tanjung Piai Johor National Park covers an area of over 926ha, 526ha of which comprises of lush coastal mangroves.
There are 2 entry points to Tanjung Piai – one at Sungai Belukang and the other at Desa Sri Piai.
Entry into the hinderland of Tanjung Piai nowadays is easy as extensive boardwalk criss-crosses the 926ha reserve bringing visitors deep into the mangrove thickets, which would otherwise be impossible to penetrate unless the visitors do not mind walking in mud.
Boardwalk on the mangrove.
At the entrance of Tanjung Piai National Park, you will see a landmark monument measuring 20 metre high and 10 metre wide. It is made of eco-friendly fibre reinforced concrete. Its stark grey colour represents the rich mangroves and mudflats of Tanjung Piai.
Track
The monument is adorned by two fronds of Paku Piai Raya (Acrostichum aurem) which is a indigenous fern which Tanjung Piai derives its name. The type of fern flourishes in the mangrove.
Immediately after the monument are frank leading visitors to boardwalk into the mangrove. There are camping sites for both man and lady deep inside the mangrove.
Camp site on the mangrove.
Tanjung Piai is famous for being a hot spot for birdwatchers to visit during the migratory season which falls around September and March every year. Among the birds which one could spot the whole year round are :-
i. Collared kingfisher (Hacyon chloris)
ii. Goldenbodied woodpecker (Dinopium javanense)
iii. Chestnut bellied malkoha
iv. egrets
v. grey herons (Arden cinerea)
vi. little herons (Butorides striate)
vii. lesser adjutant.
Two species of monkey are thriving here. One is longtailed macaque and the other dusky leaf monkey which has a cute white “mustache” and white rim around its eyes.
Dusky leaf monkey with white mustache and white rim around its eyes.
One may spot fiddler crabs in gorgeous colours of orange and electric blue by a slow walk on the boardwalk. The other animal a visitor can see is beady-eyed mudskippers.
Mudskipper swimming in the water.
There is a resort called Tanjung Piai Resort with 6 studio rooms catering for different needs located near to the National Park. Booking in advance must be done if visitors want to stay here.
If a visitor cannot get this resort, he may have to stay at Pontian for a night or two before coming back to Johor Bahru, capital of Johor.
How to get there
Please refer to the ebook.
Where to stay
Please refer to the ebook.
This article has been published in ezinearticles.com on 14.1.2008.
PURCHASE MAP OF SINGAPORE BATAM JOHOR
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ATTRACTION 5
KUKUP AND PULAU KUKUP
Kukup
Town
A visit to Kukup town and Pulau Kukup (Kukup Island) is definitely a complement to visit to Tanjung Piai because it is famous for seafood and leisure activities. Kukup town is just about 15 km from Tanjung Piai, the Southern most tip of Asia continent.
Tourists especially Singaporean come to Kukup for seafood and holiday. Visitors may visit the fish rearing area known as "kelong" (cage-cultured fish farm) in the sea between Kukup Jetty and Kukup Island.
There are private houses erected by the seaside which are only accessible by boat from the Ferry Terminal. Tourist may book and stay in those private houses and carry on whatever leisure activities like gambling, mahjong, fishing, barbeque etc.
Kukup consists of 3 villages – Kukup Laut, Air Masin and Kampung Melayu. The villages used to be made up of wooden house built on bakau stilts.
Kukup is a fishing community that is famous for seafood restaurants and cage cultured fish farms.
Visitors may buy dried fish (ikan bilis) and squid, “keropok” (crackers) and other marine based food products and condiments like “belacan” (dried ground prawn), “cencaluk” (seasoned small prawn) and “agar-agar”.
Pulau Kukup
Pulau Kukup is situated just about 3 minutes boat ride away from Kukup Jetty. The boat ride will cost RM5.00 including return trip. You have to pay RM10 if you stop at a fish farm along the way.
There is a immigration check point at the Kukup Jetty. Visitors can travel to Batam and Tanjung Balai (Karimun), Indonesia from Kukup Jetty.
Kukup Jetty
Pulau Kukup (Kukup Island) is one of the largest uninhabited mangrove island in the world.
For decades, people tried to settle on this island but not successful. It remains uninhabited until today.
Pulau Kukup has an area of approximately 648 ha and is surrounded by 800 ha of mudflats. In the old days, it was floaked by vanguished pirates and early prisoners. Its importance reduced abruptly due to decrease in fortunes. Now it is revived to be bustling tourist hub with Singaporean visitors coming here for leisure and seafood.
Pulau Kukup was gazetted a national park in March 1997 and is now run by Pulau Kukup Johor National Park.
Jetty at
Pulau Kukup
In January 2003, Kukup Island was granted the status of a “Wetland of International Importance” or RAMSAR Site, by the Geneva-based Ramsar Convention Bureau.
Boardwalks are built deep into the mangrove of the island. You may take a 45 minutes walk into the mangrove using the boardwalk. Explanation signboards are erected by the side of the boardwalks showing the species of flora and fauna on the spot. It serves the purpose of education for the children and adults.
Boardwalk
At the end of the boardwalk is the 6-level watchtower. It brings you above the tree canopy and affords you a 360 degree view of the Kukup Island. It is stunning horizon of green sea with the gentle bliss blowing on your face.
Canapy walk
The water birds including migratory species from Russia and China congregate at the Southern part of Pulau Kukup i.e. the mudflat area. It is definitely a spot that cannot be missed by an ardent birdwatcher.
Other fauna like mudskipper, fiddler crab, wild boar also can be seen on Pulau Kukup.
How to get there
Please refer to the ebook.
Where to stay
Please refer to the ebook.
This article has been published in the ezinearticles.com on 28.1.2008
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ATTRACTION 6
THE MINI MIAMI IN MALAYSIA – DESARU
Desaru is one of the most popular beach resorts in Peninsula Malaysia. Located at the East coast of the State of Johor, West Malaysia, it has natural resources whereby clean sandy beach spans for 25 kilometres and lush green tropical forest covers most of the places.
In the old days, villagers can even hear the tiger roaring at night. Nowadays, due to extensive development, the scary yet exciting tiger roars has since disappeared; wild boars and elephants can still be seen in the jungles.
Desaru was designated to be tourist focal spot since 1970s. Both the Government and private sectors has invested heavily to develop the area. KEJORA is the Government agency established to oversee the development of Desaru.
It is accessible by road transport from Johor Bahru (capital of Johor) to Kota Tinggi and thereafter to Desaru (about 100km) or by ferry from ZON Ferry Terminal at Johor Bahru to Tanjung Belongkor and thereafter by cab to Desaru.
There are plenty of hotels in Desaru to cater for the budget travelers as well as families seeking fun in the sun. Among the hotels are
i. Desaru Golden Beach Hotel
;
ii. Desaru Golf and Country Resort
;
iii. The Pulai Desaru Beach Resort (formerly known as Desaru Perdana
Beach Resort)
;
iv. Desaru Holiday Chalet
;
v. Desaru Damai Beach Resort
.
Travelers can engage themselves in various outdoor activities like horseback riding, tennis, canoeing, swimming, boating, fishing, snorkeling, jungle trekking, golfing etc.
There are plenty of places of interest like:-
i. Fisherman Museum
This museum is located at Tanjung Balau about 20 minutes from Desaru. It displays various fishermen’s tools and equipments such glass buoy and traps.
ii. Fishing Village
Visitor may look for seafood here. There is a Chinese Confectionary in the town centre. You may take a stroll along its street which is quite enriching. Visitor can experience quiet, slow-pace living style here.
iii. Fireflies Watching
Fireflies are found in the mangroves. A night visit will be a unique and enchanted experience for visitors.
iv. Desaru Fruit Farm
Different type of fruits are available here. The king of the fruit, durian can be found here. It is seasonal. It is a controversial fruit meaning some like it other hate it because of its unique smell.
v. Sungai Renggit
It is about 35 km away from Desaru. Visitors may look for cheap seafood here. There is boxite mine in the area.
How to get there
Refer to the ebook.
Where to stay
i. Desaru Golden Beach Hotel
ii. The Pulai Desaru Beach Resort
iii. Desaru Holiday Chalet
iv. La Cemara Desaru Beach Resort
PURCHASE MAP OF SINGAPORE BATAM JOHOR
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ATTRACTION 7
BATAM
The Batam Island is one of the main islands in the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia. It has an area of 415 square kilometer and a population of 700,000.
Located at about 20km from Singapore and 25km from Johor, Malaysia, Batam is Indonesia’s equivalent to China’s Special Economic Zone.
Batam Island is a free trade zone and part of the Sijori Growth Triangle.
Singapore and Indonesia introduced in 2006 a special economic zone for Batam, Bintan, Karimun of Indonesia and Singapore. Under this scheme, there will be no tax paid for shipment between these islands.
Since June 2007, Indonesia Government gives full free trade zone status for Batam and enclave status for Bintan & Batam. Batam will be transformed into shipyard, electronic and mecotronic industrial development centres.
Places of Interest
1. Maha Vihara Duta Maitraya Buddhist Temple
2. Tengku Fasabililah Bridge which is located at Southern part of Batam. It marks the start of series of bridges linking Batam and the smaller island like Pulau Sekikip, Pulau Rempang and Pulau Galang.
3. Matahari Department Store
The main ports of Batam are Harbour Bay (Jodoh), Batam Centre, Sekupang, Nongsapura and Waterfront City.
All Batam ports are visa-free and visa-on-arrival port of entry.
Batam Centre Ferry Terminal has the most frequent ferry connection with Singapore and Johor Bahru, Johor.
Sekupang has connection with ferries from Singapore, domestic connection to Sumatra mainland and Karimun Islands.
Waterfront City has connection to some adjacent resorts, so do Nongsapuri.
Telaga Punggur
It is the main ferry terminal for boats to and from Bintan.
For ferry to and from Singapore and Batam, kindly refer to ebook.
Batam has an international airport i.e. Hang Nadim Airport. There is connection with Senai Aiport.
There are many food outets in Batam like A1 Pujasea, Nagoya Food Court which has 400 seats It is situated at the opposite of the Hotel Sahid Rashinta, Rejeki Seafood at Batu Besar.
Nagoya (Lubuk Baja)
Ramayana
Shopping Centre
It is a unique town with Japanese name. Nagoya is a main town of Batam. It is the centre of business and commerce. It is like a cowboy town. If you are a visitor, you will be approached by taxi driver and motorcyclist for their offer.
Place of Interest
Nagoya Hill is the biggest mall in Batam now. It houses Matahari Department store.
Bookstore
1. Balyson
2. Gramedia at Ramayana
3. Kharisma at Nagoya Hill
Food
You can find Western food in downtown Nagoya Entertainment District outlets like Red Cock, Bistro, Lucy’s Ourhouse and Kentucky Fried Chicken at Ramayana.
Drink
The Nagoya Entertainment District is Batam’s most notorious den of sleazy nightlife.
Nongsa
Nongsa is a cosy place for holiday. It has beautiful beach. Among the resorts available here are Turi Beach Resort, Nongsa Point Marina, Purajaya Resort, Batam View Resort.
It also has a golf course known as Palm Springs Golf & Country Club. Singaporeans frequent these resorts and golf club.
Turi Beach
Resort
Nongsa
Ferry Terminal
Purajaya
Resort
How to get there
Refer to the ebook.
Where to stay
Refer to the ebook.
Other information on Batam & Bintan
PURCHASE MAP OF SINGAPORE BATAM JOHOR
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